I love this.
I don't even know where to begin with the updating besides the fact that I only have four days left. I am going to work HARD.
Well, for starters, Tuesday was our Multizone conference with Acapulco. What did that mean? Elder Ross Mickelsen was there! I'll admit I was very surprised, because my companion had convinced me that it was only our zone, but then as I walked in to the chapel shaking hands with a row of missionaries, I looked up and saw the face of my cousin. Boy, was that a wonderful surprise. We caught up very quickly on our adventures, experiences, etc. and then like always, got back to work. The meeting included a wonderful discussion led by Elder Gardner, a spontaneous musical number by the Mickelsen cousins, a competition with the first two discussions, a message from Sister Gardner and then a very short testimony meeting. The spirit was so strong the entire time. These saints just live every day filled with the spirit, such an amazing feeling.
After the conference, I awaited the dreaded interview with President Gardner. Well, at least my companion was dreading it. I was a bit surprised when we spoke in Spanish, but then he handed me the phone and called my mother so that was nice. I do feel a little bit spoiled down here :P.
The rest of the week included, real, hard, missionary, WORK. I only was sunburned twice and only had one day when I absolutely could NOT eat the food. It wasn't awful, they just gave me a serving that could have filled Noah's ark.
We find new investigators every day and catch up with the "old" ones. I've found that where I'm useful is in testifying why I'm here and using the scriptures. Although I don't always know exactly what they say in Spanish, I know what they say in Enlgish. Thank goodness for Scripture Mastery and being raised studying the scriptures daily. (There are alot of things I have been grateful to have been raised with recently. For one, the majority of members here are converts. And then when I told someone that I have ancestors that were pioneers, I thought they were going to start bowing to me.)
We had our first baptism in a companionship on Thursday, a woman we really had to work and fight with. The day of the baptism it felt like all the powers of the devil were combined against us. But she made it and then Sunday she was confirmed. Darling sixty year old Celza. Whenever I see her I call her "Guapa," she likes that. Haha, though now she calls me Guapa too, we have fun :)
We brought two investigators to the baptism and they absolutely loved it. Their baptisms are planned for this thursday, but that might not happen because they still havent attended church yet. The baptismal service was very simple, though it also consisted of a spontaneous musical number by Hermana Davis. I know that I don't sing very well, but I know that God blesses me to feel His spirit when I am testifying, even through song. It did make me laugh though, when one of the Brothers who was sitting in the back was holding up his cell phone and...recording it. Yeah, I guess they really don't have anyone who can sing here. (I apologize, I love singing with these saints. They have absolutely no verguenza. None.)
The other day when we were walking home we passed someone who we had never met. I waved like usual, but then all of a sudden was filled with this enormous burning feeling. I turned to my companion and asked if we couldn't talk with him. She said maybe tomorrow. The burning continued until it was almost painful and I again I insisted "Why not today?" She again refuted, but told me we could go by later.
The next day when we passed his house, I was the one to go up and greet him, without even saying a word to my companion. He was sitting with his wife and three year old son in the front yard selling sabritas, fruta, agua, refrescos, etc. We began as usual and then started into the first discussion. He and his wife were very active participants in the discussion, asking questions, answering thoroughly, though his wife had her doubts. We felt compelled to leave a Book of Mormon with them that visit, rather than returning the next day to bring it to them. The next day when we payed them a visit we planned on doing a review of the first charla, but Santiago began going off on a tangent about his work. The discussion ended with all of us in tears and with me comparting the scriptures found in D&C 121 and 122 about trials. Santiago has such a big heart he cried all the way through.
He and his family attended Church on Sunday thought it was beautiful and can't wait to learn more.
I've had several more feelings like that and am truly saddened that I'll only be here for four more days to follow through with these investigators, friends and family, really. However, I do know that God sent me here for a reason, and that this mini mission will only last for two weeks for a reason.
My companion and I have really clicked and every time I mention leaving she is really saddened. I don't feel like I'm been that much of a support for her, but maybe what she really needed was a friend. And an oddly and overly optomistic one. I think I've got that part. Sometimes I think I scare people with my constant smile. And then again, sometimes it's too welcoming. Though I've only gotten a few scary looks, and one person who asked if he could take a picture of my eyes.
