Important Address Update

Daniel's address is changing on MONDAY the 3rd of December 2012.

He is moving his missionary powers out into the mission field in Paris, France.

His new address is:

La Mission Francaise de Paris

23 Rue du Onze Novembre

78110 Le Vésinet

FRANCE

This is probably the mission office in Paris and when he gets out there, he might be physically living somewhere else, but this location will make sure that he gets the mail that is sent to him.

Week Eight: Désolé (Updated)

I'd like to start off by saying I'm sorry. I really do apologize. I've been trying to get everything sent, but Thanksgiving week was crazy here! I'll explain a little bit of that later. To add to it, the postal system is delayed because of the holiday, so anything I sent is probably still out there somewhere, they're just not moving fast enough! As part of Thanksgiving day, there was a huge humanitarian project that we worked on (that I'll explain later) and so I was in meetings during all of my free time last week because all district leaders were in charge of coordinating it and knowing how to train others.

It really kills me because I've been receiving some amazing letters this last week, and I don't want people to think I'm ignoring them! Last week I received the most incredible letter I've ever received. Vous savez qui vous etes (You know who you are) Then, when the weekend was over, I received a lot of sad ones. It made me wish I had done more. I was kind of in a funk because of it and wasn't sure where I stood or what to do. I felt like I failed and should have done more! (Which is a common feeling as a missionary) "I don't really know what to say anymore.." -> I don't want to pull a Prison Break move on this blog (because they're secret!), so I'll just say DON'T GIVE UP. Forgive me?

So, this experience taught me something. I try to learn from all my experiences the best I can! It taught me about having patience. Specifically with myself. I want to be able to do everything! Is that selfish? I guess what I mean is that I want to be able to be there for everyone, I want to help people! Sometimes I fear that if I don't spend enough time with each member of my district, that they'll feel like I'm avoiding them or that I don't like them (which is bonkers because all the members of my district are awesome). Sometimes I feel like if I don't write enough to people, that they'll forget about me or assume I'm forgetting about them or that I don't like them anymore (which is NEVER going to be the case bt dubs). Sometimes I feel like if I'm not the perfect missionary, that if I am teaching someone and they don't accept the Gospel, that it's my fault and it's on my shoulders (Which is not the case as long as I am striving to be the best I can be). I need to have more patience in myself, and remember that other people have their own agency. The members of my district can choose to trust me and believe me when I say I like them and that they're my friends, or they can choose to be offended that I spent 15 minutes talking to another elder. But that''s not my fault! And I shouldn't let that bother me! 

BUT, I can do whatever I can to help that elder know that I do care about them and that they're my friend. Just like if you are trying to help a friend or a family member make the right decision about something. If they ask for advice, and you give it to them, and you''re doing your very best to help them, then you're doing what is right! But you are NOT responsible for the decision that they end up making. That is THEIR decision. If the decision ends up going badly for them and they blame you for it, brush it off and know that you aren't responsible. Every person has to make their own decisions! Everyone has their "libre artbritre" (Agency), so you can't force anyone to make a decision, they have to make it on their own.

I''ll be putting up some scriptures (I''m a missionary haha) a little later, but I have to run to lunch first and throw some laundry in! I promise I''ll be back to finish this! I''ll always come back, ca va? (okay?)

I'm back! Alright, so back to what I was saying. 2 Nephi 10:23 says "Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves" C'est la vérité! (That's the truth!) Also remember that others are free to act for themselves too. So don't beat yourself up about decisions that other people make and blame yourself for it (or let others blame you). Just think and pray about how you can help them. Be there for them when they need you.

That was quite the confusing train of thoughts...sorry! Quick summary: Sometimes it's hard when you feel like you can't help people or be there for them, but you need to be patient with yourself and just keep doing your best and they will understand. And if they don't, Heavenly Father will. And don't let the blame of others get you down. Pray to Heavenly Father and ask Him what is right, because He knows and He can tell you. (Study the scriptures, because I know you know the power that's in them! :) ) So don't ever get down on yourself if you feel like you can't do it all! I'll try to do the same, because I do get down on myself about it sometimes. Wanna make a goal together? Alright, sounds like a deal :) Thank you for always inspiring me to be better!

