Growing up, I always knew that I would serve a mission. I knew that I would learn and grow and change people's lives. However, I never really understood the full impact of how my mission would change me and my perspective about everything. Serving in the NYNYN mission has done more for me than any experience I have ever had. Being on the Lord's errand has taught me more in two years than any school will ever be able to teach me.
Love has been a major key indicator throughout my whole mission. I understand it’s purpose. I know how much my Heavenly Father truly loves me. My love for the people here in New York has grown as I have served them with my whole soul. I have tried and tried my whole mission, and I will continue to try, to reflect that love unto His children. The power of the Savior's Atonement is the source of all change in my mission.
The Spirit has also been a major part of the refining process I have gone through in my mission. I have grown to a point that I never imagined, became someone who I never thought I could become. I have learned how to better recognize the promptings of the Spirit and make better choices. The Spirit has changed my prayers and bettered my relationship with the Father. It has accompanied me time and time again. It has taught me sacred things that I will never forget.
One very clear thing that I have learned and seen from these last few months is great blessings come from obedience, patience and hard work. My whole mission I have done my very best to follow the Lord's standard for His missionaries. I have worked as hard as I could and I believe I did all that I was able. I never saw a lot of success in terms of baptisms until the last few months of my mission. As I waited patiently, the Lord poured out His blessings in abundance. I understand that that was the Lord's way of teaching me. I could have given up, as it is very easy to do. I could have relaxed and taken the easy course. But I can see what blessings I would have missed!
The thing I am most grateful for is an increased understanding of our Heavenly Father's Plan. When I was younger I thought I had it all figured out. Now I realize how much I was missing. I know where I stand in the eyes of the Lord. I know my purpose, why I am here and where I am going. I know! I have realized that everything, literally everything, kindles down to that same purpose; To one day become like Him.
My Heavenly Father has truly blessed me with a rich and wonderful experience. I with a clear conscience can say I did my best and I have no regrets. I came here to serve my Heavenly Father and He has blessed me hundred fold. I can never repay Him all that He has given me and blessed me with. He has shown me greater love than I ever thought possible.
I found a few great quotes I wanted share. Bruce McConkie said, “One of the most solemn oaths ever given to man is found in these words of the Lord relative to Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. ‘He (meaning Joseph Smith) has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him,’ saith the Lord, ‘and as your Lord your God liveth it is true.’ (D&C 17:6) This is God’s testimony of the Book of Mormon. In it Deity himself has laid his godhood on the line. Either the book is true or god ceases to be God. There neither is nor can be any more formal or powerful language known to men or gods.” (Bruce R. McConkie, CR, April 1982, p. 50) “Take away the Book of Mormon,” said Joseph Smith, “and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none.” (Teachings, p. 71) The pen of man knows no more perfect witness of God and Christ, of the Atonement, of the manner by which sins are remitted or of these doctrines that lead us back to the divine presence than the Book of Mormon. (Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet)
Jesus Christ is my Savior. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration. The Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion. It was brought forth through the prophet Joseph Smith. I have gained a strong testimony of its converting power. I know the importance of the message we share. It is the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I am so grateful for the wonderful people in this mission who have changed my life. I stand all amazed at the love He has for me. I know with all my heart that this is His true church, and I bear that testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder Sorensen
First day
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
8.4.10
Hey everyone, I'm back! It is great to be home and with the family again. Thank you for all of the support and strength you have given me. My parents and I had a great week in NYC and were able to see and do a lot of fun things. We mostly focused on seeing many of my recent converts and families I taught. The highlight of the week was on Thursday when Arelis was baptized. Her husband and son, who were baptized earlier this year, were also there. I spent a lot of time teaching them last year and it was great to see them all. On Friday night we attended a wedding for a member and one of my investigators. They asked my companion and I to be witnesses. Mom and Dad didn't understand much of the baptism ceremony or the wedding as they were all in Spanish but they got to meet many of the special people I worked with during the two years. We also won lottery tickets to see Wicked. It was a great show and we were really lucky to win the tickets. We didn't do much as far as touristy stuff but we did go to Chinatown. Mom didn't like that too much.
The mission has really blessed my life and I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to serve. Heavenly Father has really blessed my life as I've served Him. I am so grateful for all of you and for the strength you have given me to keep going. I have prayed for all of you and I will continue to do so.
