Merry Christmas

This week it rained a little. It's not a white Christmas but I've honestly been a little cold sometimes.

Singing singing singing. I sang a solo of What Child is this on a channel for the whole province. It was terrible but I guess it's an adventure. It has been neat to have a special opportunity to share the gospel this Christmas.

Something wonderful happened this week. I went to a restuarant. and I ate a BURRITO. Like it was a tortilla with meat and everything in side. Heaven. I missed Mexican food. 

Suggested read: Everyone go here. https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/12/a-witness-of-the-savior-jesus-christ?lang=eng  That is a witness of Jesus Christ given by a great man and apostle. 

Highlighted family! Castillo: One day they were getting of a trike. We talked for a few seconds and they said come to our house anytime!  The next day we called a trike to us and it was the dad! Then... the next day, the same thing. We found their house and it turns out they were taught by the missionaries a long time ago. The missionaries got taken to another area and said that some different missionaries would replace them, but then this family moved. And then, we found them. It has been fun to feel their spirit and desire. Pray for them :) 

Well, that's all folks. I love you all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I am grateful for you and the joy you bring to my life!

I can't see what pictures I'm sending. I hope I sent the burrito. Lots of love. 

--

Sister Smith

Dear Mommy,

I'm excited too. I feel homesick and sad right now. I think it's because my stomach has bothered me for like 11 days. But I'm great! Merry Christmas too. I am about to just open all the presents. I'm tired of waiting. haha. ;)

I think I will be calling you around YOUR Christmas morning exactly because I am too busy on Christmas day being on tv. So just open all your gifts and then eat breakfast and then be ready to see your fat awesome missionary. 

I got the Mark Mabry DVDs. They are great! Thanks! 

Yay fam parties. I miss everyone but that's okay. I was just thinking earlier I want to learn to play the uke too. haha. I miss familyyyy :( I'm going home and crying. Just kidding. I will just eat ice cream with out the crying. Speaking of Icecream I have considered using all the money from rose to have a consistent supply of ice cream. just kidding. haha 

I will settle the debate... I swam in the 400 free relay, and in the 400 medley relay, which I was breast stroke. I also swam the 500.

I love and miss you so much! I hope you received or receive soon my letter I sent with sis Jenkins. 

I'm kindof up and down as today I am 11 months in the mission. I just feel stressed. LIke Im tired. I still feel like I'm a lame person even after 11 months. But I'm also sure I've changed. and I also am excited to come home and I also never want to face that stress. Solution? I'll stop thinking about all that. 

I will send pics next week. 

LOVE YOU!

Christmas is Coming

First off, in the next couple days, search on the website iwanttv.com for Bagong Umaga, Bagong Balita. And watch the episode for 12/14/2015... if you want to watch a thrown together choir sing for 3 provinces of the Philippines. You'll have to play around a little maybe to find it. But it's there, and I'm in it ;)

Second, This week was interesting. We've been trying to find new ways to share our Christmas message. We tried door to door. Nobody let us in, but one guy. And he was very anti-Christ so that put a damper on our evening. So the next day we decided to try caroling. It's a little different here. I guess people that carol just expect money, so every house we went to just either came out angry with some money or sent a child to give us money. We didn't accept it of course. But it was a fun experience, I guess. I even played the violin. But. alas. It wasn't as magical or spiritual as I imagined. But what I learned from all of that is that we need to keep brainstorming and also, just keep trying. 

We visited a girl in our ward who has a sickness that right now her body and mind have really shut down. I asked her if she would tell me her favorite hymn. She hasn't been talking much but she sang the chorus of The Spirit of God with me and it was amazing. Her eyes were closed and her body didn't move, but the song still motivated her enough, although she tired quickly and asked me to stop. 

So this week so far my news is all about music. I love it. I am so grateful for the talents and love for music Heavenly Father has given me because it really has given me so many opportunities. 

We had a wonderful Christmas Conf. I won't tell all the details, but I will share something President Deyro and Sister Deyro shared with us. I think President Deyro's message can benefit us all especially at this time to prepare for the new year. 

