The homecoming

Well, here it is!  The final blog for Elder Williams...

Here are some pics from the mission home:

The final transfer!

The only three American's are the white boys!  Quinten, Farmer and Williams.  They were together in the MTC and stayed till the end!  Quinten and Williams even came home all the way to SLC together.  We had a great time getting to know the Quinten family at the airport as we both waited for our missionaries to come home.

 I am not sure what this dinner is, but it sure looks yummy!

Obviously it is very yummy, this is what happened when it was announced that there were seconds available!  Look who is at the front of the line!!!

sock contest

I don't think this is Elder Williams' sock, but I am sure it isn't far off!

shoe contest

Again I don't think these are specifically Elder Williams shoes, but the top parts sure looks like what he showed us.

Off to the airport!

The family takes off to got to the airport...

Grandparents and Brennin waiting for arrival.

Grandparents waiting and talking together.

The grandparents were to be the sign holder helpers and the photographers!

Brennin was just running off energy as usual!

Sister Quinten in the green sweater.

It was great to meet the Quinten family!  Elder Quinten lives in Price, UT, but we sure hope he and Elder Williams still keep in touch and maybe even get together a few times.

It's almost time!  Roll out the banner!!!

We had three banners:
1. Bienvenidos
2. Chinese Welcome Home (Brennin's)
3. We love EWILL!

Two Moms run for it.

Finally in Mom's arms!!!!!

I saw Elder Williams as he was coming down the hallway and started to run for him.  Then I realized (and heard the guard say) there was a red line and "No Entry" sign.  I had to stop at the red line and wait for Elder Williams to come to me!









It was so great to hug our sons!!!!!

Hey there still little brother!

 A hug for Brennin!

Who is this big guy?????

Reuniting with Garrin...who has grown and changed the most!

Talking with the Grandparents!

Two missionaries finally HOME!

We talked and hugged so long that the luggage was taken off the carousel. 













A captive audience! (notice there are NO more people anywhere behind the boys!)

First meal in the USA!

We had to stop off at Leatherby's to eat!  Can't pass up the fries, fry sauce, chicken fingers and ice cream!
















FRY SAUCE!  (Much better than hot sauce!)

Welcome Home Banner!!!!

What is he doing???

The first thing Collin did was take off his shoes and scream, "CARPET"!  This was the first time in two years that he has had carpet instead of dirt and tile.  

wonderful carpet!

Just enjoying life's little pleasures!



Still trying to get the welcome video from one phone to the other and onto the blog!  Will have to do an update in a while.  Going shopping!!!!

Last week on the mission

Well, here it is, the last letter from Elder Williams!  We are all freaking out here at home!!!!!!  I will publish one more blog after this week's letter for all of you to see his homecoming pictures, but then we are done!  Oh, my, I can't believe it has really been two years!

Elder Williams wrote us Monday around 5:00 PM and we happened to be on line.  So after we read his email, we got to "chat" with him a few times on line.  He was being his crazy self and this is what we got from him...

"Today I twisted my ankle really bad....  It hurts a lot right now and just sitting down is not helping either.  I was playing soccer this morning like in every morning with the bishop, his sons, YM president, the other elders, and some youth.  We were in the ruck of things and I being my competitive self didn't want to lose and their best player was shooting.  So I stuck my foot out just trying to block it but I stepped too late and instead stepped on the ball and rolled my ankle in between the ball and about 3 other feet, scrapped my knee on the concrete and smashed my face into Elder Quinton's knee.  Just a bunch of bad luck."

Wouldn't you know that he would have to get one last injury before he leaves....

"[This week] I've got to do divisions with the other Elders in my district, I have a Mission Tour with Elder Peiper of the Area Presidency on Friday, and Sunday I head to Guad after a 10 minute talk that the bishop just assigned to me today.  hahahaha.  It's kinda a full week of not getting trunky...? 
I go to Tepic for the Mission Tour with the President of the Area Presidency.  The tour is three zones get together and get a conference with the GA.  The same happened with Elder Johnson about 6-9 months ago.  The whole mission does it but in the span of 3 days.  The purpose is to get a chance to hear from a GA and to gain extra knowledge.  I haven't gotten a topic for my talk yet so I'll be asking tonight or some time this week. hahahaha"

As you can see this week is really busy for Elder Williams as he is closing out his mission.

