December 30th 2012

Kumusta Kayo? Bagong Taon Na! So, I never know what to write about, so here we go. This week we had a bagyo... a tropical storm? I think is what we call it back home? Anyways we had a big Bagyo. It rained forever with some serious strong winds, it's worse on the Island than on main land they say. Anyway it killed our work which was a shame but I got some good studying in. I also feel somewhat old on the mission... my shoes are getting holes FINALLY! That means I have worked hard AND I am no longer "Bata Pa" "Still a Kid." I remember the first day I was in Naga and met Elder Vogelsberg and saw his shoes... mine where much too shiny! I told him we needed to, in essence, "get some mud on the tires." So yeah, I take pride in my worn shoes (no need to fret mom). I am 20! Weird right? Way weird, I feel 12 haha. It is also now 2013, so my 20th year (being all of 2013) will be ALL dedicated to missionary work! AND IT FEELS GREAT! I am excited for this new year, and I hope you are too. It is a great time to make meaningful goals and become a better person! So the pictures are me in a tricy (I have no idea how to spell it but in this country- you can spell anything the way you want to and it is correct haha)! Example Ketchup is Catsup... sounds good to me. I never have been much of a speller haha. Anway, the side car for these things are TINY... so you can imagine Elder Lavaka and I fitting, it's funny every time. And they will fit as many people as possible... more than possible actually. So I truly have "grown closer to the people!" Anyways now you know what a tricy is! Since we Skyped last week I don't have much to tell you guys, I'm just still doing good. My Tagalog is improving rapidly, especially in understanding! Speaking is getting better by the day too. So way good news, thank you for your prayers! I try not to compare myself to others but I am "ahead of schedule" as they say. So I am very happy and very grateful! I wonder how it is that 19 year old boys learn all these languages so quickly? Must be coincidence right? HINDI! I am blessed everyday to speak this language. I know, and those that know me know, that I would have no shot at learning this language as well as I have thus far by my self. It is truly given from God, and I am a happy recipient. I am confident that by our "Mother's Day Call" I will have been fluent for some time. Who knows Tagalog? What a weird language to know haha. Anyways that is my language update- still have a ways to go. As Reece told me before I left, "If you work hard it will be easy, if you take it easy it will be hard." Pretty good advise for all of life. Now, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! I hope you had a great birthday. I don't know another man on this earth that is kinder than my father. There are so many attributes about my Dad that I love, here are a few: I have NEVER, EVER heard my Dad raise his voice in anger (referees not included HAHA). I don't believe he possesses the ability to be mad. I inherited some of that from him and I am grateful. My dad is my best example, he had taught me so many things. I don't know if there is anyone as kind to their children and wife as my father is to us kids and our mother. I have seen the best example of a father, a husband, a priesthood holder, an employee, an employer, a grandpa, and a citizen. He taught me how to work, and with what attitude we should go about it. He is a volunteer-er and "does many things by his own free will." I am most grateful for the hours I have spent working with him on our numberless projects. My dad has a sign that hangs above his desk at work that says, "Your name is safe with me." Meaning you can trust him. I always knew I could go to him with anything and he would help me and love me. The best thing he may have ever done is marry my mother, I don't know of better parents on earth. Growing up I remember seeing my 6 feet 5 inche father weep in tears as he testified of truth. As he would tell us about what he knew to be true, namely God lives, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is a true prophet, and the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I would see his tears and feel the conviction of his heart and spirit. Growing up I fed on the testimony of my parents until I myself had one. I always knew, that my parents knew it was true, and for anyone who might be doubting- IT IS TRUE. I know it is. So thank you Dad for all you have done! And Happy Birthday! This next week should be great. The Zone Leaders are here, and it will be an awesome week. Hopefully I will have some good stories and pictures. So happy New Year. I hope we have some good Resolutions. I think it is better to just pick one maybe two things you want to be better at, don't make a list a mile long. Well keep keepin' on. The church is true and we should be happy and thankful. I wouldn't be here if it weren't true. Elder Davis

Hard to imagine 2 elders in this contraption; one is a 6'3' skinny white boy, the other 6'6, 300+ lb Tongan plus others fitting!

Happy 20th Birthday with a little seasickness!

Kumusta Kayo? Well I don't know too much to write about... I get to Skype you TOMORROW! I am excited to see all of you! So this week has gone by super fast. We had a "Mission Christmas Conference" and it was a lot of fun to see my "mission friends" and be with President and Sister Bliesner and to hear them speak to us. I have the best mission president that ever lived. Sorry Race, but it's true haha. It's too bad that I only have him for one year. But anyway the Christmas Con was great and it was a lot of fun, when we got back to the Island we had a Branch Christmas Party and it was on my Birthday so it was AWESOME! Today has been a festive week, I am excited to just start working again, I feel like i haven't really spoken Tagalog in weeks haha. Also I got your Christmas packages you sent to me, thank you so very much! So again we went to the main land and the boat over there was great... but the boat back was BAD! I got sea sick for the first time and it was not fun, but happy to say I never threw up. The boat was getting thrown around in the ocean. Malakas ang Dagat! The boat was swaying back and forth and we were out in the sun/rain it was bad. "The sea was angry that day my friends like an old man trying to order soup at a deli." I started out fine for the first hour of the trip but then was feeling SICK for the next hour or so, then I got my sea legs and was fine for the last hour. Usually it only takes 3 hours to get to Cats but the ocean was so strong it took 4 hours, it was fun. Also, random but Sting Ray is delicious! So if you ever run past Sting Ray cooked by a Philippino EAT THAT STUFF! I have basically started to just eat whatever sounds the weirdest wherever we eat, usually it is DELICIOUS. I love the food here and I will miss the rice... I love rice... I love rice more than I ever knew anyone could love rice haha. It is so weird to think you people eat meals with no rice involved- that's weird! I really don't know what to write about haha. Actually I have two pretty cool stories I guess. The first one was, of course, while I was showering. I was just enjoying my cold water in a bucket and out of the corner of my eye I saw something hop. I move another bucket (our flusher) and I see this massive frog hop again... I am not sure who jumped higher, the frog or me haha. But I defiantly yelled louder haha, it scared me. Anyway I just kept on showering with that guy looking at me the whole time and then we caught him and let him go after I was done haha. I have no idea how that BIG frog got into our second story apartment, but hey it's the Philippines, anything could get into your apartment. Second story, last week we were out working with a member to find some less actives in a place called Bato we went out early in the day and, of course, IT WAS HOT! We worked all morning and it was very good, in our last appointment in Bato we met a family and invited them to church and to our Christmas Party. Their house is very close to the beach, we could hear the waves as we were in their house, so after the appointment we decided to go look at the beach and maybe take a picture. We were just standing there looking and then Brother Tubo started stumbling, like he was falling. We thought he was just kidding but then we saw his eyes rolling back into his head and he was heading into the ocean. He was stumbling and spinning and his eyes were rolled back into his head, before I knew it he was about to his knees in the ocean and was doing everything he could do to not fall. Before I knew it I dropped everything and ran in after him with Elder Lavaka at my side. We grabbed him and started to carry him out. It was very scary. We got him into the shade and got him water and eventually took him home. He's much better now, I figured he had a heat stroke or high blood or I'm not really sure. Either way, other than for baptisms I bet that will be the only time I go into the ocean on my mission. I felt like I was in The Other Side of Heaven. My shoes were SOAKED but that happens all the time, just this time it was salt water. Anyways it was scary, but it makes for a good story. YOu never know what will happen in a day. Thanks for all the letters and packages again. I got some letters and pictures from the Hunts, thank you very much, the kids drawings were awesome! Also thanks for the El Pato, I can't wait to eat it! Well I don't have much else to say and if I do, I'll just tell you TOMORROW as we Skype! Well, MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you have a great Christmas! I know I will. I am excited to have a Christmas as a missionary for Jesus Christ and his church. I would rather be right here than ANYWHERE else on earth and that includes home. Of course I will miss you and my thoughts will go to Christmases past but I don't think I will be homesick. I am much to busy and happy for that. I know what I am doing is right. I am called of God to "Preach His Gospel" and that is exactly what I will do, no man, power, language or anything will get in my way. His Gospel is going to the ends of the earth and I am a happy missionary continuing that work. My feelings of Christmas as a Missionary are best expressed in my poem I sent last week. I know a few simple things to be true, namely Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, Joseph Smith was his Prophet, Thomas S. Monson is his prophet right now, The Book of Mormon is True and this is the one and only true and living church on the earth, His Gospel and Plan of Salvation will guide us through this life back to his presence. I know these things through the power of the Holy Ghost and I thankful for my simple testimony. It is true, I know it is, and it is also REAL! So Maligayang Pasko! Love you all. Elder Davis P.S. The thing I miss the most is The Forgotten Carrols Music with the family! We should go in 2 years? See you BUKAS!

