Wednesday, December 29, 2010

letter recieved 12/29/10

Mom,

Hey whats up? So it was a lot of fun talking to you guys on Christmas. My companion it was his first time talking to his parents on his mission. So it was funny we talked a lot about it. The first call home on your mission is by far the weirdest! You get on the phone and the entire time before hand your nervous cause you have no idea what your going to talk about, And then your nervous as to if they think you've changed I don't know why you think these things but for whatever reason you do. Especially since every day you go out and talk to random people you have never known at all. But in the end it was by far the sweetest of all the phone calls.

Lets see as far as funnies go this week there hasn't been any that really stand out in mind I think. Oh haha the other day I was talking to the new Elder that lives with us. His name is Elder Wilkinson. And lets just say sometimes he doesn't always think clearly. So I was like yeah for Valentines day lets just invite girls over for dinner and will feed them. His response I didn't know we were allowed to have investigators over in our apartment. Haha I was like oh yeah its no big deal with the four of us here we will easily have a third priesthood. Well needless to say I had him convinced until his companion finally goes Wilkinson it was a joke we can't have girls over. So its so much fun to have this kid in the same apartment. Poor kid though cause I love to bother him so bad. I honestly should be nicer though.
Second thing is I went to the office and was sitting there and President goes Elder Davis what are we having for breakfast since Sister Simpson seems to always make what you want. So in my defense one time she did make breakfast burritos cause I requested so he did exaggerate it a bit. Well we kept talking and I told him I had a crazy idea he response again with oh no and your going to tell me? So my idea was renting a limo for all the Missionaries in the Zone to unify us well he shot out 3 reason why not to do it and said what do you think my answer is now. So clearly it was no. So that put an end to my sweet idea but that is alright.

Anyways this week its the last week of the year then were on to another year. In Helaman five its where Nephi and Lehi are introduced. They are told that they were given the names of their first parents to be better put it says this "Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first aparents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were bgood.given unto you the names of our first aparents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were bgood." And the reason was for this "Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them." I enjoyed these verses it made me think of the new year and some people I love and admire. Grandma as we know was well loved and any that knew her would talk of how great she was. Now then we don't have her name as ours. But we can remember and in so doing we can live the next year as she would. We can remember the great things she taught us and the great ways she loved us as well as others. When your taught something you must apply it because your responsible now for that knowledge. And we were taught a lot of great things by grandma so apply it in your lives and you will find you will be just as blessed as she is. I love ya tons set some good goals for the new year. With out a goal or vision your just lost. Love ya it was awesome hearing your guys voices bye for now.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

letter recieved 12-22-10

Mom,

Whats up? So to answer the questions you had. Well the new ward is interesting. They have had a lot of missionaries who, don't get me wrong are good missionaries just didn't know how to work with members. So to say the least it was a not so stellar welcome hahhaa. It was good though we met a family named the Jongs and they are really cool. They were probably the friendliest.
But lets see President Simpson finds it super funny that I am back in the Metro he said today as I walked in and someone said my name Haha is that Elder Davis who will spend pretty much all his mission in the Metro. My response I dont' know President am I finishing here in Halifax. To which he replied there is a high possibility that I will be here till the end of my mission holy crap buckets. That will be 20 months of my mission in the metro.
Yes Kelly is super funny she took us out to eat that day and then took the picture. But it will be interesting to see how things go. We have no investigators here right now. So its back to finding.
The good news is that Steve and Karen in New Glasgow they are doing really well so I am least glad that things are going good there. Oh yeah before I forget today I was backing up and was a little spacy totally almost ran a lady over hahaha she totally was swearing and getting all crazy. Just a funny side note. But in Halifax its crazy I live with 2 other Elders so there is four of us total in the apartment. Its pretty sweet like it so far thought I wouldn't but to unify the apartment I had us all shave our arms. Yeah its pretty sweet! We feel unified were probably going to shave our legs as well. But that is also because there is a new Elder that is a little socially akward ya know. So I keep trying to do things to force him out of his shell. Hopefully it works.

