Pondering On Paper

Good Morning!

It has been a transfer! Time has flown, and for that I'm very grateful. I am being moved to a new area, La Verkin! It's near Hurricane, and will include a couple smaller towns like Toquerville and Pintura. Funnily enough I'd spent a day on exchanges serving in that exact area . . . I found that to be pretty cool, and I'm excited for this next transfer! My new companion will be Elder Gibson, and though I know nothing about him, I'm excited to spend these upcoming weeks with him. It'll be awesome! 

This last week with Elder Bailey was very productive! We found a few new friends, all young adults between 18-30, who are a part of an independence program. Many of their hearts are softened to our message, and one of them even came to church yesterday! We are also prepping a few more individuals for baptism, some are progressing well, and others we are working to better understand their needs. 

I normally don't have this problem, but there was a day this past week where I just couldn't study. My mind wouldn't focus, and I didn't know where I should begin. I tried the best I could, but nothing was getting anywhere. Then, a few days later, I remembered a couple topics I had planned to study that particular day, and completely forgotten to. That was a bit unfortunate, but I will continue to improve!

This weekend we had two meals with members, they're my first ones since returning! On Saturday we met with the Wegesends, who are from Hawaii, and they made this wonderful dinner of native foods. I have no clue what they called everything, but there was fish, pork, rice, and a chicken soup. I left that meal very filled. The other was on Sunday, and we had steak and potatoes! It's been a minute since I had a good steak, so I left that one only after having thirds, and seconds of their Danish dessert. No clue what it was, but it was Danish, and a dessert. 

An Elder currently in the home MTC, called us and asked if we could drag him around. He is Elder Nielsen, and will be serving in Leon, France. He has the missionary spirit in full force, and was excited to leave the house. Elder Bailey and I took him to some of our lessons that evening, and one of our finding activities.

For finding that day, Elder Bailey, Nielsen and I played "A book from Heaven", one of those cheesyish missionary things. Go knock some RVs, and because the door swings outward, one Elder stands in plain view and the other stands behind where the door would open. So the occupant talks to the Elder in view, and the other Elder hides, holding a Book of Mormon. The first Elder states "I have a message from Heaven" and the second tosses the Book of Mormon over the RV door and into the hands of the waiting missionary. We weren't too successful, most people didn't open their doors very far, and we were later kicked out (nicely, but still), yet it was an interesting experience. It's definitely one that pulls you from your comfort zone!

I am proud to be serving right now. The mission numbers are starting to drop, which isn't a good sign, especially after some very successful previous months, but it shows us that we need to be out and doing more. I'd say most missionaries are decent over here, and I don't see the numbers the same way the Mission President does, but numbers get me thinking, so that's all my thoughts are. 

Because President Kaluhiokalani is leaving soon, I had the chance to write him a letter. It was a mission-wide event, and though I was a few days late to the party, I plan to deliver it soon. I greatly enjoyed the chance I've had to serve with him, and express some of my thoughts on paper. 

Another pondering activity of mine was how I could better learn from Elder Bailey before transfers. We knew we would be split, but all my personal predictions were wrong. It's pretty typical, especially since I have no influence on where I serve, but it was fun to think about. 

Lastly, I've put some thought into the small, physical ways I can improve my missionary service. I want to continue on the right foot, and take off running, which makes the littlest things of even greater importance. I'm working for 100% obedience, and though I presume myself to be at a rough 97%, I still likely overestimate and underestimate my performance at the same time. Learn to be merciful with yourself. Progress takes time. If it was an overnight thing, God would have just snapped his fingers and mortality would have been pointless. Consider that for a minute. 

I pray time keeps flying, yet that this time never runs out. I pray I hit all the areas in this mission, yet actually stay somewhere long enough to feel fulfilled. I pray for those at home, and for those I serve with. I pray for those I help teach, and even those who deny us. But mostly, I pray for personal improvement and a better relationship with God, my Savior, and the Holy Ghost. So I ponder on my progress, and reflect on the days I've used, and those I've let slide. 

Most of all, I pray God uses me to further His work. Every difference I make is evidence of His love for me and those I meet. 

I hope this helps you understand my week, just a bit. I'll keep pondering, it's something I have a knack for, after all! 

- Elder Williams

Pictures:

1-8: Scenery throughout Washington! We were blessed with some clouds and vivid sunsets! You can also see the Redcliffs Temple in one of them!

#7: It's a little dragon car!