5 things:

1. Aim- we need to have ambition in life. What we want to learn, do, etc. 

2. Attention. Where is our focus?

3. Attitude- we've all heard this before, but attitude affects everything.

4. Affection. Where your heart is... 

5. Action. ACT!! You won't achieve until you act. 

He shared those things, and also a TEDed video called What Makes a Hero. Watch it. Think about yourself, and of course remember our true hero and exemplar, the Savior. 

Sister Deyro talked about miracles. I am seeing so many in my life and I am sure you have too. Soooo I have a request. My birthday is in a monthish. and I would love for you to do something for me. 1. Thank Heavenly Father for all the miracles and faith building experiences of your life. 2. Send a short miracle or testimony to my mom who I know would be happy to make all the type tiny and compile a little miracle pages for me. I just was thinking what I want for my birthday and also the next year is to see His hand. Thank you. my birthday is Jan 19, so we should put the deadline Jan 1. But I will accept them after that ;) So technical...

okay. Well I love you all. You are great. Sorry for the lack of pics at the TV studio, as in 0. 

Remember, lives will be blessed as we see the gospel of Jesus Christ as a pattern of living. 

Love Sister Smithhhh. 

a pic of my almost eaten Pb and J that I love so much.

a pic of a letter to you all

a pic of a card we got with the wonderful treats from adopt a missionary. thank you!

-- 

Sister Smith

To Mom:

Ina!

Good quotes I will print that. (Article on Patience from Neal A Maxwell that I sent to her).

They love the adopt a missionary packages! it was wonderful to see some really happy faces. although the one silly thing is they had elders divide the stuff up and some sisters had clothes that don't really fit. but they can just pass them around. 

I'm sad to hear about that dumb stuff happening. I think it's because Tyler is getting ready to go on a mission. Satan is working hard. Stuff is happening everywhere, but I think that we know what's right and like the talks in the christmas devo, we dont' need to fear. but I'm sorry. I feel bad because I am the most expensive child right now. but I hope my mission blessings come to you soon.

You are too nice to send me a birthday package. Grace!

I played the violin this week caroling... hideous. I don't know if it was me or the violin. By the way, the higherish part of the bridge is supposed to be on the right, right? with the higher strings? If not, I'm stupid, if so, I am right. 

Yeah. I'm cute. and chubby. That picture is photoshopped. Just kidding. but it looks flattering I guess.

I have an investigator who looks like an Anderson. Like their cousin Jera if you remember her. 

I held Pres Deyro's grandbaby. He let me! It was so amazing!!! haha. I almost cried. 

I loved 3 Ne 27 this week. and also a lot of things. 

Well. That's about it. I think. I love you so much!!! 

OH LOOK at who I saw in the Liahona. Loralei. diva? 

Okay. Bye!

I miss you. I am so glad I get to see your face NEXT WEEK. 

To Brandon:

There are so many miracles every day. especially with finding people. Although they don't always accept the gospel, I think a lot of spiritual experiences are to help us grow, and not always for them. I hear theres a lot of crap happening in the world right now. but i think it is just strengthening my testimony because it's happening. I've had so much pop in my studies about revelation and avoiding deception lately. I think it is something I didn't realize before but Satan really works on the strong members of the church not by trying to get them to be rebellious, but to fool them into thinking they are doing the right thing. Doctrine and Cov has many examples of this. 

Well. I love you. I'm good and happy. i am out of time!

Love, your daughter. 

hope you had a good meeting.

I will let you know next week about the Christmas call .I will call either Christmas eve or Christmas day for you. 

bye bye! Love you

I feel the Spirit of Christ

I had a great week. I am loving walking in this hot wonderland. It doesn't feel like Christmas, but I feel the Spirit of Christ.

This week I met an American Man. He is from LA. I had a difficult time sharing the gospel with him in english. But it was cool as well because he has experienced a lot of hardships. I hope we meet him on the street again. 

We visited a family this week. They haven't been to church for years, but one day we found them.We met part of their family-a daughter. We actually just happened to go to their house on her birthday. Heavenly Father knows our birthdays :)

I am recovering well! Ugly but no pain!

