"God trusts us to make decisions"

Well hello all! 

I have had a truly amazing week! I must say though, it seems like every week is speeding up! I love the work and the people here. The ward members are amazing and taking care of us. Its truly wonderful that they support us as much as our own families and wards would :) I love this work. I love being a missionary.

First of all I want to congratulate Jessie and Melissa Potrie on the birth of their baby girl! You will be wonderful parents! I know that the rest of the family must be extatic about the new addition to the family and I am so happy for all of you. 

So this week was amazing! I want to tell you all about the important things I learnt this week first and then I might expand on them. 

Monday - The most profound thing to me that day was during my personal study. I feel that I have grown so much and I am becoming the man that the Lord wants me to be. I learned that its okay to have certain feelings because we are only human, its just how we act on them that makes the difference. Another thing was that we need to bring the spirit into our homes. These are our sanctuaries against the world for our families and we must fill them with love. One thing that also stood out to me was that if we are having a rough day, take ourselves our out the situatioon for a minute and do something that makes you happy because its no use working and not being effective. 

Tuesday - The most profoud things was that even though life gets hard, we must NEVER give up on being happy. Being happy is the entire reason that we are here on earth. We are here to learn, grow and have joy. 

Wednesday - I learnt that to be confident we must have faith in Christ. Only when we have faith in Christ is when the Lord will bless us. Also that humility is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of spiritual strength 

Thursday  - I learnt that no matter the circumstances we MUST move forward in faith. Sometimes life gets hard and we just have to keep moving forward. We can never give up. That is NOT the reason we are here. We are here to learn and grow. These things require moving forward, increase and growth. Whatever you call it, you must KEEP MOVING FORWARD. 

Friday - Mormon.org quotes:

"Whether or not it is inspiration or just our own thought we will not know until we act"

"God trusts us to make desicions, we must trust ourselves"

"Surviving is about two things - Courage and Faith!"

"Everything that we experience in life is to enrich our lives and help us become the people that we want to be in eternity"

"A marriage eternal in duration and God-like in quality never contemplates divorce"

"Don't withhold expressions of love"

"We must run as fast as we can to spiritually higher ground"

Saturday - we had the baptism. Here is my letter to President Pilkington :

Hello President! We were very grateful to hear from you last night. Thank you. We know the amount of work that you do and the amount of stress that you deal with and we are always so grateful when you take the time to get to know and talk to each one of us. These calls that we receive from you help us understand that we are all working together in the wonderful work of bringing Heavenly Fathers children back to him . We support and sustain you in your calling and we are very grateful for the insightful pieces of advice that you give to us because they not only help us build and strengthen the areas that we work in, but they help strengthen and build us into better missionaries and better men. 

So this week was truly amazing and to be honest, when the time came I was nervous and a little stressed but I knew that if I had faith in the Lord that everything would turn out the way that it is meant to be. I am very grateful for the experience to be training. It takes a lot of effort and change. I was working to improve on my Christ like attributes when I was being trained and now I am working on them even harder so that Elder Ivins can see my love towards him. He is a great missionary and growing every day! His confidence in himself is increasing and his desire to work hard always amazes me every day. I love working with him. His teaching skills are improving, we have some work to do. I have really taken to heart the counsel that you gave to teach from the heart and love the people. Due to this counsel I am trying to help him know the doctrine but more so internalize it and reach inside his heart for his testimony to teach with. I know that teaching with your testimony is the perfect way to show the people that you are genuine and it will always bring the spirit. His skills in finding are increasing, in the past few days we have felt that our approaches to people have been redundant and we are not seeing a lot of fruit from them so we are changing it. We are working on being "normal" with people and using quick 1 minute summaries of what we teach and always asking if we can step in. When we have asked to step in we have had a lot of success because people generally let us in or give us return appointments. We are truly seeing the lord touch the peoples hearts with the spirit, so much so that we saw a miracle at our baptism this weekend. 

