August 12

Dear Elder Williams,

 

Thank you so much for the birthday card. I felt very special and had a wonderful day. Saturday, Dad took me to see a Shakespeare play, Loves Labour's Lost, and we went to a new French bakery in town where we ate eclairs and creme puffs. It was a lovely day. On Sunday, Dad spoke in church about your mission and it was really special. You have had a great experience and grown so much while serving the Lord and his children. I'm so happy you made the choice to go on a mission and I'm so proud of you for giving it your heart and soul.

 

I've been doing some good reading lately. I promised the girls that I would read Harry Potter this summer, so I've begun the journey. I know that it is a favorite of you and the girls, but I'm a fan of Tolkien and Lewis. It's been kinda fun to read it though. I've also read The Tao of Pooh. I loved it because it explained the philosophy of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism so succinctly and plainly. It was adorable because it was told with Winnie the Pooh as the protagonist. I've also been reading Plato's Republic. I'm using commentaries to help me understand it, but I can really see so many references to our modern life coming from the dead Greek philosophers, and it's been really interesting to see the connections.

 

Thank you for your input about the Book of Mormon and Bible being figurative or literal. I've been listening to some podcasts and one that Doug Fabrizio did talked about this subject. I was a bit jumbled about it. I know there are many metaphorical references in the Bible, like when Jesus says he is the vine or the door, but I believed that people like Noah, Jonah, Alma, etc. were real people. However, many folks don't believe that. They believe that scripture is just allegory to teach principles. So anyways, I appreciate your testimony about it. I read the Book of Mormon everyday and it strengthens me.

 

My garden is exploding with produce and I've been able to share it with a lot of neighbors. The Lord is good to us.

 

Tell me about your new area, companion, the ward, and how you like it. We love you and pray for you always.

Love,
Mom (who is now officially 43 years old) :)

 

 

Dear Mom,

I'm happy that you had a good birthday. I didn't do so well remembering everyone's birthday last year, so I'm trying to redeem myself, haha.

I would love to read the Tao of Pooh, especially since I've loved him since I was a young lad. Just wait, Harry Potter will grow on you.

I've talked to so many people who think that the Bible is figurative. They miss out on the security and clarity of truth.

I'm glad the garden is doing well. A few people have given us canned peaches, and it reminded me of yours. I've even been cooking some zucchini that some members gave us, ha ha.

I really like my new area. The people are really friendly, and I feel like it has a lot of potential. I'm excited to work hard and see some miracles. The ward leadership is great. They gave us a lot of time in ward counsel and we are starting a Preach My Gospel class every Thursday with their support.

Elder Kunz is from Bear Lake, Idaho. This is his last transfer, so in missionary lingo I'm "killing him". It is a new experience for me. He is a smart fella, so he's fun to talk to.

I love you, Mom. Thank you for all of the prayers and support. I always need and appreciate it.

Love,

Elder Williams

 

 

 

Hey Talon,

 

I hope you are well in your new area. We are excited to get an update on what's going on with you.

 

Yesterday I spoke in church about your mission. In doing so I read through your emails and selected a few things that I thought were inspiring. It was really good for me to review. You have had amazing success from my point of view. One major take away I see corresponds with my experience working at the group home and that is that young people are searching for something to believe in. You have had a wonderful opportunity to convert a lot of young people who need the Savior in their life. Your work does so much to give hope to those who struggle.

 

Some other things I noticed is how positively you speak of the members you have worked with in all of your areas. What a blessing it is to know your recent converts will be well taken care of after you leave.

 

We celebrated you Mom's birthday yesterday. I cooked Dutch oven potatoes, steak and corn on the cob. It turned out pretty well.

 

Hope you have a wonderful week and be safe,

Love Dad