My God is a God of miracles. I'm grateful for that. November 24th, 2011

Dear good people of the United States,

What a great day it is! We have so much to be grateful for! Some days I feel as though I have more to be grateful for than anyone else because I am obviously God's favorite daughter.

Joke not blasphemy.

I want to tell you a story about a girl. A wonderful, wonderful Czech girl with orange hair and colorful clothes. We'll call her K. (ma, your note definitely reminded me of this--I'm SO SO happy for them!!)

When K was a young teenager and recovering from anorexia, she first met the sister missionaries. She loved the light they brought into her life and felt a big change in herself and was, after a few month baptized.

When I first arrived in Prague, at least 5 years later, all I heard of her was that she was considering leaving the Church and wasn't feeling comfortable there. We were able to meet with her once, when she said she'd let my companion teach her to help with her Czech. We met with her more often the next transfer and it seemed to be a little bit of a roller coaster--for a while I was afraid our meetings made things worse. And then last transfer, all on her own, she just started coming to church on Sundays. At first she came with some friends in the branch. Then she came even when none of her friends were there. Then she began staying for all three hours. Last night, another girl in the branch, her best friend, received a mission call to the London South mission (she'll be in the Provo MTC Feb 4th!). I walked in on her family and K, and K's longtime boyfriend and some other friends, all talking about it while she was talking to President Irwin and K looked like she'd been pretty emotional, but happy. Last night K sent us a text asking us to teach her boyfriend about the gospel next week. She wrote that she knew she needed to change something in their relationship but she didn't know how.

How's that for a miracle??

I really love that girl. I love how life seems to be a progression of tiny miracles that we hardly even notice. I'm sure one day we'll look back on our lives and the people we've become and say, Man, I'm some kind of miracle!

Another miracle: met a man from New York. I really have forgotten what American people are like. Teaching him was unlike any other lesson I've taught on my mission. He was so open, said he really respected the life styles we lead and felt as though he was in the presence of three angels, we were that wholesome (we invited another American member to join us). He prayed at the end of the lesson (in the upper level of KFC) and we all felt so good after the meeting that he was disappointed when we told him we had to go and wanted to meet with us again the very next day.

Furthermore: we held a FHE for single adults last night. Yesterday morning I sent out a mass text about it to all the people in our branch that might be interested. One member had 2 different numbers in the phone, so I just sent it to both. Maybe 30minutes later one of his numbers called me back, except it was a woman. A woman who didn't know anything about the Church. But she asked me more about the activity and told me she couldn't come that night, but would like to come another time--she said she was looking for a place to go to church (and when she said 'go to church' she used the verb for go that means 'to go often and or regularly') and asked if we sing.

I know, right?

This was all yesterday. It's so incredible: after nearly 3 weeks of very little to show for our work, amongst other difficulties, I found myself on Tuesday night crying a little as I fell asleep and asking Heavenly Father what more I needed to do. I hardly slept. And yesterday I fell asleep crying out of sheer gratitude and amazement--I hardly slept because I was so overjoyed.

The car sounds great. Thank you SO MUCH for doing that.
And I'm SO SO glad that Chris and Corey will be in Boise.

Life is pretty neat, isn't it?

S laskou,
Sestra Dean

The Lord commanded us to be of good cheer and it's probably the commandment we break the most."--J.R. Holland (November 19th, 2011)

Pictures:

1. Our display at the concert--all about Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon. We had a huge picture of Christ visiting the Nephites and the Book of Mormon in 12 or so different languages. Also had copies of The Living Christ for people to take.

2. Sister Bean and I and our new daughters, Sister Smith and Sister Dolinar.

Hello my dears!

I am so grateful for all your emails this week. You guys are just the best. :)

We've seen a lot of little miracles this week. And we've seen a lot of little Satancles.

I won't lie, this area has never been super happening since I've been in Prague. The missionaries here always work really hard, but it's seemed to be an area of learning and growth for the missionaries here. So we've begun our time here with a LOT of phone calls and a LOT of contacting--a little bit of a throwback for me to the days of blinding in to Ostrava. I've grown so used to just contacting when a meeting falls through and when I'm in the metro. We've been really fortunate to set up a lot of meetings with people that we've called or met, however it seems that 90% of those have fallen through. And many of the people we've had meetings with haven't been completely willing to hear our message--more trying to disprove it or debate it. HOWEVER.

We did meet the most prepared person I've maybe ever met in the past year and a half. Her name is Jana. She was raised as a __________ but has been disappointed by the 'fruits'of the _________ church. She's asked herself what Christ's church would really look like. We taught her the whole Restoration on the spot. When we began speaking of a living prophet today she told us that he must be a really inspired and wonderful person. And she asked us where she could go to buy the Book of Mormon--she's just looking for people who don't try to change the doctrines in the scriptures to fit the things that appeal to them. Great right? We were really stoked to meet with her. We called her the day before our meeting and asked her if she had any questions about the pamphlet she read and she thanked me at least three times for calling. But the next day something happened--we waited for a half hour (way longer than we normally wait) but she never came. And her phone has been off for the past 3 days. We really hope she is okay.

However. God turns moments like this into opportunities. The member that was with us suggested that we say a prayer. So we did. Just after that, a CHINESE man approached us and asked for change for a 100-crown bill in great English. As the member searched her purse, we began telling him that we talk to people about Jesus Christ. He told us he works at the embassy here, but that more and more people are interested in him in China and that he'd like to talk with us. This all happened in maybe 3 minutes. So we're hoping that Li Hang will have a friend soon. :)

I went to a leadership training this week. I've been thinking a lot about what great leaders do that make people listen to them. I've been so impressed by King Benjamin's great impact on his people lately--how he taught them the consequences of their actions and led them to do great things by working alongside them and expecting great things of them. Man, the scriptures are so cool.

Ma, the concert was wonderful. I suppose the greatest miracle was that Sister Bean, who typically suffers from severe performance anxiety and has never successfully performed since she was 12 or so, overcame it. That was half of the reason we wanted to do it--to help her. During the first two songs it was a little shaky, but it was arranged in a way that she couldn't just give up--she had to continue playing. And she played through it and played beautifully. I'm not sure how many referrals we got total from it, but we got two phone numbers as well as made contacts with several friends of members. And it seems that lately members have been more excited to trust us with their friends and family.

Also: just met a less-active member here named Linda yesterday. It almost immediately felt like we were old friends. She's obsessed with geneology however, and agreed to let us help her prepare to go to the temple. And said we could meet her husband and talk with him about the gospel as well. Cool? I think so.

Everyone, I love you so much. Thank you for your prayers, we feel them.

S laskou,

Sestra Dean

P.S.'s

Smelly--the ARMY? What?! Do I need to start doing more pushups in the mornings?...

Binkyhead/Sis Wheeler/Jocelyn Heinzen??--Your picture is absolutely beautiful! I'm so happy for you! I think of you all the time now--it's almost like I'm in the position you were in when we served together and it's really interesting and weird--you handled it really well. I try to make myself be like you when it gets too weird. (I don't know if I ever told you this, but I found that other angel mug in the dejvicka apartment and remembered the story you told me and used it almost every day.) You are just so wonderful. I do know Hilary--not only did we go to Jerusalem together, but we also worked together! She's really great. Of COURSE I binkyhead everyone. I have yet to hear President Irwin say it though...

Ma and Daddio--you two are just wonderful. I don't even deserve you. I thank Heavenly Father for you every night. :) I'll be praying for your talk, Dad.

So I lied. It's Saturday and I'm emailing - November 12th, 2011

What did the Buddhist Monk say to the hot dog vendor?

Make me one with everything.


This is a joke that my new, awesome greenie told me. Her name is Sis Clare Smith and she's from Arizona, where they farm alfalfa, make goat cheese and breed people (7 kids). We had a class together at BYU--venturing outdoors leadership. She studied art history. She also taught art to elementary school kids. She's really really funny and really really brave--she just kind of throws herself into contacts and lessons and it's really impressive.

Sister Bean, Sister Anderson and I are ALL training. We are still in Prague, however we've been blinded into a formerly Ëlder-owned area. Usually thriving areas aren't blinded in. So there's quite a bit of contacting and finding to do. Sister Bean and her new companion are taking over the Dejvicka area and, for the two weeks when I'm not here they will try to manage two areas with Sister Smith's help. They just began this new training program this transfer which is pretty intense--TWO hours of comp study. You probably read when Beks mentioned this in her email. It's really new and slightly intimidating and important and I feel really blessed that the Lord is entrusting me with it.

I don't have a lot of time but yesterday Sis Smith wanted to contact the only family on the tram. And we did. And they ate it all up. And we are meeting with them on Monday. I can already tell that we are going to see lots of miracles this transfer.

And yes the concert was fabulous.
And yes, coming home after Christmas was my decision. Don't be mad, we shall have an eternity of Christmases together. :)
My goal is to be spending Christmas with a new convert. Pray for us. :)

I love you!

