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Caroling in Falls City, NE.

And a Happy New Year!

Christmas was great here in little Hiawatha. We had our whole district of 6 missionaries together and we made German pancakes for breakfast. Actually, sister Gunderson made breakfast, I helped open presents. One present from Elder Allen was a flea collar(inside joke) back before I knew that the bites on my arm were from bed bugs. He thought he was pretty clever. We are now all moved back into our house and out of the senior sisters! You know you've been there too long when they start treating you like their own grandchildren. Glad to have a bug free bed/house again.

It didn't feel like Christmas as for the environment- Its cold but there isn't snow or signs of any. :( But the Christmas spirit was very apparent to everyone, we sang christmas carols a lot, gave He is the Gift cards to everyone we saw. It was a very different experience to describe it at best. But, I did get to skype home and see my FAMILY and puppies! I was soooooooo happy to see them! It was the best. Funny story, a while back we had bought tubs for our clothes and grabbed the wrong sized lids. #FirstWorldProblems  But I couldn't find the receipt anywhere! Then one day while reading the Book of Mormon I found it! Answers are in there I promise! So, my fam bam sent me a package and told me not to open it till Christmas. So the Elders opened it- sorry mom. But, there was this pair of cute little pink earrings. I left them in there so I wouldn't lose them. thenn when we were getting all moved into our house again... They were gone. I was heart sick. I was mad at the Elders for even opening it, I prayed to find them and had no luck till I just had to accept that they were lost. Then the morning after Christmas I had my scriptures on my lap and the phone started to ring. I went to get up and as I was setting my scriptures down- they fell out!! BEST DAY EVER! I was soo happy! So if you need answers, they are in the scriptures- no joke.

I'm trying real hard to remember what I do with my days.. Its all just a blur anymore. A lot of people think we are Jehovah Witnesses, and then when we tell them we are LDS....Mormon? Then they tell us what they think we believe. Its really interesting, "John Smith", "Many wives", "What makes you Christian?" That's when sister Gundy burns then with her knowledge of the Bible and Book of Mormon. It is so funny, She can quote many verses and knows exactly where they are and then others tell us some scripture but can't show us "But its in there!"  We get alot of that. On the brighter side! We have 3 people on date!! We have 2 baptisms for January 10th! They came to church yesterday and loved it! Abby and her mom Lynn. They are living the Word of Wisdom and are reading the Book of Mormon, they even offered to feed us this week! YES! They are so great and we love them. Abby told everyone that she talked to yesterday that she's getting baptized (: Her dad is real Catholic but her mom is very supportive and awesome. She loves star wars and animals. haha!

Virginia is our chain smoker who has cut down from 1.5 packs/day to 9! She is AWESOME! Her date is Feb.14th. She really wants to join, she loves us and is soo ready. Its just her habit of smoking. But, I know she can do it.

I love LOVE being a missionary, the past few weeks have been a series of trials of faith for me. To see if I'm really capable of even doing this. But, God trusts me enough for me to be here- I'm beyond thankful and grateful for his patience with me. And everyone else that knows me.. haha. A lot of the time when people don't want to hear our message, I start thinking to myself- what am I even doing, no one is even interested. But then I hear of how something small to me -like singing for someone- made a big difference in their day. I know that God gave us special talents for the means of using them! to help others progress in their own journey for salvation. Everyone is given the opportunity to accept of reject the message of the gospel. Some haven't even heard it yet, but are being taught in the Spirit World. However, without the saving ordinances such as baptism and temple work- how can they enter into Gods Kingdom. Family History Work and going to the temple is something that I wish I had more time for. But all I can do is help others understand the need and urgency for these sacred works to be done. (: I love Hiawatha, I love our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that when we apply the power of the Atonement in our lives, we come closer to Him. Daily scripture study WILL make the difference in your day. I testify of that. Prayer is real, God is real and the Book of Mormon is true. I LOVE YOU ALL, I'M GRATEFUL FOR ETERNAL FAMILIES AND FOR THE EXAMPLE YOU ALL ARE TO ME.

Have a fantastic week and I hope to hear from you all sooon! (:

Love your favorite missionary (;

Sister Williams

Christmas time is heeeerrrreeee!!!

Well hello!!! Hows it going?

Wow, man this week went by really fast for me. Super awesome things are happening here in Hiawatha! We have 4 Investigators on date for baptism coming up in January and February!! Do you remember Virginia Brown? She is on date for Valentines day, she has committed to quit smoking and now she is down to 1 pack a day!!!! hurray. Let me remind you that she has smoked for the past 64 years, but she wants to join the church really bad. She came to church yesterday, everyone knows her and loves her. We also have twins 12 years old that are on date with their mom. They were coming to church and they were dedicated but, Abby, one of the twins came down with the Flu on Saturday night. tragic. But Sunday turned out really nice for the 30 people that showed up. I sang "I Just Knew" and it went really well, Sister Gundy and Elder Riddle also sang "Silent Night" accapella with me for the little Christmas program we had. Its just a great big family here, and I love it a lot. Afterwards we had an appointment with a potential investigator, then his wife came out and we talked to her as well. When we asked how his Book of Mormon reading was going he said he hadn't started yet- his wife Jessie said that he was hogging it so we gave her one. Something funny tho, when we wanted to talk about the Book of Mormon she said we could only do so if we sang another song. The first time we met them, Sister Gunderson and I sang a song we wrote. She liked it ALOT- thats basically why we were able to come back. So now, they are coming to church next week, and they are also coming over on Christmas! Music is soo powerful when combined with the spirit. (We sang "Nearer My God to Thee") Sister Murphy was also with us and she is soo bold with everything she says. She used to be a Catholic....right? and She is soo passionate about the gospel. Its awesome.