"I just can't wait to be back home and to be with you all again.  It's been too long.  I love you all so much and it will be great to be with you after such an incredible experience.  Here's my testimony and I love you so much.  Can't wait to see you in 6 days!!!!"

And of course we HAVE to finish with Elder Williams' testimony:

"I'm really glad that I had this opportunity to serve my Savior.  I really love this chance to help as many people as the Lord has put in my path.  My testimony of the Atonement has grown so much.  I really appreciate all that Jesus Christ has done for me and everyone in this world.  The leaders that I've had have helped me so much in how I can get better.  I have learned so much from my leaders and from some of the members that give some great advice.  I'm really in love with these people and their culture.  They have really grown on me.  The Lord has shown me some great things about myself and shown me some great potential.  It does for everyone I've met and I know it happens to all the missionaries that enter this wonderful work.  The chance to teach the Gospel to someone who hasn't heard about it is a great blessing. Then to see those people change and receive an answer to their prayers that this church is true really softens your heart.  I will miss it a lot but at the same time I'm ready to be home.  I hope that everyone will really study PMG so that they know how they can fully help those that are put in their paths. "

See you all in 6 days at the airport!!!!!

week of 8-19-14

Well, I hope you all swamped Elder Williams with warm birthday wishes.  He is now officially 21!  What a man!  And to top it all off he has a little birthday surprise this past week end.

"I am feeling really kinda conflicted right now.  I am happy that I turned 21 but sad that I'm not with you.  I also am super happy because.... wait for it........ GUADALUPE GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!!  YAY!!!!  I was so shocked!!!!!  We just had a normal lesson on Thursday and she came up to us and said, "I wanna get baptized this Sat."  Uh, WHA....?!?!?!?!  STUNNED!!!  It was a complete surprise.  We did the interview and then she was ready to get dunked.  It was amazing.  So great to see that she wanted to change.  I was so honored to be the one to baptize and confirm her.  It was amazing.  Here's the pics of her baptism." 

Cassandra, Guadalupe, Elder Williams, Elder Lagunas, ?

Very happy missionary!

Also, this is the "penultimate" week of Elder Williams' mission.  Only 13 more days left until he is home again.  I am sure he is having mixed feelings right now.  He has worked hard, had a very successful mission and he doesn't know if he really wants to leave, but knows there are things waiting for him here, too.

"Vallarta is really hot and humid.  I have never sweat so much in my life.  I just hope that doesn't follow me home." 

How do you think your mission has changed you?
"I am really shocked with how much I have adapted to what life throws at me.  It's been a bit overwhelming with some things but I'm getting over them pretty fast." 

Who was your best companion and why?
"My best companion was Elder Vega y Elder Montaño.  I am really happy that they helped me be the best I can be.  I'm really glad that they have been with me.  I'm really happy that they are part of my life."

If you had to pick your favorite area of your mission, where would it be?  Why?   Which is the one that you've had the most success?  Which area did you learn the most in (about yourself, others, the gospel, etc.)?
"My favorite area would be Autlan or Residencial.  I really loved those areas a ton.  They really loved me and I loved them too.  The most success was in Residencial when I had 5 or 6 baptisms and here because I've helped out the ward with ward lists and some baptisms and some re-activations.  I've learned a lot in every area.  It's tough to try and think of only one."

Chris also got a very special message from Elder Williams' "Mexican Omi"on Facebook.  She loves our Elder soooo much.  And even though he is now miles away and will be further miles away, she still thinks about him and what a great man he is!  "I know you are very happy because your son will be returning very soon from his mission. Also tell him that we miss him a lot and we love him.  When he gets home give him a huge hug from me."

We know that we will get one more letter from Elder Williams and then he will be home with us once more...

"I really can't wait to get home to be with you guys again.  I really love you and I love that you are so loving and happy for me to be back.  I really can't wait.  It's been too long.  I love you so much and I miss you especially today.  I can't wait to party with you guys again."

