August 27, 2012

Dear Mom,

Thank you for the wonderful package. I loved reading about your experience in Boston. I hope I can go there someday. You and dad looked really happy in the pictures, too.

I'm glad that the girls are having a good time in school. I'm not surprised about B., ha ha. He loves playing. I'm glad that he loves books. They are a form of play.

I wish I could eat some of the bounty of your garden. I'm glad that you have had a successful year.

It's interesing how hardened people can become to their fellow man. I've read a lot of Book of Mormon verses that talk about helping the poor. In fact, one covenants to do so when one is baptized.

Speaking of baptism, we had one this last week. His name is Issac, and he is a nine year old Laotian boy. His parents are members, but they are less active. So, our work with this family was bringing everyone back to the church. They have been coming regularly to church now, and they are doing very well. There used to be a Laotian branch in Santa Rosa, but it was disbanded years ago. That is why many of these families had a hard time coming back to church. The family feels very loved and supported, though. Issac's father was able to baptize him and confirm him yesterday. It was a special experience to be in the circle.

I also had the opportunity to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting with Elder Cartwright. The Spirit was so strong, and we were able to earn more trust from the ward. I love the members. They are so supportive, and I think we will have more baptisms because of the missionary work that they will do.

My talk was on John 14:26. I learned so much while I was preparing for it. I was asked to focus on the spirit of remembrance. I realized that revelation and inspiration can be given to us through this spirit. When we make new connections, we are being helped by the Spirit. During hard times, the Spirit can bring us comfort through our memories of past spiritual experiences and tender mercies. Since I have been out on my mission, I have been able to remember more of the confirming witnesses that I have had as a youth. They have made me more confident and bold. Whenever we have challenges, that is one thing we can ask for.

I'm growing so much. I'm grateful for how God is molding me. I feel His fingerprints on my soul.

I have a couple of requests, if you wouldn't mind. Could you send me some CDs? My requests are some classical music and anything by Paul Cardell. He has a set called "Hymns" that I would love. There is also a CD called "Nearer" that has some good versions of hymns, too.

I love you. Tell Dad I love him.

Love,

Elder Williams

Elder Williams, Issac Pomsyda, Liam Pomsyda, Elder Cartwright

 

 

Greetings from Boston,

Well, actually I'm home now, but just wanted to say that. I'll tell you about our trip if you are willing to listen. It started off with at the SLC airport where I talked to a couple of missionaries! One was an Elder Williams, so I just had to say hi. They were flying to the MTC in South America. It was fun to wish them well and tell them that I had a missionary in the field.

I made my pilgrimage to Walden. During the plane ride, I reread some highlights of Walden, Emerson essay's, and a little by Louisa May Alcott. Walden isn't a sacred place but it is very special--- to me anyways. The Alcott home was neat. I could imagine their sweet family making bread, doing dishes, and discussing ideals. It was a lovely experience. We also toured the Seven Gable home of Nathaniel Hawthorne fame.  I love his books: The Scarlet Letter, Tanglewood Tales, and The House of Seven Gables. He was a friend of the Alcott's, Emerson, and Thoreau. What an incredible group of people.

We visited Plymouth and toured a museum devoted to the Pilgrims. They had some really great artifacts dating from the 1620's which I found so interesting. I'm glad so many things were preserved for us to learn about them and how they lived. More importantly though was their dedication to God, freedom, and family. What strong, stalwart individuals to cross an ocean and carve out a life in an unknown wilderness. I admire their audacity and hutzpah.  Next, we drove up into Cape Cod and had a lovely evening their admiring the Atlantic Ocean and the bay.

Boston is a great city. I love the juxtaposition of the old and new: sleek, shiny skyscrapers against stone and wood churches. We can see where men show their devotion now---to money, wealth, and power as they erect monuments of metal unto themselves. Our culture has truly shifted from a God-fearing people to one dedicated to consumerism. I guess I'm a bit disheartened about the direction of society, but must keep hope alive. I did see a glimmer of goodness from a group of Mennonite's. They were in downtown Boston singing hymns of praise to God and passing out little pamphlets. They are a plain and simple people who seem so quaint and rustic. But they are sincerely living their religion and it was beautiful to see. As a contrast, for lunch we ate at an Irish outdoor pub and were "entertained" by a very boisterous guy describing his drunken exploits and how he got away with it. He was so proud of the fact that he beat his DUI charge and how funny the destruction he caused was---running into a porch and wrecking his car. Interesting contrast.

