Howdy,

The fourth of july was pretty low-key, probably because we're missionaries. They didn't have anything in Brenham but there were parades and fireworks in the neighboring little towns. A part member family had us over and we helped them cook dinner, that was fun. We actually got to meet the Mortensens (the new presidents family). They seem super great. They have 6 kids and one of them is on a mission, the youngest is 5. I think this change will be really good for the mission. President Mortensen seems very nice but I think he is going to be pretty strict. We had a conference on friday and the whole family introduced themselves. Sister Mortensen was describing President and she said that when he used to coach he would take the losing teams and make them winning teams. So I'm bracing myself for some big changes.

I've actually been thinking for awhile that I just wish missionaries would be more obedient. Its true that obedience is the key to missionary work, it effects everything! One missionary's obedience not only effects their work but the effect carries over to the rest of the district, the ward, and probably the mission in whole. I just wish missionaries would understand the gravity of the work that they are taking part in. Yeah, I've really been thinking a lot about this and how I can help. I think I mostly just need to love everybody/be encouraging. I think a lot of missionaries become disobedient when they become discouraged and think there isn't work to do. I just thought I'd release those feelings. I really am going to miss the Pingrees but I think the change will be good for everyone.

The rest of the week has been pretty good. Its getting pretty hot out but everyone keeps saying that August and September are the worst. So far, its been pretty tolerable. I think Heavenly Father gives missionaries greater tolerance towards extreme weather.

We do a ton of service which I really like; its been a good way to find new investigators. We volunteer at two old folks homes, a goodwill type center, and a rehabilitation center. Its been fun.

We taught Priscilla the word of wisdom last week. I'm always a little worried about what will be the response to the word of wisdom but its seems like teaching it has actually been a good way to find out if people are really prepared to change. Priscilla was very accepting and even said that she stopped drinking alcohol after we taught her for the first time a couple weeks ago. Its cool to see how investigators are naturally inclined to live the word of wisdom when they decide to live righteously. Priscilla does drink a lot of coffee but when she came to church she showed me her orange juice and said "Look, I'm doing better!". She's really great.

I love you!

I hope you have a wonderful week.

-Sister Davis

Howdy!

 

I love it out here! I just want to say yee-haw all the time. I wish we could wear cowboy boots, that would be fun. I might ask President Mortensen if I can wear them. There's about 100 active members in the branch but there are quite a few less active members.

 

This last week we visited some of the little towns that are included in our area. The idea was that we could walk around and talk to people unfortunately these towns are really small and there wasn't a whole lot of people out and about. We did have one pretty cool experience. When were in a tiny town named Chappell Hill, we walked by a museum and had the impression to go in. There was only one person in the whole building, her name was Christine and she actually worked there. We started talking to her, she's pretty familiar with the church and is super smart. She probably has 4 master degrees in History. Anyway, we got on the subject of family history and she became really interested so now we're going to teach her how to do family history (and probably teach a few other things too)! It was cool because we had the random impression to go in the musuem and by doing so, we found a new investigator. Heavenly Father really knows His children, even the ones that live in tiny little texas towns.

 

I can't remember if I told you about our investigator Priscilla. She is super sweet. She has a baptism date for Aug 2nd and she is just so excited. She has had a pretty rough life and talks a lot about how she is happier now than she has ever been. Its real neat.

 

So the "send off" for the Pingrees was all the missionaries doing an endowment session in the temple with them. The picture on the blog is two zones combined. It was so great because after the session we went into one of the rooms in the temple and got to ask the temple president any question we had about the endowment session. It was really really cool. Definitely felt like a little piece of heaven.

 

There was a Whipple family in Bryan. Is the new missionary related? Spring is in my mission. Maybe that will be my last area. I imagine I'll probably have one more after Brenham. Oh that reminds me, did you know that my half way mark was last week? I don't like thinking about it, it makes me sad.

 

And by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA!!!!! You've had a birthday shout HOORAY. I like to email you today! One year older and wiser too. Haaaaaappppy Birthday to you!

 

I hope you have a nice day tomorrow!

 

I'm going fishing today with a family from the branch. Don't worry we are only fishing from the shore. We are not allowed to go in a boat.

 

I love y'all!

-Sister Davis