January 27

Dear Elder Williams,

We went up to Honor Choir and saw Raina perform at Abravanel Hall on Saturday. It was so beautiful to hear the voices of such talented young people. Music has a way to communicate directly to the soul. It was such a wonderful concert. I'm glad you had the opportunity to participate in events like that also.

I finished a book called 25 Books that Shaped America by Thomas Foster. It was interesting to read his choices and why he picked them. Many of them are modern and post-modern meaning the authors view on life is pessimistic (in my opinion). The philosophy which has shaped the past two centuries is basically bleak ---"there is only atoms and the void". It's not a modern philosophy of course because that idea goes back to the Greeks Democritus and Leucippus. But it is certainly not a philosophy of hope. I guess it's pragmatic, but to me it's barren. I'm reminded of Shakespeare when MacBeth is lamenting the purpose of life:
"...the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."

How depressing! I'm grateful that we have the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge that there is a grand design and purpose to our life. Salvation is easy if you think about it: repent, obey, believe, submit, do good, and love. But it's so difficult! We are 'half-hearted' creatures who worry about insignificant things that rust and decay. I know if I could just focus then my outlook wouldn't be obscured by seeing through the glass darkly. My perspective would be clear and full of promise if I would just abstain from sin. But I'm weak and irresolute. Enough of the "Lament of Laura." I just need to put my trust in Jesus and replace faith with the fear I have.

I've been watching a great BBC production of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I LOVE IT. I love the book because it's so symbolic and full of wisdom. I love the hyper-neurosis of Miss Havashim and how she contrasts with Joe who is "the salt of the earth" type of character. Anyways, I'm glad for entertainment that isn't just vapid and vulgar. You'll have to look up the BBC productions when you get back.

Guess what? I've been running again. Maybe we can do a 5K in the summer. It could be a fun family event. :)

I can't believe how time is running down with your time out on your mission. It just speeds by! It makes me realize that I need to make each day count.

I've got a package together and will send it out today. I hope you are feeling ok and won't get a cold.

We send our prayers, love, and blessings to you. Thank you for spreading the 'good news' of the gospel.

With love,
Mom


Dear Mom.

I am glad that you got to watch Raina preform. I am sure it was great. I loved singing with all of the other kids.

The book you just finished sounds like it was an interesting read. Was one of the books the Book of Mormon? If not, it should be on that list. It has done more to change this world than any other book besides the Bible, I think.

There is such a stark contrast between the pessimistic world and the hopeful gospel. I am so grateful that the truth is bright and meaningful. Nothing would be worth anything without it.

Keep remembering the lovingkindness of God. I have been reading Psalms a bit, and that is a word that keeps ringing out to me. I know that the Atonement covers our faults and strengthens our weaknesses. You truly are an elect lady, Mom.

I am glad that you have been running! You will probably be able to beat me.

Time is going by quick. Makes my work here more urgent. I am going to miss the mantle of a missionary so much. I feel like my mission is a little microcosm of life. Every day needs to count.

Thank you for the package. I didn't get a chance to send my stuff home. I will do that today.

This week was pretty eventful. I have had many opportunities to give blessings. That has been one of the best things of my mission, is the opportunity to exercise my priesthood so much. We gave Jane a blessing for her addiction to tobacco, and it was an amazing experience. She said that she could feel Satan leaving her. We also gave a blessing to our investigator Wilfried. He has been taught a lot by missionaries in the past, and the thing that kept him from baptism was his smoking habit. I sealed the anointing, and the words that came out of my mouth astounded me. It never ceases to amaze me what kinds of things the Lord channels through me to the individuals I lay my hands upon. I feel like some of the words were for me.

Thank you for all of your support and love.

Love,

Elder Williams