Brendan & Santa

Ward Christmas Party

Greatest Converting Tool

12-14-2009

Family!
How are you guys? It's like 3:45 on Monday. We had a zone "feast" this morning at 7:45am at the church. We all got together as a zone, studied for a couple hours, then played volleyball and basketball. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever had to do. =) Transfers are in a week and a half. So our p-day will be on a Wed next week and I probably won't get to email, but we'll see. We are allowed to eat at members homes twice a week now. Cool, I guess. I had my first member dinner yesterday and it was kind of akward, but I'm sure that will go away after awhile. so we had retrun and report at the mission home last tuesday. I drove me and another new guy to Burke. It was my first time driving in VA and the roads are crazy! It was very easy to get lost, which we did! But we ended up making it there. We just watched a couple of training videos, heard from the APs, president, & his wife. Then we all bore our testimonies. I really enjoyed it. I got to see my MTC roommates which was amazing. I miss them! We had a christmas concert at the church last night. It was pretty good. Hey can you send my electric razor and the charger? Shaving with a razor takes too long every morning. I have really enjoyed being in Ashburn. It is a very nice place. It will be weird to get transferred and it will be very difficult to make changes and start all over. It will be easier after I go through a few though. Well I better get going. I love you!

Love,
Elder Davie

P.S. What are you guys doing for Christmas? Our transfers are on Dec 24th so I have no idea where I will be on Christmas. Hopefully wherever I go, there will be a car! =) Nate, I keep forgetting to answer you on what kind of car we have. It's a Chevy Impala. It's got 48,000 miles on it so they are trading it in soon. Most have Impalas or Corollas. They just got rid of all the Mazdas. The new Impalas that some have are very nice. last night I was struggling. We went and tracted an apartment building and had a couple of really good doors slammed in my face. Man it was rough! I was sitting there thinking why? What's my purpose here? Some days are so good, then some seem like they couldn't have gone any worse and that's when you learn how to rely on the Lord. I realized when I was tracting I had so much anger built up inside me it was impossible for the spirit to be there. No wonder I got doors slammed in my face. Having the spirit is most important. It's our greatest converting tool. How can we discern the needs of people we contact if we don't have the spirit? How do we touch the hearts of those who we contact? We help them see how the Gospel can help fulfill the needs in their lives. It's something that is very difficult to do. When you tract, you have like 2 seconds to catch their interest. It's very hard. Well, I'm sorry for venting. That was the longest P.S. ever. I love you guys!!

Picture of US Capitol Building

Can you spot Brendan???

Short and Sweet

December 7, 2009

Ashley-
Hey There! It was fun chatting with ya today! It's like 4:30 here now. How is it watching Austyn? Is Dal getting along with her? How's school going for Brandon? Car still holding up? We had interviews with the mission president last Wed. He said our area has the most work going on. Sweet, huh? We have a lot of investigators and potential investigators, but a lot of them are fuddy duddy so we'll see. I spent like 2 hours doing an insane cleaning rampage in our apartment. It was disgusting! Anyways, I hope you have a blessed week! Love you guys!
Love,
Elder Davie

*** Update - December 8, 2009***
Hey! Did you send that pumpkin bread UPS or FedEx? They can't forward any mail / packages to me unless you send it USPS (Post Office). Any others they keep until zone conference which is once every six weeks. So try and stay with the post office! Well, love ya. Today we got a call from an investigator who needed help. He had drank 2 HUGE things of gin. It was a very hard emotional night ... keep him in your prayers and I will tell ya more details on Monday. He name is Melik. Love you!!
Love,
Elder Davie

Backing up!

Mission Pictures!

Brendan's picture with Dallin


Just studying!


Ya, he's already lost 20 pounds.


Cocoa Puffs!

Washington DC Blog

The mission president's wife has updated the Washington DC South Mission blog to include pictures of Elder Davie. There is a link on the right side of this blog. Check it out!!

Thanksgiving

Yo!
How goes it? Our P-Day was split between Monday & Thursday. We can't tract today (Thanksgiving). Me and my comp went and shot some hoops. Now we're at home. It's about 12:15. After this letter, I'm going to sleep until 1:30. We have dinner at 2 at the Martins, dinner at 5 with Terrance (investigator), and dinner/dessert at 7:30 with the detweillers. Lots of food! Mom is probably on her trip. I hope she is safe!! And I hope Nate isn't too lonely at home by himself. I hope the Jazz beat the bulls. How is Austyn? Is she saying any new words? Does seh still say "Lvf you" "Miss you" "Hoish me"? Ha Ha. I miss her! What about Dal, any new words? So what are you guys doing for Thanksgiving? Is 10600 South under construction? When does the next rec league start Nate? Well I am gonna go sleep now! Love ya guys!

Well, I'm back! I had a really good Thanksgiving. Had dinner at 2 and dessert at 8 so it worked out nice. You're probably watching the Jazz destroy the bulls right now Nate! We are teaching 2 investigators tomorrow and inviting both to church. One is 45. He got into anti and the whole blacks and the priesthood took a toll on him. He wouldn't answer his phone or door for 3 weeks and the last 2 days he has let us in and we have had really good visits. His wife doesn't like mormons so that is a hurdle we are dealing with. He is a great guy though! Well it has been raining since Tuesday. It's like a constant mist outside. I love it! It's been really foggy too. I miss Utah though. I think that will be my permanent home. I love it here though. Well it's time for bed. You all be good now! Love you guys!!