A celebration of some kind at the zone conference...let it ride till Sept. 1st!

week of 8-11-14

This is Elder Williams' last Zone conference!  Here is the picture of the zone:

What a fun zone!!!!

And the traditional Birthday pictures...  Which reminds me... EVERYBODY FLOOD ELDER WILLIAMS EMAIL WITH BIRTHDAY WISHES!!!!!!!!  His birthday is next Monday, August 18th!

Oh, man, Elder Williams.... you moved... now you are all blurry!

Well, as we wind down to the last 3 weeks of Elder Williams' mission we are going to start asking him all kinds of special questions.  If there are any you would specifically like to know something, put your two cents worth in!  Of course we will ask him to bear his testimony!

See you next week!

week of 8-4-14

Wow, what a week for Elder Williams!  He got a great surprise when one of the most well known and loved pianists came to visit Mexico.  And whose ward does he just happened to end up in...Vallarta!!!
Yes, here is a picture of Elder Williams with JON SCHMIDT!

Ward Missionaries with Jon and Michelle Schmidt!

Jon Schmidt with missionaries and Brother Riccardo!

And even a very little clip of part of this "fabuloso" concert:

                                                                  27 seconds of "All of Me".


Two of Elder Williams old team buddies (Elder Holman and Elder Bichsel) just arrived at the Mexico MTC and they say that it is "monsoon" season in Mexico.  They are having torrential down pours in Mexico City.  Here is the weather report from Vallarta:

"It's been pretty crazy with the weather here.  Sometimes I feel like I'm in Utah with the bipolar weather. "

We asked Elder Williams some questions to help him reflect on his mission.  When asked what his favorite food was here is what we got...

"My favorite meal is Carne en Su Jugo."  (What in the world is that!?)  So off we go to "Google"!

  Beef and Bacon Soup!

It sounds extremely delicious!  Almost reminds me of "Chile"!

"I'm still kinda struggling with my knees and one ankle.  I'll ask for a blessing tomorrow in our district class.  I really hope that they won't give me issues."  Let's all keep Elder Williams' health in our prayers! But as you can see in the next pictures, those struggles don't keep him from having fun with member friends:

Sister Paty

A farewell to a friend!

Rat Tail Fights????

You can see who has the upper hand here!

It's all good?

It's all good!!!!

"I have to fly right now.  Sorry [this] was so short but I have to get an activity all set up for tonight.  I would usually have more time but tonight I'm a bit rushed.  I miss you and I love you a ton!!!!  29 Days left!!!! "

week of 7-28-14

Sorry this is a little late.  (and kind of short!)  Kind of a weird week here at home.  Elder Williams is doing fine.  Getting anxious to come home and leave at the same time.  We finally got his itinerary (I had to call and ask for it AGAIN!).  He will be arriving at 4:30 PM on September 1st!!!!!!  Soooo, excited!  We are hoping to have mainly family at the airport and then friends at the house.  We will post on facebook what times will be what.  We have to get him released and stuff, too!  I can't believe it is only 33 more days!!!! :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)

"My companion is doing good.  He's really trying to push some of my buttons but I'm enduring.  My companion is having some fun giving me a hard time about being "dead".  It's kinda annoying but I'll deal with it.   Cassandra is now ward missionary and Lupe is not going to be baptized because she's still with her BF.  Our investigators didn't come to church yesterday...  We are kinda sad about that."

" It's getting hot and humid here too.  I'm sweating a lot lately and I hope that I'm dropping weight as that happens.   I'm doing good and I'm feeling healthy.  My knee gave me a bit of problems this morning and my wrist is starting to hurt when it gets cold like in the AC...  I'm kinda scared that it's an injury that happened in Autlan. "

"I miss you a ton and I love you.  Can't wait to be with you again."

In 33 days!!!!!!

week of 7-20-14 (6 weeks left)

The new Vallarta district with Elder Lagunas!  Well, it looks like he is smiling, that is a good sign!
"My companion is really different from Elder Poblete.  He really likes to talk!!!! But just when we are in the street.  He is really quiet in the lessons.  We are starting to work a bit better.  I'm really starting to get a feel for the way he teaches but it's gonna take some time."

