February 13, 2013 - Sister Bollinger

Hello,

Wonderful day yesterday at the Louisville Kentucky Temple.
Here’s a photo as we were preparing for the group shot afterwards.
Thank you for your sacrifices and service for the Lord in the GKLM!

Going Forward with Faith!

Sister Bolliger

Here’s a few photos of yesterday’s temple trip with Elder Dimter.

Sweet time!

Going Forward with Faith!

Sister Bolliger

February 11, 2013

Tomorrow I go to Louisville and say goodbye to the mission.  I've got my words of wisdom to say to the mission.  Which will go something like "Christ fulfilled his purpose. Are you fulfilling yours? GKLM get to work and remember if you don't have charity you have nothing."

Anyways Wednesday I'll be on the plane to California...as a Returned Missionary!  I'll be in my grey suit and possibly with my UK hat :D.

Apparently I'll be giving a homecoming talk at church when I return. Idk on what but I can certainly don't have a problem speaking.

Thanks for your letter Becca. :D Love hearing about lil Wellington.

Got to go.

Love,
Elder Dimter

February 4, 2013

:) Today I went about packing up and sending out packages. Certainly needed to take care of that.
While I was mailing out a package I found out a package I tried sending last week didn't work. They said the address was incomplete or something. I decided I'd just just mail the package I was sending out to Jen.
Well this transfer is unlike any other. Dreams of home every night ;) and of course the questions are asked what are you going to do for a career. Recently I've researched some ideas. I've got a few careers in my mind.  I'll create a list when I return and may ask some family/mission buddies if that seems a good fit for me.
While putting things away in my luggage I laughed. My companion is all you don't need to send everything of yours home. So I went about giving him things I inherited on the mission 20 ties, 5 white shirts that were too big anyways, socks, office supplies, haha my statue of a unicorn...long story about unicorns but pretty much missionaries a part of the group are those that work to improve/become the best they can be.
This week I fixed the water heater in the apartment. While it was out I decided for kicks I would boil water to take a bath.
My companion "tried" fixing the vacuum (failed) issue hardly any suction. I used the vacuum to get the space bags to condense my clothes for my luggage. Also the Mission Mom is having us work on keeping the apartment clean. The 5 things to make your apartment look nice/avoid clutter are visible with your BED, TOWELS, CLOTHES, FOOD, DISHES.
Oh did I mention how my companion and I got pictures of us in the freezer. Random fun.
Today we've gone about sliding on ice =D since its snowing quite a lot recently.
This transfer I've learned how to drive in the snow!!! Although I intend on staying around California I enjoy developing skills.
My next goal is to learn to drive the stick shift truck when I return.

Love you,

Thank your love and support. Through letters or package/$ every bit has helped my mission in ways I can't say thank you enough for. These two years my dad said would teach me about 10 years of life lessons. I'm impressed because I'd say he certainly was right.

Feel free to contact me when I return.  Have questions ready or even just let me know any stories you enjoyed most from my letters. I may have lots more stories to tell. Course I maybe more interested to hear about what ya'll have done the past 2 years.

To those out on the mission I've met. I'll miss you and be praying for you even after I'll be home. Till then I've got a few precious days left.

January 28, 2013

Dear Family,

Today my companion and I went mountain biking!  We got incredibly muddy and wet. It was raining while we were riding. We had such a blast! We went downhill at 45 mph! Then had an excruciating time as we biked back up.  :) With my companion formerly being a National Wrestler and me a former alright Cross Country runner lol we had to get out the energy and exercise. Certainly was a blast.

Last weeks adventure we ended up running in the snow. We haven't got an idea of what the next one will be yet but we may ride bikes again. Might as well use my bike before I leave.

Anyways while coming to e-mail at the Library I was stoked to see a couple guys I've talked with about the church. Hadn't seen them in a while too. Right now sitting next to one. He has a couple buddies from the Ward I'm serving in that are on missions.  He asked how I was able to manage being out for two years. Be away from the family and girlfriend. At times I am taken back realizing what I left behind. I'm grateful though for my decision to come out on a mission. I've seen the lives of others improve through them getting to hear of the teachings of the Gospel including myself.  Certainly my personality is upgraded or so I'd like to think. My love for others around me is much stronger and my desire of course to help them any way possible.

