18 May 2015

Alrighty so its been an awesome week 100%. I'm getting along really well with my new companion and I'm loving the new area I'm in. This week among many other things we have been doing lots of getting to know the people where I'm at so I'm having an absolute blast trying and often failing to remember the names of a lot of people but it's all good its coming along just fine. So as far as interesting stuff goes this week beyond absolutely everything of course. wednesday We went to help paint someones house and I discovered that cats have velcro like attributes.

Right as we were finishing we got a sudden call from the sister missionaries asking us to come help someone out and to bring dirty clothes, face masks, and gloves. So off we went. It turns out an investigator of theirs had their entire house burnt to ashes basically. Nothing but the cement walls and roof was left. So we spent the next while removing the big stuff like burnt out bedframes, couches, fridge, etc. It was really quite the impressive sight the whole thing but I was super happy that we had the chance to help out and we will be headed back that way to keep working this week. It just felt really nice to have the chance to get my hands nice and dirty and do some grunt work, it had been a while. What was even better was that we were able to help someone in a lot of need in that moment. and then to add to it all the lady we helped came to church Sunday for the first time. Service is awesome. Never miss a chance to help out in any sort of way. as King Benjamin so wisely stated in Mosiah 2:17 "I tell ye these things that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." 

The Bro I'm next to is my current companion and the other Elder is in our ward. 

So honestly thats about all the interesting stuff this past week but its definitely been a great time

The peole we are teaching here are awesome. When i first got here my companion said that honestly we basically had no one to teach at that time. He was mistaken Ii guess haha. We had an amazing week where we were able to find and teach several different people.

Efrén- we started talking to him early in the week. we set up an appointment at the church and he came early, que pena because we were late.. but it ended up being an amazing lesson where we helped him a lot with some questions he had. We taught him again later in the week and he was amazing. He had read the reading assignment we left, and then about 6 chapters of first Nephi and also all the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon. We had another great lesson and then he came to church Sunday and said that he really enjoyed it and felt comfortable and like it was where he needed to be. That was awesome to hear. Shout out to members doing their part and fellow shipping. We will continue teaching him these next few weeks but in three or so weeks he's headed off to Mexicali for a time. Hopefully he can keep heading down the right track out there too.

Francisca- She's someone Elder Hernandez and Elder Larsen had previously contacted but could never find at home. We went the other day for a last time to see if we could find her and there she was. We talked for a long time and well, it was just a really good time because she was able to begin to grasp what she needed to do. She wasnt able to make it to church and we don't know why but we will see what we can do when we see her this week.

These are the two we are really focussing on, we're teaching several others as well that are also super awesome but for another time.

I invite you all to read in Mormon 9 especially verses 25-28. I studied this part this week and loved so many things about it. But just remember that just believing can take you far. Do not doubt, more, be believing. Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to succeed. When we put our trust faith and belief in him, the troubles we have simplify and the world becomes even more beautiful and amazing than it already is. Let us not be doubtful people and instead put full belief in those things that matter most, that truly have value. 

I love you all tons and hope you have the best week ever! Do amazing things and then tell me all about it cause I love to hear from you all!

Lots of love,

Elder Smith

Oh in PS. here are a few others pics for those who enjoy pics

I saw this mannequin walking down the street that other day and he just looked like such a bro i had to take a pic.

A close up on the snickers I deep fried a couple weeks ago. it. was. amazing.  ( Sorry I couldn't get that pic in)

Finally a pic with the old comp Elder McCabe. in front of one of my favorite plants I've ever seen here.

11 May 2015

So it's been an awesome week. Nothing too crazy to report but I'll see what I come up with that;s interesting. 

Okay so Friday was pretty rad. First cool thing. We were walking down the street headed South and suddenly i needed to use the bathroom. We had just passed the chapel so we decided to head back that way real quick. While walking we heard rapid footsteps behind us, thinking it was someone in a rush, we stepped to the side to let him pass, but instead of rushing by, he stopped and asked us if we were preachers, we said ya that'd be one way of putting it, basically we start talking and we all end up going to the church and we talked to him and taught him for a little bit. He has been searching for certain answers that are so easily found in the gospel of Christ. One thing that stood out to me is when he asked about his father. his dad had disappeared a few years ago and is presumed dead. He left on a flight to Columbia and never made contact. Gregorio (the guy we were talking to) wanted to know what happened to him should he be dead. He explained to us as well that his dad, although a good person in general, did not make an honest living considering he was a drug traffiker. we explained to him about what happens after we die and everything and he looked at us and said that no one had ever told him with such confidence and with no doubt what happened. It was a testimony to me because honestly I was afraid to explain to him that odds are his dad isn't in the best of places right now but that perhaps he was being taught by spiritual missionaries. It showed me that the truth is always the best way to go. He's just an awesome person and I could go on for a long time about him but I'll leave it there for now. Hopefully I,ll hear more about him over time. 

