February 19, 2016

Kyle flew home on Friday, February 19 on a Medical Release.  He had seen a Primary Care Physician and Optometrist in Canada, but both referred him to a Neurologist.  That's the appointment that proved impossible to get after several months of trying. With Canada's socialized medicine as it is, the Mission President felt it necessary to send Kyle back to the States for further evaluation and treatment. So we begin the process again in Medford with a Primary Care Physician appointment on Monday, February 22 and a referral to a local Neurologist.

Life has many bumps in the road, and this is but one of them. 

February 16, 2016

The last several weeks have been made up of doing a lot of finding. So we have tracted a lot. We have been able to find a lot of people to teach. But most of them have not been reliable. But we were able to find a man named Peter. He is in his 60's and is a great guy. He lives alone in a apartment. We taught him the restoration, and he agreed to get baptized!  Also we have found a guy named Robert. We haven't taught him a lesson yet but he had the glow of a Mormon so we are pumped!

Last weekend the weather got to -17. So we were pretty cold. But where I am is considered the banana belt. In some parts of the mission it got to -45. The whole time we were outside people were amazed that we were still doing missionary work. The Jehovah Witness's weren't even outside. 

I have also been going on exchanges all over the place which is fun because I get to experience a ton of different cultures and religions. For example, in the town of Leamington there is a religion that is called Mennonite. They are very similar to the Amish. And they dress like them too. 

On P-days we go to a native reserve where a member there is teaching us how to carve fish. So we are making a trout that we will paint. The fish once it is completed will look awesome!

Statue of Tecumseh at Fort Malden

Tecumseh /tᵻˈkʌmsə, tᵻˈkʌmsi/ tə-KUM-sə, tə-KUM-see (March 1768 – October 5, 1813) was a Native American leader of the Shawnee and a large tribal confederacy (known as Tecumseh's Confederacy).
During the War of 1812, Tecumseh's confederacy allied with the British and helped in the capture of Fort Detroit. Prior to the raid, Chief Tecumseh delivered a powerful speech upon a rock that is preserved to this day at Fort Malden. Fort Malden, formally known as Fort Amherstburg, is a defense fortification located in Amherstburg, Ontario. It was built in 1795 by Britain in order to ensure the security of British North America against any potential threat of American Invasion. Throughout its history, it is most known for its military application during the War of 1812 as Sir Isaac Brock and Tecumseh met here to plan the Siege of Detroit.

February 8, 2016

Here's a picture of what my area looks like

We had a little bit of snow a couple days ago, but its gone now.  I'm in the banana belt I guess so it hardly gets colder then the freezing point. It has been raining today. Winter here is a joke.  I'm so far south that I'm pretty much parallel with the states.
 
Yesterday we went to a small fishing town on lake St. Clair.  It looked like Alaska, and all the houses were million dollar houses.

I'm starting to get burned out on church stuff. If I hear another cheesy testimony or one that makes some one cry I think I'm going to puke.  

I have had a persistent head ache the last couple months. Also this past week my eyes have started hurting. I have started seeing random colors in my eye like when you look at a bright light and look away. Those lights appear for a few seconds and then go away. And I have floaters in my eyes everyday.  I called Mission Medical and I have an optometrist appointment tomorrow at 9 am.

January 25, 2016

Week Recap: 

After we finished our P-day we went to the Taylor's house for dinner. When we were there, we picked up our laundry as well (they let us do our studies and laundry there in the morning). After dinner we went to FHE at the church where we read and discuss the Book of Mormon. The reason we have FHE at the church is to try and get empty nesters and single adults who are less active to come and socialize with members of the ward and to read the Book of Mormon.

On Wednesday, there was a world wide mission broadcast where we were instructed by the leaders of the church on how we can teach repentance and baptize converts. It was awesome hearing from Elder Anderson, Bednar and several other leaders of the church.

On Friday, I went on exchanges to Windsor which is just across a river from Detroit. I was surprised because Detroit wasn't as big as I had pictured it to be. 