It seemed like everything that could be going not according to plan was happening. I was getting fairly stressed and running around trying to get everything ready and done so that the baptism would run smoothly and then I realized that we need to trust in the Lord all the time. When I did that, the miracles started appearing and everything started to run better. Sometimes it is our own hearts and minds that stall the work of the lord. We MUST trust in him in all phases of this work because we are NOTHING without him. This is His work, not ours. We are only tools in his hands. We must be submissive and have His purposes in our hearts. When we do this, miracles happen. From the beginning of our teaching experience with Laura and her son Akam we saw miracles! First of all when they came to church the first time the ward perfectly fellowshiped them. The ward members saw her and freely went up and introduced themselves to her. We didn't even have to ask! The ward here in Hull 2 is truly amazing! Later on in the teaching process, they both admitted to us that they got their answer! They knew it and could not deny it!  Laura has had such an experience that she desires to have Akam and her daughter Hanifa raised in the church! Akam has the burning in his bosom and he told us that he knew that it was the spirit telling him that everything we were teaching is true and because of that he desired or rather hungered for baptism! As we were getting everything ready an unfamiliar face walked into the chapel. We went up and introduced ourselves to the man and found out that it was our investigator Akam's school teacher! Akam had told him about his baptism and invited his teacher to his baptism! It was truly a miracle! The pinnacle shinning moment of this while experience was when Akam, who is 9 years old and just baptized, gave his teacher a copy of The Book of Mormon with a mormon.org card in it to his teacher!!! Miracles happen, we just have to trust in the Lord. 

This whole entire experience has truly strengthened my testimony not only of Heavenly Fathers answers to our prayers but how much we need to love and appreciate our ward members. They are our families, our support and our strength. We MUST love them! 

Regards

Elder Dotschkat 

(end of letter)

So that was my week.  I will send pictures next week.  

Love you

Elder Dotschkat

A Tourist in England

Well Hello everyone, first of all I just want to tell you that you are in my prayers, in my heart and I love you. 

So this week was really good! I cant wait to tell you of all the miracles that Elder Ivins and I have seen. We have truly seen Heavenly Fathers blessings all around us, I know that he blesses all of his children. We just need to look for it. .

So on Monday we went over the Humber River to have zone P-day at Grimsby. This was a first (and hopefully last) time that I have gone over the bridge on p-day. The only reason that I hope that it will be the last is because it took over half of the day to travel there and back :P But whatever I had fun! We had a foosball tournament, ping pong battles, watched Prince of Egypt and Tangled! I had no idea how good that movie was! Haha. I know it sounds funny but we were all singing to all the songs on tangled :P It was great!

I got the package that mom sent from Idaho that day as well :) It was so full, I waited to open it at the flat :P Anyways. I then went on exchange with Elder Coombs from Edmonton! It was great. I realized that missionaries are not just for bringing people into the ward but they are here to strengthen the members already there.

The most profound thing that I learned on Monday was that we all need the gospel no matter at what point in life we are. 

Tuesday - This was probably the fastest day on my mission so far. We went out to Patrington and met one of our less actives and because of that she came to church yesterday!!!! I was very happy to see her there :) Anyways, in Patrington we took the classic "tourist in Enlgand with the phone booth" picture :P I have been wanting to do it since I got here but I just couldn't find one. I FINALLY GOT IT THOUGH!! HAHA! Anyways, we then in the evening we had ward coordination and to be very honest, I am blunt and make sure that the point of missionary work within the ward gets across. I cannot stress enough how vital the ward members are for this work. Missionary work WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT THE MEMBERS INVOLVEMENT.  If the missionaries call you up, try your best to give them time to go with them. These people that they teach are important and children of God. Sometimes they might even turn out to be your best friend. Make sure that you have the missionaries over and feed them every so often, I don't know how it is at home but here we have a meal appointment nearly 5 or 6 days a week EVERY WEEK. So yeah....I don't really know where I was going with that but I just want you all to know those things. 

Most profound thing that I learnt that day was that if you truly care about someone, you will do anything for their happieness. I have already known this and its deep within my heart but the resounding message struck my heart on tuesday. 