The studying of the scriptures has left me an indelible impression on my spirit.  They are true.  They are not just books.  They are words that Christ wants us to search and seek to understand (currently reading Issiah :D).  Recently I've asked around which books should I read when I return. I have in mind of reading the Doctrine of Salvation and finishing reading Jesus the Christ.

Love you all,
Elder Dimter

p.s. Look forward to seeing ya'll :). I have stopped using ya'll when I speak. Don't worry. I should be normal when I talk for any of those curious if I got an accent...nope. :) Still same Californian accent or Western accent.

January 22, 2013

Yesterday was Martin Luther King Day so we didn't e-mail.

My sinus infection lasted the longer than any previous one. A week of swollen lymph nodes, sweating at night, dehydrated, pain swallowing especially eating  bloody mucus. Anyways. None of that now! Totally appreciative. I took azithromycin I was prescribed and it helped a bunch.

Got back to cleaning up the apartment and washed/waxed the wonderful car. Just showing some appreciation for what Elder Despain and I have.

Yesterday we went running while snowing around 8 am. It felt great to be out running again. Fortunately we didn't freeze lol. Though I nearly had icicles hanging from my nose.

This week I had dreams of being back home or on the airplane. I was in astonishment when I awoke. All in due time. I won't forget this wonderful mission. Those missionaries coming in have so much to look forward to. There seems to always be miracles that come in little ways each week. All that you need to do is consider the blessings.

There are some good things happening in the mission field. This week we were asked to work on improving as missionaries. We all could use a healthy dose of a call to repentance. Though we are missionaries we work to being better in every way.

I pray for you all. Individually.

Love you
Elder Dimter

January 14th, 2013

Wow. I got sick with a Sinus infection. Just called the mission doctor. Didn't help my immune system got messed up not long ago with the stomach virus. Certainly as I've had time being sick I've counted my many blessings. Had some dreams one of which I saw dad just like how he used to look then saw briefly an angelic figure in the dream and awoke. Of course.

I had a priesthood blessing by a dear Brother in the Ward I regard as a wealth of knowledge and joy. He is a happy Hispanic man who says I feel like a son as does his wife. They enjoy feeding us and they have 4 boys and a girl. Their baby boy is so precious and makes me think consider how not long ago he was in heaven.

My companion turned 21 as of yesterday so I enjoyed seeing the Bishop call him up to bare his testimony during sacrament.  He bore his testimony on the 1st Article of Faith.
Later on at church as the Bishop asked what the Ward could do to help us missionaries I pointed to my companion and we sang him Happy Birthday. :D!!! His smile got so big. Though he says he is shy he soaks up attention like a sponge.

:) I am blessed. I can feel a gratitude already of these two years. A couple dozen people have gotten blessed to come into this fold I've taught. Surely the Lord blessed my companions and I. Along with those that followed me.  I have much to write down...when I return of these precious 2 years. I pray the many new missionaries that will come into the mission of the GKLM will find the joy in the service I've found. Amongst all opposition that comes. I tell these new missionaries consider singing the song "If your happy and you know it...clap your hands" or whatever favorite Primary hymn. That along with many others cheered my soul.

With Love,
Elder Dimter

p.s. I return Feb 13, 2013 during the night if you didn't know or remember. This week a member here informed me his family forgot he was returning along with the Stake Presidency. :)

Look forward to hearing from and seeing those who plan to attend my homecoming. Big hug to Grandma and Mom! Thanks for teaching me so many lessons in my life. From your examples I grown in understanding of how to teach others.

January 8, 2013

Dear Family!

The reality that I'll be going home is sinking in more as each week passes by.  Especially in this last coming month.  As I'm sure your feeling the same.
Well I have quite a bit to pack.  My companion tells me I should start sending stuff home...which isn't a bad idea.
I've got a bike that I may try to sell but I've considered possibly shipping it home (its a Specialized Hardrock bike that has road tires and nice upgraded pedals.)  I bought the bike from my trainer.
Anyways this week I got really sick with the stomach virus. Thankfully I'm feeling better.  I got the virus on New Years.
Oh on Christmas Eve my companion and I got locked out of our apartment. That was sort of funny. We had to drive a while away to get the keys back.
Had a great time giving service to a family this week that moved in not to far away. The family came to church and all. Even went up to speak at church for Fast and Testimony.

Thank you for all your families support and love. I hope to have a good homecoming.
I only had one phone call for Christmas or else I would have called you all.

I must hear about Sarah's baby as soon as someone finds out the news.

