Hello and good afternoon everyone! Thank you for the letters and the pictures... In the picture of Duck creek... John looks HUGE! is that because he really is huge or because he is closer to the camera??
Any ways, we finally had a full week to work this week. And I think that we had a pretty good week. In some ways it was a little difficult because a lot of our appointments fell through, but when appointments fall through (which happens a lot here) we look for other people that we can teach and talk with people in the way. So that is what we did a lot of the week. Talked with a bunch of people in the streets.
Something that we want to do better in working with the active members in the area. Preach My Gospel says that the ideal teaching situation is that the members introduce us to their friends and acquaintences and acompany us in the lessons. When that happens, there is imediate friendshipping with the investigators. When this happens, more people join the church, and stay active. Something that I have learned recently about working with the active and less active members, is that if we as missionaries teach in a way so that the members feel the spirit, they almost aways think of names of people they can introduce us to. The hard part of this area is that there are very few members in the area, active and less active. So we are going to work hard with the few members we have
Somthing that I have been thinking about a lot recently is this girl named... just kidding... i am staying focused. But I have been thinking alot about how to teach more with the spirit in the lessons, or rather, how to let the spirit teach through me more. One things that I thought of, is that if I want the investigators to feel the spirit more, I first have a closeness with God, I have to have more than just a satisfactory conviction of the gospel. So that is something that I want to improve on: building a closer relationship with God so that the spirit can teach through me and testify to the people we teach. But that is something that I will probably improving my entire life.
Anyways, the mission is awesome but short. I am super happy with the progress that I have seen in myself in this short time. I plan to work hard until the end, because there are lot of missionaries that don´t. When their mission starts coming to and end, they stop working hard. I don´t want to be like that. I love you all! Tell all the family that I said hey! I am excited for my package! Until next week!
Atentemente
Su amado y humilde misionero
Elder Davis
Saturday, November 22, 2014
November 3, 2014
Good afternoon and hello evyone! Happy november and I hope you had a great Halloween. Luckily this week my companion already feels better. Last week he felt bad so he couldn`t work very much. So we did splits with the members again so that I could go out and teach people. They pulled his tooth on thusday, he felt bad on friday, and he really wasn´t able to work until Saturday (so kids, brush your teeth good or you`ll end like my companion). This week we both are going to work our hardest.
So, in the little time we had to work this week we had some good experiences. On Halloween night, there really wasn´t anybody in there houses, so we couldn`t teach anyone, so we walked around talking to people in the streets. Right when we were super tired and ready to go home early (it was about 8:15 and it was tempting to go home) we decided to look for one other investigator that we hadn´t been able to find. When got to the investigator`s house, she wasn´t there, but there was a Lady sitting down in front in the dark. So we contacted her, and she was super interested. In the most unexpected times, the Lord puts us in the path of the people who are willing to listen. Small miracles happen alot if we are working hard.
Halloween is interesting here in mexico. We as missionaries really didn`t do anything, but the people here have wierd traditions. First off, trick or treating last for at least three nights here, and the kids go from door to door, person to person, business to business and basically ask everyone they see for candy, or, if the people don`t have candy they ask for money. I didn`t have candy, so I gave a couple pesos away (1 peso is worth about 8.5 cents).
On November 1st and 2nd, they have what is called day of the dead. Where the people, in remembrance of their dead family members, put the dead persons favorite foods on a table with the picture of the person and leave it there. Then they put flower petals of a flower they call the flower of death (it`s a bright orange color), outside of their house on the ground in the shape of a cross, forming a path from the cross into the house to the food. They believe that on the day of the dead, the spirits come from heaven, find the flower petals on the ground, follow the path, then they find and eat the food (they eat it "spiritually", supposedly making the smell go away). So that is a mexican tradition that I would like to start in the Davis family next Halloween... What do you think? (just kidding).
A couple weeks ago, I started doing excercises again (implying that I had stopped before that). I have just been doing the basic things, such pullups, pushups, some ab work outs. Last week, I got a little bit sick (just a little bit), so I didn`t do a lot of excercises, but this week I´ll do some more. But anyways, when I get home, Im gonna hit the gym and get shwull! I am also gonna need a tan, because there is no difference in color from my feet until midway up my neck... but I´ll cross that bridge when I get there.
