A few Letters

10/15/12

Dear Family:

How is everyone doing? I am doing awesome and growing spiritually from this experience.  You will be happy to know that I have lost 15 lbs while being out here. They say alot of missionaries gain weight. I don't know what different for me, but I guess I'll take it.

The weeks just fly by out here, September flew by me and October is about half way over. Pretty soon, I'll be at the 6 month mark! I don't want it to end, I love it out here, but then again I miss you Mom and Dad! I miss you Avery, Aush and Maddie.  Out here it has been a daily grind and truly the hardest work I have ever been engaged in, but it seems like I am being taught a life lesson every day! I remember the story you told me about your mission Dad. The one about the guy who lived in the worst projects, but was pimped out with everything inside. I thought that it was funny, and I am glad that I am gaining my own experiences and own stories so I can have funny memories to share when I get home.

I hope all is well with you and that you are getting ready for the holiday season! The folks out here are all about Halloween and Thanksgiving! Some are even getting ready for Christmas! As Christmas gets closer, I really love to read the story about Jesus's birth. It's one that truly touches my heart! I love the scriptures and the spirit they bring.

All is well here in Tennessee.  I hope you have an amazing week!

With Love, Your son and brother
- Dyllon

10/23/12

This is just a funny picture of Me and Elder Christensen that we took on an exchange! A you can see, I'm still my old self and having fun!

(Back of picture: Me and Elder Christensen having fun for election day! Vote for a better America Christensen/Brown 2012!)

Love you all!
-Dyllon

10/23/12

Dear Family:

How is everyone doing? I am doing good out here.  We just carved pumpkins for P-day, so I am enjoying some pumpkins seeds that we roasted last night.

Things are going well with me out here. We got a referral a while back and her name is JS. It turns out that she is a famous country singers sister. She cut hair and we have an appointment to get ours cut. hopefully something will come of that.

Dad you asked if there was any gospel topics that you could study for me.  As the holidays come up, I am really trying to study more about the Savior's birth and Jesus's ministry on earth.  If you guys could study about that and share your insights, that would be awesome!

How's everyone back home?  Are yo guys getting ready for the holidays? There was kind of an argument on Sunday at church as to who gets to feed us on Thanksgiving! The people here love having the missionaries over for dinner.  (I told Dyllon that he should take applications and have people fill out menus and then they should choose two houses a early dinner and a later dinner based on the food offerings! )

What are you guys doing for Thanksgiving? I'm really gonna miss your orange turkey Mom! I tell people about it and they don't think it would taste very good, but they just don't understand!

I think that Romney is going to win this election, because we have about 100 people a day tell us that they are voting for him. It is definitely a strange but awesome time to be on a mission.

Well, I love you guys and hope that you are getting excited for the holidays! I heard, "I'll be home for Christmas" in the Hallmark the other day, and it made me a little sad because I know that I won't be. But, I'll make it through I guess.

I love you guys and hope that you are doing well! Vee kill them on the mat this year! Aush, slow down on the tweeting scene until you get your homework done! Madi, keep working hard in soccer and keep the other 2 in line for me!

Love
- Dyllon

Dear Dad,

How are you? I am doing good and I am having a good time being a missionary. I think back to all the cool stories that you told us about your mission and I am excited to share my own with you and everyone as they happen and when I get home.  You asked if there was anything I had to do to become a trained Elder.  Well, I have to do is finish the 12 week program for the new missionary and his trainer, it's pretty interactive and I've enjoyed it so far.
I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am to have you as my dad. A lot of people out here that I meet don't have dad's around and I see the negative effects it has on them and how damaging it is to these kids.  I glad that I grew up in a supportive home where I had good parents to show me the right way to so things. Thank you for being there and being a role model in my life. I love you Dad!

Your son
-Dyllon

Post Conference Letter

I received a letter from Dyllon last Friday.  Enclosed was a letter for the family, The Chattertons and the Priest Quorum.

Dear Family:

How are things back home? Things are going great here with me. We has "C's" baptism.  She had to go under 3 times but eventually the ordinance got done! We have another investigator "A" who has a baptism date for the 27th.  She seems golden and listened to every session of conference excluding Priesthood session.
Its been raining here a lot and the temperatures are getting cooler. How is the weather back home? As the Holidays are coming closer, I am kinda bummed that I don't get to spend it with you guys, but I will survive, I guess.
Also, President Irion told us that Christmas music is approved, obviously nothing that would not meet mission standards, but pretty much anything on FM100 of Kosy 106.5 is approved.  I would love a Christmas CD.  If you could put one together for me I would really appreciate it.
Also, Happy Birthday Dad! I know that it is early, but I sent you a card in the mail. I just don't trust the mail system to get it to you in time.
Anyway, I'm doing awesome and things could not be going better.  Have Avery tell the Priest's that I love them and miss Sundays in the Bishops office and that they need to go easy on the cheese whiz!

