Buenos Dias Elder

Buenos Dias Elder Williams,

 

I Googled San Rafael. It looks like a nice area. I hope you have a great companion and great experiences there. You will have to let me know your address asap. I didn't send a package last week, so that's good. Hopefully your last package arrived.

I got to teach the Mia Maids today. It was a good experience and I'm glad that Raina is in the class. I love the scripture that says the Lord looks on the heart. I'm glad He can understand our intentions, desires, and our hearts. I found this quote which I thought was helpful, because we live in a world that measures and defines a person by external factors.

Elder Boyd K. Packer: “We get conditioned to the idea that only one team or one person can win. This is not true of spiritual things. There is plenty of room in the Celestial Kingdom for everyone. We are not in competition for some few spaces. The only one we are in competition with is our former self.”

Meekness, humilty, and sincerity are not popular virtues in today's world. People who are meek are marginalized. Those who are humble are overlooked and sincerity is not taken seriously. But the meek will inherit the earth and I hope you will find those who's hearts are prepared to accept the gospel of Christ.
 

I'm grateful for grace and mercy. I'm grateful for forgiveness. If we think of the two words that make up the word---- for giving--- it means a lot. Forgiveness is "for giving" me peace. It is a gift which me must open our heart to.

I love you.

 

Dear Elder,

I got a phone call from Sister Wiseman this morning. I was so surprised and pleased. She was very complimentary about your work as a missionary, your devotion to the gospel, and your love of the Lord. This made me so happy to hear her words of praise regarding my son. You are a good person with so much to give to the world. I'm grateful you are serving the Lord and are an instrument in His hands.

I love you and am proud of my missionary.

Love,

Mom

 

Dear Mom,

I'm glad that you got to speak to Sister Wiseman. She is a wonderful lady. I really love the members of the Bennett Valley Ward. It was hard to leave them, but I'm excited to work in San Raphael. One thing that has been becoming more and more clear is how God so perfectly tailors my life in order for me to learn the things He wants me to learn.

I love the quotes you send me. Thank you for sharing them.

My mind and heart are so full. It is hard to express what my mission means to me, but I want you to know how grateful I am for the experiences that I have every day. The more that I have submitted my
will to the Lord's, I have grown and been happier.

Thank you for all of your love and all of your support.

My Address:
220 D Street Apt #9
San Rafael, CA 94901

I'm planning on sending my chip home soon. Thank you for the padded envelope.

I love you.

Elder Williams