Sestra Dean

New Package and Letter Mailing Procedures

If any readers are planning to send Christmas greetings/packages to Ashley, please note the following NEW guidelines:

LETTERS should be sent to:

Církev Ježíše Krista Svatých Posledních Dnů
Sister Ashley Dean
Badeniho 1
160 00 Praha 6
Czech Republic

(Her name should NOT be on the first line, or it will not be delivered).

-----------------------------------------------------

PACKAGES should be sent to the following address, WITHOUT ASHLEY'S NAME ON THEM:


Církev Ježíše Krista Svatých Posledních Dnů
Badeniho 1
160 00 Praha 6
Czech Republic

ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE PACKAGE, WRITE THE NUMBER 1158 IN LARGE PRINT (this will indicate to the mission office that the package goes to Ashley).

Please see the info below sent by the Czech Mission, for other details regarding packages sent to the mission office:


**VERY IMPORTANT**
You might have noticed that when sending packages to your missionary that there seems to be a line missing, the one that includes their name. DO NOT WRITE THE MISSIONARY'S NAME ON THE PACKAGE. Rather, when your missionary comes into the Prague Mission, they will be assigned a 4-digit number. When you would like to send a package to your missionary, you will write the address as shown above and then write the assigned 4-digit number, that we give your missionary, on the bottom right hand corner of the package. When a package comes to the Mission Home, we will simply look on the package and at our list that corresponds each 4-digit number to each missionary’s name.

~ Regulations regarding the value of packages mailed from outside of the European Union:

(1)The total value of the items within the package must be LESS THAN 28 DOLLARS. If you need to send more than that amount, split it into separate packages.
(2)The number you write on the box that declares the value of the items contained, must be LESS THAN 28 DOLLARS
(3) Make sure that you DO NOT write the value of anything in the box as 0 dollars. Everything has value.

It is difficult to claim packages that are sent as follows:
• Not abiding by the above rules about package value
• Fed-Ex or UPS
• Insured

If we receive a package as listed above, it may be delayed for a month or more! There will probably be a duty charged for at least the amount of the value of the contents, or it may never be delivered.

It is best to send packages regular air mail or in a Priority Flat rate International box or envelope that you purchase at the post office. Packages may be sent DHL, but just be warned, it’s very expensive. Keep it simple. We receive most packages within a couple of weeks and in good shape if they are labeled and sent properly. --Czech Mission Office


Thank you,

The Dean Family

The Penultimate Week - November 5th, 2011

So.
The concert is today. I just know it will be so, so good. I'm so excited. We have displays set up about the Book of Mormon, and families, and prophets, and service that the Church does, and about our English classes. And all these wonderful people are inviting everyone they know--pray for us to find people who are interested in learning more! Life will be a little different without this thing to prepare for, but it may be somewhat of a relief. Earlier this week it started to seem like things were falling apart, however...

Sister Bean got sick. Yes, the star of our show caught bronchitis. We had an interesting trip to the doctor's office. Let me tell you a thing or two I've learned about socialized health care since I've been here--it's no good. Vubec(that means not at all). When I talked to the nurse on the phone she told us to come in at 9:30, but that the doctor we had requested wouldn't be in the office at all. When we arrive, there's this life of people waiting. After a few minutes we catch on, and Sis Bean joins the end of it and eventually gives the nurse at the desk her information. Then she comes to sit with us while she waits. A few people go in and out, and then the doctor comes and says, 'Miss Bean'. So Sis Bean starts to stand up, but a random woman sitting on the other side of me jumps to her feet first and jets into the doctor's room and he doesn't even bat an eye. We all looked around at each other in amazement for a bit and kind of laughed because we didn't know what else to do. A short while later she came out and left without paying or anything. I don't know, perhaps they will bill her or something. Then the doctor came out again and Sister Bean stood again, but another woman from who-knows-where ran into the room before she could get there. This time we just burst into laughter because there wasn't anything else to do. After this, Sis Bean got into a pretty impressive ready position and carefully watched the door, ready to sacrifice her poor little lungs in order to be next. When the doctor came out, she jumped to her feet--but the doctor told us that it was now time for patients with an appointment, and that he'd try to squeeze her in some other time. And all this time we saw the very doctor that wasn't supposed to be in the office at all, walking in and out of rooms. Ha.

But Sister Bean's better and everything will be okay.

Actually, no one here celebrates Halloween, just the people to know Americans.

Other than that, our week's been a little rough. So many people cancelling on us. One of our 'golden' investigators has taken a 180 and continues to blow us off for his work. Very few people wanted to talk with us, even though we didn't waste a second and approached everyone we could. Satan's working hard. But usually the hardships come just before the breaking of the dawn, and I believe the sun will shine brightly tonight.

We have been using the Book of Mormon Ensigns like crazy for our investigators. They're so wonderful. Gotta love the Church.

Li hang's amazing. So focused, and excited to go on a mission. He wrote all of the missionaries a letter about his conversion, and had someone translate it recently. I've never met a recent convert that understands the gospel so well. He's just so cool, I'm obsessed.

Cool story: this is how much influence one person/family can have (Dad, feel free to share this). This wonderful old couple in our branch is so great about missionary work. He's the former branch president and counselor to the mission president, she's suffering from cancer, and he just had a hernia removed. But they invited us over and this completely inactive young man, who hasn't been to church for maybe 10 years. Really, honestly 10 years. They knew him from when Brother Canek was branch president. He is about my age and his name is Lukas. Well, we missed our bus connection to get out there, so we were pretty late. And Lukas, the young man, was even later. By the time we got there and he got there, we had about 6 minutes to share a spiritual thought. Fastest lesson of my life. But afterwards we invited him to sports day with us and he promised he would come. That was all, probably 2 minutes of direct conversation. He came. Then he came to FHE. Then we had a meeting with him. Then he came to Sports Day again. Tomorrow he's coming to church for the first time in 10 years. That's all it takes, people--2 MINUTES is enough. There are people who are just waiting to be invited to do something, to change something in their lives. Don't miss a single opportunity.

Transfers next week--I'll find out tomorrow. I'd love to stay, I know something exciting will happen if I go, it'll all be wonderful no matter what. Love you all so much!

s laskou,

Sestra Dean

Sister Laws--there is a big scandal about you having a bridal shower going around the mission! What the--??

Rose Bud Thorn: No stress, God Does His Own Work - October 27th, 2011

Last night as we were waiting on the metro to head home, my compy doo Sister Andy Pandy (haha--thank President for that one) looked at me expectantly and said: 'Rose thorn bud.'
Uhhh--what?
This is what it means:

Rose (best part of the week): Meeting with Tonda. We invited him to read the Book of Mormon every day for at least 10 minutes. He told us that 10 minutes wasn't nearly enough time--that he could read for at least 20 minutes each day. :)

Thorn (worst part of the week): [Readers: THE BULK OF THE THORN EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN OMITTED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT!!!] . . . However, this thorn also has a rose. Somehow it all worked out. God does what He wants. Afterwards one told us that he'd bring his friends next week. Another asked when church started on Sunday. Everyone wanted to come back. I love that God is totally in charge--I wouldn't have it any other way.

Bud (something you're looking forward to): THE CONCERT IS NEXT WEEK!!! WOOO! All this transfer's hard work culminates in this, the penultimate week of the transfer. Woop. Pray for us. :)

Also: Li Hang's been having a bit of trouble. His family's thinking of leaving to go back to China. He had a lot of anxiety over whether he should return with them or not--there, he'd be with family, but without the Church, here, he'd be with the Church, but he'd have to find a job, and the only jobs he qualifies for here are really demanding and low-paying. All week he told us he had a 'bad mood'. But yesterday we met with the Skype Elders. He was happy because he finally made up his mind to stay and to prepare for a mission. He received his answer from reading in the Book of Mormon. He said that the Church could be like his new family. On Tuesday he will have a Skype interview with the branch president to get the priesthood.
Awesome.

Yes, Ma. The mission stories in the Book of Mormon mean everything to me as a missionary. Alma 26 is perhaps my favorite chapter in the entire book. We always discuss them and analyse them and try to emulate the great missionaries of the Book of Mormon. As I've been reading this transfer I've been marking the ways we can apply the atonement in our lives. It's always repentance. And the things we must do to prepare ourselves to repent, like humbling ourselves. What a beautiful thing repentance is! What a beautiful message of the gospel--that everyone can change and grow and be better. I love that.

Please don't send a box. This is all I want: a copy of the conference Ensign. And I want you all to read it before you send it and mark your favorite parts in it and write why you like that part so much. Then it will be like a letter and scripture all in one. That's all. And that will fill me for the holidays. :)

I lurve you!

s laskou,

Sestra Dean

P.S. I DID see a picture of Mike and Brandi's kids--I just got it yesterday! MY, what good cousins I have. Thanks. :)

And I almost cried when I heard about Michelle's pumpkin. Stinky kids.