Love,
Elder Dimter

P.S. I miss you Jen (the woman that sort of waited two years for me...my girlfriend =)

December 17, 2012

On 12/17/12, Brian Dimter wrote:

So, the good luck continues! Last night Kristine and I went over to Sheri and Ken's place for dinner. On our way home there was a SUV which ended up changing lanes and hit the drivers side doors of Kristine's white Honda Accord as I was driving. We were going like 70-75 on I-5 heading back home and nobody was hurt and there was no damage done, except to our car.. Yeah, accidents suck, but I feel lucky we weren't hurt and their car wasn't even damaged..we just have tire marks from their car and our doors are indented.

Brian Dimter
_______________________________________________________________

Snap!  That is intense to hear you got into an accident like that.
Thankfully not hurt.
Boy I can tell you I am lucky.  A couple weeks ago I hydroplaned
while going to church on a SUPER curvy road. Thankfully my driving
skills/tires/car got back in control before hitting the metal what
you call ems that prevent cars from going off the road.

I've got my 3rd "special project" missionary in a row.  Lol just being
honest (I've always avoided writing negativity in my e-mails for the
most part but I figure why not just tell it how it is at this point).
This kids got tons of stories from back home.  Unfortunately though he
barely speaks to people out and about.  He can barely give a card to
someone.  I'm notorious for giving anybody a card and sharing a lesson
with. Anyways so my wonderful MTC companion who is now the Assistant
to the President got a chance to come down to do a Blitz. He asked me
how many baptisms I'm estimating for my last 2 transfers.  This week
we've got two baptisms this weekend if the interview goes well with a
crazy 11 year old named DJ.  The 9 year old is legit smart named Zach.

Dang the library is closed.  Got to go.


Love,
Elder Dimter

p.s. I'm praying for you.  Love ya!

Flight Plans (Shortened Version)

MISSIONARY TRAVEL

KENTUCKY LOUISVILLE MISSION

DELTA AIR LINES      

DATE  FROM           TO             DEPART  ARRIVE
_____ ______________ ______________ _______ ______

 13FEB LOUISVILLE KY  ATLANTA GA     1015A   1139A

 13FEB ATLANTA GA     LOS ANGELES CA 150P    352P
 13FEB LOS ANGELES CA OAKLAND CA     430P    554P

December 10, 2012

Christmas is in 2 weeks!  I can hardly believe it.
Well time to eat all that Christmas candy mom and Sarah sent me and see how much weight I can gain. ;). Just kidding.  I bought a body fat percentage scale at Goodwill recently.  My companion is a Wrestler and well I ran Cross Country. We are both eating less and ahah we went running and froze from humidity chilling our bones.
Today just so happened to be the first day of snow...=)

STORY...While driving back from an investigator near the Ohio River we decided to take a rarely driven road.  This road is a dirt road that is 15 feet from the Ohio that has a 85 degree decent into the Ohio that goes for 25 feet.  After driving 5 miles on this skinny dirt road we ran into a waterfall that had water flooding the dirt road and falling into the Ohio River.  It was a beautiful sight but certainly not worth having any problems.  I turned the car around and...guess what!!!  I turned around safely.  Now consider your life.  How can you can relate that to life?  Consider what the missionary sitting next to me could represent.  Also consider what the waterfall can represent.  Oh and of course...what about this straight and narrow road.  =)

My heart goes out to all those in which I've taught and am currently teaching on my mission.  Whether they are investigators, recent converts, missionaries I served with, the members or simply the people I give a mormon.org card out to. I know that we each are searching for happiness. Happiness I know can be found through being on this narrow path.  That narrow path Christ talked about is with the Church that truly has the Priesthood, which gives us that chance to truly make a covenant with God.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does have that. I am a witness this day of the fact the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. As we learn more about the Gospel I know we can find greater faith and happiness. A mission has changed my outlook on life as well as my understanding of the Gospel and my ability to recognize the spirit.