Love Dyllon

Priest Quorum,

How are you all going? Just let me tell you how much I miss the Priest Quorum! I still think back to all the great times we've had through out the years, and I still miss the easy cheese and crackers on Sundays!
I just wanted to write Ya'll a letter and let you know how I'm doing. I'm doing well.  Me and my Companion, Elder Friedman are teaching many people the Gospel. We recently held a baptism of a young 9 year old girl last Saturday. Her and her family are now preparing to get sealed.It is amazing to see the gospel of Jesus Christ change people's lives and it's a rewarding feeling to know you were a tool in Heavenly Father's hands to help better a persons life!
I would just like to leave you with my testimony about my mission experience so far and I'm only 3 months in. It's preparing me for life I guess.  The things you experience out here will prepare you to be a better student, husband, father etc... I can already see the benefits from my mission and I'm still fairly new. With President Monson's announcement last Saturday, I would encourage you guys to go as soon as you can. Don't prolong these blessings! My life has been forever blessed and impacted by this experience and I know yours will too!
When I first left for the MTC, I thought that coming out here as a sacrifice and I thought about all the things I would be sacrificing. But I realize now that this is the farthest thing from a sacrifice.  This is the greatest blessing I could ever receive.  I promise your mission will be the same, SO GO!

I Love You All!

Big Dyll

Columbus Day

The Baptism of Miss "C"

Leaves Changing in Tennessee!

We were able to chat with Dyllon this last Monday.  I was not sure if he was going to be able to use the library today because of Columbus day, but apparently Columbus was not important enough to shut down a library for, just only banks and Mail.

This is what he had to say.

Dyllon: Hey, how is everyone?

Kendall: Hi Dyllon, it's Dad. Everyone is great. How has the past week been?
Mom: Everyone is awesome how are you this morning?

Dyllon: I'm doing fantastic! I was interested to know what Avery thought about Saturdays announcement?
Mom: He still says that he is going to go when he turns 19 and that he and Matt will turn their papers in together. I guess that we will see when he graduates if he changes his mind. What was your reaction?

Dyllon: This has been the most amazing growing experience for me and one of the greatest blessings I've ever had in my life. This experience is shaping the person I am and if i wouldn't want anyone to wait to receive these blessings! Tell Avery that if he's ready to go at 18 then go! he'll love it and it will prepare him for the rest of his life.

Mom: I agree, maybe you can write him a letter and tell him all about it! Did you like conference? DId you get to be with your district or ward to watch it?

Dyllon: We watched it at the church and had the baptism on Saturday, Then watched it at a members house yesterday.

Mom: Cool. How did the baptism go? How are your other investigators doing?

Dyllon: She had to go under 3 times, we kept telling her to "bend your knees" but it went awesome and we were able to have a lot of our investigators at the baptism and one of our investigators, "A", was able to watch all the sessions excluding priesthood!

Mom: Dyllon, that is such a neat experience for you to witness. I bet it is a day that she will always remember. Also for your investigator "A", it seems that conference was speaking right to her. 

Dyllon: It was a sight to see when the Prophet spoke and "A" realized that there is a prophet on the earth again today! her eyes were huge and she was scribbling away frantically trying to write down everything he said.

Mom: Are you going to do anything fun for p-day today? Did you get our package yet?

Dyllon: I got my package on Friday! President Irion gave it to me at district meeting. As for P day, we've been skateboarding a lot. There's a skate park right by our apartment, but today it's pouring rain so i don't know what we'll do.

Mom: Tell her that as soon as the ensign comes out, I will buy her one and ship it to her. I will also send you the church news from Saturday it has the RS session in it. She will probably enjoy having it. I will send it to you today!

Dyllon: We get all the Church magazines in quantities, So we're okay! But thank you!

Mom: have you made your chili yet? It would be so tasty on a cold rainy day! I have more to send you. I think I am going to try and make more at nap time too. Do you get the church news?

Dyllon: No, i guess we don't get the church news. and no, I haven't made the chili yet. I need to go to the store today and get ground beef.

Mom: so how are you doing? Are you keeping warm? How are your shoes holding up?

Dyllon: Something exciting is happening here in December, Russel M. Nelson is coming to speak to us.

Mom: That is exciting. You know that he is Sister Irion's Dad. Is he coming for all the missionaries in the mission?

Dyllon: I knew that he's her dad. and yes he's coming to speak to all of us. The Steve Maddens are kind of falling apart, I'd like some wool socks for cold nights and days, but for the most part I'm keeping warm. it hasn't gotten to cold yet!

Mom: so, you said that you liked the boots. would you like me to go and get you the same brand of shoes. what size are they?

Dyllon: What's the website called for my mission blog?

Mom: simplydyllon.blogspot.com. Did you like the pictures in your package? We tried to take some of a bunch of things you might want to show people about your life back home.

Dyllon: I wear a size 10, and i loved the pictures! it's exactly what i wanted! I miss the mountians more then i thought! haha. Could you send out a tweet for me? say "Hey i miss all you cool cats and would appreciate a letter and a picture <3 Dyllon!" then put the mission address?

Dad: This is Dad, I will send out the Tweet when I get home.

Dyllon: Just tweet out my mission address and the link to the blog!

