September 1, 2009

This week in proselyting was difficult. We were not able to pick up any investigators, and we also didn't get to teach any investigators, because we have had to stop teaching many of the ones we used to be teaching. It is a difficult time for this area. However, our ward is doing a 40 day fast for the growth of the ward, and I know that we will see miracles happen in one way or another.

Last week we were able to go on a mission tour of some of the historical sights in the mission. I loved it so much!!! Our mission area is like the Nauvoo of the States. It was the center for the saints in this area. We went to Liverpool docks, and also to Preston to see where they preached, where President Hinckley's first mission house was, to see where the first missionaries were attacked by demons, to see the River Ribble, and to see where they held their first meetings. After that we went to Downham, where Heber C. Kimball baptized many and had a spiritual experience which Joseph later told him was the blessing that former prophets had laid upon this land. Amazing!! We may not even have the records of those prophets, but they too were looking forward to a time of restoration. I am convinced that the more records we receive, the more prophesies we would have of the restoration. The dead sea scrolls are a good example of that. I loved walking the very roads of the early apostles and thinking about the great work we are doing. It is incomparable, and very spiritual.

It is a tradition for the departing missionaries to bear testimony in their last zone conference. This time it was my turn!! I couldn't believe it. It was always somebody else. I didn't like that it was me. However, I did have the cool experience of doing it in the Downham Chapel, where we held the final part of our Zone Conference. It isn't an LDS chapel, it is a Anglican(I think) chapel, so it was a very unique experience. I never say what I want to say in testimonies, but I guess that is the way it should be.

I should tell funnier stories in my e-mails, so I will follow Taylor's example and share my CBSOTW aka Crazy British Story of the Week

This weeks entry hails from a town called Flint. We met a man that had been taught by the Elders a couple of years ago. We asked him why they stopped coming around, and he wasn't quite sure. 15 minutes later, we knew why. He just talked and talked and talked about how the secret services are chasing him, and how he has all of the government conspiracies figured out. He told us a story of how we took the secret services for a wild goose chase, and kept creeping up behind them saying, "Have you had enough yet?" Next, he took us to his neighbor, who is from the middle east. He took us over there to verify that he was a pain in the backside. He didn't have to go to all of the trouble, we could have told him that ourselves!!! Don't you just love them?

I wish I had more to say about progressing investigators, but we still had an eventful week. I love you all and look forward to seeing you all.

Love,

Elder Jo

August 24, 2009

Our week was quite difficult. We have had little success in finding new investigators and all of our current investigators are dropping like flies. I must be doing something really bad. I know that isn't always the case, but I am worried about these people. We did find one new investigator this week from our favorite YW . . . S****. She is the best little missionary. So honest and mature. We are friends. She invited her friend J*******, and he was really good. He asked a lot of questions, and actually felt and identified the spirit in the first lesson. He should be at church this upcoming week, and we will be teaching him after church again.

I love serving in this ward. I love going to church. I have a relationship with almost every member in this ward. It has gone by so fast, but I really love them. I will hope to stay in contact with many of them.

I got some post this week. C*****, my convert from Man. South, is doing amazing.

We have a lot of fun. We laugh a lot, and I wish I could capture those moments for you. I will have to take some meditation time before my e-mails, like I used to do in the past. I love Elder Forward's accent. I am going to capture it on my recorder. He is a fantastic guy.

We have been trying to help out with some less-actives, doing service and what-not. The D****, a LA family, came to church this week. It was fantastic to see them there! There is so many cool things that happen each day. I couldn't possibly capture it all. Just know that the Lord is good, he loves his children, and the work is true.

Love,

Elder Jordan Davies

August 17, 2009

I want to begin by commenting on how lucky we are to be in this family. There are few families like ours, and that isn't any boasting, because we only have this bond because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We all love each other and it comes natural to all of us! I want you all to know how much I genuinely and sincerely care about all of you. Heavenly Father has blessed me so much. We are all so lucky to have the Mother and Father that we do. We can put our family closeness down to the fact that they have made the gospel a priority in our home. I wish more people cared about their kids enough to realize that the best thing they could do for them is bring them unto Christ. We have all been and still are like Mom and Dad's "Eternal Investigators". That never ends.

Mom sent me the words to a song that talked about being Brave, Strong, and True. It reminded me of missionary work, of course. We do brave things that are sometimes uncomfortable, strange to others, or new to us. What moves us to do those things? What is our compelling force? The great cause!! When we wake up and don't know if we can do it anymore, or don't know how we will find the courage to continue on, we must think of what we are fighting for!! Salvation, Exaltation, Eternal Life, Forever Families!! This is applicable to all things in life. Parenthood especially. Why do parents work endless hours, wake up at ridiculous times, give all they have to their children, make meal after meal, clean up mess after mess, and all the other things only parents fully know about???? Because of love and the great cause!! That is why the knowledge of the gospel changes us, it teaches us the great cause!!! That motivates us to fight for right. "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to victory!" D&C 128:22

So about Elder Forward. He is awesome. He is such a cool guy. I definitely would have tried to be his friend back home. He comes from a really gospel-rich family. Seventh Generation!!!!! From Wales, that is unheard of. When everyone was sailing over to America, his family was one of the few that stayed. He lives in Southern Wales in a town close to Cardiff called Cwmbran. That is in the area they call "The Valleys". Wales is so beautiful. There is sooooooo much I haven't seen. I will have to come back maybe a couple of times.

I am so happy I get to finish in Wales. There is something that draws me to this country. When I first came out, I had absolutely no desire to come here, but I love it. And to be honest, I am hardly in Wales. It is so English in this part of Wales. I also love England, and want to see more of it someday. But there is beauty and amazing things everywhere. I am especially glad to spend more time in Wales, because I am hoping to go to a town called Ruthin sometime this transfer. Some of our ancestors come from that town and some outlying towns around it. I would love to get some pictures and look for some things that are Davies-ish. If anyone knows anything else about our ancestors in Wales, please let me know.

Yesterday, we were at a members home called the Kinouchi's. We have been going through a member focused proselyting activity with them. It involves them making a list of the people they know and praying to ask God whom they can work with. They then set goals on specific activities and work on that activity first. They seemed quite hesitant the first lesson, and at the beginning of the second lesson yesterday. They hadn't really kept the assignments between the lessons, and I was a bit discouraged. We asked them if we could pray right then and there with them to pick up to 10 names from their list. They were once again a bit hesitant, but agreed to do so. We prayed and had silence for quite a long time. We asked if anyone had received any inspiration, and they had! They were getting excited about it, and started to list off some names. Some members of the family were a bit more excited than others, but it was cool to see how they suddenly had names stick in their minds and had already started to talk about ways they could invite them.

My favorite scripture of the week comes from D&C 50: 40-45. We are his children, so there is no need to fear. The winds and waves still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below. He has overcome the world, He has all power, and He extends that to us. I would type it up, but I want you all to go read it.

Also, I love the Book of Mormon. It is so cool!

I love you all. Please continue to pray for us. I love being a missionary and want to serve Him well.

Love,

Elder Jo

August 13, 2009

I did not get transferred yesterday, but Elder Parker did. We had quite a long stint with each other, but change is always good. I like transfers, because it keeps you on your toes, especially your last one. I was so happy when I found out who my companion was going to be. A Welshman named Elder Forward. He is really cool. He is also a very good footballer. We will have a great transfer together. He comes from a strong family and he is a good and humble missionary.

Last week was really great! We got some new investigators and we have been progressing some older ones. We talked to everyone!!! And set up a lot of appointments, which usually don't go through, but it is fun anyway. I love being more diligent and more obedient. I still have a long way to go, but I love the feeling after we just exercise the tiniest bit of faith. The Lord truly blesses us in ways that we can't control when we are faithful in ways that we can control.

Anyway, sorry for the short e-mail. Know that I love all of you. I will leave you with a quote:

"There is a line of demarkation, well defined, between the Lord's territory and the devil's. If you will stay on the Lord's side of the line you will be under his influence and will have no desire to do wrong; but if you cross to the devil's side of the line once, you are in the tempter's power, and if he is successful, you will not be able to think or even reason properly, because you will have lost the spirit of the Lord."

George Albert Smith, quoting his grandfather George A. Smith

That is so true! There are so many times when we do something wrong, and we wonder, "What could we possibly have been thinking?"

Well family, stay on the Lord's side of the line. I love you,

Elder Jo

August 3, 2009

We had a really good week this week. Interviews were on Tuesday, which is always good. President Bullock is very business like, but he is such a charitable man. His wife is very impressive too, but very, very loving. Every time she teaches us it reminds me of Mom. They are almost identical, except for the hair color. She is a brown-haired Mom. We have been working with an investigator named M***. I am not sure if I told you about him last week. He has some very serious problems to overcome, but he remains to have a positive attitude. He says that he doesn't think he can give some of the addictions up, but I asked him if he believes in miracles. He says he has never seen one before. I told him, "I do believe in miracles, and so will you after you see the Lord help you give up this addiction. Miracles are wrought by faith, so as you strengthen your faith in the Lord, and do your best, you will see a miracle." He has been doing well at watering his seed of Faith, and in time will succeed, if he follows the same pattern.

It was Big D***'s birthday this week, and we went out to eat with his family. We went to a Chinese Buffet, and it was so good. Not a rubbish buffet, but a proper one. I was chuffed. I ate 11 plates of food, including the ice cream and desserts. Yes, I was full.