-Elder Davie The Second

P-Day Email

Hey guys, what's up? Things are going good here. Last week was rough because the people were rude ! Everyone is rich here. They are very prideful. I wish there was a ghetto cuz they are the humble ones. I love tracting the apartments because they will listen but you go to the homes and they don't give you the time of day. One guy opened and was laughing and said seriously? then slammed the door. We both said " Have a nice day sir" and he said kiss my ***.....it was hilarious. Last tuesday I went on my first exchange.......I went over to leesburg and served in the goose creek ward from monday at 5 till wed at district meeting. It was really fun except I was on a bike !!!! And there were a million hills ! My legs were killing me...I was soooo tired. I have a new respect for those elders on bikes...its not easy. The elders there live in a huge members home. So I took a pic of it. It was fun though, good to get a change ya know? I have to give a doctrinal lesson at district meeting on wed on unity and why christs tells us to be unified as one. I am scared but its all good, just gotta do it. Then were teaching the priests quorom on sunday. Should be interesting. I guess this is part of being a missionary ! Love you all!

Teaching at Starbucks

Hi guys,
I'm glad to hear that the jazz finally beat the Spurs in San Antonio. It's about time! I'm sending a memory card with this letter with pictures on it, so hopefully it makes it ok! It's starting to get colder here. Today is overcast which I love. All of the trees have no leaves which sucks. I met people from Ugonoa and Yugoslavia yesterday. It was fun! We have a missionary coming to our mission from Pakistan. Crazy huh! We are teaching a lesson to an investigator tomorrow at Starbucks. That's where he watned to meet. It will be my first time teaching an investigator so wish me luck! That was cool to hear that Real Salt Lake won. We have an investigator with a baptism date (January 9) who is from Sierra Leune and he was watching that game yesterday. He has been an investigator for like 6 months but drinks and smokes. This guy we are teaching is someone my comp found tracting the day before I got here. Well I gotta get goin. I hope you are all doing well! I love you guys!

Love, Elder Davie

The Work Is Going Good

November 16, 2009

Hey!
It was good talking with ya'll on email. The computer was being dumb so sorry. I will try and answer any questions you may have. My comp is Elder Lee from Delta, UT. He is good. He has taught me a lot. We are serving in two wards. Both wards are huge! It rained Wed, Thurs, Fri, & Sat, but has been sunny and warm since. We just got done doing some shopping and ate at Moes Southwest Grill which was good. The diversity is crazy here! We have 5 investigators - one from Iran, one from Sierra Leone, & I love it!! My first day tracting it took like 20 doors to find another white person. I am learning to love the mission. Every day I wake up and have a greater desire to do the work. I just need to build my confidence a little. There is one lady we tracted into who said she had been praying to find out how to find more peace in her life. She is a single black lady who just moved from the hood (DC). She was in tears when she saw us at her door and heard our message. We are going there on Wed to teach her about the restoration. Pray for her! Also, we have an investigator who has been investigating the church for 6 months. He needs to stop drinking & smoking. He has a baptismal date for Jan 9th so keep him in your prayers. The work is going good. There's a good chance we could have 2 baptisms in this transfer which would be amazing. There are so many town homes here, like everywhere, but really nice ones. And the homes are so big and so nice. The bishops house is incredible. We have to part our hair because of the people here, very smart educated kind of people. The stake president owns like Shell gas stations or something. Tons of people from the ward work at the Pentagon. We are going to the temple visitor's center this week. Then in a couple weeks we're going to DC for p-day. Then in four weeks, our whole mission got invited to capitol hill to meet some senators and stuff. Scary! So we have a lot of stuff planned. I don't think I need anything. I met people in the ward who lived in Temecula. Anyways, I think that's all the news from me. Let me know if you guys have any other questions! I love you guys!!

Love,
Elder Davie

Greetings From Ashburn, Virginia

Our first letter from Brendan while in Virginia. Dated Friday, 11/13/2009.

"Hey,
Greetings from Ashburn, VA. I have no idea where it is, but that's where I live. So we got to the airport in DC at about 3:45. Russel M Nelson was on our flight and so he talked with President Albright for a minute. We were all welcomed by 2 AP's and President. Then we went to the mission home, about a 40 minute drive). We did some training and then had dinner (Lasagna). Then we did more training and had a testimony meeting. I was sweating it up! Then all 18 of us went to bed in the basement. They had a ton of bunk beds. We had to all be ready by 7 the next morning which meant waking up at 5. We had breakfast (Egg Casserole) and did more training. We all interviewed with President on Wednesday night. I was the first. He didn't mention anything about the memorizing stuff. Anyways then Thursday at about 12 we went to transfer meeting. I was scared to death! I met my trainer, Elder Lee from Delta, UT, and he's been out for 14 months. We are serving in Ashburn were we cover 2 wards. We go to church from 11-4 on Sundays. I invited someone to be baptized yesterday. I guess it's tradition to do it on the 1st day. She aint getting baptized though! :) We went tracting a lot yesterday but didn't meet 1 American haha. We met people from Peru, Israel, Egypt, and India. We had a mircale last night though. We had 2 appointments that were confirmed with less actives. Neither answered so we went tracting before our next appointment. It was about 8 PM and the first lady opened her door and said, "It's too late! Go to bed!" I answered, "I wish I could!" and walked away. The next door opened and it was a lady named Sheena. She was eating but threw her food down and talked with us. She wept as she told us she prayed just recently about how to find peace. The first thing my companion said when she opened the door was, "We're here to talk to you about how you can find peace in your life". Sheena is so ready for the gospel! We are teaching her the first lesson next week so keep her in your prayers. She is a single lady about 30 and is an air traffic controller. That was a great experience. That kept me going because I have felt very home sick since I got here. Every second I'm out of my comfort zone and that weighs you down mentally. Please pray for me because I miss you guys! It's hard not to think about 2 long years ahead of me. I will be find though! We are doing weekly planning and have been since 10 and it's 2 right now. It's intense! Anyways, that's the first couple days for ya. Me and my comp live by ourselves in a decent apartment. I took pictures so I will send the memory card when you send that one back. Tell everyone hello for me! Love, Elder Davie."