Later Friday night we had a Mother's day event at the church which was super fun. There was food and tons of people and entertainment was golden. We had people attempt kareoke, us missionaries sang a song, lots of stuff. Eli Jaime did a dramatic speech about the worst mom ever which was super cool. It was just awesome. The next fun thing that happened was Saturday night. we got the call and I got tranferred. so I was headed out. To celebrate we bought an ice cream cake and then deep fried oreos. To top the lot off, Sunday night we deep fried snickers and it was amazing. I fully recommend it to all. 

Sunday I had the chance to skype the lovely fam and it was super cool to see them all. I really enjoyed it. So my new area, it's cool as far as I can tell. I've been here less than 12 hours but it seems good. The house I'm in is a little bigger than the last and it's actually in pretty decent repair. The faucet is leaky but I'm hoping to see what I can do about that soon. (shout out to dad for teaching me what tools are and what not) The area itself feels tiny. its about 1/8 of the size of my last one so that'll be a change but I'm thinking it'll be nice. Nearby in my district is and elder named Elder Bigger who is the only person i have found here that is taller than me. It's kinda weirding me out but hey oh well. My new companion is named Elder Hernandez. He seems super chill from what I can tell and we will get along just fine. He's from Mexico, Mexico. I'd send pics but I don't have a way to upload any this week (will work on that and send lots next week) but ya it's a chill place and chill time. Honestly that's about all I've got for you all for the time being but i'll be sure to have lots more to say next week! 

Ii love you all tons and hope you have the best weeks ever and be sure to do something fun you weren't already planning to do. 

Lots of love and all them good vibes!

Elder Smith

So  forgot to mention last week but I thought about something in the special conference Wednesday. about the question you always ask us all after church or conference or what not. "What did you learn?" it really struck clear with me because one what you heard and what you learn are very different, I already knew that. But I didn't realize how important talking about what you learned was. Talking about studies, church, etc. helps you understand personally better and others as well. I've found that it's afterward when I talk about "what I learned" that I find another chunk of guidance or revelation. I thought that was cool.

Also at the end of his talk, ELder castañera quoted the entire "The Living Christ" and ended with some powerful promises. 

I loved being able to talk with you all yesterday, it gave me a lot of joy. and I forgot to share this with Mom yesterday. I don't know if you all remember but several years ago I was asked to give a talk on the topic of mothers. I may have even been Mother's day but I honestly don't remember very well. but anyway, Mom helped me find a scripture to use in John 19:25-27. and so in honor of Mothers day I've been using that scripture all the time recently with the members and what not. I really love how Christ once again set the perfect example in caring for his mother. He realized and we need to understand better the divine importance of mothers and how truly amazing they are. Mom, let's just say that I'm excited to be your son forever and thank you for all that you have done for me.

4 May 2015

Alright so the first thing I've got for you all is an old pic I just got of my district (5 weeks ago) please enjoy. We made a Title of Liberty (Alma 46:12-13; 19-21) 

On the theme of pics I'll go ahead and send all I've got right now. 

For about 35 cents you can buy a delicious fun sized watermelon and its delicious and amazing and just cut in half and go in with a spoon. Watermelon is in season right now and I love it. 

I have only one other pic but its one I really like. Las Hermanas Fletcher and Tapia have been teaching a person named Xóchitl (prounounced sew-chee-toll but you almost don't say the t and l so more like just sewchee). although her husband still doesn't feel ready for baptism, she felt ready and wanted to be baptized and I had the priveledge of being asked to perform the ordinance. It was an amazing moment that bumped my desires to work to a whole new level. 