Just a side note, SERIOUSLY, I never have too much to read. I love every single letter that I get! Whether happy or sad, because I want to really know how people are doing, not just key points of their lives! Share anything and everything you feel comfortable sharing with me :) I know I can't be "there" physically, but I can do everything I can to help! I'll try my best! I've been called to help people for the next two years, so it's my job! :) Sometimes I have a lot to write, but hey, I'll do what I can to deal with it haha just don't stop writing because you think I need less to read. That's the opposite! I love letters :) Also, if anyone wants me to write a letter to a friend they have who could relate to me or needs a pick me up, let me know! I'd be glad to. I might already have some thoughts haha

So, Thanksgiving! It was awesome. Let's see. It started off with a little morning devotional by Elder Holland and his family, then we had a....wait whaaaaaaat?! Elder Holland? Oh yeah, he came to the MTC with his family and put on a program for us haha it was awesome! Here are some key points from his talk, because I wrote too much to share it all!

-Mothers are magical

-We should all be grateful for being born when we were born.

-You have to always at least think you're gonna win!

-All ancient prophets knew they were going to lose, because they knew what was going to happen, but we know that we're going to win!

-We need to stiffen our backs and square our shoulders and get ready to tackle anything that comes our way!

-God knows our names. He helps us individually. He knows our fears, and our tears.

-Do everything that you can, so that maybe just for a second, He doesnt have to be in the wine-vat alone.

It was an incredible devotional! His grandchildren sang and some bore their testimonies, and Elder Holland said to tell our families that he was going to adopt all of us, and to let our families know haha. Don't worry, it was just for the day!

After that, we had Thanksgiving dinner and then started on the Humanitarian project! The MTC put together 4500 Health Kits and 4200 Education Kits to be sent to Mali, Africa. It was awesome! And very similar to my Eagle Project haha but it went smoothly and quickly! It was great to see how people can change lives from anywhere. Anyone could do stuff like this!

Then that night, they handed out popcorn and we watched "17 Miracles". Well sheesh, I already missed my family and my friends on Thanksgiving, and then they bring out a tear jerker movie?! Well, I think we all know how that ended for me. Thank goodness the lights were off.

It was a quite a day! And now, for some news. 6 days. That's how many I have left in this country. I leave December 3 (Next Monday) at 1:30 pm from the MTC, to get on a flight at 5:30 that flies straight to Paris. It's crazy! So the next email you get from me will be from France! Crazy........I'm still wrapping my head around it. Keep your eyes out for letters in the mail, because I'll be sending a bunch before I leave!

I hope you enjoyed this little blog entry haha and that you understood what I was trying to say. If not, then I'm sorry, and I'll make it up to you :) I promise!

Keep being all that Heavenly Father knows you can be!

A la prochaine!

Elder Daniel Anderson

Week Seven: Things Are Getting Real

Bonjour mes amis! Comment allez vous?

I know that once I say this, that I'll probably have a humbling experience, but my French is better than ever! This week it felt like I had a breakthrough and I've been able to speak a lot more and construct sentences in my head a lot better than before. That's what PVL will do to you! (That's French for "Speak Your Language". Thank goodness I didnt have to learn that in Japanese, huh Pops!) My writing isn't really top notch, but speaking is what is most important for missionaries, but I'll continue to work on all aspects of the language, don't worry! Oh, yeah. Scripture study too...haha kidding, of course I'm working on that! Our district set some awesome goals this week, and one of them is to memorize at least one scripture in French chaque jour! (errday) It's been awesome!

Last Tuesday, the Devotional here was given by Elder Bradley D. Foster of the Seventy and his wife. Here are some good quotes and ideas I got from it:

Sister Foster: "For every challenge you have, you'll be blessed. So give a 'yay!' for every blessing!"

Elder Foster: "We have eternity to think and wonder about how we've done and what we've accomplished, so don't waste a minute!"

