4 November 2013

Dear family,

Guess what? I got transferred. Again. For anyone who wants to know, here are the numbers. I am starting my fifth transfer. This is my fifth area and my sixth companion. Basically I have done a lot of changing! 

When I first got to Ceiba, I thought I might actually stay there for two transfers because we were opening an area. Surprise! Monday night we found out that I was changing areas. So I packed again! So now I am in an area in Progreso. And I am opening an area. You might also say we are white washing. Before there were two sets of Elders in the ward, but some leader in the area asked to have a set of sisters, so the mission president removed a set of Elders and put us. Even still, the area is fairly new, because they had just added the second set of Elders two changes ago. 

My new companion is Hermana Trujillo. She is from Utah, but her parents are Mexican.  

In answer to your question about fall.... In La Ceiba the weather was hot, but the heat was moderated by a nice ocean breeze. Our area was right up against the ocean. It was kind of interesting to notice that a few trees shed their leaves but without really changing color. I did see a few orange leaves on the ground when we hiked Pico Bonito.

Here in Progreso, which isn't all that far from my first areas, it is hot all over again. But it's not as extreme as in the summer. In the evenings it cools off to the absence of heat. I still wouldn't call it cool yet. And I am starting to toy with the idea of turning my fan off at night. :) I finally have to use a sheet if I am going to leave the fan on. 

But I have to tell you about my last few days in La Ceiba.

Monday night we had the best Noche de Hogar of my mission. So we were working with a mom who was baptized years ago and recently started going to church. The Elders had started preparing the sons (ages 8 and 9) for baptism and we had the privilege of finishing that preparation. The baptism was slated for the Tuesday night before transfers. It could have been earlier, but the Dad, who is not yet a member, travels a lot, because he works on a fishing boat. (Gone for 15 to 20 days, then home for a few days, repeat) So we waited for a chance to have him there. We took advantage of the fact that he arrived Monday to have a family home evening with the whole family and invite a few ward members, too. And it was the best FHE of my whole mission. Why? Because we made the kids teach and I said almost nothing. We gave both of the two boys a chance to share their testimonies and their parts from the Primary program the day before (the Dad couldn't be there). The little sister, age 3 or 4, also shared a few words. Just turning the time over to the kids to testify and teach (especially for their Dad) brought the Spirit so strong. It was probably one of the most powerful moments of my mission. Remembering the many Primary teachers I have watched do the same thing, I took a couple of minutes to share the scripture in John 14:26-27 and help everyone recognize that the feeling that had enveloped the room was the Spirit. And I talked about how the two boys would be able to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion after their baptism the next day. We then opened the floor again and the Mom and the other ward members started to share their feelings too. At the very end the Dad shared a few thoughts too.

The next evening, and my last day in Ceiba, we had the baptism. It was really good. What more can I say? The hardest part was saying my goodbyes after the baptism, especially to that family. They completely captured my heart.

So now I am here, opening an area all over again. Mostly we have been doing a lot of contacting, working to find investigators! Hopefully soon we will have some!

Well, that's all for this week! I love you lots as always!

Love,

Hermana Davis

Joshua 1:9....Be strong and of a good courage. Don't be afraid or dismayed even when it gets hard, because we can have the Lord's help when we seek it.