Wow, what else have I been doing here...we have been buying gifts for everyone and the tree looks sooo great. Santa came early to Hiawatha. We played Uno on Saturday with the old ladies at Vintage Park! I love them, one of my favorite people is named Esther. She had her 99th birthday yesterday, so we went back and sang to her. She was sooo excited to see us, you should have seen her face. It was adorable. All her family was there as well- it was great.

I have definitely been so blessed to be here in Hiawatha at this time. Everyone that I'm serving with has made all the difference- especially with the darn bed bugs. The senior sisters have let us stay at their home for the past 2 weeks! I'm surprised that we haven't driven them insane. I think we have but they are really good at hiding it. But today! the exterminator and his crew are now working to kill all the bed bugs. hurray! Last night we had to go back and take care of some things and while I was in the bedroom I found a little nasty on my bed. and for some reason I thought to get real close to it to make sure its what i thought it was.. then my common sense clicked in and then I ran out freaking out. while my companion thought I was being dramatic.pfft! ...I'm not dramatic... (;  she then found more bugs on her bed. She vacuumed them up-- then realized that wasn't the best idea. oohh my companion. haha

I'm so grateful for this Christmas season where on a mission all you focus on is serving others and Jesus Christ. If you haven't seen the clip "He is the Gift" you NEED to! go to www.christmas.mormon.org right now! Its also on youtube as well. We share that with everyone with pass along cards- to remind them of the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas. I know that God so loved the world, that He did send His only Begotten Son..who is the Savior of the World. He is the one that redeemed us all, I know that we are never forgotten nor forsaken."Cry unto the Lord for mercy, for he is mighty to save" I have been reading the Book of Mormon and its so powerful when you sincerely seek for answers- they are there! It is the word of God, Its His promise to us that if we keep the commandments and follow him it will be well with us. However we are not perfect, we fall short everyday. This is why I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He knows our weaknesses and understands. Its because of him we are given that second chance! His love is everlasting. I know that this gospel is the true, restored gospel on the earth led by a prophet called by God. No man leads this church! Keep building your faith like its says in Helaman 5:12! Build your rock on the foundation of our Redeemer! With him we cannot fall.

I love you all and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Love,
Sister Williams

One Week till Christmas?

Hello Family!!
The weather is rainy and cold, and there is no snow. Hopefullly
tomorrow! ha Well this last week was busy, it went by really fast as
well. I'm trying to think of things that we did... well we did
missionary work, we walked a lot and talked/sang with the ukulele
because its now warm enough to do so again. (: As for the bed bugs,
they are still there and today a guy from a pest control company came
by to give an estimate soo we are looking forward to staying at the
senior sisters house FOREVER!! ha just kidding- like another week. so
pretty close. I really hate when I can't remember the week- okay so
here is the run down of last week. Monday: Sister Gunderson and I
spent 2 hours in Walmart looking for Christmas presents for the
Elders. I was soo upset because I don't like this Walmart here because
they have nothing! and the fact that I was there longer than 30
minutes. (; Their gifts are so silly its perfect. We have gone
caroling a lot and people here really enjoy it! ITs fun, plus its even
more fun when we all sound pretty good, haha. I'm skipping to Thursday
now! We had a Christmas party in Topkea for our zone and it was super
fun! We had an ugly sweater contest, and President Bell and I had the
same sweater. haha (: It was hilarious. Lots of singing and charades
of the Book of Mormon and Missionary life... so you can only imagine
how legit it was.
But other than that, that's about all the excitement of life. ha well
how the week went. Oh wait actually, I sang in sacrament meeting with
sister gundy and a young woman in the branch. We sang Marys Lullaby.
Turned out pretty good for only singing it twice. LOL The Hiawatha
Bell choir came on Sat. night and no one came... yaaa. talk about
lame. They were really nice, just no one from the branch decided to
come.. granted everyone that is active lives 30 mins away from
Hiawatha. #dedication.
Next sunday we are looking forward to a congregation of maybe 12
people! haha.. ya party! just kidding. we are seriously trying to get
members involved with investigators and help build the branch but, we
haven't had any luck. Also, for some reason everyone we are teaching
right now are really old...ha. Our oldest is 78! I told her she has to
be baptized before I leave Hiawatha. lol That's the right motivation
yea? haha.
Anyway, I have been reading the Book of Mormon again, I'm in Alma 10!
Its been really interesting how so much more stands out and makes
sense. I'm loving it and then its easier for us to explain it to
investigators and help them get more excitement out of it too.
Oh something cool this week, there is this little coffee shop and we
go a lot because the food is yummy. Anyway, we always talk to the lady
that works there but didn't really talk about the church, She knew we
were missionaries. Obviously, till this week we finally brought it up.
(: #newinvestigator. Her name is Debbie. Shes sooo funny, she loves
food with a passion and so we talked a lot about food and Jesus.
Perfect combo yeah?
Life is good, Its been kinda hard this week, but God always makes it
better. I love LOVE getting your emails and reading them. IT makes me
super happy along with letters. Thank you for them. I actually called
the bank and talked to Mallory for like minute... it was really
weird.. I super nervous for some reason. haha
But I LOVe you all! I love this Christmas season with our without
snow- that we celebrate and remember Jesus Christ as our Savior of the
World. That through his grace we are saved and can be with our
families forever through the sealing power of the priesthood that was
restored by JosephSmith. Its all true, no doubt in my mind. I know
that God is mindful of us all, and that his love is everlasting. Hope
you all have a great week!!!!!!!
Talk to you later!! Tell everyone hello and give em a hug.

