Not dying of Swine Flu

Seeing as schools are closed in Mexico until May 6th, I will be spending lots of time with my grandparents :).

How I've spent the time so far:

• Walking
• Going to the Gym
• Eating
• Watching the News
• Learning how to Crochet
• Walking
• Catching Up with friends on facebook
• Webcamming with the family
• Talking to Karina on the Phone (constantly)
• Walking
• Helping Abbey set up Webcam
• Webcamming with Abigail Howe!!!!
• Sleeping In
• Talking to more friends on the phone
• Watching Old Westerns
• Walking
• Writing Scholarship Essays
• Avoiding writing Essays in Spanish
• Making cards
• Eating Icecream
• Walking
• Dancing to Myself to Mexican Music
• Searching desperately for a Good Chick Flick
• Abusing the Video Message application on facebook
• Reading Scriptures
• Eating Cereal
• Walking
• Trying to figure out how and when to use a mask
• Watching the News (nonstop)
• Walking

I probably forgot something, or many things.  Oh wait, I remember, WALKING!!!

Infinite Blessings

How many people get to say that they are a returned missionary at age 17?

I know it only lasted two weeks, and not every particular detail matched the life of a returned missionary, but I was there. I was there. I was given the opportunity and blessing to prepare for my full-time mission, in the mission field.

I went out with this flawed and slightly arrogant idea that I would be able to change lives and impress my companion with how much I knew and how great my desire was to serve. I came back humbled, having been taught by soft-spoken, spiritual giant of a companion, having been taught by the loving and giving members of the ward and having been taught by the real people of México, the humble and the broken, who are willing to give everything to their God.

I finished this mini-mission in exactly two weeks, coming home on Friday. My companion and I nearly cried as we parted and exchanged Thank Yous and Photos. Darling Celsa wouldn't let me leave her home unless I promised to come back and she ensured me that she could find me a nice, handsome Mexican esposo. We checked Vanessa's house twice the day before I left, but we never found her. I waved goodbye to all the kids that knew me and made Hna. Gutierrez promise me that she would still say Hi to them after I left. It was without a doubt, a bittersweet experience.

I stepped onto the bus to Cuernavaca all alone. Thinking of nothing else but my mission and wondering if I had done enough, I casually slipped into my seat next to a man I did not know. All my life I have wanted to be able to start up conversation with the people sitting next to me on a bus or plane, but I've always been afraid. It's just a weird goal of mine. And Friday, I finally accomplished it. In my still imperfect Spanish, I asked him where he was from and with that start we were able to have at least a thirty minute conversation. When he asked me where I was from, he was obviously surprised to hear San Diego, Ca, so I couldn't help but explain about my mini-mission. I was so bold in my testimony that I even started into the first discussion, but then felt that it wasn't the right time. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but recognize my constant smile, and asked me several times Why I'm so happy. Having already borne my testimony to him, I had no fear in telling him the real reasons. Because of the gospel that I have, because I know truth, because I know who I am and I know God loves me. No I didn't get his address or give him a Book of Mormon, but I think he'll remember me. And one day when he's lost or when the Elders come and knock on his door, he'll be more receptive to the truth.

Hna. Gutierrez and I talked about that alot: Planting the seed. I only had two weeks, so I didn't get to watch all the development and growth and change of my beloved investigators, but I did my part. Even if my constant smile or my imperfect Spanish or my short, firm testimony was all that I left behind, it was worth it. God allowed me to be His representative, to bear His name with my own. And I will be eternally grateful.

Hermana Davis

La Iglesia de JESUCRISTO de los Santos de los Últimos Días

(These are just a few of my pictures, feel free to access the rest on facebook :)

I LOVE THIS

I don't even know where to begin with the updating besides the fact that I only have four days left. I am going to work HARD.

Well, for starters, Tuesday was our Multizone conference with Acapulco. What did that mean? Elder Ross Mickelsen was there! I'll admit I was very surprised, because my companion had convinced me that it was only our zone, but then as I walked in to the chapel shaking hands with a row of missionaries, I looked up and saw the face of my cousin. Boy, was that a wonderful surprise. We caught up very quickly on our adventures, experiences, etc. and then like always, got back to work. The meeting included a wonderful discussion led by Elder Gardner, a spontaneous musical number by the Mickelsen cousins, a competition with the first two discussions, a message from Sister Gardner and then a very short testimony meeting. The spirit was so strong the entire time. These saints just live every day filled with the spirit, such an amazing feeling.

After the conference, I awaited the dreaded interview with President Gardner. Well, at least my companion was dreading it. I was a bit surprised when we spoke in Spanish, but then he handed me the phone and called my mother so that was nice. I do feel a little bit spoiled down here :P.

The rest of the week included, real, hard, missionary, WORK. I only was sunburned twice and only had one day when I absolutely could NOT eat the food. It wasn't awful, they just gave me a serving that could have filled Noah's ark.

We find new investigators every day and catch up with the "old" ones. I've found that where I'm useful is in testifying why I'm here and using the scriptures. Although I don't always know exactly what they say in Spanish, I know what they say in Enlgish. Thank goodness for Scripture Mastery and being raised studying the scriptures daily. (There are alot of things I have been grateful to have been raised with recently. For one, the majority of members here are converts. And then when I told someone that I have ancestors that were pioneers, I thought they were going to start bowing to me.)