I love reading and listening to the words of the prophets and apostles. They make everything make so much more sense. Everything is so clear. They strengthen me, and I feel a desire to follow their words and stand up for the cause of Christ. I listened to Elder Hollands most recent talk, and just loved the whisperings from the Spirit about standing fast in a righteous cause when it seems that no one is there to help.

My Scripture for the week is D&C 82:10. If we follow the principles and be faithful the Lord is bound. We did that yesterday and just exercised a bit more faith, which seemed daunting at the time but turned out okay, and we found 5 new investigators! It works.

I love you all and look forward to talking to you soon,

Elder Davies

July 27, 2009

The work continues to go up and down. We have decent success in scheduling appointments, but it is more difficult to have those appointments go through. We have had some success with a new investigator named M***. He recently came out of Prison and is very humble. He wasn't able to make it to church, but he has felt the spirit each time we have been there. He says he feels "warm".

We had an appointment in the middle of nowhere, and didn't take the easiest path to get there. We were riding our bikes through the middle of large grass and climbing over fences with our bikes! It was crazy. Well, she wasn't there, but the ride back was quite enjoyable too. The daily life of a missionary.

A missionary recently returned from Greece in this ward. He is really nice. We played football with him on Friday. That is the first time I have played football since being in this area. I really loved it, but it definitely felt like a long time.

This e-mail hasn't been very inspiring. I sent a spiritual thought to Mom, so maybe she could share it with you. I think that exhausted me.

Generally, I am doing well. Physically I am fine, of course tired. Spiritually, I am continuing to grow (gratefully). Emotionally, I am a missionary, I don't have emotions ;) I am grateful to be serving at this time. Getting closer to the end brings all sorts of different experiences and feelings. I am trying hard to fight those off. I understand the importance of my calling, and often feel quite humbled to be trusted with something so important. I have loved to serve in this ward, and it looks like it may be possible for me to stay. I love all of you, and often I share how lucky I am to be a 'Davies'.

Love to you all,

Elder Jo

July 20, 2009

I pray that this e-mail finds you smiling and happy because of the wonderful blessings of the gospel in our lives. We truly are a blessed people. This week has been a very fast one, and I don't imagine that they will slow down. I had my second to last Zone Conference, and it seems that many things are trying to remind me that I only have a short time left. I know that everything has its time, but I would never want to look back on the next two months and think that I got 'trunky' at all. At Zone Conference, President Bullock made a cool announcement that next transfer's zone conference will be a tour of the church history sites in the mission. They did this the transfer before I left, so President Bullock wanted to do it so we wouldn't miss out. I am excited. I will not have another proper zone conference, which makes me sad.

This week we have had some success with working with members. We received three new investigators from member referrals. They are all younger, I think all of them are 15. One is from a family who has been bringing along a boy from their neighborhood for the last couple of weeks. Another is from a girl in the ward named S**** W*****. She is really cool, and we have developed a good relationship with her. She has been inviting two of her friends to a lot of things in the church, and on Saturday we were able to sit down and talk about the restoration. Members are the best. I continue to grow in my love for this ward, and consider it a great blessing to have served here.

There was a baptism in the ward on Saturday from the other Elders, Elder Atkin and Elder Wagner. It was a single woman named V****** J****, and it was wonderful. She is such a sweet lady. I am so impressed with her spiritual insights and excitedness about the gospel. Sister M*** H*****(baptized two months ago) gave a talk at the baptism. It was amazing! I was so impressed with her. She is a very smart lady, and has really been digging into her scriptures. We don't get to have as much contact with her anymore, which makes me sad, but I don't plan on losing touch with her after the mission. She is such a nice lady, and I have really enjoyed watching her flourish in the gospel.

I went on splits over to Chester this week with Elder Atkin. We had a good time. I like going to Chester, because it is a new area for me, and it seems that something great always happens on exchanges. However, whenever I go to Chester, it rains like mad! Not nice.

We had an amazing tea appointment with the S***** family on Sunday. Brother S***** is not a member yet, but he sure is amazing. He lives like a member, and is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is so pleasant to be around. They are both from the Philippines. He is an amazing cook, and has been trying to give us cooking tips. I don't know how well it has sunk in, but it is a pleasure to always taste the outcome. They just had their first baby and have been trying to catch up on sleep. Despite that, we were roaring with laughter for most of the visit. Most of it isn't funny if described. One of those things that you have to be present for.

Well, I am happy to be a missionary, and happy to be in Wales. I hope that continues. I love you all, and constantly feel blessed to be a member of the family. Take Care,

Elder Jo

July 13, 2009

It has been a hot week in Wales, the temperature is nothing compared to Utah, but the humidity is rough, especially in a bike area. I have toned down quite a bit since being here. However, it will have random raining spurts, and right now it is having one. We were lucky to have the rain hold off on the stake carnival last Saturday. We were there for a couple of hours meeting some of the non-members, and helping out with the clean-up. It was really fun.

The week was a good one. We have really been struggling to teach current investigators and to find new investigators. There is one experience that I would like to tell you about. We were biking down the street near our home, and there was a lady outside of her door looking at us. She just looked different. I knew she wanted to talk to us. She let us in, and there were two guys who were there. The best part is when we shared the First Vision, she started to cry. We asked her how she felt. She said she 'felt humbled'. I thought that was a pretty cool way to describe it. We also had a less-active describe her feelings this week as we shared the First Vision. She said that the spirit made her 'feel strong'. I liked that description too.

We have been helping D*** W***** and his family a lot this week. His alternator died, and he has no money. We helped him out. We also took the alternator out of his car for him, and we are going to put it back in today. I know a bit more about cars now. Really, I just like figuring things out. I hope we don't hurt his car.

Well, out into the sudden monsoon. Love you all. I love the gospel and the love we feel from it. I look at people very differently. I look at them and wonder "Do they feel loved in their life?" I know that Heavenly Father loves them, and that they could experience so much love in their lives from him. I also know that they don't experience much love from their families, or the husband/wife, or partner. I am so grateful for the legacy of love that I have been blessed with. It is the only things I know how to do right. I love you all for that, Thank you.

Elder Jo

July 6, 2009

Greetings to you all from the place that can't make up it's mind concerning the weather. It is honestly worse than Utah in this way. It has switched between pouring rain and sweltering sun 3 or 4 times today. It always seems to rain when we go out. Lovely, in' it?

Today, we went to Conwy Castle. That is on the Western Coast of Northern Wales. Absolutely Amazing!!! Wales has everything. Unfortunately, as I was taking a picture of the castle as we were approaching it in a car, my battery declared itself dead! That was not fun. But, the other Elders got some pictures, and I am going to transfer them over to my camera so I can have them. I love technology, and mostly I love knowing how to use it.

Conwy is completely surrounded by walls, one of the few cities that is still like that. From the Walls you can see Lladudno, which is a resort town; and Snowdonia, which is where all of the really tall mountains are(amazing!); the Ocean; and some of the fields and valleys of Wales. Pretty sweet, eh?

There was a very cool shop there that had a lot of stuff on family crests and stuff. You could get your crest framed and it described the background and everything. Our Crest is pretty cool. The Welsh crest for Davis and Davies are the same. I bought a little magnet of our family Crest with a very brief description. I guess the ancient motto of the family was 'HEB DDUW HEB DDIM, DUW A DIGON' meaning 'Without God, without anything. God is enough.'

They also had a lot of Medieval stuff in that shop. Real swords, and helmets, and shields. I quite enjoyed the history of it all. The town is a very old town. We had a good time.

Yesterday, we took some less-active youth to a fireside. They would only go if we went, which isn't the best reason to go, but we tried to stay as far out of the equation as possible. I think they had a good time. While we were there, a woman walked into the church. She says that she drives by often trying to get in, but no one is ever there. She said she saw cars today, and was really happy to get in. She only knows bits about the church, and she wasn't ready to give us her address, but she said she will come to church next Sunday. I hope C**** (that is her name) is there on Sunday.

I don't know how much I have told you about a family we have been teaching. They are very 'well-off' and are christian themselves, but it seems like few religious people are as serious about church as we are. I am sure Taylor has a different experience in Georgia. We haven't been able to get far with them, because all three of their kids do a million things, and they go on vacations, but the mom is especially wonderful. She reminds me of my Mum. She treats her kids so well, she has short blond hair, and she is always interested in what other people are saying. We still don't know how she feels about the things we share, but she sure is a nice lady.

That is about all for this week. Kind of a fun e-mail. A couple other things, Elder Parker and I have a goal to read all of the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Preach my Gospel in this transfer. We planned out how to do it, and we have been able to keep up with our schedule so far. Imagine that, all three books!! I don't know why I didn't do this earlier. It is great.

I also had a wonderful experience Friday night where Heavenly Father strengthened my testimony of the Atonement. I just knew, maybe more than I had ever known before, that Jesus DID perform that incredible act. I will never be able to understand fully how, but I know that he did. It was also communicated to me that He Lives, not Lived. I pictured the joy of our reunion, and I know that we are the luckiest people in the world to have the gospel. I wish others could see. I will keep trying. I love you all. You are an inspiration to me.

Elder Jo

July 1, 2009

I am happy to report that I am still in this area in Northern Wales. And even crazier, Elder Parker is still my companion. It is unusual for missionaries to serve together for three transfers. I hope to stay here for my last transfer as well. I know, through the Spirit, that President Bullock listened to the voice of the Lord in this transfer decision. I know that Elder Parker and I are supposed to stay together, and that we are supposed to stay in this area. I know a couple of reasons why, and i am sure that more will continue to manifest themselves.