Love you each,
Elder James Lee Dimter

p.s. Have a great week

December 3, 2012

December is here and I can hardly tell. The weather outside is lovely! Today I bought a snazzy dark gray suit for 7.95 at Goodwill. My new favorite suit. Also we found a body fat scale for 3 dollars! =). My weight for anyone who is curious is at 145.  So I haven't gained anything. Possibly lost weight at this point. My companion bought a wonderful pin stripped suit since he is at his 6 month mark.  :) This Elder I'm with has SO many stories which I'll be sure to tell you on the phone or something. Anyways I love hearing good stories.
Hope each of you are doing well.
This week I went teaching with my MTC companion Elder Jolley!  We had a nice drive to visit a family that is now wanting to come to church.  :) Also I got to teach with an Elder who served in Madison for 9 months! What a wonderful experience.  The best time I've had teaching with other missionaries in a while.
The work is going well in Madison. Certainly looking forward to a couple baptisms we've got scheduled.
Silliest thing for the week. I bought a unicorn statue with an angel riding it. :) Possibly will send it home.

MOM I FOUND THE SAME PAINTING BY THE PIANO DOWNSTAIRS WITH THE LAMB AND WOMAN AT GOODWILL. I ALMOST BOUGHT THE PAINTING TO SEND HOME OR PUT IN THE APARTMENT. CONSIDERED SENDING IT HOME.

LOVE YOU MOM.
Along with everyone else reading this.

p.s. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
I'll be calling home. :) Let me know if you'd like me to Skype I'll have to find someone to help me Skype.

November 26, 2012

This week was great. Elder Despain is the new missionary I'm with. He
is a quiet Elder from Idaho that was a cowboy, wrestler and has been
out for 6 months.  We get along well. He has told me lots of good
stories.
We saw some new people come to church this week and hopefully will see
the young men we are teaching get baptized. They said they wanted to
be baptized on Christmas!  I was all smiles when they said that...but
we were told we'd have to have it on a different day.
Well my GPS isn't working properly so I'll be returning it.  My
companion has one so we'll use his.
I'm grateful for so many things, and Thanksgiving if you were
wondering went well. My companion weighed himself before and after the
meals and throughout the day he packed in 15 pounds of food.  We were
stunded. He is about 5'7' so you could tell the difference before and
after.
As for me I gained a healthy 5 pounds. :)

Love you all
Elder Dimter

p.s. Hope each of you had a great thanksgiving. I love you Mom.

November 19, 2012

Man I've only got one appointment.  Haha possibly two.  One with a big black woman that is a recent convert I get along with (worked on keeping her active and now she is the new gospel principles teacher)
I'll have to take some pictures of this beautiful place I'm serving and upload them.

Man my belly is fattest its ever been! Don't tell Grandma or she'll hound me for it. Lol and mom just sent a package with a ton of candy I was like you've got to be kidding me. Oh well.  Guess I'll use the resources of candy.  Can't let things go to waste.

Wednesday my companion flies home. So we ripped a bunch of worn out clothes this morning. :)
President is sending me another shy Elder :) which I am stoked for. Excited to meet him tomorrow.

How is life going buddy boy?

___________________________________________________________


Hey family. Thanksgiving is this week. My Ward Mission Leader plans to have my future companion and I over. Apparently the turkey they make is the tastiest in the Ward.  :D My belly is so stoked to indulge in that goodness. Certainly grateful for little things in life since serving a mission.

Take at look at these wonderful videos please.
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#moments-that-matter-most
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#expressions-of-love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=cp3IH8ZNviQ&feature=endscreen

:) I love watching these videos every so often. This week especially with it being thanksgiving.
I'm possibly receiving my last missionary companion with having 2 transfers left.  So today I've got prepped spiritually (watching those videos/studying).  All I know is he'll be a shy young diligent missionary. Every change is nice to adapt to.  I love my mission =]. To be prepared more I bought a GPS, I've mapped out around 100 people to see.  I've got my spiritual armor on, I know I am a representative of Jesus Christ. This is the time the Great Kentucky Louisville Mission is the place. There are nonmembers out there waiting to be baptized and only my future companion and I can teach them here.  :D GO time! Don't worry I haven't forgotten about each of you reading this...
TESTIMONY FOR THANKSGIVING -
My prayers go out to each individual family member. Please share the Gospel. Only we as Latter Day Saints have the Book of Mormon that can touch souls of the reality of the Restoration. "Christ did what he did, now consider what you can do for him." - Elder Dimter
So read your scriptures, pray often and like how dads favorite scripture goes consider the happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. :) You are a son or daughter of God. He loves you and I do too. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Love each one of you,
Elder Dimter

November 12, 2012

So today I bought a GPS...I used one in Owensboro and I loved how we were so effective with using one. I believe the GPS will prove to be useful in my last 3 months on my mission. Saves from getting lost/messing around with a map on paper/helps you more effectively visit people in your area/not get stressed with the other missionary - and when that happens teaching isn't as sweet or fun.
Anyways how about Obama being our President for another 4 years. That took many people by surprise.  Whatever the case is I pray that whoever is a part of politics has integrity.  Anyways I'm please to say that I am an American but I tend to joke about going to Canada.  :) I served with a Canadian and lived with one so I got warmed up to Canada although I must admit I've never gone there.  In all reality though staying in California is what I would definitely prefer doing. Sweet home California ;).