We had our first baptism in a companionship on Thursday, a woman we really had to work and fight with. The day of the baptism it felt like all the powers of the devil were combined against us. But she made it and then Sunday she was confirmed. Darling sixty year old Celza. Whenever I see her I call her "Guapa," she likes that. Haha, though now she calls me Guapa too, we have fun :)

We brought two investigators to the baptism and they absolutely loved it. Their baptisms are planned for this thursday, but that might not happen because they still havent attended church yet. The baptismal service was very simple, though it also consisted of a spontaneous musical number by Hermana Davis. I know that I don't sing very well, but I know that God blesses me to feel His spirit when I am testifying, even through song. It did make me laugh though, when one of the Brothers who was sitting in the back was holding up his cell phone and...recording it. Yeah, I guess they really don't have anyone who can sing here. (I apologize, I love singing with these saints. They have absolutely no verguenza. None.)

The other day when we were walking home we passed someone who we had never met. I waved like usual, but then all of a sudden was filled with this enormous burning feeling. I turned to my companion and asked if we couldn't talk with him. She said maybe tomorrow. The burning continued until it was almost painful and I again I insisted "Why not today?" She again refuted, but told me we could go by later.
The next day when we passed his house, I was the one to go up and greet him, without even saying a word to my companion. He was sitting with his wife and three year old son in the front yard selling sabritas, fruta, agua, refrescos, etc. We began as usual and then started into the first discussion. He and his wife were very active participants in the discussion, asking questions, answering thoroughly, though his wife had her doubts. We felt compelled to leave a Book of Mormon with them that visit, rather than returning the next day to bring it to them. The next day when we payed them a visit we planned on doing a review of the first charla, but Santiago began going off on a tangent about his work. The discussion ended with all of us in tears and with me comparting the scriptures found in D&C 121 and 122 about trials. Santiago has such a big heart he cried all the way through.
He and his family attended Church on Sunday thought it was beautiful and can't wait to learn more.

I've had several more feelings like that and am truly saddened that I'll only be here for four more days to follow through with these investigators, friends and family, really. However, I do know that God sent me here for a reason, and that this mini mission will only last for two weeks for a reason.

My companion and I have really clicked and every time I mention leaving she is really saddened. I don't feel like I've been that much of a support for her, but maybe what she really needed was a friend. And an oddly and overly optomistic one. I think I've got that part. Sometimes I think I scare people with my constant smile. And then again, sometimes it's too welcoming. Though I've only gotten a few scary looks, and one person who asked if he could take a picture of my eyes.

I'm sure I've left something out. But I have to run. We've WAY outdone our time limit. Ijole. No manches...


Jajaja...Nos Vemos!!!!

All my love, Hna Davis

Hello Everyone

This is Hermana Davis reporting from almost three days of active duty in the Misión México Cuernavaca. I am serving in the Chilpancingo, Guerrero District, Area Aeropuerto.

Oh, I love this.

My companion is Hermana Gutierrez who has been out for fourteen months now and is the sweetest thing alive. She's a little bit more soft spoken than I am, but we compliment each other well. She does the majority of the talking and I smile and wave at everyone.

Our area is beautiful. The people live in very humble circumstances, but because of this, they are very friendly and very receptive of our message. The difficult part for them is keeping commitments, making them is absolutely no problem. But then following through is another thing. Alot of them are embarrased because they don't have the normal clothing that members wear to church. Alot of them don't have money to get there. But we work with them and they are very patient with us (Me especially with my poor Spanish).

Yesterday I had my first experience of tracting and Hna. Gutierrez and I just decided to follow the spirit and the first house we went to we spoke to a family of about 8 and everyone was interested. I was a little nervous when right as we were about to leave the drunk dad walked out and tried to hug me, but maybe he's the one who will be the most receptive of the message. (I have only had a few creepers so far). I LOVE this work.

One of the families we went to wasn't really interested in hearing our message, but we helped them make tortillas (I think I only made one of them right...I definitely have a LOT more respect for the people who make them, it's hard!) and their youngest daughter, Saraí taught me a "Sol" song. Hna. Gutierrez told me yesterday that her father was poisoned to death by her mother, and now her mother is in jail, but Saraí is probably the happiest thing alive. There are some very sad histories here.

I've started carrying around lollipops and pass-along cards (the lollipops are for the kids--I seem to have a wonderful connection with them, they are all So beautiful. And I think it always surprises them to see a gringa. And the passalong cards, I "accidently" leave in the Combis--(the bus-like taxis that we take Everywhere :)

My black shoes are now beige/brown from the dirt and I wear grammas clothes wherever I go. It's very hot here and although I haven't been sunburned yet, I counted 21 bug bites on my body today. Bugs have always seemed to like the way that I taste, but I don't think I've ever counted 21.

My Spanish is getting better, though there are a few gringo missionaries here, who ONLY want to speak in English, it's kind of frustrating sometimes, because I know the Mexicanos feel out of place, but I think they just miss speaking in English.