This past week went by very fast, but it was also a hard week, to be wholly honest. We have had most of our investigators discontinue learning, and haven't been successful in finding anyone who is willing to learn more about the wonderful gospel. More than ever do I desire to help people see how important this is. There is NOTHING more important. I have been very overwhelmed by how fast time is going. In some ways, I feel that I have been serving forever. However, in other ways, I feel that I still have much to give, although I am starting to feel like an old missionary.

We have been spending a lot of time strengthening members and less-actives in this ward, and we are having some success. It doesn't come up in numbers, but we have been able to serve them and show them our love in many different ways. I pray that their progress will be lasting.

I don't have much to report. Nothing has happened in finding new investigators, and none of our current investigators have really progressed. I do have one funny story though . . .

We are teaching a man named C****. He has a good heart, but he hasn't been very good at showing any commitment. He doesn't quite know how important it is. He offered us a drink on Sunday and we gratefully asked for some water(we have had a ridiculous heat wave this last week). He was pouring himself some pop. He accidentily poured three pops, so we told him it was alright and we would drink the pop. He brought it to us, and it smelled funny. It smelled a bit alcoholic. There is a non-alcoholic drink here called Schloer, which is kind of like Martinelli's sparking cider, and that smelled similar to this drink, so I believed him when he told us it wasn't alcoholic. I took a drink, and it tasted funny. We asked him to bring the bottle to us. He brought a bottle that was labeled Shandy. I had never heard of it. Underneath the name, I thought I read "Made with root beer". I should have been smarter, but I thought to myself, "Maybe that is why it tastes funny, because I haven't tasted root beer in a long time". So . . . I took another drink! It definitely didn't taste right. Well, this time I asked that my companion give it to me so I could take a closer look. My eyes focused on the label and I realized what I thought said "Made with root beer" actually said "Made with real beer". This Shandy is part beer and part lemonade. 12% beer to be exact. The alcohol content is less than .5%. However, any amount of alcohol has an effect when it is the first time it has ever been inside your body. Elder Parker and I had headaches the rest of the night. He was getting quite dizzy. So . . . this week Elder Davies got a bit tipsy!

I will leave you with that, because my companion is ready to go. I didn't get to share my sacrament talk with you. I will try to share it next week, or I may just have to share it in person, but you will hear it one day.

All things will fail except Charity. That is especially meaningful to me at this time. No thing can provide lasting motivation to be diligent except Charity. Remember to pray for Charity. I love you all!

Elder Jo Davies

June 22, 2009

The week was unlike any other I have experienced on my mission. I don't know if I reacted to all things in the correct way, but I was trying. I was probably a bit on the edge, and sometimes I was just a bit empty. Maybe my spirit departed for a second to go be with some of you. Throughout the week, I was often thinking of you, and feeling sad that I wasn't there to help, but I know that I wasn't supposed to be there to help. That is why this happened while I was on my mission. I love the scripture from 2 Nephi 2:24, which comes right before the 'men are, that they might have joy' scripture. I do not doubt that 2 Nephi 2:24 was placed right before the joy scripture, because an understanding of this scripture really helps us find joy in all things. It reads, "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things." I have a firm belief in that scripture. I know that all things have been done in the wisdom of God, everything about each event, even down to the timing. Knowing that will help us find joy.

I loved to hear about the funeral service. It sounds like it was wonderful. I have gone over it in my mind, and it really must have been great.

We had a somewhat difficult week with our investigators. Everything seemed to fall apart. I am so grateful for tomorrows. I love fresh starts. Not to mean that we can put things off til tomorrow, but when a day doesn't exactly work out, we still have tomorrow to keep trying.

This upcoming week is when transfers are decided, and we will find out in a week or so. Transfer day is next Wednesday, so I will not be writing next Monday. If I stay, I will write on Wednesday. If I go, I will probably end up writing on Thursday. President has recently decided that he might need this flat for a couple more transfers. He isn't sure yet, he will know this upcoming week. But because he doesn't know, he asked our landlord if he could have a week to decide before he put in his final notice. So I have no knowledge of transfers. It will be exciting to find out what is happening.

I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting yesterday about the Plan of Salvation, and specifically the role of Father in the plan, including both Heavenly Father, and our Earthly Father. I forgot to bring it with me today, so I will send it next week. I enjoyed preparing it. The ward has showed a lot of love to me over the last week. I am well looked after. They are so kind and considerate, many of them shedding tears and not quite knowing whether to try to give me a hug to comfort me, or not. It is funny as a missionary because we do come to love the members, but we can't be fully open with our feelings. We are encouraged to not give hugs to the opposite gender, specifically if they are your age. Part is for the feelings of the missionaries, but mostly so people don't get the wrong idea. That can be hard to me, because I love giving hugs . . . to everyone!

Let us all grow from grace to grace, by living obedient to receive the light which is currently available to us. Love to you all,

Elder Davies

June 15, 2009

My heart, prayers, and tears are out to you at this time. I know all will be well. I know that I feel comfort, peace, and love. I know that Jaman is alright. I do not know all of the different things that all of you are dealing with at this time. I am sure that challenges and situations are presenting themselves at every turn. For that reason my heart is out to you. I wish that I could labor by your side, but I know that God will take my place as I am laboring for Him at this time. I have been frequently reminded of the scripture in 2 Nephi 1:15. It is Nephi explaining the love and comfort he feels from the Lord. He uses the gospel-popular phrase, "I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love". I have experienced that constantly since getting on my knees after hearing the news. Many have wondered how I act as if nothing has happened and how I am coping. There are a few members that have lost their family members, and they just look at me with confused looks. I am not hiding anything, and I am not in denial. I am very open with it all. I attribute it to two things. 1 - I am not there. It is not as real for me. 2 - This plays a much larger factor, it is the knowledge of the plan of salvation. The knowledge of God's watchful eye over His missionaries, His arm of comfort, mercy, and peace.

You should all be comforted in knowing that I am not just being watched over spiritually, but temporally as well. I feel blessed to be in this wonderful ward at this time. Many have made phone calls, and visits. The Relief Society secretary asked me which days I would like meals delivered to the house. Everyone has offered their help. I have never enjoyed being a center of attention, and I honestly don't feel any physical needs. It is comforting to know that others are there, as I hope you now know that I am in good hands. As for spiritual needs, they are met by a loving Heavenly Father through the prayers of many loving, righteous family members and friends.

As I was speaking to Mom yesterday, she asked me to send something that might be able to be read at the funeral. I hope this is okay. You have the privelage of altering it if it is too long or short. I have really enjoyed reflecting upon Jaman and my love for him. Here it goes:

Dear Loved Ones,

I am honored to be writing this in memory of my great friend and brother, Jaman. I am at great peace at this time. I know the Plan of Salvation is true. I know that God has encircled me in the arms of His love. I am grateful for where I am at this time, and the blessings that God has poured down upon me. I know it was meant for me to be on a mission at this time, so I could play a role in God's plan. He has already opened the doors of opportunity for my testimonoy to be strengthened. I pray that I can be an instrument in His hands at this time.

I am still digesting much of what has happened, and my current situation is unique, but I have really enjoyed being able to reflect over the memories of and the lessons learned from Jaman. Each family member plays an important role in the make-up of his family. Jaman's mortal existance and passing have played thier respective roles in our Heavenly Father's plan. I hope that from what I share you will see the important role that Jaman played and how he will be sorely missed. In a way I am grateful to be thousands of miles away at this time, because I know that I wouldn't be able to share this with dry eyes. I apologize to the person who was chosen to take my place. Thank you.

There are too many memories of my time with Jaman to remember, but I fondly share some that have come. Jaman and I have a wonderful love for each other. I was the recepient of many of Jaman's expressions of love. We would spend many hours talking about sports, and getting our ESPN fix for the day. We would talk about all sports, from basketball to baseball, or from college football to curling. I vividly remember how we got so into the Soccer world cup, staying up all night, or 'tivo'ing the matches we would miss. I really enjoyed Jaman's gospel knowledge and insights.

He was a wonderful member of our family scripture study. I always looked forward to when Jaman would say family prayer. He was always heartfelt, selfish, and sincere.

I, along with many others, was frequently blessed with a phone call from Jaman informing us that he was on his way to subway, or Bajio, or Cafe Rio, or Wendy's, and then with the request of "What would you like?" He was frequently trying to find any occasion to give me a bit of extra cash. I always looked forward to a Big J Hug.

When Jaman thought something was funny, the whole neighborhood knew. We love his hearty laugh, it was contagious.

I was one who had the privelage of sharing a bathroom with Jaman for many years. You can only imagine what a joy that can be at times. Krista knows what I mean.

More than anything else, I will remember the way Jaman loved his neices and nephews. NOTHING is more important to him than they are. We will all remember watching him interact with each one. We knew the great size of Jaman's heart and love from those many moments of caring. I love the way he talks with them, the things he teaches them, and the way he holds the newborn babies. All babies should have a Jaman in their life.

Jaman taught me many things by word and by deed. He was a very busy person, but he always dropped anything for a family member. He would take the time to write a letter, or buy something. Family was always on his mind.

There was one member of the family that is extra special to Jaman. That is his mother. Jaman always shows Mom with great love and respect. He frequently writes secret letters of love, and presents her with a bouquet of flowers.

Jaman has a wonderful perspective. He can look at a problem with hope, faith, and insight while many of us were short-sighted.