He's Alive

November 16, 2009

We received a few emails from Elder Davie today. He made it to DC and is doing fine! He said it's a tradition to invite someone to baptism your first day of tracting (a stranger who's never had the lessons before). He did it, but it was "not my idea of fun"! All mail goes through the mission office so I've updated the address to the right! That will be his address the whole mission. It was good to hear from him and know that he's being taken care of! We'll post a letter again as soon as we get one!

MTC Pictures

The Church is True

November 8, 2009

Hey!
So I saw Dennis twice today! It was awesome! I am feeling about 95% health so all is well. It is a blessing to be healthy! So I leave on Wednesday morning to start my service in the "field". I have mixed emotions. First I'm scared out of my mind. Not just scared, but terrified! But, I was also terrified to come to the MTC and now I feel myself not looking forward to saying bye to some people here. Some people you meet are just good people! People who affect your life just by being themselves. I have met a couple people like that, both of which were in quarantine. I met an elder who is going to Tahiti. He leaves tomorrow. Guess where he is from? Hesperia, CA. So ofcourse I told him about Dad. Ofcourse he didn't know him. The second person I met in quarantine was a 21 year old from Equador. Elder Baderon? He speaks minimal english, but we still built that friendship and trust as if we knew each other for much longer. His love for the Gospel and for the Savior is so apparant that I felt it without him communicating it to me. He has shown me how to serve and how to love our Savior in a way that I will never forget! I'm so excited to go to DC. I can't wait to share my knowledge and my testimony with real people who are looking for something in their life. What a joy it is to stop my life and devote ALL my time to invite others to come unto Christ! What a sacred and overwhelming thing it is to wake up every morning and put on my name tag stating that I am a representative of Jesus Christ. I am literally called to "say and do what He himself would say and do if he were personally ministering to the very people who he has sent unto me". I am excited to overcome another fear of mine, for I feel as if I've grown after coming to the MTC. The thought of coming to the MTC used to invoke feelings of fear, my stomach would be in complete knots! As I am preparing to leave this wonderful, I am faced with those same feelings. Sorry if this letter caught you off guard or sounds like I'm rambling, but I wanted to express these thoughts with you. For the first time, I feel ready to share the gospel. I know without a doubt that the church is true! I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't know that. I wouldn't have spent 3 painful years repenting and preparing to serve if I didn't know it was true. I ask you guys to remember and say your prayers, study the scriptures, come to know Christ and to love him like he loves us. You will see so manhy blessings if you do that. Well those were my thoughts going through my head the last couple days. This will probably be my last letter from the MTC. I will try and call from the airport though. Thanks for your guys help in getting me here! Being a missionary is that hardest thing ever, but I love it! I will call wed and write / email the first opportunity I get from DC. be sure to keep a lookout on the mission blog for my pic! Crazy! I can't believe I'm really doing this! Well, I love you guys so much! Thanks for all you do for me! Even though I'm not home, you still take care of me! I love you!!

Love,
Elder Davie

Bring on DC baby!

Pray for Mike

November 6, 2009

Fam!
What's up ya'll? I am feeling so much better. I actually miss the guys from quarantine though, met some good people there! I sent you a memory card that has a few pics on it! Hope you like it! I'm getting a huge cold sore on my lip, ouch! We had an elder in our district go in for appendicitis surgery. We just can't stay healthy! So Nate, I'm glad to hear Wes Matthews is doing his thing! I like that dude! Nate, what's the best way to call from the airport? Use a calling card or do I just need to bring a bunch of quarters? Also, did you buy a visual for the plan of salvation or just make one? So tonight at the referral center, I got an online chat. He is 30 and is done partying and wants direction in his life. So I taught him the first discussion. He was having a hard time understanding the difference between prophets and pastors. He was asking some tough questions. It was a great experience. He said he will go to church on Sunday which I don't know what the odds are that he really will, but you never know! It's an amazing feeling to know that maybe, just maybe I planted a seed? I don't know ... he didn't want to schedule another chat so pray for him! His name was Mike! Pray in family and personal prayers that he will feel impressed to go to church! That would be awesome!! Well, I gotta get ready for bed. I have another long joyful class filled day! I love you guys so much! Be good ya'll!

Love,
Elder Davie

Apple Bowling

This letter was actually put in the wrong mailbox by our mailman and our neighbor brought it over to us today, so it's a few days old....dated November 3, 2009.

"Hello!
How are you guys? I'm glad you had fun at the Jazz game and had a great Halloween. SO I got swine flu I guess and now I'm sitting in quarantine for the next 5 days. You can't leave the floor. You can sleep whenever you want and study whenever. The last couple of days were rough but I'm starting to feel better now! I'm in a room with 3 other elders. One's from California and going to Tahiti, one's from Sandy going to New Zealand, and the other is straight out of Ecuador going to California. He's been at the MTC for 5 weeks so he knows minimal english. It's not to horrible in here. I should be out of quarantine on Friday and then I can go pick up a CD that I ordered that has all my pics on it and then I sill send it to you guys! They bring breakfast, lunch, and dinner to our rooms. It's always cold! And the showers have no hot water! How lame is that?! There are only 5 of us in quarantine on this floor. There were like 10 but 5 got out today whcih was a blessing because I couldn't stand them sometimes! They were playing "Apple Bowling" in the hall until like 11 PM and then again at 7 this morning! The last thing you wann do while you're laying in bed sick is to be kept up by a bunch of weirdos apple bowling. That's when I pinched myself to see if this was a wierd dream, but nope! It's real! I've been here for 32 1/2 hours but who's counting! I am bummed I'm missing out on class and other things that were helping me. Our distric is very united and they were ver kind to me and helped me! Well I'm gonna hit the sack! I'm feeling much better so no worries! I love and miss you guys!