"I am really having a fun time seeing the investigators of the others missionaries and to see the progress and the testimony of the converts.  I was really happy to see them step onto the right path.  I'm starting to realize that I have so little time.  I'm really kinda having a few scares with how little time I have to do as much work as I can.  I'm really trying to do all I can to finish strong and to make everyone proud." (side note: look at Elder Williams' sentence structure...even in English he is sounding like he is speaking Spanish!)

"Nancy couldn't go to church here because she was in Manzanillo.  But she is wanting to continue and she is still really happy to learn and complete with commitments.  Lupe and Cass went to church and Cass is a ward missionary!!!!!  So cool!!!  Lupe is still trying to work towards baptism and we are going to see her and see if she is ready still. "

Elder Quentin (on the far left) was with Elder Williams at the MTC!

This picture is from the mission blog during interviews (and picking up Elder Lagunas).  Chris says that Elder Quentin looks like he has a Mexi-stache!  If his day was as long as Elder Williams was that day I can totally see why! 

Well, as you can see, Elder Williams is holding strong!  42 days left and still waiting for an official itinerary!  Have another great week!

week of 7-14-14

Well, we had to wait an extra day for the letter because Elder Williams had to take Elder Poblete to Quadalajara for transfers.  It was a 5-6 hour bus ride each way.  They didn't get back to Vallarta until 12:30 AM.  I know that Elder Williams is REALLY sad about losing Elder P.!  He and Elder P. were very good friends!  His new companion is Elder Lagunas. 

"He's from Mexico City.  He has 13 months on the mission and he is really.....  serious?  I guess I have to get used to him first." 

Hopefully Elder Williams' fun loving personality will rub off on Elder Lagunas.

"My investigators are progressing very nicely.  Nancy is still reading the BoM with her husband and she is ready to be baptized.  She has her date for the 9th.  She is really excited and she is very happy to see her family being blessed.  No new investigators but the husband of Nancy could be a great new investigator when he comes to church.  The hard thing here is that no one is giving us referrals.  We are trying to find [some] but no one gives [us any].....  I'm really excited to be here and to have a blast my last 7 weeks."

Keep Elder Williams in your prayers.  We still don't have an official itinerary, but his official release date is September 1st!  Have a great week!  

week of 6-7-14

We have started an official countdown chain!  As of today there are 55 days till Elder Williams returns home!  (No we are not excited at all!)

We even have it color coded!

Not much from Elder Williams this week.  We updated him on all that is happening in the family and he says to tell you all that he will keep you in his prayers!  He loves you all and knows that the Lord will watch over and comfort you!

"I really hope that everything is OK with Michael.  I can't wait to here about him.  I will keep him in my prayers too.  I really hope it's nothing too serious and that he can recover quickly.  I'm glad that Tyler is going to be OK.  

So the [homecoming talk] schedule is already set.  (It will be Sept. 28th!)  I can't believe that you are already making a chain for my homecoming date.  You are killing me off, eh?"

"I have been feeling sick too.  I am kinda hit with a flu or something and I have been coughing a lot for the last 4 days.  It's not all that fun.  I've been feeling kinda lousy these few days and it's not all that great preaching with a cough and with almost no voice... My knees are just going alright.  I can't tell if they are 100% yet or not."

"The LA's are doing well and we actually had a whole family of LA's go to church to have someone bless their grandson.  It was very good to see them there.  Also Guadalupe went to church even though she has been having signs of Dengue [fever].  That was a great sign of strength for us.  Baptisms aren't for another month.  I love you so much and I can't wait to see you again."

Hope you all had a GREAT 4th of July celebration! 

week of 6-30-14

Sooooo...
I didn't post anything last week because Elder Williams only wrote like 4 sentences TOTAL in his email.  Needless to say, Mommy was a little miffed!  In this week's letter I told him that was NOT acceptable and we got a little more!  Elder Williams is a District Leader and has many more duties with that calling and so it takes away time from writing letter!!!!!  Hmmmmmm...