Jaman is very practical and logical. He has a great mind. He is so smart and can figure anything out. He was often spectator to my blond moments, a rare occasion for others to observe.

Since coming on my mission, I have received many letters and e-mails from Jaman. I always looked forward to Jaman's letters, because he always made me feel special. I don't have many of the things I have received, but I always remember how fondly he talked about his mission. He frequently said he wanted to come back out and switch me places. He always shared how much he loved teaching, talking to people on the streets, and meeting with members. He ALWAYS mentioned this love for his mission.

I do, however, have a couple things I can share from what I do have.

"Elder Davies,

Hope you know how much I love you! I look forward to your e-mails and am so proud to have you as my bro. Happy Valentines! J"

"I know you're going to be a great missionary and I'm excited for you to have some of the Most Amazing Experiences of your life. My mission was both hard and very rewarding at the same time and was 2 of the Best Years of my life. I'm so glad you're my brother and I feel so lucky to know you."

"Remember How Much I Love You And How Important "The Work" you are doing is. Finish Strong And Have Faith. Miracles still Exist!"

In many, many ways Jaman will be missed. I cannot even begin to recount all the memories and lessons learned You will not find anyone else like him. No on can take his place. But he has made an eternal impression upon countless people. I love him.

I would like to finish with a quote by President Kimball:

"Being Human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon such sorrows and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery. The sufferings of our savior were part of his education."

That applies to us today, and it was applicable to all of Jaman's life. Jaman learned much, because he struggled much. I have a testimony that the Plan of Salvation is true. I know that God has a plan, and not just a plan, but provided a way for the accomplishment the plan. It is through Jesus Christ. He lives, and because he lives, so will Jaman and so will we. I love My Savior, and I am grateful for his sacrifice with enables me to look forward to be reunited with my brother. I bear this witness in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen


Family. I look forward to hearing from you. Please document the funeral well. I love all of you.

Elder Davies

June 8, 2009

We have had a hard-working P-day. Elder Parker and I are a bit different than most companionships. We take care of things that other missionaries often look over, like keeping the house in good order, and taking good care of the back garden. It is good that we have done this, because the mission is going to stop renting the house that we live in after this transfer. This morning we spent about 4 hours in the front garden trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and raking up all of the dead leaves. Time sure does fly, and it didn't feel like it took that long. That is how P-days usually go.

This week I have had some bad luck with my bicycle. Over here the brakes are switched around. The left brake does the back wheel here, but in America it does the front wheel. Well, I was braking and I pressed the front brake hard, thinking it was the back brake. I went up on the front wheel just a bit, but when landing on the back wheel, I bent it :( This is the second back wheel I have bent. I promise I can be trusted with a bike. It was so ridiculous, but it gave Elder Parker and I a laugh.

We have had a good week in finding some new people. We actually found some families this week!!!! Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah! This first woman is about to get divorced, but she has four young daughters, ages 10, 5, 4, 3. She came to Stake Conference yesterday -

Speaking of Stake Conference, President Uchtdorf and Elder Andersen spoke to us from the Hyde Park Chapel. It was broadcast all over GB and Ireland. It was great to hear from them. They talked a lot about missionary work and reactivation. That seems to be the focus lately. Maybe I just notice because I am a missionary -

Back to our new investigator. Her name is C*****. She had investigated the church 7-8 years ago, but had been stopped by her husband. The elders here tracted into her a few months ago and she wasn't able to meet with them then. She was thinking about the church the same day that Elder Parker and I felt impressed to go back and try her again. She set up an appointment with us. She remembers a whole lot of what she was taught last time. It is amazing. She goes on lds.org and mormon.org all of the time. We have taught her twice and she has a baptismal date for the 18 of July. We went for later rather than sooner, because we went her to feel ready, but it does mean that Elder Parker and I probably will not be here. For that reason, we are making sure we get a lot of member involvement right from the beginning. It is cool, becuase her oldest daughter's teacher is a member of the ward, so they will have frequent contact. Her daughters are so cute! So that is C*****.

We also were able to try back on a lady that I had talked to about two weeks ago. She lives in a really nice house, and come to find out she and her husband own a law firm. She is the nicest lady and her three children are amazing. They seem to be a typical 'Mormon' family with all of the good ideals and trying to do more than they have time for. Despite all of the craziness, they are always happy to see us. We have seem them twice already. The father doesn't really listen, but we get along really well with N*** and her two kids. They have a very big garden, and we usually find N*** out in it. She also has long hair that is much like Mom's. I have found Mom's counterpart in Wales! They are very Christian, and we are not sure if they are just nice or actually interested, but they keep allowing us to come over so it is great! We will see how well they start to keep our commitments to see if they are interested. I am frequently thinking about the family and how we can help them to progress in different ways. I hope everything works out!

We were able to have a good lesson with R*** S***** this week. He is the investigator whose wife is a member. He looks like a member, and he comes to church more than most members, but something is holding him back. His family has a strong Catholic background and he doesn't want to ruin that, although his sister has joined the church. I don't know what to do, and my mind is frequently on him and his situation. I hate to lose touch with these people. It is impossible to describe, but this is no small thing we are helping them to grasp, and we only hope that everything will go smoothly if we leave.

We had a Zone Conference this week, which is always fun. There is usually a musical number, and I love being asked to sing in the choir. The choir spends about 5 minutes before the conference to prepare, so it usually isn't great, but it is a good experience. Zone Conference was about personal conversion and getting back to the basics of the Restoration.

We had tea again with R** S*****' family. I love having tea over there. They are so nice to us, but then again all of the members are so nice to us. We are well fed, generally, and we always have a good time.

We are trying to help two less-active families come back. One is the D****, and the others are the W*****'s. D*** W***** is Big D*** and he is very active, but he is having a hard time with his family. Both families were very attached to the missionaries that taught them, and they don't have much contact with the ward. We are helping the W*****'s to improve their relationship through having family prayer and companionship prayer. Also to take time once a week to have some sort of inventory or council with one another. They haven't been following our invitations, but we are determined to succeed. The D***'s want to come to church this week, which is great. They don't have many friends in the ward, and I don't know if their home teachers visit very often. I always wonder about some of those things. It must be very hard to stay active in the church without a lot of friends, let alone hardly any friends. We are working with the ward to get them involved in this reactivation process. It is the right way to do it.

That must have been one of my better e-mails lately. I hope it is sufficient. Just so you know, personally - I am great. I am healthy and happy(most of the time) and staying focused. I love all of you and hope to find you well next week as well. Good Luck to Taylor who gets to meet his new companion soon. We all know he will do amazing things. My love is with all of you to Eternity and Beyond . . . .

Elder Jo

June 1, 2009

We are going to Hawarden Castle today with the District, and my companion is waiting for me. He has already finished his e-mail, so I am sorry if this is rather short. Just know that no matter what, I am in good hands. I love the gospel and I love the Lord.

Back to castles, Wales is known for castles. We have seen some remains of the Ewloe Castle, and the Flint castle. These things are built on some very difficult structures and edifices. There are some castles that remain intact, but we live farther from those. It would require some transportation. When we come back, this has to be an area we go to. I have seen some pictures of the mountains up here in North Wales . . . breathtaking. There is so much to do. My new friend, our recent-convert M***, has decided that if we came back, she would be our tour guide. Sounds like a plan to me, any takers?

We have had a difficult time getting our lessons with investigators to go through, but we have been blessed to find some new ones. Unfortunately, they are all on holiday, or moving. There is one, however, that was going to be baptized 7 years ago. We are seeing her tomorrow. Her name is C*****, and she has 4 young girls. Her husband recently left her after cheating on her. That happens so much over here. I wish people could realize that the gospel is the ONLY way to lasting peace and happiness.

Elder Parker and I have been exhausted lately. We are riding bikes in hot, hot, hot weather. I know that it is nothing like Greg's Alabama Hot, or Taylor's Georgia Hot, but I am not used to this heat!! It is usually cold. Everyone is enjoying the nice weather, some people a little bit too much!

I love you all family. I have been recently reading the Doctrine and Covenants, I will also finish the Book of Mormon again before I go home. I just love getting in the scriptures, though I can't always remember them throughout the day.

I hope this was a good e-mail for y'all(How's that Tay?). I am so lucky to be serving with my brother at this time. I think about it a lot. I am so excited for him! Hope you enjoy some of the pictures I am trying to attach.

Elder Davies

May 26, 2009

As usual, I don't really know where to start. Everyday we are working on getting better, and helping people. Everything just seems like a whirlwind. Some of the things I really enjoy about this area are, as you can tell, the ward and the scenery. The weather has been picking up the beginning of this week after raining the last half of last week. There is a lot of history and scenery that we don't even get to see or hear about, but I do love the stuff we do get to see. We went to the ruins of an old castle yesterday. I don't know much about the history, but we did get some cool pictures.

The Davies name is very popular in Wales. I see it on buildings for companies everywhere. I haven't been able to teach or meet anyone personally with the last name, but it is really fun to see the name all over the place. I hope to leave a good mark on this country, the country of our ancestors. Who knows if any other Davies from our family will be able to serve here!?

M***'s baptism went very well. D*** W*****, a member, baptized her. I heard that the water was very warm. She really felt wonderful after wards. She said that she went into the water with a kink in her neck, and came out without anything. She is a great lady. She is working on many of her friends, and she reads a lot of gospel stuff. I am impressed with how well she has made the transition.