This week for Pday, me and my comp went to down town Pueblato explore around a little bit. That is a place the you guys (parents) should see when you come to pick me up. There are plenty of places for souvenirs and pictures. Sorry, I didn`t take any today.
Anyways, this next week is going to be a good one, hopefully without sickeness and tooth infections. I love you all ton! I am excited for the care package (you should send me cheez-its or goldfish and maybe a tie or two). Keep working hard and praying for missionary opportunities, set the example and then open your mouths!
Until next week!
Elder Shane Davis
So, in the little time we had to work this week we had some good experiences. On Halloween night, there really wasn´t anybody in there houses, so we couldn`t teach anyone, so we walked around talking to people in the streets. Right when we were super tired and ready to go home early (it was about 8:15 and it was tempting to go home) we decided to look for one other investigator that we hadn´t been able to find. When got to the investigator`s house, she wasn´t there, but there was a Lady sitting down in front in the dark. So we contacted her, and she was super interested. In the most unexpected times, the Lord puts us in the path of the people who are willing to listen. Small miracles happen alot if we are working hard.
Halloween is interesting here in mexico. We as missionaries really didn`t do anything, but the people here have wierd traditions. First off, trick or treating last for at least three nights here, and the kids go from door to door, person to person, business to business and basically ask everyone they see for candy, or, if the people don`t have candy they ask for money. I didn`t have candy, so I gave a couple pesos away (1 peso is worth about 8.5 cents).
On November 1st and 2nd, they have what is called day of the dead. Where the people, in remembrance of their dead family members, put the dead persons favorite foods on a table with the picture of the person and leave it there. Then they put flower petals of a flower they call the flower of death (it`s a bright orange color), outside of their house on the ground in the shape of a cross, forming a path from the cross into the house to the food. They believe that on the day of the dead, the spirits come from heaven, find the flower petals on the ground, follow the path, then they find and eat the food (they eat it "spiritually", supposedly making the smell go away). So that is a mexican tradition that I would like to start in the Davis family next Halloween... What do you think? (just kidding).
A couple weeks ago, I started doing excercises again (implying that I had stopped before that). I have just been doing the basic things, such pullups, pushups, some ab work outs. Last week, I got a little bit sick (just a little bit), so I didn`t do a lot of excercises, but this week I´ll do some more. But anyways, when I get home, Im gonna hit the gym and get shwull! I am also gonna need a tan, because there is no difference in color from my feet until midway up my neck... but I´ll cross that bridge when I get there.
This week for Pday, me and my comp went to down town Pueblato explore around a little bit. That is a place the you guys (parents) should see when you come to pick me up. There are plenty of places for souvenirs and pictures. Sorry, I didn`t take any today.
Anyways, this next week is going to be a good one, hopefully without sickeness and tooth infections. I love you all ton! I am excited for the care package (you should send me cheez-its or goldfish and maybe a tie or two). Keep working hard and praying for missionary opportunities, set the example and then open your mouths!
Until next week!
Elder Shane Davis
Sunday, November 2, 2014
10/27/14 Almecatla 1A with Elder Delgado
Good afternoon everyone! Thank you all for the inspiring letters encouraging words. This week we had an interesting week but a good one.
The interesting part was my companion. He had a tooth infection this week. On Wednesday he said his tooth hurt. Then on thursday morning, it got so bad that he had to see a dentist. The dentist said that he has a bad tooth infection and that she needs to take the tooth out. But before the dentist can do that, my companion needs to stay out of the sun, avoid eating some certain foods, take some antibiotics, all so that the infection dies down so that the dentist can take the tooth out. So, since thursday, we haven´t been able to work much in the day time. On Saturday we did splits with two members in the ward, one stayed with my companion in the house, and the other went out and worked with me. They were going to pull the tooth today, but the inflamation hadn´t died down enough, so they are going to do it on thursday. So until then, my companion can´t be outside until the sun goes down.
So, in the little time that we had to work this week, I feel like we had a good week. We found a couple of new people to teach that seem like they are going to progress very well. Last transfer, I don´t know why, but we had a hard time finding new people to teach. We worked hard and talked with a good amount of people. But this change we are finding a good amount of new people to teach. And we are also seeing a progress with some of the investigators that were already in teaching.
