Dec 18

Howdy,

It has been a real good week. Each transfer we have a meeting called Specialized Training (I don't know what makes it specialized), President Pingree comes to the area and teaches our zone about something nice. This past week we learned about the importance of setting goals and making plans. We figured out that every week we have 65 hours of proselyting time. That's a lot! 

On Christmas we're going over to a member of our ward's house for breakfast and then we'll skype there. I'm not sure what time I'll actually be able to chat but I'll figure it out and let you know. I got your Christmas "letter", I liked it a lot! You should just tell anyone that thinks its too short that every picture is worth a thousand words (or however that phrase goes). I especially like the picture of Jack, I miss him the most. Just kidding but it was a very cute picture of him. I also liked the picture of Harrison and Christian because neither of them are smiling or looking at the camera. Also, Harrison is wearing a bolo tie and Christian is wearing a bowtie - pictures really do speak a thousand words. I'm sure I'll love anything that you sent. I was actually thinking that I should send some Texas AM paraphernalia but now that football season is over it has been harder to find. I guess their basketball team is not as good? 

Its kind of weird being a missionary during Christmas. Actually, it is weird being in Texas during christmas - I never realized how much I associate the climate with the holiday season. It's not super warm here but warm enough to make Christmas seem like its still a few months away. Being a missionary is awesome during the holidays because people are more susceptible to feeling the spirit. We had a lot of people tell us that the work would probably slow down this month because so many people are on vacation but its been fairly busy. In the past three days we have received 5 referrals and that really does not happen very often. The referrals we have actually contacted are also actually interested in hearing more about the gospel. Lots of times people will just send us a referral of someone who they haven't even mentioned the gospel to.

Have I told you about Shelby? She's our main investigator but we're a little worried that her Aunt Darla won't allow her to be baptized. Shelby is pretty great. Neither of her parents have custody over her because they both struggle with drug addictions and the Aunt she stays with has drinking problems but Shelby is the most enthusiastic/optimistic 12 yr. old I've every met. So we hope she can get permission for baptism but even if she doesn't, I feel confident that she'll be baptized when she's 18.

Sometimes the hardest part about being a missionary is not getting discouraged. I know that this is the Lords work and everything is done in his time but sometimes I just want investigators to come to church. I think the mission, thus far, has taught a lot concerning how it really is not about what I want.  So I just got to keep reminding myself that. The less I look inward and more I look outward, the more the Lord can use me as an agent in bringing people closer to him.

My companions are real great. They remind me of you guys because they make fun of me a lot (in a loving way). I think Sister Gregson might get transferred soon but we hope she doesn't. I think I could probably spend most of my mission in Bryan because I love it here.

Well I guess I'll talk to you soon!

Sister Davis

Dec 2

Howdy. Thanksgiving was pretty fun. We had two thanksgiving dinners so it was also a little painful. We never want to eat turkey again. So will Rachel and Daniel be with you for Christmas? Who wouldn't want to be in beautiful Reno for Christmas? Sometimes when people find out that I'm from Reno they say "Oh, that's a beautiful area" and I just think to myself if they have actually been there....That is nice that Harrison helped you cook. Did he try to suggest that you should eat gourmet pizza as one of the courses?

(The lady next to me in the library, is talking very loudly to someone on the phone. She's having password troubles.)

I think you're right with the idea that missionaries recognize miracles more than regular folk. It's almost like a way of living. It's been a pretty great week. We don't go tracting very often because its not the most effective way to find to people to teach. Well we tracted a little bit on Friday and we actually found someone. Her name is Christina and she has a newborn baby that is super cute. Her fiance, we didn't talk with him, but apparently he has been searching for a new religion and hasn't found anything that he has liked. So hopefully next time we go over, he'll be there and realize that we have what he is looking for!

I think we are having the introduction to the FamilySearch site next week. I'm looking forward to it because it sounds like things have changed since I had that family history calling. Also, did you know that you could request the patriarchal blessings of  deceased ancestors? I requested you're grandpa's and its really cool. Plus, it was typed on a typewriter so some things are spelled wrong and some words don't have spaces between them.

So since I'm a missionary I am often asking people to commit to do certain things (read scriptures, pray, do service, etc.) So here is my commitment to you (Davis Family (or anyone else)) First, read or reread, Elder Ballard's talk from conference and then do what he is asking in that talk; to prayerfully consider someone - a less-active or nonmember - that you can do a small act of service for before Christmas. Help someone feel the love of the lord Jesus Christ. Will you commit to praying about someone who could use some service? And then, of course, provide that service? I think its the best thing you can do this holiday season. I will follow up after the holidays.

I love you!

Sister Davis