Ohhhh Texas.

K…so this past week was really great and really, really, frustrating at the same time.  First off, before I share, I just want to reiterate how much I love being a missionary and how much this Gospel and this important work means to me.  Seriously, though, so good and so hard at the same time.  Before I left, I remember asking people what was so difficult about being a missionary and they would tell me that it is physically, emotionally and spiritually draining all at the same time.  I understood what they meant when they said that, but now I REALLY understand.  To start off, I have blisters on my pinky toes.  Both of them!  It's actually pretty funny looking.  I like to think of them as little cushions to make walking... easier. Also, I'm pretty sure I have nerve damage on both of my big toes.  At first I thought it was annoying not to be able to feel anything, but then I realized what a blessing it really is.  The shoes we have to walk in are not exactly the most comfortable thing in the world, but because I can't feel anything on my toes, walking in them doesn't hurt me.  Haha, the Lord works in mysterious ways! Also real quick, today I officially upped my running to 4 miles in a half an hour! I'm trying super hard not to be prideful, but considering what a lazy blob I was before I left on the mish, I kind of feel like a boss.  I can't take any credit though. There are seriously some points where I am praying that Heavenly Father will help me keep moving my feet so I won't fall off the treadmill and die, haha.  Anyways, this past week we were able to teach more than we have in the previous weeks and we were able to acquire a couple more investigators and prospective investigators through knocking on doors, and street contacts.  Most of the lessons we were teaching though, were to the members in the two wards that we’re serving in.  When I first found out that tracting in the Woodlands wasn't really allowed, I was kind of bummed because I wanted to go out and teach people about the Gospel.  I wanted to share this wonderful gift with people who had never experienced it before.  But, because tracting isn't really allowed here, we had to work largely through the members.  Turns out this place is ahead of its time.  

I really hope everyone had the opportunity to watch the mission training broadcast called "The Work of Salvation" yesterday.  It was really powerful and, if you didn't get a chance, go to lds.org and give it a watch.  We have been told as a church again and again that there is a better way to do missionary work and it is not through knocking on doors.  It's through the members.  Well the broadcast last night reiterated that same principle, except with more emphasis.  After watching it, I walked away feeling as light as a feather and so inspired and excited to work with the members in our area and go out and find, teach and baptize. We had a lesson with a member family that same night and my comps and I were way excited to relay that message.

Then we were reminded of the state of the Woodlands.  The message that we have been sharing with the members here for the past three weeks is the importance of member missionary work…"The job of a full time missionary is to assist the members in their missionary efforts".   Unfortunately, getting the members here to do missionary work is like pulling teeth.  We walked away from that lesson feeling pretty discouraged. How are we supposed to do God's work in the way he wants us to, if the key element in that plan isn't cooperating?  Well, here's what we decided, we are going to share the message with our family and friends back home and encourage them to do their part.  Please, please, please don't be that family that the missionaries walk away from feeling discouraged because you don't want to do your part. Please invite your friends and neighbors and family over to your home for dinner, at the very least, so they can feel the special spirit that resides there.  Please pray about the people you know that would be ready to meet with the missionaries. You as members are so vitally important to this work.  You are the better way. "Therefore if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work".  In addition to that, we decided to increase our diligence and obedience. We know that when we are exactly obedient and practice faith, the Lord will show forth his miracles.  Like I've said before, I don't think I've ever said so many prayers in my life and cried so often for other people then I have since becoming a missionary.  If I could ask you all a favor, because I truly do believe in the power of prayer, would you all please pray for the members in the Woodlands area that they will be blessed with the courage they need to share the gospel with those they know.  Please pray for them that their hearts will be softened and they will have a desire to do what they need to in order to be part of the Lord's efforts in hastening the work.  I have faith that it will truly make a difference.   Ahhhhhh! I miss you all so much it hurts sometimes, but at the same time I am nowhere near ready to come home.  There is so much work to be done and I feel like my mission is already almost over with how fast it is going by.  I need more time!  I pray for you all and I think about you probably more than I should.  Know that you are loved!  Have a freaking awesome week, and in everything that you do, always remember and strive to become closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.

Peace out girl scout,

-Sister Williams

ps

Our missionary purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end!