November 5, 2008 A Letter From Dustin

It always makes my day when I get your letter. I take it your gave a
sigh of something of relief before you went to bed last night due to
elections being over, though probably not from the presidential election.
Things are getting better everyday here. It started to snow (lightly) for
the first time today, we've run into a storm or to the past few days but
only rain. It's getting cold and I hate cold, but don't send me anything to
 warm me up, it would only be a waste of space. Because in about a
week I'm flying down to the Domincan republic MTC and continue my
studies there. My companion and I were shocked to get the flight
plans because we were told that we had to stay behind for the full 8
weeks here, but when we got our flight plans we double checked with
the travel office and they said we are going to the dominican republic
on the 13th. supposedly we can call home at the airport when waiting
for flights. being here has reminded me alot of college, cause most of
these guys just graduate high school, so they're still in that phase were
the think they know everything and it test my patiences sometime, man
do they have a surprise ahead of them, called the world. whats funny is
that most of these guys are from Utah to, its like every other guy. And
everyone else it seems is from Idaho. There are two other guys in my
district however who are not from either. one elder from Tuscan arizona
and the other from Fresno. incidentally the three of us are the most
advanced in our spanish class (go figure). I feel I can relate to them the
most, its fun when we talk about stuff that no Utahian or Idahoian would
know about. Im about 26 chpaters into alma now, and its great.  Good
stuff. Tell meghan I love her and to stop trying to peck a fight with dad,
cause only I can withstand her insanity. Tell her good luck, and i miss
her. Tell dad I'm sorry i can't be there to help him with his work but im
with my other Father helping Him with His work. Tell him I love and
miss him alot and that i'll pray for him to help him with the tree lot.

I got to go soon, because we only get 30 mins to email and my time is almost
up. Mom, know that I love and am eternally greatfull for you never giving up
on me. You and everyone else are always in my prayeres. Dont forget to write
back...often!
-Elder Donovan

October 25, 2008 Hello from Elder Donovan

The first few days here were pretty tough, there was sooo much sooo
fast.  But once we got past sunday everything seems easier, well not
so much easier but more like do able.Being here has really shown me
how lightly I treated the gospel. I'm sorry I never really took you serious
and didn't study the book of mormon like you wanted. I do here
though, everyday, I'm half way through mosiah, a little past King
Benjamin. Already my studies of the book of mormon have helped me
with my decisions and life. My companion is Elder Harvey, a fun
character, someone who always has input. we are getting along great,
which in and of its sell is great cause our companionship is essential.
My companion and I are the only ones going to puerto rico in our
district, and as far as we know, the only ones going to puerto rico and
staying the full 8 weeks instead of going down to the domincan
republic MTC after 3 weeks.  At last nights devotional
Elder L. Tom Perry spoke, however I had to watch it on a projection
screen in the overflow cause we were not early enough to get seats
in the gym, this is due to a test we had to take that took longer
then it was supposed to. we were all pretty mad about that, so as to
make it not happen again a few of us are thinking of joining the choir
cause they get in all the time. Spanish is coming along great and rather
easy. I can most always know what the teacher is try to say, cause they
mostly only speak in spanish, and sometimes I know what they say
word for word. My companion didn't know any spanish prior to coming
here, but he's progress quite well and fast. I love being here, I know it's
right and I feel it's right. I've prayed about it and the Lord has been
answering my prayers. The spirit here is practicly constant and is very
strong. 
-Elder Donovan

Dustin has been Called To Serve!

In late July, Dustin finally received a much anticipated letter from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After gathering several family members by phone and at the house, we were all able to hear the announcement of his departure date and location . . .

Dustin Daniel Donovan will be traveling to the MTC in Utah on October 22, 2008 to rigorously study the culture and language and ready to teach the people in Puerto Rico!

We are SO proud of him and the efforts he has made thus far to prepare to be a missionary. I for one know that he will work hard and come to love the people he will be working with on behalf of the Savior.