Well. I will try to be better with these emails. but here's a quote.

"IN our lives the oil of righteousness is accumulated drop by drop over the years. Each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store" SpencerW Kimball. We just need to do the little things often and we will be ready when He comes. 

I love you all. Enjoy the Christmas season. christmas.lds.org

Sorry. I only took one picture this week. And it's just me. Next week will be better! Bye!

To Mom:

Woo! I almost got to play violin. Sad story. I got the opp.I got a violin. I opened it. It's a member's. first, no shoulder rest. second, the d string is tied in a knot, like it broke, and they just tied it. third, I went to tune the e string, it was brittle, broke. so now I feel like a loser because I have to give back the broken violin and I don't get to play :( BUT I am singing in a choir on the radio, on national channels, etc. so  I guess I get my fame. Although I would rather play. 

 Sis Jenkins left this new dress for me for christmas. I will send pic with my group email maybe. 

I think if Tyler can do it,  (graduate early and go on his mission early) he should just go for it, if that's what he wants. It's less time to get in trouble, and I think having a heavy load will help him for his mission. Of course if you think he's not ready or that he can't do it, don't let him. But talk with the bishop maybe and see. I think he sounds like a different person in his email. He seems happy and excited. and I think it would be fun for us to both be out together. 

Tell Tami Gross I love giving out pop rocks. 

Well. That's it. I can't wait. In like 18 days we get to SKYPE!!! Woohoo. 

I love you so much. You're the best mom. I can't wait to go running with you! But I'm fat so go slow!

Love your daughter. 

To Dad:

Hi. I sent the email to mom's email for both of you. Because our internet shopdid not have internet. 

I loved the pictures. I laughed so hard I like cried. I can't wait to do dumb stuff on the iphone again.

I get to perform in a choir on national tv here. so yeah. we pulled it together in 2 practices... haha. I'm trying to find out if there's a way for you to watch it. 

Your calling sounds great. I feel like ti's truethat you are being prepared really. Heavenly Father is throwing you to different places so you can become familiar with and learn the different parts... I feel like that too though. My mission president sometimes says things and I'm like...I don't even know how I am a missionary let alone a leader in my mission. How did I fake my way here? But I guess I just have trust it is from the Lord and He knows me better than I do. 

I think Sis Jenkins will do well. She has a lot of peace going home the second time. I got to spend some time with her and it was great. 

My toe is improving a lot.

I get to watch the devotional next sunday. and we have mission conference this week.It's a hard season but it is also really wonderful. I am experiencing some amazing growth. 

I want the cold.Don't complain. Always remember that you can put it on but you can't take it off. haha. I know next winter I'll probably die though.

I bawled this week. We were at a member's house and her daughter has some sickness. She literally just went psychotic. She just lays there, doesn't talk. Her body doesn't move or relax, like if you let go of her hand it just stays where you let go. I didn't know what to say because her mom is like "it's because she got cold from air conditioning." Yeah, no. It's hardtojust see medical situations like that here that I feel could be taken care of or at least helped quickly in america. but we watched "Mountains to Climb" with them. I just was like bawling I couldn't even talk. so there.I cried.

and I laugh lots too. 

Life's good. 

Love you!

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY

Hello everyone. This has been an interesting week. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY.

Some highlights, since we don’t have a lot of time today:

We visited some members and the little boys wanted to tell me jokes

the whole night. It was so cute. I really enjoy little kids. 

I had some fun exchanges this week.

Thanksgiving. I made some like… shortcake and I bought some peaches.

So it was like peach pie a little. #tasteofhome I also had lots of

spaghetti that day. It’s the new thanksgiving dinner apparently.

Happy 18th birthday to my little brother. He is the bomb.

I had exchanges with Sis Jenkins too. She is amazing. I am uplifted

and strengthened by the faith she has showed me. She’s awesome. We had

a blast really.

This week I battled the toes again. And I lost. Or maybe the toe lost.