"With all these new responsibilities as DL I didn't have much time  [to write] last week.  Plus the internet was super slow like today.  I'm really frustrated with this CyberNet.  But it's the cheapest one and the one that has the most CPU's.  Being DL is a bit crazy especially the Monday's.  I have a lot of Data that I have to put in and print out and such.  I've been having some crazy experiences with trying to keep Elder Romero the newbie to stay here.  I actually had a very powerful spiritual experience with him.  A little about my testimony of the Plan of Salvation.  With my experience with Brady Jensen.  He is now staying.  I've been feeling a lot of pressure to do everything right and I feel a lot of pressure with E. Romero.  I really hope that I can keep this Elder [to] stay strong in the mission.  Still 6 missionaries."

"Elder Poblete is still with me and I think he's sick of me being sick....  I got parasites this week..... hahahahahaha.  But they're all gone now.  hahahaha" (Mom is not laughing!!!!)

"We haven't found any new people to teach but we had all 3 of our investigators at church.  Nancy, Guadalupe, and Ivancito.  They are really progressing.  Keep praying. "

"I did get a phone call from the Secs and they asked me what airport I want to go home to.  hahahahahaha they killed me in that instant.  WOW!!!  So crazy that it's so close.  I will be getting home the first of September." [Only 61 days!]

"I can't wait to see you again.  Oh and just so you know I might be playing the guitar with a hymn as I walk through the terminal singing with Elder Quinton.  We still haven't figured out the bugs yet though.  I love you and I can't wait to get a hug from you again."

As you can see Elder Williams is working hard!  We are finally starting a count down!  For little brother Brennin we are even going to make a chain that he can rip off each day!  Wow, I can't believe it is so close and yet so far away.  We are so proud of Elder Williams in wanting to serve our Heavenly Father!  Some one asked me just the other day, "Are you so excited for him to come home?"  I thought about instead of just answering right away and I answered with, "I am ready for him to be back home!"  It's a Mom thing, but after a certain amount of time away from your children, there is just a time that it feels right to know that it is time for him to be back home!  I wonder if this is the same way our Heavenly Father feels when he knows it is time to call us back home, too!   I can't imagine how Hannah felt in the Old Testament when she gave Samuel to the Lord for his whole life!  We know it is the right thing to do, but we sure miss them and their presence in our home! 

Elder Williams' 21st birthday is August 18!  We are not sending him any packages because he never got his Easter package AND it will most likely not get to him before he leaves anyway AND he would have to pack it all in his suitcase!  So instead we are asking all of you to send him a comment or Happy Birthday email on Sunday the 17th so he will be flooded with birthday messages on his P-day that Monday the 18th!  Include pictures, videos, funny sayings, anything to make this birthday so far from home special!  

week of 6-17-14

Well, it has been completely rainy and cold here in Utah!  Not a thing like in Vallarta!  But it looks like Elder Williams is keeping himself busy, having fun, and sticking to his new DL duties.

"DL has been fun actually.  The reports at night are just fine and my district is working hard.  I actually had a baptismal interview this Friday and he was a great candidate and he is a great convert of the Lord.  Still 6 missionaries, 2 new missionaries, and I just have to take reports of the missionaries and how they did in the day.  It's really not all that complicated but I'm nervous about the first District Class I will give tomorrow.  I think I'll be ok.  Just nervous in teaching.... "

The "Tube" Experience!

 I have NO idea what this experience is about. We tried to get Elder Williams to tell us while he was on line, but I think he didn't understand our question of WHAT is the tube experience and answered WHEN it happened.  I think he needs a translator from English to Spanish! :-)

But it looks like they are having fun together as a district!

A PET FOX!!! (named "Todd"?)

This is the pet of a Less Active member.  Wow, I guess you can have all kinds of pets in Mexico!  Cool, huh?

"We are having a few more new investigators.  We have a great family that is a Part-member family.  They are 2 kids and their dad.  We are actually focusing on the less actives and usually their family members aren't members.  It's kinda exciting to see that family learning together."




No baptism for Guadelupe... she got back with her abusive boy friend!  Keep her in your prayers so that she can have the courage to get out of such a bad situation!  Of course the FIFA World Cup is going on right now!  

"The World Cup is HUGE!!!!  And right here in the Cyber they have the USA Ghana game!!!!  AWESOME!!!!!  1-0 right now!!!!  YES!!!!"  

