Elder Steven Williams

Well, here we are!  Just days before Steven turns in his mission papers to the Stake President.  He is so very excited!  He asked the other day if it was o.k. for him to pray that his papers come back in a week.  I told him that he could, but that mom might not.  I am very excited for him, just very nervous to have him go out into the world.  His excitement is contagious though.  I see it in his smile every time he mentions his mission.

Today he was watching for the mailman.  He said, "O.k. mom.  The mailman shows up at 10:30.  I will be waiting by the window every day at 10:30 watching for him, then run out to get the mail".  He says that he will run in and open his call as soon as he gets it.  I told him, "Oh no you won't.  You need to call dad and wait for him to come home first."  He wasn't very excited about that.  He has a list of people he will be visiting, calling or emailing to tell them about his call.

I have been reflecting on his younger years as all of this excitement is unfolding.  What a wonderful little boy he was.  I remember sitting in his room with him while he played and watching how he took such great care in stacking his blocks, or racing his cars.  He was always very focused on what he was doing.  Then when his sister came along he focused on her and he always took great care of her.  Often at church, or at school he would be given a treat.  He would always ask for another for his sister.  If he couldn't get another, he would save HIS treat and give it to his sister when he got home.  To this day he still does that.  He came home from the trek the other day.  His sister had to come home early because of heat stroke.  As I walked into the living room he was taking out of his pocket a baggie of cookies.  He handed them to his sister and said, "I saved these for you."  He is a great big brother.  He is a great son.  Not a day has gone by that he hasn't told his sister that he loves her.  He also tells her often that she is a great little sister.  One day I hope Sheri realizes how much her big brother loves her.

Our exciting journey into "a son serving a mission" is beginning.  I am grateful for the Spirit touching our hearts knowing that this is the right thing.  There are so very many people that ask about Steven's mission.  We go to the grocery store and they ask if her has received his call, to the doctor, to school, to church, to Kuk Sool Won.  Everywhere we go we are asked about his mission.  What a great way to start....sharing the Gospel with everyone around you BEFORE you leave!

I love you, Steven.
Mom