A Journey's End

 Our story begins two summers and three winters ago.

Tracting with Christmas lights. 

Where a young man sought out to serve God. 

He had come a long way in his studies, and his training but he still had much to learn before he could take on the northern Bible belt.

In preparation for his adventure he sought out the best training at the missionary hold or MTC. Many days he toiled with endless amounts of meetings, trainings and studies. He even spent his first Christmas there, surrounded by fellow warriors and friends sworn to a similar cause.

A fine day of service. 

After three weeks of rigorous training he was sent to the northern region of Idaho to the city of Post Falls. There he learned disappointment, sorrow and grief, fitting for his first proving grounds. If it hadn't been for his struggles he would not found his strength, he would not have learned hope, love and that his God was with him.

From there on he toiled, bringing the good news to all with ears that hear, and hear a little and there a little he made a difference. 

There were many who served with him as friends and companions. Together they fought for the souls all who lived near them, bringing the Hope of God's Light wherever there were those in need.

Many times this young man traveled this country, going from town to town, city to city. Each having their own set of mountains to scale, rivers to cross, lands to settle and challenges to face. Each with a different lesson to learn and with many contenders in the work.

Perhaps the most mold loaf of bread 

I have every seen in my life baked on October 25th

Throughout his journey he brought many witness of that merciful God that sent him, the very Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords, even Jesus Christ. Through this Christ, this young man touched the hearts of many. He while relying on Christ was able to change lives as they were brought to believe in Christ's word.

We heart attached a door - 

that Elder came home with me

Many seasons passed this young man by, many times he faced the foes of the blackened pit, along with many who would mock and ridicule. Those that would talk for talking sake, and argue with empty threats. All who failed in their objections to tear done this young man's faith. Little did they know, they only sharpened this young man's resolve to see this through to the end, not to prove them wrong, but to serve more faithfully to that Christ.

A nice poinsettia tree

Much time has passed since the beginning of this grand adventure. But alas, now is the time for a journey's end for our young adventurer, Elder Willis. 

This mission has been long and hard, but it has been worth far more than anything this has world to offer at this time. 

I know that it has been worth it, and even though it's almost over I will continue to make it count.

I know that Jesus Christ has been with me during these past 2 years, and I know that He is with you as well. During our good times and during the bad. He comforts us in our afflictions and consoles in our time of need. I'm am proud to serve in the Washington Spokane mission!

Thank you all for your continued support. You all have made this a great mission. Thank you! 

Goodbye Spokane!

Nothing but Rotten Nonsense

Well, our past week has been wack.

Our apartment of Elders

Most of our finding efforts were spent texting people about a Live Drive Thru Nativity at the Temple.

We literally went through every number in our area book and sent them an invitation. We sent around 200 texts, but only 15 responded. It wasn't just us though, the members and other missionaries also got the word out as much as they could. They probably worked as hard at it as we did. 

The Night of the Drive through the Nativity

In the end it paid off. There were tons of people coming through the Nativity. I heard that more than 1,000 cars drove through. (This was over the space of 3 days, mind you, but we were still glad that so many people came.)

Now we got that out of the way, let's get to the Rotten Nonsense.

We went exploring and found some good places to take some pictures.

We were given 2 turkeys for Thanksgiving. We only just finished the first while the other was chilling in the fridge. Only just a few days ago it started stinking up our fridge.

We didn't know what it was at first, I still wanted to cook and eat it, but the other Elders were doubtful it was still good..... And they were right. 

so we had to run all 11 pounds of rotten turkey down from our third floor apartment. It wasn't the most pleasant experience I have had on the mission, let's just say that.

Lots of lights where we are at. This is the nice looking one.

Not too many people we are teaching are really progressing. We are teaching more returning members than actual non members at this point. But the returning members are some of the coolest people I have taught in a good while. 

This house gets more and more decorations each day.  I'm told by the 20th they finally finish putting out everything.  (The neighbors say it's disgusting.  That's how much stuff they put up.)

Well, it's only been three days...

There isn't much that has happened since Thursday, but here is what I can report on.

We have been able to get in contact with two very solid returning members. 

They both have gone through some rough things in their time away from the Church. Both of them, after they experienced some loss in their families, felt God guiding them back. I can't really get into details for privacy reasons but I can tell you that there aren't many people who are as prepared as them to come back into the fold.

I gave a talk on gratitude yesterday. 

Timing couldn't have been better, especially with President Nelsons message to us last week. I see it as the lord reminding us that despite our poor circumstances we still need to show our gratitude. I like the way Elder Uchtdorf put it in his talk, Grateful in Any Circumstance. " It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach? Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be."

Can we all adopt the same way of thinking? 

I was told it was a good talk, however whenever I give a talk it is about 60% different from what I have written. I'll just attribute it to the Holy Ghost. He sure give some really good talks.

I met a family here who remembers an elder Phelps back when he served here. (for those of you who don't know, he is someone who used to live in my ward back at home). They said that he had spent a lot of time at their home years back. Thought that might be cool to mention. 

In other news I have also been called as a district leader halfway through the transfer. I can't talk about specifics but I can say crazy things have been happening here in Spokane.

Hope y'all are able to enjoy the now official Christmas season! That's right it starts after Thanksgiving not before. Don't worry, you can still repent.