Zdravstvuyte

Zdravstvuyte Elder Williams,
 

I'm greeting you in Russian because I'm reading Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The book is hilarious with its biting humor. It is a reflection about human behavior and how irrational, ornery, and self-centered we can be. It's basically about the 'natural man' and how he is an enemy to God, to his fellow beings, and to himself. We need to overcome the man and replace him with a Godly character.
 

My favorite quote:

Dostoyevsky: "To live longer than forty years is bad manners....is vulgar, immoral."

Me: "I guess I better drink the Koolaid."

Just kidding. I thought it was very funny though...
 

The girls had an awesome weekend at state drama. They did very well and had fun. I'm glad they are focusing on the arts. I believe that art can change the world. It is a direct channel to the soul and can touch the spirit. That's why hymns, poems, and visual art is so special....it softens the heart and makes us receptive to the holy ghost.

Tell me about your companion. Where is he from? Are you finding people to teach? How is the Benicia area?

I love you and pray for you daily.

Love,

Mom

 

Dear Mom,

The natural man is a punk. I'm glad that Christ showed us the way to overcome him. I would personally be much unhappier if I didn't know how to follow Christ. The would would be much happier if they would listen to the spirit.

My companero, Elder Pearson, is from the Denver area. He has been out for a pretty long time, about 20 months I think. We have very different views about a lot of things, so it has been a real learning experience for me. I have learned a lot of lessons I couldn't have otherwise, if I wasn't here in Benicia with him.

We are working really hard, but we aren't seeing the results as quickly as I would like. I'm learning to be more patient. It has been an opportunity for me to reflect.

Now, I am much more grateful for things that I took for granted in previous areas. I can see the tender mercies that the Lord gives me much more clearly now. We saw many of them this week.

Yesterday was one of those tender mercies. We are now teaching a lady that I met my second day here. Her name is Candace and she is awesome. We had an appointment that fell through, so I felt like we should go see Candace. We taught her and she felt the Spirit very strongly. She was able to feel some hope that God still loves her and wants to bless her even though she has made mistakes. It is so wonderful to see the light that the Gospel brings to people. The Atonement is so powerful.

I really and dearly love the ward here in Benicia. The members are becoming more and more missionary minded. We had a mission farewell for one of the boys here, and the Spirit was so strong in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. We have another one next week. So, this ward will have six missionaries out, which helps us here.

I hope the kids keep doing well. I'm proud of them.

Thanks for all you do Mom.

Love,

Elder Williams