Some of the best experiences happened this week on my mission (enjoyed Interviews with my Mission President) but then again some of the most unfortunate (dropped investigators...lol time to bust out the Ice Cream and Oreos moments).  I love though how the mission you get to experience miracles/tender mercies and then you get those wow did that seriously just happen (ex. someone curse you out or whatnot). Missionaries know what I'm talking about. Course agency is all a part of life.

We got 2 couches/coffee table/study desk this week from a wonderful person.  Course it is a good incentive for their family to get furniture to replace what they gave away.  Our apartment needed it. We plan to get rid of another super old couch that smells like death as I say.

Next week my companion Elder Fisher is headed home to Idaho. I don't know what the next transfer has in store but we'll see.  This next missionary will most likely be the last are my thoughts since there are 2 transfers after this week.

Mom - You are incredible. I bet you can out can any woman in the Relief Society.  ;P
Steve - How about Star Wars getting bought by Disney. Blew my mind.  You bet we'll have to see that in theaters when it comes out.  OH AND GIANTS I HEAR WON THE WORLD SERIES AGAIN!  YES! How many wins did they get this year?
Brian - Way to get a job at a staffing agency!  How wonderful! How are you liking the new job?! Kristine I bet is stoked for finishing school soon...
Sarah - A baby is on the way.  I'm praying you'll love the lil kiddo.  (a family I love here in my area always calls their kids kiddo, I love it) Are you eating anything odd with those random cravings?
Becca - I heard Colorado is legalizing marijuana to people. Be nice to your stoned out neighbors. They might be taught by the missionaries one day and like what they hear.

Love you all.
Hope you have a wonderful black Friday and Thanksgiving.
Miss you and look forward to hearing back ;) ehemm

October 29, 2012

Yesterday I saw a family I taught at the Mission Home in Louisville!  I was so happy to see the family I was about to cry for joy...instead I leaped :D! Of course I wanted to hug them but had to refrain myself.  We caught up on some good stories I missed hearing about.  Today I'll be writing them.  Later on at the Mission Home Fireside the convert I taught bore her testimony and I bore mine. In my testimony I messed up the converts last name with an investigator I was teaching but I didn't let that throw me off. I bore my testimony about how missionaries truly do have the Priesthood Authority of God, as I said that I pointed to all the missionaries.  I smiled to all those investigating and said we have been called to invite you to repent and be baptized...and receive the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. Then said that is not all...oh no you must continue to endure to the end and make sure your family is going to be bound together forever.  Then talked about my knowledge that through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is made possible through the temple ordinance.
I am so grateful for the Gospel and the joy it gives not just me but other people. Missionaries out here are just waiting to hear when China will be opened up for missionary work...being a missionary is an exciting thing. Possibly the most exciting time the world has ever seen.  Which is great because the world needs to hear the truth.
My heart goes out to those about to leave on their missions.  Look around you to those who have yet to be one...or maybe even yourself.  Go and do. You will be blessed with joy you never felt before :).

I'll be requesting lots of hugs when I return just saying.
This week was amazing just to let you all know on my mission. I am praying that you too will have a wonderful week.
God be with you till we meet again :) when I return.
Till then I'll keep my shoulder to the wheel.

Love,
Elder Dimter

p.s. What callings do ya'll have?

October 22, 2012

Well family!  Halloween is just around the corner!  I almost bought a Darth Vader outfit at Goodwill so I could impress an 8 year old investigating :D.  I didn't though...Mission Rules kinda take away from doing that. So it'll probably be your regular missionary gig where the two Elders switch name tags.
We went teaching with a couple young men this week and I had a blast hearing their testimony/witness them bare them to strangers and friends with us.  I remember those pre-missionary days.  I have to say thank you to those Elders I got to go teaching with before.  :) Was good preparation for me.
At this point of my mission I'm a Preach My Gospel freak!  Such an inspired book. I could tell you a story from my mission after every sentence practically =). That is what happens when you Preach the Gospel for so long.