Juan and Martha are progressing well towards getting married. Their relationship has improved alot and they finally started attending church as a family. Now with them we need to work on helping them make that a habit.
Anyways, sorry for not writing that much. There isn´t much else to say about last week. But this week we are going to work even harder. Time is going fast. The mission is awesome! I included a picture of me and my companion, and a picture of my companion in the dentist. I´ll write you more next week!
Love,
Elder Davis
2 Attachments
The interesting part was my companion. He had a tooth infection this week. On Wednesday he said his tooth hurt. Then on thursday morning, it got so bad that he had to see a dentist. The dentist said that he has a bad tooth infection and that she needs to take the tooth out. But before the dentist can do that, my companion needs to stay out of the sun, avoid eating some certain foods, take some antibiotics, all so that the infection dies down so that the dentist can take the tooth out. So, since thursday, we haven´t been able to work much in the day time. On Saturday we did splits with two members in the ward, one stayed with my companion in the house, and the other went out and worked with me. They were going to pull the tooth today, but the inflamation hadn´t died down enough, so they are going to do it on thursday. So until then, my companion can´t be outside until the sun goes down.
So, in the little time that we had to work this week, I feel like we had a good week. We found a couple of new people to teach that seem like they are going to progress very well. Last transfer, I don´t know why, but we had a hard time finding new people to teach. We worked hard and talked with a good amount of people. But this change we are finding a good amount of new people to teach. And we are also seeing a progress with some of the investigators that were already in teaching.
Juan and Martha are progressing well towards getting married. Their relationship has improved alot and they finally started attending church as a family. Now with them we need to work on helping them make that a habit.
Anyways, sorry for not writing that much. There isn´t much else to say about last week. But this week we are going to work even harder. Time is going fast. The mission is awesome! I included a picture of me and my companion, and a picture of my companion in the dentist. I´ll write you more next week!
Love,
Elder Davis
2 Attachments
Sunday, October 19, 2014
10/13/14 Almecatla 1a with Elder Rivera
Hello and good afternoon everyone. I´ll start off with the news about transfers (start the drum roll...) My companion, elder rivera is leaving the area and I am staying here. So tomorrow I will be recieving a new companion. Elder Rivera was surprised when they told him that had was going to be tranfered, because he has only been in this area for five weeks, and he is entering into his last six weeks of the mission.
This transfer, I am already entering into my last 4 transfers in the mission. Time is going by super fast, but I have learned so much in the time that I have been in the mission. But I still have a lot to learn.
This week we had a good week. We had a lot of participation from the members this week. There are some members in the ward that really like to work with us, and some that really don´t do anything. This is a pretty good ward, strong in some aspects and weak in others, but the leader s of the ward are trying hard. Right now in the ward we don´t have a church building. a couple weeks ago they started remodeling the church building to make it bigger, because it is a little too small to hold the ward. So right now we are meeting in the house of one of the members. They put a huge tarp above their yard for the rain and the sun, and we meet in the member´s yard every sunday. It´s kind of funny. They are expected to take 6 months until they finish reconstructing the church.
Lately we have worked a lot with JC and his wife, Martha, and their family. J is less active and his wife isn´t a member of the church.
Also last week I think I told you guys a little bit about A., she is the granddaughter of one of the members, 15 years old. At first she wanted to be baptized in March because of her birthday. We talked with her a little bit, and now she has decided to be baptized a little bit sooner, but not that much sooner. She now wants to be baptized in January. It´s a little bit frustrating because she wants to be baptized in 3 months when she could do it in a week, but I guess it is her decision, not ours. Anyways, at least she has decided to be baptized and to join the church, one day she is going to be a strong member of the church.
Anyways, things are going good and getting better in the area. we are finding new people to teach. I´ll let you all know about my new companion next week. Well, I love you all. Be good this week. Talk to someone about the gospel. Love you!
Until next week,
love
Elder Shane Davis
This transfer, I am already entering into my last 4 transfers in the mission. Time is going by super fast, but I have learned so much in the time that I have been in the mission. But I still have a lot to learn.