I’m not sure. But I now have no toenail. Woohoo. Look at the surgery

pic. It’s great. They offered me my toenail in a glass bottle….the

pic I took of my journal. It was so fun. Let me tell you. But also, I

was blessed. Our insurance didn’t cover all of it, but I had felt like

I should withdraw some personal money the day before, and with all my

personal money and all the mission support I was able to have almost

the exact amount for the surgery. Heavenly Father loves us.

Sis Jenkins apartment has hot water. I took my first hot water shower

in almost 9 months.

Pres. Deyro came to our stake conference yesterday and he gave a great

talk. It was fun to listen to him. He has a talent for being very

bold, yet making people laugh so hard. He talked about how we need to

do things so that when we look in the mirror we don’t apostasize, or

turn away from the truth about ourselves. He said we need to live

right. He also gave some promises from the scriptures that by sharing

the gospel, we can be forgiven and also that we will have the things

we need in our families. That one thing we prepared for before this

earth was to help Heavenly Father with His work.

Another talk that was good. One member of the stake pres talked about

how we can relate life to driving. That sometimes people arrive late

or never to their destination because of things like distractions. We

can’t be distracted by those around us, and we need to focus on how we

are driving. We can’t be distracted by the billboards or things of the

world. It was a good analogy. We all need to drive safe and arrive to

our destination on time.

Well, I had some great times and interesting times this week. I hope

you all keep having fun and living as the person you want to become. I

love you and Heavenly Father loves you. And He tells you every day.

Love Sister Smith

Dear Mom and Dad,

I hate our internet. As in we have none. As I am typing you I don’t

even know if I’ll get to send it, and I haven’t gotten on the internet

yet to read your email. It’s been a long day and week. But I’m still

happy. 

I got my Christmas packages today. Woohoo. I’m really excited.

I hope there is no food in the Christmas eve one that the ants will

get first. Isprayed it with bug killer. But I’m excited to give the

crayons and stuff. I love you!

I have no big toenail. It is creepy and gives me anxiety. I spent like

38 dollars on some nice sandals though and I discussed with Sis Deyro

about just wearing sandals for the rest of my mission. So hopefully

this doesn’t ever happen again. Woohoo. Woohoo. Woohoo.

I have been endowed one year. I miss the temple a lot. I am grateful

for our covenants and being a member of the true church. Being able to

progress like we can. I wish I could remember more about the temple.

It feels like forever.

I don’t know if I told you but Pres Deyro had me write an article

about hope for our mission newsletter. It was published this month. I

will try to send it to you sometime. I have heard more than once it

was just what people needed, so I guess that’s good.

Well. I can’t think of anything else and I can’t reply. I’m way happy.

Haha. Just kidding. It’s fine. I guess we won’t die.

Love you,

Daughter.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone. I will start off by saying I'm handwashing laundry again. it's way not bad, and it makes me feel grateful for the washer and dryer at home!

This week I saw a lot of miracles and blessings. I was challenged by a friend to really dedicate this week to Him, and although it was not perfect, I was striving to be a little MORE than I usually am. A little more diligent, patient, humble, focused, etc. It really brought a lot of wonderful experiences. I will continue to just think that way. Be dedicated and be more.

I opened my mission call more than a year ago. I know that many of you may never open one. But you can open the blessings. They are for all of us. If we try to love and serve Him, we will experience more joy and blessings. We will have a greater testimony of His reality and His gospel. I have experienced it. We don't have to be perfect. But we should be trying. If we are trying, we're moving, we are experiencing, and we are receiving.

This week we went to the home of some of our recent converts who are a bunch of children. Their father is a member. Their step mom usually is the one there, but she doesn't stay. She attended the temple with the kids last week. We went and visited this week and she said "I'm listening today, I want to be baptized! And she cried and cried about the experiences she has been having and the love she has been feeling for the gospel.

We also went to the house of some members. We shared, and then they said they thought we were there because we knew the wife had cancer. We had no idea, and it was just what they needed. I am grateful Heavenly Father works through us so we can have participation in His work and His glory.

