Dallin's final email and testimony

Well, we all know that the time has come. What a great 2 years that have passed by! In this experience of being one of Christ's representatives, I have learned many many things. God has molded me and has made me into the man He wants me to be. It's incredible to see how God can work in one's life. My dad has a phrase "A positive attitude will take you further in life than skill or talent ever will." And I have seen that that is true. Despite the sweltering heat, blisters, days without water in the house, if one has a positive attitude those times will be the best memories that that person can have. I love each and every memory that I now have from serving a 2 year mission. One day I was thinking about my dad's phrase and another popped into my head: "Work Hard, Work Happy." Going along with having a good attitude, if we just get down and dirty with the work and if we do it with a smile, that's when everything is worth it. Just get working, sweat is the key to happiness!!

Being on a mission I have learned many things, but one of the most important would be that of receiving personal revelation. I can remember many very distinct times where I felt lead by the Lord. I have felt His counsel and have been blessed when I have followed it. I know He works with each one of us, one on one. And I'm grateful for the help He constantly gave me.

Before the mission, I had no idea what a good goal was. I didn't even know how to set one. But man has that changed. I can say, with a lot of gratitude, that I reached every goal I put here. Except one, and that goal was to eat 1000 pupusas....I only got 897 :(..... When we put goals, we show the Lord what we want to reach, and that's how He knows exactly how to help us. I saw His help more times than I can count, in reaching my goals. And I know that that skill will help me in the future. 

I want to end with my testimony. I know that this is God's work. He directs it. I participated in the Gathering of Israel and I will continue participating in this work. I know that miracles exist. God loves us, His son lives. The Book of Mormon is a book that has answered all my questions. It has changed my life. I live with the hope to be with my family for forever. It's not just a hope, but a reality, and I want that. I hope to answer my Father in Heaven when that day comes when we will see Him face to face, and tell Him that I consecrated my mission and now it is something very sacred to me. I love this work. I love this gospel. If you feel the same way, I congratulate you. If not, come see why I believe in all these things. Ask me about them. I know that these things are true and I share them in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

For the last time,

Elder Hazelgren

Pictures!

Elder Hazelgren is doing well. He is full of mixed emotions as his mission comes to a close next week. He and his companion continue to work hard and it's been a little hard on Dallin knowing he won't be in El Salvador to see the fruits of his labors. He is excited to come home but will miss those people he has grown so fond of in El Salvador. We can't wait to hear more stories when he gets home! In the mean time, here are some pictures to enjoy...

Baptisms

Elder Hazelgren has been having a lot of baptisms lately. They've had several families getting baptized as well. He is so happy to see other people accepting the gospel in their lives and to see how happy they are. For the last little while and until he comes home, he is training a new Elder. He is loving it! Honestly, that's all when it comes to news from Dallin!! :) Here are some pictures to enjoy.

                          Wedding and Family Baptism! (above and below)

                                Making tortillas! ^^

                                Baptism of Luis Miguel ^^

An update!!

Dallin is doing really good! I apologize for not updating the blog in a long time. His emails have been pretty short and sweet lately. He has been working hard and working closely with the President. We found out that he will be coming home the beginning of July. There was some confusion at first because he was originally told he'd be coming home the end of May but as it turns out, it's July. His mission has gone by quickly! At least for some of us. He has thoroughly enjoyed serving the Lord and the people of El Salvador. 

Pictures

This week some of their investigators got married! Dallin and his companion were able to attend. He said it was a great day. Enjoy pictures this week!

Word hard, work happy

This is Dallin's new motto..work hard, work happy. He was thinking what has made his mission great and the thought came to him "work hard, work happy." We have to put in a lot of effort to make things good and if we can do that with a smile on our face, we will be successful. He has really loved his mission. He loves meeting new people and being able to share the gospel with them. They are helping to plan a wedding and are having a few baptisms this week. They continue to work hard and found 3 new families this week! 

                      Of course, we have to include a food pic (those are pupusas)

Busy, busy

Elder Hazelgren has been quite busy lately and therefore hasn't had much time to send a lot in his emails. This week is transfer week so unfortunately his email today was super short. He is doing well and loving the people of El Salvador. He's been traveling around his area more and a lot of times on his P-days he isn't close to computers. We did find out over Christmas that he will be coming home in May now! Before he left on his mission, there were changes and because of those changes, the missionaries that left when Dallin did missed the last transfer of their mission by one day and are all going home in May instead of July. He had a very hard time with it at first but after talking to his mission president he feels much better and knows things happen for a reason. We are still having mixed feelings ourselves but are very excited as well :) It has been so fun hearing from him each week and seeing how he is maturing. He is such a good example to many and we are so proud of all he has done and continues to do especially in the lives of those people in El Salvador. 
(No pictures this week, sorry)