July 22, 2013

Haha, I did survived the storm!  It was pretty crazy, but I enjoyed it.  It reminded me of home. :)  I'm so happy to hear you're doing so well.  It makes me so happy.  Yes, my companion is going home on Wednesday. :(  My new companion will be Hermana Veazy. 

Odlanier is doing great.  He has a baptism date for August 17th.  He wants to get baptized, but we're working on getting him to understand that this is the only true church and that he needs to know that before baptism, because he can't just get baptized because he knows it's a good thing and his wife's a member.  Tomas is also doing just fine.  As far as I know he's still getting his patriarchal blessing in August.  Hasn't missed a Sunday yet!  Veronica is good as well.  I was actually on an exchange with Sister Franco last Saturday and we went over to her house and she told us that her parents don't want us teaching in the house, because she lives with them.  The mother told one of Veronica's kids, Shayden, that she's not allowed to read the Book of Mormon.  I was a little heart broken, but as we talked to her, I just asked her questions - how she was feeling, what she knew and what she wanted.  She knows the church is true without a doubt and she told us she is going to live her own life.  The next time we heard from her, she told us she wanted a blessing because she was driving her kids to Mexico for 2 weeks.  She mentioned that she had talked to her mother and I guess laid down the law or something.  And so Elder Fulmer and Elder Cuevas (district leader and his companion) met us there and gave her and her kids a blessing of comfort in the garage.  This was on Friday, during the crazy storm.  Haha, we had to put our shoes in the dryer when we got home, because yes, the streets were flooded.  It was super cool and Veronica said she felt so much lighter afterwards.  She said she would go to church on Sunday, but she never showed.  That was a little heart breaking, but what can you do...  Oh, and Marissa...yeah, we haven't talked to her since.  She's never home.  :( 

Oh, can I get a picture of my plague or what?! 

And of your river trip, of course.. :) 

Love you!!!

What????  Where are the pictures of Olan Rogers????  I really like the skirts, by the way. :)  Thank you.  And yes, I can still wear an 8.  8 or 10.  Not a whole lot happened this week.  I emailed dad a little bit about our investigators.  My companion, Sister Holland, is leaving to Missouri on Wednesday, and so my companion will be sister Veazy.  Not the most excited about it, but it is what it is.  I always have the Lord by my side, though, so it's all good.  Since I've gotten my transfer information, though, I've been feeling slightly depressed.  Just feeling inadequate, invisible... It's just been hitting me hard lately with this transfer ending.  I know it's Satan trying to get the best of me, and I can get through it, it's just hard at times.  I really love Sister Holland and I'm going to miss her a lot.  We a kindred souls in a lot of ways.  We already talked about going to New Orleans together sometime after I get off my mission.  And then she's going to come to Florida to go to the beach for the first time, and I'm going to go to Missouri and she's going to teach me how to go cow tipping!  Haha.  I've just felt very comfortable being myself lately, the same goofball that I've always been - and I feel like I have to give that up again.  I don't know sister Veazy that well, but from what I've seen she's a little miss perfect type, and that intimidates me.  But I'll be okay.  I'm made of something stronger than Satan would have me believe. 

Keep praying!  Everyday!  Multiple times a day!  Do what you have been commanded to do, be a good girl, and leave the rest to the Lord.  I love you very much!  SEND ME PICTURES!!!!  Oh, and you will be getting my SD card in the mail soon, so don't freak out.  There are some crazy videos on there that you should probably just watch and get a chuckle out of so you can know that I'm still me, but you probably shouldn't put them online.  Haha. 

LOVE YOU!

July 15, 2013

Sorry this is so mushy.  I considered not posting it at all but its all she sent and it is an example of the blessings that come from sending a missionary out so here it is:

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Oops, sorry I forgot to mention how my 4th went.  We did some proselyting in the day and went to Popeye's for dinner because we didn't have one with a member that night.  It was cool because we started a conversation with an employee there who was on break.  She was super nice and seemed pretty interested in hearing more about the gospel.  That night we watched fireworks on the hill by where we live, right next to CVS.  Apparently we have the best view in the valley, so everyone and their mom was there! We parked in front of our house and walked to the hill.  It was funny though because where we live, it's gated and so we couldn't get through the gate just by walking through.  So we slid underneath and I got black all over the front of the white shirt I was wearing.  Haha.  It's all good, though, washing machines are a blessing.  It was super pretty.  We could see all the fireworks from the Strip, all over the Valley and Henderson.  I tried to take pictures, but it didn't turn out nearly as beautiful as it was in person. 