I'm sure I've left something out. But I have to run. We've WAY outdone our time limit. Ijole. No manches...
Jajaja...Nos Vemos!!!!
All my love, Hna Davis
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Hello Everyone from Rachel
Hello Everyone!
This is Hermana Davis reporting from almost three days of active duty in the Misión México Cuernavaca. I am serving in the Chilpancingo, Guerrero District, Area Aeropuerto.
Oh, I love this.
My companion is Hermana Gutierrez who has been out for fourteen months now and is the sweetest thing alive. She's a little bit more soft spoken than I am, but we compliment each other well. She does the majority of the talking and I smile and wave at everyone.
Our area is beautiful. The people live in very humble circumstances, but because of this, they are very friendly and very receptive of our message. The difficult part for them is keeping commitments, making them is absolutely no problem. But then following through is another thing. Alot of them are embarrased because they don't have the normal clothing that members wear to church. Alot of them don't have money to get there. But we work with them and they are very patient with us (Me especially with my poor Spanish).
Yesterday I had my first experience of tracting and Hna. Gutierrez and I just decided to follow the spirit and the first house we went to we spoke to a family of about 8 and everyone was interested. I was a little nervous when right as we were about to leave the drunk dad walked out and tried to hug me, but maybe he's the one who will be the most receptive of the message. (I have only had a few creepers so far). I LOVE this work.
One of the families we went to wasn't really interested in hearing our message, but we helped them make tortillas (I think I only made one of them right...I definitely have a LOT more respect for the people who make them, it's hard!) and their youngest daughter, Saraí taught me a "Sol" song. Hna. Gutierrez told me yesterday that her father was poisoned to death by her mother, and now her mother is in jail, but Saraí is probably the happiest thing alive. There are some very sad histories here.
I've started carrying around lollipops and pass-along cards (the lollipops are for the kids--I seem to have a wonderful connection with them, they are all So beautiful. And I think it always surprises them to see a gringa. And the passalong cards, I "accidently" leave in the Combis--(the bus-like taxis that we take Everywhere :)
My black shoes are now beige/brown from the dirt and I wear grammas clothes wherever I go. It's very hot here and although I haven't been sunburned yet, I counted 21 bug bites on my body today. Bugs have always seemed to like the way that I taste, but I don't think I've ever counted 21.
My Spanish is getting better, though there are a few gringo missionaries here, who ONLY want to speak in English, it's kind of frustrating sometimes, because I know the Mexicanos feel out of place, but I think they just miss speaking in English.
I only have two weeks here, so I'm taking advantage of it as much as I can, but it's still so little. I wish I could finish off my adventures in Mexico here, but I think I have other lives to touch and other service to do. Though I did mention the idea to President Gardner.
I haven't lost any weight and I don't think I will, because Mexicans know how to EAT. I usually only eat a small breakfast and then one meal a day, but that meal is Huge. I haven't gotten food poisoning yet though. And the majority of the food I enjoy eating, rather than just forcing it down.
I am so happy here and send all my love home. I will send pictures as soon as I get back, but I might just be staying here for the rest of my life :D. I hope all is well! (And, give out a book of mormon this week. Or invite someone to church--it's really not that hard, I promise. I've already invited PLENTY of people)
Love, Hna. Davis
This is Hermana Davis reporting from almost three days of active duty in the Misión México Cuernavaca. I am serving in the Chilpancingo, Guerrero District, Area Aeropuerto.
Oh, I love this.
My companion is Hermana Gutierrez who has been out for fourteen months now and is the sweetest thing alive. She's a little bit more soft spoken than I am, but we compliment each other well. She does the majority of the talking and I smile and wave at everyone.
Our area is beautiful. The people live in very humble circumstances, but because of this, they are very friendly and very receptive of our message. The difficult part for them is keeping commitments, making them is absolutely no problem. But then following through is another thing. Alot of them are embarrased because they don't have the normal clothing that members wear to church. Alot of them don't have money to get there. But we work with them and they are very patient with us (Me especially with my poor Spanish).
Yesterday I had my first experience of tracting and Hna. Gutierrez and I just decided to follow the spirit and the first house we went to we spoke to a family of about 8 and everyone was interested. I was a little nervous when right as we were about to leave the drunk dad walked out and tried to hug me, but maybe he's the one who will be the most receptive of the message. (I have only had a few creepers so far). I LOVE this work.