Then they shared a film that was one of the best church films I've ever watched. I dont know the exact title, but it's called something like "The John Tanner Story". It made me cry my eyes out! Okay, not exactly....but kinda. Shuush. It's about how one man lived the law of consecration, and how he gave everything he could possibly give to help the church and other people. It reminded me a lot of some people in my life that I want to be just like when I'm all grown up. Yes, I just said that. When I'm all grown up haha. Try and find the film! It's incredible! And if you've seen it, share with me what you thought of it!

From the Fireseide here on Sunday I learned "DON'T GIVE AN INCH!" and that it is how to be successful in your mission and in life. Don't make exceptions, no matter how small, and you'll accelerate your improvement. I'm definitely going to be applying that to my studying! And exercise...I won't get into that haha but the speaker (President McIff from the MTC Presidency) also said to remember "The race goes to the steady, not the swift", so it's a learning process. He also said not to tear yourself or others down, but be meticulously building something beautiful. Are you a wrecking ball, or an architect? (To yourself, or others) It's easy to be a wrecking ball, but it takes skill and patience to build something beautiful :) Just food for thought! It all goes back to my analogies that I've made about running in previous posts. It doesn't happen overnight! You have to consistently work hard, and then you'll be the most beautiful person imaginable! :) (I'll work on it too. I have to start somewhere haha)

My district hosted new missionaries coming into the MTC this week! That was a lot of fun! I help host an elder going to Guatemala and a sister going to Wisconsin. It was crazy to relive that day (yet again hahaha) and to see how different people handle it! It also was a realization that I'm among the elders who have been at the MTC the longest, and that I'll be heading to France in just 2 weeks...crazy. Also, they dont bring missionaries into the MTC the day before Thanksgiving, so they had double the usual amount of incoming missionaries last Wednesday. It was hectic!

So. Apparently this last weekend, some friends of mine were in Provo. Not just any friends. Like, my best friends. Say whaaaaat?! Nah, I knew all about it. And guess who else did! Heavenly Father. I had District Leader meetings galore, so I was crazy busy! So, it kept my mind off of all the fun they were having without me a little bit. A little bit. haha I really hope they all had a good time! It's just a little preview of how it'll be when I get back! Having a blast in Utah! Mark my words! haha seriously though, I love you guys and hope you had a blast!

I've got a sore knee from jumping up and swatting shots like crazy in gym, so hopefully that feels better soon! If you're feeling under the weather, I hope you get better soon too! I'm a missionary, so I cant kiss it better, but peut etre plus tard haha

Keep being awesome!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Elder Daniel Anderson

Week Six: Just When I Thought Things Were Getting Easier

So, I've been here at the MTC for a while now. I've liked it my entire time here! My language skills are improving, my testimony has been strengthened everyday, and I can feel the love of my Heavenly Father more than ever! Not to mention, I'm jumping higher than ever and I'm in the best shape of my life! Okay...not really, but I'm trying to stay in shape the best I can! Both spiritually and physically haha.

The title of this is "Just when I thought things were getting easier", so, here is why: I've been made the District Leader. Who would have thought it would change my experience here so much! (Okay, probably everyone but me knew that haha) It's been a trip to say the least. Meetings all the time, checking on people, putting everyone before me. It ain't easy! But it's worth it. I've already seen the blessings from it! It eats into a lot of my personal time haha but I'm still making sure that I have time to write in my journal and to people, don't worry :) I just get the opportunity to help people more than I did before, and I love that!

Sacrament meeting on Sunday was really really nice. The Spirit was so strong and everyone could feel it. I got to pass the sacrament too! It's been many many years (because I'm such an old guy haha) since I last got to do that, and my companion and I loved it! Then, at the end of the meeting, my district sang a special musical number ("Oui, je crois en Christ" and "Dieu soit avec toi jusqu'u revoir"...."I Believe in Christ" and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again"). It was such great experience and such a great way to invite the Spirit. If you sang a special musical number in church on Sunday too, then great minds really do think alike! Or....there's more to it than that :) Plus, my voice really isn't super good, so your singing was probably 1,000x better than mine haha tis the truth! :)