I thought a lot about you and how you are faced with the same challenge of trying to share the good news of the gospel which falls on deaf ears. People are caught up in the day and forget about eternity. It seems like such a waste of time---the race of life to get more, buy more, have more. I guess that's why I love my friends in Concord - Emerson and Thoreau- because they spoke against the pragmatic goal of "getting ahead" and tuned people into ideals.

We took a subway to Harvard and walked around the grounds a bit. I was intimidated, but envious. I want to be brilliant -- a scholar and contribute something extraordinary to society. It is such an appealing enticement to be recognized and praised; however, the applauding of man only lasts for a moment. I'm like a Mennonite--plain and simple and quiet. I hope in my quiet way I can do the Lord's will and turn my life over to Him. The true way is to seek for God and find truth. This is the path of courage.

On the way to and from Boston, I spoke to my seat-mates. One was a man from Boston going home and he has lived all over the world. He's had many experiences, lived many cultures, and been successful. But he spoke of realizing his need for something more. He is going to volunteer at St. Jude's hospital and help terminal children---maybe read books, or play games with them. I thought it was profound that he has realized that living life isn't just living it for yourself. Living fully is serving your fellowman. On the way home I sat buy a kid who was coming home from a hiking trip he took to Iceland. He was reading The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. I was so happy to find a fellow reader. We had a good discussion about Russian Literature. He was from Missoula, Montana, works in a bakery producing bread, and explores the outdoors. It made me realize that everyone is interesting and has a story.

We had a good time. It is nice to be back home to my garden and my home and my family. I hope you are doing well and learning about what really matters in life and what is really true.

With love,

Mom



President and Sister Alba- Mission Seal

Great Seal of the California Santa Rosa Mission

1. Each rope knot around seal represents each missionary serving in the California Santa Rosa Mission. United we are strong and our bond cannot be broken. There is not a weak link as our missionaries hold our mission, what we do and what we stand for together in unity.

Mosiah 18:21

“And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.”

2. Name of the mission – California Santa Rosa Mission at the top of the first circle.

3. Scriptural reference to what it is that we sent forth to do. This represents our charge to teach the Doctrine of Christ (2 Nephi 31).

2 Nephi 25:26

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

4. Top of the inner circle – Thrust in your sickle with your might – reference to the Lord’s command and blessing to those who thrust in their sickle with his might, “the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul.” This must be done with all our heart, might, mind and strength so that we may all stand blameless before God at the last day.

D&C 4:4

“For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with him might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul.”

5. The two suns represent God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ when they appeared to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove in 1820.

Joseph Smith – History 1:16-17

“. . . I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

“It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me calling me by name and said, pointing to the other – This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!”

6. It was at this time that the Lord began the work of the restoration for the last time and the Standard of Truth erected.

Joseph Smith stated: “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; . . . the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

7. Two spears hold banners on either side of the shield representing Helaman’s Two Thousand Stripling Warriors (the spears) as well as each companionship in unity – as we all have different attributes we bring to the companionship, as two witnesses we stand tall and true. The sons of Helaman fought with the power of God and exercised great faith. It is also a tribute to our missionary’s families and especially the mother of our missionaries.

Alma 53: 20-21

“And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this is not all – they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

“Yea, thy were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.”

Alma 56:47-48

“Now they never had fought, yet the did not fear death; and the did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

“And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.”

8. The banners hanging down from each spear contains the attributes of Christ that every missionary needs to develop so that they may qualify for the companionship of the Spirit and to accomplish this great work. They hang under the spears who represent each missionary as they are given gifts unique to their companionship.

D&C 4:5-6

“And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

“Remember faith, virtue knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.”