December 18th 2012

Kumusta Kayo?? What a crazy week. I feel like I am living in a mix of two movies, the first- The Other Side of Heaven, the second- The Blind Side. The first one is pretty obvious, the second one not so much. I feel like I am on The Blind Side because my companions shoe size is 17!!!!!! His heaviest weight was 360lbs daw! He's 6 feet 6 inches and we are a scary sight for tiny Filipinos who don't know missionaries. He is AWESOME! He has a big heart... but maybe a bigger appetite haha, I have never seen so much rice disappear so quickly. He's also very very good at Tagalog, people think he is Philippino by sound, but definitely not by sight haha. He's awesome and I am excited for the transfer. So many things are happening all at once, I hit my six month mark, I turn 20 this week, and IT'S CHRISTMAS! It is weird to think it is Christmas though, with no weather change it seems like no time has passed at all. I am truly living in an endless summer. No white Christmas here haha. People here just can't comprehend the thought of snow. I've told people about my baptism too, when we had to break the ice in the pond, they can't imagine it! So funny. So last week we had a CSP (community service project) and it was really cool. I saw some really cool and really beautiful things. I also saw a man, of which the only adjective to describe him is MAN haha, In fact I refer to him as MAN. He basically lives without human contact for a few weeks way up in the mountain jungle! And he's bare foot the whole time! Tell all the nieces I found the man who makes Rapunzel's hair. He makes rope out of banana tree's and it is a very interesting process. But we went up there and helped him and of course had some delicious BUKO (coconut)! Man is the husband of one of our members, Sister Espiritu. So we hiked way on top of this mountain, I could see the whole island pretty much and The Mayon Volcano in the distance! It was awesome. Then we helped this guy make his banana rope stuff and then carry this HEAVY stuff down the mountain. I about died getting my bundle down and they say MAN can carry three of those at one time. He's 67 years old, tiny, but as strong as an ox, his hands and feet feel like metal, I know because I felt them haha. He's my Philippino Grandpa Sherwood haha. I hope we can teach him next week. The problem is he is always in the jungle just walkin bare foot with his big machete. It was a great experience with the culture and has helped a lot with that family coming to church I think. Hopefully even more will come out of it. I hope the pictures load! So, now I have some way good news. I am progressing in Tagalog! More like SKYROCKETING! But that doesn't mean I am good hahaha. But just this last week I am really started to progress. It was like I woke up one morning and I understood the things people were saying to me haha! I am a long way from fluent still but I can't believe where I am at right now, I am so blessed. The Gift of Tongues is REAL, I promise haha. This last Sunday I had conversations with people and after we were finished I just couldn't believe what happened... I SPOKE TAGALOG hahahha. And I understood what they were saying. It is a cool feeling. If you've never had a conversation in Tagalog, do it, you'll like it haha. But truly I am a very grateful missionary right now, I am so blessed. It is truly GIVEN to me to speak and understand this language. Again I have a long way to go but I am progressing quickly right now! So awesome! And I thank my Father in Heaven for it. Malapit ng Pasko! Christmas is coming soon and I am excited. I wrote a poem a couple days ago about missionaries at Christmas I hope you will enjoy it. I am excited to have Christmas here, not here so much as, I am just excited to have Christmas as a missionary. Christmas is a great time of year, people literally change because we feel the "Spirit of Christmas" or we feel like being Christ-like; giving to others and being with our families. It is all about Christ, all He did and does is GIVE never take, all He is is selfless, never selfish and all He wants is for us, as Families, to live together again in the Kingdom of God. We give at Christmas and we are with our families and we think of Christ. But as President Hinckley taught, "Without The Atonement, Christ would be just another babe born in Bethlehem." I hope this Christmas we will all remember him, and what he did for us. This Christmas I would rather be here than anywhere else INCLUDING HOME. But it's an easy second place. Well I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and I pray for you daily. I hope you enjoy the poem. SEE YOU NEXT WEEK ON SKYPE!!!!!!!!!!! A Missionary’s Christmas By Elder Chantz Hamblin Davis Naga Philippines Mission This Christmas, like those in all my past, I’ll be waking early and out of bed real fast. But this year will be different, from previous ones I’ve had. I’ll be away from family, and yet I am not sad. Still I’ll wake up early, but with a different plan, To go and teach and preach, about a certain man. Presents won’t be atop the list, of things I want this year. All I really want to find, is someone who will hear. I won’t tell’em about Santa, or Reindeer in the sky, But of the precious baby, born to suffer bleed and die. I’ll speak to them of Family, of God and Peace and Love, And what they must do, to return to Him above. And though I may be far from home, in a far and foreign place, I still feel the love of God, and His Son’s Eternal Grace. Yes 6:30 the alarm will sound, and I’ll rush out of bed. Not looking for the latest toy, but for a lost soul instead. So this Christmas will be different, from those in all my past, Just happily “Preaching His Gospel,” doing what He has asked. Elder Davis

December 10th 2012

Kumusta? Well, another transfer down. And Elder Datu is TRANSFERRED! I will receive my new companion tomorrow, today I am staying with Elders Webb (from Blanding Utah) and Alldredge (from Arizona). I am excited but sad to see Elder Datu go, he was an awesome companion. So this next week will be fun getting to know my new companion. I hope he is Philippino and knows NO english, we'll see. So also it is almost my sweet mother's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!! You look great. I hope you know I think of you everyday and you inspire me to work hard and be obedient. I have promised many people on this earth that I would be obedient, but you are at the top of that list. Mom, THANK YOU! I can't say more than that. You really are an angel in my eyes. So happy birthday mom! Also Rulon's papers are in???? He's coming to NAGA NO DOUBT! And I will train him hahahhahaha how cool would that be???? If it happened I would literally pass out of happiness like Ammon in the Book of Mormon. Love that kid! Keep me updated. So Christmas is soon and I am excited to skype you all. This will for sure be the warmest Christmas of my life haha. I am excited. On Christmas day I will be working..... I AM EXCITED hahaha. Those will be some awesome lessons of The Savior Jesus Christ. And when you work your not homesick so it will be a good day. So I hope you like the pictures of the Monkey hahaha WE TEACH EVERY CREATURE hahahahaha! Except we don't teach the mice as you can see haha. These mice are everywhere and then there is also the occasional BIG RAT! I have no time this week sorry. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Also I was not effected by that bagayo the other week but it was defiantly sad for those that were. Sad day. So no real stories this week, just trying my best and working hard. We will see who my new companion is soon! I love you all and pray for you daily. Be good and do good. The church is true, we know it, let's live it. So I must go and, yeah know, be a missionary! Have a happy Birthday Mom, Love you a bushel! Elder Davis P.S. Just a fun fact, I wake up every morning and watch the sun rise over the ocean, and then every night I watch the sun set RIGHT NEXT TO A VOLCANO. Kinda cool, Living on an Island is fun!

