Anjanahary

Later that day I email ed an Elder XXXXX who just got back from Madagascar little than a month to go and he had this to say about Dylan’s new area and companion.



"Wow! T.Smith. What a great guy. He is also from California. In fact he lives really close to me and we have been in the same vicinity(new years eve  dance) at the same time, we just didnt know each other.

Anjanahary is an area in the heart of the capital city of Tana. your son will be central to everything(the grocery story, the good food resturants, you know the important stuff =D) Elder Smith is good at the language and i suspect that your son will learn lots from him. Elder Smith, however, only has one month left, if i remember correctly, so it would be good to learn as much as he can as fast as he can.

and an area on top of the language! Well i wish him good luck in Anjanahary, its a hard place to work, but at least he can look back at other times in his mission and be able to say "well at least it will never be that bad again" =) Aza Kivy!"

Some of the many faces in Anjanahary

FIRST AREA FIRST COMPANION

6-9-2011 (4:30 am)


So I didn’t realize that I had received an email this morning until one of the moms of Dylan’s traveling companions email me and asked me about it. I would have totally missed this email from theMission President:


EGLISE DE
JÉSUS-CHRIST
DES SAINTS
DES DERNIERS JOURS

Mission de

MADAGASCAR ANTANANARIVO

B.P. 5094

Antananarivo 101 Madagascar

Téléphone 22 417 51 - Fax 22.418.54

N° 0000-10 / MM-SL

Antananarivo, 9 June 2011

Brother and Sister Thurlow,

Your son, Elder SHAW, arrived safely in Madagascar. After prayerful consideration, I assigned him to labor initially in Anjanahary with Elder SMITH, T. one of our best missionaries. We will do everything in our power to see that your son’s missionary experience is all that it should be and one that will be a source of strength to him throughout his life.

As your son takes the gospel forth, he will have some new experiences, some of which will probably be a great challenge, especially learning a new language, being away from home in a foreign land and culture, adjusting to missionary life, and getting along with companions and other missionaries. Experience shows that missionaries who lose themselves in the work quickly overcome any obstacles.

Your weekly letters will greatly influence his success and be an important source of emotional and spiritual support. Please make letters to him cheerful and uplifting. Family members are authorized to send emails to their missionaries, subject to the guidelines established by the brethren.

For any package you would like to send to Madagascar use the address below (very important) when using DHL or any other mail company:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints

Madagascar Antananarivo Mission

ELDER DYLAN SHAW

B.P. 5094

Dingana III

Andrainarivo

ANTANANARIVO 101

MADAGASCAR

Each missionary receives the Missionary Handbook. Your missionary has committed to living by the principles of this handbook. You can be of great support to your missionary if you are aware of some of these principles.

“Write to your parents each week on preparation day.” If you should not receive these letters regularly (taking into consideration that there is some irregularity in mail delivery), please let me know.

”Notify the mission office if your parents’ address changes (including e-mail addresses).” It would be useful for you to also notify us of such a change, just in case your missionary forgets.

“Do not telephone parents, relatives or friends.” We would also ask you to refrain from placing calls to your missionary, except for a call on Mother’s Day and one on Christmas, which we do authorize. Missionaries are not authorized to accept other calls.

“In case of an emergency, contact your mission president.” Should the family have an emergency which needs to be communicated to the missionary, please contact the Mission Office (001-261-22-417-51).

“Consider your support money as sacred. Spend it wisely and only for things relating to your mission. It represents sacrifice by your family, yourself and others…If you have extra funds, do not overspend and make it difficult for your companion who may not be as fortunate.” There are many valuable lessons to be learned during a mission, and one of these lessons deals with being able to budget and live within an allotted amount.

Sincerely,

Sean Edmund DONNELLY, President

Madagascar Antananarivo Mission

WORLD TRAVELER (6-8-2011)

6:40 a.m.


So I received an email today from Dylan. Totally not expecting it.

Wasupp!! I'm here in Mada right now, this place is absolutely beautiful, We made it safetly to mada, just letting you know, got to meet the president and he sounds way legit our p-day is on monday now, please let people know, but, it is just going into winter and it feels so good here, so many people are walking around town, and we are going to get to go out for a hour and talk to them today!! So stoked, lil' nervous, but that is aight!! Just letting you know I'm good, Talk to you on p-day!!Love you mother!!

