Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad Elder Williams,

 

Here is a thought by Neal A. Maxwell:

"The Father and our Savior desire to lead us through love, for if we were merely driven where They wish us to go, we would not be worthy to be there, and, surely, we could not stay there. They are Shepherds, not sheep-herders."

 

I would like to be a shepherd. Being a shepherd is true leadership. Leadership isn't about a title you carry, but about who you are. It is a choice of taking upon yourself responsibility. And foremost, I think leadership is service. That is what being a missionary is, right? Serving, leading through love, and accepting responsibility?
 

We had the ward Christmas party and Brandt sat on Santa's lap. It was cute. All the kids were asking for Ipod's, Wii, etc, but when Brandt got up there and was asked the big question, he told Santa that he wanted a llama. I would like a llama too! It would be fun to have another animal. I loved Nellie the goat. She and I were tight. We spoke the same language, liked the same food (vegetable matter) and enjoyed hiking up tall places. She was funny, wasn't she.
 

Are you excited for Christmas? I'm looking forward to talking to you. Everyone is excited, especially Brandt.
 

I hope you are healthy. Did you get your last package? I sent you a bird. I hope it made it to California ok. :)
 

Did the baptism happen Saturday? Wow, what an amazing experience to have a mom and her kids choose to join the church.

We are praying for you.

With love,

Mom

 

 

Hi Mom,

I love that thought. I love your thought about it too. Christ's form
of leadership is truly the best. I've seen how different leaders work
in the mission, and the most successful ones are those who give of
themselves. Lately I've been more aware of how necessary it is to
sacrifice one's own wants and desires. The Lord can make my life a lot
better than I can. I've just got to follow Him. True leadership comes
from following the Over-Shepherd.

I don't know if I'm a fan of llamas. You can't ride them. Nellie, on
the other hand, could be ridden, ha ha.

I am excited for Christmas. We'll have to set up a time that I can Skype home.

I'm feeling better. I think those herbs helped a bunch. I did get a
bird, and I did put it on something, ha ha.

I'm so grateful for this last week. Tina was baptized on Saturday and
confirmed on Sunday. I was able to preform my first baptism, and it
was such an honor to be a part of her progression to the Celestial
Kingdom. I have grown in appreciation for the gift of the Priesthood.
I've preformed priesthood ordnance before, but it was a very special
experience for me to preform a baptism. She is being a great example
to her family too. We were able to set a baptismal date with her
daughter for the 5th of January as well as one of their family
friends.

We also have another lady with a date named Loretto. Her sister is
married to a stake president in Utah, so she has been exposed to the
church before. She has been so prepared by the Lord to accept the
message that we share. She is going to be baptized on January 12th.

I love it here, and I love the work. Thank you for all of your support.

Love,

Elder Williams