Well we have survived our 1st week in the office without our wonderful mentors the Rowleys whom graciously accept calls of “help I can’t remember how to…”🥰. Then help walk us through the next step. THANK YOU!
This week has been Transfer week 16 missionaries came in Wednesday and 12 went home Friday. This is a miracle in and of itself making sure flights are in order, rides to and from airport, book hotel for incoming missionaries as they come in exhausted (as we know) and need a good night sleep, assembly needed supplies, assign companionships, vehicle/bike & housing and of course, making those who arrive feel welcomed, loved and needed and expressing deep gratitude for those who have served so faithfully 18 or 24 months as they depart.
As I look at this picture of all the luggage, I feel overwhelming LOVE!
LOVE of parents & family who helped their son or daughter, sibling or grandchild pack their bags and wept when goodbyes were said.
LOVE for the Savior from these 18 to 23yr olds who are ALL IN and willing to sacrifice 18 months – 2 years of what the world would consider “their prime time of life” for the Lord.
LOVE of their companions who eagerly accepts the assignment to help train these new arrivals and help them feel the JOY of discipleship as they LOVE the people in Indiana, serve and testify of Jesus Christ.
It is truly inspiring and Elder Davis and I are humbled to be a small part in supporting and LOVING the 220 plus missionaries here!
Another miracle. Elder Davis’s main assignment is to manage the mission fleet. Or as Elder Davis says the Lords resources. It involves currently 74 – 2024-2045 Cars.
While having a goodbye dinner last Friday night with Rowleys and the Nelsons, who work in the office with us. They Elder Rowley and Elder Davis got a phone call that the Elders up in Ft Wayne about 2 hours north had been in a hit and run accident. The other drivers car was badly damaged and the driver left the scene and took off running. When the police arrived they called for backup to find the driver. Eventually they were able to find and arrest him.
This is NEVER a call you want! The Elders assured Elder Davis and Rowley they were ok but the car was totaled. A ward member near by was on the way to assist them and take them back to their apartment.
On Saturday Elder Davis and I drove almost 2hrs north with a replacement car for the Elders and to check on them. One Elder did sustain a mild concussion and had gone to the Urgent care to be checked out during the night. The tow yard was closed so the next day we drove up again so Elder Davis could retrieve the tracking device and license plates and the Elders could retrieve their personal belongings.
Upon seeing the car in person we knew we were seeing a modern miracle! The Lord had protected his missionaries.
Our Mission President sends out every day at 6:32 a spiritual thought he calls “Kairos moments” (moments where heaven alines). This message was powerful.
Kairos Moment Saturday : – “Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.” (President Thomas S. Monson)
The longer we live and the longer we serve the more we begin to realize that seasons are short, trials come and go, Kairos Moments are brief and time marches on. When time is running short, you learn to focus on the essence of things that really, truly matter.
In the 1960s during the Vietnam War, Church member Jay Hess, an airman, was shot down over North Vietnam. For two years his family had no idea whether he was dead or alive. His captors in Hanoi eventually allowed him to write home but limited his message to less than 25 words. What would you and I say to our families if we were in the same situation—not having seen them for over two years and not knowing if we would ever see them again? Wanting to provide something his family could recognize as having come from him and also wanting to give them valuable counsel, Brother Hess wrote—and I quote: “These things are important: temple marriage, mission, college. Press on, set goals, write history, take pictures twice a year.”
I invite you to ponder the essence of your discipleship – and write it down in 24 words – and write it in a way that those you care about will know it is from you. (Send it to me! And more importantly, send it to or share it with them.)
On this important Saturday think about and joyfully share the essence of your discipleship with everyone you meet. It will change their hearts forever – and it will change you too! End of quote.
Think Celestial. Create Doses of JOY each day. Be kind, love God, life and each other. Make time for family. Trust the Lord’s plan.
We love each of you and we are thinking about and praying for you today!”
Kristy took the Presidents challenge and wrote this 25 word message to her family.
Think Celestial. Create Dose of JOY each day. Be kind, love God, life and each other. Make time for family. Trust the Lord’s plan.
WE LOVE YOU ALL💗.
Skittles❣️Elder and Sister Davis☺️
We love you! SO wonderful to hear of everything you’re both doing, I know that you are blessing lives there, just as you have here at home.