If you want to contact me my email address is djeraldsorensen@gmail.com I don't have a cell phone yet but will soon. I will be heading off to Provo at the end of the month and in January I will continue my studies at BYU Idaho to become an accountant. I have enclosed my final letter to my mission president if you want to read it.
I hope you all have a great week and I wish you the best. Thanks again.
Daniel
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
7.14.10
Family,
This is it! The time is far spent and the Hymn "God be with you till we meet again" hasn't left my brain in about a week! lol Man it's hard to stay focused when everyday you have to say goodbye to someone or you get some phone call about when your going home! Don't worry I'm still fighting the good fight, Yesterday we taught 7 lessons and got two new investigators, which is an amazing day.
The few people who I had in mind to be baptized next week won't be ready by next week, but that's ok because it should give Elder Ames a great last cycle. I have seen plenty of success here and it will help Elder Ames go out with a bang.
We are struggling with a few of our recent converts but the rest are really thriving. I guess that's how it always goes. I guess I just have to keep praying for them and hope they come back.
The weather has been a lot nicer, I've been praying for it to let up for a week. It has rained a ton which cools things down a little. I don't exactly know what we are going to do next week but I will figure it out. The mission office messed up and the new missionaries are coming in on tuesday so we might not be able to spend the night at the mission home. We are going to the temple and dinner on Friday and I think they may want the people who are getting picked up to meet with their parents on Tuesday. I think they are still trying to figure it all out but that's what I guess will happen.
Am I still giving a talk next Sunday? What's my topic? I also have to give a talk here this Sunday. When are we leaving for Utah to see Nick and Deb? I guess it doesn't really matter if I ask questions because you will be able to tell me in person before I can check my e-mail.
I love you all! I can't wait to see you. Elder Ames and I are still doing great and we are both excited to go home. Thank you for supporting me and pushing me to be my best.
Elder Sorensen
Thank you all for your prayers!
Dad, am I giving a talk that next Sunday? What's my topic? You guys will probably pick me up on tuesday. I hope the mission office calls to tell you details because I have no idea.
This is it! The time is far spent and the Hymn "God be with you till we meet again" hasn't left my brain in about a week! lol Man it's hard to stay focused when everyday you have to say goodbye to someone or you get some phone call about when your going home! Don't worry I'm still fighting the good fight, Yesterday we taught 7 lessons and got two new investigators, which is an amazing day.
The few people who I had in mind to be baptized next week won't be ready by next week, but that's ok because it should give Elder Ames a great last cycle. I have seen plenty of success here and it will help Elder Ames go out with a bang.
We are struggling with a few of our recent converts but the rest are really thriving. I guess that's how it always goes. I guess I just have to keep praying for them and hope they come back.
The weather has been a lot nicer, I've been praying for it to let up for a week. It has rained a ton which cools things down a little. I don't exactly know what we are going to do next week but I will figure it out. The mission office messed up and the new missionaries are coming in on tuesday so we might not be able to spend the night at the mission home. We are going to the temple and dinner on Friday and I think they may want the people who are getting picked up to meet with their parents on Tuesday. I think they are still trying to figure it all out but that's what I guess will happen.
Am I still giving a talk next Sunday? What's my topic? I also have to give a talk here this Sunday. When are we leaving for Utah to see Nick and Deb? I guess it doesn't really matter if I ask questions because you will be able to tell me in person before I can check my e-mail.
I love you all! I can't wait to see you. Elder Ames and I are still doing great and we are both excited to go home. Thank you for supporting me and pushing me to be my best.
Elder Sorensen
Thank you all for your prayers!
Dad, am I giving a talk that next Sunday? What's my topic? You guys will probably pick me up on tuesday. I hope the mission office calls to tell you details because I have no idea.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
comp letter 7.7.10
This last week has been a good one. We are dying here in the heat and the humidity! IT reminds me of home,I have yet experienced heat like we have in AZ. I am not looking forward to it. We are struggling to help our investigators to progress. It seems like the adversary knows that incredible things are about to happen and is working extra hard to keep it from happening. One thing that I have recognized as a missionary is that there really is an influence out there that wants us to fail and he will do all that is in his power to make it happen. We continue though to work with faith and hope that we will be able to come out conquerors and not conquered. I love missionary work so much. There is nothing greater! We started teaching this lady who lives with the relief society president! She is super scared because it is something completely different than that which she used to. She promised to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. It was a little difficult to get to that point though. She has one of the most amazing examples to follow though, her roommate is amazing! We are also teaching a bunch of part member families. They are sometimes very difficult to work with. They are so hit and miss. It is hard when the family itself is not very solid, but we are seeing success working with them!