Johannesburg (6-7-2011)

I have heard that by the time the missionaries get to Johannesburg they are so tired that they don’t call home. Well I made Dylan promise me to call. Which he did. Found out that he slept 8 of the 10 hour flight. One of the other elders had barfed in his throw up bad, turned out it had a hole in it and he threw up all over his pants. He was the only elder to bring an extra pair of pants. The missionaries were told to bring 2 days of clothes on their carry on backpacks as they luggage seems to arrive 2 days later. The next exciting story is that apparently there was this huge storm that the plane had to go through so they went through it and the came wide and around the storm and then had to fly in really low to land. Turns out his plane was 40 minutes late and was struck by lightning 3 times. Dylan sat in the exact same seat as on the flight to London 44A- a window seat. I can’t remember if he said he saw it or not. He said it was scary and all he could remember what the story his seminary teacher , Bro Farley, told of off an airplane that got hit by lightning and blew a hole in the bottom of the plane. So ya Dylan said it was scary. Good thing I just saw a show on tv about planes are now made with the intention of getting struck by lightning. So it was interesting to note that flightaware doesn’t track over Africa. They had his plane taxiing for like 5 hours. That’s when we found out it doesn’t out of Europe. It did however work on the mobile app we have. Would have been cool to watch his plane circle again.

London (6-7-2011)

So 1 a.m. came and went, no call from Dylan. He ended up calling about 7 a.m. He didn’t sleep on the flight over from Chicago cause it was just really turbulent, he ended up talking with a kid from Germany. When he got to Heathrow he found a spot of the ground and slept for 4 hours. Then they ate and then headed to the payphones. Interesting enough he had to stand the whole 4 hours that he talked to people. We talked for about 35 minutes. Dylan said that Heathrow was like a huge shopping mall. Ty requested a picture of Big Ben, but he didn’t get to leave the airport so he said he would settle for a postcard of Big Ben. We’ll see if it happened. So again we were watching his plane on flightaware and his plane totally missed the airport and then made a full circle and came back around again and landed. Turns out there were too many plans landing so they had to circle around a bit. It was cool to watch.

The Windy City (6-6-2011)

Ya!  Dylan made it to Chicago. Didn’t sleep a wink. Enjoyed the flight said it was very nice. We got to talk for about 40 minutes.  Turned out the calling card he bought at the MTC didn’t work, or he couldn’t get it to work.  Still sounded sick and tired. I learned from my first talk with him and tried to let him talk. He said his last two roommates were going to India. He will miss Elder Fennell, but he leaves for Mada on June 27^th.  He got to talk to a lot of his friends and family.

Leaving on A Jet Plane (6-6-2011)

Dylan left this morning on his long 55 hour trip. Actually I figured out it was really 43 hours if you don’t include the time change. So its 45 hours and add the 10 hour time difference. Makes for a long week. So Dylan called from the Salt Lake Airport, which I thought would be nice but didn’t think it would happen. But a few minutes later the phone rang from out of area. Turns out one of the elders he was traveling with, saw his grandparents who were flying in to visit with his parents- they just got back from a mission in Russia. Well the grandparents let each of the boys call home for a few minutes. It was great to hear from him. He said he got sick last week from an elder in the MTC. Turns out Elder Wilson –Dylan’s companion- was sick also. Anyways he hadn’t slept good for the last 3 days. And on Sunday night he didn’t go to bed till 1 am and then woke up at 5am. He was very excited to go. They had a cultural night party last Friday. Turns out they shared all the candy and extra food they had left. What a bunch of sweeties! Anyways he said he would call when he got to Chicago. So we are tracking his plane on Flightaware. Totally sweet. The plane moves in real time as he is moving. We get to see the weather and altitude and speed.

Last MTC E-Mail Ever! (5/31/2011)

5-31-2011



MOM: So it is Tuesday today. Less than a week to go I hope. So yesterday we were making our grocery list and Richard said he’s depressed- because you weren’t there to eat the food he makes. He makes so much and doesn’t know how to make little batches. I think we need to keep a tally of how many times Richard laments about how much he misses you. I think he is already up to five with yesterdays missing you. Well I think you are going to get lucky and end up getting two priority mail packages. I just keep putting off sending the one that I have- I am just going to mail it and send the other stuff with another package. Especially since they take only like two days to get to you. Plus your glasses haven’t come back. Anyways questions for you. Oh, your envelope has pictures in it as well.

