Busy Bees

Good Morning!

This has been a very eventful week. I've met many good people, and come to love the Richfield area already! One of the best things about being here is the member support. I don't think I've ever met as many excellent Ward Mission Leaders and Bishops. As a missionary I work closely with these two callings, and the individuals in the wards here have done an excellent job of fulfilling their duties with regards to missionary work. It was a blessing I didn't expect and now I really enjoy. The biggest causation from this is that our schedule has been SLAMMED. We can't schedule hardly anyone in for the next 5 days! It's a blessing though, I'm grateful for it. 

We have a few progressing friends in the area already, but as of entering the area Elder Mason and I set two baptismal dates! Chandlee has waited a long time to get baptized, but her parents are willing to let her join the church and she's put in a lot of work. She attended seminary for two years! But now she's ready. Second is Bradley, he is one of the smartest kids I've met. He and his 8 y/o sister Brooklynn ask the wisest questions and are eager to progress towards baptism. 

We only found one new friend this week, but his name is Wyatt and he is amazing! The moment he saw us he ran inside to sit down, he was that excited to see us! It was a great lesson and his parents are supportive so far. We've met twice already! Shout out to my MTC companion, Elder Collier, for sending me his way. I've really enjoyed working with Wyatt. 

We locked ourselves out of the Family History Center . . . that was an endeavor. My companion unfortunately couldn't pick the lock, so we simply asked someone for the key. Elder Mason is the kindest, most genuine person I've had as a companion. I admire him a lot and I'm very grateful for his willingness to serve with me. He helps keep me in check, and helps me to remember to love those I serve with. It's something I still try to do, but perhaps something I could focus on a little more. 

On Thursday I got to meet a few of the friends I've made throughout the mission! It was a great time, and lots of good decisions were made. I'm helping Elder Mason adjust to some extra responsibilities, but he fits in just fine. But it was an adventure in itself to visit St. George again! I'm grateful for the people I know down there, even if I can't visit them again. 

One thing that strikes me is that the Sisters who originally came out with me go home in 5 weeks . . . and I'm still a week shy of my first year of missionary service. It's been an interesting adventure, and I'm grateful to have the rest of 2023 to serve as a missionary! However, it's almost bittersweet watching my friends begin to leave. There are many missionaries I've come to know, befriend, and love, who will head home in the next 6 months. I'll continue to cherish the time I have to serve here. 

Bottom line, it's another week in God's service. The people out here in Richfield need me, and I intend to work as hard as I possibly can. So far that's been accomplished. We have our Zone Conference and a couple exchanges lined up for this week, it's going to vanish before I can blink. 

Talk to you soon!

- Elder Williams

. . . I still don't know what my mailing address is . . .

Pictures:
1. Final group photo in Beaver!
2. Joe, one of my best friends from Beaver. 
3. President Barney came to a lesson with Bond, Dan Bond!
4. Lockpicking.
5. Bishop and his family came to a lesson with Chandlee!
6. View from a hill in Glenwood.
7. Sunset in Richfield!
8. Sneaky Selfie.
9. Mission Leadership Council!
10. Lunch.












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