And finally on Sunday, I had to give a talk on teaching little kids for 10 min. We also had 2 investigators show up which was sweet!

In Windsor, just across the river from Detroit.

Jill's Email to Kyle

Did you know that Jethro is like 1/38 Chippewa?  So you're among some of his relatives.  I was reading in 2 Nephi 30: 3-6 and thought of you:

3. "And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and the Gentiles.  For after the book of which I have spoken shall come forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, and sealed up again unto the Lord, there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written; and they shall carry them forth unto the remnant of our seed.

4.  And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are descendants of the Jews.

5.  And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them; wherefore, they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers.

6. And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God.

You, my dear, are among the missionaries Nephi prophesied would carry the book to the remnant of his seed.  So incredibly cool!  Go get 'em tiger (or should I say snow leopard). Ha Ha.

Kyle's Reply to Jill

That's pretty sweet. Going to try and convert those laminates. I'm actually going to the reserve today. A member from the tribe lives there and he is going to teach us how to carve salmon out of wood.

January 18, 2016

A stop sign on the Chippewa Indian Reservation

In my new area, Chatham, there is an Indian reserve that we cover.  While we were there we visited a member that is a renowned wood carver.  He was telling us about the Traditional religion of the Chippewa tribe. Many members of the tribe still practice it.  It's Deity is the Great Spirit. When I heard this I immediate thought of the first part of Alma 18.

I like my area. It is snowing a lot more and has gotten to -10. I'm serving in a branch now which is kinda weird.

My building is the one farther in the background.

January 17, 2016

We had your delightful sons for dinner tonight. They got here to Chatham last week. We are thrilled to have them. The Branch President and I can tell already they are good faithful, obedient missionaries. Thank you for sharing your sons with us
Eric & Sarah Willett

January 11, 2016

Elder Ditty, Elder Vargas and  Elder Beddes

This week was really fun.  I was in a tripanionship with Elder Vargas and Elder Beddes.  Elder Vargas's companion went home early for school, so he came to our area for the week but we still had to work in his area as well. He is from Mexico city and has a hilarious personality. And a hilarious accent.

Missionary work for the week was different because we had to drive a lot from St. Davids to Stoney Creek which is about a 1 hour drive. In St. Davids we taught a man who is getting baptized next week. His main concern is the Word of Wisdom. But he is willing to give up cigarettes and get baptized. So were all pumped about him getting baptized.

Niagara Falls is in the town of St. Davids, so we were able to see the falls several times. Also while we were there we had a lot of poutine. There is a famous shop that is called Smokes Poutinery, that makes the best poutine. It is really good, but it is packed in calories.  It has made many missionaries fat here, so I get it only once in a while.

We got Transfer calls yesterday.  I am going to Chatham. It's in the London zone. My new companion is Elder Taylor.  New address is:

130 Park Ave East #201
Chatham, ON N7M3V6

Poutine

Poutine is a Canadian dish, originating in the province of Quebec, made with french fries and cheese curds topped with a light brown gravy.  In Canada, it is sold in small "greasy spoon" type diners  and pubs, as well as by roadside chip wagons (commonly known as cabanes à patates, literally "potato shacks") and in hockey arenas.

January 11, 2016

You do not know me but your son was in our ward. He just dropped by tonight to let us know he was being transferred to Chatham Ont., west of London Ont. He was a great missionary and lots of fun to have around. He was lucky to have been in our area when we have experience such a mild winter but he will be in for a surprise because snow is on the way tomarrow so I told them to drive carefully. I'm sorry I could not have done this sooner so you could be more updated. Hope you enjoy the pictures. 

