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

Study scriptures & they will speak to you

Well Hello there! Long time no see! haha 

Its me again (of course :P)

So this week I truly saw miracles and the hand of God in my life everyday. I feel that I have grown so much, not only in my testimony but as a man. I am grateful that the Lord has me go through hard things that make me grow. All you have to remember when you are going through the hard things are your testimony and that God loves and is there for you. 

Monday - That was a good day! We had p-day, I forget what we did :P But all I know is that we watched free willy because I was singing the Michael Jackson at the end all week and wanted to listen to it...Anyways though, we had a lesson at the chapel with Yasmin. She is our Muslim/Catholic/Church of England investigator :P Haha..Its very confusing but she is accepting everything and she and her son are preparing for Baptism on the 14! We are very postive that she will do it! Anyways, the most profound thing that stuck out to me is that miracles happen everyday. We just need to have faith and look for them. 

Tuesday - We had zone conference that day and we looked at D&C:4 in great depth. I understand the scriptures so much more and am grateful to have time to study them. If you set apart time to study your scriptures, they will speak to you and help you in your life. You just need to open them and let them speak to you. The most profound thing that came to my mind that day was that we all need to remember our testimonies and what we stand for in all places. 

Wednesday - So since I have gotten out Elder Richards and I have been praying to be busy all day with lessons and it finally happened! I loved it! We had lessons all day and the day went so fast! It was unreal to look at the time when we got into the flat in the evening and just think "where did the day go???". I know that the lord answers our prayers and he will comfort us. On Tuesday I wasn't feeling well and I was worried that something happened at home and in my personal study the scriptures comforted me. Let them speak to you. The ones that stuck out to me were, Mosiah 4:9, Isaiah 55: 8-9, DC 6:36. We need to trust the lord and he will bless us. Have faith in him.

Thursday we saw our friend who is returning to church. They love us now. So much so that they are willing to feed us as often as we need. It is wonderful to see a new flame and love for the church in him. We watched the Mormon Message, mountains to climb and testified of the atonement. I want you all to know that I have a testimony of the atonement. It is a truly wonderful power that God has given us. We can use it, no matter the trials that we are going through, Heavenly Father wants us to return to him. 

Friday we had a conference in York. We went on the train in the morning. It was an hour ride and then a half an hour walk but it was alright :) Anyways, while there they separated us into 3 different groups, The newly entered missionaries who are getting trained, the ones that came in the transfer before and then the trainers. I was in the second one. It was great to be able to talk with the AP and discuss how we can better missionaries. I feel very confident (not prideful though) that I  am becoming a better missionary everyday. After we went all together again and the most profound thing that day was brought to my mind by President Pilkington. It was me asking myself What can I do more for the Lord ? Why only come out here, leave my home, my family and those I love to do only 1/2 the effort. I want to give it everything that I got. I only have so many months, weeks, days , hours and moments left to serve the Lord. We must make the most of every moment. 

Saturday the most exciting thing was mormon.org time. I love watching the videos and feeling the spirit that they give. No matter where you are, you can feel it. Always strive to be worthy of the spirit, it is a gift from God. The one that was the most profound for me was the one called He will Give you help. I love this one (not only because its Canadian) but also because the story of how the boy used the atonment in his life. The most profound thing that stood out to me was that Heavenly Father never said that this life would be easy. He just told us that it would be worth it. Even though trials arise, trust in him and he will hold you up. I can feel him hold me up everyday, he loves all of us. He is there for all of us.  You just need to talk to him. 

Sunday t'was a good day. Church was nice, Elder Richards gave a talk. After church I was so hungry! I am losing weight though haha :P Anyways, we had 2 hours of study so in the end we had just 1 hour to work. We ended up seeing a member of the church and then going to a village. It was great. Brother O'Neil drove us out there and the young woman who is considering baptism is funny. Her name is Amelia and she is 12. The most profound thing that happened that day was that brother O'Neil gave me some advice . He said don't believe rumours about other people and that you decide what you belive. Also I realized that I want a Christ centered home in where the spirit can be felt every moment

Love you all

Elder Dotschkat

Six missionaries at a Pizza Hut buffet

Hello

Tis' me again!

I hope you all have had a great week because I have! It went pretty fast again and I realized that I am already done a quarter of the first year. Very odd for me. It does not feel like I have been out that long at all. But whatever because I am loving every minute of it!