Here is Xóchitl and the sister missionaries

also, a friendly reminder. today is Star Wars day if you didn't know. "May the fourth be with you"

hmmm other interesting things from this week... we had a special conference this Wednesday. But i will talk more about that later. 

We stopped by a recent converts house and taught a quick lesson. It was cool and all but I felt the distinct impression that we needed to do something focused on the kids. The family has 4 kids the oldest being 9. So we set a return appointment and we prepared a lesson for them. I testify to you all now that that feeling was a very clear impression from the spirit. I say this because when we taught that lesson, it was one of the most effective and amazing lessons I've ever been able to participate in. We decided to share the story of when Nephi built the boat. While we told the story we had the kids draw a boat. then we explained about how sometimes its hard but it is always possible to do what the Lord asks. We had the each write 1 Nephi 3:7 inserting their own name on the paper. The first really cool thing about this lesson is that a neighbor of theirs was over to hang with the kids. Her name is Andrea and she has about 11 years of age. She loved the lesson and activity. Result one of following the promptings of the spirit. Second we talked about how Nephi went into the mount oft to pray and receive direction. We talked to the parents about the symbolism that holds with the temple and now they are preparing to enter the temple in 2 more months. We have them starting on family history work and basically it was awesome. That lesson was one of the most efficient and enjoyable lessons I've ever had. 

Another interesting part of the week was Wednesday night. We only had one appointment so we ended up contacting in the street and I don't know how to explain it but we got talking with person after person after person and it became easier and easier. I started feeling a joy I've never felt before while contacting (normally it's one of the least favorite parts of being here) and then we started talking with a man outside by his car. We went up and I just happily started talking to him and he was just as exited as I was to talk. It was awesome. He had never talked with missionaries before but he was one of the most friendly people I'd ever met and it was like talking to a bro. I feel that this was, in part, due to the joy my comp and I felt and the spirit we brought. I'm sure he's a happy person in general too but I feel like it increased dramatically because we began to love the work. Guys. love what your doing no matter what it is and you will find that it truly is a good time it becomes fun regardless.

People we are teaching

Fam. Valenzuela- they came to church again is the first good news here! The dad was out of town but the mom and the three kids came and said that they loved it! The members have really been helping us here. One of the kids is 13 years old and the young women find her every week and help here feel at home in the classes and then there's always someone there to explain to the mom where to go and be her friend and we basically don't do anything, its kinda awesome. We extended a baptism invitation but they don't feel ready still but they do see it as a possibility eventually so we will continue working with them

Alan-the last lesson with him was awesome. he never had a lot of interest and im pretty sure he was only there for his wife's sake but this last lesson he paid more attention, participated, and even had several questions for us (I say if you don't have questions, odds are you're not paying very close attention). It was awesome. He accepted the invitation to be baptized the 30th of May. so I'm super excited for him and we will be helping him a lot in gaining a personal testimony.

Honestly, these are the only people that are actually progressing in any way right now, but we are working hard and finding lots of people everyday and, well, its been an absolutely amazing week.

okay so we have arrived at the point of the special conference on Wednesday. IT WAS AMAZING. Elder Castañera from the 70 came and talked to us with president, his wife, and sister Castañera. it was a truly inspiring morning. Here are a few thoughts and notes.

la Hermana Hernandez spoke first- she taught about how we learn according to the desire we have, so first, we need to become truly converted to the Lord and his gospel and find the desire in ourselves and then teach the people how to find that desire themselves. Part of that is prayer. I loved the phrase that came to mind about "fervent prayer" "taking oneself away from the world and having a personal experience with God" Are we having a true communication with our heavenly father each time we pray?

next, Presidente Hernandez spoke-

He talked about several things but one thing that stood out was the question asked by Alma in Alma 5:26 can ye feel so now?. He asks that speaking of the personal conversion we each should have. How are we converted? though the testifying of the Holy Ghost. So this is a question not to be asked to only those with a fault in faith or lack of conversion but it is a question we need to ask ourselves every moment of every day. Can ye feel so now? In this moment, can you feel the gentle influence of the Spirit in your life? If not, something needs to change.

third 

Hermana Catañera spoke-

The key from what she said is that we need to be humble and listen to the direction and guidance of our leaders (Hebrews13:17) That's key. They have the authority and ability to receive the direction and knowledge of how to lead and guide us on the path we need to be on.