In Sacrament Meeting, Sister Cannon spoke to us about the Spirit and strengthening our testimonies. One thing she said that really hit me was that there is no "Spiritual Insanity" workout or "spiritual shake" that can give us the quick fix to a strong testimony. We have to work hard at it daily! For example, if someone (especially someone like me) decided that they just wanted to go out and run 5 miles, then probably wouldnt be able to do it. I know for a fact that I wouldnt be able to! But, if that person decided to run everyday to help strengthen themselves, and everyday pushed themselves to be better and better, then they WOULD be able to reach a 5 mile run! (Which is incredible. That would beat me by a long shot, that's for sure.) And if that's the best that they've ever done, way to go! Celebrate! If you're able to run 5 miles, then you're looking good, so props to you! ;) That's what I would do haha but then I would have to make sure I kept working hard! We have to do the same thing with our "spiritual muscles". We have to exercise them daily to keep them strong and get stronger, and help the people around us to do the same thing!

One more interesting thing that I learned in church is that God is consistent. Sometimes when we pray for help for big things, we feel like we should be getting a big answer. I know I'm guilty of that! And sometimes a big answer DOES come! But I know that I need to remember that big or small, He will answer our prayers often in the same way. He will bless us with whatever we really need at that moment, because He knows us perfectly and can help us perfectly.

Well, I gotta run. You know, do missionary stuff! But I'm thinking about you all the time and I hope you're doing your best to BE THE BEST.

Never stop improving!

Elder Daniel Anderson

P.S. Some elders in my district were looking at pictures on my camera, and I had to beat them off of someone in some of the pictures. They understood. I made them. BUT, they decided to take a fancy to someone else in the pictures instead, and wrote them. Just a head's up. That's the real story.

P.S. Elder Stobbs says "Hi" haha

Week 5: Where I've Never Gone Before!

Well, I made it! I've been here over a month! Every day is further than I've ever gone! Longer than I've ever done this! Crazy right? Well, it's awesome. I've got a lot to say so bear with me!

I saw Elder Chris Kim a few weeks ago and forgot to mention it! I saw him in the cafeteria and I walked toward him and said "Elder Kim!" and he looked at me like he had no idea who I was haha then he recognized me, but I knew he didnt remember my name, and the first thing out of his mouth was "How old are you?!" hahaha thanks Chris! It was funny though, and then we talked a couple more times before he left haha.

A member of our Branch Presidency is going on a mission! To Paris, France haha him and his wife are super excited! Now he got to trade in his "Brother Harward" tag for an "Elder Harward" tag, so when I saw him and his wife in the cafeteria for the first time I said "So you decided to join the ranks!" and he got a kick out of it haha then he asked me for all the inside info on how my district is doing haha. Then at church on Sunday, after fast and Testimony meeting I was walking by and he said "Salut!" which is the informal way of saying hello in French (Which missionaries dont do too often unless they're good friends) and so I said "Salut" back and we talked for a little bit. He said he was excited to see me in Paris! Him and his wife are super cool!

So this Sunday was Fast Sunday, and so I decided to bear my testimony. So if you decided to bear your testimony this last Sunday too, then great minds think alike! :) And yes, mine was in French. So, I went up there, not 100% sure of what I was going to say, but it went pretty well :)

Here's what I said:

"Bonjour, je m'appel Elder Anderson, l'autre Elder Anderson. Je suis reconnaisant pour cet occasion d'etre ici dans la MTC, parce que nous pouvons apprendre plus choses ici que nous pouvons apprendre aucun autre place. Je sais que l'Eglise de Jesus-Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours est la vraie eglise sur la terre. Je sais que Jesus-Christ a souffert et mouri pour nos peches, et pour nos douleurs, nos afflictions, et nos epreuves aussi. Je sais que si nous nous appuyons en Jesus-Christ, et suivre l'exemple de Jesus-Christ, nous pouvons retourner a Dieu encore. Je sais que Dieu et Jesus-Christ nous aiment. Je sais que Dieu veut nous aide. Je sais que nous sommes ici pour un raison, et nous pouvons etre le meilleur. Au nom de Jesus-Christ, Amen."

