Missionary Workshop and Movie Night

Hi All,

    A few weeks ago we were ask to do a Movie Night.  The Branch Council decided that a Monday Night was a fun way to go with all of this  We decided to show Once I was A Beehive.  Such a fun show and I knew Taylor, Jordan, and Reagan liked it so we went with it.  We got here garbage bags  (white ones) full of popcorn and made 120 rice krispie treats., about 100 or s0 little cookies and made arrangements for the equipment to show it.  passed out 50 invited and then hopped  some one would come.   We were happy when two less active families ask us to pick them up.  Many people do not have a car to drive.  We got there just as the Branch President had started it after picking up our car pools.  There were 50 plus people there and they ate every piece of food we had.  They laughed, cried and really loved the movie.  Great night for this little Branch. 

    The Zuni people love to have parties and to get together and enjoy each other.  I think they want good things to do and when they are provided they love them.  Our Branch President, President Walker , wants to provide opportunities for his Branch to meet together other times than Sunday also.  Great man with a great wife.

    Sister Vicenti our Relief President, ask us to look for 50 less active members to find out if they are still in Zuni, still alive and well and get  their information for our Branch records. This is harder than it sounds.  We have been working with three members who give us information and some directions.  Theh directions are so funny as they say you know where those roads meet and one goes to the West, well behind that and back three houses by the house that is being remodeled it is the cinderblock house.  We kept hearing about the Lasiloo Subdivision and so we finally ask where it was.  We found it and it is a group of houses for sure.     

While we were looking for one of the people we saw two people sitting on a step waiting for the person we were trying to see.  We talked to them and told them we would take them to their friends house.  They were a bit under the weather for sure but as it turned out one of the ladies was a person on our less active list we were looking for.  That was great - one down 49 to go.  We are about 1/2 done and will go with a member the first of next week to find the ones we can't find.  I am glad they are trying to upgrade their records.

     Mutual was great.  President Walker showed the video from the Church Web where the youth ask questions.  It was done so well and if any of you haven't seen it or for sure ;your kids get on the web and look for it with the General Young Womens President, Elder Bednar and others.  Great questions by youth and great answers.  More popcorn and cookies and cupcakes.  The Zuni people like treats.

    We hauled wood with the Salts also.  They are fun and work hard when we go.  We still get wood at least two times a week for members.  The stock pile seems to go very fast .   Lance and Ryan I wish I had got a picture because we got a big load of wood and then we were stuck.  Used straps, tied around a tree and Dorsun Salt and dad working very hard.  I sure wanted to call on you boys to help us but we had to do it the hard way.    I think they have us pegged.  A man at the post office told me he used to go to that Church and he needed wood.  I told his to call the Branch President and make arrangements.  He of course didn't .   Glad the sun is warmer down here than at home in all the snow you have and cold. Also I have a Visiting Teaching list of 6 less active ladies with a very less active partner.  When I told one lady I was her Visiting Teacher she ask what that was.  We assume so much as we live in the center of the Church and are raised knowing the programs.  Enjoyed my visits.  My partner this month was Elder Dattage.   I will keep inviting my teaching partner and hope to get her to come.

    We visited a little family in the Black Rock area.  They are in a picture with Jodi holding their beautiful little baby.  Cute little family.  I wrote some things down in my notebook and they wanted it so we told them we would bring them notebooks.  They were so excited with little notebooks, pencils and crayons.  So cute.

Elder Dattage was able to have a great talk with a less active member while they were on a wood trip.  It is really pretty in the mountains here and lots of chances for wonderful visits.