F, Elder Castañera spoke-

He was inspiring to say the least. the first thing he talked about was the power of our calling as missionaries. that we are called of God by a living prophet and that as such we are the extended hands of God here on this earth to do his work. That is an incredibly inspirational and mildly terrifying thought. He spoke about how as missionaries we have more authority than the kings of earth or the most powerful of people because our calling comes not from man but is divine in nature, that we are called by God himself. Wow. Thats all. He then spoke about becoming a "full-purpose missionary" (Dad I thought a lot about giving "Full proof" right there) and how a full-purpose missionary is keen to obey with exactness and do all that is required without thought of himself. He made an incredibly important comment with vital application for full time missionaries and non full time missionaries alike. I'll translate it the best I can "If the missionaries could properly understand the atonement, there would not be a need for missionary rules" "si los misioneros entendieron bien la expiación, no habría necesidad de las reglas misionales" If we truly understand the atonement, obedience will become our desire. He spoke beautifully about the atonement and its importance. I cant even begin to describe the things he said. It was inspired and perfect. One other phrase I liked a lot it this "I like to repent because I like to feel the Lord put me on his shoulders like the lost sheep". May we all seek that feeling and return in full conversion and with full proof to the fold of God. Never forget the importance of the atonement and its ability to change the lives of each and every one of us. have the most amazing week all of you and remember that you are loved!

Love,

Elder Smith

20 April 2015

This letter was sent before the last one.  Sorry these two are out of order.  :)

So this week has been rather chill. not too much to report. Papaya is delicious I fully recommend its consumption. jicora as well 10/10 would recommend, its especially good with lime juice and salt or chile. An interesting experience this week. So around 2:00pm to 5:00pm its rough. Its the hottest part of the day and basically no one is outside and if the'yre home, they're asleep so its always a struggle to get any work done. One of the days we were walking about without any plans because plans a b and c fell though, just looking to find someone to talk to outside. We started to complain to each other, Elder McCabe and I. but then I caught myself, I hate being  sad or down person and complaining isn't something a happy person does. so jokingly at first I started talking about how great everything was. "I love it when its super hot because this way i'll get a little tanner and not look so gringo." "It's especially chill when everyone's asleep because its not so loud and everything's a little calmer." then my companion joined in a bit "It's my favorite too because when we find someone at this time of day they really have interest in learning more because why else would they be outside and awake?" and so on. slowly we started laughing and ya, it turned out that it wasn't so bad. We ended up finding a couple of people outside and talked with them but the idea is that perspective means so much. Things can be rough sometimes and look pretty ugly but if you look for the good and just love the moment anyway, life becomes pretty awesome. also a thing we emphasized in the meetings this morning is commitments. in the scriptures it talks about that we are to preach repentence and baptism. That is the question. The answer is commitments. repentance is change. putting the bad behind and the good directly in front. cutting out the old and broken and looking to the brighter future then making that future the present. Commitments are the key to this. when we invite and the people accept and do, they are changing. repenting. as they read, pray, go to church, and truly search the truth. they begin to become the people that they need to be, that God needs them to be. Never stop reading the scriptures. Never stop praying. Never stop going to church. Never stop inviting others to do the same. If you have stopped. fix it. Now. There's no time to waste. "Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance." Keep that in mind this week. 

the people we are teaching

Lucero- we hit a bit of a set back with her this past week but with a bit more time she will be ready to make the covenant of baptism. 

Ramón- he an awesome guy. He reads and prays and does everything he needs to to prepare himself to enter into the waters of baptism. He just hasn't been to church in two weeks. he works 7pm to 7am so he struggle to get to church for that. he really wants to and all and we will do everything possible to help him as well.

Carmen Ortega- she is the wife of an inactive member. We had a really powerful lesson with the whole family the other day and invited them to come back into the gospel. The big problem with them is the father, he doesn't have very much interest anymore but they plan on coming to church this week and trying to prepare themselves to be the family they want to be.

Alan- he is gaining interest. this past week he listened attentively and committed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. The aunt of his wife isn't a member either and she too promised to give it a try. 