One of the families we went to wasn't really interested in hearing our message, but we helped them make tortillas (I think I only made one of them right...I definitely have a LOT more respect for the people who make them, it's hard!) and their youngest daughter, Saraí taught me a "Sol" song. Hna. Gutierrez told me yesterday that her father was poisoned to death by her mother, and now her mother is in jail, but Saraí is probably the happiest thing alive. There are some very sad histories here.
I've started carrying around lollipops and pass-along cards (the lollipops are for the kids--I seem to have a wonderful connection with them, they are all So beautiful. And I think it always surprises them to see a gringa. And the passalong cards, I "accidently" leave in the Combis--(the bus-like taxis that we take Everywhere :)
My black shoes are now beige/brown from the dirt and I wear grammas clothes wherever I go. It's very hot here and although I haven't been sunburned yet, I counted 21 bug bites on my body today. Bugs have always seemed to like the way that I taste, but I don't think I've ever counted 21.
My Spanish is getting better, though there are a few gringo missionaries here, who ONLY want to speak in English, it's kind of frustrating sometimes, because I know the Mexicanos feel out of place, but I think they just miss speaking in English.
I only have two weeks here, so I'm taking advantage of it as much as I can, but it's still so little. I wish I could finish off my adventures in Mexico here, but I think I have other lives to touch and other service to do. Though I did mention the idea to President Gardner.
I haven't lost any weight and I don't think I will, because Mexicans know how to EAT. I usually only eat a small breakfast and then one meal a day, but that meal is Huge. I haven't gotten food poisoning yet though. And the majority of the food I enjoy eating, rather than just forcing it down.
I am so happy here and send all my love home. I will send pictures as soon as I get back, but I might just be staying here for the rest of my life :D. I hope all is well! (And, give out a book of mormon this week. Or invite someone to church--it's really not that hard, I promise. I've already invited PLENTY of people)
Love, Hna. Davis
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
What Is This Feeling?
Marly and Karina Gillette performed a song from Wicked for our Young Women's Fundraiser Dinner on Saturday.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
It's a boy!
Looks like the Davis Family will have another manly male added to the ranks. We found out this morning at our ultrasound appointment. Doctor said everything looks good and baby looks healthy! No names have been picked just yet. Plenty of time for that. We are just happy that baby, so far, is healthy.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Eric 3/10
Hey Family,
The MTC is awesome. It's a roller coaster though. Spiritual highs, discouraging lows, and work, work, work. My testimony of the First Vision has grown exponentially. I've gotten a little taste of rejection and disappointment from our MTC progressing investigator and the call center. I'm still learning so much Spanish and doctrine and the more I learn the more I understand I still need to learn. I'm trying every strategy in the books to gain a stronger relationship with the spirit. I totally agree with whoever it was that said, "You can't be too prepared for a mission." If I were advising someone to prepare for the MTC, I would have them start by reading the Book of Mormon 10 times, the New Testament 3, the 4 gospels 2 more, the Old Testament once or twice, and Preach My Gospel (cover to cover) 2 or 3 times, and then memorize every scripture mastery and about 50 other scriptures. Then they would need to learn about work, love, and the spirit. That person might be ready for the MTC. My BYU roommate, Trevor, just got called to the Ecuador Guayaquil South mission. I'm so excited for him. I think he checks in the same day as Greg, who I'm also very excited for. I watched a talk by Elder Bednar about becoming a missionary not just going on a mission, and I felt like I want my sisters to marry a missionary, not an RM. I also have to say thank you, thank you, thank you for so so many things. You guys got me here. I wouldn't be on a mission if I hadn't had such awesome parents. I also have to wish Dad a happy birthday. The 7th was a little hard but we keep so busy that the hardest part is remembering. The Scott Family sent me 2 dear Elder packages, which reminds me, Thanks for all the cookies and letters. It's really great to get letters all the time, but I can't possibly respond to all of them. P-day is actually the busiest day of the week. But we get to go to the temple and slow down a bit so it's still a great day. I got to watch Elder Holland's broadcast (rerun) on The Gift of Teaching, that was powerful. Elder Hart and I are going to start teaching an MTC investigator in spanish next Monday. Question for Mom, when did you start studying the scriptures straight from Spanish? I wish I had talked to you guys alot more about your missions. I guess I've never really been a question asker. I don't really have time to read all of the cousin mission letters, but if there are sections you think I would like to read, please send them. Just a note, My address is mailbox 87 and departure is April 20th. the mail people want all the details. Congratulations Marly on permit, always, always, always be alert. BYU would be great for Josh. That missionary stuff will be awesome for Rachel. I don't know how I could have done that though. You guys could send me some of Rachel's blog posts if you want :). Thank you guys for the music. My companion is kindof obsessed with If You Could Hie to Kolob. If you could find a piano arrangement / solo something of I know that My Redeemer Lives, I would be so happy. Good Luck with Life, it really gets alot easier when you give everything to the Lord. All you have to do is everytime you think "I Want" when "God wants" would be different, pick the second one. Every Time. God rewards effort. I'm sure of it because I've learned some Spanish. I Love You!