DYLAN: . I didn't really want to send my SD card back home. So I developed some pictures and sent them out. I can't really think of anything I want, I found out another way to get on email, so If I think of anything I'll jump on tomorrow for a secs and ask you, but like I said, I doubt I'll want anything. I just want to get out of this place already. All the candy is still here too haha, gonna stick them in my backpack I'm thinking. nah, not sending anything home. I packed what I needed :) chase told me where he is going, gona give him a call along with some other people :D! haha nice story, we have taught a malagasy lady (that came from mada 10 months ago) and holy cow does she talk fast, but for the most part, if I knew the words she was saying I could know it, but if I didn't the whole sentence was a blur! Get on the computer quickly!

DYLAN: I'm gona log off for about 10 minutes, hopefully your back!

DYLAN: hahahahaha, tell him I told you I eat his food. Cause apparently noone does remember? ;) I got my travel plans and you should be getting a big ol' letter in the mail either today or tomorrow I'm thinking cause I mailed it on Saturday if I remember right. It is like 10 pages of the lil' ones :D! But I wrote a big ol' extensive thing of my flight plans so don't worry. Better hurry and send it cause last time one package took quite awhile. I'm a quick reader mother, you should know that :P, so it doesn't take me too long to read your emails, plus I reply while I read sometimes.

MOM: I will make sure I send the next package like 2 day or overnight. Just to make sure it gets to you before Saturday. Don’t forget yesterday was a holiday so no mail.

DYLAN: I didn't, that is why I said wednesday/today/thursday :), OH! Will you send me a picture of pyper, like an actual developped photo of that! I want a colored one, the printer doesn't do color =/

DYLAN: I'm gona call you :o! oh! I can buy a calling card in the bookstore, but not international cards!

DYLAN: I've also gained 12 pounds, ridiclous! How is the family doing?

MOM: Sweet you will need the gained weight. Did you read my one dear elder letter that talks about what you guys will go through when you get there. you will need all the pounds you can get. Did you eat all the candy that I sent last week.

DYLAN: nah! I don't need the weight!! I've been jumpropping so once I loose those 10/15 pounds I'll be abel to jump so high! :D Did you ever get abel's email address? I'm not sure on that dear elder, but we get them aroudn 2 ish.

DYLAN:chase is going to cali! Disneyland! :D! Tell Kenneth I'm going to call him too please!! so be ready!

MOM: Who told you where chase was going?

DYLAN: Chase told me through dearelder last week. ha! I'll be like 115 by the time I get back. I'm gona make sure I get a before and after picture, don't worry :)

Time is up, love you mother!! maybe I'll get another minute.

Go read my first letter I sent you, it has a lot of info in it :D! plus the letter you will be getting love you!

So LEGIT (5/27/2011)

Hello mother.

Real quick. Teny Gasy Lesona! When you say "my mother" you say "mamako." Your mother would be "mamanao" The ending makes it possesive :)  Been way good. 10 days today! We got our flight plans omaly. Way legit. I'll email  you all the information. But decided to send it in this letter. To decide-manapa. Kevifra. But literally is means break thought or decide. I've been way good though, so stoked to get out of this place. Seven months of waiting is tonga dia whack! Tsy miandry. 10 more days though, akaiky!!! Close!

Oops! Sorry, I not be writing in pen. It has been awhile since I wrote, so reverted to my old ways. All good. It should be a big one so no worries! We had Russell M Nelson.  It was way cool. you  see another side of them, the informal side. which is way better!

Kenneth was telling me about Texas before I left. Got to have money to pay for his adventures. Going to texas will give him a taste on being gone too. which is not bad, mind you. We got two new roommates and one of them is a bit adala! He set his alarm for 3:30 am the past two mornings. So I brought it up to him this morning and asked him whay was up, and he said  "my alarm didn't go off I don't remember" then I said nah, I'm sure it went off. then he said "Oh. I remember getting up at 3:30 but it wasn't for my alarm." So tonight I am checking that alarm before I sleep tonight. Not having 3 bad nights of sleep. NO WAY!