I know that Mexico was playing Brazil today (Tuesday) and they were behind 3-0 at one point.  It might not be such a happy day later today!  :-( 

A Potato Cannon made from Pringles cans!

Maybe that is why Elder Williams felt the need to "arm" himself with his own "bazooka"?













Well, we still don't have word about Elder Williams itinerary!  Patience is running thin for this Mom!  I think I will be making phone calls this week.  Let's see your comments on the blog!  Maybe we can get Elder Williams to right some more if you all ask him some questions!

week of 6-10-14

Happy Birthday to Brennin today!  We had a great birthday party for him at Chuck E. Cheese's and sent all kinds of video and pictures to big brother so he could share in the celebration!

"Hey Brennin:

Happy Birthday!!!  I miss you and I wish I could be with you on your B-day."

Transfers happened again this week!  Wow, that next 6 weeks went by fast!!!  That means there are only 2 left!!

"This transfer just ended and is starting a new one.  and I'm now District Leader...  yeah crazy.  Elder Poblete is still with me.  I'm glad that he is with me again and he'll help me with this big responsibility.  I'm also very nervous about being DL.  I really don't know what to think about this responsibility.  It's tough because I don't want to screw it up....  I am kinda overwhelmed..."

 "I miss everything at home and I really can't wait to get home but their are so many things here I still can help.  I have 3 months to do so.  I love you all and I can't wait to be with you soon.  3 months!!!"

I asked Elder Williams to share some of his thoughts with us about his best and worst experiences of his mission.  Here is what he said:

"My hardest times have been when my investigators just don't want to progress.  It's really a pain and when I felt like I was doing all I could to help them and they just don't want anything good to happen in their lives....  The best times are seeing the people I have learned to love so much make the decision to change their life for the better.  If that is with less actives or investigators, it's amazing to see the Atonement in their lives."

So, here is one of Elder Williams' good times...

"Guadalupe is having a really hard time with her BF and has decided to dump him and to get baptized this Saturday.  She got a talkin' to by some members yesterday.  It was amazing to see the fellowship that the members are showing her."

Yeah, another baptism picture coming!!!!!

Well, we will have to see what will happen in the last three months of Elder Williams' mission!  Very exciting things we hope!  

We have also found out that he has been placed on the BYU Ballroom Dance Touring Team and will be on the "Standard (Ballroom) Medley Team".  We are excited to see the Lord bless him in so many different ways!

week of 6-3-14

I can't believe it is JUNE already!  Wow!  Summer vacation for us and hoping we get some kind of official word of Elder Williams' release date.  This could be a REALLY long summer!

Well, there was a baptism this week end!!!  Cassandra was baptized by Elder Poblete and confirmed by Elder Williams! What a GREAT pair!  And so exciting for Cassandra!!!!!  She looks very beautiful and very happy!!!

"The baptism was really a great success.  She was a bit nervous but she was really happy.  She also asked me to confirm her.  I was kinda scared but also very privileged.  I was very honored."

Lupe, Cassandra, Poblete, Williams

I guess in honor of this baptism, mother nature also decided to join in the fun and baptize the area.  Lots of rain and floods.  Here is a shot outside the Elders' house.

"It has been SOOOOOOO hot here.  It rained so it's even more humid.  I'm sweating so much every time I step outside.  It's kinda gross but oh well.  I think I'm losing weight because of it."

New Experiences:
Coconut Milk???

Are you on a mission or on a vacation?????

Zone conference:
"We had a great testimony meeting but it was during zone conference.  It was great to hear about the many testimony they all have about the Book of Mormon.  It was great to hear the Prez and his testimony of that great book.  It's amazing to see the great changes that people have after reading it.  I love the Book of Mormon.  It's amazing to see the answers we can receive by reading its words."

Elder Williams is 3rd from the right in the back row!

Knees News:

"My knees are doing ok.  They still hurt sometimes but they are getting better.  They don't hurt as much.  I should be all lined up now but we will be checking that this week again.  The member did pretty mucha combination between what Donny used to do to me, Dr. Clark, and a massage therapist.  Really cool and felt really good."

