Talk about it or do something about it?

This past week has been a really great learning experience.  On Friday we had a transfer, and a new missionary has come to the area.  His name is Elder Brantley from Georgia.  He has been in the mission field for just three weeks, and I've been put in the position of being his trainer.  This is really exciting, because I'm not quite sure how to keep track of all the new things going on.  That said we have amazing ward leadership.  In fact after eating with one bishop he expressed his confidence in us during one of the ward leadership meetings.  I was feeling pretty humbled by the amount of responsibility, and that confidence helped both Elder Brantley and I.  We have met so many wonderful people.

During one of the trainings we were given by a stake leader I learned how important it is to build from centers of strength.  It made sense to build from our strongest points out especially when we consider the principles of "gathering" and "strengthening" Zion.  It just makes more sense that missionary work should originate from the ward and its members.

So with a new companion we are learning lots together.  Every day has been an adventure, almost like being a new missionary again.   Elder Brantley is humble, bold, and has a sweet accent which helps us get sympathy from other people.  He loves riding motorcycles!  and he loves playing my favorite video game.  Most of all he is a great teacher.  I've learned so much from his example.  In fact it took me a while to realize that I needed to slow down, and explain things, because he has never even been to a ward council meeting before.

My head is full of all the things that have happened this week.  We are planing a good Zone activity this Monday, and we'll be dressing up in different costumes.  If I wasn't a missionary I would totally dress up as hiccup from "How to train your dragon".  As it is however I'll be Astro Boy on his mission.

That really sums up the major things.

We are teaching an 80 year-old sister who has been learning about the church for over 30 years.  When we invited her to be baptized she said "are we going to talk about it or do something about it".  I was laughing at how prepared and ready to join the church she was.  When she came to church she said that it is too short.  Even after 3 hours she wanted to spend more time in the building feeling the spirit.  I take that as a lesson from a veteran on how best to use our time.

I hope everyone has a great week.

Love,
Elder Davidson