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!

Merry Christmas!!!

December 26, 2015

            Dear All,

            This has been a different but wonderful week in Zuni.   Time spent with family (Jodi and girls) was priceless and so uplifting.  We loved every minute they were here.  We went in to Gallup with them on Monday.  We had fun going to some of the places that the Indians sell their wares.  We ended up buying every grandchild one more gift which will arrive after Christmas.  In fact they are at Ryan and Alicia’s right now.  We had lunch at Antonys, a South Western Restaurant which was good.  We drove around Gallup for a bit and then we had to get take out at the Panda Express  and when we came back Jordan and I wanted to go to the Tribal Building where they were selling jewelry and things from Zuni but all 4 of us ended up going in.  Leena a member was there selling her beautiful jewelry.  Jodi did a bit of last minute Christmas shopping.  Beautiful things.

            On Tuesday we knew that Jodi and the girls were about to leave but we did drive all over to show them Zuni, the High school, Wellness Center (where they excurse , the Hospital,  library, the places people sell things,  the inner village with the old Church and just where people live.  It wasn’t very good weather and they ended up leaving to drive to Albuquerque about 1:00.  We sadly finished up our Christmas cards and visits with those we hadn’t made it to earlier.  We missed them but what a joy to have their visit.

            We did lots of wood on Wednesday and Thursday. Prepared lessons to teach on Sunday in Primary.  Best part of this is that each time we go we go with members, less active members and even some non members.  Good visits and lots of work.

            On Christmas Eve we were able to take some sub for Santa things to 3 families.  It was good to be with the families for a bit.  We had the muddiest truck you have ever seen so we had to make a trip to Gallup to wash off the mud.     You would have to be here to see all of the mud that is in Zuni.  Not a blade of grass.  Fun to have a little snow – not like Cache Valley has but a couple of inches.  It is cold here and the wind blows a lot so it feels even colder. 

            Christmas Day was great.  We enjoyed feeding the Elders breakfast   We opened all of our gifts from our family.  Each one seemed just perfect for Zuni.  So fun.  We were invited to Brother and Sister Salts for dinner with President Walker and his little family.  Jodi and Jordan fell in love with the Salt and Walker children.  They are cute ones for sure.  We had a feast as did all of you.  We wanted to take a  bit of the things we like at home and so with the other food items we included an appetizer with cream cheese and shrimp and crab.  They loved it and of course oranges dipped in chocolate.  They liked our Utah food and we enjoyed their dinner also.  We stayed there to visit while the Elders went to our trailer to call their families.  We did go home and they were still calling so we went into the little bedroom (very cold room) and we face timed our wonderful family.  Wow was it good to talk to all of them.    Can’t thank everyone enough for all of the pictures they sent us, the cards, the thoughtful gifts and just the words of support.  It was amazing and loved hearing from everyone of you.  You can tell you have been in Zuni when you see some of the gifts the grandkids got and you don’t know what they are.  They all look fun but we have never seen them for sure.  We know our family is blessed while we are away and pray for all of you and them as they strive to serve and love the Lord. 

            Being Away at Christmas Time is a different experience.  We have learned how important it is to be kind to people and involve them.  So many good people here.  Some members called or texted and just said, “Merry Christmas Dotages. “  yes they send plates of treats by like we do.   Some of the cute ladies bring their treats to church to hand out to everyone. 

            Many people here do not have a car or truck so they have to simplify.  If they see the people they need to take their treats then.  The other day at Sacrament meeting a lady came in late and handed me a bowl that I had sent her soup in then went and sat down.   Just how it is here. 

            Starting last night at midnight they started what they call deshkwi.  It is a cleansing time so they can start the New Year with a clean soul and pay spiritual gifts to their gods for a prosperous new year.  They close the garbage transfer station so no one takes their garbage there for 4 to 10 days.  In fact they are to keep the garbage in their houses and only after this is over take it out.  Those steeply involved in this actually leave it in their house then burn a bit in each room when this is over so they can have their house blessed.    No stores, convenience centers are open for 4 days as they aren’t supposed to spend any money at that time.    No one is to use a chain saw to get wood for ten days.  They are supposed to have enough wood on hand to cover this.  That is why last week we had to get so much wood and help so many.  Just like the Church food storage program we have a big stock pile at the Salts house where if we are called we can take emergency wood to our members.  They can’t eat fatty food for ten days.  They said that they are not supposed to have any outside lights on but many do.  I think only those deeply in tune with their traditions from many years actually continue to practice this.          The Church members are respectful of the traditions but do not feel that they need to practice most of them.  It seems most of them try to have plenty of wood, and of course we can’t get groceries or anything because the three places you can spend money in Zuni are closed for that time.   Our Branch President reminds us that we are fine because we fast once a month.  He is Zuni but very cute about all of this.  I am glad that some of our friends down here keep us informed about all of this because it is happening so often and we do not want to offend anyone. 

            As for the Dattages we are glad that we believe in Jesus Christ and that he was born and walked upon this earth and that he lived a perfect life and obeyed his Father.

            We believe that he suffered for us and because of Him our sins can be washed away if we obey.