Molls/Beks: sometimes when it gets around Halloween time I just can't help but think to myself: I wonder what NieNie's mantle piece looks like this year.

This Is Who I've Become . . ." October 22nd, 2011

Street Contacting

Our pday thus far: THREE hours (and then some) cleaning out our apartment. Yes, it's been in missionary hands for quite some time now. But my, oh my--it felt SO GOOD. THEN (best part) we watched the first part of this TV documentary made by BYU about the Bible and how it's come to be the Bible we know and love today. Loads of information about William Tyndale and John Wycliff and Martin Luther and the lot. As silly as this sounds, I think it was the most action-packed movie I've seen in the past year and a half. And I loved every minute of it. Ha. My life is so great.

More on Li Hang (the entire mission is becoming obsessed with him, no joke--President can't stop talking about him and neither can we) :
Weird things keep happening to make him late for our meetings. It's really interesting. He was never very late to meetings before, but in the last few weeks Satan has been working to keep him from meetings, I think. Last week a man who promised to drive him home from the doctor's so he could make it in time to our meeting just changed his mind. Yesterday he was stopped by the police and he didn't have his visa on him, so they made him get it and show it to him. From what I know, that doesn't happen very often. I really believe that this guy is intended to do great important things. He is so determined to become a missionary and share the gospel with others. We gave him "Preach My Gospel" in Chinese this week and he's already begun studying it. Apparently he was reading it on a tram and a man (probably drunk) came and yelled at him and tried to close the book so he couldn't read it. And yet he's always so happy.

Speaking of the musical number at his baptism... we practiced it the morning of at the church building, with a last minute idea of throwing and Elder with his guitar in. President sat there, giving us his opinion. He told us that it was too slow and kind of sad sounding when we sang it without the guitar. Of course, he's the supreme authority as far as baptisms go, so we laughed about it and kept the guitar. But really, who would call "I'm a Child of God" a sad song? Reflective, maybe, but never sad.

However. A few days ago we went to visit a member family and promote our whole concert bring-a-friend campaign. We sang with their children beforehand--I Am a Child of God, every Primary child's favorite, right? However, their 2-year-old daughter burst into tears in the middle of the third verse. They told us that they sing with her a lot, but usually more lively songs--ones that aren't quite so sad. Haha. Needless to say, we quickly abandoned the song and shared our message. :)

We've been teaching a young man named Tonda lately. He's 25, but a financial advisor and initially comes across very business-like. The more we meet with him, the more he surprises me with his sincerity and goodness. We began talking about prophets and the plan of salvation this week after taking him to our Young Single Adult Family Home Evening. Afterwards we gave him the talk "The Three Rs of Choice" from President Monson to read. In the next meeting we asked him if he had any questions about it and he told us no--rather, he'd had questions and found answers in it! Answers to his personal life dilemmas. I love seeing other people come to understand the power and importance of prophets! It's so true! I really know that President Monson has been called of God--that he's been working on developing that relationship with God his entire life and that his heart is in the right place in order to receive guidance for the good of all mankind. As are all the apostles. How cool are our lives, that we are able to teach people about this?
Tonda also agreed to be baptized on December 3rd. :)

Everyone, life is just so perfect. We had specialized training on Friday and talked about setting and reaching worthwhile goals and about how AWESOME Preach My Gospel is. I love this stuff. I love that being a disciple of Christ is something that is forever.

And I love you.

Sestra Dean


Hey Ma. You're the greatest. Isn't sister Stratton just absolutely wonderful? I'm not so sure about housing. It's true, it's stuff I'd rather not think about too much...I trust you.

Sestro Laws--oh my--LOVED your email! Isn't is just so refreshing? Haha, good thing we practiced that out. Although my curiousity is very much piqued...who?? I want to hear about Lumir asayfato (as soon as you find anything out).

Molls--get this: my companion (Sister Emily Anderson) was dance partners with Jared Kelson. How weird. Your letter was like a soap opera and I'm kind of hooked. I can hear the gossip girl narrator now...

BEST. DAY. EVER. October 15, 2011

WAAHHHH!

Okay, so I don't have a ton of time because I think I'm supposed to sign up for classes.
Buuuuutttttt--I have a few more miracles to add to the story of Li Hang:

1) Yesterday Elder Foong flew in from England with his mom. Today he baptized Li Hang.
2) Normally when they give people visas for England they only give it to them for 24 months exactly, no more, no less. However, somehow there was a mistake made and people had accidentally given Elder Foong a 25-month visa, which allowed him to extend for 3 weeks, which allowed him to teach/at all even meet Li Hang.
3) In order to travel anywhere else before going home as a missionary, one must get permission from people high up. Apparently the man in charge of this was a mission president in Malaysia (where Elder Foong is from) and was so ecstatic about it all that he approved it as soon as he heard about it.
4) When we first talked about him coming to baptize Li Hang, Elder Foong wasn't so sure. He prayed about coming, but didn't feel great about waiting until the 29th to come out here--a lot of extra money, you know. So he decided to try and ask us if we could move it up the next time we met. Meanwhile, we had already decided to move it up without talking to him. The next time we met, we informed him that we had moved the date to the exact date that he had hoped it would be in order for him to come.

I don't understand it all, but God has worked SO MANY miracles to get Li Hang baptized and to make it a really special experience for him. Someday he will be the first stake president in China.

The baptism was really beautiful--and in three different languages--English, Czech and Chinese. Sister Anderson read a talk that Elder Foong translated into Chinese. We sang "I am a Child of God" in three verses, one in Chinese, one in English, one in Czech. It was really wonderful. I never expected anything like this to happen on my mission in the Czech Republic. How great life is!

Also:
Yes, I have heard from Petr Bandik. He's doing really well--he just wrote me today in fact. I'll forward it to you. It's almost been a year since he was baptized.

One more random thing: I forgot to tell you. At a singing display a few weeks ago (you saw pictures of me contacting at it last week) I happened to meet someone really interesting. I stopped him in Czech and he told me he didn't speak English. Our conversation was a little like this:

'Prosim vas.'
'I don't speak English.'
'Oh, where are you from?'
'The United States.'
'Me too! Where in the United States?'
'Idaho.'
'ME TOO!'
'Really? Where in Idaho?'
'Boise.'
'Me too!'
'Well, actually it's a city right next to Boise--Meridian.'
'ME TOO! I went to Eagle High School.'
'Me too!'
'Are you lying to me?'
'No, no, one of my teachers was Ms. Taylor!'
'Oh my....'......

I know, right? He was teaching English there. He graduated a few years before me but apparently had a younger brother a year younger than me. He's not a member. I can't quite remember his name, but he's teaching English here. I couldn't get his contact because he had to run to catch a tram. How weird. I've been praying that I'll see him again.

Oh: favorite talk: about the Book of Mormon by Tad Callister. Everything I've ever wanted to tell anyone about my favorite book.

Life is gooooooooood. :)

Love you all.

Sestra Dean

Smelly: You're so grown up, it's weird. If I ever get a real p day I'll write you sometime.

Beks: Yes, I learned "I am a Child of God" in your language. I thought about you while I learned it. Ching chang chong.

Amando: Oh MY, that sounds like a party. No kaja...yet.

Holler: Future Missionaries of the ROC - October 8th, 2011

Great news, ladies and gents!

Li Hang's baptism has been moved up--to this Saturday, the 15th of October--because he is just so prepared! One of the elders that have been teaching him, Elder Fong (from Malaysia, amazing teacher, speaks perfect English with a perfect American accent except for the fact that sometimes he calls a lesson a 'teach'--not sure why) will end his mission this Thursday. His mom will fly up to England that day to pick him up and tour around a little and THEN he will fly to Prague to baptize Li Hang and then confirm him in Chinese the next day! It's such a miracle.

Today we watched General Conference. We set up a private little room with Chinese for Li Hang. He came in a SUIT (he's never owned/wore one before in his life--finding the perfect suit has been a work in progress for a few weeks now), and he came with questions, to which he hoped to receive answers during conference. I have never been more amazed by an investigator. He looked like a little missionary today. And he's been inviting all sorts of people to activities and to church and giving away copies of the Book of Mormon. We discovered during one of our Skype sessions, that there is a place here in Prague where Christian Chinese gather together and worship (or something to that effect). Apparently it is huge--like, really huge. He claimed that hundreds of people were there. And there he began explaining to his friend about the Book of Mormon he wanted to give him. Someone official noticed and asked him to come up in front of everyone and explain to them all what the difference between that book and the book they use (the Bible) was. So he got up and shared his feelings about the Book of Mormon in front of hundreds of people, no big deal. How cool is that??

Sis Bean, Sis Anderson and I may be learning "I am a Child of God" in Chinese for the baptism. We'll see how that goes.

(By the way, Sis Anderson plays the piano, not the violin.)

