Subject: Re: I think these are the dog days of summer

Hola (spanish for howdy)

It has been a good week. We've been trying to find some new investigators and let me tell ya', the people we walk by or see when we're going into an appointment are people Heavenly Father has placed in our path. I have seen this very clearly throughout my mission thus far. A couple days ago we had parked and were about to go into a house to help some people move. We noticed a lady across the street sitting on the steps to her apartment and so we decided that we'd go talk to her. Her name is Tanaysha, she's probably in her 20's and has a really adorable 1 yr son. We talked to her for just a little bit about our purpose and asked if we could come back and talk to her more about the church. She said that we could come back. On Sunday we went back with a member and taught her the Restoration. The lesson went really well and she accepted a soft baptism invitation. The cool part, however, was after the lesson Tanaysha's sister (she had come in at the end of the lesson) followed us out and talked to us a little bit on their porch. She mentioned how Tanaysha is actually on medical release for anxiety/schizophrenia that was triggered from a recent tramautic experience and that she had a hard time being focused/calm for very long. During the lesson she was totally attentive and had a lot of questions, you really never would have guessed that she had any health issues. The experience reminded me a lot of the scripture Alma 31:5 "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them"

We also tracted into a former investigator (a lot of the teaching records in our area book don't have addresses) which was pretty cool because she was super willing to have us come back. We called one of the sisters that had taught her and apparantly the only thing that kept them from teaching more was that she left on vacation. So now that she's back we look forward to continue teaching.

I can't remember if I said this already but Priscilla is moving into her own apartment this week and it just so happens to be in the same complex that we're in! We will be neighbors, yay! We did some family history with her this last week and it was really fun. We found some really cool records on her great-grandparents. She is really excited about going to the temple.

Jordache is basically a member. He told the sunday school teacher that he wouldn't mind teaching the class if he ever needed a sub. He also came to church in a white shirt and tie, not because anyone told him to but because he wanted to.

One of our investigators got into a lot of anti-mormon stuff this past week and basically doesn't want anything to do with us now. For little bit we tried to answer questions but it got to the point where we just had to bear testimony and leave it alone. This is sad but whenever stuff like this happens I feel the roots of my testimony grow a little deeper. In hard circumstances we can pray for Heavenly Father's comfort, and we should, but if we prepare ourselves each day/qualify for the spirit, it seems like He is able to send comfort immediately. I'm not sure if that quite portrays my thoughts. I like this scripture: John 14:18-19 'I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.'

I feel like I learn something new every single day. Its like I'm getting 20 years of wisdom/learning condensed into 18 months. Its awesome! 

Well, I love you! Happy Birthday to Christian!

-Sister Davis

On Mon, Aug 18, 2014 at 9:02 AM, Marianne Davis <maridavis.71@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Sweetie,

I believe dad and Harrison both wrote you kind of long emails so I will keep this one short.  I know your time is limited and valuable :)

I got a call from you friend Amanda this week.  She was talking so fast I missed some of what she said but mostly she is getting ready for her wedding next year.  She found some shoes on line that are perfect and only $15 so she needed to know your size.  I said 8 1/2  Hope thats accurate.  She is quite excited about this wedding. And thought you were coming home to help her sooner that you are.  I don't know what help she is expecting, and how much help can she need since she's been planning this thing for 2 years already.  I kind of wanted to say step back and get some perspective  young lady!  I'ts good she's excited of course but everything in moderation -right.  I am so glad that your energies are being spent differently right now.  I'm not  sure if she is in Reno or not.  I didn't think to ask that.

Christian turns 17 this week.  Did that just blow your mind?  He does act like a teen age boy most of the time.  We are going to see Brian Regan (comedian) for his birthday.  I'm excited for that!

We are finally finishing the laundry room.  We kind of have to because the old washer broke and leaked lots of water all over.  So we are getting a floor in there -finally- and putting the machine in the correct place. and We bought a new washer and dryer..  It's ok because our old ones are just barely younger than you.  It was our first real purchase in Reno.

I sent you some vitamins.  Let me know when you need more.  I think , don't be too concerned about someone telling you your markers are off (or whatever is was) just try to be healthy.  I believe in taking a daily vit. but not everyone agrees with that and think it's mostly wasted.  I say 'what can it hurt"

Harrison says he gave you some good advice about dealing with companions.  I hope it really is good.  When I was a missionary I had many, many difficult comps.  And it was by far the hardest part of being a missionary.  I think with the current guidelines most of them would not have been called.  They just weren't healthy enough-physically and /or mentally.  My only advice is this.  You can't make a person be or do anything.  All you can do is influence, hopefully for good. The only effective way to influence someone is through love and concern.  I know that is true in regular life and probably on mission life too.  My concern is not really for your companion (hypothetical) but for you and how your holding up.  So many missionaries I know of are coming home early with anxiety and depression.  Please realize that your efforts are appreciated and enough.  God knows your heart and loves you for your willingness to serve so fully.  He also loves your comp.s and understands their heart too.  So do the best you can, be obedient and prayerful.  If it really is bad, not just a little frustrating, talk to your leaders.  That's what they are there for. And don't be too hard on yourself.  You are incredible and enough is enough.! (Mosiah 4:27)

I love you, try to stay cool

Mom