Post from Mission President

Today, once again, was an exciting day for Steven.  He got a letter from President Kazuhiko Yamashita, his Mission President. Yes, you will recognize him from General Confernce! He told him a lot about Japan and that Mt. Fuji and Nagano are in his mission boundaries.  Also that Steven's mission will be a biking mission, so he will need to purchase a bike once he arrives in Japan.  They said....DO NOT purchase a bike used from a previous missionary. Purchase a new one!  Also, that the bike shops will want to sell you a bike that is too small, so be sure to get the right size so you don't injure your legs or knees.  He explained that they want to sell M bikes, but many need L or XL, so don't hesitate to say no and get a larger one.  So....Steven is trying to learn in Japanese "No.  I need a bike that is bigger". It was awesome to see the postmark "Japon" (yes, Japon) on his letter and to see the Japanese writing on the inside.  It is wonderful!

We checked the map....if Steven gets to attend the Tokyo Temple, he will go right past the Nagano Alps and past Mt. Fuji!  I look forward to some awesome pictures.  My father was a career navy man and he spent time in Japan.  He said it was the most beautiful place on earth and had always hoped to take his family there.  I look forward to Steven seeing Japan through his grandfather's eyes as he reflects on those things that brought joy to my father when he was there.  We are working hard to save, save so when it is time for Steven to come home we can go to Japan to greet him.  We are all so excited about the service Steven will be doing.  One of the questions that his mission president asked him was, "Why do you want to serve a mission"?  Steven turned to me and said that that was hard for him to answer because there aren't words that can describe how he feels about serving.  I told him to listen to his heart.  He said, "I want to serve because I am so grateful every minute of the day for all the wonderful blessings my Heavenly Father gives me.  Serving is one very small way I feel I can just begin to thank Him for all He and His Son, Jesus Christ, has done and continues to do for me".

Almost ready to travel!

Well, Steven is all current on his vaccines as of today.  He also received his passport in the mail.  Next is his Visa.  This is all new to us, so every time he gets something in the mail we get excited all over again.  Next week he has his "surgeries"..... He isn't excited about that at all though.  But they will be over and no more infected ingrown toenails and no more wisdom teeth!  Hang in there, Steven!  It is so amazing to me how every little thing that needs to be done before he leaves has been so easy and completed so quickly.  It is also wonderful to share all of this excitement with others.  We were in the UPS Store the other morning getting pictures taken for his Visa.  The lady who helped us a week earlier with his passport photos walked in.  She stopped and looked at us and said, "This is so odd!  I was just thinking about you and what you are going to be doing in Japan."  We had a little chat and the workers there are so excited for Steven.  I look forward to mailing his packages from there and keeping them posted on his mission!  We met another lady today who gave him his last vaccine and she was so interested about his going to Japan.  We have the words "Steven Williams Jr has been called to the Japan Nagoya Mission!" on the back window of our van.  When we travel anywhere we have to watch our behavior when people honk at us!  We have had so many honk and give us a thumbs up.  On the freeway in Sacramento the other day we kept wondering why the car next to us was honking!  We looked over and they were all smiles and thumbs up.  It is awesome!  Life is wonderful when you have a child preparing to serve a mission!  There are so many fun and exciting adventures!!

It is here today!!

At about 5 pm this evening Steven went out to get the mail.  Our mailman was about 4 hours late today.  All of a sudden I heard a loud scream and "My call is here!!"  I think Steven flew across the street to get into the house!  We all gathered together in the living room and he anxiously opened the letter.  He read the first couple of lines, then broke down as he read....Japan Nagoya Mission.  He continued to read the entire letter.  Steven has been praying just to be called, but in his heart he has wanted to serve in Japan.  He will report to the MTC in Provo on December 11, 2013. I figure, one Christmas in the MTC, one Christmas in Japan, then the next Christmas at home!  I can handle that!  We are so proud of him.  He is so excited and ready to serve.  What a great example he is to me.  Next week will be full of haircut, passport, flu shot....  Steven keeps saying, "This feels so surreal". This is what he has been waiting for all of his life!  It is here.  Where has all the time gone?  But it is wonderful and he is ready and mom is happy.

Maybe today?

We are still awaiting Steven's call. Should be here this week! It is a great lesson in patience for him!  He keeps asking if we can't call the post office and tell them to hurry up the mail.  ;). It will come!  As I contemplate his service I would share with him what M. Russell Ballard has said, "Ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His children. Go throughout the day with your heart full of faith and love. stay focused. Your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before realized were possible. The Spirit will guide you, and you will be able to discern those in need of a particular service that only you may be able to give."  

410,974....

Steven received an email from the Missionary Department.  His missionary number is 410,974.  That number may mean absolutely nothing to anyone else in the world, but to Steven it is a very special number!  He had it memorized as soon as he read it. 

 He is lifting weights, running, and bicycling to be prepared for his mission.  He is a motivation to the whole family!  Today I watched him walk down the sidewalk at church and I felt the thrill of being a missionary mom.  It is a great feeling.  The gospel is true.  I am so grateful that we have children who want to serve their Heavenly Father and strive each day to be more like Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.  For Family Home Evenings (a night set aside for families to be together and learn about the gospel and have fun together) we are enjoying Steven and Sheri teaching missionary discussions to us.  We usually end up laughing hysterically for one reason or another, but it is great to watch them share their testimonies with us in their own ways.  

Answer the phone!

This morning I was doing house work and the phone rang.  I really didn't want to answer it because I was in the middle of something, but I felt, "Answer the phone now."  So I picked it up.  I heard, "This is Dr. Heron (sp?).  I am the doctor for the MTC.  I am calling in regards to Steven.  I said, "This is his mom!"  Then we preceded to talk about a health issue of Steven's.  I explained that it was all taken care of and he told me that he was so happy to hear that.  He told me that he would send Steven's papers right to the First Presidency at that moment.  Isn't technology amazing!! He said, "Congratulations, mom.  Your son will receive his mission call any day."  I ran outside, as Steven was out cutting down some trees for me. I told Steven who I had just talked to and what was said and he hooted and hollered. It is all beginning to feel real!  

Still waiting....

Steven received word today that his call should be here by the end of August!  He is thrilled. As he is waiting he loves to play with our Malamute, Mattie.  She loves him so much.  We got her two years ago.  She was raised with pugs, so she thinks she is a small dog. She will not jump over a fence that is 2 feet tall because she thinks she is too small....even though she could just walk over it.  She has a hard time jumping out of the van because she thinks it is such a far drop.  It is sometimes hilarious.  On very rare occasions she gets to come inside and will jump right up on Sheri's lap, just like a little dog, not realizing she is crushing Sheri!  To her, Steven is her big toy.  She sees him and she comes running ready to play!  She is only 125 pounds and stands 6' tall.  Every day Steven comes in from playing with her and says, "I sure am going to miss her."  I think she will miss him more!