We're staying really busy and really blessed. If I didn't wake up tireder each morning than I did the day before, I really think I could stay a missionary forever. :) Wasn't conference just wonderful? I've set a personal goal to get more into geneology next year. Thanks Elder Bednar (who has Czech ancestors--I see his last name on doors when I'm contacting all the time here).

One other quick miracle I almost forgot. We randomly met this American couple from DC in a small grocery store by the church. We found out that they know some American members in the branch because they all work at the American embassy together. Well, the American family invited us and them over for dinner when they learned about it (this is a family we challenged to pray from missionary experiences and who has really been praying hard--look how it works!) and now they are coming to conference tomorrow! Woo!

I love you all.

S laskou,

Sestra Dean

Dean. Close. Mouth. October 1st, 2011

Pix:
1. The district.
2. Us and Li Hang after a fab Skype sesh.
3. Our church building, which used to be a favorite pub in these parts. Sometimes I meet people who are still upset about that.


Hello my little lovelies,

This week has been UNreal. Let me just tell you how un the real has been:

So. As we've been preparing for this concert on Nov 5th, it's taken at least an hour each day for practice time. Not so terrible, because it gives us time to be in touch and call everyone we need to call. However, I could maybe see myself or someone else saying that it's not the best use of time.

HOWEVER...The Lord has been sending us a very clear message that this is what He wants. We have been SO busy and SO blessed ever since we've begun preparing for this concert. On Tuesday we went contacting for 2 hours as part of a district thing--the only time we've had to go contacting has been during district finding opportunities. In the space of 2 hours we set up FOUR meetings and ended the day with a total of TWELVE phone numbers. Can you believe this?? I don't know if that means anything to you. A very average decent day would probably yield a number every 20 to 30 minutes or so. But God is with us. Yesterday we were so busy that we had to organize three splits so we could make it to all our meetings.

Li Hang is progressing very well--he's told the missionaries in England about 15 or so friends he's been talking to about the church. He keeps telling me how he must study for one year and then he will be a missionary too. He's just amazing. I can really see the light the gospel has brought into his life, even though he can't explain it to me in Czech very well.

The subject line comes from a meeting we had with one girl--a referral from a less active member (his girlfriend--there will be a bit of teaching to do before she really understands how that relationship should be). Her name is Misa and she's really funny and speaks a bit of English, however it's not completely fluent. Her boyfriend, William, is from Nigeria. While we were teaching, his uncle and friend came over, also from Nigeria. They began speaking some crazy foreign language--I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was. Then Misa told me that it was English, however they shorten all their words so it becomes some incomprehensible version of English (i.e. 'believe me' becomes 'bei me'--amazing). After she told me that, I was at once fascinated, and without thinking began trying to pick out words...until she said, 'Dean. close. mouth.' and then I realized that I was staring at people I didn't know with my mouth ridiculously agape.

Misa, along with two other miracles, Vlastik (I've written about him before) and Sergey (a former that we called--is REALLy looking for answers in life and really feels the spirit) are all preparing for baptism along with Li Hang. We'll see how it goes. It's so humbling to see how God just does what He wants with our days when we are willing to follow His direction.

Companions are still amazing. This is how cool Sister Bean is: she grew up listening to classical music. So much so, that when she was little she thought that rock music was short for Rachmananov. Did I tell you this already? I can't get over it. And Sister Anderson just serves her guts out. So we all make a fun little group.

And that's probably all I have time for. Love ya!

Sestra Dean

P.S. Enjoy GC for me!


Collins Huish--Please teach me how to fly fish. Thank you.

Beks--No dice. Pres has fallen in love with these English missionaries. But if you could send someone down here who might be able to baptize and confirm in Chinese, we would all be much obliged.

Only 3 more times!! September 24th, 2011

Hello lovelies,

This week has been splendid, as always. I am learning a lot, as always. It seems that the closer I get to the end, the more I have to learn. This seems quite contrary to logic, but it's happening to me. Because of this concert, Sister Bean and Sister Anderson are practicing for at least an hour each day. Because my musical talents pale in comparison, I have become the designated caller (I almost wrote call girl, but I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea...). This means that I sit and make calls, setting up meetings, following up on commitments, arranging things for the concert and asking members to help us with investigators. I am learning from this that real love and charity not only serves, but supports and appreciates. When you really love a person you can do everything possible to make someone else look good without needing to draw attention to yourself. I suppose the very most prideful part of me needed to learn this about charity. About the joy that comes of making others shine without needing to shine myself. As Christ did, when He, in every instance, indicated that He was merely doing the will of the Father. How rad is He?
Learning is good.

Li Hang is still the light of our lives over here. It is incredible to me how we are able to communicate and laugh together with the language barriers. In lessons lately he's been asking things like, "What happens to people when they die without learning about the gospel?' and 'What are the mysteries of God contained in the brass plates?" and "I will have to go back to China in three years or so where there is no Church--what will I do?" and "Do you have to know everything to go on a mission? Can I be a missionary too?" He told me yesterday that he loved reading about the commandments in the Gosple Principles book because he didn't know about them before. And he likes reading about eternal families because his "heart wants one", as he translated for me on his iphone.

He also wrote on his iphone yesterday that Sister Anderson was like a "Harry Potter speech teacher action" because she was talking so fast. Yes, there are some instances in which we still can't understand each other, no matter how well google translator seems to work. Haha.

I like what you wrote about joy, Dad. I see Satan trying so hard to diminish the joy that we have because he knows how it has such a great effect on the people around us--he encourages us to see our flaws, to become discouraged from rejection, to think that it's our fault things don't go the way we want them to and tries to make us forget that other people have their agency to do as they please, regardless of how good and sincere we are. But when we can learn to recognize those tactics he has, we can learn that true joy comes from something within. It comes from knowing God, and thus knowing oneself and striving to become like God. So many people here think they are happy because they live without a major crisis in their lives or because they are healthy. Oh that I were an angel!

The more missionary work I do, the more I am convinced of each person's divine potential and God's great role in creating something beautiful from each of us. So many people I have met lately say that as long as we are good, kind people with a lot of love then it doesn't matter what else we do or what else we believe. The longer I live, the more I am convinced that God does not merely want good and nice people. He won't stop at that because He loves us far too much. He wants us to be good and nice, as well as honest and sincere, and just and brave and charitable and gracious and generous--the list could go on and on. He won't stop giving us opportunities to change and grow until we have become as He is. And that is what the gospel does for us. It gives us a pattern to live after, and He gives us the opportunities to apply them into our lives and change ourselves.

Also:
Dad--there's a new senior couple here and the man lived in Palmer, Alaska. He was actually converted and baptized there in his twenties. Alan Curtis...would you know any people from there?

Ma--do you know when I'll have to sign up for classes?? I love you. Thanks for the Ensign quotes. I'm sorry I put you through all that prom dress stuff. Ugh. I'll be praying for you, but you might get a few gray hairs anyway--I can only do so much. For some reason the attach button isn't working, so no pictures today.

This work is really the most wonderful thing on the planet! I'm so grateful and humbled to be a part of it. I love you all so much!

S laskou,
Sestra Dean


Staisha Stratton-- I don't know how often you look at this guy, but I have been thinking about you nonstop this week. I could squish you to death I love you so much. Please be healthy and be my friend. Okay thanks. Bdofml (best day of my life). :)

Tiffany--congratulations again on the baby--it sounds close! When is it coming? Oh please oh please oh PLEASE let it have red hair. By the way, I saw a woman with PERFECT Anne of Green Gables hair the other day...if I hadn't been singing I would have whipped out my camera for sure.

Courty--How's the reading list coming lady? Serial killers/missionaries?

Any Beechers that exist--I had a horrible dream about you two nights ago. I hope you all live.

Beks--DP dance party, don't forget to dance it out. :) Lurve.

Smelly Danielley,

I thought I wrote you back...Didn't I? Now I can't remember. Life is all jumblesdfaplkmafa. sometimes. I want to hear about the following things:

1. Alaska
2. Homecoming
a, dress
b, Nate Clark
c, day date

3. Soccer


I would write you more, but I think it'd help if you gave me a few questions. Sometimes I can't figure out what's interesting to normal people and what's only interesting to missionaries.

Love,

Harry Sestra

The Fruit Fly Wars, laughing our heads off, a little Dvorak, and everything Skypenese - September 17th, 2011

Just Your Average, Everyday Skype Session


Moon Cakes from Li Hang

Oh my, what a delicious week it's been!

Li Hang's experience at church was basically him reading from a Chinese Gospel Principles book wherever we told him to read. The amazing part is that he liked it and wants to come again.

So let me tell you what happens when your mission president catches wind of miracles on the verge of happening. They EXPLODE. President Irwin heard about Li Hang. And of course he decided to fish with whatever it was that he heard... He called up his buddy, the mission president of the London South mission, who informed him that they just so happened to have an incredible Chinese speaking missionary who was scheduled to fly home on Wednesday, but had extended for 3 more weeks because his mom wanted to come pick him up. Because they didn't know what to do with him for a few weeks, they stuck him in the office. Where there happens to be a lot of handy Skype equipment. I KNOW!