All in all its been a good week. a little slow, not much going on but nonetheless its been a wonderful time here in the deserts of Mexico. I hope all it going well with all of you back in the states and that you had the best week ever. Keep being awesome and never forget that you're amazing and children of God. Think about that a second. God. the all powerful all knowing creator and architect of our very existence. and He´s someone real. not just real but He's our Heavenly father. He loves us and cares for us and we can have a relationship with him. We can communicate with God through prayer and he can communicate to us though personal revelation. Though scripture study, by giving heed to the whispering of the spirit. It's pretty rad. But ya, have the best week ever. Imagine the best week you could possible have and now go ahead and have it. I give you full permission. Love you all and hope to hear from you soon!

Love,

Elder Smith

27 April 2015

So this week has been first off, rather chill. Literally. We didn't even break 90 degrees this week, high 80s nothing more and overnight it got down to 65 at times. It was rad, also its just been a good time. Tuesday we had interviews with the mission president which was nice. I always enjoy being able to talk to him even if it,s for only a couple minutes, but it was super nice knowing that my companion and I had been working hard and we had plenty to report. Oh also I still cant find my SD card so no pics but i'td be a true shame to send nothing at all for so long so I'm using pics from my companions camera. 

Mcomp thinks that this is one of the ugliest ties to ever grace this planet but I'm a fan nonetheless.

There is not a ton of plant life here so when we pass not only something living but also that is really green and has pretty flowers, it's a really good day.

Also this cat is super super adorable even if he does look a bit bored

and fun fact about the candy cane tie in the pic, I've decided it's my lucky tie considering we found 6 new investigators the morning I first wore it when usually mornings are incredibly hard to find anyone at all.

and heres my comp with the kittens brother

i was made fun of for saying/doing so but food is art and let no one tell you otherwise.

and finally, today we deep cleaned. including thawing out the fridge. from which I was able to create a very rare specimen here in Hermosillo, something called a snowball. yes I did throw it at my companion Elder McCabe

also about the cleaning and all. Guys. clean your house and all that good stuff. It's worth it. 

The place we are in went from being a place I didn't want to be in to being rather chill honestly. It makes a huge difference.

That all I've got for pics for the time being but I'm sure more will come with time. 

What else have i got for you all... oh so the other day we were walking a lot because money was tight and we didn't want to pay for the bus. so we had been walking all day and were super tired. Also considering that I had forgotten to eat that morning (I need to get into a good breakfast habit haha) we were pooped. so we sit down on a bench for a bit because the plans fell though and we wanted a short break. We had done all that we could do and then sat. and then out of nowhere someone came to us and started talking to us and wanted us to come visit them in the coming week. It was awesome because we couldn't walk anymore so the Lord sent the people to us. After a couple of minutes, we were like okay. a little more, a little further, then lunch. We were about to head out but I felt like we should stay just a moment longer. so we did and a minute later another person came up and talked to us, and wants us to stop by asap. It just goes to show that if you are doing everything you can do, the rest will be made up, you will be blessed in ways you would never expect. Then another cool thing. we were put in contact with a family a few weeks ago, La Familia Valenzuela, we taught them for a few weeks and they seemed to have a ton of interest but they never came to church and suddenly got super busy and hard to find because they had just opened a new restaurant type place. so we though we wouldn't be able to talk with them much anymore but then this Sunday, partway though sacrament meeting they walked though the chapel doors. It was incredible. like they just came out of nowhere. It made me so happy I can't even explain it. We talked afterwards and figured out a plan so that we would be able to teach them still and basically, I'm super excited for this week in that respect.

Speaking of people we are teaching

Fam. Valenzuela- enough said already I believe

Aylin- shes the one with 11 years of age that wants to get baptized but her mom wont let her. This week we plan on giving it the last haul, all we can do to try and help her with that desire.

Lupita/Angleita- we found them talking with another investigator. they live a few houses down the street from each other and when we first went to teach them they recieved us with lots of inerest. at the end we asked if they knew anyone that would like to hear what we share and they gave us two other firneds to visit one of which being Josefina

Josefina- she is awesome. she doesn't have an easy life but is doing her best to live it right. She has about five kids. She also listened to what we had to say and is very interested in learning more. One of her sons doesn't live there and also specifically asked us to stop by his house as well.

That's about it as far as the teaching goes but we do plan on many more this week, which should be a phenomenal week here and I do expect you all to have the same.

Love you all tons and remember to be awesome!