I love studying the gospel, and I look forward to being able to continue this love when I get home. I was studying about knowledge recently, and how important it is for a missionary. I am not necessarily speaking about deep knowledge, or knowledge that we can bash with. But we must have a clear knowledge of our message. We must know it and share it so well that no one can misunderstand. B.H. Roberts says that the Spirit has a better opportunity of testifying when we state the truth more simply. The best way to really understand that gospel, and thus to state it well, is to live it. Applying the gospel brings added understanding, on top of the study of it. It is what the Lord means in the 88th section of the D&C when he says to learn by study AND faith. Applying the gospel not only brings added understanding, but enduring understanding. It makes what we learn last longer. There are so many things to study and learn, it is so exciting!

I will give a better update on the few investigators we have. That is the tough part, is finding investigators. And then the trick is to find interested investigators. It is difficult for some people to see how this would make a difference in their lives, when actually it would mean everything. I love our message. I love all of you. Please continue to pray for us.

Love,

Elder Davies

May 11, 2009

It was wonderful to talk to you and feel of your love and your perspective. It strengthened me and gave me greater love and perspective. We do have a wonderful family, and I really enjoyed having family prayer with all of you. I could imagine all 15 of you, or whatever it was, kneeling in our spacious living quarters(houses over here a so much smaller).

We had a great week, and are really looking forward to M***'s baptism this week. I love the work and the things it teaches us. I love how we can become more like Christ. I hope to achieve greater love like He has. Greater selflessness, and a greater ability to submit myself. These things come slowly as we seek to change our behavior.

I had a good birthday this week. We didn't really take time to celebrate of course, but I really loved my package. The Beef Jerky was amazing!! I also received a camera and some wonderful cards. Thank you all so much for your birthday wishes.

I will send some pictures that have been taken with the camera over the last couple of days.

On Friday, we were on our way home from an appointment with a member, and we were able to stop by on one potential Investigator on our way home. She let us in, and her daughter sat and listened too. They aren't really looking for anything in particular, but they were happy to let us in and talk to us a bit. They were a great family, and we focused on that. Family is very important to her. She tries very, very hard to keep her family intact, but I recognized some very big differences that the gospel makes in the effort to keep a family intact. It becomes an Eternal Pursuit. There is just such a big difference.

One of my favorite scriptures of the week is found in Ether 12. It is verse 37. Moroni is told that if he has charity, it doesn't matter that others don't. I liked that scripture because we just need to work out our own salvation. We can invite others, but we can't force them. At the end of the day, if you have done all you can, the ball is in their court.

I hope all is well with you. I look forward to hearing from you next week.

Elder Davies

May 6, 2009

It has been wonderful in Wales. The weather hasn't been too bad, and we have seen some wonderful sights. It is a beautiful area. Sometimes I feel like we are in some remote jungle because of some of the scenery. Hills covered with trees sticking out along the skyline, nice coast land, winding roads, etc. The only thing that would be better would be a car!

We went fishing with some of the members kids last p-day, but we weren't there for long, and I think they had the line in the water for about 10 minutes. They kept switching everything and moving spots. It reminds me of the way we read the scriptures sometimes. We will spend 30-40 minutes dosing off, and trying to find out what to study, and only spend 10 minutes actually doing something.

Things are going well with investigators. M*** continues to improve well, and is set for her baptism on 16 May. She accepts everything that is given her and is so ready for her baptism. At first she was afraid to rush it, but now she can't wait. We have also been teaching the friend of a member who is 12 years old. She is a really cool girl, and she is spiritually in tune, so we are hoping that we can help her receive an answer. Her name is C********. We haven't really been able to progress many other people. That is the difficult part. There is one girl who is living with some members, and we have been asked to teach her. She is 14 years old. She doesn't listen when we teach her, and we are struggling to find ways to help her become interested. Mom, you have taught many, many 14 year olds who don't listen . . . any advice?

The ward has continued to be great. We get a lot of help from them, and I love to be in this ward. There are many very cool members, and they just continue to amaze me. Each one I get to know makes me love the ward even more.

There is a family here who is part-member. They are both young and expecting their first child. It is the S***** family. Both of their roots are from the Philippines, though they were both born in Europe. We are working on helping the husband come into the gospel. He is so nice, and he understands many of the doctrines. I don't know what is holding him back. He just isn't in much hurry.

My mind is hurting for much more information. Sorry about that. I love you all, have a great week!

Elder Davies

April 27, 2009

I hear that you had a most wonderful weekend, almost a perfect weekend. We have perfect moments like that, and I have tried to capture those in my journal lately. There is so much joy that comes out of noticing the little things. There are so many wonderful things in this world that we can envelops ourselves with. So many righteous habits that can keep us away from sin. Mom shared her joy for the family and how it creates a fortress around us. I really loved that. You are all my fortress of love. I love you all more than I can express. You mean the world to me, and to think that there are a couple that I have never met. I am in for a treat.

We had the All-mission conference last week with President Packer. It was wonderful. I had many spiritual witnesses that he truly is an authorized Apostle of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I was amazed at that, and grateful for the opportunity to be spoken to by him. When he left, I felt a fleeting feeling. Like, "I never want this moment to end" feeling. I had the exact same one with President Uchtdorf. I imagine that is what is was like when we left our Father's presence, even more so. I love to have them in my presence. I feel so lucky. I also imagine it will be even greater when we are about to see the Lord after passing on. We will be so excited and feel so privileged. And He will know us. Let us prepare ourselves for such a moment, like we prepare to hear the word of the prophet at General Conference. Our personality and mannerisms should be such that we could stand comfortable in the presence of the Lord. I have a lot to work on!

We have a great investigator named M***. She used to be in a woman's refuge, but was able to find a place outside. We have been helping her to move in, and from the beginning she said she knows the church is true, because of the way we act. We, of course, want her testimony to be more centered upon the Savior, but it is a good start. She reads and prays and comes to church. She has accepted a baptismal date of the 16th of May. As she said the closing prayer during the end of that lesson, she said she felt a confirming feeling that it was right. She is doing very well. In our second lesson, she told us of an amazing experience she had. She has had a rough past, and she told us that she was praying the other day and she had some scriptures pop into her head. She said 2 Nephi 4: 18-end came into her mind, so she went to investigate. And all of you know that the Lord gave her a gem. She said that it fit her feelings and situation perfectly. That is a miracle. The Lord inspires people in miraculous ways.

My favorite scripture for the week is in Helaman chapter 5. This whole chapter is one of my favorites. They are first told to remember their names and those of their ancestors and to pattern their lives after their fathers. They are also told to remember, remember, and . . . remember. The popular one is v. 12, but I also love right after that when they are told to remember to keep the commandments, and they did, AS THEY WENT FORTH TO PREACH. To be successful in the Lord's work, we must be OBEDIENT. Verse 17 and 18 describe their power and success. They brought thousands of less-actives and non-members into the gospel, because they taught with such great power and authority. Both come from God. The Authority is with them at all times, but I believe that Power like that is given as we submit our will to God, become more Chirst-like, and thus receive from Him the ability to perform like Christ. I love this chapter. I love the Book of Mormon. I just keep finding things that I swear weren't in there before.

To answer my question from last week: This may not be the only man who is mighty in writing, you assume that Mormon would be to fulfill his divine commission, but Moroni tells us in Ether chapter 12 that the Nephites were not made mighty in writing because of the awkwardness of their hands, but they are mighty in speaking. They were not made mighty in writing like . . . here is your answer . . . unto the BROTHER OF JARED. This is all found in Ether 12:23-26. We can learn much from these scriptures, but one fun thing we learn is that the Brother of Jared was mighty in writing unto the overpowering of man to read them. This of course had to be, so that the strength of his vision could be carried on the plates until Mosiah was able to translate them. There is your fun fact for the week.

Our flat now looks gorgeous, as we have put in some work over our free time to fix everything. The garage looks good, and the backyard is getting there. I guess I am just being prepared for many great projects in the future ;)

We got some amazing lasagna from a member in the ward yesterday who was in the catering business for over 20 years. This ward is amazing, really amazing. They never cease to amaze me. I have grown to really, really love a couple of members already. One of them is this sister who made us lasagna. She just went through a divorce, has a special needs child, and has only been a member for about 2 years. She also teaches Seminary. She is so elect. We did some service in her garden last Friday. It was quite nice.

Well family, thank you for all of the e-mails, and update, and pictures. I love them. Keep it coming! I love you all, and am grateful for the path that the gospel puts us on. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, that Jesus Christ is our personal Savior, and that God lives and cares about each of us. I love you and am grateful that our family is rooted in the gospel. It is the ONLY way. Until next week,

T'rah

Elder Davies

April 20, 2009

Wales has been smiling upon us the last couple of days. The weather has been perfect. We even get really hot, especially while riding our bikes, or fixing up our back garden. I enjoy riding a bicycle, especially down a hill. There are a lot of hills in this area, which makes it hard going up, but my legs are learning to get used to it. I really wouldn't mind staying here for a very long time. The ward is amazing too. I love how the gospel changes people, and continues to refine people throughout their lives.

The countryside here is absolutely amazing!! When we are riding along those winding, narrow, Welsh roads, I feel in heaven. It would only be better if we were in a car! Riding along those roads is something I thought I would only dream about. I will have to get some pictures before I leave.