Funny story- we had a presentation thing yesterday for our new chapel, how members should help it be clean and stuff. When he started the slide show, I thought the chapel looked pretty familiar. After a few seconds of staring at the parking lot, the mountains, I realized it was my chapel in Logan at Utah State. I forgot what it's called. But yeah, I saw a little piece of home. (Also, the one who gave the presentation was Hailey Sprouse's mission president I think, Pres. Andaya.)

Something I loved that I read yesterday just got me thinking and feeling a desire to change. It is a quote by Spencer W Kimball. He said "Is your pride more important than your peace?" I think I realized there is so much pride in me sometimes that I can't feel the peace that He can give. So I will change :)

Well, I love you all. Everyone, I invite you this Christmas to come to know Christ. On November 29, a worldwide initiative will begin. Please visit christmas.lds.orgnext week to learn about our Savior who was born. and discover why. This is not just for members :) If you are someone who loves Jesus Christ, feel free to participate by sharing your love with others on facebook, instagram, etc starting 11/29 using #aSaviorisBorn 

I am grateful for all of you! Have a great thanksgiving and week. Love, Sister Smith

--

Sister Smith

To Mom:

Dear Mom,

We lost internet so I can’t read your email right now to answer it, but I will just type here in word until It comes back. Here are 12 things…

1.       I got your letter from sis J. Thanks! I am glad you sent me dad’s talks. I needed them. I am so lucky to have you and dad as my parents. 

2.       Who is Keaton’s bishop? Is it still Bishop Lauer? You should have him say Hi if so.

3.       Michael and I  usually email every week. He got called as ward mission leader. 

4.       I love PB. I love PB and J sandwiches. 

5.       I had a dream about Trevor Ferguson. He was the boy with Down Syndrome in my 2^nd grade class. I don’t know why I had it. But I wonder how he is. I also have lots of people with disabilities in my area right now. Maybe it’s a sign.

6.       Tell Keaton Happy Birthday last week, Ashley Hill today, and Tyler this week. I love them all. I will try to get Ty an email too if there is time. 

7.       This week I was thinking as I fell asleep how life relates to an Orchestra. Like God is a composer. I think someone has thought of that. But it kindof helped me think about things in a new way. 

8.       I listened to Meg’s talk. So good. I am excited to apply what she said better.

9.       I think we will call on Christmas here, but I’m not sure. I think I will just try to Skype. I think it is fun to see your face… but we will continue to think. I can’t believe it’s almost here!

10.   I am going to try to make a pie variation (I found Crisco in our apartment. It expired in sep.but it wasn’t opened and it smells fine so I’m using it.) inour toaster oven. I am also going to try to make sweet potatoes. I figured I have no time and that’s all I really care about at thanksgiving anyway. 

11.   I love you all. I haven’t even read Dad’s email yet. I’ve been thinking about for next year maybe we can all try to read the whole book of mormon or some sort of unified  thing starting in January and ending when I go home. Do you have any ideas? Be creative J It could even be related to missionary work.

12.   Oh yeah. That reminded me of tyler. I think my luggage is fine but I think it could be bigger and that would be nice. Maybe 2 big ones. Also don’t get a carry on. Just get a backpack. I think things like journals are good if he will write in them. As far as other stuff… hmm. Clothes. Shoes. Things to mark scriptures. Maybe a camera. Since he doesn’t have one. I realized I brought a lot of extra stuff in some ways. I don’t know. I wish you knew where he was going. If it was cold it could be cool to give him a blanket. But you don’t know. I will keep thinking for next week. Hmm. Waterproof watch. 

Well. I guess that’s it. I love you lots. I miss you a bunch too. This week was rough. But at the same time way rewarding. I think that Satan really worked on me because I was trying so hard to be dedicated and consecrated.  If  you go up north for thanksgiving try to say hi to Michael. I don’t know where he’ll be or anything. But yea. Love you lots!!!!! 

pics. from mission leadership council. new weird orange dress that is a little too short but was 1 dollar. apples i eat when I miss grandma. creepy right? I eat her. 

