TRANSFERS Email - Monday, September 20,2010

Hello family and friends,

 

This last Saturday we received phone calls for transfers.  Starting my mission, most everyone told me I would stay with Elder Potter until he left (Nov. 2).   Well sadly this is not the case, on Saturday I learned I was being transferred to a bike area which was being Whitewashed ( this means 2 brand new elders are taking over) my new Companion is Elder Fly. I haven't met him yet but will in a few hours.  Although I was transferred I'm still living in the same apartment, so I will still see Elder Potter everyday, but now I will be sore for the next 6 weeks.  I'm a little nervous about riding the bike, but I'm just gonna try my hardest. So you can still send mail at the same address.

 

I was pretty sad to leave, but you just have to get over it. Ryan a guy in the YSA was really sad, but he realized there was nothing he could do about it. Although, he did tell me he's definitely serving a mission but he has to wait a year. He told me it would be funny if he got sent to Kentucky and I told him that would be sweet.

 

I don't know what else to say except I love you and miss you all. , California is great I'm a little sad leaving my wards, but I'm pretty sure the new one will be just as good.

--
Elder Zachary David Daniel

 

P.S. End zoning is being transferred but still being in the same area for example the ward I'm in was covered by the YSA so IMO still officially in the same area.

Later than Usual! Email September 13, 2010

Dear Family,

 

I'm sorry my letter is a little later than usual, Elder Potter is leaving next transfer and his parents won't be able to pick him up, so President Reeves gave him a present, his Aunt and Uncle got to take him out today so I also got to go.  You will never believe what we did. WE WENT GOLFING!!! I wish John had taken me before, because the first 9 holes I looked like a total dweeb,  after a while I kinda got the hang of it. We went to a place called Oak Quarry its completely on a cliff, its a very beautiful course.  I golfed a 113 I don't know how good that is, but Elder Potter was a little impressed.

 

Yesterday was probably one of the best days of my mission so far, after church we went to dinner at a families house who just blessed there baby last Sunday, so they had a huge party.   Our Ward Mission Leader Spoke in church, it was one of my favorite topics. The Divine Call Of A Missionary. He ended up talking about how all calls are from the Lords inspiration. (I love Brother Funk). After our meal  we felt inspired to see a few people. The one person I will tell you about is Michelle. We tracked into her about three weeks ago. The first time we were there she told us to come by another time, not expecting us to return (most don't, but we always do) when we returned the next week, her  father-in-law had died and she was going to Hawaii with her husband to attend the funeral. We would not leave it at that though, so we returned the next week and she was just admitted to the hospital so we couldn't see her again. While walking away I turned to Elder Potter and said "the Adversary sure is busy with this one" Elder potter looked at me and called me a dork. (LOL!)  So yesterday we went knocking again. Michelle's husband opened the door and asked us if we were looking for her, we said yes and he replied let me go get her (this has never happened to either me or Elder Potter throughout our mission) she invited us in and asked "why do you keep coming over?" and we replied, "Michelle we have a short message for you about our Savior " we spent the next hour going over the Plan of Salvation and the Roles of Women in our church. I gave the closing Prayer in it I  asked for the Spirit to be with her and after she looked at me with tears flowing down her face and asked "Can the dead communicate with us after they have died?" and I said yes. she smiled and took us outside to see these beautiful flowers, only which two or three had bloomed and she told us she had these flowers for almost twelve years, and the first ones bloomed the day her father-in-law died.   She then stopped and said this is weird, another two have bloomed, I looked at her and said "Michelle your father-in-law is sending you a message, We are messengers of our Lord, Jesus Christ and we have the truth" we have an appointment scheduled for next Sunday.

 

Family, Friends all others whom might hear this story the Lord communicates in different ways, never ever see something and expect the Lord not to have his hand in it. I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior,  He suffered ,bled ,and died for us. Never will I forget that because I know, because of the Atonement I can live with my family again.

 

With much love,

 

ELDER DANIEL 

Letter - August 10, 2010

Dear Family,

I feel impressed to tell you this story of my mission.  On my first day here in Redlands, Elder Potter and I went tracking.  I felt totally awkward walking up to doors and saying "Hi we're missionaries from the church" usually its as far as I would get before becoming totally nervous and freaking out.  Elder Potter, being totally amazing took me this door to show me something.  Elder Potter knocked on the door and a little old lady answered, looked at us and told us to come in.  Then we met Sister Knapp, a lady probably in her forties, she welcomed us and gave us water, then hearing that I was new wanted to know my life story, so I told it.  Then Elder Potter looked at her and calmly said "Elder Daniel has been having a tough day,"  Sister Knapp immediately caller her daughter Carol Joy.

Carol Joy at first glance isn't pretty.  She can barley even stand.  Half of her face is totally paralized.  When she ws twelve she had a brain tumor.  The Knapp Family fought and prayed for their daughter.  Carol Joy was a beam of sunshine always happy always smiling, whenever she was in the room you could feel the spirit.  After our conversation Elder Potter looked at me and I said wow.  He then asked me what is so special about Carol Joy.  I told him of how strongly the spirit is with her.  Then he looked at me and said.  "Elder Daniel I can feel that same spirit with you.  The Lord is with you don't EVER forget that.  Fear no man!"

Last Wednesday, Carol Joy had a seizure.  She died on Friday.  Fast Sunday was basically a memorial for her.  It was a very special Fast Sunday.

Love,

Zach

Email - August 31, 2010 - Just Another Week In Cali!

Dear Family and Friends,

I did receive the package from you on Friday, then the letter about the package on Saturday!

Well, to answer some questions:  No one else in the mission has trucks except for us, why, I don't know, I don't usually drive because I'm the Junior Companion, but I did drive this last week and I'll tell you why later.  The bike is fine I actually just rode it this last week and it wasn't too pretty, but I'll tell you more later; for now it  sits in our apartment and collects dust.  Although Dave (a member that lives in our apartment complex) says it is one of the best bikes out there and was shocked when he found out on what a great deal you got on it. 

I have a great companion and really good roommates.  Everyone treats me well and we all get along.

We are continuing to teach 3 people who have baptismal dates.  But all three are having difficult times, Matt (one of the people we are teaching) just lost two of his best friends in a car accident last week.  So it has been extremely difficult for him.  There are other people/families that we are teaching about eight at this time.

So, I guess I'll tell you a little about last week.  It was exchanges most of the week, which means I go to another area while Elder Potter inspects how the District Leaders are doing.  So  on Tuesday I went to Highlands with the Spanish Speaking Elders, which is where I got to drive.  I was totally lost because I know ZERO Spanish.  Then I got back Tuesday (all exchanges are 24 hours) and spent about 15 minutes with Elder Potter before going out with the AP's, which was the coolest experience ever!  Then I got back on Thursday and went on my bike with Elder Stevens.  I did crash, but I'm alright, (don't worry mom) I'm FINE!   Since, I just learned recently to ride and haven't been on a bike in over a month,  well, you get the picture!   So it's been a crazy and hectic week but everythings been good.  I'll write again next Monday. 

I love you all and keep you in my prayers.

Elder Zachary David Daniel

PS  Tell the young meand and women to look in the mail!