March 10

Dear Elder T-T,

I listened to a conference talk by Elder Bednar yesterday and what he said really struck me: " A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment." It made me think about myself and where the desires of my heart are. It is difficult in our commercial society to constrain those feelings of wanting more and thinking, "I have to have it! I need it if I'm going to look good. Besides, I deserve it." I think that's why Thoreau really resonates with me is because he was a minimalist. I need to heed the words of "Simplify, simplify, simplify." I'll contrast it to Saturday and going up north with Raina and her friend Bekah and the Wagner's and prom dress shopping. It was fun to watch the them try on dresses and they looked so pretty. I think it's important to enjoy an evening to feel like a beautiful girl once in awhile; however, we spend so much energy and focus on one night of fun at the expense of what really matters. Entertainment, fashion, money, success---these become our gods. We worship at the alter of consumerism. Listening to Elder Oaks' conference talk confirms this to me.

I really like "stuff" and I know I'll never live like an ascetic, but it makes me realize that I need to be careful and watch the intentions of my heart.

Did you make your transfer? Will you please confirm your mailing address? Do you have a firm date on your arrival home? How is Vacaville? David said it was the hood. Is that true? If so, please remember your karate skills. Use them in a nice way though, if you have to. Don't go all Chuck Norris on the bad guys because they might not want a Book of Mormon after you kick their booty. :)

All is well on the home front. We pray for you.

With love,

Mom - who has Ninja skills and can whip out a quilt in less time than it takes to thread a sewing needle. :)



Dear Mom,

Thank you for sharing that quote. One thing I am continually learning about is gratitude. A little bit goes a long way.

I like Thoreau's philosophy. I have seen so many people trapped by their stuff. Hoarders, rich people, they become entangled in Satan's web. There is definitely a difference between things that improve the quality of your life (thank goodness for washers and cars), and useless junk or overboard opulence. God wants us to enjoy the good things in life, but not get trapped in them.

I was right about my address. 999 Marshall Rd # 22, Vacaville, CA 95687

Yup, 27th of May is when I am scheduled to fly home. I put Cedar City as the place I wanted to fly to. I should be getting my fight plans sometime soon. I think they might send you a copy too.

The only gangsters I have met in Vacaville so far are wanna be teenagers. It is really a nice place. Kind of reminds me of St. George. I'm more worried about me doing something dumb than getting jumped, ha ha. I promise I will be safe and smart.

We had a miracle a couple of days ago. We were working on Saturday evening after dinner, and we went to find some people to teach. I saw a girl waiting on her porch for a ride, and we went and talked to her. Her name is Jessica and she is Raina's age. Turns out that she has been receiving some wonderful fellowshipping from some members in another ward. She went to church with them, and she started reading the Book of Mormon. Within a week, she had almost finished 1 Nephi. She already knows it is true. I challenged her to be baptized in April, and she said she would.

One of the people I have been taking to online got baptized yesterday. Vinicius is his name, and he is from Brazil. This picture is of him.

I didn't really do too much, but I am glad that I was able to be with him on part of his journey.

I love you Mom. Thanks for all you do.

Love,

Elder Williams