This week we had a good week. We had a lot of participation from the members this week. There are some members in the ward that really like to work with us, and some that really don´t do anything. This is a pretty good ward, strong in some aspects and weak in others, but the leader s of the ward are trying hard. Right now in the ward we don´t have a church building. a couple weeks ago they started remodeling the church building to make it bigger, because it is a little too small to hold the ward. So right now we are meeting in the house of one of the members. They put a huge tarp above their yard for the rain and the sun, and we meet in the member´s yard every sunday. It´s kind of funny. They are expected to take 6 months until they finish reconstructing the church.
Lately we have worked a lot with JC and his wife, Martha, and their family. J is less active and his wife isn´t a member of the church.
Also last week I think I told you guys a little bit about A., she is the granddaughter of one of the members, 15 years old. At first she wanted to be baptized in March because of her birthday. We talked with her a little bit, and now she has decided to be baptized a little bit sooner, but not that much sooner. She now wants to be baptized in January. It´s a little bit frustrating because she wants to be baptized in 3 months when she could do it in a week, but I guess it is her decision, not ours. Anyways, at least she has decided to be baptized and to join the church, one day she is going to be a strong member of the church.
Anyways, things are going good and getting better in the area. we are finding new people to teach. I´ll let you all know about my new companion next week. Well, I love you all. Be good this week. Talk to someone about the gospel. Love you!
Until next week,
love
Elder Shane Davis
10/6/2014 Almecatla 1a with Elder Rivera
Buenas tardes everyone. I hope that you enjoyed conference. I learned a ton. Each conference I can say with more surety that the liders of the church are chosen by God himself, and through them He guides this church.
This week we had some interesting experiences and some miracles.
Last Monday we found two new investigators that are awesome! We taught them this week about the restoration of the gospel, and they really like the message. They got excited when they heard that there is a prophet in these days, and even more excited when they found out that he would be speaking on Saturday and Sunday. We have another appointment with them tonight. They are receptive and look like they are going to progress pretty well.
One interesting experience we had this week happened one day walking to an appointment. We were going to teach J.C, a less active member and his wife and kids who aren`t members. While walking to the appointment we saw J and his 11 year old daughter, also walking to their house so we walked with them. Then a guy walking in the street, who was obviously drugged made an inappropriate remark to the daughter... that was a bad idea. J got super angry, pulled the guy aside, and decked him right in the side of the head. The guy fell straight to the floor... That wasn`t probably not the most christlike way to handle things. J got scolded him when he got home.
And now a funny experience. We started talking a an old guy about the gospel. And he felt inspired to recite to us the 10 commandments, and the way he did it was funny."thou shalt love god with all thy heart, mind and strength. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. thou shalt remember the party, to keep it holy..." Apparently, one of the beliefs of the people here is to sanctify their parties... and even the catholic bible that is sold here says it. I am still left with the doubt of how they keep the party holy.
And, a small miracle. As you may know, in mexico, we don`t knock doors here to talk to people, we talk with them in the streets, busses, stores, etc. One day we went to the Atm machine to take out money, and there was a line of at least 10 people. We waited until we were about the 5th or 6th in line, and then we talked with everyone in the line. They weren`t going anywhere, so they couldn`t run from us. I think that the Lord used us to plant some seeds in the hearts of those people, because a few of them even asked us for pamphletts to read about the church.
So, the mission is awesome! I am learning alot from this great experience and I am sure that Kannon will be doing the same. Later this week they are going to tell us the news about transfers, who leaves and who stays. So next week I`ll let you guys know. But I love you all a ton!
Love,
Elder Shane
This week we had some interesting experiences and some miracles.
Last Monday we found two new investigators that are awesome! We taught them this week about the restoration of the gospel, and they really like the message. They got excited when they heard that there is a prophet in these days, and even more excited when they found out that he would be speaking on Saturday and Sunday. We have another appointment with them tonight. They are receptive and look like they are going to progress pretty well.