So Monday was p-day and we didn't want to just watch a movie at the chapel again so we went to the all you can eat buffet of pizza hut and cleared them out:P Haha I bet they loved six missionaries eating all their food :) Haha. After that we went to the whaling museum. That was fun! I took some pictures! After we went to the chapel and watched Monsters Inc. and we wanted to listen to the Tarzan soundtrack so we watched the movie. anyways, the most profound thoughts that came to mind that day after reflection was we need to take time to enjoy life. Don't rush it because it it too short and we need to enjoy every moment with those that we love.

Tuesday - Was supposed to be a busy day but all of our plans fell through haha. Sometimes it makes me wish that people would just say no rather than lead us on. One thing that comes to mind though is something that President Pilkington says to us. That no words are wasted in the work of the lord. We looked at mormon.org that day. There are a few videos that I really liked :) But the main thing that stuck out to me was President Monson saying "Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price is too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings of the temple".

Wednesday - The main thing that was good about that day was district meeting. We talked about sacrifice and how we can become the best men that the Lord would have us be. It was great to be able to coordinate with the other missionaries and talk with them. There was a quote by John Taylor that said "sacrifice is the only surrender that is a victory". The most profound things that day were thoughts of what sacrifice is. Sacrifice is to give something up for something of greater worth. Also that God will answer our prayers. DC 112:10

Thursday - This week has just been a blur. I can't remember distinct days. So much so that in the evening after we had a member visit with the first councillors family, I looked up at the sky and realized how long I had been out. I was surprised that time was going so fast. I also realized that I am starting to love the work more each day! It is so fun just to be able to talk to everyone and listen to their funny stories.

Friday - Friday was a good day. Once again all of our plans fell through so the most exciting thing that day was going and seeing our less active who we are helping return to church. He and his mom have not been sealed as a family together and their goal is to have that within the next few years. One thing that stuck out to me was that we cannot let anyone fall through the cracks. We must pay attention to all of our members. We are family and children of god. We are all important.

Saturday - The two things that stuck out to me were in my personal study and at the end of the day. In my personal study I realized that I am very grateful to the Lord for my trials that I struggled with in my life. I know that sounds odd but I am. I am grateful for them because they have made me into the man I am today and will make me the man that I will be in eternity. I pondered on this thought all day. It made me very happy and hopeful for a better tomorrow:)

In the evening we were on our way home and as missionaries we talk to everyone and the last man that we talked to is super prepared. He wants to believe that there is a god who loves us and wants a bible that as not been corrupted. We told him about the Book of Mormon and we are meeting him on Wednesday.

Sunday- Sunday was alright, not many exciting things happened . But the most profound thought that happened was that we need to stop and enjoy the life that has been given to us.

Profound scriptures :
3Nephi 12 10-12

Mark 12 41-44

Matt 18 16-26

Hope you are well!

Elder Dotschkat

The work is the salvation of souls

Well Hello !

So this week was again another week and WOW did it ever go SO FAST! I am absolutely amazed and so surprised when I lay down in bed on Sunday night because I always ask myself where the time went. Anyway, this week there was so many things that happened!

So on Monday was Preparation day again. not really much was different, played basketball (I'm getting better at it because its the only sport we play :S) , watched a few movies...yeah...there was a member in Hull 1 that had a copy of Monsters University and it was great! But anyway, while that time was going I wrote some letters and relaxed :) after P-day in the evening I went on exchange with Elder Coombs FROM EDMONTON!!!! :D! It was great because I could actually talk to someone and have them able to relate! :D It was fun! The most profound thing that I learnt that day was no matter how far the distance, home is where your heart is and always will be :)

Tuesday was a pretty good feeling being senior companion and having some responsibility and so that day I felt that it was all up to me to make it run as smoothly as possible. There were a few bumps in the road during the day that I had to handle by myself and it was a learning experience. We had our most promising investigator (named John) drop us through text. It was a sad experience but we still wish him the best. During lunch we went to a less actives home that we helped to reactivate him and they fed us lunch! :D It was great! After that we had some time to spare so we went to see John in person and see how he was doing. That went alright but he still says that it isn't for him. I look at it like everyone has their agency and as I said we pray that he will have some experience that will make him want to meet with us again. After that we had a very busy day , so much so that we forgot to have dinner till 900. We had my favourite meal :) Donairs :) Or kebabs as they call them here. The most profound thing that I learned Tuesday was that the temple is the only place that I want to be married in . When we were talking to our reactivated member, we asked what his goals in life were and he said that he wanted to get married in the temple. It made me ponder on this subject all day and I came to the conclusion that I will only be married in the temple. I want that day to be as special and wonderful and I have dreamed it can be. The main reason that I will only be married there is because I want to have the person that I love the most in the world with me forever. I want to have my best friend always by my side through everything. I want to be able to support her and grow with her though everything and have not only a temple sealing but a celestial and happy marriage. I want to have my family forever because that is the only thing that will bring me the most happiness in my life.