Elder Smith

14 April 2015

So this week hmmm. First off it's been awesome, although there's not too much to report. Fun fact. My first weeks here I bought a little flower and planted it outside. Named him Orion but now he's grown huge. Before he had maybe one or two flowers at  time. I counted 16 the other day, and he's spread. Two baby Orions have sprouted up and are growing nicely. Just a fun fact.

Also there are lots of lizards that crawl around here I wanted to adopt the li'l guy, but regrettably, we had to let him go. 

Other fun stuff this week. Hmmm. So as I said last time we got robbed so were making what we have food wise stretch but regardless there's been plenty no matter what. For example we were eating lunch with a member and at the end we were talking and she mentioned that she had made some fantastic menudo the other day and asked if we wanted a liter to go. Obviously yes, how could we say no to cow stomach soup? So that was one of several similar things that happened it was super cool.

Teaching update:

Lucero- she was unable to get baptized this week because we were unable to finish teaching her everything but this Saturday it should come through. Fun fact, her nephew Guillermo was baptized this past Saturday so that was cool.

Alan- hes a new person we are teaching. He's the husband of a member. The whole family is active and all but he's not a member. He has a slight lack of interest at the moment but as we were teaching the other day he started to pay more and more attention and his wife really helps in the teaching too. We'll see what happens there.

Eileen- She is the niece of Ramon. She goes to church almost every Sunday and wants to be baptized but her Mom wont let her so that's a little frustrating, but we are trying hard to help her as much as possible.

Ramon-takes everything really well and is putting his life in order so that's really cool. He found a job finally and although its a 12 hour night shift, it'll be good for him I think.

Carlos- we started with the basics with him again and its starting to take hold. He's really struggling with the temporal/spiritual balance. He's very worried about life at times (understandably, for example he got paid a grand total of 180 pesos last week that's like 10 bucks) Sometimes I just want to sing Don't worry, Be happy!, but regrettably he doesn't speak English. Haha.

Pedro/Guadalupe- we found a family the other week and are teaching them. The mom and dad (Pedro and Guadalupe) are super chill. We've just started teaching but I think they have a lot of potential. Sadly, last time we taught we were accompanied by their father, not sad to be honest, but he was drunk and very very Catholic, and wanted to Bible bash a lot so it was tough to teach that day. We will see how it goes in the future.

That's about it for now, but this week should bring lots of great results!

I love you all tons and expect you all to have the best weeks ever!! Keep up the awesome and I'll write again next week!

Love,

Elder Smith

6 April 2015

Elder Smith:  Okay so I'm just hitting up the computer now and more details to come, but long story short, our house got broken into in the middle of the night and they robbed my wallet and my watches. The deal is my wallet had my debit card so I need you to cancel that bad boy asap please. I was told the mission already sent you an email but I thought I'd better double check. Please tell me when you get this thanks!:)

Oh also, I don,t know if there,s a way but if I could get a new licence as well that,d be great. If i have to wait til I come home okay that's fine too. 

Dan replying: 

Got it, we have not heard from the office yet, but will cancel and get a new one for you. Then send it out. 

We will check about license but I am not so confident on that. We will for sure find out and let you know.
Glad you are safe and it's only things. 

Elder Smith:  Okay, thank you so much. Also I found out something useful. I will need to find more details but because I'm so close to the border there are several members that have addresses on both sides of the border so you can send stuff national to them and then when they head up to the US or Mexico or what not they can take the package with them. It's a lot cheaper and takes about the same amount of time if not faster, depending. but for the debit card you can just send that normal cause it's small. 

Also any ideas for food you can give me I'd love since everything was robbed I'm running off of about 100 pesos or like $7 or so for the next two weeks until I get a replacement mission card. So any ideas for a half kilo of flour, some rice and 8 eggs hit me up. Don't worry I wont starve just if you have any creatvie ideas let me know. I have some vegetables too I cook up in olive oil and add some slap ya mama and its delicious. I have stuff to make salsa too, like really good salsa I learned from Elder Martinez. 

Dan Replying Back:

Ham fried rice minus the ham. 

Arroz e ovo. An exotic Brazilian dish called an egg over rice

Make tortillas and have veggie burrito

Make big googly eyes at the members while your stomach growls

Noodles with egg flour etc

Pancakes?

Moms heart is hurting :)

They cancelled the card, you are set on that.  