December 3rd, 2012. Thank you Coach Semore, Coach Matthews and Coach Steven Brown

DECEMBER ALREADY? Well, time is going by so fast, I will hit my 6 month mark this next week and I can't believe it. So first off... a lot of you family members of mine have birthdays that have happened or will happen these last two weeks- sooo- happy birthday Markee and Katie and Happy birthday to my sweet angel mother as well! Hope they are great days! I had exchanges this last week and I was the "senior companion." I led all the lessons and all my companion did was bare testimony at the end. My companion is actually older than me in the mission but he just didn't talk so I led everything. We taught a lot of lessons that day and it was an amazing experience. During that day we went to Nanay Estilta's house (recent convert) and her house was being taken down because she doesn't actually own the land. The government was taking it down and "relocating" her (this has happened to a few of our members). We didn't know this would be happening and I wasn't sure what we should do. We began to talk to her and I prayed that I would know what to share. The Spirit told me to share Enos 1:27 in that verse it talks of the "mansions of Heavenly Father" that are "prepared for us." I testified to her that I knew this life was hard, but that God still loves her. I told her that there is a MANSION prepared for her as she lives this gospel. I could feel God's love for sister Nanay Estilita so strongly in that lesson. And Nanay is doing very well now, she is as happy as she can be despite her circumstances and she says it is because of this gospel. It is great to be a missionary. The next appointment we had I saw a little girl, who was very sick, eat crumbs of bread from the floor because it had fallen and she was hungry. We taught that family about the Plan of Salvation and afterward gave blessings to three of their sick children. They are an awesome investigator family! Also, how do you give a blessing to a baby that has no name? Dad, email me the answer next week haha. It was a great day. Then that night we got very sad news. There are four missionaries in Virac (where I am) and one of them (American and a buddy of mine) got news that his father had died. We went to see him and we talked for a while at the beach... He is so strong. I don't think for one second he thought of going home. He knows why he is serving a mission and he is a testimony builder to me. I told him about Bauer Brown and Coach Brown and how that inspired me to serve a mission. My book of Mormon bookmark is Coach Brown's card and on the back I have written the words of Bauer's letter read at the funeral, "I know that I will see my family again, the people I am teaching don't know that." We had a good talk and this Elder is a stud. What a day, you never know what will happen in missionary work. It was the best day of Tagalog I have had so far and I am very thankful for it. So funny thing- everywhere here there are clothes lines that hang about 5 feet high, perfect for Philippino's height... but not mine. I get literally "Clothes Lined" every night. It is funny every time. So we play basketball quite a bit here with the ward and with potential investigators. It is easy to say I am the tallest and best on the court. It is funny to see all the people come to watch the Tall White Guy play basketball. It is a lot of fun and it actually helps us do missionary work quite a bit. I am so thankful for my coaches that have coached me growing up. I have learned a lot from them, especially Coach Semore and Coach Mathews, I have learned a lot from those two men that have helped me on my mission already. So the internet is terrible here and I can't get any pictures home this week... SORRY! Next week for sure! Well I love you all, and I pray for you daily. Keep on praying for me. Elder Davis Sorry I am in a super big rush right now!

November 25, 2012

Howdy Howdy! Well sounds like Thanksgiving was good. I was, believe it or not, with family at Thanksgiving haha. My Zone Leader, Elder Farsworth from Gilbert Az was here. BUT he is originally from KIRTLAND NEW MEXICO and he says he is related to the Sherwoods there? It's a stretch but he's family in my eyes haha. He was companions with Elder Vogelsberg and he is just awesome. So yeah family at Thanksgiving on CATS! And less mashed potatoes than usual and much much much more rice. But it was great... I hardly knew it was Thanksgiving. So now to the important things (haha)... I have been told my whole mission that I would "spoil my pants before my 6 month mark." I always boldly reply that it will not happen to me, and then I say but if it does I hope I am wearing my brown slacks (Dad's favorite joke). This last week I came closer to "The Swift and Mighties than anyone ever has without pooing the pants haha. We were doing morning work and it hit "Swiftly and MIGHTILY" and luckily we were near a neighboring missionaries apartment and my comp has the keys (D.L. siya) I BARLEY made it. Their bathroom is TINY and it was HOT... my knees could almost touch the facing wall in the bathroom (hopefully the pictures will upload). It was terrible, but as I have said, "It will not happen to me!" But I have a question... If it does happen- Do you want to know? I think I have the courage to tell IF that dreadful day ever comes. Let me know. I am almost to 6 months wish me luck. So NOW to the important things, I have dreamed my whole life of being a missionary. I remember as a children Race and I would ask Dad for a scripture story or one of his mission stories, those are some of my fondest memories, and I am grateful for Dad's example of missionary service. I remember also as a child taking cold showers because "that is how it would be on my mission." I was right, but I never knew it would be with a bucket and a scooper. Ever morning I shower our bucket of water is filled with dead bugs that I try to scoop out but there are many and you can't get all of them. I never practiced for that as a child haha. But I now have a few "mission stories" I would love to be able to share with my own children. There is nothing better than being a missionary! A couple weeks ago Rylee sent me a picture that Ryder had drawn in church. It was a picture of his Uncle "Elder Davis" it was awesome and it you looked closely you could see a little name tag on my chest, it was great. I hope I am an example to my little nieces and nephews right now. That name tag that I wear, that Ryder associated with missionaries, means so much to me. There are 3 names on that tag 1 The name of the church 2 Elder Davis 3 Jesus Christ, I am a representative of 1 this church 2 my family name and 3 Jesus Christ. On the back of my tag is a sticker that reads "Return with Honor, Philippines Naga Mission" I strive to do that daily. I can't tell you what that name tag means to me, but it is more than any jersey I have ever worn. So Grandpa Sherwood would always tell me, "I am not worth my groceries." We ate at a members house a few days ago and while I was eating I could tell that the kids at the house hadn't eaten yet. This family was baptized a few years ago and are STRONG in the gospel. I imagine they sacrificed food and money so the missionaries would be fed. I ate VERY light as you might imagine as I sat at the table looking at children would hadn't eaten yet. That family LOVES missionaries, they are thankful that missionaries taught them the gospel. I work everyday hoping I am "worth my groceries." I saw at that dinner appointment that some groceries though not expensive, are very valuable. I am astonished at how strong some of these peoples testimonies of the Gospel is. Funny moment of the week, I was offered a wife haha. We were talking to this guy on the street and telling him about the church and what not, it was great and then he asked me "can you get married?" Haha Elder Datu and I looked at each other and the guy said as he pointed, "because my daughter is right there." hahaha Obviously we said that was Bawal and what not but it was funny. I should have pulled an Ammon and said, "No sir, but I will be thy servant instead." haha It was funny and awkward. So a little about my area. Our chapel is very nice and some rooms even have AC! It is beautiful and the branch is strong and good. We walk a lot in this area and it is great. I have seen a lot more monkeys here on the island than in my last area. Not wild ones, just pets, but as cool as they are I am scared of those little things. They creep me out! We gave one a pass along card haha. Also there is a family here that eats sea turtles, masarap daw, I want to try it. Another thing, we eat rice all the time of course, and we have no rice cooker haha. I have learned to Mag-sain... to cook rice on the stove and I am pretty good at it now. I said in one of my first letters, that you could always know a few things about me... It is ALWAYS hot (but now I like it a lot more) there is ALWAYS bugs on me (but I am used to it) I am ALWAYS obedient (I promise mom) and I am ALWAYS HAPPY (I am a missionary of Jesus Christ)! Things are great. The language is hard, but getting easier. The food is DELICIOUS, I have fallen in love with the fish (see pict) and the people are awesome. I am trying my best to follow President Hickley's advise, "Forget yourself and go to work." "To lose my life in this work and in Christ's gospel and by so doing find it." In case I have never told you before... the church is true, I would die for it in a heart beat, and right now and for the rest of my life I will LIVE IT. The church is not only true it is REAL! Well I best get going. I love you all and I pray for you. I am thankful for your prayers. Mom keep being an Enos for me haha. Well, in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight. Elder Davis P.S. I have more pictures but I was lucky to get these two.