But as for the work here we are knocking a lot. And trying to get know the members of the ward. Hopefully things start picking up. If it wasn't for the fact I have been here so long and didn't know some of the members it would of been pretty awfull for a first Sunday. Well anyways things will pick up enough of the crying.
So today I was thinking well actually this last week I have been thinking. In John 10 its says this in verse 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believe not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. It was interesting often times we find ourselves thinking it would just be easier if he came and told me that he was the Christ and that this is his church. But would it be easier. The answer is no not at all. Judas stood and watched Jesus do these great works and I am sure on occasions heard him bear witness of who he is. But he still betrayed him. So then we see we must believe. It doesn't ever get easier life is and will always be hard. So we must push on. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: This one was simple but a good one that I liked it is each day when we look back on our day we should ask ourselves did we hear his voice and so live the day that he can say he knows us and we can say that we do indeed follow him? 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. The ending is my favorite we are his. This season let us not forget him. As long as we live our lifes in a way the gospel teaches we shall never fear for we shall be Christ forever and instead of giving us a temporal gift he will give us that which will be forever. And that which will be bring us everlasting joy. I want ya to know I don't say it a lot in letters but I do know that Christ is our Savior and King. He did rise on the third day and because of him we will live again. We are his and we should never be ashamed of him or his church. Each day testify of him bodly and proudly. I love ya mom dad Anslea Keaton Dax
Devyn and Alea. I love the rest of ya guys you have been one heck of a family one I proudly talk about you guys all of ya bring a twinkle to my eye and joy to my face. Take care this Christmas season and hey I can actually truly say this talk to you on Saturday love ya!

Elder Davis.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

letter recieved 12/15/10

Mom,

So transfers are in and I am going to Halifax crazy eh! Never would of guessed. I thought for sure I was going to Newfoundland or Fredericton but I am going to Halifax so back to the Zone where I spent my first 13 months hahha. So it should be a lot fun. I am bit nervous I am getting doubled into the spot there. And training a new Zone Leader which will be fun maybe a little nerve racking though. Mostly though because I have never been doubled in. So this will be a really cool new experience and opportunity. I am not sure how long I will be there who knows it could possibly be my last spot but that could not even be the case it will be interesting to see what happens. I am upset though to leave here things started looking really good as last week we found four new investigators but I guess that is the way things go sometimes. Its also going to be hard I have to like this area where else do I get to make trips to PEI New Brunswick and Cape Breton Island all in one transfer. Its also hard because with the branch being so small you get to know a lot people and get to know them better then I have most members in other areas. In my other areas you would get to know one or two members but never would you get to know pretty much all the members really well. The other hard thing will be to leave and not be able to talk to Beus as much as I was here. So that is going to stink and hopefully somehow he can get moved to the Metro again so we can talk and go on exchanges again. So other then that today I will be packing/be a little nervous as to what lays ahead. The one comforting thing is at least this time when I get doubled in I won't have to worry about it being due to crappy missionaries as the last missionaries that were here are both really good. So I am sure things will work out fine and I am sure I will have a lot of fun.

Well this week was a good week. Transfers always make things interesting and exciting. But this week I wanted to say something that I realized is important to say and needed. I wanted to say thank you and I love you. Both you and dad. In a scripture sense I feel I have the parents of Alma the Younger. You guys loved me even when I was rebelling. And when it came for me to be humbled just as Alma's parents you guys were there helping me and still showing me not discust but love. At times when I thought I couldn't walk anymore and things were to hard and life wasn't worth trying to fight and keep going. You were there to give me the push I needed. You were there telling me I could keep going and despite how things are now they will be better. And they did always get better. So thanks you guys are unsung heroes. I am where I am today because of you. I know where I would be if you weren't for who you were. The thought of that makes me cringe at that thought of it. Well things here are good I am excited at what lays ahead. Thanks for everything I love ya. And talk to ya in a little over a week holy crazy.

Love ya,

Elder Davis.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

letter recieved 12/8/10

Mom,

So I did know that Teriney was coming. its great that they were able to surprise you MOM.
But I am sending some pictures of Zone Conference its was the first one I have ever done a training at got a little nervous. Then also sent a picture of a sweet sunset and also of Zone Leader Council. So I figured I would send those.
As far as talking to Dave ha who told you. He told me not to tell you. It was so funny though cause we were sitting there and all of a sudden a member comes and gets us and makes it look super serious so I was like what the crap? Hm.. this doesn't look like something good is awaiting around the corner. Then we get there and a member says Dave says to say hi so I started laughing and I was like what the crap? So then yes we were able to sit down and talk for a bit wasn't to long but it was a lot of fun well I was laughing pretty hard. I felt bad kind of took up all the time because as soon as I quit talking next thing I know bam he had to go so the member didnt' really get to talk to him. But yeah I did get to talk to him and apparently he broke as he told you that he talked to me.
So then the next after that we have Zone Conference and it went well we had a good training or at least I thought it was. It should of been it was put together by MTC department lol. Then that followed up with a talent show. And well lets just say I did my first play. Looked like an idiot as well. We did the Christmas Carol only a little modified to more a here and now setting. I couldn't do any of the lines without smiling cause well every time I would look out into the audience I would either see President or Elder Beus sitting there with a big oh grin. But anyways I was glad to get that over with. Then we sang some Christmas songs and the best was when we sang Grandma got ran over by a Reindeer. And it goes into the second verse and starts talking about how Grandpa was drinking beer and playing cards and I look over at President and he had the best look on his face. He just refused to sing. He sat there in silence and I am quite sure he was upset. So then the Christmas packages came in which for everyone that was there last Christmas this may have been the only reason we came again was to get these letters. It interesting I am horrible at writing hand written letters I actually despise writing them. But those letters definitely made my day and even made me tear up a little bit. So to everyone that wrote thank you.