So this week we've had three SKYPE meetings with two Elders in the London South mission and Li Hang, all in Chinese. It's been absolutely incredible. In the first meeting we were finally able to give him a baptismal date, which he accepted right away. October 29th will be a party, for sure. He's already asking about how he can go on a mission and what he might do if he has to go back to China in a few years, where there is no church. He amazes me every time. It is really interesting here in the Czech Republic--I feel as though most people we teach really need specific missionaries to help them find interest in the Church. However, Li Hang could have learned and loved the gospel with any missionary, I'm convinced of it. And I feel so blessed to be able to help him get there. The gospel is SO cool!!

This transfer already has so much going for it. When I say this, I mean: a) Sister Bean is an amazing violinist. So we've decided to host a free violin concert as a finding tool--an opportunity for members and investigators to invite their friends to the church and to learn more about us without being nervous about it. What better place to do it than right in the heart of Europe? Sister Bean (as in green, string, and lima) is a little worried--in the past she's had trouble performing because she gets nervous. But I really know that the Lord will work with us to make it turn out. Pray for it to go well, this could be HUGE.

b) I nearly wet my pants laughing every day (not literally--no worries there). We just have so much fun together. c) the Lord is blessing us with SO MANY meetings and investigators, we've had to go on splits a few times to make it all work. d) Already had a great Zone conference. As a mission we're reading the Book of Mormon together before the end of the transfer with a focus on the atonement. Apparently Boyd K. Packer does this thing where he reads the Book of Mormon as many times as possible in 6 months focusing on one topic and then afterwards writes a one page summary of all that he learned. Cool huh? So we're taking a page from his book.

I could go on and on.

Quote of the week:
Perhaps the greatest discovery of my life, without question the greatest commitment, came when finally I had the confidence in God that I would loan or yield my agency to him--without compulsion or pressure, without any duress, as a single individual alone, by myself, no counterfeiting, nothing expected other than the privilege. In a sense, speaking figuratively, to take one's agency, that precious gift which the scriptures make plain as essential to life itself, and say, 'I will do as you direct,' is afterward to learn that in so doing you possess it all the more. --Boyd K. Packer

This life is just so wonderful.

S laskou,

Sestra Dean

Molls: Letter posted today. Dun dun dunnn. There's a little surprise in there that I hope will make you laugh.

Ni hao, Beks, Ni hao. (You may get a kick out of my life for a moment) September 10th, 2011

Okay, seriously, where am I? I was sent to the Czech Prague Mission, Czech speaking, right? How did I end up here?

Let me explain. One of the miracle things about Sister Anderson getting transferred here is that she studied Chinese for 5 years before coming on a mission. Most of it she's forgotten, but some of it comes back to her when she really focuses on it/hears it.

Our investigator from China, Li Hang, is just a miracle. He's read the Book of Mormon twice and he says he believes it's true. He reads everything we give him. He finally has more time to meet than just once a week, so we've been showing him any church films we can find in Chinese. We ordered a Gospel Principles book in Chinese, so it looks like we will be teaching him about the commandments by having him read a chapter with us. Is this my life? Yes, please. :) Sister Anderson's brother served in the Taiwan Taichung mission, so we gave him Li Hang's email address and hopefully he can answer some of his questions. He says that he has a lot of questions. President also found some Mandarin-speaking missionaries in England that could skype with us sometime next week and help with some of the teaching. If that doesn't go through, I definitely won't hesitate to recommend my dear ol' bff on the little island itself who's baptizing the entire nation. :) But we won't get our hopes up about that just yet.

He's coming to church tomorrow. He taught us the word for nervous-- 'hai pa'-- saying that he was nervous to come to church because he won't know anyone/speak Czech. I don't know how it will go, he barely speaks basic Czech. But we'll be praying our brains out for him (as will all of you?!).

Sometimes I just stop myself in the midst of all this and laugh and think of Bekah and how we were basically side by side for a vast majority of 5 years and how it would be just so bangarang if for a brief second she could slip over here and tell this boy to be baptized for me.

Apparently there is also a friend of his who is reading the Book of Mormon. However this friend works all day and only has time for anything at night. So he reads the Book of Mormon at night while Li Hang reads it during the day. Apparently he goes to a Chinese school around here and there's a Chinese church. If I could say a little more than 'wo ie ni' we could start our own little Chinese branch. And other times I remember all the impersonations of Chinese accents we used to attempt. Now sometimes I'm tempted to speak Czech with a Chinese accent to see if Li Hang understands me a little better.

God works in mysterious ways.

Also. Remember the miracle Vlastik I wrote about maybe a month ago? How Sister Christensen and I contacted him and then he contacted us later and said he'd thought a lot about what we said? Well. I was a little worried because he'd cancelled 3 or 4times since then. Finally we met with him on Wednesday, and the month-long gap made the suspense build within me--even more so when he asked us to come meet with him in the office of the business that he owned. So we went. We got inside and he led us past his personal secretary into a room for business meetings with a large intimidating conference table. I'm not exactly a business woman myself, so I initially felt a little out of place. And then he sat down and told us he had 20 minutes. Eek, people, eek.

But! He had read the information we had given him about the Restoration. And it had intrigued him so much that he went out and bought a little book about Jesus (this is the guy who said that he felt that the idea of the Greek gods seemed more plausible to him when we first met)--something along the lines of a Czech version of "Jesus Christ for Dummies", not one exactly recommended by the Quorum of the Twelve. So we shared more about Joseph Smith with him. As we described Joseph's plight of confusion, he said, "That's like me!" So I asked him how he feels about that. He said that he usually just hears people out and then moves on. He said that we were the first people he's sought to learn more of.

I know, right?!

So we gave him a better book about Christ, maybe you've heard of it. We showed him how it is evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet. And we have another meeting with him tomorrow. Who else is excited?

And my companions are just so cool. Sister Bean is a violin whiz. We're tossing around the idea of holding a concert at the end of the transfer and using it as a finding opportunity. People here love music.

Big shout out to Criddapher--TWENTY FIVE YEARS OLD! And about to rule the financial world. I love you. And Corey. Thanks for the emails--I am always amazed at how good you are to me. :) Great pictures as well

And MAAAA! Happy birthday my dear wonderful woman, you. :) I hope to hear that Dad and Michelle and Daniel made you feel like a queen and that you bought lots of new ''knick knacks'' for the housey-doo.

I love you all soooooo much. Keep being aMAZING with the Satan face-kicking and all.

S laskou,

Sestra Dean


Molls: All animal print things still remind me of you. Which reminds me of late-night dance parties and lisps and Gossip Girl and Rosie and a thousand other things. How are you?

Danielle: Fair? How was it? Poetry man still there?

It's really happened... BEAN and DEAN!! and ANDERSON :)September 3, 2011

Our District


So we had transfers. Surprise surprise, here I am in another threesome. Most likely next transfer will be another threesome as well, which will be a total of half my time in the field in a threesome. I remember my greenie transfer, a dying Sister missionary telling me that one thing she learned about marriage from the mission field is to have a baby as soon as possible because threesomes are a party--is God trying to tell me something? :)

Apparently President had in the plans for me to train a sister coming in from Russia who couldn't get her visa to the States, so she would miss out on her MTC experience and just head straight to the field. However, they couldn't get her visa to come here either, so they reassigned her to Ukraine and he just learned of it a few days ago. I can't even imagine training someone who never went to the MTC...

So my companions are Sister Bean, in her second transfer, and Sister Anderson, who came into the mission field a transfer after me. She actually met Beks in the MTC once and her brother served in Taichung as well. I'm so excited for this transfer! I think it will be really wonderful. Sister Anderson reminds me of Beks in a few ways, so I think we'll have a great time together. She also went to BYU Jerusalem (btw, MER/MERE/How do you even spell that half of your name! You go girl, go snarf some real, authentic, familyrecipepasseddownforgenerations shwarmas for me, puh-LEASE!) And she speaks some Chinese--she studied it for a few years in college, which means that Li Hang will finally have a friend to understand him! Weeeee!

We had a lesson with Vaclav on the law of chastity this week, in which he finally understood the 'why' behind it and agreed to live it...I really think that God wants him in His church, so He'll do what is necessary and help us do what it takes to get him there.

We've been so incredibly wonderful busy this week, it's been miraculous. I just love this work.

There are just too many other miraculous things to number here in Prague. Keep praying for us and for our investigators. Have a wonderful time in the temple--what a grand place.

Also: the song Ghostbusters is playing in this internet cafe. Ha.

I love you all so so much!

S laskou,

Sestra Dean

P.S.
Sister Wheeler--YOU'RE ENGAGED!! AHH! I can't even believe it. I want to see pictures of this Pavel character. When is the big day? Wahhh!

Beks: Oh my, give Sister Ith a big missionary kiss from me. I think you're just swell, Sista. Keep it up with the converts.

