I should probably share a story of why I had a tie around my head. Bro.Williams our beloved ward mission leader couldn't tie this one tie that he had, so I offered to help. As soon as I got it tied I realized that it wouldn't fit over my head. At that point the cameras had already come out so I struck a pose.
It has been one amazing week. Last Monday I had said that Elder Thomas, Witherell and I were all staying together. That actually changed shortly after I emailed home. The Zone Leaders called and told us that Elder Thomas was getting transferred to Paradise Valley and there had been a mix up in the transfer news the night before. Elder Thomas was very sad to leave his first area. It was hard to see him go, because he was so attached to everyone in the area and wanted to spend more time here. He was such a key part of our companionship and he is truly missed. On the other hand I found out that my New companion is Elder Ellsworth! The one who was in the MTC with me. We have had so much fun together, and I have never been happier my entire mission. We have each served in the same area (Lehi) and with the same companions, Elder Marco and Elder Paetznick. Elder Witherell and Elder Ellsworth are some of the best missionaries I've ever been with. We work hard and we play. We've taught better together than I have with any other companion. It is really fun to serve with Elder Ellsworth, because we think the same and we are just as focused on our efforts. It is not difficult at all when we teach, to transition, because we both are very familiar with the lessons and also with how each other teaches. We still struggle in different areas, but overall we are doing very well.
Some of the fun highlights:
-Sword fighting. Elder Ellsworth brought from his first area two duct tape foam swords. After we finish planning and studying we get to fight each other during lunch and as we are getting ready for bed. It has been a good way for us to stay focused during the day, and have a little fun on the side.
-Bottle cap shooting. Another game we discovered last night was the use of Gatorade bottle caps as throwing discs. They fly really well and you can use them for target practice, or to take out a fellow missionary.
That is what we do when we have time.
On a serious note. We've been teaching a wonderful lady who has wanted to get baptized for a while now. Yesterday she didn't come to church which is abnormal, so we went to see if she was ok. On arrival we discovered that her rent money had been stolen again. It was heart wrenching to see how distraught she was. As missionaries there is nothing we can do. She asked if we would say a prayer with her so we did. I was comforted to see her calm down as we left her home. She may not be staying in her apartment any longer, but her faith is stronger than anything. No matter what, she wants to keep coming to church and finding strength in prayer.
Another cool experience is of a young man. He was baptized in another area and has yet to come to church here in Phoenix. His sister and parents aren't members of the church, but they allowed us to visit him the other day. He has had a little trouble in school with detentions, and being expelled, so you can imagine how strict his mom is on him. As we got to know them they could see how he really opened up. After the lesson he said the prayer, and his 15 year old sister said she had never heard him say such nice things. Even his mom said that the prayer was beautiful. It definitely helped the family come closer together, when he said a prayer.
As a missionary it has been difficult for me to figure out what exactly is obedience. In past companionships you could say that I was quick to find problems and fix them regardless of the cost. Having realized how difficult it is to be exactly obedient with each companion I have become a much more pleasant person. Before I would get frustrated over every little problem that came up. That was not healthy for me or our companionship. Looking back I can see that caused a lot of stress between companions and even more inside myself. That is why I'm really the happiest I have ever been. The Lord knows that I have been asked to do things that I can't or do not know how to do. It is much like a man with no legs being asked to run 100 meters. Some of the things I've been asked to do can't be done, but I will try to do it, and with a smile on my face. Really that is where success comes from, trying to do the things that are beyond our reach without the help of the Lord. When faith is applied that is when some else comes and picks us up, finishing the race.
There is no greater satisfaction than being here in Arizona, I love it so much.
Love you all,
Elder Will Davidson
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