ARE Y'ALL STILL ALIVE?

Dear hard core hikers of the week!

Don’t think I have forgotten about each one of you! Throughout this week, knowing you were all hiking one of the most dangerous hikes, I’ve thought a lot about the mountains we climb in life and why we must climb them. What is so important? What is at the top? Is it truly worth it? And why am I climbing?

We climb one mountain after another in our lives and I have found that if I’m not careful, I catch myself looking at the ground and staring at rocks and dirt. However, because of the outstanding family I have, they have taught me to look up. Even though we often can't see the top while we are climbing, we can imagine and envision, what is up there and what is to come.

Time after time, we read at the BEGINNING of the Book of Mormon, how Nephi went to the mountain for different reasons. I’m sure the climb wasn't easy and I’m sure he struggled through boulders and mud puddles. BUT he knew his purpose!

Being here in the rolling hills or flat lands of Texas has caused me to miss the Rocky Mountains just a bit. However, there is one "mountain" here that I am eternally grateful for. It is at the top of Stone Oak Parkway in San Antonio and is the House of the Lord. You can't quite see it from anywhere else in San Antonio unless you get in just the perfect spot, and even then, you can only see the tip of Moroni's trumpet. BUT, when you are at the temple, you can see ALL of San Antonio and the view goes on forever! That is the kind of vision, insight, feelings, growth, emotions and happiness that is all felt at the Temple!

I am climbing my own mountain right now….. BUT it is the greatest place to be!

New Companion: Sister Hansen from Springville, UT! She is incredible! WOW! So diligent, dedicated, hard-working, and we are ready to run up the mountain!

New Area: Austin Ward! Yes! The first and original ward and building here in Austin! We are spoiled here, I'll be honest. On our drive home every evening we look ahead at the sky line of central downtown Austin and can’t believe the awesome view! We are about 5 min from the capital. There is such diversity here, like no other place I’ve been. And I’m getting a glimpse of the life of a foreign mission. (just a glimpse though, I am sure) We come home every night to mariachi bands playing just across the banks of the river that we live on.

New Language: The Spanish is thick here as well. OH, my goodness, I need to learn! It is quite difficult when you don’t have a companion who is a Spanish called missionary. However, Sister Hansen and I are jumping right in and making a fools of ourselves together! When everyone you talk to every moment of everyday speaks Spanish though, it is necessary to learn. I also think I have heard more Spanish music the last few days than hymns. (and we sing a lot of hymns!)

Can you see why it is just the greatest place to be!?!

Our Investigators:

Maria! Alma 32:21 describes her perfectly. She has great faith in God. She doesn’t believe she does, but truly she does. The past few months have been a rough time for her, however, she has not given up. She is living the principle Elder Holland taught. "Lead with the faith that you already do have." The other day she prayed for the first time in a long time! She talked to our Heavenly Father and I am sure He was so happy to hear from her. She came to church and was able to remember her Savior!

Shane (father) Jessica (mother) and Chris (son)! The father joined the church about a year ago and now the Lord has prepared Jessica! She is ready to jump all in. And Chris is incredible. He loves his mother so much and appreciates all that she does for him. He said, "If they would let her, I think my mother is so great that she should be able to get baptized twice!" They will both be getting baptized on July 19th!

John! An older gentlemen, and who is a sweetheart for sure! He is diligent in his scripture study. He loves coming to church and will be getting baptized in a couple weeks! July 12th! Pray that is back feels up to par on that day though. 1 Nephi 3:7

AND so many others! Yesterday we walked and talked with so many people! Miracles have not ceased! Mormon 9:19. They are real. God is real. The Lord has basically packed our whole week with lesson after lesson. I can see why we have been taught to make our lessons short and powerful. There is no time for a lesson longer than 20min. Pray for more time before He comes again because we are going to need it!

This is the work of the Lord! HIS WORK! Oh how I love my Savior. I want to serve him every moment and every minute. I remember when Cheylee was little and she would say how eating is just so inconvenient and takes so much time. I feel ya Chaloo! If we just didn’t have to stop to eat.........