    On Wednesday we had a Missionary Workshop.  Missionaries from all over the World have had the opportunity to see at Stake Centers.  They said remember to teach repentance baptism to the converts.

they stressed the importance of our attitudes.   Elder Bednar said to remember that we can bring the Holy Ghost to them but we can't put it into their heart.  The investigators have to invite it in.  If they are less active we were reminded to ask them to remember what it felt like when they were baptized and had the Holy Ghost as their guide.  We are sons and daughters of God and that in itself is an amazing blessing.  We have the Priesthood of God to bless our families lives and we have the blessings of the Temple.  Such wonderful reminders from our leaders.  We loved the conference and of course a quick trip to the Sizzler in Gallup and on our way home.  We took the young Elders with us.  We are often ask down here just what is the difference in our Church and in what they already have.  The above reasons say a lot of it.     

     We are having 40 degree weather so instead of a lot of mud we snow we have tons of mud.  We try to park in just the right spot as we visit with people   There is a $1.00 little spray car wash here and it keeps the top coat of mud off.   Can't get enough pictures of all of you and hear about your lives.  So much good going on - you at home are amazing examples to us in working hard and listening  what we are supposed to be doing.  Love our family - we have the most amazing grandkids and children for sure. 

     Hope you all continue to have a great week. We are going to and who knows maybe we will find the other 25 people and where they are.  What a blessing this is in our lives.  We are learning so much and having so many opportunities to see the Spirit guide our lives and help us to do what we were sent here to do.  Love you all,   Elder and Sister Dattage

    

 TONS of mud!  It is about 40 degress and snows sometimes.  The snow all melts and then we are left with a muddy mess!

 Picture of a family who came to the movie!  We have been working with this family for a while!  This baby was born at 4 lbs and is up to 9 lbs!  Must be Indian fry bread

Picture of Greg Olsen and wife (to the right of Elder and Sister Dattage) at the Zone Conference!

Picture of the kids witht his dream catcher that Elder and Sister Dattage sent!  They love them!

Grandma's potato chips and zone meeting!

January 17, 2016

Dear Friends and Family,

            Hope everyone is doing well in snowy Utah.  Jodi sent pictures of the snow and it sure is deep.  Must be great for skiing. 

            What an amazing week this has been.  We have been driving around in a car because our truck has been in the dealership and no one recognizes us.  We were ask to do a Movie Night for the Branch.  We decided to show Once I Was a Beehive.  We hope people will come and bring their friends and neighbors to it.  We took 55 invitations around.  Hope for the best.  We are getting popcorn in Gallup Lumber.   We made lots of rice krispies treats and drinks.  Hope it will be lots of fun. 

            We had a District Meeting and a Zone Meeting this Week.  Greg Olson the artist brought pictures and talked to us at the Zone meeting.  It was really great.  He knows Mike Malm and thinks a lot of him .

            We only got wood one time this week with Brother Salt because of no truck.  We did take emergency wood to two Sisters in the trunk of the rental car.  We sure have a lot of mud here now.  It snows then melts and you step out of your car and are in mud up around your shoes.  It reminds me of Ryans Pig mud story from his mission.    We just scrap it off and keep going.  Not much gravel and no grass for sure.  Your snow looks so pretty but ours is quite black or orange from dirt. 

            We presented the Theme in Mutual.  I am so happy that we both get to work in the young Men and Young Womens organization.  We enjoy the very few people that are that age and they are just like our girls, they laugh and giggle.  They want to heart attack peoples houses for Valentines and such. 

            We had so much fun this week because for a few days we took Maelee’s snowman around with us.  When we visited people and talked to them and ask for a picture with him they really liked it.  I liked that we went to some of our favorite people’s houses that we don’t get to visit often because we are visiting the less active.  They are mostly a happy people and willing to help each other out. 

            We invited anyone that wanted to go to the Albuquerque Temple once a month.  When the list went around even though not many signed up they raised their hand and ask how they can get a visit with the Branch President so they can renew their recommend.  Two ladies ask that and I was so excited about something this important.

            We visited with a family today that said they sure wanted to come to church but had no way to get there.  They used to be active and we said we would love to come get them.  They are coming to the Monday Night Movie Night and to Church next week.  It seems we never know what will touch their hearts.  We don’t even always understand their reasons for not being places.   Understood they used to be active but don’t come any more.  Hope something that simple to us as a ride can help made a difference.

