First email of Fall

Hey everybody!

I've probably said this before (and I'll probably say it many more times), but this week went by super fast! 

The leaves have just barely started to change color, it's really cool! Both in the sense that the leaves look cool and the fact that the highs are now in the low 80's. I definitely don't envy you Arizona folk. Though I might say differently when winter hits...

Transfer call-outs went out last night and "big surprise" I'm staying with Elder Hill here in Laurel (note that President Cooke likes to keep missionaries in the same areas for long periods of time (unless he has to emergency transfer people) and usually it's the trainee that stays after being trained so it's likely that I might just be here in Laurel for like five or six months).

So like I said in my last email, Monday was pretty much spent at and around Point Lookout, which was a ton of fun and a good way to relax in preparation for this last week.

So I heard about Elder Scott passing away. Which is sad :/. Though, it will be interesting to see who the three new apostles are. Speaking of which, I'm super excited for Conference this upcoming week!

On Thursday, Elder Hill and I got to go on splits with an older member named Brother Hunter. Which was a ton of fun as he drove this 1970 Chrysler sedan that was SUPER cool! Like seriously, if all 70's cars were like that, I now understand the whole "guy with the car gets all the girls" stereotype.

On a more spiritual note, while on splits, we met with this investigator named Lucie and taught her the third lesson (the Gospel of Jesus Christ, also known (to me at least) as the easiest lesson to extend the baptismal invitation during). When we got to the part about baptism, I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to invite her to be baptized. As I did so, the Spirit was so powerful in the room and I know that at that moment and in the moments immediately following, I was guided by the Spirit what to say and how to say it. We also committed her to come to church (seeing as you kinda have to attend church in order to be baptized) and she made it to church this Sunday. Talking to her after the block, she told us that she loved going to church and is excited to keep meeting with us and plans to keep attending church. So I guess that means I now have my first person solidly on date! (She also has a son that really wants to be baptized, but wants to be sure his father is ok with it first).

Saturday, my roommates and I participated in a food drive for the Capital area food bank. Which was tons of fun and a great experience! (As with last week, I have some pictures coming in a separate email).

How amazing this work is! I just feel so honored to be able to be part of it! Experiences like the ones we had with Lucie this week confirm to me even more that the church is true and that Heavenly Father truly is personally guiding this work. 

I love all of you and look forward to hearing from you! Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Elder Sam Williams

Washington DC North Mission

11700 Falls Road

Potomac, Maryland 20854-2823