He performs the miracles, He does all the work. These miracles are because of Him! I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly is our Redeemer, the Almighty God! I know that Christ lives. I know that He has given us the Book of Mormon as a testament of Him and to learn how we can become like Him. I know that His power, and His Authority is currently on this earth within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet of God to restore Christ's church to this earth.

I love each one of you because you have allowed me to learn and gain this knowledge! Thank you, Thank you!  Love for the eternities!  Sister Davis

"YE MUST PRAY ALWAYS"

Hello from the good old San Antonio! 

Please be safe this week as you hike and climb Hlf Dome and see all of Gods creations! I am ready to hear all the gospel analogies when you return! 

It has been an outstanding week! Lots of great changes and tons of miracles! 

Aisha came to dinner with an outstanding family in the ward and attended a baptism on Saturday! She is incredible! Every time we ask her a question, she stares off into the distance and ponders for a moment and then shares a couple sentences. She shares what she needs to share in the perfect amount of words. How I desire to be like her!

All the missionaries in our stake met together this past week! It is incredible to see the impact and power of one individual. One of our leaders has served in numerous ways throughout the mission. We had the blessing of having him as our leader the last transfer of his mission. He has given his all…….every moment and every minute. It makes me think of all those testimonies you have shared with me from the missionaries returning home at this time. The impact one individual can have on so many people in such a short period of time. All because of the Holy Ghost, that testifies and teaches each one of us. 

We met the Pena Family this past week! (it reminded me of your childhood friend mother!) Their daughter joined the church just a few years ago and was married in the temple. They are a wonderful strong Catholic family! They shared experience after experience with us how they have been inspired by the power of the Holy Ghost in their life. The 12yr old son shared with us how when he attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints he felt more comfortable, at peace and at ease than when he usually attends his church. The mother shared with us how she saw 17 miracles. She was so curious as to why she was so drawn into it. After having a Book of Mormon laying on her desk for multiple years, she finally decided to pick it up and begin reading. There were tears in her eyes as she described to us all that she was learning. 

I know without a shadow of a doubt that the third member of the godhead is real. It is our guide, our comforter, the testifier of truth! How blessed we are to always have it with us as we are worthy of it. 

It is a bitter-sweet this week. I will be leaving the San Antonio 9th Ward. I am sad to leave such a wonderful companion, Sister Iverson. She has taught me how to be humble, how to listen, how to accept correction and improve and progress. She will do incredible things in this area though! (so don’t send anything to this address 12330 Vance Jackson # 7202) 

Each one of you are in my prayers. I think of all that you have done and are always doing for me. Thank you, thank you! I love each one of you. 

Sham, Souji, me and Nicolina

Favorite Door this week!

dinner with S. Vasquez, Aisha, Cassandra and myself!

"THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG SUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS AND TEMPERANCE."

FAMILY! 

Aren't we so grateful that there are still national holidays that celebrate the family, becoming a family, the purpose of a family, of the role of a father in a family! Even if it was spent watching a fathers favorite thing on TV...the GAME! Conversation last night as we walked along the street….. a young mother pushing her daughter in a stroller stops us....

Her- "Are you knocking on doors?" (this usually means that we should not be soliciting in their neighborhood) 

Us-  "Yes, we know that God has called a prophet to this earth today and others need to hear about this." 

Her- "You do realize the Spurs are playing right now."

Us- "Yes." 

Her- "Are people...getting mad?" 

We had a tremendous week! Miracle after miracle. One after the other! All because of your prayers. Thank you, thank you. 

Patrick was able to see the church this past week! YIPEE! He called us last Monday saying he got work off at the last minute and asked if we could show him the church. But still is concerned about coming. He has such a strong desire to know and live the gospel however. 

We had a couple exchanges this past week. Sister Iverson is a power house and took the area under control by herself for two days in a row! I visited the new Castle Hills ward and the Sonterra Ward in the North Stake. Learned some important principles! There truly is in all that we do a Good, Better and Best way to do things.

