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!