Dear Mom and Dad,
Sigh* time is too short. I will definitely send Erika and Garrett a letter very soon. I really don't know what to say, we have to go in about 15 minutes. Thank you both for your emails so much. I love hearing updates about what is happening at home, even if I can't reply to all of them. I hear what you're saying about the mission Dad. I am kind of afraid that the connection I have felt with God over the last 16 months or so may fade as well. I want to do all I can to keep the Spirit strong in my life, I know it won't be easy, and perhaps no matter how hard one tries, it just won't be the same as when you are a missionary to keep that connection with heaven.
Mom, I want to fill you in a little bit about those contacts we had last week... The Kingdom Builders! haha. Andrea lives with her family on a little ranch in Golden taking care of horses. I had felt like we needed to knock on their door time and again when we passed but I either didn't listen or we didn't have time. One day we did have time and I did listen. There were a bunch of people outside with the horses and we just walked over and started talking with them. We ended up talking with Andrea (one of the owners) for about 15 minutes. You can tell they have good hearts, and are a hard working family with faith. We haven't seen her since but she wanted us to come back on the 11th and explain more about the Book of Mormon we gave her. We prayed with her out on her ranch. She has got a bunch of kids, all of which were working with the animals and doing stuff. We are praying that appointment will hold!
Also we helped move a couch for some members from their neighbor’s house to their house. Their neighbors names are Trisha and Dick. They are very nice people. While we were moving the couch we saw a picture of him in his uniform. He was a General in the Army. They said we were welcome to come back for cookies sometime - haha. That was last Sunday and this Wednesday we are eating with those members and they are going to invite them over. We'll see!
Cinda bore her testimony at church yesterday! It was cool to see her standing up there. She is still struggling with smoking but is making progress. Her and R.J. are planning on baptism on the 26th and Smokey is Planning on the 23rd for his baptism.
LOVE the Gladiator picture hahaha!! You can picture me running around like that slaying people with the Spirit - lol.
Sigh* time is too short. I will definitely send Erika and Garrett a letter very soon. I really don't know what to say, we have to go in about 15 minutes. Thank you both for your emails so much. I love hearing updates about what is happening at home, even if I can't reply to all of them. I hear what you're saying about the mission Dad. I am kind of afraid that the connection I have felt with God over the last 16 months or so may fade as well. I want to do all I can to keep the Spirit strong in my life, I know it won't be easy, and perhaps no matter how hard one tries, it just won't be the same as when you are a missionary to keep that connection with heaven.
Mom, I want to fill you in a little bit about those contacts we had last week... The Kingdom Builders! haha. Andrea lives with her family on a little ranch in Golden taking care of horses. I had felt like we needed to knock on their door time and again when we passed but I either didn't listen or we didn't have time. One day we did have time and I did listen. There were a bunch of people outside with the horses and we just walked over and started talking with them. We ended up talking with Andrea (one of the owners) for about 15 minutes. You can tell they have good hearts, and are a hard working family with faith. We haven't seen her since but she wanted us to come back on the 11th and explain more about the Book of Mormon we gave her. We prayed with her out on her ranch. She has got a bunch of kids, all of which were working with the animals and doing stuff. We are praying that appointment will hold!
Also we helped move a couch for some members from their neighbor’s house to their house. Their neighbors names are Trisha and Dick. They are very nice people. While we were moving the couch we saw a picture of him in his uniform. He was a General in the Army. They said we were welcome to come back for cookies sometime - haha. That was last Sunday and this Wednesday we are eating with those members and they are going to invite them over. We'll see!
Cinda bore her testimony at church yesterday! It was cool to see her standing up there. She is still struggling with smoking but is making progress. Her and R.J. are planning on baptism on the 26th and Smokey is Planning on the 23rd for his baptism.
LOVE the Gladiator picture hahaha!! You can picture me running around like that slaying people with the Spirit - lol.
William was known as 'Gladiator' when he played computer games. He commented the other week how bad he is going to be at games having not played them for two years. So Jeff made this pic for him!
Since time is so short I wanted to just include my email to President... he replied very quickly so I included that as well. He replies about once a month or so...
Dear President Maynes,
... I have really grown to love this area. On my mind this past week is just that I am truly willing to go wherever the Lord would have me go, wherever that may be, but there is really a lot happening here right now and I feel I could do a lot more good with the people here. Time is just going too fast and I want to make the very most of it. I know I am far from perfect, and there are areas I need to do better, but we are really doing our best to be obedient and we don't waste a minute. As I have heard of other missionaries I grew to respect and admire doing small acts of disobedience, it has impacted me and made me realize just how silly those things will seem post mission. I think many missionaries will find themselves asking "wow, I really couldn't keep that simple rule?" People will realize the disobedience wasn't worth it. I thank the Lord for His patience with me. And I thank you for your patience with me. I am sorry for where I have fallen short in the past. I will never stop looking for areas to improve and repent. It is a privilege to serve with you. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Elder W. Marks
04 Feb 2013
President Maynes
Elder Marks,
Thank you for the wonderful letter. You are doing a superb job as a Zone Leader. Also, your area is doing wonderful. I love serving with you, I love your honesty, and I love your desire to be the best you can. Thank you for teaching me in your letter about obedience. Keep doing all the things you are doing for it is pleasing unto your mission president and unto God!
Your friend and fellow servant,
Pres. Maynes
I sure love you all! Thank you for being my family! Make this week a phenomenal one and recognize the miracles for they are surely there!
Your Son forever,
Elder W. Marks
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