So we got permission from our president to go to a branch campout!! We were able to go up saturday morning! Missionaries never permission for things like that. It was super fun! All of the missionaries in our branch went. Five of us. We got back at 5:30. It was super fun. We played a pretty intense game of soccer with the members. We had to drive 60 miles to get there. We were shocked when he told us we could go. I think it was because we are dying. He loves us! :)
We also had a mission wide luau yesterday! That was super hot! We were dying, but at the same time it was so much fun. I was able to see all of my old missionary friends from the city! My old district, Elder Prue, Elder Canfield, Sister Chatfield, Sister Child, Sister Lythgoe. It was like a family reunion! It is sad because we never see the missionaries who serve in the city. We saw our mission president and his wife dance the hula. It was hilarious. I learned that Elder Lambert can shake his hips like a pro! We were there all day, because we helped with set up and clean up. We had fun! I think that you should write a letter to Elder Canfield! Just to cheer him up. Help him to feel like he is on the top of the world. He really needs it, but don't tell him I said that!
Elder Sorensen is doing great, he tries his hardest to stay focused. It is so funny at times. We have these moments where is like oh wow, we're really going home. It still doesn't sink in though. So I make comments such as, Okay Elder, imagine this... And I start creating a ridiculous story about dirving home from work after a long ten hour day and being great by a young kid yelling daddy!!! And running up and grabbing on to his leg and then being greeted by his wife with a kiss. :) It is so much fun! We don't get distracted though. Those kind of things scare us so much.
Well, I better get going. I hope that you all have a great week and that you enjoy your last 6 weeks of peace. I want you all to know that I love you! And that I pray for you all everyday, so that angels will watch over you. Have a great week!
Con mucho amor
Elder Ames
So we got permission from our president to go to a branch campout!! We were able to go up saturday morning! Missionaries never permission for things like that. It was super fun! All of the missionaries in our branch went. Five of us. We got back at 5:30. It was super fun. We played a pretty intense game of soccer with the members. We had to drive 60 miles to get there. We were shocked when he told us we could go. I think it was because we are dying. He loves us! :)
We also had a mission wide luau yesterday! That was super hot! We were dying, but at the same time it was so much fun. I was able to see all of my old missionary friends from the city! My old district, Elder Prue, Elder Canfield, Sister Chatfield, Sister Child, Sister Lythgoe. It was like a family reunion! It is sad because we never see the missionaries who serve in the city. We saw our mission president and his wife dance the hula. It was hilarious. I learned that Elder Lambert can shake his hips like a pro! We were there all day, because we helped with set up and clean up. We had fun! I think that you should write a letter to Elder Canfield! Just to cheer him up. Help him to feel like he is on the top of the world. He really needs it, but don't tell him I said that!
Elder Sorensen is doing great, he tries his hardest to stay focused. It is so funny at times. We have these moments where is like oh wow, we're really going home. It still doesn't sink in though. So I make comments such as, Okay Elder, imagine this... And I start creating a ridiculous story about dirving home from work after a long ten hour day and being great by a young kid yelling daddy!!! And running up and grabbing on to his leg and then being greeted by his wife with a kiss. :) It is so much fun! We don't get distracted though. Those kind of things scare us so much.
Well, I better get going. I hope that you all have a great week and that you enjoy your last 6 weeks of peace. I want you all to know that I love you! And that I pray for you all everyday, so that angels will watch over you. Have a great week!
Con mucho amor
Elder Ames
7.7.10
Family!
Man, I don't know what to write anymore! Anything that has happened will be so much cooler to say in person, because we will be able to do that in a few weeks! I got your letters, thanks for writing me so consistently! I'm glad Brent has got himself a little girlfriend. It will be cool to hang out with him again, man I wish Griff was there too. I guess he is in a better place. lol
So the mission through a huge party for me before I go home! Well I guess it wasn't exactly just for me but it was still a lot of fun and I got to see the whole mission one last time before I go home. It is very rare when the whole mission gets together. It was a big Hawaiian Lu Aow, however you spell that. It was really good and they had some of the missionaries from the Pacific Islands put on a show for us, it was really cool.
So it has been SUPER hot around here! On Tuesday down in central park they had a record breaker of 103. It's not very fun to walk around in this, I feel bad you guys are coming here in this heat. This morning isn't as bad because there is some good clouds and rain. Hopefully we will have a cool streak here next week.