Put this on twice to make us thankful for Turkey and mashed potatoes:)

Tiny potty for a 6'3" white boy!

November 19th 2012. Lets be Thankful!

THANKSGIVING: Let's be thankful.

Howdy Howdy

        Where do I even begin? It has been an awesome week. Yesterday I gave a talk in sacrament meeting and it went really well. I was extremely blessed. However, I am still struggling with the language BIG TIME! But I feel God's help all the time. It amazes me how often I am able to say words that just into my mind. I am so blessed despite being far from fluent. I am ALWAYS able to teach and testify even though I am still struggling. It is hard to remember sometimes just how blessed I am. I get discouraged at times and wonder why I am not fluent yet. But I had an experience yesterday I hope to never forget. . . 

     Yesterday we heard a less active of ours was at the hospital with her four year old son. We decided to go and visit and see what we could do. I am still not sure what was wrong with the little boy, but it was nothing too bad. I can still remember how he kicked in the bed in sheer discomfort. I felt so bad for him. We had to walk through most of the hospital to get to that room. As we went through I saw what true suffering was like. I felt like I was in a war there were so many people lying in pain everywhere. I don't know if you have ever been to a third world hospital but it is a humbling experience. VERY QUICKLY I forgot about my "suffering" in learning this language. I looked around a Hospital that was full of pain, sickness, uncleanliness, and it was HOT with no Air Conditioning. I don't know if I will ever forget how that boy was kicking in discomfort as we gathered around his bed and I said a prayer for him in Tagalog. It was a humbling experience for me, and yet my companion wasn't phased, this was something regular and common for him. I thought I knew before my mission what it meant to be thankful. I had no idea, I am just beginning to know. I can't begin to tell you how blessed we are. If there is anyone in this world more blessed than I am, I don't know them. 

      So my companion, ELDER DATU is awesome. He is the only member in his whole family. He converted to the church two years ago or so. His friend was a member and invited him to church one week. He said when he walked into the doors he felt something like never before. He went through the church services and felt the spirit. After the meetings were over he went and talked to the missionaries and said, "Could you come teach me at my house... and WHEN CAN I BE BAPTIZED?" He's incredible. So the missionaries did come OBVIOUSLY. And they taught him and he liked it. Then one day he was thinking and praying (like the missionaries said) to make sure that the church was true. He was on his was to college on a jeepney and was just thinking "is this really true? Is the Book of Mormon true? Is Joseph Smith a true prophet?" And all the sudden the jeepney stopped and he looked out- there was a church there and he said "I imagined seeing a light at the church, and then I imagined I saw Joseph Smith holding a Book of Mormon." The jeepney stopped randomly and he didn't even know their was a church there. He felt the Holy Ghost and he knew for sure it was true. When he was baptized him and his family were on the way to the church and they got a call that there was no water for the baptismal font. He said he prayed and so did the missionaries and somehow when they got there, there was water in the font. The branch president and missionaries told him it was a miracle. If you ask him he will tell you the same, "it was a miracle." 

     His family has not yet joined. His mother said, "time will come." I asked him if it is hard to be the only member and what not and he said it was. But he loves his mission, he works extremely hard he knows it is true. We serve missions because we know it is true and FOR NO OTHER REASON! I hope and pray his family will come to know of the truth as well- "Time will come I guess." He is a great missionary and an awesome companion. I love teaching with him. When we testify of Joseph Smith it is always powerful. I love teaching all the lessons we teach but there is always a strong spirit when we teach of the First Vision. When the words, "noon 1820 nabuhay ang isang bata nagngangalang Joseph Smith" come from my mouth I can feel the spirit strongly. And YES THAT IS REALLY HOW YOU SAY IT. As my father has said before, "It all depends on that one experience, did God and Jesus Christ appear to him that spring morning or did they not." Those words from my beloved father ring in my ears. I testify as a missionary of Jesus Christ that that really did happen and that this is his church. I KNOW IT, like my companion Elder Datu knows it. This is Jesus Christ's Church not Joseph Smith's. Joseph Smith did not write the Book of Mormon- he translated it. I know it with my whole heart, mind, and body. 

      The great thing is this, we ask no one to believe that we know it. But we ask them to ask God and see what he says to you. This church believes in revelation from God. We believe in Prophets and MIRACLES and Gifts of the Spirit like the GIFT OF TONGUES. We teach "All Nations" like Jesus himself commissioned his Apostles to do. This really is the truth. I promise. I can't tell you one tenth of what I fell and it is even harder in writing. But if you don't know this is true... read, ask with faith and you will know.

      I am such a missionary, testifying to my own family. To people who already know these things. I always just end up bearing testimony hahah even in my emails home, what a lameo! But I know there are those who read my letters that are not my family and not of this church... not yet haha. I am glad you enjoy my letters and I am thankful for your nice letters and emails to me. 

      So Thanksgiving is this week they say? Weird! Time is flying. I will miss you family, but not too much haha. I am much to busy serving a mission at the moment. Obviously I would love to spend Thanksgiving with you BUT remember what I just told you? This church is true and the living prophet has asked that I serve a mission right now- and for eternity we can have "thanksgiving" together- after these two years. So I have written a lot and I hope you enjoy it. I have so many pictures here but the computer won't let me update them, I will be lucky if I get one haha. Sorry. 

        But life on the island is good. I still am not fluent but I am improving. I love my mission. I am working hard and being obedient (that was for mom). Things are great and I love being a missionary. I have never done anything harder nor anything quite as exciting. I can't believe how fast time is going by. I hope you are all doing well. I hope you are thankful for your blessings. If you feel you are not yet thankful for your blessings, go get a bucket and wash all your clothes... you'll become more thankful I promise haha. I NEVER KNOW WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT.... LET ME KNOW!

Elder Davis 

P.S. Have a great Thanksgiving....... BE THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING!

november 11th 2012 . Philippino version of Granny Hamblin gets baptized!

         Holy smokes time flies! It is going by so fast. So first thing is first, we had Zone Conference and it was awesome, I actually got called on to speak. It was a great meeting and President Bliesner is AMAZING. I learned a lot that conference, I learned something very personalized to me.... that is I weigh 165 pounds! (Sister Bliesner brings scales to all the conferences.) I AM NOTHING! If a stiff breeze comes I might get thrown in the ocean. I am near 6 feet 3 inches and 165 pounds. IF I TURN SIDEWAYS I CAN"T BE SEEN! I need to put some weight back on haha. And I eat a lot too. I have lost close to 20 pounds and I didn't have 20 to lose haha. But it's better to lose 20 than gain 20 I guess?

        So this week I was all over the place with exchanges and the conference and we had a baptism and what not but it was great. While I was on exchanges in  Codon I saw the island were they say "Survivor" is filmed? Don't know if that is true but if it is I saw it. Also while I was there we had a classic example of Philippino kindness. We were walking down the street right next to this beautiful beach and there were people getting Buko (coconuts) from this tree. Naturally I was amazed at how easily he climbed the tree  and they saw us watching. They called us over and said they would give us Buko if we wanted. We accepted and the man through some down. The tree was TALL too. It was such a nice thing to do and they do  things like that all the time. I can't remember how many times I have walked by people eating food and they just yell "kumain kayo" "Eat" they are willing to give even though they don't have much themselves. But they are such a kind people and I love them so much. They will give you rice, buko, or anything they are so kind and humble.