 Many missionaries will be leaving the mission the next couple transfers. Just as mom said, the rush is coming home. How critical it is that we "share the music" with ALL of the missionaries who will soon be leaders. 

This past week a beautiful young dancer, Aisha, took a hug leap of faith in learning about the gospel. She said the many things we have taught are different than what she was taught growing up.

Also we spoke with a father this past week who strongly is concerned for all Christians separating themselves and differentiating themselves from each other. Saying we are unique, we have this, we have that.

How far away the world has gotten from teaching the true doctrines and principles of the gospel. How grateful I am for the Holy Ghost who teaches us in our hearts, right from wrong, what is true and what is false. 

YOU WONT BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED! There was a gentlemen that passed me about 10 min ago and smiled as he walked by (here, in the library) I pleasantly smiled back. He came back up to me later and said "You look familiar" I said "I am not sure where I have met you, but you may have met a missionary wearing this (pointing to my name tag.)" We continued our conversation and he is atheist but is wanting to know about "the mormons." Say What? What is so cool is that this morning Sister Iverson and I prayed that we would have the opportunity to teach someone as we open our mouths where ever we go. She also reminded me that when Elder Bednar came to the mission he said, "I never go to Home Depot to get nails." "I never got to the gas station to get gas." We go so we can open our mouths as His children and share the restored gospel. President Slaughter also shared with us the past week that most individuals that members have referred to the missionaries are not those best friends they have been working with for years, but rather those that they meet on the street, or those they meet at the grocery store lines, or their hair dressers etc. IT IS INCREDIBLE that we can TALK WITH EVERYONE! 

I love our Savior, Jesus Christ, I love my Heavenly Father and I love each one of you! Sincerely, Sister Davis

"WE BELIEVE IN GOD, THE ETERNAL FATHER"

FAMILY! 

Thank you for your wonderful emails!.......... you are all life savers!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY to the Father who has dedicated His whole life to fulfilling his calling. Thank you, Dad. 

"Fathers are to preside over their family in love and righteousness, and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families." Our Heavenly Father has magnified this responsibility. He has given us the choice to make and keep our covenants (the necessities of life). Our Heavenly Father Loves His Children. 

Annette is incredible! We walk up to her door and she says come on in, without us even needing to knock. She immediately says, "I did my homework….. I finished all the questions, looked up the scriptures and wrote my answers in here. I have a few more questions though." Her desire to learn and to know the truth is like nothing else. 

Patrick called us the past week again with great excitement but also some nervousness about church. He is "all about joining the LDS" but is just nervous for the differences. Pray that he can come to church this Sunday! 

The Heiner Family came to mutual this past week! They are an incredible family! …..so strong, and so powerful. I can't wait for their baptism.

A neat analogy President Slaughter shared with us this past week. A man is listening to music in his room. You see him dancing, snapping his fingers, tapping his feet and having a good time. A deaf individual walks by and see's that he is having a good time, so he joins him……..dancing, snapping his fingers, tapping his feet etc. Another individual walks by and see's these two individuals both looking like they are having a great time and enjoying themselves. However, one is actually feeling the music and the other is just going through the motions. Which one are we? 

Thank you so much again for all your prayers. We can truly feel the power of your faith here and know that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of his children wherever they are at this time. Thank you, thank you! 

Love Always, Sister Davis

"...FOR UNTO SUCH SHALL YE CONTINUE TO MINISTER, FOR YE KNOW NOT BUT WHAT THEY WILL RETURN AND REPENT.."

Family! Mom, Dad, Jordan, Cristy, Adri, Tyler and Tuck! 

Let me tell you what a week of growth it has been. It is so great to be stretched, tugged and pulled to become "even as I and your Father who is in Heaven is perfect." 

We started off the week by doing a different style of exchanges. Sister Haight (one of the sisters we live with) came and helped us out a ton in the 9th Ward. She is a powerhouse and there are four individuals who will be getting baptized this next month in the young single adult ward! 