-Elder Davis
The MTC is awesome. It's a roller coaster though. Spiritual highs, discouraging lows, and work, work, work. My testimony of the First Vision has grown exponentially. I've gotten a little taste of rejection and disappointment from our MTC progressing investigator and the call center. I'm still learning so much Spanish and doctrine and the more I learn the more I understand I still need to learn. I'm trying every strategy in the books to gain a stronger relationship with the spirit. I totally agree with whoever it was that said, "You can't be too prepared for a mission." If I were advising someone to prepare for the MTC, I would have them start by reading the Book of Mormon 10 times, the New Testament 3, the 4 gospels 2 more, the Old Testament once or twice, and Preach My Gospel (cover to cover) 2 or 3 times, and then memorize every scripture mastery and about 50 other scriptures. Then they would need to learn about work, love, and the spirit. That person might be ready for the MTC. My BYU roommate, Trevor, just got called to the Ecuador Guayaquil South mission. I'm so excited for him. I think he checks in the same day as Greg, who I'm also very excited for. I watched a talk by Elder Bednar about becoming a missionary not just going on a mission, and I felt like I want my sisters to marry a missionary, not an RM. I also have to say thank you, thank you, thank you for so so many things. You guys got me here. I wouldn't be on a mission if I hadn't had such awesome parents. I also have to wish Dad a happy birthday. The 7th was a little hard but we keep so busy that the hardest part is remembering. The Scott Family sent me 2 dear Elder packages, which reminds me, Thanks for all the cookies and letters. It's really great to get letters all the time, but I can't possibly respond to all of them. P-day is actually the busiest day of the week. But we get to go to the temple and slow down a bit so it's still a great day. I got to watch Elder Holland's broadcast (rerun) on The Gift of Teaching, that was powerful. Elder Hart and I are going to start teaching an MTC investigator in spanish next Monday. Question for Mom, when did you start studying the scriptures straight from Spanish? I wish I had talked to you guys alot more about your missions. I guess I've never really been a question asker. I don't really have time to read all of the cousin mission letters, but if there are sections you think I would like to read, please send them. Just a note, My address is mailbox 87 and departure is April 20th. the mail people want all the details. Congratulations Marly on permit, always, always, always be alert. BYU would be great for Josh. That missionary stuff will be awesome for Rachel. I don't know how I could have done that though. You guys could send me some of Rachel's blog posts if you want :). Thank you guys for the music. My companion is kindof obsessed with If You Could Hie to Kolob. If you could find a piano arrangement / solo something of I know that My Redeemer Lives, I would be so happy. Good Luck with Life, it really gets alot easier when you give everything to the Lord. All you have to do is everytime you think "I Want" when "God wants" would be different, pick the second one. Every Time. God rewards effort. I'm sure of it because I've learned some Spanish. I Love You!
-Elder Davis
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thank You
Thank you all so much for the beautiful tulips. People keep asking how we are doing this week, We're doing great. But everytime I open my mouth to respond such, the tears come. I think the tenderness also comes from the realization that others even remember the date and are thinking of Erin too. Lauren and I went up to the cemetery yesterday to take flowers and a butterfly balloon. Someone had already left some roses. It's always so touching to me to know that others remember her and miss her also. We're happy. Our kids are all doing what they are supposed to do right now, even Erin. We are truly blessed.
Eric 3/3
3/3/9
Hey Family!