Love Elder Davie

P.S. I fly out on Wednesday, November 11th, so I will try and call ya'll from the airport. Love ya!"

Pressing Forward

November 3, 2009

Ashley-
How are ya? Not sure if you heard the awesome news or not, I have Swine Flu! And the test where they stick that thing up your nose is not enjoyable! I started feeling sick last Saturday (Halloween), it got worse Sunday, then got unbearable on Monday so I went to the health clinic where they confirmed my suspicions. so I had to sit in the "sick bay" room and wait for a worker to get me. He took me to my room where I was told to pack a small bag of reading and study materials. Once I did that we got in this electric cart thing and he drove me to "quarantine" or "isolation" or "prison" as I like to think of it. So now I'm sharing a room with 3 other infected elders. I'm on Tamiflu again. We can't leave this floor so basically we have a small dorm, bathroom, and hallway. They deliver breakfast, lunch, & dinner and it's cold and gross. The showers have no hot water. Basically we read & study & sleep all day. They told us we can sleep whenever we want. I got here yesterday at about 1:00 and have to be here 5 days. No class which sucks because that's where I learn a lot. So the past coupld days have been miserable and have been a test of my faith and patience. Today I am feeling much better though and I feel like things are moving forward once again. I had great support from my district. I loved hearing about your Halloween. It puts a smile on my face when you talk about Dal. I'm glad he still remembers me! I'm glad he's not allergic to Darla! Well, I better get going. Thanks again for all your letters. Sometimes that's what it takes to keep myself pressing forward!! I am feeling much better though so it's all good. I love and miss you guys!

Love,
Elder Davie

Letter to Dallin

November 3, 2009

Dal!
I miss you tons! don't forget how much your Uncle Brendan love you and misses you! Be good for mommy & daddy, ok? I will talk to you next Wed when I call from the airport so make sure mommy answers it! I love you bud!!

Elder Davie

Update

We received an email from Elder Davie this afternoon that said he is out of quarantine and doing much better. He got four shots yesterday and a "bunch of pills" and about four hours later he was feeling 90% better! Thanks for all your prayers!

Swine Flu

November 1, 2009

Yo!
Just a heads up I've got the flu I think. I am going to go to the health clinic since I have a fever. They usually require you to stay in quarantine for like 5 days so if you don't hear from me, that's why. I'm not sure if you can still write letters there or not because I don't think you can leave the building. I feel miserable, but my roommates just gave me a blessing so hopefully the rest of tonight won't be too horrible. I will be fine though so don't worry. I will keep ya posted!

Love,
Elder Davie

P.S. Health clinic is closed Sundays so I will stop by tomorrow morning. Love you guys!

Officially Sick

October 31, 2009

Hey!
How are you guys? Just as I expected, today was VERY long. I think I am officially sick, but don't want to say anything because I don't want to go to quarantine. I will lose out on too much. So I'm just dealing with it which isn't fun. My alarm clock fell off my bed and broe so I bought a new one at the bookstore for like three bucks. How's Emily's new job? Tell her thanks for the letter! So what did you guys do this weekend? I forgot it was the weekend. All the days just blend together. We started teaching the plan of salvation today. It was rough! Help Nate!! Did you use visuals? Any ideas? Keep draining those 3's Nate! I used to play ball at gym here, but they get way too serious. So I now play 4 square which sounds childish, but it is good times! Tomorrow night after our fireside we get to watch the Joseph movie. Should be fun. Also tomorrow me and my comp get to teach our district for 10 minutes on why we need prophets. Piece of cake! There's one elder in our district who loves to call me Mr Clean because I am going bald. He said the glare of my head blinds him during class. It's hillarious. Me and him get along the best so its fun. He is going to South Dakota though. Anyways, don't forget to change your clocks! I love you guys!
Love,
Elder Davie

Good Times

Letter dated Friday October 30, 2009:

Hey Guys!
I'm glad you're getting all my letters! Thanks for the package. The mask is hillarious. What is the tape for? I ordered a cd with my pictures I have taken so far so I will send it when I get it! There should be a couple of videos on there too. Tomorrow is Sat which is no bueno! 8-12 class, 12:45-5 class, 5:45-9 class. It is a very long day! Also, I am not feeling very well! Oh well. So I got like 6 letters today, it was awesome! I hope mom and Nate had fun at the game. I'm jealous! So word on the street is that I snore really loud. It's hillarious. My alarm clock fell and broke. Good times! There was a new district that got here on Wed. Their classroom is right next to ours. Their teacher asked us if each companionship would talk to one of her companionships because they are struggling and a few are contemplating going home. Me and my comp grabbed the 2 elders we were assigned to talk to and went in an empty room. As me and my comp talked to these elders, tears were shed and hearts were touched. The spirit was amongst the most strong I have ever felt. Testimonies of the atonement were shared and I felt God's love. I am so grateful for this experience. Two weeks ago I wouldn't have been able to share my testimony and give advice to our fellow brothers who are serving the Lord. Pray for me and pray for them! I am teaching the plan of salvation for the first time tomorrow in TE so wish me luck! I got a package from my work with cookies so that was nice! Our swine flu guy is back so I'm back with just my comp. Well I am getting tired and it's almost bed time. Thanks for all your support! I miss you guys! Go to church on Sunday & keep the Sabbath day holy!! Love you!

Elder Davie

Emailing w/ Mom

B: Hey mom its brendan, are you there?

M: YIPEE. Yes I am. How are you feeling??

B: ughh....not too good. I don't know what the deal is. I have been so sick since sunday! My throat has never felt like this before! Im gonna ask the doc today for some medicine for it. Its miserable ! But I'm hanging in there!

M: If your throat hurts that bad you may have strep throat or something. Did you leave your winter coat home on purpose or did you just forget it? You are going to need it to stay warm in DC.