I have learned a lot this past week about true discipleship and what it means to truly minister to others, to truly serve as the Savior did. A couple of weeks ago some members came with us to a lesson with the Heiner family. The moment we walked in, it was as if the two families had known each other in the pre-existence! They were instant friends and after leaving their home their friendship grew more and more. They exchanged numbers and were texting and calling and made connections from experiences in the company’s they work for. The members invited them to church, they answered their questions, they shared personal experiences about their own journey in finding Christ's church, and they stayed and just chatted for a couple of hours after the lesson. They ministered to this family as the Savior would. The mother and father of the Heiner family had prayed and prayed before the lesson that they would become friends with the individuals we would bring and their prayer was answered because of the members deep love for this family the first time they met them. I heard recently about our prophet's example of personal ministry. President Thomas S. Monson always has a list of individuals he wants to personally see and speak with. 

Destynee attended a baptism this past week with her family! She is on track to make this promise in a couple weeks! The nerves may be getting to her so keep her in your prayers. 

Sister Cazier also came to 9th ward this past week! She is outstanding. The last individual we spoke with that evening was a gentleman with a soft and loving heart. After teaching him that Christ's church has been restored, tears were in his eyes as he remembered his daughter. He has a love for those sweet and pure children. 

One last miracle: My companion is incredible! As we were walking out of an appointment she saw a car with its’ hazard lights on. She strolls on over to ask if the person needs help and the lady jokingly responds,” if you want to help move all of these boxes up to my apartment….”. My companion says, “why of course we do!” The lady had just finished a 30 hour drive from Philadelphia, missed two full days of work, and had no time to unpack her car. She invited us back to share a message and have dinner with her. We left her with a Book of Mormon and she responded, “I love to read! And now I won’t have to find and unpack my books!” 

Love Always, Sister Davis

Sister Iverson, Destinee and myself at the temple!

some of the San Antonio Sisters!

"...I KNOW THAT THESE THINGS ARE TRUE BECAUSE THE LORD GOD HAS MADE THEM KNOWN UNTO ME..."

FAMILY! 

My heart is so full of joy! WOW I can't even believe it. There are so many things that I am sure I made mistakes in this week and so many things I am sure I could have done better...HOWEVER….. I am still so happy. It is because of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love Him and I love my Heavenly Father with ALL my heart!

This past week we were asked, "Does the Lord love you? What is evidence of that? Do you love the Lord? What is evidence of that?" This eternal happiness is because my Heavenly Father loves me.

Heiner Family! You won’t believe it...this family is incredible! We walk up to the door, Sister Iverson takes a look at the suburban with 8 people stickers....We shout...IT’S A FAMILY! They were recently attending another ward with another member family, the kids were involved in young women's and young men's and the mother LOVED it. However they had to stop attending for some time and the kids were upset. They are so loving toward one another, and they are so happy and they want to find a church that is centered on Christ and on our Heavenly Father. There are so many little miracles inside this story. Heavenly Father prompted us to bring a couple that perfectly fit with the father and the mother. I will keep you posted. 

Patrick! He is such a wonderful man. He has tons of questions and tons of love for a church where individuals actually live their faith. He called us this morning nervous but excited for church! 

Nick and Jamie! Young couple, getting baptized in July! Perfect for this young ward that we are in!

Brandon and Destynee! Both came to church this past Sunday! Doing very well and we are so excited for them. 

Debbie and Randy! With all their struggles, trials and everything on their plate already, they have committed to live more commandments! 

On this special Memorial Day we recognize all those who have served for our country! Living in the heart of a military city there is great respect for those who were, and are, willing to serve and to give. Not only for those who fight for our country, but also those who fight for the Kingdom of God! We continue to fight and to defend His Kingdom as our apostles and prophets have counseled us this past general conference.

I love each one of you! I love all that you have given and done for me.

Sincerely, Sister Davis

"IN HIS STRENGTH I CAN DO ALL THINGS"

Dearest Family! 

