Dear Mom,

Thank you for the package. It made my day. I liked the little poem on the M&M's.

The weeks keep speeding up. I blink, and a day is already gone. So much happens in so little time.

It's hard to know what to say, because it is all a rush. I didn't have the opportunity to baptize Javier, but it is okay. I was getting worried about him, so Elder Cartwright and I decided to have an elder who spoke Spanish talk to him. He had some concerns that he couldn't express in English, so we decided to give him to the Spanish missionaries. It was a good call, and I feel better that he can express his concerns in his mother tongue. It was hard to give him over, but we have been blessed because we sacrificed.

Now we have four people with baptismal dates. Channa is a young mother who has a strong belief in Christ and a strong relationship with the Spirit. She has a 16 month old baby named Noah, and a husband named Justin. We hope we can teach Justin soon too. Her date is 8/4.

Travis is a 30 year old man who has a lot of mental and substance abuse problems. It has been amazing to see him grow, however, through the Book of Mormon. I know that it has cleared up his thoughts and helped him try to quit tobacco. When he was reading consistently he was down to one cigarette a day, but he as since been shakey. It is hard to see him waver. He has a goal of 8/4.

Issac is a nine year old boy who wasn't baptized when he was eight. His parents are members, but they are less active. Through working with Issac we are hoping to reactivate the whole family. 8/25 is his date.

Cody is the last person. He is a Cambodian man that Elder Cartwright met on exchanges. I haven't met him yet. I don't know what his date is.

The members of the ward I'm in are amazing. They always do nice little favors for us. I'm blessed to have been put here.

I am starting to become more sensitive to little, tender mercies. The Lord blesses us everyday because of prayer. I look at every encounter with those around me as an opportunity for growth and service.

I'm glad that you have been able to do things with LEMI. It has been interesting to see the political climate her in California. The world needs more people to associate themselves with things like LEMI.

Parker J. Palmer would be a good member of the church. He knows a lot of truth.

I really enjoyed the quotes you used in your talk. I also love what you said, "Seek, apply, live, teach." That is what everyone needs to do. We as missionaries try to find people who are seeking and guide them through the rest.

The main thing that I have learned about the Spirit is that I shouldn't worry. If I am doing what I am supposed to, everything will work out.

I love you mom. Thank you for all you do.

Love,
Elder Williams

Dear Elder Williams,

I'm teaching Raina's Sunday School class and have been reading about Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton. Three sons with three very different personalities. A lesson that I've learned from this is even though we are shaped by our environment and genes, we ultimately we are responsible for ourselves. Helaman was strong because he listened to the counsel of his father, trusted in the Lord, and was obedient. Shiblon was impressed by his own intellect and was warned to be humble. Corianton--- well, he was 'cool', and was led into temptation. Maybe he wasn't led, but he followed his own desires and didn't listen to anyone else. Three examples of three men who made decisions which affected not only the outcome of their own lives, but of many others as well.

Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton. Regardless of how one is raised, each person is an agent unto himself and will answer to God for his life and his actions. Another thing that has really struck me is my life is not my own....I am responsible to others through the example I set. Because of Corianton, many people fell away. Because of Helaman, many were brought unto Christ. I'm glad that you are serving a mission and bringing people to the knowledge of God and his beloved son. I'm grateful that you are obedient and submissive to the will of the Lord. I'm so proud and humbled that you are my son. You are a great person and have taught me so much. I love you.

Mom