In Northern Territory

It looks like P-day is going to be Monday for now... Not that it really makes a difference. I`m used to things changing every other week now haha.

A new sister, Hermana Blas from Nicaragua, came to be with us this past week. But now she and I have gotten changed and we are with Hermana Ayala in a ward called La Florida. This ward was part of the North Mission. We arrived yesterday and went to Ward Council. The Bishop is pretty focused in missionary work and he expects a lot of work. That`s cool, that`s why we`re here.

Recently I`ve started rereading the Book of Mormon as a challenge from President Dennis--to finish it before November 19. I really love the books of Nephi. I think I`ve always taken them for granted. This morning I was reading in 1 Nephi 16 and 17. This is when Nephi breaks his bow and his brothers get mad and even his dad (the prophet!) starts to murmur. But he keeps a straight head and with the help of the Lord fixes the problem. And then he goes to build a boat and once again his brothers are jerks and only the power of the Lord makes them humble. It made me think about, like Nephi, even when we are being completely obedient we are going to face challenges and obstacles. The question is if we are going to let those challenges beat us or with the help of the Lord we are going to overcome the challenges. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Trust in the Lord and look for his blessings daily.

Love,

Hermana Williams

Life in Ecuador Lately..

Recently Hermana Pérez and I were in a trio with a girl named Hermana Saucedo. She is from Arkansas although her parents both have roots in Mexico so she looks Latina and talks Spanish pretty well. She as only with us for 2 weeks and now she has left to be with her real trainer in the coast. It was neat to have some time to teach her and learn from her. She has a lot of faith and hope that everyone, no matter their challenges, can progress. She has a lot of love for the people.

Hermana Saucedo taught us something cool from 2 Nephi. I had never heard it before but in chapter 5 there are 6 principios por una vida feliz (principles for a happy life)...

2 Nefi 2:6- Familia (families)

2 Nefi 2:10- Obediencia (obedience)

2 Nefi 2:12- Las Escrituras (the scriptures)

2 Nefi 2:16- Templos (temples)

2 Nefi 2:17- Trabajo/Servicio (work/service)

2 Nefi 2:26- Sacerdocio (the priesthood)

When she showed this to us, I absolutely loved it. There are people in the world that are looking for some sort of secret to be make their lives happy but really the only true happiness comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. And it`s not anything complicated or difficult--it´s simply being obedient to the commandments of the Lord. He takes care of the rest.

We are doing alright here in Colón. The members are so awesome and every day we get to know new people that are also wonderful. I love being able to feel how much love God has for the people we meet and teach. It is such a comfort to know that He loves us all perfectly, that nobody is ever too far out of reach for Him.

I love being in the mission and I love the people that I am serving with--members, non-members, missionaries, President, etc.--they are all so great. This is God´s work. I love you all and I hope you all have a wonderful and happy week. :)

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Williams

Agosto!!

I can´t believe the summer is over! These last couple of months have really flown by. I always joked around with my old companions, counting down their time until they went home and now the joke is on me.

This past weekend we had the baptism of Alancito in our ward, Colón. His family has been less active for a while and are just coming back to church. It´s been super special to watch their pogress as the family reactivates and Alan´s baptism. They´re remembering all of the stuff that they had forgotten--that families can be eternal, that through the Atonement we can be cleansed of sin, the peace that comes from being in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. I am so happy for them.

Also, I love this barrio we´re in--Colón. I especially love the baptisms here. For Jesús, Gabriela, and Alan, they all had such special services. And the people in the ward here sing really well. I guess it has to do with the acoustics of the room where the baptisms take place... but when the members harmonize, it literally sounds like there are angels singing with us. And I´m sure they probably are. These have been some beautiful experiences.

Not much more to report here now. All is well in Ecuador. I hope everything´s going well for all of you at home. Love you all tons!!

Hermana Williams