This week I had a blast teaching a few new people...One old lady was so not wanting to talk with us but when we asked her some questions and she got to lighten up and shortly after laughing and smiling.  It was epic!  This lady made my day...I'll tell you more about it.  When she found out I was 21 she was all NO you look 16!  Hahah then we smiled and said we must be doing something right to look so young.  Then she asked us questions about what we do.  I let her know we come up to strangers that think Mormons are crazy.  She said yeah any woman who would have a dozen kids must be insane.  :D Then E. Fisher mentioned he is one of 9.  Her face was priceless!  Then we said you know what is crazy we paid money to come out to do this. Then she was about to pass out. :) Boy that lesson was fun. I wish ya'll could of seen it.  She is one of the funniest/craziest women I ever met so far. Almost as animated as me.  The lady said I should be a Preacher at the end and I smiled.  I let her know being a missionary is the best way to Preach...because it is on the streets rather than just at church. :D

Church is true. The Book is Blue.
Love,
Elder Dimter

October 15, 2012

LIST OF AREAS:

Madisonville, KY - 4 Transfers
1. Trainer - E. Romrell - 1 transfer
2. Follow up trainer  E. Platter - 2 transfers
3. E. Foutz - 1 transfer
Brandenburg, KY - 4 Transfers
4. E. Eliot - 2 transfers
5. E. Smith - 2 transfers
Owensboro, KY - 4 Transfers
6. E. Kaleb Anderson - 2 transfers
7. E. Nathan Anderson - 2 transfers
Madison, IN - ? Transfers
8. E. Dansie - 1 and a half
9. E. Fisher - 2 transfers

Elder Dimter :)
After Nov. 20th I've got 2 transfers to baptize...
p.s. I've got some stories for you I am waiting on =). Got to have something to talk about when I get to talk on the phone for Christmas as well as when I return.

__________________________________________________________________

I am now in Madison Indiana so I don't see as many strange people.  We'll see if I can come up with some interesting people.  This area they all seem to be tourist.
A couple weeks ago I asked a mom on the phone if her son could get baptized :)...which the kid said yes.  Got to love inviting.
I'll be sure to give the invites for sure.  :) Don't know if you don't ask.

So I am wondering what your opinion is.  If you were offered to take the truck vs. Sarahs white old car which would you go for?
I'm guessing I'll go with the truck even though I don't know how to drive it...yet.  Always up to learning something new.

How are the cousins doing.  I was thinking about Brandon today out of nowhere.  Is he still working at a bank?  What is Camille and Sheree up to?

__________________________________________________________________

I am unsure of the exact date of when I'll be returning but my guesses are it should be February 13th.  (I asked my Mission President if there was anyway I'd be able to get home in time to start the Spring 2013 semester of school.) I may have to just come home and find a job while I wait for the next semester of school.

Mom - You are so wonderful.  I wrote you a letter this past week.  Hopefully you received it.  (I've had where some letters I've mailed weren't received for whatever reason, probably since the letters were so big I wrote ;)
Steve - You might miss out on seeing me till Feb 13th...sorry buddy. Hey I saw some Pennsylvania license plates in town this week.  Made me think of your mission.
Sarah - A BABY IS ON ITS WAY!  AHAH I'm smiling every time I get to be around kids from the Ward. Reminds me how families are eternal.  So I heard the baby shower happened. Bet it was a blast!  I would have bought a baby gift but I might as well just get that to the baby in person.  :D!
Brian - CTR buddy the Lord has so much in store for you. If anything I'll be home soon :)...be ready to catch me up on music.  p.s. a guy I'm teaching loves the band Escape the Fate...of which apparently the singer is in a band called Falling In Reverse.  =) now.  Made me smile :) thinking of good old Warped Tour back in the day!  Speaking of which let me know when the next one is...I certainly could use a concert besides Bluegrass ahah no offense Kentuckians or Indiana residents.
Becca - WHOA COLORADO! When is that happening? Bet ya'll will love it there. What is the town called you'll move too?

The trees look so wonderful at this time of year Grandma.  They are turning all sorts of colors.  Reds, oranges and yellows.  In combination with the green the scenery is breath taking.  I may have to admire the scenery more so today with it being preparation day. Seems like time is melting away at this point of my mission.  So many people I have to serve.