One interesting experience we had this week happened one day walking to an appointment. We were going to teach J.C, a less active member and his wife and kids who aren`t members. While walking to the appointment we saw J and his 11 year old daughter, also walking to their house so we walked with them. Then a guy walking in the street, who was obviously drugged made an inappropriate remark to the daughter... that was a bad idea. J got super angry, pulled the guy aside, and decked him right in the side of the head. The guy fell straight to the floor... That wasn`t probably not the most christlike way to handle things. J got scolded him when he got home.
And now a funny experience. We started talking a an old guy about the gospel. And he felt inspired to recite to us the 10 commandments, and the way he did it was funny."thou shalt love god with all thy heart, mind and strength. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. thou shalt remember the party, to keep it holy..." Apparently, one of the beliefs of the people here is to sanctify their parties... and even the catholic bible that is sold here says it. I am still left with the doubt of how they keep the party holy.
And, a small miracle. As you may know, in mexico, we don`t knock doors here to talk to people, we talk with them in the streets, busses, stores, etc. One day we went to the Atm machine to take out money, and there was a line of at least 10 people. We waited until we were about the 5th or 6th in line, and then we talked with everyone in the line. They weren`t going anywhere, so they couldn`t run from us. I think that the Lord used us to plant some seeds in the hearts of those people, because a few of them even asked us for pamphletts to read about the church.
So, the mission is awesome! I am learning alot from this great experience and I am sure that Kannon will be doing the same. Later this week they are going to tell us the news about transfers, who leaves and who stays. So next week I`ll let you guys know. But I love you all a ton!
Love,
Elder Shane
Sunday, October 5, 2014
9/29/14 Almecatla 1A with Elder Rivera
Hello everyone and good afternoon! I hope that all is well in at home!
This week we had an interesting week. We worked pretty hard but we didn´t have much success. Lately we have been talking with a bunch of people and many of them accept and then they give us their address so that we can talk with them in their homes, but when we go to there houses, they´re not there. So right now we have been having trouble finding and teaching the people that we talk with in the street. But I also feel like we have been working hard and doing our part in finding the people... so I know that if week keep working our hardest, the Lord will bless us with the miracles we need.
But even in this difficult situation we have been blessed with little miracles. Two of our recent converts have been very happy since their baptism, and now their granddaughter, also wants to be baptize. She is 15 years old and lives with her grandma because her mother was killed and while ago. At first she said that she doesn't want to be baptized until March because her birthday is in March... so we talked with her a little bit, and now she is going to think and pray about when she should be baptized.
We are also starting to have a lot more support from the members of the ward. We have found a couple members that really like to work with us. We were able to do splits this week with two brothers in the ward and teach more people at one time, and we are going to keep doing that and encouraging the members to be more missionary minded.
Anyways, things are going good. I have learned a ton of things here in the mission. Time´s going by super fast in the mission! I only have about 6 months left until I go home!! six months doesn´t really seem like a long time to me, and I know that it will go by super fast (for me at least).
Thank you all for the letters this week. I hope you enjoy the general conference this weekend. I love you all and i´ll talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Shane
This week we had an interesting week. We worked pretty hard but we didn´t have much success. Lately we have been talking with a bunch of people and many of them accept and then they give us their address so that we can talk with them in their homes, but when we go to there houses, they´re not there. So right now we have been having trouble finding and teaching the people that we talk with in the street. But I also feel like we have been working hard and doing our part in finding the people... so I know that if week keep working our hardest, the Lord will bless us with the miracles we need.
But even in this difficult situation we have been blessed with little miracles. Two of our recent converts have been very happy since their baptism, and now their granddaughter, also wants to be baptize. She is 15 years old and lives with her grandma because her mother was killed and while ago. At first she said that she doesn't want to be baptized until March because her birthday is in March... so we talked with her a little bit, and now she is going to think and pray about when she should be baptized.
We are also starting to have a lot more support from the members of the ward. We have found a couple members that really like to work with us. We were able to do splits this week with two brothers in the ward and teach more people at one time, and we are going to keep doing that and encouraging the members to be more missionary minded.
Anyways, things are going good. I have learned a ton of things here in the mission. Time´s going by super fast in the mission! I only have about 6 months left until I go home!! six months doesn´t really seem like a long time to me, and I know that it will go by super fast (for me at least).
Thank you all for the letters this week. I hope you enjoy the general conference this weekend. I love you all and i´ll talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Shane
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