Happy Birthday Elder!

Birthday Wishes Elder Williams,

 

I can't believe you are 20 years old! Woah...that's just crazy. I'm glad that you have grown into such a fine young man who is serving the Lord. What a wonderful experience to dedicate two years of your life spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for your selfless act of service.

How is your new area and your new companion? Are you on bikes or driving? I hope you can send your address. I have a birthday package waiting for you.

General Conference was really inspirational. Isn't it exciting that Cedar City will be getting a new temple? I loved the talks, the announcements, and the spirit that each speaker had. Elder Holland's talk especially touched me. He has such a powerful way of communicating. What were your thoughts during conference? Was there anything in particular that touched you?

Well, you are starting over again with this newest transfer, so I guess it's fitting that it's your birthday. It's a new beginning and time to work and grow. I hope you will find joy and many opportunities in the area you are called to serve in.

I love you and am so grateful to have such a fine son as you are. You are a good person with a compassionate, loving, and kind heart. I'm glad you are strong in your convictions and true to your beliefs.

Happy, happy birthday to you!

With love,

Mom

 

 

Dear Mom,

I feel pretty old, ha ha.

The new area and the new companion is exactly what I need at this point in my mission. I've got a new set of challenges, so I'm going to grow a lot in this area. I can see the hand of God clearly in my mission. I go where I need to go, when I need to go, and I'm with who I need to be. My new companion is Elder Pearson. He is from near Colorado.

I'm on bike here in Benicia. There are a lot of hills, so I'm going to get in shape pretty quick.

My new address is 801 Southhampton Rd. # 78 Benicia, CA 94510

I sent a letter home on Wednesday. You might get it today, I hope.

Conference was so wonderful. Being a missionary makes it a whole different experience. It truly can be a revelatory experience. I loved Elder Bednar's talk. I loved Elder Holland's, too. He is so powerful. The overall thing that I learned from the Spirit is being in the light, being peaceful no matter what happens. Several of the speakers talked about that, and I feel like I needed that.

Love,

Elder Williams

 

 

 

Hey Dad,

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I get more and more unlucky as time goes on. I'm starting to get a 5 o'clock shadow. Kinda, ha ha.

It really blows my mind that about a half a life time for you ago, I was born. I can't imagine what it is going to be like for me to have 20+ more years of experience. My 20 years to this point have seemed to go by so fast. I'm so grateful to you and mom and that you are my dad. Thanks for raising me up right.

I'm in a really beautiful area. It is pretty well to do, so it is clean and there are lots of pretty things for me to enjoy. I can see the bay from my apartment window. The ward here is awesome. I'm going to have a really wonderful experience working with them.

I loved Elder Packer's talk. I loved so many of them. Some of the ones by the 70's were really good too. I'm looking forward to reading them again.

It'll be sweet to see the completed garage. I bet you'll be glad that you did it.

Something that I learned in Conference is that I am going to want to spend a lot of time with Brandt when I get home. I feel like I can influence him a lot, and I want to help him learn about the priesthood and get him ready for a mission.

Love,

Elder Williams