Wow, Matt, lookin' good! Very missionary photo-esque. Hold onto that picture, because soon you won't look that perfectly put together all the time :) haha! Oh, also, there was an earthquake today, the biggest I've ever been in yet.... I'll tell you what, on the 23rd floor of a building you really feel those earthquakes. It also was the longest, probably a full minute. It is the weirdest and kind of freaky sensation to feel your whole house moving and you just sit still... it almost feels like you're lightheaded (if you've never been in an earthqwuake you can imagine that). Culture thing I love, the deacons here, walk and pass the sacrament with one hand carrying the tray and one behind their back (like formal bows and things). It's great. It adds a little bit of professionalism that I think helps the passers understand this is a special thing! |
I love you so much and am so grateful for your love and prayers and patience. I know I haven't sent a very comprehensive email about my life, but I'll try to change that... one thing though, I would like to ask a favor, stop mentioning how much time I have left. :) I'm not in denial or anything, but there is so much for me to do here still, I'm not done yet. Here's a bit on how I've only just started to realize the potential waiting for me and sister Howell... This week was fantastic, really. Sister Howell and I prayed and tried really hard to keep our sights focused on the golden standard, and we saw great miracles and went up in almost every key indicator! I keep reminding myself to raise my vision, not shoot and hope for the minimum. We are so excited for the miracles that already are happening and will happen as we seek to hasten the work with the Lord in NanKan! It is awesome! Set inspired goals then make inspire plans, talk to everyone, and take every opportunity you may get! A training on Tuesday, really gave me and Sister Howell a new determination to help more people and increase the key indicators. We are also hoping that as we do exchanges and share with our sisters our experiences, that they will believe and see that it really is possible, and I want them to have this feeling I have... it's amazing! | Miracle, we have been trying to track down more LAs, beyond just calling, but visiting their house too, and we went to find a Lin DX, we didn't find him BUT we met his son who is willing to meet with us, he wasn't baptized with his parents because he wasn't 8 yet at the time. Now he's almost graduated from High School. We're super excited! Also funny story from my life! Last night we were reporting and we told our district leader about a great new investigator we set a baptism date with, that just seems awesome. He asked for his name to pray for and after he heard so and so DX it he said, uhhh, what does he look like? Is he free on wednesdays and like in his 20s?. I was so confused. I said, yes, do you know him? He said, well, WE have a so and so DX who sounds kind of like that. We invited him to the General Conference breakfast but haven't met with him since. I said, yeah, he was at the breakfast and then we called, set up, and set a baptismal date with him. I said his full name and he said, oh no, oh man, wit's the same guy! This poor guy, he was meeting with two companionships of missioanries,,,, so we're meeting with him on Wednesday and we'll confirm where he lives so we'll know who's investigator he really is.... funny huh? CRAZY! apparently he's imporant and just in case one companionship didn't follow up with him, another one was led to. Oh man.... it's a great life we live! I've been reading Alma lately... anyone else been reading Alma? I love it. I just read Alma 29 and thought it applied to missionary work so much! The Book of Mormon really is the Lord's dealings with the people of ancient Americas and it is AMAZING! He is involved ni every part of our lives and I'm so grateful for mom sharing those stories of noticing God's hands in your life. ... Anyone else? When have you seen the Lord's hand in your life this week? This work is amazing, the church is true, and we have been settling with below our potential, but not anymore. I like it a lot more letting the Lord do what HE wants with the area. I love you all to the moon and back!! Love, Sister Smith |