Links and More Home
My Address
My Farewell
My Areas
My Letters
My Photos
October 6, 2008
To my Family! Yeeaah!
A lot has happened this past week. The flight was long and I'm just now getting over the time change. My companion, Elder Sorenson is awesome, he's from Utah...of course! He's been out for a little over 18 months. While arriving to Pennsylvania it's so beautiful here, the leaves are starting to change.
The mission was cool and was very nice finally meeting President and Sister Pugh. The next day we packed our things and headed to the church to meet our companions! When President Pugh called my companion up and said "Johnstown has some of the steepest, longest hills to ride and intense rides." Right when he said that I knew he would call me up to meet my companion.'
After a 2 1/2 hour drive to Johnstown from Harrisburg we end up in the Ghetto! I'm pretty much serving in downtown Sacramento. I wasn't expecting this type of area to be in Pennsylvania. However the people in this area, for the most part are friendly and at least listen to what he had to say. After unpacking we went to a Walmart so I could get some food and other stuff. While walking to the entrance some old guy passing us yells "Joseph Smith is going to hell!" We replied back, "Say Hi to him for us!" I just smiled and waved! My first angry PA citizen, I felt like I was working at Wendy's again.
After returning we went to go tracting and my first door was slammed in my face...feeling lower than dirt I turn to my companion saying, "I've waited my whole life for this," almost crying...we were able to talk to a few people though, there is no better feeling than being able to talk to people about the gospel!
The next couple of days were very hard, getting up at 6:30 am was hard and then reading and trying not to fall back asleep was even harder. While we were walking we saw a drug deal happen, it was about 8:30 pm at night so it was a little scary. We decided to talk to the drug dealer, said our message and game him a card for a Book of Mormon. He said, "Ho fo sho I check dat out." I laughed and smiled and we went on our way home.
For our service we helped out at the soup kitchen down the street from us. It was like the time I did it in downtown for my project for class. A lot of homeless and people from all areas of Pennsylvania. It felt good to serve to people that were in need.
Silvia H. Allred said during this past conference, "Have a clear understanding that God loves all his children." Because we are his children we need to love on another. For Jesus gave his life for us that all men might be that they may have joy and return to our Father in Heaven. I've been working with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. While teaching lessons to investigators that we have, I've have been able to teach things I never thought I knew. Being able to talk to people who have never felt the spirit is an amazing experience, to see that light come into their eyes.
We have been teaching a guy named Johnathan, he's an ex-drug lord, yea that's right, we're teaching a drug lord, it's freaking crazy every time I hear that. But he has a really nice, clean home, wonder why...but for someone of his background it's amazing to me that he wants to learn more. We taught him and his girlfriend the restoration and yes I still cry every time I recite the Joseph Smith's first vision, "This is my beloved Son, hear him!"
The bike is working fine and I love riding more than ever, it's weird how everyone just stares at me, people just aren't used to seeing mortal angels, I like to consider us as that. I'm getting fed well by the members, because we live in a little more shady area, we are always taken care of.
This past Saturday and Sunday we were able to watch all 5 sessions of conferences. It was really nice to watch priesthood. I could feel Dad's presence with me as I watched, remembering when we went as father and son to listen to the prophet of God and his apostles. What a blessing it is to have the teaching from our prophet, that he through revelation receives those promptings and teachings from our Father in Heaven. I'm grateful for my Father in Heaven and the love he has for not only me but all his children.
I received your letter today, it's nice to hear from you, I've only really gotten letters from you and family. I hope I get some from the ward later on.
On a personal note, could you send me my other pair of shoes, the newer church ones, and my retainer, I forgot it. I wanted the other pair of shoes so I don't wear these ones out so fast.
I've taken a lot of pictures and hope I can send them today, from around here in town and more from the MTC.
Thank you for the letters and the goods that were sent, Oreo's were good and the candy!
Adam, I love you so much, I wish I could be able to just pick you up and just hold you. I hope you have been enjoying my bed and my room. I loved your picture you drew of me, I hung it upon my desk and look at it every morning.
This time is the hardest yet greatest time in my life, thank you for your prayers, I pray and think of you always.
Your son, your missionary,
Devin L.
PS. I could have been in the MTC Choir at the Priesthood Session! I missed it by 1 week! Aaahh!
For the previous year Devin was constantly riding hills around here in Roseville, the main one he would ride is over in Rocklin on Stanford Ranch. That's why he knew he would be going to Johnstown when the President talked about the steep climbs. Devin L. was ready for it.
What a beautiful letter from a son who is working hard, serving the lord, and being blessed for his efforts. We're so proud of him!
Copyright © 2008 Devin Holmes