Wednesday went so fast as well! Only like four things happened though haha. 1st - District meeting was great! I love Elder Kruse as my district leader. He was my first real friend in the field. We kinda have the same background and so we can talk about certain things and he understands. I enjoy time that we have together because it is always just so fun! Hahaha.  It was good and the most profound thing that I learned that day was in district meeting. It was that we need to make every moment count and make every second memorable. I have so many wonderful memories but all them have one thing in common, I am with those people that I love. Days at the lake, in the snow, watching fireworks, on the beach, in the woods, on the mountains, watching sunrises, sunsets and most of all at the temple. These are the moments that lift me up when I have a hard day because these memories are full of joy for me. The best thing about it is that I am with those people that I love.  The rest of the day just consisted of doing service for a member in the ward and having tea with a member family. 

Thursday - DAY OF MIRACLES!!!! Wow! So I am just going to say what the miracles are because I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers. So in the evening we saw the family that we started teaching last week and well guess what!!! THEY ACCEPTED TO BE BAPTIZED!!!! :D I am so excited about them! It just makes me so happy to go over there. There is Phil - 37, Louise - 32, Jack - 13, Ben - 10 , Grace-  turns 8 on October 21 and Oscar who is 18 months! All I want to say is that Heavenly Father answers our prayers. Just have faith. That was the most profound thing that happened that day. 

Friday - Well in the morning we had weekly planning and the most profound thing that stood out to me was once again the importance of communication. The world and everything crumbles in it because of bad communication. DO NOT LET BAD COMMUNICATION IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.

Saturday - The most profound thing that happened on Saturday was answers to prayers and plans. We had people that we wanted to see and we said that if they were unable to see us we would knock around their homes and because of that we saw people who are interested and are returning this coming week so stay tuned!  HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS!

Sunday - Once again the point of good communication came up because we were talking about eternal families and a family must be based on love and communication. Thats the most profound thing I learned

I hope that you all have a good week

Remember this

I love you

Elder Dotschkat

Elder Dotschkat with his England phone booth

My awesome package that mom sent me from Idaho. Each item has a corresponding scripture. It was pretty cool

Another letter arrived this morning

Alright everyone the most profound things that I learnt this week were :

Monday - That we need to enjoy the times that we have with those that we love and make every moment a memorable one. I learnt this through talking about home with Elder Ivins and getting to know one another. I just want to say that I am greatful for all the experiences and memories that I had with all of you ( even the bad ones because we grow through our trials) and that I love all of you. 

Tuesday - We had Zone Training meeting and at the end we had a testimony meeting. Elder Kotua (from Micronesia) bore a simple but resounding and powerful testimony that has really changed my outlook. The thing that was the most profound for me that day was when he said,"God loves you and wants you to be happy, so be happy". Very simple yet enlightening. We all have come here to learn and grow and sometimes we have to go through trials but it is because that is where we grow the most. We must learn from our trials and never give up.

Wednesday - The thing that stood out to me most on Wednesday was that, "you may have to work at something for a long time but Heavenly Father will give you miracles if you have faith and ask him." I am pretty sure that I learned this in personal study. I have been reading the OUR HERITAGE book in the missionary library and it explains the simple and humble starting of the church. There were so many miracles back then and there are so many miracles now. Just look at the birth of a child and the complexities in chemicals that create such a being. One that can think, learn, communicate in different languages, that can feel sorrow,  that can feel joy and most of all, that can progress. I am so amazed every time that I think of such a miracle. Thats what children truly are, they are MIRACLES.

Thursday - I was reading in this months Ensign and let me tell you how truly wonderful it is! If you have not read it, READ IT! These words that are so freely given to us are inspired and they all come from PROPHETS and APOSTLES of Jesus Christ. I love reading these words because they are instruction from the Lord to our day. The sentence that stood out to me was  "When God speaks and [we] obey, it will always be right." I know this to be true, I have seen it in my life everyday but especially now. Look for Heavenly Fathers hand in your life and know he loves you.

Friday - My testimony of prayer truly grew this week because when we needed things, our prayers were answered. I know this and I love this fact. Its a fact because its the truth. I was praying very hard that one of our investigators would feel the spirit and she did. She knows that she needs to be baptised and wants to have the happiness that her mother has. She wants to have a relationship with her father in Heaven. I can testify that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers. He loves us, knows what we need and desire. He will answer your prayers. 