-- 

To Dad:

I don't know why but I can't write you without crying every week haha. It's just like home. haha. 

Mom sent me your talks. They were really good. 

I really don't have time to write but I love all that you said I think I read that same verse in D&C this week. I'm around that spot.

Do you know anyone named Brock Olson? He baptized an LA in my area and his named sounded Utahn. He's from Utah... Is he in our ward? probably not, but if so, that would be a good tender mercy to share with this guy to get him active.

I've been trying to pray for sign language to help Andres. Unfortunately I know nothing really. But things are coming back. He knows very little anyway but he learns quickly I've heard. 

My area is alright. I feel like I want to do things differently, but I also need to trust my companion and I'm trying to make sure my motivations aren't selfish before I make suggestions. It's fine. :) I love our area though. and Sis Nolido. 

I'm sad about that story. Emily Newhalls baby niece died recently too. she was 3. she had some seizures suddenly. at the doctor they found out it was aggressive leukemia and she was gone in less than 10 days total . I'm grateful for the gospel so these tragedies are temporal only. I've been trying to not get down by the things i hear but to build strength because I know someday really hard things will happen to me and I know now is the time to prepare. 

Well I love you. I am really grateful. I am grateful for my mission. and for my life. 

Did you listen to the Meg Johnson talk that mom told me about and sent me? were you there at the conference? It was good. 

anyways, bye. 

Love you. 

Hey hey hey

Hello everyone,

This has been a nice.....hot winter. Haha. I hope you're enjoying the snow if  you have some. I will try to enjoy the heat because next year I will miss it probably. 

This week was pretty good. I don't have much time, so I'll give you some highlights.

Sis Nolido makes pancakes sometimes and puts apples and cinnamon on them. Why don't I think of these wonderful american flavors that I miss? I am going to be better at cooking.

I saw a little kid take off his clothes this week. He was wearing Utah Jazz undies. Go Jazz!

Sister Jenkins, my wonderful and inspirational companion from the MTC is BACK. And she's on fire. :) I am so glad she made the choice to return here.

I finally tried some icecream here. it was delicious. Of course. It's icecream.

I finished my first journal. Now I don't want to write anymore. But I won't stop now.

We had a new activity called a Blitz. We went to one of the companionships in our district who's area is struggling and we all split up in our companionships and just talked to people. It was really fun and it made me feel even better about talking to people. Sometimes I still struggle to open my mouth or know how to start talking or what to say. One of those times was on the way to the Blitz. We were on the jeepney and eveyone was just sitting there. I was like, I need to just talk to anyone on this jeep! But I didn't want to. I felt awkward and alone. I prayed to just be able to start speaking and I was really helped. I had a really good conversation with someone and I was able to refer her to the missionaries in her area. I encourage all of you to use the power of prayer to develop the courage to talk to others, even strangers about how you see God's hand in your life, and to invite them to learn more about the Savior. 

We accidentally invited a member to be baptized. We talked to her forever. She said "We used to be taught by the missionaries. My brother is a member." We thought it was a great opportunity. So we taught her and invited her and she said "Oh I actually got baptized a long time ago." Well. Okay. We were glad to find her though. She is a really sweet lady. 

Our investigators are doing pretty well. The Ramos family and Salayog families and others too came to church again. We are seeing a lot of progress in them. We visited a less active member of the church and found out he has a lot of friends he wants us to visit. 

I'm sorry this is  a pretty lame email. I love you all. Keep reading. Keep praying. Keep both hands on the rod. Keep both feet in the boat. The world will never accept spiritual things. But you can. 

Love yall.

--

Sister Smith

To Mom:

Don't feel bad!

Ask Hannah if they ever got my email for Annie.  :)

I have only  heard that something happened in france. thats way sad. THe world. its coming. haha. the righteous need not fear.

Way to go grandma! She's a trooper.

I'm glad your books of mormon are making marks! You're awesome. Speaking of hard things, did you know about Emily Paulson (newhall)'s neice? She finally emailed me today. I was sad. but i know they will be okay.

yaay for being able to go to the temple.

cool! I miss yoga. I am trying to exercise better. We'll see. I know that I can only do my best.

