What
a week! Busy busy busy busy. Where to start....Well last week a recent convert
in the branch passed away, Bob Waller. I don't know if I've talked about him so
yet but he was an incredible man. Just an example: He had been completely deaf
in his left ear for years and years then had a dream that when he was baptized
he would get his hearing back. So he basically decided he would and when he
came up out of the water he could hear again!! What a miracle! He was super
nice and funny and he will be missed. Pray for his family. His wife Anne and
son Scott are taking it pretty hard. They aren't members so they don't have the
benefit of knowing that it will work out. We are so lucky! So his funeral was
on Saturday. It was good and Elder Kenning and I sang O My Father with some of
the branch members. It was a tender moment for sure. We've been working with
Denise and Alysha all week and they are all set for baptism. Alysha asked me to
baptize her and Denise asked me to confirm her. What an exciting opportunity! I
love being a missionary! So that is happening on Sunday and should be
great. Jacqueline is doing well too. She still needs to tell her
uber Catholic parents that she wants to join. She told us in our last lesson
that she is going to be baptized, it is just a matter of when. She is so close
but it is a really hard thing. Pray for her. Oh yeah! The reason for all the
busy is that we're moving! Officially. Today. We were told Wednesday moring
that we wouldn't move until September then got a call that afternoon that we
needed to be in our new apartment ASAP and that meant today. Awesome. You know
how much fun moving is so you can probably relate to how stressful this week
has been. Especially when we are moving not only our personal stuff but all of
the missionary furniture etc. Three years of missionaries living there has made
the process long and exciting to say the least. I inherited some neat stuff
though so its all worth it. A hair clipper and some sweet high tops. Woo! What
an exciting week!
This week I have noticed a change in myself. It is so neat to
see the growth in myself as I help others grow. I noticed that my motives for a
lot of things has changed. I want to write home so I can tell you all about the
work and how much the gospel blesses lives. I want to share the Spirit I am
feeling with the ones I love. It isn't just about an exchange of information it
is about helping each other to salvation. That is what this life is all about.
It is helping those around us to reach the same goal. It isn't a race against
others. It is a race against sin and we are all on a team. So I would encourage
you this week to lift those around you. Reach out and serve someone and make
their burden lighter. I can testify to you that as you do that, as you lift the
burdens of others, your own will become lighter. Strive everyday to help others
more than you help yourself and you will be surprised at the results. I love
you all and I hope you are having a wonderful week! Keep the faith and do good
things!
Elder Smith!
P.S. I include the pictures that I said I would last time sorry.
The castle looking thing is the library in Midland. Such a cool building!
Across the street is the restaurant where a man was beaten to death a
week ago....scary. What a world eh? Also included is a picture of my crazy
companion in a member's dog cage. What a nut! And pictures of my sunshine
package! What a joy that was! It was so nice to get some sunshine in the midst
of all the stress! (we had enough real sunshine. 36 and humid on Saturday.
Woof!) Thanks to everyone who contributed letters and stuff. It was awesome!
P.P.S. Thanks to everyone who sends letters. Especially Grandma
Smith and Katie, Connor and Emmaline. I feel more connected to the family than
I did when I was at home. Haha. BTW Katie: That thought from Ether about our
trials getting us where God wants us? GOLDEN! Applied perfectly to our
investigators. You rock!
Things to Read.
"Mercy is given to the Merciful" b y Pres. Uchtdorf, D&C
64:33, The Ensign. :)
Canada Weird:
Milk is in bags! Apparently it saves on waste....nutty
Luvs!
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