Honesty is Step One

Good Morning! 

This has been a pretty fun week. Lots of exchanges, a few more friends working towards baptism, and plenty of miracles!

Zone Conference this week was fantastic! The Trainings went well, the Spirit was strong, and the focus was on covenants. I've learned so much more about covenants, and God's willingness to support me in my covenants. It's been a true blessing to have President and Sister Staples leading this mission, because their willingness to follow the Lord's guidance is astounding and inspiring. I want to be that open with my Heavenly Father because of their example. 

The exchanges I went on this week helped shape me as a missionary. Each missionary I was with pushed me in different ways and allowed me to recognize shortcomings in my own efforts, and highlight ways to change. I have now begun asking myself "If this were my last transfer, what would I want to do?"

I intend to answer this question with a focus on my personal development. What do I want to do to become a stronger missionary? To become a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ? To become more reliant upon my Heavenly Father? There are ways I can improve. I have faith that the Lord will support me in these efforts. 

While most exchanges are held during the week, I had the unique opportunity to hold an exchange on Sunday. Elder Beaudette came with me to my area, and things went well! There were some different challenges, but I needed the time spent with Elder Beaudette and his wisdom to better formulate my own thoughts and realizations on how I can improve. 

I've realized that it's easy to look at other missionaries and think they're visibly "stagnant". They don't seem to grow, or change, or be open to new ideas. I know that isn't true, but I also know that it does happen. I, myself, am actually a part of this group sometimes! I can grow stagnant, or unwilling to change, in my personal growth. Because I've finally recognized this, I was able to have as thorough a soul-searching experience as I did this week. Take a second and be honest with yourself! Perhaps there are aspects of your life, your personal development, that aren't as strong as they should be. What can you do to improve? Honesty is the key to growth. 

Here in the St. George East Stake, the field is very white, and very ready to harvest. We have set two baptismal plans for the end of this transfer! We also began teaching 6 new friends. I pray they will progress just as many other friends I've seen, in my area and others, have progressed in the gospel. The Utah St. George Mission is doing things we've never before done, because we are striving to improve and recognize our shortcomings. We are working to be honest, both in our growth, and our potential to grow. 

Missionary work is amazing. I wouldn't trade these experiences, or miracles, for anything else. Both friends now on-plan, Kreelynn and Serenity, only happened because a parent felt the Spirit, was humble enough to listen, and honest enough with their family to allow their children to build their relationship with the Savior. 

I'm super excited for the rest of this transfer! We had a trip to Zion today, I will attach a couple photos. May is here and I'm still eager for the work. It's taken a ton of effort to get where I am today, but it has all been worth it, and my journey has barely started. 

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:
881 South River Road
St. George, Utah 84790

Pictures:
1. A rare, impromptu waterfall at Zion. 
2. Zion is beautiful.
3. It's a snake. Please help me if you know what kind of snake it is. 
4. This is probably the 4th squirrel I'd seen on my mission to this point. I saw at least a dozen today. And yes, all were just as friendly as this one. Zion sure is a place of peace!
5. Us Elders of Israel enjoying Zion.
6. Serenity is on-plan! Forgive the interesting choice of focus on the camera!
7. And so is Kreelynn! She's so smart and fun to teach!









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