Wear The Suit

Good Morning!

The first order of business is to inform y'all where I'm at. I have been assigned to the Washington Stake, plus four YSA wards. My trainer is named Elder Bailey, and he's an Assistant to the President and Co-District Leader (because reasons, I'm not sure.) It's been super interesting to work with him, as he's a very obedient and spiritually focused missionary. I hope to pattern much of the rest of my mission off of Elder Bailey's diligence and spiritual witness when he's teaching. 

All three of my flights went pretty well last week! I helped this Cuban gentleman navigate the DFW airport, it helped me practice some of my basic Spanish skills. I'm not the best, but the situation worked quite well. I think my suit and tag were the reason he approached me in the first place. Also, if you want a boost in confidence, just wander the SLC airport in a suit and tag. I had four people say "Hey Elder" in about four minutes. I later ran into some fellow Elders and Sisters headed to England, but we didn't talk for long.

While at the SLC airport, I took the opportunity to stand by the baggage claim exit and think about where I'd been 4 1/2 months ago. It was a sweet feeling knowing that I did return, and I'm here to work. 

The night before my flight home, 4 1/2 months ago, I stayed at the assistants apartment (fun fact, that's where I'm living now) and spent the night with Elder Hurley. He was the assistant at the time, and had been a good example while I was out last Winter. That night, I asked him if I should wear my suit on the flights home, as it would be hot on the plane and I wasn't very confident in my status as a returning missionary. 

Aside from the fact you should probably fly with your suit anyway as a missionary, Elder Hurley stated that I should "Wear the suit." THat comment really helped me at the time, and became relevant last Wednesday and Thursday. Transitioning from a life of sitting at home and not doing much to being out and about every day. I was quite stressed, and a little overwhelmed from such a physical and emotional transition. 

Another concern weighing on my mind was how good the missionaries in my 'generation' were. They'd been out for over six months now, and they and others had done many great things since I'd left. I felt behind, if that makes sense. It doesn't help that I wasn't very good at saying hello to people, or teaching lessons, or even knocking doors. 

Now, it turns out that when Christ suffered for our pains, afflictions, temptations, and all the trials you face, he actually did that. His sacrifice has taken a more tangible meaning for me. My companion recommended I pray to feel the Atonement lift that burden of stress and self-comparison, and immediately that weight was lifted. I was praying by my bed at 10:30, and I just cried. That feeling of overwhelming comfort and support washed away the self-comparison I'd felt and allowed me to focus on being the best missionary I can be. 

Now, as Elder Bailey and I have worked together, we have found a lot of success. We are whitewashing an area (where both missionaries in an area are switched out, forcing the new companionship to work without prior experience or knowledge of the place) but in the first two days we placed two unbaptized children on date for baptism. I'm doing much better at greeting everyone I meet; church felt just like home as the wards we attended welcomed us wholeheartedly. I'm improving at teaching simply and effectively in lessons, and I have taught a principle or a lesson where I KNOW the Holy Ghost was speaking through me. 

My time in Washington has been amazing, if rough at first. I definitely struggled my fair share, but my testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the message I have to share has increased dramatically. I'm ready for this next week, and excited to keep serving and learning the area. We're teaching a number of people, and strengthening our area to more than it's been in a very long time. 

I'm loving the work and making the most of the time I have! I also really appreciate tie bars right now, as the wind can be fierce at times. But the clouds and scenery are amazing, even if the temperature is pretty close to triple digits. 

Make this week a good week, and if you're ever thinking less of yourself, pray for strength through the Atonement. It truly helps for every care and burden we carry. Always be confident in yourself. Always wear the suit. 

- Elder Williams

Pictures:

1. Some cool older planes at the Tyler Airport.

2. The early morning view while flying from the Tyler Airport.

3. Elder Bailey and I.

4. More scenery.

5. Clouds in Washington.

6. More clouds from Washington.

7. I found a chicken!