 

I'm so happy to hear you are all doing well.  I really feel like a lot of the blessings I've received since I've been out here have been through you - my family.  Heavenly Father is blessing all aspects of my life and the lives of those who are the most important to me.  Even my companion.  I've been praying for her a lot over the past few days to find comfort and know that she's never going to be alone, even when she goes home and it might be difficult to always maintain that example that her family needs her to be.  She just got a really amazing email from her mom and I just feel so happy for her. 

 

I'm so proud of all the progress dad has been making. Before my mission, I could never see him reaching out so much for that kind of help.  And how loving and supportive those other brothers in the group are!  It really touched my heart when I heard that that man would go straight over there right after work just to see if dad was okay.  And he stayed there for a while.  He could have gone right home to his family and gone to bed or whatever, but he reached out to dad instead.  He needs that.  Heavenly Father is really looking out for you all.  I thank Him every day for it.  I want you to know, mother, how strong YOU are.  I've been thinking about it a lot lately.  I feel sorry for so many things I've done or said, mistakes I've made.  Sometimes I just tried to hurt you for no reason at all.  And I hurt myself in many ways as well.  I wish you could know how sorry I am.  Without you, I wouldn't be on a mission.  And You've always been so solid in the gospel, even when life didn't always go as planned, you were always so firm in the faith.  Even when you had to deal with a bunch of negative Nancies, you never let your example of solid faithfulness in Christ dwindle.  Even when you didn't always understand the "why" all the time, you never doubted our Heavenly Father.  I want to thank you for that example.  I had an experience a couple weeks ago that really opened my eyes to a lot of things... I can tell you, I never truly understood the complete power of the Atonement before my mission.  And I still have a lot to learn.  I want to tell you about this experience I had, but I want to write you a letter privately.  You might not get it right away, because I want to put a lot of thought into it, but just so you know. 

 

I'm so proud of your bold efforts!  You're doing your part and Heavenly Father's proud of you!  I know He loves you all very much.  I knew that before my mission as well, but now it's just so blindingly obvious!  Every time I read an email or a letter or a Dear Elder, ever since I first left home and was off to the MTC, I've seen Him bless you and our family in such miraculous ways.  It confirms to me that I am in the right place, that He is always watching over all of us, and it gives me an extra motivation to keep going. 

 

I wrote Hope and Renee emails, but I will write them.  I'm sorry, I've been slacking with that... Tell Renee to draw me pictures!!!!  And I will write Theresa a letter as well.  I need to write the Bishop and thank him for everything as well.. :)

 

Love,

Hermana Smith

 

PS - I had chicken wings the other day!     

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Chris complains all the time because she doesn't email him.  I told him its because he doesn't email.  This week he sent her an e-mail for the first time and this is his response.  Finally some details about the work week.  Haha

The beginning is in regards to a challenge we received from her mission president to read the Book of Mormon 7-9 pages a day as part of a spiritual refiner's fire because they are going through a different kind of refiner's fire out there in the 115 degree heat....

Oh yes!  I forgot to mention to mom that I have been reading in the Book of Mormon.  I'm in Mosiah chapter 27, I think. :)  Odlanier?  Haha.  He's doing great.  Veronica as well.  We had an intense lesson with her the other night.  It was actually me and sister Franco!  We had exchanges and we were back together in this area!  Veronica is living in her mom's house right now and we found out that her parents don't really want us there reading from the Book of Mormon.  I remember my mind went completely blank as we were talking to her and I didn't know what to say, what to do.  Instead, I just started asking questions.  Asking her how she felt, what she wanted... and she opened up so much (like always - she's the best) and she REALLY wants it.  She feels like this gospel has always been a part of her and it's just filling that part of her that's been missing.  I asked her if she prayed and before I could finish my question she excitedly said, "YES!" and said she prayed specifically about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and that she felt happy and peaceful - peace not being a common thing in her household.  She wants to feel that way all the time and she knows the gospel will provide that.  I asked her if she knew Joseph Smith was a prophet and she was and tears as she said, "yes, I believe it."  Just by asking those inspired questions, she opened up so much and started answering her own questions and finding answers to her own concerns.  She wants to move out and find her own place for her and her kids and live her own life.  By the end of the visit, she said she knows it's not enough to say she wants something, but she is going to take action as soon as possible.  And we barely said anything!  We just asked inspired questions and the Spirit spoke to her from there.  

