January 04, 2015 - Shelley

January 4, 2015

IT’S A BOY!!!! Our son Andrew and his wife Kristen had their second child, first son yesterday.  This is Charlie

Abraham Davis!  There is something so wonderful about seeing your son full of emotion over the birth of his child – especially knowing that you felt the very same way when he was born.  These are tough moments for a grandma to be away, but we feel so happy for them!

And “Happy Birthday, Samuel Chamberlain!”  He’s also our grandson, and he is turning 6 today!  What a great way to begin the new year!  Lots of excitement in the last few days!  And technology is simply amazing when you think that we could even be a part of these events without waiting for snail mail.

One of our latest “traditions” is going to our office at the mission home on Sunday evenings to watch “Music and the Spoken Word.”  The reception is much better there than at home.  Another fun part is that Elder and Sister Draper have a friend who also sings in the Tabernacle Choir, so they come to watch with us. Their friend, Carol Salmon, often sits next to or very near Emily.  Here are two silly selfies of watchers and singers!

We are currently 9 hours ahead of Utah, so 9:30 a.m. there is 6:30 p.m. here.

We made it through the holiday season with joy!  It wasn’t our usual slate of activities, but it was still very special.  

I was still able to watch my favorite Christmas movie – “White Christmas” thanks to other senior missionaries who had the foresight to bring movies from home.  And we had several opportuni-

ties to connect with our family via Face Time.

I’m so thankful for my children and grandchildren!  Here some of them are pictured with my mother at Apple Village, where she lives.  They went to put on a little program for her, using their many and varied talents.  She loved it, and so did the other residents!  Words simply can’t express my gratitude for the many ways they have cared for Mother – and not just at the holiday time.

We have appreciated your holiday messages and letters, as well.  We’re trying to get “revved up” for the submission of new projects and our humanitarian conference in Johannesburg.  We feel so blessed and recognize every single day that the Lord is looking out for us.  Have a great week!   Love,  Mom/Soeur Davis