letter grades

If my last email and this email were to receive a letter grade I'm sure that they would receive an E for effort.

I can say that this has been some of the most rewarding and satisfactory days of my mission.  The best way to explain why would be highlighting what goes on during the week, and during the day.

The most personally satisfying part of my week, and the start of a good attitude is my personal study time.  Every morning I study the scriptures and the missionary manual.  Some times I get sidetracked by little scripture scavenger hunts, but for the most part I have lots of good insights.  I'm reading the New Testament focusing on the parables that Christ used to teach.  In addition I've started reading the Book of Mormon again using a red pen to underline all the times Christ is addressed or mentioned.  It has been really fun.  Last week I finished reading the Book of Mormon underlining any reference to the Holy Ghost (not the easiest).  The cool part is I happened to be on the last chapter when we went to the Temple, so I read it in the Celestial Room.

Another highlight of my week is Sundays.  This Sunday was especially special because there was a family that hasn't sat in the chapel for years, and they agreed to sit with us.  Elder Robinson and I also got to sing a duet "Savior redeemer of my soul"  not my favorite song. That said the actual performance was incredible.  It was funny at first to see everyone's face.  "Wow these elders can sing, didn't see that coming".  We actually sounded very good, and I felt more unified singing with Elder Robinson than I have with anyone else.  I attribute that feeling to the fact we had the same goal in mind, to help others feel the Holy Ghost. 

So a physically challenging part of missionary work is always service.  This past Thursday night we got on the roof of a little double-wide trailer.  Due to heavy rain the roof has just about reached sponge status.  Luckily before another storm rolled in Bro.Sargent and I were able to put a 60 by 40 foot tarp over the whole roof.  It was a little scary to be looking out over the desert and literally see lightning hit the ground miles away.  We were blessed, because the storm blew west, right beneath where the house was.  Not to mention we were afraid the tarp wouldn't stay down.

The final fun thing I've enjoyed has been the great abundance of hostess cakes from a member (several dozen boxes).  Elder Robinson was going to take a lot before I calculated how many calories are from one box.  Last night I also got to see my very first owl in person.  What a magnificent bird!   I walked to the tree were it was perched and it watched me the whole time.  It's eyes were just piercing.  Then it flew over me.  That was about the coolest thing all week.  It lives just east of us near the mountain, so I should get some more pictures of it.

I'm am doing very well in this area

Oh and the best part.  Last night we had a wonderful lesson with the family of three that we found when they walked into the church on Saturday.  They all committed to find out for themselves if the Book of Mormon is true.  It was a sweet moment to see them take control of their lives and ask God what he wants them to do.  I don't know what will come of it, but I know that they will benefit greatly.


I love you all,
Elder Davidson