In lunch right now. Hope you enjoy the photos I sent home. Didn't want to send my SD card. Sorry dear mother.  Well just got back from gym. My legs are killing me! I did a bunch of jump rope and stairs. By the way, guess what! I  gained 15 pounds! So, the way I see it, if I keep jump roping I loose 15-20 pounds in Mada I will be able to dunk hardcore and 8 pack all day mother! =D. I got most phone numbers! Kenneth, dad, tarek, dayna, family,grandma, Chase! Just some people! Also, I get my shot next Thursday, so that way I won't have to get a booster when I get home!

Elder X is doing good. Much better now, Make sure you are ready for when I call.

LOL no, it didn't bother me a bit that everyone else in my district had a leadership position. Except I got draged to every meeting. so that is alright. and they got released anyway! So now I be just chilling! By the way, let Chase to read this. You can put in on the blog. Raha Harianao!

Don't worry. I sent some good pictures. ya once I get to Mada, you have about a hour of emial so maybe I'll get a more complete thought in but just maybe.

What does Zach think of leaving? Is he nervous or excited?!

Tell Taytum Happy Birthday for me please. I put her stuff up on the wall and gave you the pictue.

I wised up and realized you and I can have fun. Like on grad night. you were apart of it and all my friends like you, of course all I say is good tihngs about the women I love. Ohafra=gma/mother(you). But it was fun hanging out with you.

So Chase told me where he is going. I am so stoked for him. It becomes your home. It is one of the biggest things you do. Like marriage, you will always remember it.

Aza haino amin anabako. (don't listen to sister of mine) It is just someting she wants to do. I know you don't worry about me. but stop worrying about what you say. I'm going to think of home either way mother. NO matter what. Well, it is 7:05 right now. Teacher/sub didn't show up. So, studing the language, trying to read a story in th e May 2009 Liahoana. the talk is  "My drafitry ny raintsika-ampy ho an'ny zaanany rehetra" - Midika-tera- " The Plan of father for us.- enough for all of his children" translation. Manarak.  It tells about Charles Dickens giving to Estoniza(u.s.) adn set-up a church with the amazons and that is as far as I got this morning. It was legit. Last TRC, we taught a Malagsy lady that came here about 10 months ago! She spoke SO fast! I got most of what she was saying but goodness gracious it was sarotra BE! Very difficult. But honestly, it tonga dia made me excited! So stoked after last week. Only 10 more days!

Well mother I shall close this letter, taken most of the day, I hope you enjoy. probably one of my last letters here. We have culture day part 2 on Zoma manaraka herin. Friday next week. That is wrong but the words are not. tell Dave to write my email! Same with Brinkerhoff. Look at the word for neighbor+ npifarolobofrin drina. (pee-far-oo-loo-boo-geen-geena) Lehizle!! But like I said, going well want to be gone though. I'll write you the flight plans on the back. JUST like I have it. Love you mother. Tell everyone HI!

June 6th
Leave: Salt Lake City 11:15 am
Arrive: Chicago/O'hare 3:20 p.m.

Leave: Chicago/O'hare 8:05 p.m.
Arrive: London Heathrow, England 9:45 am (june 7th)

Leave: London Heathrow, England 7:10 p.m.
Arrive: Johannesburg South Africa 6:55 a.m.  (june 8 th)

Leave: Johannesburg, South Africa  10:00 a.m.
Arrive: MADA!!! 2:10 am.

SO LEGIT!! =D

10 hours in London. goodness where most of call will be made!

I also don't know about times, I wrote what I have.

A letter to Sister Thurlow from Elder Maua'i (5/24/2011)

* I thought I would share this for all those who have had a hand in raising Dylan

Dear Sister Thurlow,

I know you must be thinking who is this? or why? Well I'm Elder Elliot Maua'i from Hawaii. And you son Elder Shaw has made a big influence to me as a missionary. I am thankful for his testimony and character. I am in the same district as he is. Your son has helped me in so many ways that I could not not write a letter. There was a time that I felt like the worst missionary ever...and if it wasn't for your son Elder Shaw I would've been hard on myself. He told me "missionary work is constant and you can't give up...we didn't even reach Madagascar"  That made me take a step back and look at reality. I know that I was called to Madgascar for a reason and I know that the Lord knew that I needed help and that's why your son Elder Shaw has been called to Madagascar. And I am eternally greatful for him and also his fmily. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Elder Maua'i

p.s. Thank you

Elder Maua'i