Missionary work is busy but I love it :)

Smiles and Hugs,
Elder Dimter

By the way I miss everyone back home whether I've written you an e-mail or not on my mission.  I think of you.
This week I've thought about the Evans family in particular. (of which I asked Brian to give me a brief update.)  Hope all is well!
Last week I thought lots of Michelle, Jason, Zoey and Eric!  Eric and Zoey I'm sure are so big now!
The week before I thought of the Futch family! :) Ryan and Jonathan you rock!!!

October 8, 2012

I got a major sinus infection this week.  Same time I had a sinus infection as last year.  Thankfully I'm recovering well from it with rest/medicine helping out.
Transfer calls were Saturday and I'll be staying in the area as will my companion in Madison.  This town is so lovely.  Each of you should search the town up.
We had a great time watching General Conference at 3 different families. 2 of which we ate delicious Mexican food at.  I love corn bread (with honey butter on it).
Anyways as to my thoughts for Conference I in amazement when I heard Thomas S. Monson say Missionaries will now be eligible to serve at 18 as Elders and 19 as Sisters.  Especially since its been 52 years since the last change.  Will be good I'm sure for those future Missionaries to come out sooner than later to discover the joys and blessings of serving.
My favorite talk was the story of the honey bees.  Blew my mind when the facts were presented.  I thought that was a great analogy as to how the church runs. When I return I hope to continue to help in the ways I can.

I miss you all and indeed appreciate all you do to help those in your areas.  The church wouldn't be the same without your dedicated service.

Love,
Elder James Dimter

October 1, 2012

A huge event was Downtown in Madison!  I was soaking up every conversation possible to talk with people...gotta spread the word.  :) We ran into a few members and had fun teaching people with them. My companion almost had us sing in front of everyone...we even rehearsed songs together and everything.  Even a theater outgoing man like me was bashful to consider such a thing.  Instead we talked with people on the streets and asked inspired questions.

I was stoked when I saw a booth that was for encouraging voting.  I was shocked nobody recognized us as LDS/mormons and ask us anything about Mitt Romney though.  Guess that goes to show how ignorant people can be.
I need to vote.  So if possible could someone find out how I can do the mail in ballot.

Goodness I'm getting skinny.  Just kidding.  Nothing has really changed with my weight. Recently working day by day to get the apartment empty of food lol. I've wanted to try getting an empty cupboard on my mission.  Apparently though the way my mom raise me I have a thing for having cupboards full for the most part.  I do monthly shopping sort of.  Its nice.  I've learned how to budget money/cook.  Got to appreciate the skills you gain on a mission.

This week I got the opportunity to go to the Temple.  First time in 14 months going.  I was so happy.  Did 2 endowments, a sealing and a marriage.  Such a spiritual experience.  We were with the wonderful ward missionaries here.  Then this Sunday there was a member of temple Presidency that came down with his wife and shared wonderful talks.  One said going to the temple is like getting your PHD.  Peace, Hope and Direction.  I never heard that one before but it sounds good to me.  They also had a couple great stories they shared.  One was about a man who was a professional violin player.  One day he went to play the violin on the streets in order to see how many people would stop to recognize him playing.  Only 6 of around 2,000 people even bothered to stop and enjoy him playing.  Earlier that week he played in a Prestigious auditorium in which the ticket of the cheapest seats were 100 dollars.  Everyone remember to enjoy and appreciate the the beauties around you and recognize your talents and abilities.  Not all the time will people recognize you for what you can accomplish.

Love,
Elder Dimter

I'm exhausted so I didn't proofread any of it.  Have a great week.

________________________________________________________________


Well I just finished reporting key indicators with the District to the Zone Leaders.  There is a set of Sisters that got 9 member referrals...which for this mission is incredible from what I've seen.  They beat us by 2.  Owned the District on everything else.  So working on getting everyone else pumped in the District Meetings.
Do you have any ideas/tips that helped on your mission to motivate missionaries?

Might go fishing today on the Ohio again...but today doesn't look like a good day for fishing.  Our Ward Missionaries live in a trailer in Kentucky right next to the Ohio...like 30 feet away no joke.  It's epic!  Did your mission have any trailers?
________________________________________________________________

Grandpa Metcalf went traveling.  Check out what he saw.

Here is a picture of our Great Grandma who passed away on the Metcalf side.  On Thursday, August 23, 2012, HARRIET JESSICA (CRAIG) METCALF, age 93, passed away at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, NY, after a short illness.