9. The shield represents the shield of faith which Paul wrote to the Ephesians exhorting them to take on the whole armor of God:

Ephesians 6:16

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

10. Within this shield is our mission field – the area that is “white, already to harvest” where we must all thrust in our sickle with our might. From the beautiful Sonoma and Napa valleys, to the Redwood Forest, to the oceans up US 101 all the way up to the Oregon border.

This also represents the Stakes of Zion that we are to strengthen and hold up. We are to assist in The Rescue of all souls – especially those who are less active.

11. Within this field is the Angel Moroni representing the Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Christ. We are to proclaim the truth of the restoration through the Book of Mormon to all that we invite to come unto Christ. It is an ensign to all nations.

12. As we do this, we will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost who will be with us all day and all night.

As with the children of Israel, through our obedience he will lead us as if with a cloud by day and a pillar of light by night as we sacrifice all to building up the Kingdom of God.

Exodus 13: 21-22

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

“He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”

August 20

Dear Mom,

I'm looking forward to the rest of your email. That's pretty cool that you met an Elder Williams. I'm glad that you are nice to the missionaries.

Lately I've been feeling sad to the deaf people. If they but opened their ears, their needs will be met. One thing that has been on my mind is how valuable the gospel really is. As a Son of God, I feel
grateful that I have a Father who would want me. The closer I have come to God, the easier it has become to love people. They are my brothers and sisters. It reminds me of that C.S. Lewis quote about potential.

I'm glad that you had a good time in Boston.

I did get the package. Thank you for sending me goodies. :)

I love you,

Elder Williams

Elders Evans, Wykie, Jacobson, Edwards, Cartwright, Williams

August 13, 2012

Dear Mom,

I'm glad that the letter finally reached you.

Our teaching pool has its ups and downs, but we have seen some miracles. There is this man named D. Anderson that we are teaching now. He has had a lot of struggles. That may sound bad at first, but God prepares people. He is prepared. He has been humbled. We taught him on Thursday, then on Saturday. He had already read four chapters of the Book of Mormon. I have a testimony that the Book of Mormon kills addictions.

Our lady that we had a lot of hope for, C., dropped us. It's a bummer, but I think it's just a little issue that we have to resolve. She came to church and everything. Her husband came too, so we thought we would pick him up. So, we have some work to do.

I'm glad that you had the missionaries over for dinner. Members really brighten the area. I love the ward that I am in. God is letting me grow before He throws some larger challenges my way.

I'm glad that you were able to go to Les Mis. There is an Elder serving in a neighboring ward that loves them. He kind of reminds me of P.

I'm also glad that you and Dad are able to go back east. It's always powerful to go to places that great people walked. Emerson and Thoreau are good friends. :)

I love your thought. Reminds me of "line upon line, precept upon precept." You helped remind me to keep centered and grateful. Thank you.

Thank you for emailing me. I love you.

Love,
Elder Williams

August 6, 2012

Dear Mom,
I read a good part of your lesson. It is excellent. I'm going to study it tomorrow. You always do a great job. Happy Anniversary, and Happy Birthday this week.

Thank you for your email last week. You always have wonderful insights. Have you read "In the Middle"? It was in the Ensign last month, I think. It reminded me of Zen a bit. It's hard to change thinking patterns. It has been hard for me to discard my negative and critical patterns. God is shaping me, though. I am becoming molded by every experience I have. The thing I have to remember is that God loves me and He is good. I'm glad that you made right choices. I'm glad that you have used your agency for good. I want you to know that I love you.

Javier has been one of the best examples of using agency for good. He saw people shot brutally in Mexico as a child, but he has overcome his challenges. He is one of the best examples of charity I have ever observed. It is all possible for him because he remembers Christ.

I'm sorry that you didn't get anything from me last week. I sent a letter, but it didn't get there, I guess.
I'm glad that you got those books back.