There's alot to say and you've written so many letters to respond to (thanks) so I'm going to jump around alot. Learning a new language is so much work! Rachel is really strong to never be able to escape to the english language. And I have to learn both Spanish and the language of the spirit. 6 days a week there isn't enough time to study the scriptures and then on Sundays there is to much free time. I'm going to finish the Book of Mormon soon and then I'm going to read the New Testament and Jesus the Christ. I really don't know what scripture to do for my missionary plaque. I've considered Alma 29:9, D&C 122:7-9, D&C 6:34, D&C 84:88 and many many others. But I think I'm going with D&C 123:17. But verse 12 and 13 in that section are really good too. I don't know. My comp is from Colorado but he was adopted from Russia when he was 4. He is going to Anaheim, CA. Typical Daily schedule (Mondays): wake up 6:30, classroom study 7:00 - 7:45, B-fast 7:45 - 8:15, Gym 8:25 - 9:15, class 9:45 - 12:30, Lunch 12:30 - 1:15, MDT (includes personal/comp study and teaching appts) 1:15 - 5:30, Dinner 5:30 - 6:15, 6:15 - 9:00 class, Daily planning 9:00 - 9:30, study until bed at 10:30. We have devotionals / firesides every Tuesday and Sunday night and I sing in the choir Tuesday nights. Every meeting / devotion / class is awesome and filled with the spirit. I'm in the laundry room right now waiting for a batch. I really like the other Elders in my district. Our really awesome zone leaders just got released. I've seen Sister Dunn, Elder Heap, Elder Soto, tons of kids from BYU and others that I can't think of right now. The food is great, they make a good beef and tatertot casserole that was awesome. The referral center is really good. We talk on the phone with nonmembers across the nation. My comp taught the whole first lesson to a preacher's wife and committed her to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. We've signed for 2 MTC investigators, people who pretend to be investigators, and we take them through the whole process. One in spanish, one in English. I play volleyball 5 times a week. I blessed the sacrament in Spanish and our fast and testimony meeting was awesome. I'm working hard and learning so so much. Thank you so much for everything I've learned from all of you. I love you guys!
-Elder Davis
Hey Family!
There's alot to say and you've written so many letters to respond to (thanks) so I'm going to jump around alot. Learning a new language is so much work! Rachel is really strong to never be able to escape to the english language. And I have to learn both Spanish and the language of the spirit. 6 days a week there isn't enough time to study the scriptures and then on Sundays there is to much free time. I'm going to finish the Book of Mormon soon and then I'm going to read the New Testament and Jesus the Christ. I really don't know what scripture to do for my missionary plaque. I've considered Alma 29:9, D&C 122:7-9, D&C 6:34, D&C 84:88 and many many others. But I think I'm going with D&C 123:17. But verse 12 and 13 in that section are really good too. I don't know. My comp is from Colorado but he was adopted from Russia when he was 4. He is going to Anaheim, CA. Typical Daily schedule (Mondays): wake up 6:30, classroom study 7:00 - 7:45, B-fast 7:45 - 8:15, Gym 8:25 - 9:15, class 9:45 - 12:30, Lunch 12:30 - 1:15, MDT (includes personal/comp study and teaching appts) 1:15 - 5:30, Dinner 5:30 - 6:15, 6:15 - 9:00 class, Daily planning 9:00 - 9:30, study until bed at 10:30. We have devotionals / firesides every Tuesday and Sunday night and I sing in the choir Tuesday nights. Every meeting / devotion / class is awesome and filled with the spirit. I'm in the laundry room right now waiting for a batch. I really like the other Elders in my district. Our really awesome zone leaders just got released. I've seen Sister Dunn, Elder Heap, Elder Soto, tons of kids from BYU and others that I can't think of right now. The food is great, they make a good beef and tatertot casserole that was awesome. The referral center is really good. We talk on the phone with nonmembers across the nation. My comp taught the whole first lesson to a preacher's wife and committed her to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. We've signed for 2 MTC investigators, people who pretend to be investigators, and we take them through the whole process. One in spanish, one in English. I play volleyball 5 times a week. I blessed the sacrament in Spanish and our fast and testimony meeting was awesome. I'm working hard and learning so so much. Thank you so much for everything I've learned from all of you. I love you guys!
-Elder Davis
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