            We still take a bag of chips to Grandma every week.  She can eat a bag in two days.  She weighs 62 pounds so they don’t seem to be hurting her.  We didn’t take any the last visit and I don’t think she was very happy with us. 

            We are so glad that our family is doing as well as possible right now.  Love our grandkids and feel bad when Taylor is sick, or Jaxon doesn’t feel well, or someone is disappointed with things that happen.  We pray and think about you always. 

            We were so excited when we received a sunshine box from the Watrins.  Tons of cute yellow things came and we love all of them.  We have shared some of the candy but the notes are right above the computer.    Saved the cute box because it was so fun and cheerful.

            Today in Relief Society the piano player was gone and the lady that leads the much was gone.  Sister Vicente turns to me and asks if I will come up and lead without a piano.  Of course I went us gave them one note from the piano then proceeded to lead.  No a shinning moment for me for sure.

            No one cleans the church so yesterday I went over and cleaned.   It looked much better and today in church they sent around a sign up list to clean the church.  YEA 

            Just wanted to tell you that we went to the Salts for a birthday party for their girls and they sang Happy Birthday as bad as we do.  They were laughing and trying to be silly.  That made me a bit homesick because that is just how we do it.

            I love studying the Book of Mormon in Sunday school when I am there.    We gave Books of Mormon to all the Primary kids a week ago and they were so excited.  So much to learn.  Love all of the thoughts that we read each day.  Every time we read one I think of the time it took to make them and how much we really love them.  Thanks.

            We heard Ryan was on T V We know that the game Sunday was a family divided and loved Shea picture of that.  The Johnsons pictures in the snow looked so cute.  Looks like they got Adam good with the snowballs.  Have been checking on Taylor everyday and love every positive thing she says.  Love Hunter and Adndrws videos of their sports.  We love those boys also.  Got another two worder from our Hayden and just have to say we sure to love him as well as all of you.  Thanks for your amazing support to all of you.  We feel it and we love it.

            We are in close contact with Uncle Hoot and praying for him and their family.  If you guys hear anything more let us know.  Bless their hearts.

            Just want to say that many times this week we have been told to be still and listen.  Take time to ponder and above all have Charity.  The best advice ever.  Love all of you.

           

            Love mom and dad  (Elder and Sister Dattage)

Elder and Sister Dattage also write a little personal note to the family that we usually share.  Let's just say this one included a good story for Sister Dattage!  She will now have an easy answer to the question:  What is your most embarassing moment ever???  Not sure if she would want it all over FB but it is FUNNY!!

Picture note: Maelee sent Grandma and Grandpa a snowman to travel around Zuni.  So you will see the snowman in many pictures!!

Hauling wood with the Elders and a less active member Dave

Another day of wood for Brother Benn in front.  The Salts helped us!

Men will be boys!  District meeting and Zone leader Brother Potter and District Leader Brother Boyder trying out their rubber gun!

The beautiful mountain in Zuni takes on the color of the sun!

Wishing all a happy New Year!

Grandma "Potato Chips" as she is called and  Marie with the snowman.  This bag may last 3 days!! 

For all you Pickett cousins:  I can just hear Gayle saying  "have a bar and go to bed."  Looks like this Grandma likes her chips like Grandma loved her O'Aggie Bars!

Zuni Branch Young Men!  Brother Park and Elder Dattage are the leaders with Zach, Austin and Chandler!

Elder Dattage and Brother Sale getting wood for the branch!

Sowman visiting thte bakery!  Rose and her niece!

Talking to the Young Women's President Pam.  She is a beautiful silversmith, pictured is some of her work.  She made bracelets for all of the girls for Christmas!

Box of "Sunshine" from the Watrins!!  Thank you!