 

Another thing that really has been a help for Veronica is that her best friend is a member and getting ready to go to the temple.  Not only that, but she is her best friend because she has always been there for her and has never let her down.  Veronica often expresses her love for her friend and her example.  I hope you know how powerful every member's influence is towards the outside world.  Each of us has the honor and responsibility to be a representative of Jesus Christ.  

 

Keep up the great work and I'm so proud of you and the efforts you are making to reach out for that help.  We can't get through this life alone.  We're not supposed to.  That's why Christ came and sacrificed Himself for us.  Just like you have been learning so much about the Atonement, I have never understood how completely perfect and great the Atonement is before my mission.  I'm still learning, but it amazes me how it literally plays into every aspect of our lives.  Everything we can become, everything that's possible is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.    

 

I love you very much! 

July 8, 2013

...  The ward I've been serving in is rumored to be the hardest Spanish ward to work in.  Two weeks ago at church, Hno. Juarez taught a lesson about missionary work and attempted to light a fire under everyone's butts.  And in relief society this Sunday, the President talked about service and visiting teaching.  It was sad because a great deal of the members are fighting missionary work rather than helping it.  There's some solid members in our ward - ironically enough, the solid, helpful ones are mostly in leadership positions or have served missions before.  Anyway, the bishopric came in during relief society and asked if anyone would be willing to drive a young man to camp, and one woman goes, "the church has money!  They can rent a Uhaul!"  Yeah... right after talking about service... the RS president, Hna. Bazonis, really cracked the whip on them, though.  She's awesome.  Anyway, just by practicing what we preach and going out of our way to serve others, people will want to be a part of what we have.  As the true church of Jesus Christ, we all represent him.  It's so sad that a lot of people aren't willing to make those tiny sacrifices, just to be a friend to people, just find ways to serve them.  We're not all asked to be full time missionaries, we're just asked to follow Christ's example and love others.  How do we expect to earn a place in His kingdom if we're not willing to sacrifice, or to live a higher standard?  So keep doing that! :)  I love you!  Never change.. ;)  Keep me updated on YOUR missionary work!  It does my heart good! 

 

Not much has happened this week.  We had a really cool experience, though, yesterday at an apartment complex. It was a really hard day for me and Sister Holland, partly because Sundays are always hard for me... but also because of some negativity from the members at church and it was just a tough day as far as keeping our spirits up.  We went to go contact someone in an apartment complex, but me and my companion talked some stuff out before going out, because we knew we couldn't help anyone else if we weren't in the best shape to have the spirit with us.  Anyway, we said a prayer and while we were talking in the car, we noticed a woman sitting outside on the steps on the phone and crying.  In Sister Holland's prayer, she asked Heavenly Father to give us the strength to talk to the woman.  So when we went out to contact this man we were there for, we almost passed her, but noticed that the apartment we were looking for was where she was sitting.  So we went up to her and offered her a pack of tissues.  Surprisingly enough, she told the person on the phone that she would call them back and she WANTED to talk to us.  She immediately told us what had happened, why she was upset, and who she was talking to.  Totally opened up to us right away, while I expected her to ignore us and continue on with her personal conversation.  It was the total opposite!  She wanted to talk to us more than her friend on the phone.  She told us about a 1 year old baby who had drowned.  The baby belonged to one of her friends and she was just really shaken up about the whole thing.  On top of that, her husband's mother is very sick and she's just been thinking a lot about death and had questions.  We shared with her our testimonies on that matter and how we know our Heavenly Father has a plan for us - and how we know that plan through modern day prophets.  She asked us lots of questions and was looking to us for advice.  It was like she noticed us as representatives of Jesus Christ.  It was a cool thing.  She asked us if it was okay for her to feel angry towards the woman who wasn't watching her baby.  She asked us!  I explained to her that emotions like that are part of our nature and normal to feel because we are not perfect.  I told her that I personally am a very sensitive person and tend to feel those things more than I'd like to, but that what helps me is prayer.  Whenever I feel down or inadequate or just feel like things are too hard  for me.. after I've done all I can, I say a prayer and I pour my heart out to my Heavenly Father to give me the strength and help I need because I can't do it alone.  Afterwards, I always feel better.  She opened up even more about how she's an only child and has often felt alone.  We testified of Jesus Christ and how she's never alone.  After I talked about prayer, she said she prays from time to time, but not like that.  She said she was going to try it.  We have a lesson set up with her later this week. 