Mom: I will see if I can get down there on Friday to get the shoes. I love the pictures that you just sent. Pick me some leaves and send them when you send your next letter. Me and Avery saw Austin and Kyle in Smiths on Friday.  They said to tell you hi and that they wanted your address. I usually send a tweet out when I update your blog, that way all your friends can know what you are up too.

Dyllon: Thanks! Is it getting cold at home?

Dad: Yes the nights are getting cold but mom won't let us turn on the heater so we just pile on the blankets. The days are pretty nice. Around upper 60's to 70 degrees.
Dyllon: Hey I'm almost out of time! i have to go! I love you all and hope you're doing well! Love you lots, Dyllon

Mom: It is not to cold here yet. We love you to have a great week enjoy your chili and stay warm!

Oh boy....I have fallen Behind.....

I have been a super busy Mom lately and have not put Dyllon's last few post up!  Bad Me!!  I will try and be better and also get the other post up today!  In other news, we have finally made it to month 3!!!!  Yes!!!! From what I hear, the longest months are behind us! This is what Dyllon had to day on Monday.

Dyllon: Hey Everyone!

Mom: Hey Bud, how are you this morning?  Is it raining there?

Dyllon: It's raining up a storm! Do you know if any hurricanes have hit anywhere?

Mom: No hurricanes that I can see. How did the Baptism go on Saturday?

Dad: Hi Dyllon, Dad is here to.

Dyllon: Hey dad! how's it going?

Dad:  I'm pretty busy at work these days, but I'm doing well. How has the past week been for you?

Dyllon: So glad that Denver Whipped Oakland. For some reason there is an abnormally large raider fan base in Knoxville. I guess raider nation is everywhere. Yuck. "C"s dad has been working on WOW Issues and we felt like her dad needed to be the one to baptize her, so we worked with him and he received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday and he's going to baptize "C" this Saturday. But we also found a new investigator who is golden! She's going to be Baptized on the 27th, her name is "A", and one of the  "L" sisters, "A", has a solid date for November 10th. This past week was good! Transfers are Wednesday, I'm staying for another 6 weeks in Chillhowee.

Mom: That is wonderful!  How are you doing?  Are you hanging in?
Dad:Yea that is great to hear about your investigators. Make sure you have the baptism before Nov. 14th. That is your next transfer day besides this week. That way you get to see the fruits of your hard labor. 

Dyllon: I'm get a little home sick here and there, but I'm really enjoying my time out here and it doesn't feel like I've been out for 2 months, it feels like I've only been out 2 weeks! The time is flying by! It's going too fast! I figure I'm going to be here until Christmas. I Think i will get transferred on Dec. 26th

Mom: Time has been crawling for me.  But we have now made it to the 3rd month! And don't be home sick, we are just doing the same thing that we always do.  We are stuck in the rut of life right now.  Pretty boring here.I think that I would like you there until Christmas.  It sounds like you have made good friends with members of the ward that can almost feel like family.  That will be good for you during the holidays 

Dyllon: I don't want to sound Prideful, But through this whole experience my biggest fear was that i would be a bad missionary, But Chillhowee hasn't had a baptism in 2 years, it's one of the lowest baptizing areas in the mission, and we have 3 lined up, President Irion Commended us for our effort! So i feel really good right now!

Mom: That is awesome!  You two must bee working really hard.  Remember what your blessing said.  You will be a very successful missionary.  And even those who are not interested may still be, you just never know.  Just plant seeds always, but sometimes it takes time to grow. I am glad that you have such a great ward, it makes it easier for you to adjust I bet!

Dyllon: When Does the NBA start? How are the Jazz looking?

Mom: Hum....I do not know, but I am going to see if I can get a Derrik favors autograph from clay for your little jazz fan back in Tennessee.  maybe dad will answer your NBA questions.

Dad: Training camp for the Jazz starts tomorrow and then regular season games start on the 31st of October. The team is looking good and I have high expectations for them. Mom is going to see if she can get a signed Derrick Favors photo or something from Clay to send out to you.

Dyllon: That would be an awesome Christmas Present! And i have used lots of coupons, But some of the stuff you sent they don't have out in Tennessee, Like Rumbi. but keep sending them! We get fed almost every night, and then they give us the left overs, so he hardly ever have to buy groceries. 

Mom: I am thankful that they are taking good care of you.  Hopefully they have made some awesome dinners for you! So have you used any coupons?  I have a few more for you this week.  I have a hard time knowing what to send, so just use the ones that you really like, if you have any suggestions on coupons, let me know and I will see of I can find some.  Did you use the quiznose ones? So do you like the restaurant coupons? What do you have out there? 

Dyllon: oh, chick fila coupons would be great! and more laundry pods! Thank you!

Dyllon: Well guy's my time is almost up, i have to get going, But i love you all and hope you guys are doing well, i pray for you guys every night! let everyone know i love them and they're in my prayers! Thank you guys for being such great parents! Have a great week! 

Mom: I will send then this week! We love you too, have a super awesome week and don't get too wet!  

Dyllon: love you, bye!