A local pottery makes made this vase.  This is right before he fired it. Beautiful!

This is the same vase after it was fired.  Notie the color change!

Vivan, Sister Dattage and Maelee's snowman.  Vivian is Elder and Sister Dattage's neighbor! 

January 10th Letter, photos, and note

January 10, 2016

Hi,

Hope you are all healthy and doing well.  We are and we have had quite a week.  Every week is different in Zuni.  Such different things to worry about and do.  Right now keeping people warm and helping them know that we care about them is so big. 

On Monday we spent 6 hours getting a flat tire checked and were able to leave the store and head back.  We had planned a short trip to Gallup and back to visits.

            We have a lot of snow down here so I wondered what we would do about wood cutting – well we go any way.  We were able to get enough for Brother Benn who is 85 and for the Lalios.  We also made sure Maria had wood for at least a week. 

            We didn’t have mutual.  We thought we would be presenting the New Mutual Theme but the snow had them cancel mutual so we will present it next week.  Thanks to Jill who sent us all we needed, we have a very good handout for them and are happy to tell them about the new theme.  We know that you are busy at home but any time we ask for anything it seems you are so kind to help.  Love you guys.   

            We eat at members houses about 2 times a week and they can cook.  They love Fry bread – instead of rolls with soup or anything they just fry the dough and we eat it.  Very good for sure.

            Lots of visiting and seeing the beautiful things the members have made.  They are so talented and want to show their talents.  Really enjoy the visits because as we look we are able to bear our testimonies and tell them how much we miss seeing them. 

            Friday was a lot like Monday.  We were headed past Gallup to take a load of wood to the Salts parents.  We dropped it off and were coming back when we heard a really unusual sound on our truck.   We slowly made it back to the dealership in Gallup and found we had a broken u joint on the truck.  We had to leave it there and get a rental car to use until it is fixed.  Be glad to have it back because we aren’t much help in many areas without our truck.

            The highlight of the week was Saturday.  We were invited to the Chinle Stake to a fireside.  It is three hours from Zuni.   We learned from Elder Bradley D. Foster of the Seventy, Elder Larry Echo Hawk of the Seventy and Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  The chapel and cultural hall was full of people who came to learn.  They came to work with members and visit in the mission and to help them.  They taught us to say “Is my contribution acceptable to the Lord – this mission is not about us.  It is about what the Lord needs for these people right now. “

They taught 5 topics to the people:

1. The power of the Temple and getting the families to go to the Temple and have their families united.
2.   Getting young men and women down here ready to go on Missions themselves.
3. Having them plant gardens and become self sufficient.  (a big one)
4. Education – either college, trade school or good training on the job.
5. Promote the idea of tithing.  Told them we can’t grow until we accept the law of tithing. 

Taught us the importance of testifying about Christ.  Repenting and returning to God and trusting him.  Said we should never pass up a chance to testify when we can.  I had heard this before from President Smith in our Stake Presidency.  Amazing what you learn that helps you as you serve a Seniors Mission. 

This was amazing and we got to share some of it in a Council Meeting in the Branch after Church today.  We received a lot of assignments today and it actually made us happy that they would trust us to be in charge of a Movie Night, give assignments to other organizations to help us,  Invite Branch members to go to the Temple with us once or twice a month.  Many people here can’t drive or afford the gas to drive.  The Temples are not 7 minutes away like the Logan Temple. We are talking 2 ½ hours to Snowflake or Alburguerque.   