I wish to especially say thanks to my brothers and sisters these were the ones that got me the most. I teared up as I read them. The compliments were perhaps the thing I needed at that very moment of my life. Thank you Anslea, Keaton, Dax, Devyn, and Alea for the letters you guys are great strengths and examples to me. I know it is a great blessing to have you in my life thanks for everything.

So life here is good. We are approaching the end of transfers. Next week will be week six crazy eh? Hopefully I don't get transferred no one wants to get transferred before Christmas. But only Tuesday will tell I guess. I hope you enjoy Teriney and her crazy family I am glad that she was able to surprise you and I can imagine it made your day. I always think it is funny how now all the surprises are on you. Never anyone else. I love ya tons thanks mom for everything.

Love ya,

Elder Davis.

Zone Confrence,Sunset at Green Hill



Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Just some of the wonderful blessings of a mission.

Mom,

Its December holy cow could time go by any faster the months just fly by holy smokes!
So as for the lack of sleep. Simple you just put tin foil in your windows or you can get one of those things that put over your eyes. Anyways just ideas to think about. Its not healthy to not get sleep so make sure you get plenty.(I have had 2 overnights at kohls were I work part time)
I will definitely want some good Mexican food when I get home plus you know I was thinking that on the way home Mattas is right there and it would be so sweet to just stop by and eat there. I often have dreams about eating no joke. Plus I was telling grandpa I am not a fan of Turkey for whatever reason I just don't think it taste good at all. Everytime I eat here I am just like crap are you kidding me turkey why turkey. But that is ungrateful so enough of that.
So Dax happy birthday bro. What the crap you let Nicholas(one of Kyle best friends from the mission) teach the kids how to blow fire for some reason I am not to surprised that he knows how to do that. But yeah you will have to get some pictures. So with the craft are you still going to do the scriptures for them or just the picture of them temple. Anyways you should take a picture I never see these things well mostly cause I don't ask. (talking about Christmas gifts for his Mission President)

So what is new this week. Well we had a good week we were able to meet a sweet lady named Jackie she had a kid named Brad and she let us in and they both sat and listened we thought they were going to come to church unfortunately they were a no show so that stunk. But we will go back and work with them. We have met some other good potentials that we need to call and get over and teach some more so we are pretty excited about that.
So this week I was thinking a lot particularly after listening to a song that talks about a guy who was forced to carry Christ's cross. His name was Simon. I wasn't sure about this as I never recalled reading it. So I looked it up and sure enough its in Matthew 27 verse 32 and its so short all it says is "And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross." I thought it was interesting someone carried Christ cross. Why? Was it for Simon or was it for Christ? I am not completely sure who it was more for I assume probably both in very different ways. Elder Talmage said that they believe that later Simon came to be numbered among the believers so for him possibly it was his conversion. But what about for Christ? As I thought about this is what I came up with we know that Christ did nothing save it be for the benefit of the World. He was wounded and bruised by a whip into whose straps were woven metal and bone fragments and all this for our transgressions. He also bled from every pore which they say if we were to experience just bleeding from one pore we would faint from the pain a lone. Surely going through this he could of carried the cross. Again Elder Talmage said that the Soldiers wanted him to go faster so they grabbed Simon to carry it. Now then I believe it had to happen just as Christ had to know what it feels like to feel alone for we know he did feel alone on the cross according to Elder Holland. So I believe that this happened so he would know how we feel when we ask him to carry our burdens when we drop to the ground due to spiritual fatigue. I am not sure but it is something interesting to think about. I love the atonement I don't understand nor do I think I ever will fully understand I know its real the powers it has to release you from guilt and help you feel a peace and joy is something that is unmistakable and very very real. I love ya guys tons thanks for everything you have done for me.

Love ya,

Elder Davis.