I am surprised I am an STL. It's fun though. I am trying to see outside the box to do my best and use my talents in this calling. I'm struggling a little with just overcoming stupid stuff like my own pride. but I'll keep striving.

People who make their handicaps strengths are awesome. We all need to do that better. 

I miss you too. I'm sorry this is short but for some reason I have no time today.

I like the efy song "the girl I am" Maybe you'll like it too.

I ate the worst food the other day. I hate meat here sometimes because it's like just the fat. and the other day I about threw up. haha. gulay na lang.

Well I love you. I just need to send pictures, and email dad and michael and grandma and i only have 10 minutes. 

THis week marks one year that I got my call. time is fast and slow. bye!

LOVE YOU.

To Dad:

Hi. My new area has been pretty good. Sis Nolido is fine. I love her. We are working with lots of people. Some that we are focusing on are the Ramos family. They are the ones with the little boy who is deaf and the mom has one leg. I like them. they are cute although the kids and dad are kindof crazy. 

I am happy. My body is weird but I guess I'm healthy enough to work okay so I'll just keep going.

yaya snow.

Congrats to tyler. I love him. I was listening to the song "a letter home" by nashville tribute and it made me think of him. I hope I'm helping him.

Have fun at the meeting. I love you! thanks for your advice.

We had an LA talking about his mission and how the American elders he served with and the ones who originally baptized him were always funny. I want to be funnier. I joke a lot. but I can do better. I'm a Smith. I need to use yours and Grandpa Lauritz' genes and make these people laugh. 

I read Alma 6-8. Maybe that can help you with your establishing and strengthening work. 

love you alot!!!!!

Another Transfer Begins

Hello. So this week marks a new transfer. It is two weeks early but for some reason they did last transfer 4 weeks and this one 8 weeks, instead of 6 and 6 weeks. So sadly, I have been separated from my anak, Sis Smith, 2 weeks early. I was hoping not to transfer, but at the same time I was hoping for new changes and things to experience.

Well, I am experiencing them. This week I was transferred to Bayambang where I have been called as a Sister Training Leader. I'm really humbled because I didn't really expect that to happen and it is kindof a lot of pressure and stuff but it has been fun so far to be tired and busy and I have learned more to give my time and all to Him so that is great. Although very stressful at times. Funny story, my new or should I say old, companion is Sister Nolido. We're back! haha. 

Bayambang is a great place. I've wanted to be assigned here. Because many of the people make a living selling Ice-cream. 

Our investigators are really great. One family I have loved so much so far is the Ramos family. they are really sweet. The wife is so astig, she has one foot but she takes care of her 3 kids so well, one of which is deaf. He is quickly becoming my best friend as he signs 'beautiful' every time he sees me. They are really interested in the gospel and willing to change even though they are sacraficing a lot. 

Another great thing that happened is we visited this family composed of 2 brothers and their whole families who were recently baptized. I realized that they were a family I visited for the first time a long time ago in my training when I had exchanges in this area. I was really excited to find out that they were converted and baptized a few months after I met them. It was cool to know that the lesson Sis Mclain and I taught turned into many baptisms.

I spoke in church in my new ward. I spoke about always having our families prepared and ready for the temple. I implemented Pres Seitz 24 minutes a day 7 days a week study. Thanks Vernal Utah Stake ;)

We had a Mission Leadership Council. The things that we discussed that I really liked were managing time. We need to use our lives wisely. God didn't send us here to waste it. We talked about Pride and I realized I still realllllly need to work on it. But I also feel like a mission is helping a lot. One thing I loved was we talked about going forth with zeal. This is something Elder L Tom Perry said before he passed away. We need to all keep going, with zeal, dedication, diligence, etc in this wonderful work we are PRIVILEGED to be a part of. 

Well I love all of you! I am grateful for your support and love your letters that I never get ;) Just kidding. But keep the prayers coming. I am always inspired as I hear what all of you are doing. I hope that you all come closer to Christ and bring others with you. 