On Saturday, I couldn't believe we actually got permission to do this, we went up state about and hour and a half to the branch camp out. We spent all morning fishing, eating really good food and playing soccer. Spanish people know how to camp! We got back around 4:00. It was super fun and really weird at the same time, I didn't really feel like a missionary, I was having too much fun! I got a lot of sun and have a pretty good farmer's tan again. lol
Delmira, our recent convert is doing super well. She is now the RS secretary, been to the temple and bore a powerful testimony last Sunday. It is so amazing to hear the testimony of a recent convert. She is going to help build this kingdom so much! Adela is also doing really well. She is studying the Bible and BOM (Book of Mormon) a lot recently and learning a ton. She discovered for herself why worshiping the saints is so bad and she really understood. It's amazing what people can learn by themselves after receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Well I think that's about it for now. I have to work on my obituary for president! lol Present asks us to write a mission experience letter to him before our exit interview. I love you all so much and I 'm grateful for such an amazing family. I love you all and I will see you in less than two weeks!
Elder Sorensen
PS. Mom-Please thank the Farvers profusely for their generosity. I will have to do something for them when I get home. Love you.
Man, I don't know what to write anymore! Anything that has happened will be so much cooler to say in person, because we will be able to do that in a few weeks! I got your letters, thanks for writing me so consistently! I'm glad Brent has got himself a little girlfriend. It will be cool to hang out with him again, man I wish Griff was there too. I guess he is in a better place. lol
So the mission through a huge party for me before I go home! Well I guess it wasn't exactly just for me but it was still a lot of fun and I got to see the whole mission one last time before I go home. It is very rare when the whole mission gets together. It was a big Hawaiian Lu Aow, however you spell that. It was really good and they had some of the missionaries from the Pacific Islands put on a show for us, it was really cool.
So it has been SUPER hot around here! On Tuesday down in central park they had a record breaker of 103. It's not very fun to walk around in this, I feel bad you guys are coming here in this heat. This morning isn't as bad because there is some good clouds and rain. Hopefully we will have a cool streak here next week.
On Saturday, I couldn't believe we actually got permission to do this, we went up state about and hour and a half to the branch camp out. We spent all morning fishing, eating really good food and playing soccer. Spanish people know how to camp! We got back around 4:00. It was super fun and really weird at the same time, I didn't really feel like a missionary, I was having too much fun! I got a lot of sun and have a pretty good farmer's tan again. lol
Delmira, our recent convert is doing super well. She is now the RS secretary, been to the temple and bore a powerful testimony last Sunday. It is so amazing to hear the testimony of a recent convert. She is going to help build this kingdom so much! Adela is also doing really well. She is studying the Bible and BOM (Book of Mormon) a lot recently and learning a ton. She discovered for herself why worshiping the saints is so bad and she really understood. It's amazing what people can learn by themselves after receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Well I think that's about it for now. I have to work on my obituary for president! lol Present asks us to write a mission experience letter to him before our exit interview. I love you all so much and I 'm grateful for such an amazing family. I love you all and I will see you in less than two weeks!
Elder Sorensen
PS. Mom-Please thank the Farvers profusely for their generosity. I will have to do something for them when I get home. Love you.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
6.30.10 part b
Here is a little more news from Daniel's companion.
Querida Familia!
How is everybody doing?! I hope that you have all enjoyed your trip! It has made me super jealous, but that is okay... I have dad's permission for my heart and mind to be in two different places!! HAHA I am just joking. It sounds like you have had a great time though.
To answer a few of your questions as to my favorite team for the World Cup... We have had a few missionaries from Brazil in our zone and so naturally I have supported the Brazilian team, but it really depends on who I am around. When I was around mexicans, I supported mexico. When I was around chilenos, I supported chile. When around argentinians, argentina. Its cool to see the people support their teams, they love their soccor! It has been fun.
I wish that I had your letter to answer more of your questions. Thank your for letting me know more about what is going to happen. It really does help me to stay more focused. The unknown is the most distracting sometimes.