Wednesday - GUESS WHAT!!! We got on a coach in the morning and went to a MISSION CONFERENCE ! It was so great! I learned so many things from Elder Rasband, Elder Teshiera and ELDER M RUSSELL BALLARD!!!! It was great to be able to listen to apostles and representatives of the lord. The thing that they stressed the most is member missionary work. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THAT THE WORK WILL MOVE FORWARD!!! GET ON IT!!! One thing that I found that stood out to me was that I am so grateful to be a member of this church and to be able to suffer things for my saviour. I have learnt truly how much he loves us and is proud of us when we make the right decisions. I promise everyone that makes their decisions with the lord in mind can never go wrong and will be blessed for choosing right. The rest of the night we travelled back and didn't even get into the flat till 1030 :P I was beat! The most profound thing that I learnt that day was that the Lord trusts us to make the right decisions so we need to trust him.

Thursday - That day was interesting because we were unable to plan anything for the day so we essentially flew by the seat of our pants. We did missionary work, don't get me wrong , but it was kind of ...not really planned :P I guess the most exciting things were lunch, when I created food :P I wanted burgers but we had no meat so I used corned beef :P Haha it was tasty enough :P DON'T WORRY I AM SURVIVING! And the next most exciting thing was our mormon.org hour! I love watching these uplifting videos! They are truly inspired! The 3 main ones that I liked that day were 1- Mountains to Climb 2 Testimony of the Book of Mormon and 3 The infinite power of hope :) Please watch these :) I share these quotes, scriptures and videos so that you can all enjoy and experience my life as well :) Anyway, the most profound thing that day was a quote, " If the foundation of faith is not embedded into our hearts, the power to endure will crumble" .

Friday - IT WAS MY COMPANIONS HUMP DAY! He has been out a year now :) It was pretty good :) We bought cake :) Anyway, the most exciting part of that day was how 1- he has been out a year now and time is flying by for me as well! And 2- We gave a chapel tour to 2 teenage boys and scheduled them for baptism!!! WOO! That evening the Barber Family fed us again and we had chicken fajitas :) They were tasty :) The most profound thing on Friday was that time goes fast so we need to make the most of it and love those around us as much as we can. Also when we test god with faith, he will always follow through on miracles and blessings!

Saturday - It was a pretty good day! We got flogged a lot :P This just means that people don't show up to lessons that we set up with them :P I say it was a good day because no matter what happened my attitude never got down . The 2 lessons that actually came to fruition was a chapel tour where we scheduled this lady for baptism!!! :D and another lesson with our reactive member friend. We talked with him and saw that he had a rough week because he gave into his temptations and it made me think a lot. He was so happy on Sunday and Tuesday but when we met him he was depressed again. Just one split moment of bad decision can tear us up inside. So the most profound thing that I learnt that day was to stay away from things that can even lead you to temptation.

Sunday - It was a good day! Pretty nerve racking I must say because I taught Gospel Principals class but other than that it was good. In joint P/R meeting we had the 2nd counsellors brother in law come and give a presentation on the RBL ( Royal British Legion). It was good to see that people here have a lot of support for the troops. I love that fact about Britian. While he was talking about the conflicts of war and the losses it made me think a lot of my own life. I never discounted the military as an option and still don't but I realized that I do not want to put my those people like my friends, my family and my future family through loss. I will serve my country and give my life for my family and my friends if I must to protect them and their freedoms, but I do not want to voluntarily put my future wife, children and family through loss of my life. Its not that I will not serve in the military , but I want to spend my life with those I love. In GP class I taught the lesson on temples and FH and it was...good :) The most profound thing that stood out to me during that class was that its not always about marrying the right person, rather being the right person. Any 2 worthy LDS people can marry for eternity and get through life together and nurture their love for one another every day. It is about working through difficulties in life together and making selfless sacrifices for those you love.

As you can tell, This week was great! I am loving every moment of my mission and being the most effective missionary I can be. This work is the salvation of souls and there is no other work more important than this.

I know that Heavenly Father is watching over each and everyone of you and that is what brings me the most joy. You all are in my prayers. I love you all.

Have a great week

Sincerely,

Elder Dotschkat

We took a little trip to the Mariners Museum. Around 200 years ago Hull's whaling industry was at its peak. It was the largest whaling fleet in Britain. Whaling is now controversial and considered unnecessary. During Hull's whaling industry the products of whaling were considered crucial for Britain. Whale oil from blubber was used for lighting, for the preparation of leather and cloth, for making paints and oiling machinery.