Saturday- My testimony of prayer was even more solidified because of the trial that we had that morning. All our plans fell through and no one was wanting to talk to us and thats how it was all day. We had a lesson in the evening which was supposed to be for this former investigators daughter and they welcomed us into their home with open arms. So much so that Elder Ivins and I were taken back and surprised :P Anways, we got into the lesson and started teaching. The father then came in and joined the lesson...then the brother...then the other brother...and in the end we had a miracle! We taught the entire family and the children want to come to church and read and they even prayed!!!! :D I love it because heavenly father answered our prayers. Not only did he do this and I learnt that Heavenly Father will answer your prayers but as it says in Ether 12 - the blessings come after the trials of our faith.

Sunday - I learned that if we have faith Heavenly Father will guide us to where we are meant to be. We all can be tools in our Heavenly Fathers work, we just need to trust in him and give him our agency. Elder Ivins and I had 30 minutes left and there were next to no people on the street and I prayed and asked heavenly father just to have someone stop and talk to us and he answered immediately. As soon as I said this, we had 2 people to stop and talk to. They are interested in learning more and we are seeing them later this week!!!

Heavenly father answers prayers, he will answer your prayers because he loves you. 

You are all in my prayers

Talk to you later! 

I love you all

Regards,

Elder Dotschkat

An old church in Sproatley

A picture from a members house that I really like

If you pray and ask in faith, GOD WILL ANSWER!

Well hello everyone, this weeks letter has to be very quick because I dont have time. Just so busy with missionary work right? Haha. Anyways though I just wanted to pop in and tell you all that I love you and that I am feeling the power of your prayers with me. I am so grateful for all the examples that you have been to me and the ways that each of you have helped me grow. I always knew I wanted to be on a mission and it seems surreal that I am here. I love every minute. Yes there are harder days than others but I always know that no matter how far you are away that you are supporting me and I can feel it. It finally has rained this past week and so now Elder Ivins and I are using our jackets. Very appreciative of these things because it gets very cold some days. I have seen so many miracles in this past week and just want to tell you all that I can feel my testimony growing everyday and feel myself growing as well. I know that the Lord calls us to do things so that we can grow and go through trials but it is because we need to remember and rely on him. So many times in the past week (because I am training) I have been looking to the Lord for support and miracles and when we pray for miracles sometimes our faith is tried but other times heavenly father gives us these things because of our faith. We had someone scheduled to be baptized on the 14th but now she AND her son are getting baptised on the 28th!!! I am sooo excited! This past week I KNOW that Heavenly Father was listening to us as we prayed and had faith in him because He hs blessed me with strength, comfort, peace, joy and many other wonderful feelings when I needed them the most.

If you pray and ask in faith, GOD WILL ANSWER!!!!

Let it be known to everyone who reads this that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I know he lives and loves us. I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that President Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet on the earth today. I love the Book of Mormon and the inspired words therin. I love my mission. I love my God. I love my Savior. He lives. He will strengthen you if you ask in faith and pray to him. I am a follower of Jesus Christ and am in the service of him. He loves all of his children everywhere, HE LOVES YOU. As it says in the scriptures , "Look unto [Him] in every thought, DOUBT NOT, FEAR NOT. (DC 6:36)

I love you all. You are in my prayers.

Elder Dotschkat

I will be at the following address until at least the beginning of November so you can write to me here:

9 Iris Court 

121 Abbey Street 

Hull 

HU9 1LE YKS

Whoever gets this address make sure they know to SEND LETTERS TO THE MISSION HOME ON AND AFTER NOVEMBER 10TH because I may be transferred. Hope not because I would love to spend Christmas with the members in the Hull 2nd ward. They are like my 2nd family. They really take care of us and love us .

If you haven't read this month's Ensign - READ IT!

Well Hello Everybody! This past week has been great! 
So first of all I want to say WOW HAS TIME FLOWN! I cannot believe that I have already been gone three months! WOW! Is anyone else surprised or is it just me?  I want to tell you about my week ... because I'm TRAINING!

