December 11, 2008

I was transferred from Liverpool yesterday to the Burnley ward. That is why I am writing today. Burnley is in Lancashire, which is just North of Greater Manchester. It is in the Chorley stake, which is the same stake as the Temple. That is very nice. This area is very different from other areas. More rural, and very beautiful and hilly. I am serving with Elder Rawlings. He is from Idaho. He is a great guy and they have some good things going on up here in Burnley. He is from Idaho, and has been out on his mission for about 5 months.

My head is a bit of a whirlwind right now with the transfer. I basically traveled all of yesterday. There never seems to be enough time for everything. The mission doctor has been telling us to take time to actually relax, and also to eat well. This takes careful planning, and usually more time . . . more time than we have.

We said goodbye to everyone on Tuesday and Monday. No one really cried, which is good because I don't like to watch people cry. We were also able to see C*****, who gave me like 5 Christmas presents. She is great. I look forward to being able to go back to Liverpool. I feel like a new missionary again in Burnley, with a couple of missionary skills. The mission is great, and we just have to keep on running. Preparation really is key, and I am so proud of Taylor and his preparation. What an inspiring example.

I don't really know what to tell you about the last week. Liverpool seems to have gone like . . . that! We have a Zone Conference next week at the Temple, which I am more than excited for.

My favorite scripture of the week is from I Corinthians, I think it is Chapter 12. It is when Paul glories in his weaknesses, because it allows him to apply the atonement of Christ. That is how I am feeling right now, very weak and humbled. These times are good for us, and I am sure that I will see some great growth from it.

I am sorry that this is so short. I love you all, and look forward to giving you a better e-mail next week.

Elder Davies

November 26, 2008

What a fast week it has been. I have been on exchanges with elders in the district for two of the days this week. There are so many things in missionary work that you do not think would be there before you come out. A lot of responsibilities that come with leadership. They are necessary, but not usually traditional of missionary work. Also with a lot of the rules that protect us, we put a lot of effort into finding males to come teaching with us. How great would it be if the work wasn't so hindered by the problems of the world?!

The time has gone very fast these last couple of transfers. I have heard that it just gets faster from this point on. I hope I am fulfilling everything Heavenly Father needs of me. I imagine that I will probably be leaving this upcoming transfer, but there are never things you are certain of at transfer time. Either way, I will be happy. I have loved Liverpool and the people here, but I also enjoy the opportunities that come with going to new areas. It is definitely an area we will have to visit.

With the new focus of finding we have been able to get more new investigators. That is very important for the mission. Some of them are not progressing as much, so when they get there, I can give you more information. A family from Eritea, or something like that in East Africa, have started to investigate, and also a young British family that have had some difficulties in their life. They are searching for answers and we hope to provide those answers.

We were talking about the Pride Cycle with F******* last night. She is doing well by the way. We were talking about the things that can help us to avoid this cycle. Consistent reading of the Book of Mormon is key. That is why it is for our day. This Pride Cycle is so prevalent in our day, and the Book of Mormon teaches it so well. That is one reason why I know it was inspired, because Mormon saw our day and was able to provide the information to help us cope with today.

I hope that all of us can be mindful of those people who are making difficult decisions and transitions in their lives. It is so easy for us to return to what is comfortable, though it may be wrong. Jesus warns us of the state of someone who returns to past problems after overcoming them in Luke 11:24-26. If we can help these people find rest and nourishment in their 'new' lives, it will help them endure to a far better place. Preach My Gospel has a chapter that shares the importance of the ward in helping retention and reactivation. It is chapter 13. A most poignant part of this chapter is a story of a recent convert on page 214. This is more mission related, but it can relate to many transitioning times in life, as evident in Luke 11. I challenge each of us to be mindful of those around us. To seek to be a help to every cause which surrounds us.

I love you all and thank you all for the wonderful influence you have on my life. Sorry that my e-mail aren't filled more with stories. I find it so difficult to remember specific things. It worries me, because people are always talking about memories I had with them, but usually I forget. It doesn't mean I don't love them. Oh, here is one. We ate at Sister H*******'s with the B*****'s, and she made amazing Arabic food. She should be coming back to church. Pray for her.

Elder Davies