Love,
Karen Ayers 
Grimsby Ontario

January 4, 2016

Elder Beddes and Elder Ditty at Niagera Falls

For New Year's Eve we went to a members house and had a lot of good food. But we had to be inside at 7 o'clock. So that night we followed the normal schedule and went to bed at 10:30 pm. Then we were woken up at midnight by everyone lighting off fireworks. The next morning the streets were empty. And no one was outside. Anticipating this we went to the Bishop's house for lunch. On Friday I went on exchanges to down town Hamilton. It was a lot of fun being able to spend the night at that apartment because the ZL's also use that apartment.

This coming week should be a lot of fun. We will be in a tripanionship with Elder Vargas. He is a really funny guy so I'm looking forward to the tripanionship.

December 29, 2015

 

Christmas gifts on the weights in my apartment.

 On Monday, December 21st we were able to go caroling with Bishop Hobbs' family.  It was a ton of fun being able to swing by people, sing to them, then give them gifts.  Me and my companion both suck at singing so we might of dragged the quality of the songs down ha ha.

On Christmas Eve, Elder Beddes and I went on a hike and then stopped by some member's houses. It was great just being able to visit with them and not be in a rush.

On Christmas Day, we woke up and unwrapped all of our presents. It was great. I got a ton of presents.  It was good having all that stuff to unwrap.  Thanks for sending me all that stuff.  I love the sweater and blanket.  I laughed when you gave me that board game and customized cards about the church.  I remember you always wanting to do that.  I love the ones about the Apostles because I am still trying to learn who are in the Quorum of the 12.  I'm starting to memorize every correct answer for every question for every card.  My first Christmas was good.  I felt loved. You accomplished your mission ha ha.

Then we went to the Bishop's house for breakfast and to Skype home. It was great being able to see the whole family and see Grandmother Ditty. After that we had a dinner appointment with another member of the ward.

December 26th Elder Beddes was sick so we weren't able to leave the apartment. So it was a boring day.


On the 27th we had to give a 15 minute talk in Sacrament meeting. That was my first time having to give a talk that long. I talked about the nativity.

Love you!

December 21, 2015

Niagara Falls was fun. The city by it was super oriented towards tourism, so you can spend a lot of money there quick. Niagara Falls was more beautiful then I expected. Turns out there are 2 water falls. A US one and a Canadian one. The Canadian side is better because you get a better view. 

Here's what my Christmas tree looks like

I received the 2 packages. I am waiting till Christmas to open everything. But I will open one on Christmas eve.

Christmas Zone Conference.  I spy Elder Ditty  -- 3rd Row, second from the Right.

December 14, 2015

This week we have been working with Laura and Manny a lot. They are doing great and have a date to get married on January 8th and baptized on the 9th. Also we have been teaching a lot of people this past week. The work is easier during Christmas because more people are willing to talk about Christ.
Also we had a ward music night where Laura and Manny were able to bring their kids and meet with members of the ward. It was a lot of fun. The ward in Stoney Creek is pretty cool.

By the way the weather here is still warm... I was not expecting this!  Unbelievable, it is snowing in Oregon and not in Canada. Today's high is about 62 fahrenheit. We're not even supposed to get a white Christmas!

I will be going to Niagara Falls hopefully today so next week I should have some sweet pictures!

Photo from awhile ago

September 25, 2015

Barrie, Sudbury and Weston Zones

From the Canada Toronto Mission Facebook Page

We had the great opportunity to meet with all of our missionaries over the last two weeks! Such a privilege to serve with these wonderful people! Each one is striving to serve the Lord and do what He would have them do! We love them all!
September 16: Hamilton, Brampton, Ossington Zones
September 17: London and Kitchener Zones
September 23: Oshawa, Kingston, and North York Zones
September 24: Barrie, Sudbury, and Weston Zones

I spy Elder Ditty -- Back row, third from the right!

November 22, 2015

 

From the Canada Toronto Mission Facebook Page

Last week Elder Perkins came for a mission tour and met with all of our missionaries! We learned so much from him! This photo is of the London, Hamilton, and Kitchener zones. 

I spy Elder Ditty -- 7th row, 2nd from left. 