        I still can't get over how pretty it is here. This island especially. It reminds me of the island on "LOST". It is really fun and pretty. The boat ride over here is so awesome, I thought I know what the color blue looked like... I had no idea something could be so blue. It's BLUER THAN BLUE. The green is greener than green and it's just awesome. And as long as I am sounding girly I will admit another thing I love about being here, there are fire flies everywhere! They bunch up in trees and it looks like Christmas sometimes there are so many. I can't see how people can live on this life and not recognize God's hand in it everyday. "All things denote that there is a God" and that he loves us.

      So do you remember Sister Estilita that I told you about? The little old lady I want to carry around with me everywhere? She's like my Philippino Granny Hamblin! Well she was baptized this week (pictures to come). It was such a great day and then the next day she went and was a "member present" for a few of our lessons. It is so rewarding to watch people be blessed with this Gospel. I will remember sweet Sister Estilita forever and I hope she will remember me. That is one blessing of a mission I don't think missionaries get until after this life. The seeing and rejoicing with people they helped on there missions after this life. What a great day that will be. 

       So two quick funny stories. First off remember how I said the boat ride is three hours? Make sure if you ever find yourself needing to ride a boat for three hours in the Philippines that you don't eat anything that may make you need to quickly go to the bathroom. Or as Race would say, nothing that would give you the "swift and mighties." Because if you do you are in for a BUMPY and NASTY experience  haha. Second Experience: This week I got a rash, I looked like RULON UDALL I had so many little red dots all over me. And it was the ITCHIEST THING EVER! I have never been so uncomfortable in my entire life. And for those thinking my "experience two" was caused by "experience one" your wrong because the rash came first haha. It was sooooo itchy I just wanted to yell and punch things it was so bad. It was from my chest to my knees and all over my back. And of course it was HOT AND HUMID on top of everything! I have never been so miserable. It was so hard not to think of myself but I got through it. And I learned a lot. I have no idea what the Savior must have gone through but I am so thankful for him. He felt our pains. He felt our sicknesses and sorrows. He's felt my trail of not knowing Tagalog. EVERYTHING. He performed an Infinite Atonement and He knows how we feel when no one else might. His sufferings I can't even imagine or comprehend but I am grateful for him. He truly is our Savior and Redeemer. And through him all things that are wrong can be made right. 

     So life is great. There are a lot of trails but nothing worth being discouraged about. I am trying to forget myself and go to work. The Lord has blessed me so much and he will continue to do so. I love my mission so much. It is the hardest thing I have ever done but also the best thing I have ever done. I have to go now. I love you all and I pray for you daily. I hope this language gets easier. But like Mom always said, "That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the manner of the thing has changed, but our ability to do good has increased." Love you all.

Elder Davis

P.S. Remind me next week in your emails to talk about Elder Datu

And I had more pictures but only this one would upload! Sorry

     

IT MAY NOT BE ON THE MOUNTAIN HEIGHT OR OVER THE STORMY SEAS.... BUT SOMETIMES IT IS!

IT MAY NOT BE ON THE MOUNTAIN HEIGHT OR OVER THE STORMY SEAS................ BUT SOMETIMES IT IS. Well Kumusta? I have learned two things... I don't get sea sick and I flying fish are real haha. You don't know where I am or who I am with or ANYTHING. I have been assigned to the ISLAND OF CATANDUANES with my companion ELDER DATU! Holy smokes it has been crazy. Elder Datu is amazing. He's so humble and kind. He is the District leader here on the Island and he is AWESOME. He is good at english and wants to be better... I am BAD at Tagalog and NEED TO BE BETTER. SO we help each other. He's awesome. I am excited to be here. But it's a big change. Once you go on Cats (Catanduanes) you are generally here for a long time. So I am sure I will be here at Christmas. Hopefully with Elder Datu but we will see. CHRISTMAS ON CATS! It has been a crazy week. I have tried some different food and just had some crazy experiences. Cats is often called the TESTING GROUNDS because it is far away from President and has a bad reputation for disobedience. But Elder Datu and I are working hard and being obedient.I can't even begin to describe what this last week was like. CRAZY! Mom you told me once, "Remember Heavenly Father gives his hardest battles to his strongest warriors!" I hope you are right because I need to be strong for what is coming up. I am excited though, and I feel God's help everyday. So we have tons of Investigators here! One will be baptized next week, her name is Sister Estilita! She's TINY and just old and wrinkly. She's probably the cutest old lady EVER. She reminds me of Granny Hamblin (Philippino Style). I want to just pick her up and carry her around with me wherever I go. She's precious. She said, "totoong-totoo" when she was describing the church meaning. REALLY REALLY TRUE. She's precious. So with transfers I of course had to leave My Tatay Elder Vogelsberg, sad day but we go where we are called. They loaded me in the van and just started driving south. I stayed the night at a Zone Leaders apartment, ELDER SALAS's apartent (he's the man) and he actually trained Elder Datu. Then the next morning we went to the chapel meeting place where they told me I was going to Cats. Three Elders took me there and after a 3 hour LONG AND PUMPY boat ride I made it to the island. While we were on the boat we saw FLYING FISH- I thought that was a myth haha but I promise they are very much real and very much cool. If you've never seen them either come to the Philippines or U-tube is a cheap alternative as well. Once I got to the Island I took about a 45 minute tricy ride to my area VIRAC! I didn't think the Philippines could be prettier than my last area but it can apparently haha. It is so pretty here, pictures to come for the next few months. Also while on the ship I got my first real look at the volcano- Mt Mayon and I took a picture from the boat. And yes that is real smoke coming from the top. I made it alive and I'm happy to be here. I don't know how to describe this but I will try... I feel like I have seen my mission before. It's like dejavu (if that's how you spell it) but different. Sometimes we go to a house or meet someone or just are in a situation and it just seems RIGHT. It seems familiar and like it has happened before. It feels like whatever is happening is right and good. I don't know how to explain it. I don't know what it is but it happens all the time. So take that as you will haha. Also I think I have told you this before but maybe not... I have dreams all the time that I am back home with everyone and if feels so real. In the dreams I am home AFTER an honorable mission but I KNOW NO TAGALOG. Haha they freak me out haha and they encourage me to study harder haha. I have never had more vivid and real dreams than those. That was a random paragraph. I feel very much like I imagine Ammon felt (though I am nothing like Ammon) he said, "Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, an perhaps until the day I die." I love my mission so much. It is easily the hardest thing I have ever done! EVER! But I love it. I love these people and I love the TRUTH that I am called to preach to them. I love the man that is the center of that TRUTH that I share- Jesus Christ. I am one of his missionaries in his church and I LOVE IT. I know this work is true and I don't want it to end, hopefully Tagalog comes soon. Like the hymn says (which we sang at my farewell), "It MAY not be on a mountain height or over a stormy sea... My Lord will have need for me" BUT MAYBE HE WILL. I will go where he wants me to go and say what he wants me to say (even in Tagalog) I will do what he wants me to do and BE what he wants me to BE. I am glad to hear that people like to read my emails home. I have received emails and word that people enjoy reading them on the Blog my mom makes. I am thankful for you. I am glad to hear that I can be a missionary in my emails. I get frustrated with Tagalog and I feel discouraged at times. But it is nice to know that people can read my letters and hopefully get closer to CHRIST and HIS RESTORED CHURCH. This is a long email. I love you all. I hope you know I pray for you daily. I am blessed beyond anyone in the world despite my hard circumstances. No matter what happens God knows us and loves us. That is one thing I am good at saying in Tagalog- "God loves you, you are his child and he is your father. He has given us a plan, and if we follow his plan and his prophets (both ancient and modern). Everything will be GREAT! As it ways in Ether 12:4 we can "hope for a better world." IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT IN THE END! Are my emails boring hahha??? Let me know what you want me to write about. I am doing good and I am happy, I am being obedient and working hard. I love you all. Elder Davis P.S. Hunter Hamblin got his call? Tell him congrats! I love that kid. California, that will be awesome! What a stud.