This last week was amazing! Adela was baptized on saturday! She is doing great and I was able to get my camera charger and so I took some pictures. I have been taking a lot of random pictures lately. I don't know if I will send my card home anymore. It may not even be worth it.. let me know if you want me to. On Sunday I had to give a talk in church. I spoke about loving our neighbor as we love our self. It went okay. I still get super nervous when I speak in public. I am working on it! We have been able to find a few new people to teach! They are great! But it is hard to help them to progress. They are not quite ready. We do though have three investigadors at a youth conference right now. They had a combined stake youth conference with stakes from all five boroughs. They are at some university in Queens right now. We are praying that they come back with a strong desire to be baptized. They are mostly part member families. Yesterday we went to President Jefferies house and did some yardwork! It was awesome to be able to go do some physical labor for a change. We had to pull out a bunch of oak sapplings that he has in his garden. He had a super nice house! He is loaded.. So much money. We were working with the boyfriend of his daughter, and it was super funny because he was saying that he is studying engineering and want's to design and build robots to make life easier so that he can focus on more important things, like playing the latest video games.. That was the first thing on his list!! :) The world is going crazy!
Well, I have to get going. I love you all so much. Sorry for the randomness again.
Con mucho amor
Elder Ames
Querida Familia!
How is everybody doing?! I hope that you have all enjoyed your trip! It has made me super jealous, but that is okay... I have dad's permission for my heart and mind to be in two different places!! HAHA I am just joking. It sounds like you have had a great time though.
To answer a few of your questions as to my favorite team for the World Cup... We have had a few missionaries from Brazil in our zone and so naturally I have supported the Brazilian team, but it really depends on who I am around. When I was around mexicans, I supported mexico. When I was around chilenos, I supported chile. When around argentinians, argentina. Its cool to see the people support their teams, they love their soccor! It has been fun.
I wish that I had your letter to answer more of your questions. Thank your for letting me know more about what is going to happen. It really does help me to stay more focused. The unknown is the most distracting sometimes.
This last week was amazing! Adela was baptized on saturday! She is doing great and I was able to get my camera charger and so I took some pictures. I have been taking a lot of random pictures lately. I don't know if I will send my card home anymore. It may not even be worth it.. let me know if you want me to. On Sunday I had to give a talk in church. I spoke about loving our neighbor as we love our self. It went okay. I still get super nervous when I speak in public. I am working on it! We have been able to find a few new people to teach! They are great! But it is hard to help them to progress. They are not quite ready. We do though have three investigadors at a youth conference right now. They had a combined stake youth conference with stakes from all five boroughs. They are at some university in Queens right now. We are praying that they come back with a strong desire to be baptized. They are mostly part member families. Yesterday we went to President Jefferies house and did some yardwork! It was awesome to be able to go do some physical labor for a change. We had to pull out a bunch of oak sapplings that he has in his garden. He had a super nice house! He is loaded.. So much money. We were working with the boyfriend of his daughter, and it was super funny because he was saying that he is studying engineering and want's to design and build robots to make life easier so that he can focus on more important things, like playing the latest video games.. That was the first thing on his list!! :) The world is going crazy!
Well, I have to get going. I love you all so much. Sorry for the randomness again.
Con mucho amor
Elder Ames
6.30.10
Family!
Hey we had a great week and Adela's baptismal service went great! I hope to get in two more baptisms before I go home. I am doing all that I can to keep working hard so hopefully it goes through.
Nothing else has really happened this week. I hurt my big toe playing soccer last p-day and it was black and blue for a week! For some reason I always hurt that toe! But it's almost back to normal now, I will show you pictures in a few weeks.
I ate tongue for the 2nd time on my mission yesterday. This time I could actually see the taste buds. Yum! It's not actually that bad.
Last week we had our mission conference, my last one. It is tradition that on your last conference you bear your testimony and it was kind of weird to see that be me.
Well I love you all and hope you have a great week! Mandee, please kick Savanna little "boy friend" in the shins. will ya? I'll take care of the rest in three weeks!
Love you all, see ya soon!
Elder Sorensen
Hey we had a great week and Adela's baptismal service went great! I hope to get in two more baptisms before I go home. I am doing all that I can to keep working hard so hopefully it goes through.
Nothing else has really happened this week. I hurt my big toe playing soccer last p-day and it was black and blue for a week! For some reason I always hurt that toe! But it's almost back to normal now, I will show you pictures in a few weeks.
I ate tongue for the 2nd time on my mission yesterday. This time I could actually see the taste buds. Yum! It's not actually that bad.
Last week we had our mission conference, my last one. It is tradition that on your last conference you bear your testimony and it was kind of weird to see that be me.
Well I love you all and hope you have a great week! Mandee, please kick Savanna little "boy friend" in the shins. will ya? I'll take care of the rest in three weeks!
Love you all, see ya soon!
Elder Sorensen
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