Email: August 30, 2010

hey everyone,

here is a little story of an incident, that took place yesterday! I needed to give an account to President Jones... so I will just copy that..
It is a strong testimony builder, of the fact, that heavenly Father watches over us!...
though he can not influence others agency, he helps us, not get ourselves in more dangerous situations! I am glad he controlled my emotions!!!!!

Sunday, August 29th 2010 Milwaukee, WIsconsin

Elder Privett and I (Elder Robert Dautel) were on a short exchange, so I could show him something in the area and then headed to some Less Actives/Recent Converts, to meet up with our companions there. Then, as we were walking from the Bus stop to the mentioned home, we walked past 3 younger black guys (guess is about 25 years old, at the intersection of N 25th street and W Concordia Avenue in Milwaukee).

As we always do, we said 'how is it going', while walking by (usually happily received and answered by the addressed people). Then one of the guys looked at me and asked "what did you say, fool?" and I repeated again "how is it going man?"... then, out of nowhere and completely unexpected the man punches me with full charge on the right side of my face, right on the jaw....

Still standing, Elder Privett and I simply walked away, without another word or action. Had I gone down, or reacted right then and there, more would have most likely happened. I am grateful, for the ability given, to just walk away. The guys followed us for a few steps and then stopped, as we continued walking directly to our appointment.

After that appointment, as we walked back, toward the bus, two police officers approached us and said, they had been called about the incident. We told them, that no one was hurt and that we would be ok... After that, we continued on with our day, heading toward our apartment, for Dinner.

I can not even tell you how glad I am to be alive right now!... Easily things could have escalated, not knowing what those kids were on, and what drove them to do this...

I am completely fine, so no worries....but still crazy...

THough we will avoid that specific area now for a while, I am still excited to be here and to help the people in the area. They need it and if it is not us helping... who will!?

I am grateful for the chance I have to be here!!!! It IS a marvelous work and a wonder!!!!!! And we are all privileged to be part of it!

Thank you all, for all your prayers!... I feel them more now than ever!

Love you very much,
Elder Dautel