I'm sorry that it took so long for me to send them. Relying on a bike for transportation isn't too fun, sometimes. I asked a lady named Sister Wilson to mail it. We are related to her husband Craig. He is from Hurricane. I probably already told you, ha ha. My mind is always occupied with one missionary thing or another. It is good, though. I feel like I am doing my job when I can't remember other things.

It sounds like you had a wonderful time. It is powerful to think that you are helping to fulfill prophesies. I want to do work for our ansestors too. After I come home I want to become full of the Spirit of Elijah.

I know that you can endure to the end. The Sacrament is the only way that any one can. Weekly reminders are so important. The people who are inactive in the ward feel hopeless sometimes because they don't remember that. I'm grateful that you took me to church, even when dad was gone.

We have a few people who are going to be baptized this month. I'll tell you how they go after it happens, ha ha. It is rocky for some of these people sometimes.

Channa, one of the ladies that we teach came to church yesterday and brought her husband and baby Noah, too. I was so elated to see them walk into the chapel.

I love you Mom. Thank you for your emails and letters. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Love,
Elder Williams

July 31, 2012

Dear Mom and Dad,

My first transfer (6 week chunk) is done. Everything is concentrated. I feel like I'm living twice as much in half the time. I'm staying in Bennett Valley with Elder Cartwright, which is good. I have a lot that God wants me to learn before Elder Cartwright and I part ways.

It is really hard sometimes living with someone. I got very used to following my own agenda. I have to sacrifice a lot more than I ever have. It is good though. I feel my calloused layers peeling off of my soul. Reminds me of the Dawn Treader sometimes. I find that I am happier when I lean into the work and forget myself. Sometimes I feel cliche, buy I don't mind. I think that the only way I can know something is by experiencing it. My character is being smoothed out.

Javier (same guy) may be baptized on Saturday. We'll see. He is ready but doubts himself. I'll let you know how that goes.

We're teaching a lady named Channa that I told you about and she now has a date for the 18th this month. I am excited for her. The only think I'm worried about is getting her to church. Once she comes, I'm confident that she'll love it. She already seems like a perfect member. If we get her husband on board, they'll be a perfect family for the ward.

I hope everything is going well. Le me know how you both have been doing.

Love,
Elder Williams

P.S. Sorry for not emailing. We ran out of time. I got to finally mail that package back.

Hello Elder Williams,

Sunday school was interesting. There was a discussion about helping the poor versus "God helps them who help themselves". There was a bit of a debate going back and forth regarding which was correct. I made a comment and said they are both truths. We are soverign beings and need to be personally responsible and accountable for our actions. Yet, we are also our brothers keeper. This is where the spirit of discernment comes in. When we were in Boston, a fellow who was panhandling had a sign which read, "Please help me get drunk." I appreciated his honesty but was not going to enable him to feed his addiction. However, I hope that my donations to humanitarian aid, fast offerings, tithing, and other things will help those who need to be lifted up.

After church I was reminded of this quote by President Benson:

“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ would take the slums out of people, and then they would take themselves out of the slums.The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.” ― Ezra Taft Benson

I believe this is true. We are not victims of our environment or circumstances unless we choose to be. "Learned Helplessness", is an accurate description of many people nowdays. However, we can also be an answer to a prayer, so we should not stay our hand to those in need.

I've also been thinking about grace. The Lord is so kind and generous. I know I don't deserve the blessings that have been given to me---certainly not by my own merit or as a reward, however, the Lord still pours out his love and blessings to me even though I am weak and unworthy. I need to trust more and have increased faith.

I also like this quote: President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life.”

Words of wisdom from a servant of God.

I hope you are doing well. I hope you will have time to write about more of your experiences. I know you don't have a lot of time. Don't feel like you need to write everyone a personal note. Just title it: Dear Family--- and we'll all read it together. That is if you are short on time. Anyways, just try to let us know what is happening in your life as a missionary.

One last quote:

“God loves us. He's watching us, he wants us to succeed, and we'll know someday that he has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew it, there are heavenly hosts pulling for us -- friends in heaven that we can't remember now, who yearn for our victory.” Ezra Taft Benson

I am praying for your victory. Hurrah for Israel!

With love,
Mom