I only have two weeks here, so I'm taking advantage of it as much as I can, but it's still so little. I wish I could finish off my adventures in Mexico here, but I think I have other lives to touch and other service to do. Though I did mention the idea to President Gardner.

I haven't lost any weight and I don't think I will, because Mexicans know how to EAT. I usually only eat a small breakfast and then one meal a day, but that meal is Huge. I haven't gotten food poisoning yet though. And the majority of the food I enjoy eating, rather than just forcing it down.

I am so happy here and send all my love home. I will send pictures as soon as I get back, but I might just be staying here for the rest of my life :D. I hope all is well! (And, give out a book of mormon this week. Or invite someone to church--it's really not that hard, I promise. I've already invited PLENTY of people)

Love, Hna. Davis

Chilpancingo, Guerreo, Mexico

This is Rachel's Mom. Rachel just called me from Cuernavaca and is on her way to Chilpancingo, (just an hour north of Acapulco) where she will serve as a missionary for two weeks. SHE IS SO EXCITED.

Yo sé

Yesterday was our Ward Conference and as many of you know my calling is, “La coordinadora de la programa de música del barrio.” Therefore, I was given the privilege of organizing and directing the Ward Choir for Ward Conference.

I experienced many roadblocks that I won’t go into right now. But if you ask my mom, my sister, my gramma or Karina, I was really stressing.

I decided to fast yesterday for nothing more that we could bring the spirit. I didn’t care if we messed up or if we only had five people. I just really wanted to at least serve the Lord by helping to bring the spirit into our meeting.

The strongest song that I had chosen was an arrangement of “I know that my Redeemer Lives.” The plan was to sing the first verse in English, the second in Spanish with women “oohs,” third with the choir and the fourth verse with the whole congregation. When I started to sing, even with all my nerves, I heard more than just my own voice. I know that God blessed me with the help of an angel.

But it was in the fourth verse that I really felt His presence.

The bishop had forgotten to announce that the congregation would be singing with us, so during the interlude I turned to the congregation, shouted out the page number and signaled for them to stand. I think I made it one line and suddenly my loud singing and obnoxiously large directing ceased. A few members of the congregation stopped with me, but probably for different reasons.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I do NOT like to cry in front of people. It’s just not something that I go around doing. I will fight back tears, bite my lip, fake a smile, whatever it takes, but don’t expect me to cry for you. Yet yesterday, in front of the whole congregation, in the middle of a musical number, I broke down. I didn’t rejoin until the last line in the chorus. And then I finished the number, shaking physically, but spiritually immoveable, “He Lives. Yo sé. Él vive.”

I ran to my seat without even seating the congregation or choir. Presidente Rogelio Osuna Ruiz got up to speak, and had trouble starting. He bore firm witness of his experience of gaining a testimony and his knowledge that the Savior lives. He referenced the scripture in Ether 12:6 “For ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”

This past week, these past two months and 10 days have been rather trying. But I have worked hard and pushed forward faithful. And yesterday, in front of the whole congregation, I received my witness.

Yo sé que vive mi Señor. I KNOW that my Redeemer lives.

3 days until my Mini-Mission

I am SO excited. <3

Mexican Tree-Huggers

Every week for Noche de Hogar, one person from each room is assigned to teach. There are no assigned topics so honestly you’re allowed to just wing it, but most of the time the girls come up with something pretty creative to talk about. I’ve got some killer lessons in store for my family when I get back.

Last week we had the most creative lesson yet.

They started out talking about God’s creations and how we often don’t appreciate how beautiful our world is, etc. Genuinely, I thought that was really sweet. And then we moved into the more interesting segment. Our Hermana showed us the pictures of her dog and cat that she keeps in the back of her journal. They are no longer with us, but they serve as a reminder of the world that could be. We then went on to talk about how we need to be careful with the leaves and how even the grass is living. I felt like I was stuck in the middle of a conversation between Pocahontas and Al Gore. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good environmentalist stimulus every now and then, it just surprised me when we really did go outside, sit in a circle, hold hands and sing kumbeyah (maybe it was a different song, I’m not really sure, it was in Spanish, but it sure felt the same).

Then, Friday we had a field trip that all seniors are required to go on to the Vida Silvestre. It was more or less a ghetto zoo (Abbey and Karina, I couldn’t stop thinking about you :D) with a little spice of environmentalist propaganda. How I wish I could post pictures from here. I’ll admit I enjoyed myself, but I couldn’t help but laugh at the environmentalist trends I was experiencing.

Then to top it all off, today, our new Unit in Ecology class was Environmental Awareness. We watched a song/video by Roberto Carlos entitled “El Progreso” and then another about global warming. Feel free to look them up on youtube if you are feeling green.

I hope that I haven’t offended anyone or persuaded anyone that I am completely environmentally insensitive. I admit it’s a problem. I guess I just wasn’t expecting to be bombarded by environmentalist ideals in the middle of…Mexico City :).

P.S. I forgot to mention, Saturday Night we had a one-hour energy conservation party. Lights out, laptops off, phones “off,” everything.