Chinba, if you're reading this: stop. Go read the Book of Mormon. Bajetla.

Daddio: way to act. I've found that every time I act on that spiritual high it prolongs it and helps it grow even bigger. But when I don't act on it, it slowly dies out. You're such a good missionary!

Mongolians and Mushrooms and a Date with the River - August 20th, 2011

Hello my little lovelies!


Today we went mushroom hunting. I went my first transfer, but it was too late in the season so we only found the poisonous Mario-looking mushrooms. But TODAY we found many wonderful edible ones. And Marketa taught me how to identify them. So when I return I've decided that we are going back to Washington and we are all going mushroom hunting. I'm sure we'll reap a great harvest, because we will be the only ones hunting. Weee!

This week we said a fond farewell to Sister G, who managed not to give out before it all ended. It's so weird to think that when I left Ostrava for Prague she was at the same point in her mission as I am now. Eek! I don't like to think about that.

I will admit, I had a few reservations as to how the work would continue without her--all alone with my girl Sister White. BUT, really, comp inventory is a beautiful thing. We made big plans for ourselves in our new twosome and I think God was pleased because then we saw MIRACLES. AHH! I suppose I talk about miracles in every email, but they're SO REAL! Serious. Get this:

(from normalest to greatest)
Miracle #4: We made a goal to get two phone numbers and then we would go make some important phone calls. The first two people we talked to gave us their numbers. One of them said she knew members of our branch already.

Miracle #3: Two wonderful Slovak girls that we met and brought to the young single adults FHE last week finally responded to our texts. A sad part of missionary work is that you meet tons of amazing people and then, for one reason or another, they stop talking to you. No matter how many times it happens, I can't seem to learn to not get so excited about every single one of them. Which isn't so bad, but when you fall asleep saying someone's name over and over again because you think they're golden and then they never answer their phone again, it's a little hurtful. So I thought that was the case with these two. BUT they texted us back yesterday saying that they had tried to text us but we never responded--I suppose something must have happened with our phone. The one time a broken phone is good news. :)

Miracle #2: Another investigator who has difficulty reading in the Book of Mormon texted us and told us he read two chapters.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand, the big guy,
Miracle #1: VACLAV AGREED TO BE BAPTIZED!! WOOOOOOOOOO! This week I have seen a HUGE change in him--mainly because we finally introduced him to two wonderful members (Members! You'll never know how important you are!). One of them actually met him a few weeks ago in church and then called us, asking to teach with him and thanking us for bringing such good people into the branch. So these two great men really helped him. He came to the meeting on Friday feeling pretty down--he finally received word that his dad passed away (he's been in the hospital for a long while now). He started thinking more about what a life well-spent was and how he could make his life better. Our wonderful member Lubomir (shout out to Sister Austin) shared his experience with baptism and we asked if we could help him prepare for September 17th and he said yes! In the end, the realization that this was a step he needed in his life was brought about by something only God could do. Gotta love Him. :)

I just realized that I always end up sharing experiences from the last half of the week and never from the first half of the week. Because sometimes I forget. The first half of the week was a Mongolian miracle. We've been working with the wonderful woman named Zulaa, who's a member and actually served a mission in Mongolia, but has gone somewhat inactive since then. She has struggled with her testimony of the Book of Mormon and has struggled fitting in the branch because no one really speaks Mongolian. Sister G was wonderful for her and we worked with her a lot and the branch began to be more aware of her. In fact, she gave a talk last Sunday on testimony and talked of how we've helped her re-gain her testimony of the Book of Mormon and it was so beautiful I just had to cry.

People this stuff is so real! I wish everyone would just give it a try and realize how happy life can be.


S laskou,


Sestra Dean


OH MY! I keep forgetting--I met a girl from TAICHUNG last week! Really! She came here to study and married a Czech! I was so excited--I got her phone number and set up a meeting with her, but I think my excitement exceeded hers because she never came and answered again. She's going back to Taiwan soon with her husband--Beks, use your mad missionary skills to ferret her out of the crowds. Her fake name is Christy. Just look for a girl who looks like she's talked to me recently. You know the type.

Also, we're teaching this awesome boy named Li Hang. He speaks a tiny bit of Czech, so most of our lessons are us pointing to different parts of the pamphlet and having him read things we google translated in preparation for it. But he's really prepared. He had his cousin translate something about how he's coming to understand Christ better through the Book of Mormon, which he's already finished and is reading over again.

Danielle: Oh my, I LOVE you. I laughed right out loud several times at your email. You and all your men of various ethnicities. Hah! [--------]is maybe a little on the short side for you, however...


Pictures--

Us and Li Hang, our main Chinese man.

Our last moments with Sister G, as well as Tiffany Shaw's cousin, who will be home in a few days.

Me and the mushroom I found.

Nightly Wrestling and Mid-Training Crises - August 8th, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen. Please make way for a miracle or two.

I don't want to brag or anything, but MAN does Heavenly Father love me. Seriously, I mean He loves me.

This week began in a bit of a craze. The greatest companion I never had, Sister Glaus, left the Czech Prague mission in a blaze of shimmery goodness. We sisters in Prague are pretty lucky because other missionaries have to visit Prague often on business. And whenever they do, we get to have a sleepover party and share miracles and act like girls in a completely inspiring and uplifting sort of way. So when Sister Glaus made her way out of here, she stayed at our house for a bit. The amazing part is that she was meant to leave on Monday. But something fishy happened with her flight home and suddenly she was working in our area with us for two days or so. And God did it because of me, I just know it. Maybe I wasn't the only reason for it, but I'm sure I factored in there somewhere.

Leading up to this I'd found myself a little dissatisfied and I couldn't figure out why--perhaps because our investigators weren't progressing the way I wanted them to. And I won't lie, it's been difficult juggling a Sister G who's leaving while training a brand-new Sister White--new and dying missionaries definitely work at different paces. As I worked with Sister Glaus, I started to realize what a unified companionship should feel like. And I sucked every last bit of wisdom I could from her guts before they put her on the plane (good luck with whatever's left of her, people). And I began to understand the changes I needed to make in the work in order work the way God would have us work.

And then. We had district meeting. Remember little Elder Meiling? Well, he's big Elder Meiling, the renowned District Leader now. As he began the meeting, he mentioned how he'd struggled to prepare for it all week and it just hadn't come together the way it usually does. And how, at the last minute, he realized he needed to take it in a completely different direction. The Spirit told me: This one's for you. And it was.

And then. We had Greenie Bootcamp (or the more pc name: Progression Training) in Brno. All the trainers were able to discuss their ideas and problems and successes together and God taught me a thing or two that day.

[Meanwhile, the first half of this week was fraught with ditchers. Like really, ditchy-McDitchersons. My planner has big Xs through lessons at least every day this week. EXCEPT....]

And THEN. Friday happened. Wonderful, beautiful Friday. Friday = Fabday. We had SIX lessons on the plan, and not a single one fell through (and mind you, Friday is usually ditch-day--everyone wants to leave on the weekends). A million wonderful things happened, but let me tell you about one of them. Her name is Maja.

Maja is a young single adult.
Maja is an artist.
Maja is from Russia.
Maja's family is Muslim, but not very Muslim.
Maja speaks perfect English.
Maja and I met in the metro (yes, we've been talking to EVERYone. It's awesome).
Maja's sister died 3 years ago.
Maja's been looking for answers ever since.
When we gave Maja a tour of the church and talked about sacrament meeting, she said she'd like to come before we even invited her--except for that it starts at 9 am. We promised her lots of blessings. We offered to call her to help her wake up in the morning.
Maja agreed, but here's the catch: we have to call her at 6 am because she lives far away.
Maja said she felt different in the meeting.
We taught Maja about the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We invited Maja to be baptized so she can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (yes, first lesson--some great advice from the First Presidency we've been working on).
She'd have to think about it.

Sister White taught like a pro, which made my heart so proud. And she got a little bolder and told Maja we wanted to meet with her several times a week.
Which Maja agreed to. And then Maja said a short, spectacular, sincere, pleading prayer--mainly regarding an obstacle at work.


And that is all.
For now.
But, as of late, she's my favorite miracle.

Speaking of the subject line--Daddio, remember that one note you left on my door forever ago? Well, I was reading in Enos the other day, about how he wrestled with God. And I was making some goals for the month of August. And I just couldn't help it--one of them is to wrestle every night when I get home. :)

I know that I'm not going to be home for Christmas. But just think of it--it's like Christmas will be a little longer! I'll bring home some wonderful Czech Christmas traditions to show you and you'll all be so happy about it that it won't even make a difference.

Life is just so good right now, nothing really matters. Or rather, all the right things matter--and that's what makes life so worthwhile. I hope you all have a clever Fast Sunday and learn lots. I'm going to be helping with translations in Sacrament meeting tomorrow. Eek!