I know that I haven't been able to write much the last couple of weeks, and so I have forgotten many of the stories. I usually am not very good at telling those. We will just have much to talk about in a couple of months. I have always been much better at describing things, people, and events through speaking rather than writing. In fact, that is how many of the Book of Mormon prophets are too. Nephi especially expresses that many times. One of them, however, is a really good writer. That is the quiz question for the week. Who is it? This will show who really reads my e-mails in the week.

We had an excellent Zone Conference last week. We are really focusing on Member missionary work now. I knew this would be coming. President is such a smart man. He was laying down the foundation of forever finding, and then giving us the real tools of what would help the work go faster.

I had a really great experience in church yesterday. This is my miracle for the week. A man had told us that we were great young man, but it made him sad that we were going down the wrong path. He said that he knows some about our church, and we really should look into it and fix our ways. I told him I know way more about the church than he does, but that I would pray and ask God AGAIN to strengthen my testimony. So that night, I prayed and asked God if Joseph Smith was his prophet. Specifically that. I didn't receive an answer right then and there. Yesterday at sacrament meeting, there was a speaker talking about how the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ. She finished her talk by sharing Joseph's testimony of the Savior as recorded in D&C 76. The spirit hit me in such a way that it only has a couple of other times in my life. I wasn't even looking for my answer anymore, but Heavenly Father had heard my prayer and really gave me an answer. When she quoted the scripture by saying, "and this is the testimony last of all, which we give of him, that He lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God . . .", I knew at that moment that Joseph Smith did in FACT see God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I cannot deny the feeling and the impression which spoke to me in near audible words. I love to know that and to bear witness.

We have an All-Mission Conference tomorrow with Presdient Packer!! Cool, huh? We are so lucky. Then again, he is the father to our Mission President and his wife. I am very excited! I will have to tell you more about it next week.

Last of all, General Conference. It has been a couple of weeks, and so I don't remember it as well as when I had just heard it. I am excited for the Engisn to come out, but I remember a couple of talks in particular. I loved President Uchtdorf's talk in Priesthood about having the mind to work. We don't have to be brilliant, we just have to work. It reminds me of a quote, which is especially good for missionaries.

Neal A. Maxwell said,

God does not begin by asking us about our ability,
but only our availability,
and if we improve our dependability,
HE will increase our capability.
(Emphasis Added)

Another favorite was in the same session by President Eyring, about feeling a personal responsibility for each person we visit and have charge concerning.

Elder Holland's was of course a favorite, as I am sure most people would agree.

I think the one that hit me the most was by Elder Pearson. There were a lot of good talks, but this one was especially suited towards me, I feel. He talked about faith, in an almost logical way. He described it as an experiment, and photosynthesis. This is the way I often try to describe Faith to people we are teaching. Alma 32 is a perfect example. I will have to review my notes more for futher insights, but I do remember one more thing about Conference. I went with two questions to be answered, and they were both answered, on TWO SEPERATE OCCASIONS. Boy, I am sure happy for the communion of the Holy Spirit.

I love all of you, and pray for you daily. Please let me know how you all are, and any special spiritual experiences you have. I also have a small request. I was wondering if anyone had any testimony building experiences on the subject of Tithing? If so, please send me a detailed description of it. Loves from Wales,

Elder Jordan Davies

April 9, 2009

Sorry to keep you waiting for a couple of days, but I will also be writing on Monday, so this one will have to be short. For all of you wondering minds, I have been moved to . . . Wales. It is the Chester Ward, which is in England, but we cover the part of the ward called Deeside, which is in Wales. So I would say that my mission experience is completing itself in a wonderful way. Wales seems really cool, and we have a lot of Welch ancestry, so that is really cool.

The first day has been crazy. Elder Parker and I have whitewashed this area, which means that neither one of us was serving here last transfer. The flat is big, and nice, but was in a state when we got there. I will tell you more about our adventures on Monday.

Elder Parker is really cool. He is from Las Vegas, and has been out on his mission for about 4 months. We are going to have a good time. We spent most of our time yesterday traveling, so that caused the wait for e-mails.

I left Burnley with sad feelings. I love my areas, but it is nice to move on. Things there are picking up, and things here could start picking up too. We just have to put our trust in the Lord.

I will tell you all about conference on Monday. I loved it too. Love you all,

Elder Davies

March 29, 2009

Like Utah, England has decided to have cold, windy, rainy weather recently, except yesterday of course, because it was Sunday. We were looking forward to our ultimate frisbee game today, and it is looking like we were still be able to do it, but yesterdays weather would have been nice. England weather seems to change many times throughout the day. The clouds move so quickly here.

From what I hear, everyone is very excited for Conference this weekend. It makes my heart rejoice to hear each one of you express your love for the gospel and the words of modern day prophets. We are so blessed, but we are not loved more than anyone else. Everyone deserves to have the blessings that we do. It is easy for us to feel those now, and difficult for others to do so, so we usually have to show them by the way we live that the principles of the gospel form the only way to true peace and happiness. Seeing that example is so important, we have a great responsibility of providing that and giving simple testimonies to others. The Lord will guide us.

This is our first full week in our old area. We have very few investigators. It is not fun, but we are learning even more about finding, and especially working with the great, and pure-hearted members in this area. There are so many wonderful people quietly doing their jobs. I have probably never had a time in my mission where I have had to find as much as I am now. I am learning a lot. I believe the Lord is teaching me specific things for this time. One of the bright spots, however, is J**.

I have told you a bit about J**. He keeps coming to church. His wife is Less-active, and he hasn't started working on her yet, but he is working on his Less-active mother. It is great to see how the gospel teaches people to reach out to others. J**'s kids are also starting to gain an interest in the gospel.

I am sorry this is quite shorter than other e-mails. WE have a train to catch to get to our Zone Activity. I want all of you to know that I am doing very well. I am ever grateful to be involved in this refining process, and ever grateful for you-my pillars of strength. I have a testimony of the gospel and the understanding that it brings into our life. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission, and I want you to know that I pray for you daily.

I love you,

Elder Davies

March 23, 2009

Greeting from across the pond. We have been experiencing great weather this week . . . until this morning. The rain and wind has ruined our Zone Activity, so we will be trying for next week. But it did give me more time to read and reply to your e-mails. Thank you for them all.

I am grateful for the perspective that the gospel gives us in our lives. Many difficult things happen, and also many wonderful things happen. We are better able to cope with those things when we have the gospel in our life. We all have to learn how to trust in the Lord, and to not worry about much else.

We had a zone conference this week, and it was great!! They always are. We had a visiting authority from the 3rd Quorum of the Seventy. His name is Elder Malm from Sweeden. He was such an accomplished man. I never cease to be amazed at what the gospel does in our life when we live it. There is so much cause for hope for the future. The work here is slow and difficult at times, and then other times the floodgates can open. Down in the Burnley south area, things were just flying everywhere. We are now back up in the North area back into a two-some. I really do miss serving in a three-some with Elder Nelson. The transfer is already half over, because this is only a 5 week transfer. We will finish it off well with conference weekend. Up in the North Area, things are going a bit slower, but we did get 2 new investigators last week, which brings our total number of investigators to about . . . 2 :)

J** is one of those investigators. He came to church and asked to be taught. He had some contact with members earlier in the week, and expressed a desire to come back to church. He had investigated about 10 years ago. He has many different ideas and beliefs, but he recognized the good that came from attending church, so he wants to come back and try to learn the truth. Our lessons with him have been interesting. We haven't been able to teach much yet. The second time, some of his kids were there. The were great. I love teaching kids.

I was sad to leave R***** and C****** in the South area, but they are doing well, and came to church yesterday. J**'s kids are named M****** and J*****. They are 10 and 11. They also came to church yesterday and they loved it. Hopefully, we can start to teach them more regularly.

To cap off the week, we had a baptism on Friday. S**** was baptized and it was a sweet experience. Her brother J**** should follow closely behind. In the craziness of missionary work, sometimes the purpose of our work can be misty. I had a strong reminder on Friday that this is the salvation of souls. S**** started to cry during the hymn before her baptism, and her brother J**** started to cry as we walked to the baptismal font. Their father has been less-active for a long time, and they have been coming with their grandparents. Their father came to the baptism and the confirmation on Sunday. At one time he vowed to never step a foot in the chapel again. I can truly see that whole family coming back. What a blessing!!

I love all of you and I love this work. I don't have the opportunity to serve for much longer. I hope that I have been doing what the Lord wants me to do. I love Him and His grace and love and forgiveness. I love the words of the prophets and am very excited for Conference. May God watch over you all until I hear from you again.

Love you all,

Elder Davies

March 16, 2009

We have had a great week. Last Week I told you about the family we found on North Street. R***** and his sister, C******, came to church on Sunday and loved it. We are going to get the ward involved in helping the mom come back, and to get the dad to come in. The dad has worked with members throughout much of his life. We will be seeing them on Thursday.

I read a quote in my quote book that I wanted to share, but i left it at the flat. It showed that we have the power to overcome our trials, and they cannot determine our joy.

My three happies for the week are:
The sun is shining!
Our investigators are coming to church.
I have the honor of laboring in the vineyard.

We have had to stop visiting D****, and he is not going to be baptized this Friday. This is because he did not come to church yesterday. He knew this would happen if he didn't come. In the past, missionaries would just change his date, so we can't do that anymore, because he doesn't take it seriously enough.

B**** is progressing really well. We should give him a date this week. He is very cool. He reads and understand a lot. He is about 50 and really likes electronics and taking care of himself. he has changed his lifestyle a lot in the last couple of months. he is solid.