Investigator news:
"Investigators are dwindling.  With Ivan gone and Cassandra baptized, we only have Guadalupe.  That will be our first manner of business this week.  Finding more investigators.  I really don't like having to flail like this but I really want to help these people."

Keep both Elders in your prayers! Lets get knees and investigators up and moving!!!

Stop and write Elder Williams some comments of encouragement to keep him going his last three months!!!

week 5-28-14

This blog will be soooo boring compared to the last two!!!  But I think we have some good news to share no matter what!

First of all here is an update on the investigators:

"Cassandra is doing really well.  Cassandra had a great experience again.  We had a big Employment Fair at the Stake Center.  She bought a Frappé with coffee....  We saw her and we didn't tell her anything.  She then looked at us and starting talking to us.  She then changed her expresssion and told us, "Is this against the W.O.W.?"  We said "What do you think?"  And she went and threw it away!!!!!!!  It was amazing!!!!!  
Guadalupe is still having struggles with her BF.  She is having lots of fights with him and still hasn't broken up with him...  We are trying to do everything we can so that she can get baptized asap.  She probably won't get baptized this weekend but Cassandra will.  :)   Ivan I have no idea what is happening with him because he is starting to slack...  We are really hoping and praying that he will get back into his progression."

This means that we will get pictures on Monday of the baptism!!!!  Yeah!!!!

"we (also) had 13 LA's in Sacrament Meeting yesterday." 
Both Chris and I tried to figure out what LA's are???  Anybody???  Anybody???

About the knees... or we can title that "Knees News"?

"So my reaction was even stronger than Ibuprofen...  I told them and he said we'll make sure we don't give you anything like that again.  He told me that I have what you told me Garrin has... He then took x-rays to make sure my bones are all aligned and taken care of and they were. He then said I'm going to give you cortisone shots!!!!!!!  AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!  I got 2; one in each knee.  They are still stiff from those shots.  They then gave me medication that isn't anti inflammatory and that will help me.  Then I have to ice them every 8 hrs for 5 days....  I also have a different "doctor" in our ward that is telling me that I don't need to be taking those pills and that I just need to align my body....  He's a kind of Chiropractor but focuses on the whole body and not just the spine.  I'm going to see him today at 3:30 so we'll see if that helps at all.  The Trauma doctor gave me exercises to do but they are more stretches.  I'll try them out to see if there is any improvement. "

Sounds like Elder Williams needs LOTS of prayers in his behalf and for Lupe and Ivan.  We still don't have any official news on a homecoming date.  I guarantee we will let you know as soon as we do.  As of Friday, it is officially SUMMER!!!!  Yeah!!!!  We love you all!!!  

weekly letter 5-19-14

Well, school is almost out!  The time seems to be going on FOREVER since the skype!  Elder Williams is keeping busy and hopefully getting his knee fixed!  We heard from him that the doctors say "tendonitis" (which is basically patellafemoral syndrome) and gave him anti-inflamatories.  Well, he had a "bad allergic attack".  Don't know what that means, but he now has to go to a traumatologist this week?  Don't have any idea what that is!  So, for Elder Williams' health, keep him and his knees in your prayers.

Now for the excitement of the week...

This is a HUGE FROG!!!

 Now compare this picture to what we read about in Garrin's Ranger Rick Jr. this week...

Could this be a Cane Toad????

Then the district got together to get a little more unity and made their own T-shirts!  They are soooo cute!

Back of the shirts...

 In case you can't zoom in:
There is a caricature of each Elder/Sister with their names under it.  The only thing wrong is that Elder Williams is a blond in his pic instead of a red head!

Front of T-shirts...

They have a picture (like the one in a previous blog) with all the missionaries of the district with the beautiful ocean view behind them.  The saying under the picture reads, "Try a little harder to be a little better!" President Hinkley.









 "Guadalupe and Cassandra are getting ready to be baptized on the 31st.  They went to church and had a great time.  They are really learning and wanting to keep up.  Ivan didn't go to church again and he told us last week that he might be going to DF soon for about a month.  We hope that he comes back and wants to still go hard in the gospel."  (not sure what "DF" is?)

