March 14, 2011 Letter

Dear Mom,

I did get the shots at the MTC. That costs $45 but I mentioned the Stake would cover that fee (which they did).

My sheets, a blanket, and a pillow cost me a total of near $47. (white 300 thread count sheets for $19, a twin microfiber blanket that is red on one side & tan on the other $18, and then a $6 pillow...plus all the tax)

BIKE...
Well the area that I am serving in does not require me having a bike. So instead of biking we drive. I am the driver though since my companion Elder Romrell got in an accident 4 months ago. He rear ended a car going 20 miles an hour. The vehicle I am driving is a 2007 Toyota Corrolla (Red).

I am sleeping for the most part well. There is a train that isn't too far from the apartment. Sometimes the train wakes me up. Elder Romrell and I try to get in bed before 10:30. Nightly planning can take out a lot of time some nights along with sliggishly preparing for bed. Elder Romrell and I are working out often so we get an extra good nights rest.

The weather has gotten colde but no snow has come. For the most part a suit coat has kept me warm enough...but that is because my companion and I are often in a car or in a home/apartment/trailer.

My flight was interesting. For the first flight I sat by a Catholic Preacher and got in a discussion about geneology then eventually the bible & BOM. The second flight I sat next to another missionary at the end was a guy who wrote a book on religious questions that religions are afraid to ask. The question he had on Mormonism was about the Celestial Kingdom and if its even possible for us to become like Gods. Anyways the Elder and I weren't able to come up with doctrine to answer his question unfortunately...since we mainly have just studied the brief fundamentals for lessons about the Restoration/Plan of Salvation...

I had to pay $40 for my two suitcases. The mission presidency gave us a refund for that $40 since it was the flight from the MTC. Mondays are my P-Days now. This past week I didn't get a chance to get online since the day I arrived was on the P-Day. (Feb 28th)

Well since being out in Kentucky I've eaten Hush Puppies (deep fried corn bread). I've also had deep fried fish one of the members caught. The mission presidents wife made some Kentucky soup (that has a bunch of veggies/meats inside). She also made a special Kentucky pie that is extra rich (apple pie with chocolate chips...)

This first couple weeks being out has become a realization that I really am not going to see home for a while. I wouldn't say it hit me at the MTC since it wasn't out in the real world. Now I can tell its really going on. Each lesson with people makes me realize that more and more. There are experiences that can change a persons view and I am so glad to be curious each day on my mission. To look for the life's lessons to apply to the investigators is interesting. I feel like I've got a lot out of just this short time and am curious about what more there is to learn. My trainer is great. He has a lot of knowledge about missionary work, especially in this area.

Thanks mom for sending the St. Patrick's Day card and all your other letters. I love you very much. Wish I could write out everything right now that has gone through this first month of being a missionary for everyone. I'll work on keeping a diary better though.

What color did you paint the upstairs bathroom? Has there been anybody who has called for a room to live in at the house? How has Brian liked living downstairs so far? How are the Martins feeling...they have lived in that house for so long. I saw an e-mail that said dad retired...and he has gotten sick. What is the sickness? How has he been? Knowing he is also being released as a high councilman must also be odd...I hope dad the very best with getting recovered. Tell dad I love him.

With handshakes and smiles,
Love Elder James Dimter

P.S. shaving every day is not fun. Also getting haircuts so often is so different. 3 in one month!