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