B: I have been in quarantine since Monday. The doc comes every day but he's just rude. Today I need to ask him for throat medicine though. So ya quarantine is really boring. You can't go outside. Your isolated to this 3rd floor of this building for like 6 days, but they said it shouldn't delay my departure to DC.

M: Did the Dr. give you any medicine at all? Do they still make you work or do they let you lay down and sleep. How do you get your meals? Do they bring them to you??? It must really be a bummer to be sick and not have your mommy there to take care of you. I miss you so much. I finally started cleaning out your room.

B: Ya he gave me tamiflu and told me to take advil ....but its not doing the job. They deliver our breakfast lunch and dinner....but I have only had a handfull of things to eat since sunday cuz i just have no appettite cuz my throat. I will talk to the doctor when he comes today and see what he says and let you know. They don't make us work no....We can sleep whenever we want....and we have preach my gospel and scriptures and stuff to study. Miss you a lot too! I am doing really well though besides the whole sick thing....I was just in the zone ya know then bam this hit me and slowed me down...Hey I only have a few minutes left so I will keep chatting as long as I can but if I get kicked off I love you so much ! Thanks for your love and support !!!! :) I love you so much !!!!!!! Can't believe I can say " I'm on a mission"! its the best feeling...... Love you mom!!!!

Letter to Dallin

Hey Ash & Dal:
Thanks for all your letters! I love it! I love hearing from you! I am a little under the weather so that makes the days a little longer. Tomorrow is basically class all day, it's rough! Every day here feels the same. It's weird. I usually have no idea what day it is. I forgot to tell the fam in their letter so mae sure and tell them that I got my flight plans. I leave on November 11th. I gotta go, but I love you guys!
Love,
Elder Davie

Letter to Buzz

Ashley & Buzz!
Sorry such a short letter, but I only have like 2 minutes. Thanks so much for the letters, packages, and support. It means a lot. I love you guys so much! I have Austyn & Dallin's drawings hanging up. I hope you guys are doing well. What are you guys up to? Dal learn any new words? Is he allergic to Darla? Fill me in! What are you guys doing for Halloween? I will be in class ALL day. Fun stuff! No really though, some days are fun. Today was rough, but I am having a good time and laughing a lot so that's good. My $180 pair of Ecco shoes gave me blisters. No bueno! Oh well, maybe I will grow some callouses, ha ha. Anyways, I have like 5 min to get ready for bed. I love you all and miss you very much! Give Buzz a hug and kiss. Talk about me to him so he doesn't forget me!
Love you!
Elder Davie

Long Days and Pepto Bismol

Letter from Brendan, dated October 26, 2009

"Yo!
I got a package and 3 letters today! So that was awesome. I'll try to answer some of your questions. The food is awful. I find myself going to the bathroom a lot. I saw Dennis a couple of times on Sunday. P-days are on Thursdays. I'm running out of clean clothes so it will be good to do laundry. Saturday was the longest day of my life. Here was my schedule: 7-8 AM: Study. 8-12: Classroom instruction. Lunch at 12. 12:30-5: Classroom instruction. Dinner at 5. 5:30-8: More class. 8-9 PM-Study. 9-9:30 PM Plan. 9:30-10 study. 10:15 is quiet time! Longest day ever! I am actually doing really good though! I'm comfortable around everyone and I have had some very spiritual experiences. In class tonight we practiced teaching the 1st lesson. The spirit was so strong! Tomorrow at 8 AM we go and practice teaching a volunteer acting as an investigator. It will be awesome!! My teachers are Bro Weist (he's hilarious) and Sister Adams. Things are really going well here so don't worry about me. There's an elder in our district named Elder Holderman and he is hilarious! I laugh just looking at him. I have taken some pics so before I leave I will send some to you. It's 10:00 so I gotta go. Love you all. Thank you Austyn and Dallin for the pictures. Thanks for the package. The church is true!

Love, Elder Davie

P.S. "True Christianity is love in action". - David O. McKay

P.P.S. My companion's been hitting the pepto bismol pretty hard haha"

Missionary Life Feels Normal

"We had a devotional tonight and L Tom Perry was the speaker. It was really good! Thanks for all of the letters and packages. It's much appreciated! I wish I could write everyone individual letters but I'm short on time, so dispense the letters! I miss Dallin and "Austy" like crazy!!! I feel like I haven't seen them for a year and it's only been a week! What else is new with me? I can't wait until I can do my laundry on Thursday! I'm almost out of clothes! It will be nice to get new missionaries tomorrow so we can stop being the "new" guys. Thanks for the Tim Tams! It's weird here because missionary life just feels like normal life and hoem life just seems like it's been gone forever. It's weird but cool I guess. It really feels like I've been gone forever. We taught in the TRC which went ok, then taught a teacher later in the TEC and went horribly, so that was frustrating. I'm having a hard time keeping investigators interested in the message and applying the doctrine to their needs. BRT is easier said than done. Anyways I gotta go. Love you all very much!