Monday - we had district meeting in which we were asked to say three character traits about our companions that we noticed and admired over the time we were together and I can't really remember the other two but I said that Elder Richards loves the scriptures and that I have learned to do that as well. I have really gained a love and appreciation for them, especially because they are true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and it will answer all questions that you have. Just pray and ask God and he will reveal it to you. The most profound thing that I learned that the day was that the Lord trust us a lot. Especially when he puts us into positions of responsibility. I am thrilled to be able to train. Also I learned that the Lord will only put us into situations that are good for us.

Tuesday was P-day and we mostly packed Elder Richards up and after that we played basketball and watched Mulan. Even though it was a simple day. I realized that we need to enjoy the moment and not hold grudges because life is too short.

Wednesday was transfers! I was so excited to be able to train and go to transfer meeting. We were taught the importance and responsibility of our call. I realized that this call that I hold how is the utmost importance and essentially I am helping not only create a missionary but a man also because they will follow my example ... yeesh! Anyways, I got my star! His name is Elder Ivins, he is from New Jersey, he is HALF APACHE, the first one out on his mission, his dad served a mission, and he's 18! This is so crazy! I love working with him! Its so FUN! Most profound thing I learned that day was that the most important convert is yourself so you must lead by example.

Thursday we had lunch at our friend Michael's house again and that was great! Our plans fell through the rest of the day except for two. In the evening we saw Yasmin who is supposed to be baptized on the 28th of this month (she passed the interview!) It was a great lesson in which she re-committed herself to baptism. AFter that we had a tea appointment and I didn't know the address but Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. I kinda knew where I was going but somehow in the end we got there. After that we went and saw one of our members and that was very good. This ward has caught the vision and takes care of us :) Most profound thing that day - we always need to have back up plans so that we can always be progressing.

Friday was a day of hard work and backups. It was a good day though and I learned many things but its somewhat of a blur. The most profound that day was a quote from PGM that said "The most important of the Lords work you will ever do will be within the walls of our own home"

Saturday there were two miracles. 1 - Yasmin passed her baptism interview and she will be baptized on the 28th of this month with her son hoepfully :)  And the second was the lesson that we had with Amelia. She is a 12 year old girl who's mom is less active but wants to return. Anyways, the lesson was simple yet powerful. We KNOW that she felt the spirit and she committed to be baptized in the near future. When we see her again we are going to set a date with her. She is pretty funny and loves birds. I felt the spirit in the lesson and I'm not going to lie, it nearly brought me to tears. As I was testifying of Jesus Christ and how much he loves us the Holy Ghost warmed my soul. It was wonderful to recognize how much he truly loves us. The most profound thing I learned that day was that God will send us miracles if we ask and have faith that he will answer.

Sunday was very peculiar. We felt good and prayed about some roads the night before and went to them but when we got there and asked for confirmation that we were supposed to be there we were directed to our back up street. Then the same thing happened with our back up street so as we were traveling to our third street we had a miracle. We met this man who was a member of the church and is desiring to come back but didn't know how. We talked with him for a long time and told him that he was welcome to come to the church any time. Most profound that day though was what I learned in church. It was from a talk and the speaker said "we are always to forgive others because there is always room to forgive"

I have had a fantastic week.
I hope you all have as well
You are in my prayers
I love you 
Regards
Elder Dotschkat

Me with Elder Coombs, Elder Richards & Elder Kruse

So first of all I want to say WOW HAS TIME FLOWN! I cannot believe that I have already been gone 3 months!!! WOW! Is anyone else surprised or is it just me?  Anyways you are probably wanting to hear about my week. Especially because IM TRAINING!!! :D

Monday we had district meeting in which we were asked to say three character traits about our companions that we noticed and admired over the time we were together and I can't really remember the other 2 but I said that Elder Richards loves the scriptures and that I have learned to do that as well. I have really gained a love and appreciation for them, especially because they are true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and it will answer all questions that you have. Just pray and ask God and he will reveal it to you. The most profound thing that I learnt that day was that the lord trust us a lot. Especially when he puts us into positions of responsibility. I am thrilled to be able to train. Also I learned that the Lord will only put us into situations that are good for us. 

