A Taste of Zion

Good Morning! 

I have had a very wonderful week. We didn't find anyone new to teach, but we had 10 friends at church! Ten! That's a miracle in and of itself. Elder Gibson and I have gotten along great, sometimes things were rough but we're back at it and working in harmony again. Sometimes it just takes an emotional and literal reset to sort out an issue. Kind of like computers. We have a ton of new people we're hoping to start teaching this week, and Taiji's baptism! He's super prepared, and probably my favorite person to help into the covenant path so far into my mission! I've learned some things from him, and am super excited for this coming week. Time to end the transfer on a high note! 

We visited Zion today for Preparation Day. We did the Emerald Pools hike, and visited all three of the pools! There was a little bit of water running, but not a ton, and there were plenty of tadpoles to see. Then we went through a drive through the tunnel and into the Eastern end, the scenery was amazing! Then we ran into a herd of bighorn sheep! We got some photos, but my camera wasn't the best so I didn't take all the photos of the sheep. I feel very lucky to have seen them, there were probably 7 or 8 in the herd! 

Something Elder Gibson has taught me this past week is how to show love to those we teach, and to understand their point of view and share yours, in a compassionate and inviting manner. I'm easily not the best at that, but I have improved, if only slightly! I love the people in this area, until they try and challenge our beliefs, then loving them becomes ten times as difficult. I'm just grateful that Christlike love is a process that grows over time, but I'm striving to obtain more every day. 

I have put some effort into studying the City of Zion, and what it represents. The people who lived there, with Enoch, were very loving, served everyone, and unified in the Spirit. It was quite remarkable, so much so that the city was eventually received into Heaven! Nowadays, we are tasked to help build the kingdom of Zion again. This, I've learned, begins individually. One scripture I find helpful is in the book of Mosiah:

2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. 

If you want to find peace in your own life, the best way is to focus on helping others. Instead of concentrating on your own situation, learn to love those around you who are struggling too! Oftentimes, though we all struggle in different ways, there's always someone who needs help too. I've found that when you offer others that help they need, the more peace you find in your own heart. 

You could say I've learned a bit about being charitable, and reaching for a Zion-like mentality. I'm a long way off, but every major journey started with the first step. So I'll continue forward, and recognize the miracles in my life that come from this desire. Even if I haven't experienced the love of God fully, for myself or others, I have had a little taste of what is possible through Jesus Christ and His Atonement. 

We live in a beautiful world, I'll definitely be back to Southern Utah, even just to visit Zion again. Another miracle is that it rained a good couple inches today, the streets in La Verkin were flooding! It made for wonderful photos, and some good adventures in the rain. But life moves on, and there's a work for me to do here. I'll let God lead the way as I strive to build up His Kingdom in these latter-days. 

After all, Zion is much more attainable than we might think! 

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:
103 S 400 W 
La Verkin, Utah, 84745

Pictures:
1-2, 4-6. Your little taste of Zion!
3, 8-9. Bighorn Sheep!!!
7. The lady we gave the cake to lives behind us, so we exerted some safe missionary activities to attend dinner with her family one night! Definitely didn't jump over the wall!
10. The District photo.










 

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