It has been an exciting week here in the Texas San Antonio Mission! The fields are being harvested, the days are getting brighter, the skies clearer, and the sun gets hotter and hotter!!! 

Debbie and Randy are doing well. Debbie's cancer treatments are overwhelming to her but I have never seen a woman more dedicated to the gospel than her. She is reading every day, she is coming to church every week, bringing her husband along, even though she feels sick and would love to just sleep all hours of the day! She is an outstanding example! 

Destynee and Brandon are a couple of youth we are now teaching! (brother and sister) I’ll send a picture. Their parents are converts to the church, however, the kids were not too interested when the parents joined and chose not to be baptized. But now they are planning to be baptized on June 14th! Destynee has been coming to church the past couple of weeks and Brandon wants to receive the priesthood!

Just last night, as we stepped out of the car, we saw an older couple just walking out of their home named Carol and Dave. We asked if they knew the Menchaca family across the street who are members of the church. They responded with a huge smile and shared story after story about how wonderful the Menchaca’s are! AND, turns out Carol and Dave are the best missionaries in town. Carol was telling us story after story about how friends have mentioned negative things about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and she corrects them immediately. She was just in awe telling one story after the other about how fully the Menchaca's have lived their faith. She mentioned they will do anything and everything for anyone at any time. No Joke. How great of an influence this family has been to every neighbor we have talked with in the neighborhood. (They know EVERYONE on the whole block lol) What an impact they have had by their example. 

MY NEW COMPANION: Sister Iverson! She is absolutely outstanding……dedicated to the work, always, always trying to improve, always wanting to do more and more every day. And a bonus mother, she cleans exactly like you. I think this is only the second person I have met in my life like that. What a compliment to you mother! Sister Iverson is from Preston, ID and is greatly needed in this ward. There is much, much, much work to do because of your prayers every day! Seriously, there is not time to see everyone and talk with everyone we want to. 

Well if you have made it this far in the email you have made it to the BEST PART EVER!!!! THE TEXAS SAN ANTONIO TEMPLE!!!

Saturday morning we woke up early to attend the temple with the San Antonio 9th Ward youth! Many people were also in attendance…… Sister Schrader (recent convert, mother of Destynee), Bill (recent convert, friends of Sister Uminski in our ward), Edgar (recent convert as of March), Parsons and Kean (recents converts of Sister Iverson in her previous ward) AND Bridget Wilson (recent convert as of May 10th!) WOW absolutely spectacular. I will send a picture. 

It was the most incredible day of my life! Tears filled my eyes as I sat above the font watching Bridget do proxy baptisms for ancestors of one of the witnesses sitting above her by the font. I imagined the space around the font filled with those people who were part of the preparation for this…..those who indexed the names of the ancestors, those who searched online, those who requested the names, the temple workers, Sister Boster (who introduced the church to S. Wilson), Bishop Updike (who interviewed Bridget for her recommend), and most of all Bridget, for making the decision to first act and be baptized. WOW! Can you imagine? Bridget leaned over to me in the temple and said, “now I understand what Sister Boster was talking about when she mentioned the feeling in the temple, and how incredible and amazing it is. I am so grateful she introduced this to me and invited me to come and listen, and come to church. I want everyone to know about this. I feel so blessed to be right here and being witnessing this!”  WOW!  The whole ride home she talked about her ancestors and all those individuals who she wants to share the gospel with now. As we were driving out of the temple parking lot super slow, she says, "I just don’t want to leave, I want to stay here all day." We pointed to the temple store and asked if she wanted to go look, she quickly said, “yes!”  then she turned the car around to go park. Lol….. I could share more but my time is limited. Just know that this is REAL. The temple allows us to be impacted this way. I know it does. I have felt it, and Destynee felt it. We walked around the grounds outside the temple while her mother was inside doing baptisms. She felt the great power of the temple! 

All can say in my heart is "Because I Have Been Given Much....I too MUST GIVE." 

I love each one of you sincerely and so deeply with all my heart! 

Best Wishes to each of you this week. Thank you again for all your prayers and thoughts. Love, Sister Davis