Let us know on the member mailings. We will do what is best. 

Pray for food miracles!  I found luscious blueberries along the road when we were making things stretch in Kongsvinger. They were the best. And as many as we could ever eat. 

Love you. 

From Elder Smith:

Sounds good. I'll give what I can a shot. 

Oh also delicious drink I like that Elder Martinez showed me. Super easy. Take whole cinnamon sticks and boil a few in a pot of water until the water turn reddish brown then add sugar to taste add some milk and the end, it's delicious.
Also I'll be sure to keep you updated on all the food miracles this week!

This week's regular letter:

Hey all!

Okie doke.

This week has been phenomenal for several reasons. One the iniciativa that the church has put on (I don't know what it is in English but in Sspanish its Gracias a que Él Vive). It's a super cool video that we are using right now. We also have little cards we give out to everyone. A few experiences with that. One, we were walking down the street and saw a family walking around, like the happiest most perfect family I've ever seen. It was insane. So we were like, "Hey lets talk to them!", so we went up and  we got closer I realized I'd seen them before, they were members. But it was cool because Elder Martinez and I (We were on exchanges) were both like, they look so freaking happy! Let's make them even happier. We realized they were members and said with reason they're so happy haha. But ya, living the gospel seriously brings a lot of joy and blessings it's awesome. We kept walking after talking to them a bit and found a ton more people using Gracias a que Él Vive. Another time we were giving a lesson to some less active members with a lot of marriage problems and we showed the video and testified that Christ lives and that He is here to help us and basically they really liked it. They seemed happier after that visit and closer than ever before. 

Next reason that this week has been phenomenal is General Conference. when the Prophet and Apostles and all the church leaders speak to the world its always a super cool experience. Like amazing. I heard about half in English and the other half in Spanish but ni modo I understood them both which was super super cool because I still struggle to understand Spanish sometimes. My personal favorite was a talk that told about an Indian healer that healed through dance. This healer was talking to a doctor and the doctor asked, "Can you teach me to dance?" the response was gold. "I can teach you to dance but you have to hear the music". I love that. Cause its so true. Maybe you get the rules and the steps but if you can't understand the why, the motivation behind it, you've got nothing. In life you've got to find the music and listen to it closely then dance according to it. Anyone else getting the vibe that this is personal revelation the speaker is talking about? Cause tha'td be 100% true. General conference was awesome.

Reason three. We got robbed Friday night. The house was broken into and they stole our wallets, watches and my companions backpack. Long story short, we will have a tight couple of weeks but its awesome because now I get to apply Elder Eyrings talk about fasting haha. Also it was cool. Carlos saw us walking around today and stopped us to talk and it came up that we got robbed and considering that he was robbed just a few weeks ago he was like "Dont you hate it? Doesn't it just make you angry? You just feel powerless don't you." etc etc. and we were like "well... not really, honestly it just sucks for the robbers, they have that sin they'll have to repent of one day and they got the short end of the rope really." it was a cool time.

Fourth reason. Life's awesome, Is there anything else I need to add?

Update on the people were teaching:

Carlos-nothing new to be honest, we starting from the beginning with him. We talked and basically we are going to start from page one and see whah we can do. Read pray go to church. Regrettably he couldn't make it to church this week so well see what's going on.

Lucero- still going strong. made it to the Sunday morning session of conference and is on track to be baptized this Saturday!!! So that will be super cool.

Ramón- Disappeared kinda. He got a sudden job change where he's gone a lot a lot. So we need to find him again.

Valenzuela Family- Still lots of interest but still haven't come to church so we will see what we can do this week.

That's about it honestly but we should have a ton of new people this week, thanks to Gracias a que Él Vive so I'm stoked for that

Anyway, I've had the best week of my life and hope that you all have weeks ten times better than me because each and everyone of you deserve it. Remember that He lives. Christ suffered for us . Every sin, trial, sadness pain, rejection the whole lot. He suffered it all. Then he died for us. But he did what no normal man could have done. He did the impossible, He rose the third day. Jesus Christ lives. Hhe loves each and every one of us. If you just reach out your hand and take a step of faith He's there for you. Never forget that.

I love you all more than I love a buffet of tacos de carne asada (which is a lot of love btw) and hope the best for you all!

Sincerely,

Elder Smith