            Fun things we lo ved from home:  Andrew is playing basketball, steals the ball and scores, Maelee is such a cute big Sister to Emma who loves all things funny and dancing and Maelee still knows how to look just so cute in every picture , Kyson and Jaxon are skiers and are both feeling better, Kendal and I were over joyed after the Broncos game as we texted back and forth, Kinnink sent a beautiful picture in the mail and we hung it up and he is a pro skier, Samantha was having fun with Maelee while Jill was tending and has a fun new chair (can’t wait to see it), Reagan  is busy supportative and fun and helpful to all and teaching Maelee to make Bread pretzels, Hunter can wrestle upside down, and we are so glad he is doing so well, Jordan always just texts how is your day Gram, Taylor is feeling better and so good to us in all of her go out of your way ways, Hayden some times answers my texts with one liners and is working hard at his job and school.    We love you and hope that by sharing our mission you can feel our love for the people of Zuni and for the gospel. 

 I can’t tell you enough that the serving Grandpa and I did in the past has helped us with these beautiful people.  We never know when we will be teaching a class, talking to some Young Men or Women or helping in Relief Society.  I am a Visiting teacher and I have a whole list of less active Sisters.  No complaining about the lists we get at home because I have learned that this is a great way to let people know we really do care about them.   

            We are happy every time we get a card, picture, package with anything in it.  Jodi even phone cords and outlets which we love.  Every one of you is so thoughtful.   Love you and challenge all of you to work at growing your Testimonies of the Savior.  Use them in your homes when you teach and love your children.  Thanks so much for being the amazing people you are.

Another day of wood for Brother Benn in front. The Salts helped us.

Elder Dattage loves watching Hunter's wrestling videos.  This week they came upside down.  Looks like the missionaries helped him out with it.  Fun!

Dear Family

Another week has passed already.  Wow.  Did we tell you next week our Zone Conference is going to be great.  Greg Olson the painter will be there to talk to us along with other things.  We met his Sister in law this week and took them traveling around Zuni (his sister in law not him) to see our area.  Fun day  for sure. Thanks for your prayers - we truly can feel them.    Thanks for the funny pictures, funny things that happen and the great things moments that happen in your lives.  Glad you are enjoying fishing and skiing with your families.  Glad you can help each other when emergencies come up.  Hope all of you are working hard at living the Gospel and striving to teach your families to love the Lord.  We so love all of you and want to always be together.  So love ;you.  Kim and I can now say we have both lead music in Primary.  It is easy to keep this little house of ours clean.  Thanks to those who are keeping our house in Utah clean.   I am sure Kims abilities  there are much better than mine!  Stay healthy and safe in the Utah weather.   Thanks for helping when we are in a jam.  Jill was so helpful.  Jodi we really love the things you suggest we get or you send to us because they just make it a bit easier.  Alicia can't tell you how much all you do for our family means to us. Lance we appreciated your help when the truck broke.  Not fun being the one with the truck that doesn't run.    We are a very blessed group of people.  Hope everyone remembers how important it is to say thank you to those of you that are always helping each other.  You are the best!!!!!!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Elder and Sister Dattager Dattage

It's a New Year in Zuni

January 2, 2016

Happy New Years to All,

            It has been a quiet week in Zuni this week.  Many of the people are still celebrating the fast, not cutting wood, and not taking garbage out.  You should see our outside garbage can – can’t fit one more piece of garbage because the pick up men; haven’t been here for going on three weeks.  No problem because on Monday their celebration will be over and all will be back to normal. 

            Zuni has been cold but not as cold as Utah.  I think our low has been around 10 degrees.  Some snow but it melts quickly.  It doesn’t accumulate on the ground.   Christmas gifts from our family have been perfect.  Scarves, warm shirts, gloves, wonderful boots, a warm car blanket to use between each site, all kept us almost warm.     Can’t wait to wear the beautiful warm sweater I have but have been teaching Primary last few weeks and don’t dress  up too much.  I now have foot warmers.  Wow warm feet feel great.    Everyone has been so nice as they send us warm things and we wear them  

            We have been blessed with visits with wonderful members and less active members.  The sweet Young Women made a box for Megan Salt, the Sister Missionary serving in Texas.  They brought items they had and made a great box.  They talked about how fortunate they are.  I told them about some of Ryan’s experiences in Ghana and they said wow they must really be poor.  They are great girls for sure.  Taylor sent them some DVD’s as part of her Honor Bee work for Young Women’s.  Thanks because they are thrilled to have these.   The Young Men are doing so well.  There are only three of them but last week Elder Dattage had them come to our trailer with Brother Park  and learn about the restoration.  They ate most of the left over Christmas candy and I was glad.   