"We are actually just about to run to an FHE with Guadalupe and Cassandra so that's why I don't have a lot of time to finish writing you." (I guess we will accept a shorter letter for an FHE with an investigator! :-))

We think this might be cassandra but we don't know for sure...  Elder Williams titled it, "This dog protects her owners.  Does yours?"

Hope you all have a GREAT week!  Only 8 more school days left, but who's counting?      ME!!!!

week of 5-12-14

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in our lives.  It was a GREAT one for me because I got to see my Elder!  He looks great; seems very happy; has a great relationship with his companion; and was smiling the whole time we talked!  What could make a mother more happy!  Then we got pics and vids from him on Monday!  BONUS!!!!  So, here is a SHOUT OUT to all the "Moms" in Elder Williams life...

We love all of the mothers in our lives!  Hope you had a GREAT Mother's Day!
Here is a quick update with how things are in Vallarta...
Ivan, Cassandra and Lupe are still working toward baptism.  They are struggling getting to church, but they have not given up.  Please keep them in your prayers to feel the spirit of the Lord.  Cassandra had a revelatory/answer to prayer experience of her own with the Book of Mormon that she shared with the Elders and they all had a great spirit around them.  She is now reading the Book of Mormon. YEAH!!!  Lupe is still working on her "boyfriend" of 7 years and trying to come to grips that she doesn't want to be with him because he isn't so good to her.  Ivan was swamped with Mother's Day events and couldn't get to church this week, but is still progressing!  It was wonderful to hear all the fun things that the Elders have going there.

The only bad news that Elder Williams had to share was one about himself.  He is experiencing LOTS of pain in his knees.  He has been sent to the doctor by Sister Wagner and if the medication doesn't help, he might have to have an MRI and whatever that says, possible surgery.  We are really hoping (and he is too) that it won't come to that.  Please keep Elder Williams in your prayers so he can be healed and finish up his mission.  We just took Garrin into a Sports Medicine doctor today (May 13) with the exact same complaints of pain as Elder Williams described and he has officially been diagnosed with "patellarfemoral" syndrome.  I told the doctor that Elder Williams had the same symptoms and he gave me a copy of the exercises and stretches that he gave Garrin to do.  We will scan those in and send them to Elder Williams immediately. 

Elder Williams and Elder Poblete seem to have a wonderful friendship!  Elder Poblete is a very happy, positive companion and loves to have fun as much as Elder Williams!  His only complaint about Elder Williams is... "he snores!  sometimes so loud I can't sleep!"  We told Elder Williams to go get some of those nose plug/snore things.

So, as you can see we had a GREAT talk!  We also found out that Elder Williams does read this blog to make sure his mother isn't making any mistakes with her stories.  His one complaint about the blog is that there are NO COMMENTS being made (except by Marie Cummings!)  So now that you know he reads the blog, MAKE COMMENTS to Elder Williams and he might actually answer you back???

Here are some fun photos and videos of Elder Williams and his companions!

First a Painting Service Project.  (I didn't get any info as to where, who or what)

Elder in "War Paint"?

T-shirt Coveralls!

Birthday parties for the Ward Mission Leader who you can tell has a great relationship with his missionaries and works hard to keep them busy!

Brother Organista and his missionaries

A Happy Birthday cake for a wonderful leader!

Happy Birthday Ward Mission Leader!

Now for a little "Elderly" fun...

Smile, Pitbull puppy, Smile!

 I have NO idea where these pictures were taken or how they got the police stuff!  But it looks like there are jokers everywhere!

Elder Poblete getting Elder Williams back for snoring!

Turn around is fair play????

Elders or Bandits???

If you are going to cover up your faces you might want to cover up the badges, too?  They are kind of a dead give away as to who you are...











And now for the real getting back at Elder Poblete...

They call this tickle torture!


Now for the talent in the district!  We found out that the "Greenie" Elder Mickelson was a Jump Rope National Champion!!!!!!  So here are some "sick" videos of his exceptional talent...

After this first attempt, Elder Mickelson learned to get his tie out of the way!

Well, we hope you had a great time reading, looking and watching!  We hope you all had a great week-end celebrating the wonderful mothers in your lives!  We hope you make some comments for Elder Williams to read and please keep him in your prayers!

We love you all!
The Williams'