Lovesies,

Sestra Dean


Also: Bekah boo, you are getting so big! I have a piece of present for you waiting to be posted. Be expecting. Lurve you.

What's Summer? - July 30th, 2011

Hello my dears.

I think we skipped summer here in Prague. It seemed like there was some pattern at first--hot and then a little rain, and then hot again. However that cycle has come to an abrupt end and it's as though we're in Seattle around the middle of September.

This week we've had a major focus on working with and getting to know the members. How great it's been! We have such wonderful people in our branch. They are just so vital to everything we do here as missionaries and will be the key to finding more prepared people, so we've been taking time to meet with members and hear about their conversion stories and talk about the blessings of the restoration and ask them who they know that we could talk to. Many people are really shy when it comes to talking about the church because the average Czech just doesn't talk about religion at all. But I can really feel that the Lord is going to use them to bless the lives of so many around them. People, don't forget how great your influence is on those around you!

Coolest new investigator of the moment: Her name is Jenny. She's probably in her late 20s and she's from Ecuador. We met her on our way to help a member move last week--we were dressed in work clothes and hardly looked like missionaries. She told us that her neighbor had been baptized into the LDS church when she was in Ecuador and she always saw these young foreign men going to his house in white shirts, who also happened to be really attractive, so she had always been really intrigued by them. We didn't talk too much, but we exchanged numbers with her and were able to set up a meeting last wednesday. Diana, our wonderful little Peruvian friend, came along. It was amazing--really, talking with her was nothing like talking to the average Czech. We gave her a short tour of the building. When we came to the picture of Jesus Christ visiting the Lamanites, we explained a little to her about the Book of Mormon and that these people could have lived near where she lived. Her eyes got really big and she said, "I've never heard anything like this before. Really, is this true?" We assured her that it was. :) As we talked more about church she told us that she'd like to come before we ever even invited her. We then talked about prophets and how a prophet lives today. We asked her what she would do if Moses were alive today and she said, "I'd do whatever he said!" I really have a lot of hope for her. We won't be able to meet with her until she comes to church a week from tomorrow, but I really feel that God is preparing her to find the truth.

That's about all I have time for this week. I really love you all. Oh yeah, one more thing, but don't freak out too much, okay? President gave me a call the other day. I'm flying home on Dec 27th. And that's the last time we'll talk about it.
This work is just the best. Don't forget how blessed we are.

S laskou,

Sestra Dean

Shout outs:
Beks: AHH! Happy Birthday Boo! How did we even get here? Thanks sooooo much for the package. That mission CD is a real winner, it's been in the cd player ever since I opened it. I'm trying to talk the office elders into making a Czech Prague mission one as well. Keep an eye out for a letter from me and another b-day something headed your way. Also, give my regards to the members for the fantastic cake display.

Corey and Chris: I've been giving life savers out to Czechs and none of them seem to know what they are. You both are so wonderful! Thank you so much for the package and the birthday funds. I will make sure to put them to good use. :)

Aunt Veeky: How did you get so good at making cards? (Corey too!) My, what talent you have. :) Keep it up champ, I'm praying for you.

Courty: I can't believe you danced on stage with Britney Spears! Wow. I hope you busted out some good moves, nothing too embarrassing. :) I love hearing from you. Keep being happy. And let me know if those Elders ever come back to your door. I'll send you something soon.

Ma: sorry for the lack of pictures--my cameria has been mimo provoz. But I think it's working again. i'll see what I can do . . .

Czech Pioneers on Priest Hill - July 23, 2011

Cus! (choos--it's like the prague version of cest)

Today we went with a bunch of ward members to a place called "Priest Hill"--it's where John A Widtsoe first dedicated the Czech Republic for missionary work on July 24, 1929. Every time I hear anything about that man I feel such a connection to him. Everything I've ever read about him is brilliant. I wish I could learn more about him right now, but my resources are a little limited. Anyway, we had a simple testimony meeting up there and saw some beautiful things. If you want to learn about the amazing woman who first brought the Church to Czechoslovakia, look up Franiska Vesela Brodilova--apparently there was an article about her in the Ensign called "Czechoslovakia Was Her Mission"in Sept 1995. Look it up. She's so cool. I am learning more and more as a missionary of how the gospel is often founded on the backs of righteous women of the Church. Man, I just love my XX genes.

There is also a great castle next to Priest Hill. Really, it makes one feel displaced standing in its presence. I almost expected to feel a sword on my back and see knights of the Czech round table marching down the street, it's that medieval. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we ended up running to make our train--and it was quite a run. The train was running a tad late, so we arrived at the station before the train did. However, as we were waiting for a set of Elders to buy our tickets, it pulled up, sat for 30 seconds, and left before we were able to cross the tracks and board. As the train pulled out we looked pleadingly up at the driver, who seemed to know exactly what he was doing and showed us no sympathy.
So we had a little district bonding over Czech lunch. Such is life in Europe. The closest thing I can compare European transportation to is middle school life, when Chris and I were always rushing to hop the fence and catch the bus before it pulled out. But here it happens a lot more often. And I think that some drivers derive some sort of satisfaction in leaving precisely according to schedule, despite the desperate people left behind. :) Maybe it's the European equivalent of road rage.

This week we've made an extra push for Vaclav. I really feel as though he is so close. His desire and interest has grown so much in the past few weeks. I've been praying as mightily as I can for him to have some sort of spiritual experience. Keep him in your prayers.

This transfer is interesting. We are teaching a lot of really neat people. However, none of them seem to be your average "golden investigator"--they all seem to be progressing much more slowly than any progressing investigator I've taught in the past. It's a humbling experience, realizing that the Lord has His own time frame and his own plans for each individual. We have been meeting so many great new people. One man, another Ludek, really felt the spirit in our last meeting--it was obvious. But he's had close calls with schizophrenia in the past. Because of that, he doesn't want to ask God questions in his prayers because he doesn't want to hear any voices. Another man, Emil, we ran into 2 days in a row before he would agree to meet with us. He's interested in learning more, but afraid to tell his family about it when he's still not sure himself. But the Lord has really blessed me with the heart of a missionary--as soon as we meet with these people I just can't help but love them. People are just so wonderful and interesting and it's such a blessing to interact with them so much on a regular basis.

I learned a lot about the Spirit this week in a meeting with a Mongolian member who's been struggling with her testimony. I wasn't able to say much--Sister G translated a bit for me--but the Spirit of God was there. So strongly. I had no idea what was going on, but I felt it so intensely that I almost began to cry several times during the lesson. This stuff really is so real. I wish everyone would have the courage to find out for themselves.

Hey, way to go on ward missionary meeting--what a great idea! If you're nervous about talking to someone, don't hesitate to pray and ask God not only for an opportunity to talk about it, but for the courage to talk about it. I've found that the moments leading up to opening your mouth are always the worst part--and the longer you draw it out the worse it feels. That's why I've learned to just open your mouth before thinking twice. But as soon as you open your mouth, God will fill it. That doesn't always mean that you'll say something beautiful or flawless--sometimes that means that they won't be quite as turned off as they could have been by your clumsy words. But He really does want it to work out and He will always bless you for your willingness to take part in His work. Good work Danielle--inviting someone to church! Watch out, everyone will be asking if he's your boyfriend for the next few months. :) I want to see a copy of your talk.
Michelle, have so much fun at your party! I have a card for you--look for something in the mail from the Czech Republic. :)

Everyone, you all are just the cat's pajamas. I love hearing from you. I keep you all in my prayers. And let me tell you, those babies work.

S laskou,

Sestra Dean

Quick fact about everyone's favorite Ostravsky miracle, Dusan (I can't remember if I already told you this): he's getting married in November, which means I will be here for it, which means I will see his baptism! Woo!

And: leadership conference is for aps, district leaders, zone leaders, and trainers.

Furthermore: my companions are great. Sister White is really smart. She has a really big vocabulary. It reminds me of when I used to use big words. Now I can't remember what any of them mean because I'm always trying to speak simply. I had a dream the other night that I came home and wanted my job in the writing center back, but they made me re-apply and I didn't know how to write an essay anymore. She's a really good person and will be a great missionary.