I said a few more things, but that was pretty much it. Because I'm typing on a computer without accent keys and I know you'll try to google translate it and it'll get messed up (and because my French is far from perfect haha) I'll translate:

"Hello, my name is Elder Anderson, the other Elder Anderson (There is another Elder Anderson in my district from Rigby, ID). I am grateful for this opportunity to be here in the MTC, because we can learn more here than we can learn any other place. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on the earth. I know that Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins, and for our pains, our afflictions, and our trials too. I know that if we rely on Jesus Christ and follow the example of Jesus Christ, we can return to God again. I know that God and Jesus Christ love us. I know that God wants to help us. I knows that we are here for a reason, and we can be the best. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

That's my testimony and I know it's true :)

In a fireside that someone gave on Tuesday, he told a story about when he was a mission president and some journal entries that an elder shared with him that he says are pretty similar for all missionaries. This is how they went:

Month 1: What am I doing here? How am I supposed to learn a language and like people that I dont even know?!

Month 2: I miss my friends and my mom's cooking. I've been eating mac and cheese for two weeks.

Month 3: Mom you said that you would keep my room exactly the same until I got home! Now my brother has moved into it.

Month 4: Not only has my brother stolen my room, but now he's stolen my girlfriend! 

(Daniel speaking: Yeah I don't think I need to worry about this one haha)

It was a pretty funny story hahaha but he said that we really need to care about the people we teach and really want to help them change! We're going through changes at the same time as they are, so we can help them!

You should study the words to "Did You Think To Pray". It's an amazing song and has been on my mind a lot lately. NO MATTER WHAT, we can always pray! I know in my life, sometimes I don't feel like praying. I feel like I deserve how I feel, or I need to feel how I feel, so I don't ask for help. That's the wrong idea and I learned that!

Sometimes we doubt things. Why things happened a certain way, why they didnt happen a different way, why did they have to happen to me, or why are they happening right now? There are endless examples. Everyone has doubts at some point, it's understandable! One thing I learned in a devotional this week is "When we feed ourselves negative things (meaning negative thought, actions, or speech), then we are inviting Satan into our lives." That hit me like a rock! Sheesh! Now, doubts are understandable, but we need to know how to overcome them! Anyone know the answer? I know you do! Focus on the Savior and you will have happiness. If you focus on all that the Savior has done for you, then you will know that you can, and should be happy! You all know that though, you're better than me!

The tender mercies of the Lord are everywhere! Even if it's just the prompting to send something to someone out of the blue, and it turns out to change their entire week :) Thank goodness for the Spirit!

Be the best you can be everyone! I love you all! And I love all the letters!

Never stop improving!

Elder Daniel Anderson

Week Foe

So, week four. Or "foe". Not like it's an enemy or anything, it must just be the French accent kicking in haha not really, but my French accent is getting even better than it was, if I do say so myself! So, you can all look forward to that! ;) haha

Elder Larry Echo Hawk gave a devotional here last Tuesday! It was so great! He also said that a couple weeks ago he was in Houston! I don't know if any of you knew that, but he was there for a mission conference that involved 3 missions...so pretty big! Anyways, he spoke about trusting in the Book of Mormon. A very interesting topic! Very enlightening too, it made me create some new goals! I'm sure some of you will find out more specifically what they are, but they are about really diving into the book. Elder Echo Hawk told a story of how he used to sleep through priests quorum meetings when he was younger, then someone took him under their wing and helped him become who he is today. First though, he became super good football player (Markus, we should look into this. Haha we could rock some peeps! He was only 165 lbs and played 4 years starting at BYU! haha). He talked a lot about football, so that was exciting to explain to my English companion haha he started to understand it a little. He expressed that the Book of Mormon can change lives. We all know that though, right?? But do we utilize the Book of Mormon for that purpose? "Yeah I read a little in it everyday". He said that was enough! We need to really study it, like we would study at school! It's like I've been taking a "Book of Mormon intro" class my whole life, and for how long I've been taking the class, I don't think I know it as well as I should! So, as a missionary who has to commit people, will YOU commit to reading the Book of Mormon more? And pray about it's truth? Allez-vous lire le Livre de Mormon? Et allez-vous prier savoir la vérité de toutes choses dans le livre? (My French ain't perfect, so don't judge haha)