            Such amazing people as they invite us to eat with them and share their food with us.  They are great cooks and love tamales, corn tortillas, homemade tortillas shells, Indian fry bread,  corn on the cob cut into three  pieces, kool aid and always  some sort of red or green peppers. 

            We have been blessed to be working with three families in which one or two people are members but not all.  They say they want to be active.  Some of them are nervous.  We have a boy who is a Teacher in the Priesthood but too afraid to come and help with the Sacrament.  We hope our Branch President can help him overcome this and he can move on.   Many family are coming but a lot of part family.  We pray for all of them.  They are indeed very humble.  They have a hard time overcoming all of the religious traditions they have been involved in.  This is an area steep in tradition.  When they have faith they can start to make the changes they need to become faithful members. 

            Our only wood experiences this week have been taking wood from the Branch Stockpile to members, less active and non members.    Starting on Monday it will be back to cutting down trees and building up the stockpile.  We did try a little bit of cutting up with the new Sawsall that is Eldens pride and joy .  Thanks kids .

            Today was fun.  A Missionary couple serving in Granado stopped by and we showed them around Zuni.  Doesn’t take very long but great visit and enjoyed them.  They are going home this month and hadn’t seen Zuni.  Most people haven’t seen Zuni but they should. 

            On New Years Day we enjoyed traveling through Canyon de Cheley National Monument Park near Chinle.  It is about three hours from here.  We were able to see a lot of  cliff dwellings.  We rode around it seeing if it would be a fun place to take visiting grandkids.  There is some hiking involved but it was so cold we just went to the overlooks and went down a bit.  Should be a fun place.  Pretty amazing the way they have saved these sites for us to learn from.    

            We love our Mission and the people.  Even more we love our family back home.  We hope you are all doing your best and doing well.   So much fun as we have laughed over pictures that came.  Love that Andrew is ice fishing and enjoying seeing pictures of Indians ice fishing here.   Good parties with good friends,  They are great teen agers, middle schoolers , grade schoolers and our preschoolers.  Love everyone of you.  We are proud of you and hope you can go back to school feeling good about the person you are.  You should you are amazing examples to us and to others.   A New Year and a new time to dwell on all that is good.  I made a goal that at the end of each day I will look at my day and remind myself of all the wonderful things that have happened on that day.  Let’s as friends and as a family try to be very grateful for all of our blessings.  We have so many. 

Happy New Year to all of you friends and family.

Elder and Sister Dattage sent a selfie from Gallup where they celebrated New Year's Eve and Day!!

 Drive and view in Canyon de Vheley National Monument Park!

 One picture from lastg week of Taylor and Jordan arriving!!!

Elder and Sister Dattage wanted to share a few more pictures from the Branch Christmas Party!  They had nearly 120 branch members attend!!  

 This nativity was so tender!!

 At all of the branch parties the Young Women serve everyone!  Here is a picture of Sister Dattage, Taylor and Jordan helping serve.

 Taylor dressing kids for the nativity

 This cute family just got their brand new baby home after he was in the hospital for nearly 6 weeks!!  S beautiful!!!

Elder Dattage is seriously a celebrity down in Zuni!  The branch members LOVE him!!  This picture is SO true to his character!!

Last, but not least…  The Watrins make sure to send Elder Dattage video of everyone of Hunter's wrestling matches.  Elder Dattages puts on his MC wrestling shirt and cheers Hunter on! I can just hear him yelling "turn him"  "turn him"  And Sister Dattage is probably in the back yelling "Short time!!"    LOVE!