July 16th, 2011

Dear Fam--

I began this last week but the computer shut off before I could finish it:
P.S. Shout out to Sister Wheeler-- I just got your email! It was SOO good to hear from you! Surprise--you're a grandma again!
1. I DID see sister Lier--it was so great! She did relay the message and we took a great fotku so she can prove it to you when she gets back.
2. I'm so glad to hear that Jane's enjoying Provo. I've been talking to her brother a bit--we have a meeting with him this week. We'll see how it goes--he seems pretty cool. I'm glad she enjoyed DI--a girl after my own heart.
3. AHH! Tonda! that''s SO great! You will have so much fun with him. Remember when he wasn't sure about going? Oh my, how time flies.
4. I haven't met any Martin Marin yet...but if he finds his way back here, I'll make sure to look him up.
5. Yes, we see Diana all the time! I love her so much! She's actually doing a lot better with coming to church lately--apparently she hardly ever came before I got here. It's still a little touch and go, but she's been having dreams about her grandma and thinks that she wants her to go to the temple and be baptized for her, so she's making an extra effort to come more often so she can be worthy to go to the temple. Karel is really supportive of everything, but doesn't really want to mix in with it. He comes to church whenever she does and he even kind of gets in to Sunday school--maybe likes it more than Diana does. I think that one day he will come to realize the truth of it all--maybe it'll take a little bit of humbling first though.
6. PAUL! Just like the apostle--that's so hot. :) When Sis Lier came she made a bet that something exciting would happen before the summer's over.... She told me all sorts of great things about him, so I suppose I approve if she approves. I'm so glad that you're happy. Remember that one time we were with Petr Bandik and all his friends after their soccer match and we realized how awkward we missionaries are? Was it really like that when you got back? (Speaking of Petr, I hear that he has a girlfriend now and never wants to come back to the Czech Republic....)
Ahh! I love you! Every day (especially now that I'm training) I think of you and our transfer together and wonder if you felt like you knew what you were doing then or if you felt more like me--like you're finally learning that you never really know what you're doing as a missionary because it's never predictable. You're just wonderful.

s laskou,
tvoje dcera

Also: my new comp is sister White, aka Sister Bila, which reminds me of how Liba always called you Bily. Haha.

July 9th, 2011

Oh my! I just LOVED talking to you on Sunday! I have the best family in the world. :)

Big news, people.

I have a brand new daughter! Her name is Sister White. She's from Florida. She is already a whiz at Czech. And a whiz at everything else--she studied neuroscience at BYU. She also played on the rugby team (so she knows Keilani Paul, my roommate in Romania). She has gorgeous curly hair and freckles. She is maybe a little bit quieter than I am, but laid-back and has a good sense of humor.

ALSO. We are in a THREESOME with SISTER GANBAATAR!! She will only be here for 6 weeks, and then she is dead, so we will be here to keep her from getting too trunky. :) I am so excited for this transfer--it is going to be filled with miracles!

This is how good I am at training:
Since both Sister G and Sister White had all their luggage, it was a little tricky getting it all on the tram. Marketa, a wonderful member in the branch, helped us. However, it took so much to get 6 suitcases (many of them quite large) on the tram that our time ran out--the doors closed before we finished, leaving me, Sister G, and Marketa in the tram with all the luggage and poor Sister White all alone at the tram stop in the middle of Prague. At the next stop, Marketa jumped out and ran back to find her, while Sister G and I battled with the suitcases all the way to the apartment. This is how we haze new missionaries. :)

Yesterday an American family in the branch invited us and anyone we wanted to bring over for dinner. I forgot that we put things like crackers on our chicken in America--it suddenly seemed so silly to me. Silly, but oh so delicious. We brought a member, Diana, from Peru, and her czech husband Kaja, who is not a member, with us, along with their little tank of a son, Sebastian. The Armstrongs have 3 wonderful little kids and we were able to share a thought with them about following Jesus Christ afterwards--I think it touched Kaja to see children raised so well, who could find a good role model in Jesus Christ and who were able to talk about important things together. I hope his interest grows--he comes to church whenever Diana comes, which is not as often as we'd like--but he's really supportive of her. She is working towards coming more now, however, so she can go to the temple in Frieburg and be baptized for her grandma. She's been having dreams about her and thinks it's because she wants her work done for her.

Interesting fact: On birthdays here, people feel obligated to shake your hand and wish you all sorts of things, like health and happiness and success. It's really funny--I never would have thought to shake someone's hand because they have a birthday before, but now it's starting to seem natural.

We also have another interesting new investigator: he's from China! His name is Li Hang. He is learning Czech, but it's only so-so. His English is minimal, at best. He was sent to our English class by a girl that works at a local chinese restaurant--works so often that she never has time to meet, but can come to church with us every so often. We've given him a BOM in Chinese and a pamphlet. He came back with a page and a half of questions and comments that he'd had his sister translate into English. We taught him how to pray, mainly through pointing at the pamphlet and speaking a little Czech and he prayed at the end. It was really interesting--not something I'd expect here. But his desire is so strong--it will be so interesting teaching him. Where's Beks when I need her?! Oh yeah. Taiwan.

The work is going great. Sister Christensen went off to Hradec Kralove this morning--she's back with the Sister that trained her. How unexpected! President is just full of surprises. :)

I love you so so much!

S laskou,

Sestra Dean

July 2, 2011

There is a C Walk competition going on outside the library...mam prahu rada. :) -- June 25th, 2011

Hello my dears!



This week was full of so many little surprises, I just loved it!

I.e.--the BYU folk dance team came and did FHE with the young single adults here. We had an investigator there (Zuzka) and her two friends and they just LOVED it. It was so much fun--we played all sorts of games and then they danced for us and then taught some of the youth how to do some of their dances. They even sang and bore testimonies at the end, which was apparently so good that one brand new investigator came up afterwards and asked a member how he could become a part of the Church (we had to leave early because of curfew...skoda). I think it's so cool what they do--they get to be like missionaries all over the world and use their talents to share the gospel with people. If only I could clog...

Also: Elder Stephen Kerr from one of the quorums of the 70 came and spoke to us. He's Scottish and a hoot and completely inspiring! One thing I loved: he told us that it's our job to become teachers of the Book of Mormon, to use every experience and example and scripture from in our teaching from that book in order to help people understand it and fall in love with it like we have. He also came the next day and did a fireside for members. TWO of our investigators came! Two that we've been concerned about somewhat. One has been meeting with the missionaries for almost 2 years off and on--her name is Jitka. I think this time around something has changed with her--her desire has increased. She told me on Sunday that she feels the Spirit so strongly when we come and then it leaves again when we leave. So we talked about baptism and how she can have those feelings and that day she began working on quitting coffee. She came to the fireside, which was all about faith and how it helps us with obstacles. At the end of the fireside, he talked directly to the investigators--about how they will receive answers and that when they do that will lead them to baptism. Afterwards we met with her to give her some Caro to replace her coffee, and she accepted a baptismal date for July 30th! It was so great! And she seemed really excited about it. So that will be my birthday present to Michelle, I hope. :) She had one baptismal date at the very beginning, but we don't know exactly what happened with it (thanks, area book), but I really think it'll go through this time! It won't be without obstacles, but I really think it'll happen! Weeee! (Shout out to Sister Austen if you ever read this--she loves you. I found an email from you to her printed out in the missionary closet last week and gave it to her--she really loved it.)

Also: Vaclav. I talked about him a little last week, the hardened old man who's made a lot of mistakes in his life. He's been meeting with the missionaries for several months now--maybe since February. No ones ever talked about the Word of Wisdom with him--probably because they know he smokes and they're all afraid to. But we addressed it and he surprisingly agreed to live by it for a week with little hesitation! But he really struggles with recognizing answers to prayers and the talk was perfect for him! Elder Kerr also helped us with a few ideas with getting investigators to read the Book of Mormon who struggle with that...it was really great!

And today we saw a cathedral called the "bone church" in Kutna Hora. See if you can find pictures of it online--it's so cool! They took the bones of all these people that died from a cholera epidemic and used them to decorate the inside of this chapel. It contains 40,000-70,000 skeletons in it! The centerpiece is a great chandelier that includes every single bone in a person's body. How great is that? Jane's (the member from Kazahkstan who just moved to BYU) brother came with us, who's not a member but is kind of interested in learning more and is here in Prague with his ma for the summer.

As far as increasing their fire for missionary work in your mission, Dad: Once we had a district meeting on increasing the fire in our investigators that might apply--I think it is based upon the same principles, no matter who you're talking to. We talked about faith, hope, and charity and sharing these three things with them to increase their fire and desire. I.e.--hope = their vision--work to increase their vision by sharing a greater vision with them--a vision of who they can become and who they can influence in their work and who God knows them to be--let them really feel that people are prepared; faith = show your faith by not hesitating to promise them blessings, telling them that you know God sent them here for a reason, etc; and share your love with them as well as reminding them of their love for the people there and God's love for the people there. I know as missionaries a lack of vision is the greatest hinderance to the work. When Elder Pearson was here he talked about it this way: he employed the statistic that each person who eventually investigates the church has 7 interactions with the church before they become investigators. He talked about how each of our interactions with people help them along that path. So instead of being disappointed by a lack of interest, we can be excited because we helped people move from a 1 to a 2 or a 3 to a 4. Things like this that expand our vision are the biggest factor in the desire we have to work.

And life is just wonderful. Rumor has it that a new missionary named Sister Bean is coming in next transfer--how cool would it be if we served together?!

I really really love being a missionary. I feel as though things are beginning to come together for a few of these people we're teaching! I just want everyone to be able to have the blessings of the truth in their lives. It's the greatest work in the world! Everyone should do it!



s laskou,



Sestra Dean