Elder Dahlin is doing amazing. Here are some updates on Jason's first 3 weeks.
The first letter we got from him was rough. We assume he wrote it in less than 24 hours of him reporting to the MTC. It had the tone of "what have I gotten myself into." We were all pretty heartbroken to hear how homesick Jason was. What wasn't in the letter was any hint of him wanting to come home. He only wanted to push through his doubts and continue to learn. It was hard to know that Jason was really struggling, but there was so much comfort knowing that he was going to be okay and overcome the doubts he was having.
The second letter was a night and day different from the first. He had settled into his surroundings and began to truly embrace what he has committed to do. We were so comforted knowing that he was being comforted and was really feeling the Spirit and embracing what he's learning about the Gospel. It was funny, because he was complaining that he hadn't learned Spanish yet (this was two letters in). He just wants to learn so much and has such drive to understand Spanish.
Over the last 3 weeks, I have seen such a change in my brother. I can't get through a letter without crying because I feel the Spirit so strongly when I read what he has to say. Jason is having amazing Spiritual experiences in the MTC and has been humbled by the Spirit. He's embracing the Gospel and has grown so much. I'm so inspired by him.
If anyone knows Jason's journey to getting on a mission, you can understand why the little details are so important to our family. Sometimes I think, "is this really my brother writing these things?!" I'm so impressed by him. Every little detail, no matter how simple, is the biggest thing to our family. We miss him so much, but wouldn't want him anywhere else right now.
The scripture Jason chose for his mission is from Alma 26:12 in the Book of Mormon:
Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
He's such an inspiration. I love that kid so much.
Elder Dahlin was supposed to leave for the Colombia MTC last Tuesday, but their visas got messed up, so he will be in the Provo MTC for a few weeks longer.
Keep sending him love! dearelder.com is the best because the MTC does same day delivery to the missionaries if you send the letter by 12 noon mountain time.
Click on the "Write a Letter" tab at the top
In the drop-down box, click on "Provo MTC" and then "Write a Missionary"
Enter your information and Jason's
Message me here if you still don't have his information.
Love you guys!