Tuesday was P-day and we mostly packed Elder Richards up and after that we played basketball and watched Mulan. Even though it was a simple day, I realized that we need to enjoy the moment and not hold grudges because life is too  short. 

Wednesday was transfers!!! I was so excited to be able to train and go to transfer meeting. We were taught the importance and responsibility of our call. I realized that this call that I hold now is of the utmost importance and essentially I am helping not only create a missionary but a man also because they will follow my example....yeesh...:P Haha anyways, I got my star! His name is Elder Ivins, he is from New Jersey, He is HALF APACHE, the first one out on his mission, his dad served a mission, oh and yeah.....HE IS 18!!!!!!!! This is so crazy!!! I love working with him! Its sooooooo FUN!!!! Most profound thing I learnt that day was that the most important convert is yourself so you must lead by example. 

Thursday we had lunch at our friend Michaels house again and that was great! Our plans fell through the rest of the day except for two. In the evening we saw Yasmin who is supposed to be baptized on the 28th of this month (she passed her interview!!!!). It was a great lesson in which she re-committed herself to baptism! After that we had a tea appointment and I didn't know the address but Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. I kinda knew where I was going but somehow in the end we got there. After that we went and saw one of our members and that was very good! This ward has caught the vision and takes care of us :) 

Most profound that day - We always need to have back up plans so that we can always be progressing. 

Friday was a day of hard work and back ups! haha. It was a good day though and I learnt many things but its somewhat of a blur. The most profound that day was a quote from PGM that said "The most important of the Lords work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home". 

Saturday there were two miracles. 1- Yasmin passed her baptism interview and she will be baptized the 28th of this month with her son hopefully :) And the 2nd was the lesson that we had with Amelia. She is a 12 year old girl who's mom is LA but wants to return.  Anyways, the lesson was simple yet powerful. We KNOW that she felt the spirit and she committed to be baptized in the near future. When we see her again we are going to set a date with her. She is pretty funny and loves birds. I felt the spirit in the lesson and I'm not going to lie, it nearly brought me to tears. As I was testifying of Jesus Christ and how much he loves us the Holy Ghost warmed my soul. It was wonderful to recognize how much he truly loves us. 

Most profound that day was that God will send us miracles if we as and have faith that he will answer. 

Sunday was very peculiar. We had felt good and prayed about some roads the night before and went to them but when we got there and asked for confirmation that we were supposed to be there we were directed to go to our back up street. Then the same thing happened with our back up street so as we were traveling to our 3rd street we had a miracle. We met this man who was a member of the church and is desiring to come back but didn't know how. We talked with him for a long time and told him that he was welcome to come to the church any time. Most profound that day though was what I learned in church. It was from a talk and the speaker said " we are always to forgive others because there is always room to forgive"

I have had a fantastic week!

I hope you all have as well

You are in my prayers

I love you 

Regards

Elder Dotschkat

ps. If you haven't read this months Ensign, READ IT!

EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY

Well I'm very glad to hear that all of you are doing well! I'm doing fantastic! So many great things have happened this past week! I have learned so much and have realized I have changed. It feels a little weird but I like the change. Anyways though this week was really good!

Well Monday again was P-day! We tried really hard to get some plans together to be able to go fishing (I wanted to REALLY bad) but it didnt turn out. BUT! We did go and see a football match! It was great! (soccer sounds vulgar to me now :P) anyways that was extremely fun! The fans are CRAZY!!! and so are the players! They just yell whatever they want at the refs and even their team mates :S Its a very different kind of culture over here but I like it because people make fools of themselves :P I know that sounds a little cynical but usually it has been me making a fool of myself, so its nice that it is someone else for a change :) Anyways though, it was a great time! After that Elder Kruse and I went on exchange for the night and had a great time together. Our plans fell through so we went and taught our Catholic investigator. We taught very simply, boldly, and lovingly how we need to pray and he still didn't understand but we found out that he has short term memory loss from a fall when he was younger where he lost a finger. Nevertheless, it was a great time. He is scheduled for baptism on the 28th but we will see if he makes it. Heres hoping! The most profound thing that I learnt that day was that we need patience to love those people around us and we need to enjoy the little things in life. Its so important to recognize the little miracles :) 