L** didn't enjoy the lesson we gave last week. It was about the Law of Chastity. Very, very, very awkward. He has so much changing to do.

S****/J**** are doing so good. S**** should be baptized this Friday and J**** in a couple of weeks. J**** has been reading a lot lately, and was able to tell us what was in 1 Nephi 10-12 without looking at it.

V***** was given a date for baptism in April and she should be getting back to us this week. she came to church and we love her.

S****** stopped smoking using the workshop. He looks and feels so good. He still has a lot of family problems to overcome, but this is one more thing out of the way. He has a pure heart, but his family can stop him from coming sometimes.

D*****, a recent convert, said the sacrament prayer for the first time yesterday. He was so nervous, but he did a really good job. What a graet guy!

We had tea at some members last week named the W*****'s. They live in a really nice house on a hill in Nelson. It is a very hilly area. Beautiful to visit in the summer! We were able to see a great view over the Pendle area. Too bad I don't have my camera!

We had a lot of potential people fall through this week. a lot of people just make appointments with us. People are quite scared of religion, and they can't see the wonderful blessings that could be theirs. We will keep trying.

My favorite scriptural moment was from Jacob 5. I especially loved when the Lord was coming to the vineyard for a final time with his servants. That is us. he had great things promised for us, but also expects much. I know that greater joy comes from His work than anything else. There are many ways we can all get involved in the work. We should do this, and we will be blessed for doing so. There are many ideas that Sister Allred shared in her talk last conference. Review that and think of an idea you could use.

Elder Davies

March 9, 2009

It has been a crazy week as we have been working in both of the areas we are to cover. There is much travel, and traveling in a three-some is becoming a little bit more comfortable. Sometimes it feels like we are surrounding people with our message, but that is excellent. We are usually able to contact most of the people on each of the buses we ride on. I wish this could last longer, but we are supposed to break up in the next couple of weeks when the missionaries come from Provo, once their Visas get there.

We have many investigators we taught for the first time, because this area we just moved into has a lot of progressing people. The ward is ready for all of these converts and do a good job at helping them out. It is great to have a missionary minded bishop. We try to keep good relations with the ward, but it can be difficult when some silly things happen. We so desperately want to keep that trust, so we usually just say whatever is needed to keep the relationship positive. We learn a lot of things on our mission that we didn't think we would.

We are teaching a 25 year-old young man named L**. He has had a very difficult life. He loves how he feels at church and what the gospel is helping him do, but he has to overcome many obstacles. We really grow to love these people, with a love that isn't our own. I am convinced of that. Without the infusion of God's love, we wouldn't be able to grow so close to people in such a short amount of time.

We are also teaching a man named S******, whose step son was just baptized a couple of weeks ago. He has also had a difficult life. We are helping him overcome smoking, and there are so many things standing in his way. I can't express how blessed we are to grow up in the areas we have grown up in, with the families that we have grown up with, and the perspective of the gospel that really changes the way we live.

D****'s baptism has been moved to go with another baptism that we will be having on the 20th. The Elders down here have been teaching two young grandchildren of some members. S**** is 14 and J**** is 12. They are great kids. I love how some people are just prepared for the gospel. S**** is going to be baptized on the same day as D****, the 20 of March. The ward likes to do them on Friday nights.

We have been teaching a lady from Monserrat named V*****. She has some family in the church, but used to be 7-day adventist. She is such a great lady, and she does some really good study. She is one of those people who look like they are 25, but really are 60.

I am very much looking forward to Conference. I have been reading the Ensign's for the last two conferences, and I have realized more the blessing of having living prophets and apostles. If everyone would just hearken, how different would this world be. How much more happiness would exist in our lives? How much more blessed would our families? How would our ability to resist the world increase? How would our understanding of life's difficult things improve? It is God's way, because it works. We have that evidence that it does before our very eyes, within our very lives. I have pen-ready, heart-opened, eyes-pointed, and ears-waiting for the whisperings of the Holy Spirit as Prophets of God invite us to grow closer to Christ on April 4 and 5.

My three happies are:
Serving in the three-some.
Watching the gospel change lives.
Having a beautiful new neice. (Do other families oogle over their neices and nephews as much as we do?)

Favorite Scripture? John 15:10-11. All of the commandments given to us really do help us to have a fuller joy. Every commandment received from God, or His servants, ancient or modern will be directed at this end goal . . . our eternal happiness!

Favorite Memory? We have had a lot of funny moments over the last couple of days. It would have to be watching David's reaction to our "12 days of Chirstmas" song.

Miracle for the week? We were looking for a less-active on North St., but couldn't remember the address. We had to get going, but when we got to the bus stop we realized that we had 20 minutes. We decided to tract North St. Not much was happening until the last door. We had 5 minutes left. We started to talk to this lady and she told us that she had been baptized into the church, but had fallen away when her parents split up. She married a non-member, and so it didn't help. She invited us in, and her kids were amazing. They really wanted to come to church, especially the 15 year old boy. He says he doesn't like beer, coffee, tea, or alcohol anyway, so he wants to join us. He should be coming to youth on Tuesday. I am excited to see what happens. He could be the key to getting his family into the church, and one day sealed.

Sometimes we take for granted the gospel and the knowledge that we are sealed forever. It cannot be taken lightly. It is Eternally important for us and for all people. This is why I love to do this work. I love you all and know that God lives and looks over us. Never lose hope!

Elder Davies

March 4, 2009

We have an interesting transfer ahead of us. Elder Carter and I were serving in Burnley North, and Elder Nelson and Elder Napier were serving in Burnley South. Next to Burnley is an area called Blackburn. Elder Szauter was serving with Elder Stevens in Blackburn. Today, Elder Stevens went to serve somewhere else, and Elder Szauter was going to train a new missionary, BUT the new missionaries have had trouble coming because of their Visa's. So, President sent Elder Napier to serve with Elder Szauter until the new missionary comes, and Elder Carter and I moved down to Burnley South to serve with Elder Nelson. So for the next couple of weeks, there will be three of us serving together! Elder Nelson, as Mom knows, went to High School with me, so it is very funny. We will still be teaching the people in our area who are progressing well. It is only a 30 minute bus ride up to our flat. We will be in this trio until the new missionary comes, if he is able to get his Visa. They only think it will take a couple of weeks. We moved some of our stuff down to this flat, and the other flat will just be empty until further notice. That is my crazy, semi-transfer.

Not much has happened since last week. We have been doing a lot of finding, but haven't been finding many interested people. It baffles my mind, but I can't really explain the difficulties without some of you coming out and trying it. That is usually how we learn things. Returned missionaries will understand what I am saying.

D**** M***** should be getting baptized on the 14 of March. He is finally to a point where he is ready. The Elders down here have a couple of people dated for baptism, so we just picked up some solid investigators!!

We have been teaching someone who has Schizophrenia. It is really hard for her. We are helping her to quit smoking, but the voices in her head say awful things to her. I might have told you this last week. We have found a lot of great people, but haven't had much progression with any of them yet. I talked to this really cool girl from South Africa. It was so refreshing to see someone who could carry a really good conversation with you. She was really nice. She showed some solid interest in the church and I really hope that she gets in touch with missionaries, like she said she would.

Everyday we meet many people. I know that I am learning a lot from these great experiences, but I am sure that the whole lesson for me will continue to be unfolded throughout my life.

I love you all, and am so grateful for the things I have learned from each of you.

Elder Davies

February 25, 2009

We have had a great week. Yesterday, the President and his wife came over to inspect the flat and conduct the interviews for this transfer. Our flat passed with top marks, and we got a prize of nice brownie mix for it. This week we have found some new investigators and continue to schedule appointments for the future. Unfortunately, many of these fall through, but the more we schedule, the more will go through. Many of these people have real difficulties in their lives. Young, single mothers who need something, but there is so much against them. I wish they could see what blessings could come into their lives 5 years down the line if they were to make righteous decisions now. That is a real test to have that kind of perspective. We are just trying to show them a lot of love, without getting in their face too much.

I don't know if I told everyone, but we have a funny P-day schedule starting next transfer. P-days on Mondays, except for on transfer week, and then P-day and transfer day stay on a Wednesday. Dad a has list of the P-days for the next couple of months, so you can get that from him!

We don't have a whole lot to update on investigators. D****'s Baptism is being moved back to the 14 of March to help him prepare better. He lets his kids tell him what to do too much and they tell him they want to go home from church after sacrament, and so he goes with them.

Z*** and P*** we don't get to see often. P***l is still skeptical about things and Z*** isn't feeling well.

We challenged M****** and C******** to take steps towards baptism by setting a date. I think C******** doesn't grasp the importance of it all, and M****** is very poorly and feels like he has to be perfectly well before baptism.

We met a lady named A**. She is really great. She is a quaker, but her partner is Catholic. She wants to bring her kids to church.

Another girl named K**, who has two young sons. She used to hate religion, but a message about families softened her heart. She didn't understand much of what we said, but I hope that she felt the spirit in the room as we introduced the Book of Mormon and promised blessings.

The real great test is finding interested investigators and everyone know that tracting is not the best way to do that. We are focusing on trying a couple of different means, but it can be really hard to organize and think of other ways. We usually result in just walking around talking to everyone in the streets and knocking on their doors.