I was very surprised at how many family members tried to find that poem from last week in French for me! Maybe Elder Holland was wrong...or maybe you didnt search hard enough! I'm just teasing haha it's fine! Maybe after I master the English version, I can tackle the French version haha

Predicament: Here I am, in the MTC (and in San Francisco a couple weeks ago), with my little Canon Powershot ELPH 100HS (just thought I would clarify that hahaha) and guess what. They don't print pictures here at the MTC. Anymore. They used to. I know they did. But now they don't. I will come up with a solution, don't you worry!

I got an awesome package early last week! It was last Thursday! And it had been sent on Monday I think, so that was pretty fast! It had a bunch of pictures and a bunch of reminders from home in it, I loved it! Now I have a picture of Tye Smith, who woulda thunk that I would have a picture on my desk of him! It threw my companion for a loop haha he was a little confused, especially with the pose that Tye is doing haha that picture is hilarious, but it wasnt my favorite one :) Then I got another package from mah Moms! Those ginger snaps were sooo good. My district ate em up like they were...delicious? haha sorry, my english vocab is struggling haha they were so good!

Just a side note, no one, I mean NO ONE, ever think that you are bothering me by writing to me. It doesnt distract me! I'm given an hour at the end of everyday to read them and relax :) So, it's not a problem, they knew I would need that time. And I use it and love it! This poor boy needs them letters!

I hope everyone is rockin the world! Being awesome examples and doing the Lord's will! That's where happiness comes from!

You're all the best! I'm thinking about you!

Elder Daniel Anderson

Troisieme Semaine (Third Week)

You know the best part about being a missionary? Okay, maybe not the best part, but a super great part? Wearing the missionary tag. It's got my name on it! More importantly, it has the name of Jesus Christ (mine actually says Jésus-Christ) on it, which really changes the way you are. Before being on a mission, I honestly thought that it would be a little uncomfortable to be in public and being that upfront about my beliefs. You literally have them posted on your chest! Then I went to San Francisco. What an experience! I even surprised myself! I was more open and interested in talking to people than I was before! I thought it would be difficult, but the Lord strengthened my weaknesses, and showed me that I can do this! Another thing I learned is that not being able to wear my missionary tag is a terrible experience. I love having this tag! I'm so glad I have it! 

As I thought about it though, I should live my life, no matter what, in a way that is like I have a missionary tag on my chest. People should be able to tell that I'm LDS! Just taking off the missionary tag doesnt mean you get to hide and blend into the crowd. You can make a difference, no matter who you are or what your circumstances are! Anyone can invite others to come unto Christ, share their beliefs, do what they know is right. That's something that I've noticed with some of my friends that I have back in Texas. They did what was right and they set a good example for others, even if the situation might be a little awkward. Romans 1:16! Live by it!

We watched a recorded Devotional that was given by Elder Holland years ago, and it was an amazing devotional! One part he mentioned was a poem that basically said

"Come to the edge" he said.

"No I'll fall"

"Come to the edge!" he said.

"No I'll fall"

"Come to the EDGE!" he said.

I went to the edge. He pushed me,

And I flew.

The point of the poem that Elder Holland made was that "Man's extremity is God's opportunity." When we push ourselves to our absolute max, God will know that we have done everything we can, and He will help us reach greater heights. For example, if you were running, and you pushed yourself as hard as you thought you could, and didnt think you could go any further, but then you break through that barrier and get the best run in since the beginning of summer, that's like how God can help us power through our trials and questions that we might have. It's incredible!

The poem is actually a translation from a French poem, so if someone wants to send me the French version that would be awesome!

An interesting note, my district has turned into an acapella group. No joke. We're pretty good too! We get quite a few compliments from around the MTC...never thought I'd be involved in something like that did you?! haha

Also, I got my first handwritten letter yesterday, October 22, 2012. It was a VERY special day! I LOVE all the letters I get, but there is just something about a handwritten letter!

Everyone, keep up the good work. Never stop improving!

Elder Daniel Anderson