Love,
Sister Savannah Williams

Its already December! What the?

Hey Everyone!! How ya'll doing out there!

Wowza, its been really crazy this past week, I was sick on Monday with flu symptoms and then my companion got sick the next day so that was super exciting. I was so anxious and annoyed at myself and the whole situation. But, we are now feelin 100%! 

For thanksgiving, we made a lot of cookies for less actives in the branch. There are so many, seriously, like if all the LA's were active we would have a ward... But It was fun driving out to Nebraska and down to the bottom of our area in Centralia KS. We had Thanksgiving dinner at the Wheelers Family and they were awesome! Funny story. 

So Brother Wheeler had some of his other children from a different marriage from New Mexico up for Thanksgiving. One of them has Autism and his name is Zachary and he is 19. So adorable, we bonded. He really liked how we were both 19 and went to highschool. haha He told me that he was Prom King and that he had a girlfriend. Then continued to try and arouse me and kept asking me if I was jealous? haha. nooooo? I just laughed, then at dinner he was saving me a seat so I could sit by him. Elder Riddle was pulling out the chair next to Zach to sit down, but Zach was like "no no, You!" and pointed to me. :) It was all really good, very entertained and very full. We had 2 dinners in one day after having no dinners the whole week. Awesome. The senior Sisters also fed us.. omg too much food. 

Church was awesome! We had 2 investigators come to church! HALLELUJAH! Leroy who is 69 and Virginia who is in her 70's. They both are my favorite, they are sooo ready to be baptized but they both drink coffee and virgina is a chain smoker and has been since she was 14. However, she told me she is trying to quit and is going to see a doctor to help her quit as well. Leroy quit drinking and smoking about 2 years ago and has progressed so so much. He is awesome, he reminds me so much of Grandpa Moore. At Church yesterday when he showed up was a huge step for him. When he was standing there he was so nervous but he made it and really liked the atmosphere. He liked how instead of being preached, you are talked to and uplifted. The talks were very good as well. It was just a super good day. 

We have 2 new investigators, one who is Bill Allen and is AWESOME. He is one of Leroys friends and wasn't sure what he was getting himself into but as we talked more he opened up and we set up an appointment to come back! I love the spirit. (: He said that he is jealous of Mormons and how hard we work and the diligence of the members. We told him that he could be a mormon too. haha so silly. 

Anyway It was 65 degrees one day and then the next day was like 29. #K. But, the work here is definitely hastening. Miracles happen everyday and it is so powerful and a testimony builder that God is mindful of us and our needs. We just need to trust in his timing and BE believing. He has definitely blessed me in helping me "be here". We are in Lawrence today for P-day! Home of the JayHawks! WOO! Hey anyone know Trent Maybee? Elder Maybee. Well he is in my Zone now! His mom came up to me after my talk and bore her testimony of missionary work and cried to me and told me that he would be out here. And BAM! I found him, Im actually looking at him right now. haha. ( I  went to HS with him) cool huh. 

Life is great! super stoked for Christmas, and for snow, whenever that is going to happen. 

I Love being a missionary, its so hard. I've had a hard time having patience and confidence in myself that I can do this and trusting in the Lord that he will prepare a way. Then I think of 1 Nephi 3:7. so I'm fine. (:

I have taken pictures but I'll send them next week because i don't have too much time today. ): But just know that I KNOW! that this is the TRUE restored gospel on the earth, that the Book of Mormon is true, and if that is true then Joseph Smith is a prophet called by God. I know that through the Atonement of Christ we can repent and be a little better every day. We are here to progress and learn. Christ set the example and we are to follow him. Read the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. It will change your life and Im so serious. Its changed mine. I love you all and I hope to here from you soon!!! 

Love sister Williams!