Elder Davie"

P-Day #1

Brendan's first email on his first P-Day:

"How are you guys? I am doing good. I'm actually starting to like the MTC! It's pday today which is awesome. It has been a very long week so it is nice to have some "down" time. We do laundry at 1:45 so that will be really nice since I am completely out of clothes. Then we have class tonight at 5:45 till 9 but besides that we will just be doing study and stuff. We went to the referral center last night for the first time....You make calls and receive calls as well as talk on a live chat. People call to request church movies and then we can call people to confirm their delivery. It was scary at first but now its cool. I had a chance last night to talk to a guy from oakland. It was a short conversation but the church sent him a book of mormon like 6 months ago. He lost his job and had to move in with relatives so now its still packed away. I had the chance to testify of the book or mormon and share my testimony and he was very receptive of that so it was a good experience for me. Then I called some dude in Oregon at like 9 pm...... He tore my head off for the stupidest reason.....it was hilarious.... the phone was ringing, his wife picks up and so I ask for him. Then he gets on the phone and says "Phillies or Yankees". I was taken back for a second then turned my mind into real life mode and said "Phillies !". Then he said is this Don? I was like uh no this is brendan from the church of jesus christ of latter day saints. And he proceeded with these exact words ( I will add caps to help you feel exactly how mad he was) "HOW DARE YOU CALL ME DURING THE WORLD SERIES? I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE CALL DURING THE WORLD SERIES?!" I told him the spill and asked if he received his bible he requested. He said " No I didn't ! " So I was like sweet do you still want one or....? and he was like " Yes! But not during the world series....and you guys can send one or call me back but it better be after the world series !!! It was hilarious but I was scared at the same time. Thanks for all the letters and packages that you guys have been sending....I get way more mail then the other elders and it means a lot to me! We had the chance to go to the temple this morning. It was really cool since I have never been to that one before. Our session started at 7:40 so I was dead tired but its all good. It was a great experience. It is hard waking up so early and I am dead tired all day...but I will get used to it...or just deal with it. We have 10 people in our district.... 4 of us going to dc south and then 6 are going to Rapid City , South Dakota. We all getting along pretty well. I hope you guys are all doing good ! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you !! I love you !!! Church is true !!!!"

Learning to Teach

Letter from Brendan, dated 10/24/2009

"I'm writing as often as I can and will try to answer some of your questions! My Branch Presidency is cool. They're a little intimidating, but that's to be expected. Things are going well. I am comfortable for the most part. Some of my fears have become extinct because of the spirit that is here. Tonight we went to the teacher evaluation center to teach the first lesson to a teacher who posed as an investigator. Ya we bombed it. Never have I felt so dumb. I wasn't nervous but we just didn't connect with her and have the spirit with us. It was very frustrating but I guess life goegs on. Not sure if I told you but one of the elders in our dorm got swine flu. He is now in quarantine and our district was given tamiflu. Who won the BYU game? I could hear it but don't know the outcome. Tomorrow is Sunday which should be interesting since there are a lot of meetings. Hopefully I can see Dennis and Kim. I think that is all the new info. We found out that 6 other elders are also going to the Washington DC South mission, but they're in another district. I need to get going and prepare a talk about patience. They pick on random missionaries to give a talk during sacrament. Hopefully they don't choose me! Pray for me, on Tuesday we teach again to a visitor who acts as an investigator, and they tape you then critique you. That should be a blast. I love you all! I'm still waiting to wake up from a very weird dream :)

Elder Davie"

MTC Food and Harry Potter

Letter from Brendan, Dated 10/23/09

"Thanks for all of the letters! My comp and the other guys in my room haven't had mail yet. A guy in our dorm got swine flu so he is now in "quarantine". So now I'm in a threesome. It's cool. We have been working hard on trying to teach the first lesson. Easier said than done. We have spent a lot of time at the TEC. For breakfast I had eggs and a ham and cheese sandwich (GROSS!!!). For lunch I had a hamburger. Worst burger EVER!!! And for dinner I had pizza and pumpkin pie which was delicious. Overall the MTC food is horrible! I spend a lot of time dropping the kids off if you know what I mean :) So it is day 3 and it's getting a tad better. I am adjusting and doing fine. One day feels like 3. I can't believe tomorrow is only Saturday. One guy who lives in our hall dressed up in a cape and was running around casting Harry Potter spells in spanish. Very intersting. I can't wait until P-Day next Thursday! It will be much needed. Well this elder needs to plan, study, change, brush my teeth, get a drink, and study some more and it's already 9:56 so I better go. Love and miss you all!"

Brendan & Companion

Here is a picture of Brendan and his companion taken last night at the MTC!!

Aren't they cute??

Letter to Ashley & Dallin

Ash & Buzz!
You were indeed the first to write! Thanks! So it's 9:22 on Day 2. Are things getting easier? I would have to say No! Ha Ha, but really I am doing fine. Besides the fact that my classroom is sooooo hot. It's rediculous. Oh well. And the MTC food .... not diggin it. Tastes like someone made it a week ago and left it under a heat lamp. I saw Dave's boyfriend (Andrew) but didn't say anything. My roommates are pretty cool. My comp is from South Ogden. I need more pics of you and Dal! I need them to post on my desk! I hope everything is going well. I'm trying not to think about Dal & Austy because it breaks my heart when I do. Give him hugs and kisses from Woody!! I love you!

P.S. I'm not district leader ... yeeeaaahhh!!
Elder Davie

First Letter from Elder Davie!

We received our first letter from Brendan today! Here it is:

Dated October 21

"Familia!

I'm sure you're all wondering what the skinny is on everything? It's almost 10:00 and I haven't died yet! But it is going to be a very long few weeks. My companion is Elder Pomerey from South Ogden. I live with 3 other elders who are all going to DC. They are all nice. It's really weird being here. I'm still waiting to wake up and be back at home. It is definitely an adjustment. Dinner was at 4:30 so I'm starving. Here are a few things I need: Hangers, push pins to hang pics. I think that's it. Let me know how grandma is. Give Dal (Buzz) and Austy hugs and kisses for me. Keep me in your prayers. It is going to be rough the next few days. The other guys in my room are from Layton and Cleveland. They don't care for sports which sucks. My companion really didn't want the top bunk so I offered to sleep up top. You should watch me try and climb up! It aint pretty. There's no ladder so I just pray and try to hoist myself up. Not fun. I'm also not looking forward to the shower situation tomorrow. Should be interesting! Also can you send me some wintergreen life saver mints? The sisters are muy bonita! This was my day: Put luggage in room, go to class forever, go to big devotinoal meeting, go to dinner, go to this teaching exercise type thing where people practiced teaching to fake investigators. AWKWARD. Then we had a meeting with our zone leaders. Then we came and unpacked and here I am. I'm trying not to think about the 600 + days that I have left, but it's hard not to. Anyways, hopefully 2morrow will be better. It's 10:15 so I gotta go. I love you guys and miss you very much!

