What a week. I think every week is a "what a
week" on the mission. This past week we had two sets of Trainer and New
Missionary Workshops and after the second one held in Pamplona we went
on Exchanges in Daet with the Zone Leaders. It was a great exchange! I
was with one of my best friends in the mission. His name is Elder
Maroket from Manila. He and I were in the office together for 7 and a
half months so we have become good friends. The kid is amazing at
English. I am not joking when I say that him and Elder Colipapa correct
my "Eagar English" all the time haha. Anyways this week literally feels
like two days went by and the week was over.
I love trainer and new missionary workshop. I love being
around new missionaries and trainees. This one was great too because I
told them that next transfer I might be the one BEING trained and not
the giving the training. I am excited for next transfer. But I am sad
that I have to leave Canaman. This is my last week here. I am sure I
will cry a lot haha. But my next area is just calling my name! President
talks to me about it like everyday.
While we were on exchanges in Daet I got the opportunity to
teach a family that they just baptized. They are so strong but the Tatay
didn't seem very interested. Anyway he attended their baptismal service
and then went to church the next day and felt the spirit strongly. The
next lesson in his home the missionaries focused on him and he expressed
his desired to know and to be baptized. We taught him about the Book of
Mormon while I was there. They are a huge family! The sister is just so
happy in the gospel and so happy that her husband is coming along too!
I'll send a picture with them! I will also send some pictures with the
Campbells before they left.
I have been a bit sick, don't ask me with what. But the
past few days have been rough. But for the most part I have been able to
work without too much trouble. With only having less than 150 days I
don't plan on staying in bed all day for even one of the remaining days I
have. Anyway, I wasn't feeling very well when we went out but we had a
great day. We went to the Barangay Hall (unplanned) and started talking
to the leaders of the community. Anyway we were given 7 referrals. Most
of them were the leader's families too! It was awesome. For all the
referrals we get from NON-members we don't have time to tract, we are
always looking for names, and we get into so many more doors if you just
know their name. Anyway our area is good and our work is progressing, I
don't want to leave the area and this people.
Anyway, this past Sunday was a long one. Like I said I
have been a bit sick, nothing to worry about Mom. But despite that we
went to Ragay. It is a very far area. This is the area that used to go
to church in the hut by the river, remember the pictures? Anyway when
they started their first group meeting their were 11 people they said.
Now 6 months later they have moved to a nicer location (but not as cool)
and their attendance is 60! Elder Villamor, my trainee, was the one who
opened that and they all love him there. the group leader told me, "I
trained him well." I hope so. Elder Villamor is the man. Anyway we went
there with President Reeder to translate for a baptismal interview. It
was fast and testimony week and the spirit was so strong and the
interviews went well. They are very close to becoming a branch. There is
something about sacrament in small little branches in the middle of
nowhere that I just love. The spirit is always so strong.
On our way home from church though we had to make a
stop. This is the part about being a Mission President that has to be
the hardest. Sunday morning President and Sister Reeder got a call that
one of our Sister missionary's father had passed away from a heart
attack
the night before. So on the way back they stopped by to tell her
the bad news and see what they could do for her. This poor sister was
not expecting this visit nor the news that it brought. I felt so sad for
her. She got permission to call home and see how everyone was doing.
This Sister is doing okay right now. I'm not sure how many times this
has happened since I have been in the office, but at least three. It
amazes me to see their faith. It always reminds me of Bauer Brown when
Coach Brown left us. I still remember what he wrote home from his
mission to be read at his father's funeral something like, "Some of you
are wondering why I didn't come home for this. I didn't come home
because I know I will see my dad again. I know families can be together
forever but the people I am teaching don't know that." It is inspiring
to me to see missionaries who have so many reasons to not serve, keep
serving.
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| Anyone know what that is? |
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| I hope it is not this:) |
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| What a house full! I counted 9! |
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| Saying goodbye to Elder and Sister Campbell. He loves them! |
As of late it seems like so many expected things are
happening, death maybe being top on the list. We never know when our
time will be. Life is short. I have noticed though how much comfort the
Gospel gives to us. Our simple knowledge of God's Plan of Salvation
gives the answers to some of the biggest questions in life. I know that
God lives. You should see these missionaries' faith in Him when they
have loved ones, like mothers and fathers, die. Miracles happen. I truly
do know that the things I teach to these people everyday are true. It
is not just a good story or a comforting message. It is God's truth,
restored again to the earth. I know that Christ lives, and because he
lives we will too. Preach My Gospel teaches us that, "All that is unfair
about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
Lots of unexpected things happen in life, sometimes they seem very
unfair. But our trials build us, and all that is unfair will be made
right. God loves us. I know He does. I can feel it everyday as I teach
His children. Well, I could go on for a while. But I know this work is
true. It is of God and it is God's.
Thank you for your prayers! I love my mission. This will
be my last week in the office! Can you believe how fast these past 9
months have gone by? Next week will be my last week emailing in the
comfort of the office and then I will be out in ^&*#. I am so
excited! Keep your prayers coming this way. I love you all. I promise
you that this church is true. Believe in God. Doubt your doubts before
you doubt your faith. Have a great week! Love you a bushel!
Elder Davis
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