10-11-1918 thru 08-23-2012

September 24, 2012

I would be fine with staying out till February.  That would give me time to: find job, figure a vision on the degree to go for and which college to attend, date, teach with missionaries, spend time with family.  A mission is definitely a huge experience to have so maybe enjoying another transfer and waiting for school would be best.  We'll see what the President says.

Love you buddy boy.  Sorry I've not written a letter for the family once a week.  I've tried catching up on e-mailing family members back.  Grandpa Metcalf talked with me about how his mom passed away recently.  Also gave me info on a trip he had recently.  I'll forward it to ya.
__________________________________________________________________

I am hoping to write a letter to Bart so he can forward it to CD Simmons.  CD I hope will stick around for a while.  Least for one more family reunion.  I wonder where we'd have family reunions if we were to stop having them in Grace, Idaho.

There is hardly anytime given to e-mail as a missionary.  One day a week and you get maybe an hour or two...so yeah writing back to e-mails can be a pain.  I love receiving e-mails.  Hey so are you down for going to the temple when I return from my mission with mom and I.  Figure I could use going to one when I return.
p.s. this week I'm going to the temple!  =) so stoked!

Did you ever see Bishop Brad Thompsons daughter working at the LA temple?  She is serving her mission there.  Should be finishing her mission soon.
__________________________________________________________________

Here are some exclusive photos recently :).  Haven't even published these on photobucket yet.  Lol the guy with the tattoo is a less active guy that lives downtown near us which we live a block away from the Ohio River.  He went teaching with us this week lol and wanted to get into deep doctrine with people I was all Jacob we are teachers of the milk as missionaries...because some investigators can't handle the meat.

Love you Brian :)

__________________________________________________________________

I am alive.  Goodness and I apologize for not writing much recently.  Especially since I know how much mom loves to hear from me. p.s. thanks mom for sending me a letter this week. I love you so much. Letter or not you are the best.
On Monday the trio was changed. Now it is now Elder Fisher and I.  Elder Fisher and I are adjusting to it being the two of us.  Elder Fisher served previously with my dear best friend Jeremy Day who is now home in Turlock.
-Jeremy asked if a while ago if I want to room with him at some place in Modesto.  Lol unsure really that will happen but imagine him and I will be sure to talk lots about our experience serving in the same mission at church since we'll go to the same YSA Branch in Modesto :).

Madison Indiana where I'm serving is such a pretty place.  Currently they are working on building a new bridge next to the old one.  Every so often we cross the bridge.  It is so lovely/calming to be around the Ohio.  Much of the people we contact are watching it and are sometimes from out of town to visit.
Been working on cleaning portions of the apartment.  Some spots haven't been cleaned in years in the kitchen.
On Wednesday there will be a temple trip.  Lots of missionaries including myself are going. The last time I went was a year ago.

Alright well I've got to get off.  I got e-mailing Brian back and forth a few times.
Have a wonderful week and know that I haven't forgotten any of ya'll.

Elder Dimter

p.s. R.I.P. Great Grandma Simmons also R.I.P. Grandpa Metcalfs mom (forgot her name)
_________________________________________________________________

Exercise is tough to get in the habit after so long of not doing.
Glad to hear Cody is doing alright.  I miss him.  Probably will be spending time with him and Jeremy when I get back.  You know so I don't go less active ;).  Jeremy is going to try dating a girl named Nicole Whitefield or something. You should tell him I told you that.  Hahah.  :) Jeremy wants to get an apartment with me he says before I get married.  I was like we'll see about that.  (I am clueless when I'll get married, he likes to think soon of course.  Hopefully within a couple years of being an RM no rush.  Eternity is a while.)

Tyler Cook would get engaged super quick ahah!
Tyler Bean will hopefully have success finding another lady when he returns.  That'd be epic if he goes back to Africa for a girl.
That'd be great to have CD's address.

Love Ya.

p.s. Do you have any idea how Michaela Green is.  I told her before I left I'd write her a letter but I haven't since I don't know her address.
________________________________________________________________

There is a senior couple I served around in my last area with the last name of Dorious that knows CD Simmons.  They lived in Soda Springs :) the same town where the drive in theater was.
Nice I bet the town will be sure the letter gets to CD

How is Kristine doing by the way?  Also do you have any news about other family members?  Just curious.  Lol how about Kirk, Kam Pup, Kristine your in laws?