---Elder Davie the Second"

It's Official

It's official! Brendan entered the MTC today @ 12:45pm. Here are some pictures of our "send off"...

Walking into the MTC after leaving the family:Good Luck Brendan! We look forward to hearing from you soon!!

Farewell Talk

Brothers and sisters, Aloha! I have never been to Hawaii nor am I serving there on my mission but I have always wanted to do that. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Brendan Davie. I have lived in Daybreak for about 3 years. While living in the same house I have been in 3 different words and 2 different stakes. Needless to say I don’t know a lot of people from the ward. I have been called to serve in the Washington DC South Mission. I will be reporting to the MTC on October 21^st. While opening my mission call and finding out where I would be serving the next thing I immediately looked at was what language I would be speaking. The lord must have known about my attendance of summer school and knew learning a second language might not be a great idea. Thankfully I will be teaching the gospel in English. I am scared and feel inadequate to accomplish the things that come with serving a full time mission, but I know that if I do the things the lord would have me do, then he will bless me and help strengthen me in times of need.

Today is a very emotional day for me. For the past couple years I have been facing some difficult trials in my life. They were trials that came because of my own decisions. In September of 2006 I had received a mission call to serve in Columbus Ohio. I was scheduled to leave December 13^th. I got all my stuff ready, bought my suits, bought my bike, and was all ready for my farewell talk. The only problem is I hadn’t been true with my leaders and with the lord. I had things I needed to work out and had I left without doing so, I wouldn’t have had the spirit with me. I can still remember December 13^th as if it were yesterday. I was supposed to be entering the MTC but instead I was starting a long process and aiming for the goal of leaving in a few months. Little did I know this would be a much longer process than I had originally anticipated. Months went by and I still wasn’t ready to serve. I was struggling to keep my testimony and constantly falling into Satan’s will. I remember times of having no desire to wake up for church, no desire to read the scriptures or to pray. I was lost and I hadn’t realized it. I was focusing on other things to try and make me happy but I quickly learned that it didn’t work that way. Every time someone would talk to me about serving a mission I would get a pit in my stomach. It seemed as though I would think about it from the second I woke up until the last minute before I went to bed. The problem is that I didn’t make the necessary changes in my life to overcome the obstacles that stood between me and a mission. It seemed so easy but I couldn’t do it and felt like it was an impossible goal.

Last March I felt like I had hit rock bottom. I got to the point where I had to decide what direction I would go in my life. I could continue in the things that I was doing or I could make some changes and invite the spirit to dwell with me once again. It had been about 2 years since I had partaken of the sacrament. I just remember feeling lost and not sure where to get the strength to press forward. I was trying to fight through these times on my own which was a huge mistake. Why would the lord want to spend time helping me when I had forgotten him? Do I really want to make these changes and is it going to be worth it in the end? Or rather is it even possible to reach my goal? These are just a few of the questions that were in my mind at that point. It had been a while since I had met with the bishop. It seemed as if it was at that exact moment that my phone rang. When I realized who was calling I knew immediately what he wanted. We proceeded to set up a time to meet with bishop. I still remember how loving and compassionate bishop was when I told him of my thoughts and problems. He motivated me to start fresh and to help get me to where I had long wanted to be. That was to serve a mission.

That night I remember kneeling on my knees, pleading with the lord to help me. I knew I couldn’t do this on my own as I had selfishly thought before. I pleaded with him to give me the strength to talk with my mom. I was scared to talk to her. I remember initiating that conversation with her. I remember my mom embracing me as we cried together. She was the strength and motivation that I didn’t have. It was that night that I promised to give every effort to become the person I once was.

I tell you of these times in my life because I was asked to speak on experiences I have had that led me to want to serve a mission. Crazy enough this major trial in my life has helped me grow more than I could ever imagine.

My family has played a huge role in helping me get here today. We learn that families are central to the Creators plan for the eternal destiny of His children. We were put into families so that we could learn the gospel together, So that we could mourn together and enjoy happiness together. My family has helped me so much in my life. Through them I have been able to be made whole again.

When I was 18 my brother was serving a mission in California. Through the approval of his president, I was able to go down to where he was and spend a day with him. I got there that night around 9. They did their nightly duties as I ate and unpacked my stuff. The next morning we were wide awake at 6:30 and were ready to start off the day. I don’t remember everything that happened that day, but I will never forget what happened when they had me knock on my first door. I was prepared to face whatever came my way, well at least at the time I thought I was. As an elderly lady cracked open the door my brother proceeded to talk to her about the Restoration. It was at that moment that I began to experience my first door rejection. I remember walking swiftly down the street as she was still screaming at us. My brother and his companion held their composure until we turned the corner after which they started laughing hysterically at me. That was enough to scare me. This is an experience that will stick with me for the rest of my life. It was a wonderful opportunity to see my brother teach the gospel first hand. He has always been an example to me in my life and has taught me how to honor my priesthood.

One person in my family I would like to talk about for a second is my mom. She has been the greatest example to me. I am proud to admit that I have been labeled in the past as a mommas boy. I have always believed that we grow and learn best from the examples of those around us. She never lost faith in me, even when I lost all faith in myself. She has continued to hold strong to the rod and continually lead our family to eternal happiness. Being a single mom is not an easy task, especially when you have to put up with me. She has always shown unconditional love. I am forever grateful for her strength that she has exemplified. Me and my mom have had the opportunity of attending the new Oquiirh Mountain Temple every week for the past couple months. This has strengthened not only our bond as mother and son, but has strengthened my testimony.

