Nov 4, 2013 - letter to Mom

Hey Mom!

So first off to that's awesome about getting a good grade on your test. I know it is frustrating when you get an answer and there is one that is almost it or the other choice is none of the above. I have personally had that happen multiple times. It is super annoying.... But yeah I often include you and Dad in my prayers as well as I think every fast since I have been here I include you and Dad in my prayer that Dad will be able to do his work well and that your school studies well and that the both of you can balance your lives and find time for each other, the dogs, for your own physical well being, and such. I really do care and miss you a lot.

Poor Rusty... :( all cold and shivering. Non of the weiner dogs here have to worry about a sweater. It's still just as hot and everything. Ughhhhh! Oh well I think I am fairly well used to how hot it is here all the time.

So for Halloween, yeah I got the joke. I did take Jazz Band and everything. So I am familiar with the song Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend. Literally it didn't even feel one bit like Halloween here. Large part of it is that it is super small here. So very different compared to the US. The other part is that really as a missionary it doesn't feel like any day is special (except P-Day :) ). I think I remember right that Thursday night Elder Chen and I went tracting as well as calling through our APR (basically has our investigators numbers as well as potential investigators that we can call and try to set up times with). Then afterwards we met up with the EQP to go visit first a member who is at a PVS place (Persistant Vegitative State, he is 17 years old and got in a scooter accident, his head no joke looks like there is a second skull coming off of his normal skull. Also while we were there there was an earthquake (my first one!). It was a small one though) and afterwards went to try a visit LAs. So that was my Halloween.

Honestly I enjoy reading your letter. Don't worry or fret that you don't write like Dad. Each person is different. I like everything. 

Thanks for expressing and telling me I am a good missionary. I will probably say more in Dad's email as well as Elder Dailey may have expressed some to Dad, but I just need to have more self-confidence and not doubt myself.

I love you lots and miss you a ton!

Elder Dayley

Oct 28, 2013 - letter to Dad

Hey Dad!

So Elder Dailey went home today. It's been a whirlwind of emotions over the past week for the both of us. I am sure Elder Dailey will tell more when he sees you. Needless to say I am sad, excited, feelings of joy and success, a little envy, and so on. But so as I have said my new companion is a bendiren, or a native Elder. His name is Chen Wei Qing. He is coming down from Taizhong. So Elder Turner and I are companions together until this afternoon when our new companions arrive. But our district has grown again from 6 to 8 missionaries and our English class missionaries are now at 14 missionaries (both our district and the San Min District work together in the same English program).

But so for this past week not a lot of interesting things have happened. Just been a lot of the same old, same old. We have been progressing with an investigator. Definitely have grown to love him, but it's a little hard with getting a baptismal date since he has parental opposition. Elder Dailey can tell more about him. 

So one thing that I have found interesting and a little bothersome is that one of the commandments is to obey the Word of Wisdom. But Missionary life gets so hectic and sometimes the sacrifices you make for others shoots holes in your plans and eating times. As well as only eating 3 times a day. So I strive and want to have a healthy body, but how am I suppose to when sometimes schedules get messed up due to missionary life and sacrificing for your investigators and those around you?

Something that I have come to realize and recognize more and more is that I struggle with patience and trust. So my goal for my mission is to develop these attributes, to grow them, and have them become some of my strongest strengths. I wish to be able to trust more in the Lord, to not worry too much and put too much stress upon myself. I wish to be able to be patient more, waiting for the Lord's timing knowing that the blessings will come in His time and in His way.

Sorry I feel like I am not saying much. I guess I feel like I don't have a lot to say right now. My mind is kind of scattered and in many places. I will try to concentrate more this week and have better prepared things to say next week.

Yay! That I got accepted to BYU. Thanks for deferring it. When the time gets closer I will need to figure out more which semester to try and get into since it is deferred to the semester to start in January. Something for the future. 

As for the teachers I think written or typed letters sent by slow mail are best and that they can write about personal ways they come closer to Christ. What they do personally from reading, to prayer, to service, exercising the priesthood. I really think those testimonies will be the most effective. That's what I feel a lot of our converts need is their own personal conversion, having 3 pillars secured that are prayer, scriptures, and church attendance.

I love you with all my heart! I miss you like none else! But I am excited and a little nervous but willing and ready moving forward to the next chapter in my story. Elder Dailey will have things for you as well as will have many things to share. Don't be afraid to talk and ask about anything and everything.

Love You!

Elder Dayley

PHOTO ALBUM - Taiwan Taichung Mission Arrival (July 31, 2013)

Official entry time into Taiwan.

The new group of missionaries arrive at the Taichung, Taiwan airport.
(I'm on the back row, 2nd from left.)

Arrival at the Mission Home in Taichung, Taiwan.

My mission president, President and Sister Blickenstaff.

They fed us well that first day.
(I'm on the far right.)

We even got to eat a great hamburger and fries that first day. Mmmm.