The Best Trainer in the World and saying goodbye to favorite family!

October 29th 2012

HOWDY HOWDY HEY So I am being transferred as we speak. I still don't know where or who will be my companion. The AP's just dropped me off at a Zone Leader's apartment for tonight and tomorrow I will know where I am going. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared/nervous. They say generally if you had a good trainer (which I did) you get a bad follow-up. We'll see. I am excited but nervous ect. I think I am going to CATS, one of the islands!!!!!!!!!! It's really called Catenguanes (ignore the spelling). But truly I know as much as you do about where I am. And I barely know more than you about what these people are saying all around me hahaha. I have no time and I have no idea what is really happening but I will know next week. Sorry this is so short but that's how it goes on the mission I guess. The only email I have been able to read is your's Mom so I'll read everyone else's next week. Well I love you all and I pray for you daily. I really need to learn Tagalog quickly. It is a good thing I know this church is true. And I know wherever I go it's because God wants me there and there are people who desperately need the Gospel that I will preach. Well I love you and wish I had more to tell you. Elder Davis WHERE AM I GOING!

October 22nd 2012

Howdy Hey, So first off I have FAILED in pictures this week, sorry! So I told you last week that I was thinking about writing about tithing? So here's an email about tithing with only one (not so great) picture, hope you enjoy haha. So I have told you before of the humble circumstances of the people that we teach. They live in houses with grass roofs and dirt floors, mostly made of bamboo. They eat rice every meal and fish, because that is the least expensive of all the meats here. They truly have nothing and it is so hard to watch sometimes. I've seen kids hungry, shoeless (meaning they can't afford FLIP FLOPS) and without much hope, IT BREAKS MY HEART! I get sick to my stomach and it is hard to see. Now why do I tell you this? In my mind, what I am doing is either right or wrong. It is either good, or evil.I'll justify that statement later hopefully. I go into people's homes and tell them of all the things I believe. I tell them how there lives will be blessed and they will be happy. I tell them that it is possible to live with our families FOREVER. I say bold things at times. One of those "bold things" is Tithing. I share that part of being a part of this church is that we give 10% of our income to God (or His Church). That God has commanded us to do that through a prophet, much like he has done in the past. 10% is A LOT! Especially when you worried about how to feed your children that week. I am always shocked to see how many people follow this commandment so willingly. But then I think, "Once we know it is true- Nothing else matters." President Hinckley gave a talk here in the Philippines and he promised the people here that if they would pay there tithing they would ALWAYS have 3 things (1)Clothes on their backs (2) A house to live in (3) "Rice in their bowls". That is a bold promise from a prophet of God. But I know it's true. And as with all commandments we are blessed when we follow them. I can see how tithing has blessed my life and my families life. So what I do (in my mind) is of God or it's not, Because God and Jesus Christ either appeared to Joseph Smith or they did not, and if they did (and I know for myself that THEY DID) this is the TRUE CHURCH. If they didn't it's obviously not God's church. So I ask people to give 10% of ALL THEY HAVE FOR INCOME to this Church that claims they are the one true church of God. If it's not true, what I am doing is bad (in my mind). Why though, do these people or all members of this church pay tithing? It's because they know, because the Holy Ghost has told them, that this is God's true church and Joseph Smith was God's true Prophet. I can say that with no doubt and with all my heart. God answered my prayer when I asked if this church and if The Book of Mormon was true. That same thing happens to these people. And I promise them, as a missionary of Jesus Christ (just like The Prophet Gordon B Hinckley promised) that "you will have rice in your bowls." Once we know it is true nothing else matters and we are blessed and we are happy. Some blessing come quick others we have to wait for (like the Gift of Tongues) and other blessings we will receive only after this life but we will get those blessings as we are obedient to the commandments and our covenants. So if I just bored you I am sorry. But for me it's the most exciting thing in the world. I have played in a State Championship Basketball Game, I have thrown last second touchdown passes to beat my our rival football team and nothing is as exciting or brings more happiness as missionary work, meaning telling people the truth and they know it is true. I have worn some GOOD LOOKIN BLACK AND GOLD JERSEYS and nothing makes me feel like I do when each day I put on a shirt and tie and put on my missionary name tag that says "Elder Davis The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" or in Tagalog, "Ang Simbahan Ni JesuCristo ng mga Banal sa mga Huling Araw." Well tapos na. I hope that wasn't too long or "preachy". This week I led EVERY LESSON and planed EVERYDAY. It was fun and went great and I got much better at Tagalog but I am excited to hand the reigns back over to Elder Vogelsberg haha. Tagalog is comming, but it is still hard, obviously. It may be the weirdest thing in the world to see a Christmas Tree out when it's the temperature it is here. The Christmas trees are out and the Christmas music is playing- and has been for a few weeks- THIS IS MY KIND OF COUNRTY! This is probably mine Elder Vogelsberg's last week. After that NEW COMPANION AND MAYBE NEW AREA. Let's just pray it's the same language haha. Let me know what you want me to write home about. I am doing well, I love it so much. Nothing could get me to come home. I hope all is well back there and I pray for you all daily. Thanks for your prayers. I love you all very much. Alam ko na totoo ang simbahan na ito, at totoong propeta si Joseph Smith. Mahal ko ang mission na ito at alam ko na mahalaga at totoo ang mga itinuro ko, Sa pangalan ni Jesus Christ amen. Elder Davis P.S. Give the little nippers nieces and nephews hugs for me.

October 15th 2012

Kumusta Po,

       So where do I even begin? This week was awesome. We got to watch General Conference and it was GREAT. President Eyring made me think of Dad so much. In his talk of how he carved wooden planks for his sons it made me think of how Dad has has carved me and all the kids in our lives. I hope, if ever given the opportunity, I will be as good of a dad as Dad was for me. Then there was President Uchtdorf's talk, he made me think of Mom. He talked about how we're young we think we will never get old and then all the sudden we realize that we're growing up and life goes by quickly. This made me think of Mom so much, you always had a hot meal ready Mom, we ALWAYS had Family Home Evening, and I always knew what you expected of me. I remember when I would do something bad and you would tell me, "that's not becoming of you." I still hate those words haha but I love what they made me become. President Monson also sadly lamented that his mother's only regret in him was that he didn't stick with piano- right there with you President haha. But I can play enough to lead a small group of little Philippino saints, thank you Mom. In the same talk he talked about spending time with those we love, I'm glad our family is so close and that my best friends include my own siblings. Anyways, Conference was inspiring in many ways.

      I can't believe Davis and Nash both broke their arms, crazy kids. Ingatan ang aking mga bata! Jk. Also tell LOGAN HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I just got his letter today and it was AWESOME! I love that kid. I can't wait to hang out with him when I get home. Love you bud. So we got tons of apples? I want both apple pie and apple juice when I get home so don't eat it all haha just kidding. It is so weird to think that the weather is changing there because it's not changing here- still HOT AND HUMID. But I actually like it, call me crazy. 

      So this weeks pictures are not so good, I realized I didn't have any pictures late in the week so I grabbed a goat yesterday (they're everywhere) and snapped a picture and then today I realized that's all I had so then Elder Vogelsberg took pictures on a moving Jeepnie, it was pretty fun- but the pictures are RANDOM! So use whatever one's you like for the blog Mom.