 

That actually reminds me of a quote I read this morning in personal study.  It read a talk about the enabling power of the Atonement by Elder Bednar.  In it he said, "Don't pray to change your circumstances, pray for the strength to change your circumstances."  He listed examples in the scriptures of how people like Nephi and Alma never prayed for things to be easier, but they prayed for the strength and ability to get through it.  And so they didn't feel the same level of suffering and things were easier, because they had faith in Christ and his enabling power to strengthen them and help them rise above their natural capacities.  When Nephi was bound, and after he prayed for strength, the bands didn't magically fall off.  He probably tugged and pulled until they came loose.  But he was given that strength and will power to keep going after his own mortal self gave up.  Anyway...     

 

It was such a cool experience and I really felt the spirit work through me.  What made it even more of a miracle was that we got the address wrong and that wasn't even the apartment of the man we were looking for.  Afterwards I remember feeling so happy - not for myself, but because Heavenly Father loves  that woman so much that he put that interaction into motion so that He could comfort her and show His love for her through us.  What an honor it is to be a missionary.

 

Tomas is doing fine, by the way.  He's strong as ever.  He's very dramatic, though.  I didn't realize before he was baptized how young he acts, too.  He really needs more friends, because he relies on us too much.  He will just text us randomly all the time about stuff that has nothing to do with anything.  Sometimes he'll even send us a weird text, just to make us worry and get our attention.  Tsk tsk...

 

I love you all so much!!!!!!! Les Quiero mucho!!    

7/1/2013

Yes, I know I know...this week was really tough on funds.  I went to walmart last Monday to buy groceries and my missionary debit card wouldn't work, even though I know it had money on it.  And so a big chunk of my personal funds went towards that...then we did eat out more than we should have this week... but I am aware of the issue and it was just a bad week for funds. :P  That price is because I bought my companion food one day.  Anyway, the zone leaders didn't get here yet with the mail, but I'm hoping I got some goodies! :)  Yes, we actually have a Kohl's right by our house!  I got a really pretty ring there that says faith and on the inside it says, "live by faith and not by sight." :)

 

What do I do to survive the heat? Um....good question.  The other day it was 135 degrees... yeah.  One of our investigators bought us a cooler, though, so we put water bottles in there and take it with us.  Do you have anything fun planned for the 4th of July?  I can't believe it's already July!  Next month will be my 1/3rd mark...wow. 

 

This week has been....an interesting one.  Saturday was a particularly good day, though.  We usually eat with this one particular part member family every Thursday, and the Hna. and her kids are members, but she just got married to a man about 2 months ago and he's not a member.. when I was still with Sister Franco, he would come out for a little bit and talk to us, and then go off to play basketball or something.  The first Sunday I was with sister Holland, though, he was at church with his wife and the following Sunday as well.  Ever since then, whenever we go to their house to eat dinner, he sits and eats with us the entire time and talks about god.  We had a discussion over dinner one time about the Holy Ghost and he says he really wants the Holy Ghost with him all the time.  We asked him if he wanted to learn more and take the lessons and he said yes.  The next day his wife texted us and had already set up an appointment at her sisters house (Hna. Juarez is her sister - the Juarez family is super bomb and Hno Juarez is first counselor in the bishopric).  And so we had the lesson on Saturday and taught him the first lesson - The Restoration.  It went REALLY well and he understood everything.  He even already knew a lot about the Book of Mormon and really has been paying attention at church.  Can you say GOLDEN?  We love him, though.  He's Cuban, really tall, loves basketball, SUPER suave good looking man.  He's the one who bought us the cooler.  Haha. 

 

Tomas has been having a hard time lately with his family.  He's been sending us a lot of texts, just kind of venting and it's difficult because all we can really do is send him scriptures, encourage him to stay strong, that kind of stuff...and he's still solid as a rock in the gospel, but we've been trying to set up a time to meet with him and he complains about the heat...but we have a lesson with him on Thursday at 7pm when it's not so hot.  He texted us this morning, though, and said he has a personal doubt that he will tell us about before Thursday because we're going to have the lesson in another member's home and he doesn't want them to know.  Even though I think he needs to talk more with people in the ward.  They can help him more than we can as far as personal matters are concerned.  I hope he's okay.

 

I love you all very much and I hope you have a great Holiday!  Tell Renee to write me and draw me pictures!  I miss her and her art because she never writes. :(