December 30, 2008

Happy Holidays! I am writing today(Tuesday) because the libraries are closed tomorrow, so that means a couple of things: Some of you have not written, not knowing that I was going to write a day early. Also, we are trying to write as quickly as is reasonable because it is not a preparation day. Sorry for any problems that causes. Blame the Lancashire libraries :).

First off, it was wonderful to speak to EACH of you. I am a lucky brother, son, grandson, uncle, and whatever else I am. I love the Christmas spirit our family carries. From what I hear you had a wonderful Christmas season with all of the regular festivities.
We didn't get to talk much, so I will tell you all about what I did for Christmas. First, on Christmas Eve we sang Carols in the Burnley Town Centre with six other Elders. That was one of my highlights, blaring out my testimony of the true meaning of Christmas. People get a little unfocused. Then we went to eat with the Moore's, a family in the ward. We were only there for a bit, and then had to shoot off to the Pickups'. This family has quite a nice house, and it reminded me of being back home with actual space to live and stretch. They fed us a wonderful meal, and we went back to the other Elders' flat and slept over. Christmas morning was the time we opened our presents, and boy was I opening presents for a long time. From around here we got some of the traditional things, like socks, scarves, chocolate, and more chocolate. I will probably be sending home some chocolate, which I am sure you will all love. I am sorry, but English chocolate beats American chocolate in every category. However, from home, I received a big Santa bag. I wrote down all of the presents I received, but I forgot that I was writing e-mails today, so I left it back at the flat. However, everything was wonderful!! The ties are very nice, the shoes are great, even the books that I will be reading when I come back. I enjoyed it all. I think if I had to pick out my two favorite gifts, I would say, 1)The letters and 2)The Liljenquist's book of pictures. Original!!

After opening presents, we went to the Leeds' for Dinner, and that is where I called you from. Then we went to H**** R**'s. He is an older less active man, but he is starting to come back. I love H****. After that, we went to the Hewitsons, and played some games with them. On Boxing Day we got to watch Narnia with some Investigators. That was really cool. We were also allowed to play the Wii at a members home. All of these things were sanctioned!!! Missionaries have it so easy.

Well, this week was quite different with some of the breaks, and the upcoming one will be also with New Years, but everything will be back to normal after that. We got to see the new Joseph Movie at the Zone Conference. That was my second time seeing it and I loved it. I have a great love for the gospel. I love the Prophets, past and present. I love my Saviour, and the wonderful changes He makes in people's lives. I love all of you. Please pray for these people, and the missionary efforts around the world. Sorry this is shorter than usual. I have never been a great writer, but hopefully this did something in helping you see how spoiled missionaries are at Christmas time.

Love from England,

Elder Davies