     So this week is week 11 of our 12 week training program which means I PLAN AND LEAD EVERYTHING! Scary stuff. I basically become senior companion for a week. Also did I mention that I don't know Tagalog? If not that's something that is true- I don't know Tagalog fully YET! I lead a lot of the lessons as it is but this week I lead everything, but Elder Vogelsberg is awesome and obviously helps and by helps I mean Saves the Day every time. So let me tell you about some of the people we teach and just what I do everyday. I wake up as 6:30 every morning and pray, exercise, eat breakfast, and shower. At eight I have an hour of personal study in the scriptures until nine. Then I study Tagalog until ten o'clock and then we have companionship study for 2 hours because I'm in training (generally that is an hour too). After the morning hours we go and teach and help people ALL DAY LONG. Our day "ends" at 9:00 (or 9:30 if we're teaching a lesson) and we return to our apartment. We plan for the next day and then go to bed at 10:30. At night I spend my time reading Ang Aklat Ni Mormon sa Tagalog and istig iyan! I am learning a lot by reading it.

       I would estimate that we teach 75 or 80 percent of the time to Less Actives, and only 25 percent to investigators. The focus right now is strengthening our members here and slowly continue to build. The Philippines exploded with baptisms when missionaries first came and now we are working to strengthen the many that were baptised so quickly. It's awesome work. I love getting to know all these people and I will be sad to leave them! I loved them the first time I saw them and I love them now even more. 

        Also for some reason, the name "Davis" is EXTREMELY EASY for little kids to remember here. Many it is the fact that my companions name is VOGELSBERG but either way they can remember Davis extremely well. They can't pronounce it great though, they say Dabes or Dabis. They're not good at V's. Regardless, DAILY as we walk around to teach, I hear a bunch of kids start yelling "Elder Dabis" it's super cute- they love it and I love it too.

        I can't pick one person to write about- I just can't. They are all awesome. They are so poor. To me it is ODD when there ISN"T A CHICKEN walking around between everyone's feet as we teach. Most homes have dirt floors and grass roofs. The people have nothing but they are happy still. Because the things that make us happy in this life AREN"T THINGS! It's our families it's our faith in God and a hope for a better world (Ether 12:4). Ether 12:4 is my favourite scripture for these people and maybe for myself. Also, the same things make them sad, such as, missing family, sinning, an ect. it's not the lack of worldly possessions that make them sad. Some of the happiest people I have ever met are the Estrada's they struggle for food and they sleep on bamboo with no padding or pillow (to speak of). And yet they are happy. Why? They knew where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going. They find the love of Christ in HIS TRUE CHURCH. It is so awesome to give an invaluable message to a people who have nothing.

       I am running out of time. I hope that maybe we can do what President Monson advised us to do in Conference that is- Be Grateful. Maybe write down big but also small blessings we have in our lives. I have realized so much how blessed I have been while I have been here. You sit on chairs with PADDING! You sleep WITH NO BUGS ON YOU. You have water that needs no filtering. You have FOOD everyday, more that you need. You have a car- in this country if you have a personal bike you're doing pretty good. There are so many blessings and I hope I will remember my whole life to thank our Father in Heaven for my blessings. "Think to Thank" as President Monson? has said. 

       Well I got nothing else. I will try to be more entertaining next week. I hope to write about Tithing! And It won't be boring, maybe. I love you all and I pray for you daily. I feel your prayers. If I didn't KNOW this was true I wouldn't be here. But it is true and I hope all will eventually know that it is true.

Elder Davis

YOU WANT TO SPEAK LIKE A PHILIPPINO? EAT LIKE A PHILIPPINO!

Smelling the Fruit Loop Tree

Really?

NO WAY!

DON'T DO IT!!!

The Fruit Loop Tree

Well Howdy,

      I am so jealous that you have all already seen General Conference!!! I don't get to watch it until Saturday!!! Holy Smokes They LOWERED THE MISSION AGE???! As Joseph Smith said, "The truth of God will go forth BOLDLY, NOBLY and INDEPENDENT until it has reached every nation!" Not a bad prophecy for a church that started with 4 members... Holy Smokes that is cool!  I can't wait to watch.  With them lowering the age and getting more missionaries it's almost like we are getting ready for something (or Someone) to come???? Ihanda ang inyong sarili!!!!!(meaning- prepare yourselves) "The rock cut out of the mountain without hands without hands?" Anyone? "Rolling forth until it consumes the whole Earth?" Yes sir that's in the Bible. Holy Smokes I hope everyone back home is sharing the Gospel with EVERYONE you know. If you don't they will be sad and so will you. And if you share it, they and you, will be happy beyond belief. And any time you think you can't share this PINAKAMAGANDA (most beautiful) Message because you are scared, or you think you are incapable,  just imagine doing it in TAGALOG? You can do it- you need to do it. I am just so happy right now. I am a missionary for Jesus Christ and His Church and I am not scared in the least to say that. So SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH EVERYONE! Also another temple in ARIZONA?? Holy Smokes that is awesome... Missouri Jackson County Temple next hahaha just kidding.

      So now...I may, or may not, BUT DEFINITELY DID eat Balut. Sorry Mom. It was an experience not to forget for the rest of my life. For those that don't know- Balut is basically a HALF FERTILIZED DUCK EGG. For a greater description see the pictures... for the best description go to your nearest Philippo nation and try it yourself. It was- words can't describe. And I got it on video but it won't send home so you'll have to wait until I get home to see the video- funniest thing of your life.

      So we buy the Balut right, it had been a long day and it was raining and the little shack selling it was sketchy enough on its own. We buy it and go back to the house. Now it becomes much more real... the mental game begins and I have to see if I can muster the courage to eat this thing. I pealed back the shell and along with a unpleasant smell came weird brown liquid (with floaties). It took me a while to get the courage but I ATE IT! And right before I did, Elder Vogelsberg said, "Quack! Quack!" I nearly threw up but I must say that it really wasn't too bad. So now if anyone ever asks, "Hey have you ever eaten fertilized duck egg before?" I can answer in the affirmative. 

       So we teach a few families in a surrounding barangay called Odicon and at one family, the Thurston's, grows a tree that's leaves smell just like Froot Loops! It is amazing how similar the smell is, so Elder Vogelsberg and I always smell a few as we go by. I bet people thing we are like doing drugs or something hahaha. It smells sooo good and it makes me really want some Froot Loops haha, 20 months for that.

          Speaking of which, can you believe I have already hit my 4 month mark? IT IS GOING BY TOO FAST! Especially because I still don't know Tagalog haha. The time is literally flying though, I have no idea where it goes. Long days but the weeks fly by! I can't believe it has been 9 years since Grandma passed away, that's a long time. Also on a related note, you should tell Grandpa to write me if he feels up to it. I would love to get a written letter from him. Also Mom you asked about my mission president, He is AWESOME and yes Kellen was his assistant and he thinks he's awesome. President Bliesner truly is awesome though, I am sad I will only have him for one year. The time is flying and I still don't know Tagalog hahaha, it's coming though.

         The pictures of the kiddos are awesome! THEY ARE HUGE! Mary-Kate is taller than most of the people in the Philippines I think haha. They are so big! It terrifies me to come home... terrifies me! I have had the same dream like 5 times that I am home after a full honourable mission and they are so real and so scary. In the dreams all I want to do is go back and teach and continue to be a missionary. They scare the pants off me! In 10 months, I will only have 10 months left... THAT'S SHORT! 