We took Elder Perkins to President Monson's mission home in Toronto

 . . . and to Black Creek to see the probable site of John Taylor's baptism

December 7, 2015

My new companion, Elder Beddes, is from Farmington Utah.  As the Senior Companion I am doing follow up training and have to show my companion around the area. Which is kinda stressful because I am still new to Stoney Creek and haven't been in the area long.  We have a very small teaching pool so we tract a lot which sucks because everyone here is Catholic. So we are working hard to find more people to teach.

We are working with a young family who wants to get baptized. The problem is that the mom and dad aren't married, so we are working with them trying to get married. They have a desire to so I am excited! They have a young boy around 2 and a little girl about 8 months old. 
   
 I will hopefully get your Christmas packages on Wednesday at Zone Conference. I have been playing my Irish flute. I'm exited to learn Lord of the Rings music. It will be fun to Skype you on Christmas. The day before we do Skype I get a 2 minute call to set up the time that I will call.

Love you

November 30, 2015

Me and my companion at the Ward Christmas Party

This week was the last week of the transfer. The weather was cold but not freezing. It had snowed last week but no snow so far this week. All the locals are loving this unusually warm weather.

On Wednesday I went on Exchanges again. This time I was in my area driving the car. And we were able to find a new investigator. Also later on in the week we were able to teach for the first time a young family who are super nice.

On Saturday, we went to a funeral at the church which was open casket. First time being at a funeral. And it was depressing to say the least. That same day we had the Ward Christmas party which was kinda weird. But the Party was fun.

Because it was the last week of the transfer we got a call on Sunday letting us know what we will be doing next Transfer. I am staying, and am going to be the senior Companion which means I will get to drive the Legacy!  My new companion is Elder Beddes and that is all I know of him. My old companion is going to Weston -- my last area.

As we were driving to go emailing today. My companion was pulled over for going 20 over in a school zone... yikes man.   But the cop was cool and let him go with a warning.

Love you all,
Elder Ditty

A family we are teaching

Downtown Hamilton

November 26, 2015

It was our pleasure to have your son here for dinner this evening. We had American Thanksgiving dinner in honor of our American Elders. He is doing well and is hoping you like his hair cut a little better. We hope you have enjoyed your Thanksgiving!!

Members of the Stoney Creek

Katie and Chris Shepherd

November 23, 2015

There was a temple rededication in Montreal yesterday and I got to watch it live and hear the dedicatory prayer.

November 16, 2015

Heads up my bag broke and I need to buy a scarf and maybe boots for winter. The card might get a little bit heavier. Its warm here. Its suppose to stay this way till December. Its weird.

The Niagara falls trip bombed. :(

I heard about the 132 people killed in Paris. I also heard that somewhere in Canada a mosque was burned down. There are still some good people left.  I will try and teach the Canadians although they're not very willing to learn.      

There is a saying that 1 day in a mission is worth 10 days back home of experience, which is true.

Love you

November 9, 2015

It was another good week. The weather was warm oddly enough. I even got sunburned one day. We spent a good amount of time doing service for people. Especially because it will be getting too cold to work on lawns and gardens soon. We have been helping some of the members with their leaves and lawn, and we volunteer every Tuesday and Saturday at a place that grows food and then donates to the needy. So we help them grow their food. 

We had skills and interviews this week also, so we had a meeting with the mission president which was fun. Also we were gathered as a zone so it was good to catch up with some missionaries.

On Thursday I went on exchanges with a Mandarin speaking Elder so it was fun being able to listen to the language while my companion taught. Overall the week went by fast.

November 2, 2015

Elder Ditty lookin' really Canadian, eh?

On the shores of Lake Ontario at Stoney Creek

Elder Thurgood has changed a lot since the first week. He had a companion that he struggled with so he basically went into his happy place the last couple months, but he's come out of it and is not such a robot. We hardly have any investigators and they're unreliable.

We are planning on going to Niagara Falls next Monday.