Apr 28

Howdee,

I'm not really sure what the mothers day plan is...church ends at 12 here so that is 10 (I think...) for you but we'll probably not chat until later...hmm I'm really not sure. It seems pretty flexible. I'll let you know next week.

We have had a good week! It was also stake conference here and it was also centered on missionary work. It was pretty great. Our mission president spoke about sharing the gospel one by one just like when Christ was in America and let the people come to him one by one. It was way good and true. When missionaries teach, we teach a lesson tailored specifically for each person's needs. He also said that the atonement isn't for everyone collectively but it is for each and every person individually. I liked that.

Have I told you about Phyllis? She's the best! Her name was in our phone and there was a note attached with her address and it also said 'Phyllis is a former investigator that loves the Book of Mormon'. So we've been teaching her again, I guess its been about 2 years since she knew the elders. She is soaking up the gospel and she really does love the Book of Mormon. She has some arthritis problems so its been hard for her to come to church. I feel like she is already a member and could have a calling. She is looking forward to being baptized.

We've started teaching our old investigator, Jonny, again - his wife is a member. Whenever we teach them, they seem way tired because their 8 month old baby keeps them up all night. Its cool because despite their crazy life of work and family they have made the decision to make time to learn about the gospel.

Transfer calls are next Sunday but I think (praying) I'm staying here. 

I feel like I've been learning a lot lately of the importance of each person's relationship with the Savior. Being on a mission is not so much about baptizing but about bringing people closer to Christ - baptism is an event along that path of coming to know the Savior. President Pingree has also given everyone the challenge to read the Book of Mormon before he leaves with the question "How can I use the strengthening and enabling power of the atonement?" on our minds. Its helped me see/think more about how I can actually apply what I read from the scriptures into my daily life.

I always feel like I skipping something important in these emails....

Here's a good quote from President Monson's talk:

 "Love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. His life was a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. At the end the angry mob took His life. And yet there rings from Golgotha’s hill the words: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”⁴—a crowning expression in mortality of compassion and love."

I LOVE you! I hope you have a great week.

-Sister Davis