     Anyway I must go, time to share the good news. I love you all and I pray for you DAILY! Thanks for your prayers.I can't wait to hear what you have to say about the Balut! Masarap in Tagalog Masaramon in Bicol and Delicious in English hahaha It is weird to think that back home it is getting cold- cold is not a feeling I have anymore... it's just hot. But I am used to it already, truly I get chilly at night and have to shut the fan off. Elder Vogelsberg thinks I am crazy haha. 

      So I hope you enjoy the pictures. I'll do better about writing about the people we teach this week. I do that in my journal every night so sometimes I forget to write about them in my emails home. I love you all and pray for you daily.

Elder Davis

    

couple more pictures!

Elder Davis been working with this kid on his form?             Rock a-bye baby!

October 1, 2012. The daily/nightly 'present' that is left, cute cute cute kids!

Hey Everyone,

     So first off, I have a friend in the Denver South Mission! Is Kelton English or Spanish speaking? Either way it is way way way AWESOME! And now, CADE MORTY is serving in the Philippines???? That's so awesome, now I have another person to speak Tagalog to when I get home. That's so exciting. He's going to love it because, It's the best country to serve a mission in of course! If only he was in Naga. Anyway that is awesome about those two.

      So guess what everybody? I have lost eleven pounds!!!!!! I will be a stick when I go home. A white 6 feet 3 inch STICK! 11 pounds, and I have only been here 8 weeks. And I eat A LOT. The food is delicious here. But yeah, I'm dwindling in size. But I am also getting stronger, with my daily push-up's and what not. So yeah, FYI, I will be tiny when I get home. And I haven't even been sick yet. And  I think I am still growing maybe... not sure. 

      So my talk in church was good. It's OVER! That's the best part. But I took up the allotted time and I was understood and no one laughed so as Gramp's Sherwood would say, "Good enough for the girls we go with." 

     Also, yes we do get to watch General Conference but it is a week late. I am so excited! It's in English too, and though I am getting better in Tagalog I am glad it's in English haha.

    So I don't know if you remember me telling you about the alley way we have to walk through to get to our apartment but it's sufficient to say, It's nasty! So today we walked out to come do Email and we saw, well, we saw... "EVIDENCE" (a big nasty evidence) that a human had been there recently. We've seen a few of these un-ignorable "evidences" but today we decided to document them for your enjoyment. I just hope one day we catch the maker of these "evidences." Or do I hope for that? Not sure. . . Anyway I felt like some of you didn't believe so just look at the picture haha. The smell that is in this alley is always different and it is ALWAYS BAD hahaha PASACAO 2012!

     I also took some pictures with some kids that we teach. I think you'll like the cribs the kids have to sleep in. Also, in the picture with the young girl (Aricka Bunion) whose family is a part member, they told us that last week their neighbor got bit by a COBRA! I've seen two dead snakes now, but none alive. Apparently the person didn't die but his leg doesn't look so good. And apparently there are Cobras and Pythons- cool. I want to see (from a distance) both of those things. 

      So this week was awesome, I am still terrible at Tagalog but I AM GETTING BETTER! Thank Heavens, literally! We have had such a busy week and we taught A TON of lessons! But we need new investigators bad. We will find some this week hopefully. I love being a missionary. Teaching people is so cool, just to give them the Book of Mormon and tell them of Joseph Smith and teach them about the Plan of Salvation and all the things we teach mean one thing in my mind- that ONE thing being, "Jesus Christ lives and loves us." He lives and loves us so he called a prophet to direct us, we have one right now. He gave us the Book of Mormon to help us learn of Him and to give us evidence that This Church is true. He's given us the Plan of Salvation through the B.O.M. and through prophets, and because of all our knowledge we know that we can return to live with Him AGAIN! All that we do is centered around Jesus Christ and His Atonement. It's all about Jesus Christ and his love for us.

      I love teaching these people about everything, all I am doing is telling the TRUTH. That is an easy thing to do. And if you know me at all, I am terrible at lying. I tell these people about the truth and I tell them that I know it is true because I have prayed and God answered my prayers and that through the Holy Ghost I know these things are true. I then say, you don't have to believe me, ask God yourself and I know he will answer you as he did for me.  THE ONLY REASON I am serving a mission is because my prayers have been answered and I know these things are true. SO AMAZING! 

      I hope everything is good there. It must be, it's Fall time in Eagar! That's the best time of the year! I hope everyone is doing good. I hope no one gets too grossed out about the pictures... haha I give you the permission to include them in your blog or not but I say do it. My kids deserve to see that hahahaha. 

     Well hope all is well. I pray for you daily and I hope you all know I love you tons. The time is flying by here. Before I know it I will be home, and I will know Tagalog and none of you will hahaha it's weird that you don't know Tagalog. But then again, I don't know it yet either hahahaha

Elder Davis

One more picture!

Have you ever seen cuter little brown faces??

Hey Family, So, first off it's so sad to hear about Uncle Bob. This might be odd but I'm not sad for him. I'm sad for us, for Aunt Tonna of course, and obviously we will miss him but, I imagine that before we came to this earth we were glad to hear that we would eventually die. Without death we wouldn't be able to GO HOME. TO GO HOME. As Alma says in Alma 40:11 "The spirits of all men are taken home to that God who gave them life." I teach The Plan of Salvation to people everyday. How lucky are we to have that knowledge? I know that there is a life after this one. And through the sealing keys that are found in the Priesthood of God we can live forever with our families. As Christ tells Peter, "whatsoever ye shall bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven." The Martins are SEALED. Aunt Tonna and Uncle Bob are SEALED. That same priesthood and those same Keys were given by Peter, James, and John to Joseph Smith and they are held today by President Monson and the 12 Apostles and they are used EVERYDAY. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THIS LIFE. We have Eternity. I am sad right now. I already miss him. I can't imagine how Aunt Tonna feels. I want to give her a huge hug and tell her I love her. I do love you Aunt Tonna. And I want you to know, and everyone in this blessed world to know that this church is true. It's doctrine is PERFECT, because it is His Doctrine. And with that Doctrine comes the knowledge of God's plan for us as his children here on Earth. The Plan of Salvation is amazing, because we know (1) "Where we came from and who we were", (2) "Why we're here on Earth and WHO WE ARE." and (3) "Where we will go after this life and who we can become." As sad as everything is, and WE ARE ALLOWED TO BE SAD I THINK, everything will be so much more happy. Never Endingly Happiness can await us. I know God loves us, has given us a Plan of Happiness and we can live with him again through living that plan. I owe a lot to Uncle Bob and Aunt Tonna and just the Martin's in general. Such great examples they are. I taught a lady last week who's husband had died about 5 years ago. I testified to her of how she will see him again and how death is not the end. I am serving a mission because I want this whole world to know that we WILL live again, because Jesus Christ lives. It is a free gift to us. We will see God and Jesus Christ. We will see them. We live on a Earth that WAS CREATED BY GOD. And we will return to him. Sorry I'm "preachy" but I am a missionary. My only purpose is to "Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the Restored Gospel, through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End." We are children of God. We live on a Earth that was created by him, for us. It is a test. He's given us a plan to get through this life and be happy in this life and eternally happy in the life to come. He sends missionaries out to share that message. He's given the Holy Ghost as a way to know and feel that this plan is true. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of his gospel, this same Plan of Salvation. Eventually everyone will know this message. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He loves us and in and through Him we are saved. This is His church. So, on a lighter note. Since this is a Plan of Happiness. Here are some pictures of me as a VERY HAPPY missionary sharing his message so that they can be comforted when we are faced with things like death. Also as far as Happy goes, EL PATO never hurt. Even though I don't think Uncle Bob was a fan. I don't remember. I need to go, it's time to go and share the message I just spent the last few paragraphs writing about... oh yeah but it is in Tagalog. I love you ALL. I pray for you all. I love you so much Aunt Tonna and the Martin Family and my prayers go out to you. Elder Chantz Davis