Tuesday WAS BUSY!!!! We saw Michael, our returning less active friend, showed him a mormon message and had lunch. The ward feeds us so well! Even our investigators offer to feed us :) haha. No need to worry, people are keeping me healthy. Anyways, after that we had a lesson with our best  investigator. Her name is Yasmin, she is a single mom, has 2 kids (Hanifa- 15 months, Acam -9 years) and understands everything that we teach! Its so wonderful! She is scheduled for baptism on the 14th and she is progressing so well that we have taught her everything! Now it is a matter of teaching her son because he wants to get baptized the same day as his mom. After that we BTW found to tea. This is the most effective because the spirit just engulfs and they want more. We had a very nice tea with Kitah and her mom, went to ward coordination and taught our Catholic investigator again! The most profound thing that day was again that we need to be patient and loving with the children of God.

Wednesday - We had zone conference that day and so I had to get up at 4 am. We all packed ourselves into a car and went to the chapel. We waited there for an hour, watched the sunrise (unfortunately I didn't have my camera but next time I see one I will get a picture for you). On the way to the conference the coach driver got lost, we were 35 minutes late and so the group that I was singing with didn't have time to practice :P we sang Love at Home. It was great to be able to sing again :) Anyways after that we got instructed from 945-4pm. It was good. I can't remember much but I do remember this. The rest of the day we drove in the coach home and I finally got my mail after 6 weeks of waiting :) Lets just say I was very happy :) 

Thursday - We were supposed to teach our Catholic investigator (Stephen) again but when we went by he wasn't home. We then called one of our other investigators, taught him and he took us to lunch. I had a 8oz Gammon steak. Essentially, its bacon in steak form . IT WAS SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!! after that we went and taught Yasmin again but this time I went on splits with Elder Kruse again. Elder Kruse and I did some family history for one of his investigators whilst Elder Richards taught Yasmin with Elder Coombs. We got the investigators line back to the 1800's!!!!!!!!!!! I was so happy!!!! Quite worried that I wouldn't be able to find anything but I did! I saw the Lords hand a lot. OH! and the investigator doesn't like to call us ELDER _______. She wants our first name. It was weird to tell her that because....well...I didn't want to. Haha...and I forgot for a moment :P Just shows how " lost in the work" I'm getting right? haha :P Anyways, after that Elder Richards and I went and had tea with one of our members. The father loves sports so that was mainly the topic of conversation :P I couldn't resist. BUT we did teach them missionary things after that. After that we went and saw Jenine and Paul . They don't have much but they are happy and excited to be married april 26th next year :) It was a good day. Most profound thing that I learned was life is what you make of it. if you have those you love around you, you need nothing else to make you happy.

Friday twas a good day but I didn't have my planner. So I can't remember what happened except the profound thing I learned during weekly planning. Every week we take companion inventory, tell whats good about them and what they can improve on. Also solve any issues. The most profound thing that I learned Friday was that if you have an issue, get over it. Plain and simple. Solve your problem before it becomes too toxic because it could be a complete misunderstanding. 

Saturday we got fed by Michael again, went and did some village finding!!! So fun! We went out to a place called Spraotley. Saw a really old church and talked to some nice people but noone was really interested. oh yeah. and the place smelled like...um...how do I put it nicely....poop. It was really gross and I know that its gross to say this but I got used to it and couldn't smell it after a while. :P We then had tea at the O'Neils again and that was the rest of the night. Most Profound that day we need to look around and be grateful for our blessings that we receive from the lord. 

Sunday was great hearing peoples testimony. Had a fireside about missionary work that evening and saw Paul and Jenine again :)  I know that the Lord will bless us when we have faith and do what we are asked. Watch the hastening the work broadcast if you havent already. EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY. Most profound that day - we all need to do our part in this work. 

Monday - Well I have some exciting news! 1- Yasmin got her answer that the church is true!!!! and 2- Elder Kruse is district leader!!!! 3 - Elder Richards is going to Sunderland and GUESS WHAT!!!! I'M TRAINING A NEW MISSIONARY!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!! 

Will tell more later! 

Love you all! 

Have a great week!

Elder Dotschkat