The second thing that has helped me to prepare for a mission is immersing myself in the scriptures. We are told that if we have faith and keep the commandments of god, that he will unveil the mysteries of his kingdom. What a remarkable promise. I have seen an added measure of the spirit in my life as I had made a greater effort to get to know our Savior through the scriptures. My ability to overcome temptation and to keep the commandments of God has been strengthened. 1 Nephi 9: 5 is a great example of faith and diligence. “Wherefore, the lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.” Nephi had no idea the impact the records would have on us today but he followed the commandments of the lord and kept the records anyway. What an amazing day it is going to be when we will have the opportunity to thank these ancient prophets for the things they did for us. I am so grateful for the scriptures and the effect they have had in my life. We can learn so much from the experiences of those who lived before us. I know that we can not only learn from the adversity of the prophets of old, but we also learn from our own adversity. Some of us sometimes wonder, Why me? I know this was a common thought in my mind the last couple years. Helaman 12:3 says “And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.” We are given these trials so that we will constantly remember him and come unto him. It took me a while to grasp this concept.

As I mentioned before, the biggest impact on my life has been the examples of the people around me. I have been blessed with amazing friends. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work where I have the last 2 and a half years. The people there have encouraged me and uplifted me every single day. They have become my 2^nd family. I have been strengthened by learning of the examples of those taught in the scriptures.

Ammon taught others the gospel simply by being an example to his peers and by performing acts of service. It was because of the selfless things of Ammon that King Lamoni and many of his people received the gospel in their lives.

Joseph Smith was also a huge example in the way he lived his life. Very few could endure the persecution that he went through. Without his courage and determination we wouldn’t have the gospel on this earth again.

Jesus Christ was the ultimate example to us. In 3 Nephi 27:21 Jesus tells us “Verily verily I say unto you this is my gospel and ye know the things that ye must do in my church for the works which ye have seen me do…. “ He has laid down the footprints for how we should live our lives. Our goal is to become like him so that eventually we can live with him. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine trying to become like our Savior because he was perfect. Our perception of perfect is to have no flaws. I think a better definition is to be constantly improving. If we are constantly improving in our lives, then we will one day become like our savior. Marvin J. Ashton said “the speed with which we head along the straight and narrow path isn’t as important as the direction were heading.” We should be constantly striving to keep our lives in line with the gospel so what we are always heading the right direction.

When brother McCoy asked me to speak on experiences I’ve had that had led me to have a desire to serve a full time mission I had multiple thoughts come into mind. I wasn’t sure exactly what I would speak on. I thought about scripture study and how I have grown both spiritually and mentally. I thought about the examples of my family and friends who encouraged me every day to become a better person and achieve my goals. The thing that ultimately led me to stand here today as I prepare to leave is the power of the Atonement. To a degree I felt that awful feeling of guilt and remorse as Alma did. We are promised that if we will repent of our sins and come unto Him, he will remember our sins no more. Although it would be nice if we could also erase them from our memory, through the atonement we can forget them emotionally and spiritually. We can be stripped of the guilt and pain that we once felt.

Not only did the savior suffer for our sins, but he suffered through every temptation and every struggle. He knows exactly what we are going through. In order to receive the blessings that come from the atonement, we must first repent of our sins. Godly sorrow is what leads to repentance. Paul teaches of godly sorrow in 2 Corinthians. He says “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation. Alma also talked of his sorrow he felt as he was harrowed up in the memory of his sins. What a remarkable story of his conversion which led to the baptizing of many people into the kingdom of god. We see time and time again in the book of Mormon the devastating effects our agency can have on our families. We have also seen the mercy and grace of god as these brethren were converted unto the lord. President Benson stated that “the Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. . . . The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment.” It is so important that we become truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ so that we can live with Him again.. D&C 19 16-19 reads “For behold, I god have suffered these things for all that they might not suffer if they would repent. But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I. Which suffering caused myself, even god, the greatest of all to tremble because of pain and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink.”

It pains me to know of the things I have put our savior through. The spiritual and physical pain I have felt in my life is but a grain of sand compared to the things the savior experienced. It is an amazing and selfless act for him to ultimately sacrifice his life so that we could live with him again. I am so grateful for this sacrifice and have seen the affects of it in my own life.

It is so important that we live our lives in a way that will let the spirit into our hearts. The Preach My Gospel book that is used by all the missionaries talks a lot about have the spirit with you. It is not us that penetrates the hearts of those we are teaching, but it is the holy ghost who will testify to them. Elder Russel M. Ballard said “True conversion comes through the power of the spirit. When the spirit touches the heart, hearts are changed. When individuals feel the spirit working with them, or when they see the evidence of the Lord’s love and mercy in their lives, they are edified and strengthened spiritually and their faith in him increases. These experiences with the Spirit follow naturally when a person is willing to experiment upon the word. This is how we come to feel the gospel is true.” As I was thinking about experiences I might have as I teach the gospel, I was comforted as I read the scripture in D&C 84:85 “ Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.” This is why its so important to be living worthy and doing the things the lord would want us doing. This is why missionaries focus so much on prayer so they can invite the spirit to be with them in all things and in all places.

I would like to conclude with a quote from President Hinckley “Every morning missionaries should get on their knees and plead with the lord to loosen their tongues and speak through them to the blessing of those they will be teaching. If they will do this, a new light will come into their lives. There will be greater enthusiasm for the work. They will come to know that in a very real sense, they are servants of the lord speaking in His behalf. They will find a different response from those they teach. As they do so by the spirit, their investigators will respond under the influence of the same spirit. “

It is my goal that as I serve the people of Washington DC that I can share with them the same happiness that I have felt in my life as I have strived to come closer to god and to feel of his overwhelming spirit.