            We also know that he died for us.  We know that He loves us with a very unselfish love. 

            We are so grateful for our Prophet, President Monson, and the love that he has for all man kind.  We are so grateful for the Book of Mormon,  for Joseph Smith and for the love that we can have for all.

We are grateful for our family and the love and support we feel daily from them and from our amazing friends in Cache Valley.  We appreciate everything that is being done for us and of course your prayers. 

            We do love and miss all of you but we love the work we are blessed to do here in Zuni.  Each time we talk to these amazing members and so many of the less active they do know and love our Savior our Testimonies grow. 

            Thanks to all of you and have a wonderful New Year.  We want to try to do just that as we strive to share our love and testimonies with the people in Zuni.

            Elder and Sister Dattage

 Elder Blazzard and Yorgesen eating Chritsmas Breakfast!  Jealous!!  Elder Dattage makes the BEST breakfast!!

 Elders playing with their gifts on Christmas morning!!

 Sister Dattage and her Christmas gifts!  Every year Alicia makes a family calendar!  It is priceless!!

 Merry Christmas from the Zuni Bread Man!!

 Elder Dattage and his Christmas gifts!  Above is his new Sawzall!  

At home Grandma and Grandpa have a "treat drawer"  Sister Dattage said this is their Christmas treat drawer.  I (Jodi) made a visit the week before Christmas and watched Elder and Sister Dattage open lots of cards and packages from family and friends back home!  I can tell you personally that they LOVE getting this stuff!!  Every card/package was treasured!!!  

            

           

            

Special Visitors and December 20

Special Visitors and December 20

Jodi, Jordan, and Tay flew to Zuni on Saturday to spend the days leading up to Christmas with Elder and Sister Dattage!  I can't wait til they get back and share all they saw and learned!  They are staying right in the trailor with them.  Jodi has texted to say that it is life changing to be there.  She also mentioned the people absolutely adore my parents!  So wonderful!

For now we have a wonderful letter from Elder and Sister Dattage and some great photos.

December 20.2015  

Hi All,

This will be a short letter.  We are so enjoying Jodi, Jordan and Taylor visiting in our little trailer.

We are all staying here and it is amazingly fun.  Thanks Jeff for sharing them for a bit.

This week has been so busy.  On Friday we went to Gallup to help with a Zone Party for the young Elders then picket up a few people to go to Albuquerque to do some Temple sessions and then our Stake had been ask to clean the Temple.  It takes around 3 hours to get there and back.  We were able to do two sessions and started cleaning at 9:00 to 11:00.  After when we were ready to leave the men wanted to eat before we drove back.  I thought are you serious – so at 11:30 we were eating sandwiches and visiting.  We did get home at 2:30 and were so excited that Jodi and family were coming that we couldn’t sleep.  The next morning we took lots of Christmas booklets out to Branch Members and then they came.  On Monday Elder Dattage and I had delivered 55 invitations to our Branch to come to our Christmas Party on Saturday night.  This was fun and we visited with many that we other wise don’t have the chance to visit with.   So Taylor had one of the boys sit by her at the party and on top of that he started writing notes and texting her.  He came to the trailer and gave her a good by hug.  Oh dear.  She is beautiful and Zach was just so happy that she was nice to her.    We did find time to do wood for a few people – but less than usual. 

            On Saturday night when we had the party about 120 people showed up.  Somehow we had enough food.  There were people in every room, every classroom and then the Primary children did the Nativity Story.  They sang and did a beautiful job with it.  So much fun.  Some how the food just lasted through that many people.    Jordan and Taylor got to help serve the people and to help dress the children for the nativity.   Love watched the interactions with our family.     

            Today we did our Church meeting.  It was fun to have Jordan in Primary, Taylor in Young Womens and Jodi with us in meetings.  There were the average 60 or so people there.  Great meeting.

            Also we had dinner with the Salts, President Walker and us.  The kids had fun and we love those people.    Thought it was like family dinner at home. 

            So grateful for this experience and to also share some of it with family.  We love the Zuni people and they are so kind and are learning a lot.  This is a blessing for us. 

            We still find time to look and listen to everything our kids and grandkids share with us.  Love them  so much.  Thanks for all the fun gifts and messages that you share with us.  We look at them and just laugh at how funny the kids are but are so proud of them and all they do for others.  Love all of you and continue to prepare for a wonderful Christmas.  Such a beautiful time of year to celebrate the gift of our Savior.  Love the good feelings we get when we remember how blessed we all are. 

Love,

Mom and Dad

 Our truck office.  Set for the day. 

 Chain saw queen. 

 Zuni Snowman. Notice the color of the snow 

 The snowman maker.  He thought we were going to take something.  He came out with a nigh-stick.  Luckily no harm. 

 Dinner with Pam, The Young Womens President, and Gayle.  She makes beautiful bracelets. 

 Jordan enjoying trailor life. 

 Jordan and Taylor at dinner with Salts and Walkers. 

 Salts, Walkers, and our family.  

 Grandpa sharpening the saw

 Wood outing with the Salts

 50 inch diamater tree.  Always goes for the big ones. 

We conquered the pile.