Good news

Dear Mother,
Compared to the developments of last week this has been a very calm week.  However I am pleased to announce that there are two individuals that are going to be baptized this Saturday.

The first of the afternoon is a young man from the singles ward.  About 4 weeks ago we were walking around the church building and he came up requesting to come to church and have us come by.  His story is a really cool story.  He was introduced to the church through his girlfriend's family several months ago.  He doesn't really have any family and lives in a halfway house to stay off the street.  What is remarkable is his determination to do the right thing.  As we have taught him I have seen how much he has come to appreciate the ability to change.  He hasn't made all good choices, but he is doing everything in his power to stay on the straight and narrow path.  Prior to his baptismal interview we asked him if he had ever committed a crime for which he is on probation or parole.  His answer was a little shaky, but "no".  I kept feeling like he hadn't been entirely truthful, but when we interview we take his answers as the truth.  I was very impressed when in a lesson yesterday evening he revealed that he indeed not been entirely truthful.  In a world were individuals lie and cheat their way into just about anything I am grateful for this young man and his faith.  He knew that he could not make a promise with God until he was first honest with those around him.  We are unsure if he will be baptized this weekend, but the comfort that he has told the whole truth must be a greater blessing than not having to wait to be baptized if necessary.

The other individual who will be getting baptized this week end is the 80 year old woman.  She is so prepared and willing to be baptized.  Her testimony on the Holy Ghost is so powerful.  We did take her to the baptismal pool so that she could walk down the stairs and feel comfortable with everything that will happen.  When you baptize a 80 year old there are a few more logistical procedures to take care of.  Our plan is to plug the overflow drain so that the water level will be higher, thus making it easier for the sister to be submerged.

Beyond that we've enjoyed some time playing soccer and other sports with other missionaries in the area.

On Monday I gave my best shot at bowling.  It was a little embarrassing trying to get a good score.  About every 4th bowl would be a strike and the rest would be gutter balls.  You can say that I am a very black and white person.

Well that about concludes the news.

The weather is wonderfully chilly and we are going back on bikes this transfer.

Love,
Elder Will Davidson