We have had some wonderful moments this week. I realized that we have wonderful moments every week, we just can forget them or not notice them sometimes. Yesterday, a member needed some help, and we had planned to go out and find some new people. We know how important it is to find new people, but we prayed and asked heavenly father what the right decision was, and we both felt that is was important to help this member. As we did so, we really felt the blessings of making the decision with the lord. Counsel with the Lord in all your doings. The more into the gospel I get, the more profound conference talks start to mean. I recoginize that they can actually be applied to our lives. Elder Bednar gave a talk last conference about Praying Always. He uses the counsel with the lord scripture in Alma 37:37. Prayer can be a simple part of our day, but if we consecrate our day unto the Lord and seek his will in our day, we will see miracles. We can always be asking: What do you want me to do? Where do you want me to go? What do you want me to say? etc. . . .

Family, I love all of you. I know this gospel is true. I know we are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. That knowledge alone changes lives. Sometimes I want to ask teenage girls around here if they know they are daughters of God. They try so hard to impress the world, and they are killing their own soul in the process.

Elder Davies

February 18, 2009

The work has gone forward much better this week. We continue to learn how to better share the message. This week we went on a couple of exchanges with leaders and had a great time. We set up a lot of appointments. You would be surprised at how many appointments fall through each week. I went on an exchange to Chorley this week, while Elder Carter stayed in Burnley. Chorley is where the Temple is, even though it is called the Preston temple. They just created a 3rd Chorley ward on Sunday. There are so many members there, it is quite fun. We were able to meet many of them on our exchange there.

Our investigator named D**** came to church. He has a baptismal date for the 28th and had to come to church on Sunday to keep that date. P****** didn't come to church, so we have had to tell him that we can't teach him anymore. He has been taught for so long, and he has grown a bit, but this time of not teaching him will help him grow more.

When I was in Chorley, Elder Carter and Elder T. Davies(Crazy, huh? Another Elder Davies, even with a T) found someone here, taught them the first lesson, and Elder T. Davies committed them to Baptism for the 21st of March right then and there. They have a lot of things to overcome, but it is still really cool.

We have been focusing this week on improving our Study. Preach My Gospel gives us so many tips in Chapter 2 on having a better study. We usually don't think they would be that amazing, and then we try them out, and they work. I love how that happens.

We have been visiting with a less-active named J**** W********. She has gone through Cancer and cancer remissions a couple of times. She really gets sad about it, and we have been visiting her over the last week to help her out. She is a great lady. She loves the scriptures and has a close relationship with her heavenly Father. She goes in tomorrow to have another scan for her cancer.

The members here are great. They help us out a lot and feed us a lot. One of the members daughters lives in Provo, going to BYU. She is a freshman, so I was wondering if Taylor had ever seen her. Her name is Nadine Burgan. Sister Burgan truly is a saint. They might be moving to Utah this year. That would help her

I love the pure prophecies in the Book of Mormon, and the pure understanding of the Plan of Salvation. If people would just read it, they could see. I was reading in 2 Nephi 26 today. I can usually only remember todays study right off the top of my head. Nephi sees a lot of the Apostasy and the coming forth of his words. I love verse 23-end. It describes a lot about the nature of God. So kind and loving to all His children.

I love all of you and really appreciate your prayers and your e-mails. I hope all of you are doing well.

Love you all,

Elder Davies

February 11, 2009

I wasn't able to climb Pendle Hill last week. There was an Elder who is afraid of heights, and was only able to get a hundred steps up. Someone had to stay with him, because we can't be on our own as missionaries, so I stayed behind. Elder Carter got some good pictures at the top. I hope you enjoy them!

It continues to be cold and a bit snowy here. A month or two, and I will be out of the English cold. Yes!! We stay pretty warm though if we bundle up. Nothing to worry about.

The work this week proved to be interesting again. We have had some trouble getting investigators to keep commitments, and to get potential investigators to keep appoinyments. It blows my mind that no one wants to listen. It all comes down to them just not understanding. I wish I could explain it in the way that I know it. They are not having a fair chance to say yes or no.

There is a family that just started to come to our ward. They were going to a ward just outside of this ward, and are now coming to ours. It is cool, because they are kind of in a far out area, so we get to see them sometimes. We saw them this week. One of the ladies is a part-member family. The husband isn't interested yet, but we were able to meet him. He is such a nice guy. He would be a great member.

We have started a stop-smoking workshop with one of our investigators named P******. It is a seven day thing that guarantees they will be able to give it up, if they follow the steps. It is pretty cool. There is a lot to do in the 15 steps, some of them can seem silly, but it works. He has been doing alright for the first two days. I hope he can make the changes. Neither him or D**** were at Chruch on Sunday. We are not supposed to teach people if they don't keep the commitments we leave with them. Many of our investigators are not keeping them.

I can't think of any great finding situations that happened, just a principle. It is easier to keep the commandments than not to. We just feel so much better. That is why they were given. In John 15:9-15 we learn the relationship between love and the commandments. It is so true, so true. Especially v.13, when he tells us that he tells us these things that we can have a fuller joy. That is my scripture thought for the week.

We got to play football today for a Zone Activity. We have such a great zone, and some great zone leaders. That is one of my happies for the week. Another one is the beautiful countryside of England. There is so much to see, and so little opportunities to see it. My third happy is my family. I am continually amazed at how great you all are. Thank you so much for your love and support.

I love you all, 'til next week. T'rah

Elder Davies

February 4, 2009

We have had a good week. A lot more street pounding than usual, but that is good for us. Not as many outstanding experiences, but still a great week. We are going to climb Pendle Hill right now, and have to meet the other Elders really soon, so this will be a bit shorter. I will also be sending some pictures next week of the hike and some other fun moments we have had over the last couple of weeks. I sent a package last week, and I hope you got that, complete with my first memoroy card, so you can get some good pictures from my mission. I have a couple of questions.

We haven't had any new investigators lately, but we have been planting some seeds, and strengthening personal testimony. I love all of you. Please keep praying for us, and allowing the Lord to direct you in your lives. It is the secret to happiness! I love you all and look forward to hearing from you next week!

Loves,

Elder Davies

January 28, 2009

We are buried and engaged in the work here in England, and the Lord has blessed us greatly. We can make a lot of mistakes throughout the day, but each time we exercise even the smallest amount of faith, we receive the Lord's blessings. I have never had a week like this one where something unusual has happened almost every day. I will recap it for you.

Friday: We taught the L******'s(M****** and C********). They hadn't really been progressing much lately, and we taught a lesson that we knew C******** would struggle with. She doesn't have a firm testimony of the Prophet Joseph and we were going to teach her about the Word of Wisdom, which she struggles with. She committed to start making the change and cutting down. We don't know how much she has done yet, but she was surprisingly positive about it.

After that we went down to a lesson with a Bosnian lady named H*****. We had never talked to her. The other Elders had found her, and she lived in our area, so we were hoping that she was still planning on the lesson. When we got there she was asleep. Her son woke her up and she came down to talk to us. She told us that she had fallen asleep around 5, because she was not feeling well, and asked us why we were calling at such an early hour. We told her that it was 7:00. She said she needed to get her son to school at 7:30 and she had to reschedule. We asked if he had night school. She seemed confused, so we deducted that she thought it was morning!! I wanted to tell her that there was no way I would be coming to her house at 7:00 in the morning. She came to realize that it was evening and she hadn't actually slept all night. She still told us that she had to reschedule. Elder Carter and I had a good laugh!

Saturday: We went tracting in a small area a bit outside of the main area on a road called Alma Avenue. It is actually quite a popular name in England. We tracted into a mom and dad that had 4 girls. The mom's name was T******. She was an incredible lady. She has never been a part of a religion, but she is so close to God and understands her connection with him so well. Everything she was saying completely agreed with everything we taught. They are very impressive people. She didn't seem too excited at our message, because she isn't looking for anything, but we got into a door! We are going to try to see her again, but I can hardly explain how cool everything was that she was saying. So positive and uplifting.

Sunday: Z*** and P*** fed us. I don't think the chicken was quite done, because it seemed like i was tearing it off the bone. And the blood pockets didn't help. I only took one bit, and that was enough. I was worried that I would get Salmonella and my Tuesday morning experience almost confirmed my worry. However, I was okay. We were not sure at the reason why Z*** and P*** kept inviting us over, because they weren't coming to church or making any progress. We stated our purpose in coming, and got a good response. P*** told us that he would do everything if he received an answer to his prayer that the Book of Mormon was true. That was really nice.
Later that night we were about to go in, and saw a young girl walking on the street. Usually we don't talk to younger people, but this conversation went really well. She was happy to receive a Book of Mormon and we are going to try to contact her this weekend. It was just cool to see how we could have gone in a couple minutes early, but because we were doing what is right, Heavenly Father blessed us.

Monday: P****** received a spiritual experience while reading 1 Nephi 8 in the lesson. He suddenly had a strong desire to read the Book of Mormon and he felt something go through his body. He wondered what it was. We explained that he had a confirmation of the truth. It was great to watch that happen.

Tuesday: We were tracting in an area that is kind of far away. A man who is a brother of a member in Utah picked us up at the bus stop and gave us a lift. He has heard a lot about the church, and isn't interested, but I don't believe that it was coincidence that we were there when we were. It could have gone so many different ways.

There are more, and the ones I explained aren't even clear enough. It is so hard to explain all of it and explain it in such a way to make it completely make sense. I just want you to know that it was great!

I was going to send some pictures, but I forgot to bring the cable to my camera. I will have to send some next week, and describe my companion in a better way. Sorry, but I have to get going.

I love you all and thank you for the love and support you lend me. Maybe I will be able to send a letter with everything else that wasn't in here!

Elder Davies