Enjoying the days

Dearest Family and Friends,

What a wonderful week.

Sadly I don't have much to report past the normal news.  I haven't done anything overly exciting besides continuing to preach the Gospel.  We did have pasta two times this week.  That doesn't happen very often.

Goodness I just read the last email I sent home and realized how boring it was.  Sorry.  It can be very difficult trying to share the details of mission life.  What seems wonderful and exciting to me is usually not so interesting to you.  None the less I'll tell you about a couple people.

First the W Family.  Wow what a sweet group.  So the dad actually grew up in Eastgate!!  We've talked a lot about what it was like when he lived there.  He also served his mission in Denmark which happens to be the country I wish I was called to.  He is married to a divorced woman and she is super sweet.  She hasn't been active for a while, so she likes having the elders over to help her learn.  Then the two eldest children that live at home are L who is 21 and C who is 17.  They are really kind and loving.  C speaks about 300 words per minute and never stops talking.  Which is fun because it really reminds me of a beloved older sister.  Then L rarely ever speaks, but when he does he has a strong voice.  I guess there isn't a lot of opportunity to talk with his sister.  While we were at dinner with their family we got talking with the kids and learned that they have been struggling.  I was surprised as C started looking inward and shared with us some of her fears and desires.  This special moment was punctuated by mascara streaks down her face.  During this moment of abnormal calmness we learned from her that church is a struggle.  She attends a high school where most of the population is "Mormon".  Despite being a Mormon as well, Brooke hasn't grown up with that culture, so she is sadly judged by those who should be more understanding.  This has created a struggle for her.  She wonders why she should keep learning about the gospel, when so many others in the church treat her unkindly.  After that we simply listened and talked to her about finding good friends that don't judge and help her keep good standards.  We also challenged her to pay more attention in sacrament meeting.  That was also an amazing experience, because the speakers talked about ...judging others.  That was a sweet moment.  L is no different even though he is 21.  He has some of the same feelings.  I have enjoyed so much the spirit work through Elder Martin and I to lift the family.

Another lady we have been working with is getting baptized this coming weekend.  She has been taught for the last 4 months, and is now ready to make the commitment to be baptized.

We are so happy to be in this area.  The Lord is really blessing me to keep working.

Love you all,

Elder Will Davidson