April 30th Letter

Hola!!!
How is everybody doing! I had a lot of stuff going on this week. We had a TRC appointment yesterday (fake investigator) and we taught him the 1st lesson on the restoration. Me and Elder Reed, who is from Alaska, did very well and we felt the spirit a lot. For the first time here at the MTC I completely felt how it would feel to have real investigators with real needs. We had a district from our zone leave this week which was sad because I had become really good friends with some of them. We are now no longer the new district in the zone too. We got a new district a couple days ago and they are really nice...really nerdy though lol. I still miss you guys a lot, but I know that 2 years will fly by and that I will enjoy all of it. I went to the temple again today which was cool. I have been working really hard this week but have a goal to work even harder this next week. How is the family doing? How is G-pa Dastrup doing? I feel like I have been gone forever, fill me in! haha I heard that there was another huge earthquake and hurricane or something in Chile...? Dear Elder me so I can find out about it. Thanks for the flag, that was super nice of you and our district was really happy. I will send you some pics this week hopefully so you can see what my comp and my new friends look like. How is Katie doing? I miss her a lot and lover her sooo much! Hows Addie? Send me some pictures of you guys...maybe the last family pictures that we took. Thanks for the lemon bars and all the treats. The lemon bars were amazing and you need to send us some more in a week or so...we at them all. I hope some of my friends have stopped by to see you guys, I know Jess has and I'm really thankful for that. I am just about outta time so I will talk to you next week! Adios Elder Dastrup

April 23, 2010 Letter

Hey! I finally got to a computer! My P-days are on Friday so I will be emailing you on Fridays after we go to the temple. I got to go today to the Provo Temple and from the outside it is a little ugly, but inside is beautiful. I had a good experience there and it felt super peaceful. I miss you guys a lot but I know what I am doing here is what I need to be doing. It's hard not thinking about back home, but I am doing a pretty good job and am not too homesick. The language is still really hard but I can bear a basic simple testimony and prayer in espanol and I am working on the 1st vision. I am trying really hard to always stay diligent and do what I need to be doing and it makes it way easier with my companion. He seriously is soooo spiritual. He knows every scripture for everything and he isn't one of those people who likes to rub it in. He is humble and sincere and at times it's frustrating to see everything come so easy to him, it's nice to have him as a companion. I like the food here, it's really good and there is a lot of it. I see Bryan all the time, I have also seen Josh Caskey, Michael Stanfield and Jake Pehrson. I see Bryan everyday and it's nice to see him, we talk all the time. He is doing well and learning the language really well! I have probably gained 5 pounds this week, but it's all mostly muscle because I am working out everyday. The basketball gym re-opened this week and I totally schooled some elders here so tell dad that nobody has given me crap for my yellow shoes, haha. On a spiritual note, I have learned so much about the gospel and want everyone in my life to know how helpful you have been to me. I miss everyone and really really love what I am doing, the work is hard but the reward is great. LOVE YOU! SOMEBODY SEND ME A CARE PACKAGE I AM HUNGRY!!! Everyone who wants to write, send me letters or dear elders because I have limited time on the computer. Mom send me a dear elder with all my friends addresses that you got....I love you guys so much and hope you know that I know what I am doing is right.

Love,
Elder Dastrup

YAY!!! we got our first letter from Cody!



Hey guys,
The MTC is great and I love the people here.My companion is the smartest most diligent person I have ever met (adults included).My district is awesome and I need to send you some pictures that we took....If I get the time.I miss everyone back home and wish I could see you guys, but i know my purpose.I see Bryan everyday and i love it!It's good seeing a familiar face and it feels really good to talk to somebody close to me.All the elders here are super cool and very understanding.The language is still hard and I'm not picking it up as fast as the other elders but....I am the only one in the entire district that didnt come into the MTC speaking a little spanish.I will probably be the last one to pick it up,we will see though.Pray for me.
Love ya,
Elder Cody Dastrup

More pictures from Sunday April 11, 2010

A few pics of right before Cody left for his mission....when I get more I will add them. No word from him as of today hope to hear from him this week.

Talk

Cody will be speaking in church on Sunday, April 11, 2010. He reports to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, UT on Wednesday, April 14, 2010.