Love Sister Smith

p.s. Our Daily Bread by D Todd Christofferson

Sorry... my USB is not working. 

To Dad:

Hi dad. I am doing pretty good. 

Your day sounds busy and fun. You are doing a good job with your calling. by the way, for my talk in church I just used one of your letters or somehting. where you talked about the garner and the temple. thanks. 

I didn't know Dallen Powell was already home. I am almost home really. I realized that time is going to just go faster now that I am busier and I will soon be the oldest in the mission of all my companions, since my nanay goes home in december and my other 2 older comps go home in march. 

I like that shrek sheep story. I remember it from a long time ago. 

It's cute. I'll have to use that.

You got new phones? Don't forget to add me on next July. hahaha. 

I'm actually getting kindof stressed about going home because class signups for college are soon and I need you guys to do it for me and I dont even care or know what to major in. Also If I get home like July 28 that is wayyy close to the semester. but I am going to school no matter what. 

I wish I could see coop. thats sad. 

I'm in Bayambang 1st ward. they just built a brand new huge chapel here. so we will have an open house next month. 

My companion is Sis Nolido again. It's funny because she is just treating me just like she did when I was a new missionary...like my tagalog hasn't changed or anything. But she's just like that, she babies people haha. She's a mommy nursey kindof person and I'm excited to learn from her again. Being an STL is kindof stressful. there's a lot to do and it makes me question myself. But it also makes me push myself so I am grateful for the opportunity. 

I'm in an apartment with 3 filipinas now. it's good. hard because I am used to english only now since my last apt was all foreigners. but they are all way nice. 

Well. I don't really have much more. I miss you all and love you. Just can't think about it too much. 

But I'm excited to tell you more stories as I learn here in Bayambang. it's a good giant area.

Love you!

To Mom:

(sad sad story... Aubrey's letters came about 3 hours earlier than usual. I had started an email to her, but had to go to the Scout Court of Honor, so I thought I'd just finish when I got home. As you can see, I didn't make it. :( I cried, because I haven't missed a week yet!)

Hi,

I don't know why you didn't email me but it's okay. Sorry I don't really have a lot to say now that I am here at the internet place. I'm sure I'll remember all of it when I go home.

I feel like a real mom, as i left sis smith all I have thought about is how I didn't teach her something or how i should have been a better example or kinder or whatever. I realized that is probably what you felt as I went to college or on my mission and I want you to know you don't have to worry. You're a great mom. 

Well, I love you a lot. sorry this is short. :) 

Keep being awesome. 

--

Sister Smith

Novemberrrrrr

Hello everyone,

This was a pretty good week. Although verrrry hot. But it was happy and I enjoyed it. 

One accomplishment of my week is that I finished memorizing the Living Christ. I would reccomend it. It took me around 3 weeks, I just worked on one paragraph for a day or two and then I recited it while I showered. there is always time apparently ;)

One scripture I ponderized recently was Alma 36:37. It was really great to have the insight that I really need to get closer to my Heavenly Father. I thought about how when we have a best friend or parent or someone we are so close to it is easy to update them on every part of our lives, but sometimes we forget to inform or discuss or celebrate or cry with our Father and Savior. 

We started teaching a family with 15 kids. Its fun, but everytime we go it is different people. :)

Halloween was pretty good. Probably the best one of my life. Just because a lot of great things happened and it ended in the cutest way. trick or treating isn't a real thing here. but as we were walking home all of a sudden a bunch of little boys were around us. They had white faces and they were walking like zombies. they said trick or treat and sis smith and I gave them candy. THey weren't just wearing the costume, but zombieing down the street.

I like what one of our friends, tatay sonny said this week. "We need to always pray, when we wake up or go to sleep and when we it. When we don't have any food to eat, it's just important that we pray." When we don't get blessings we expect, do we complain or continue to thank?

I'm really grateful for this week. Although it had some rough spots, I have come to see more and more how loved I am and each of our brothers and sisters. I am so happy to be a missionary here in the Philippines and I am happy to have all of you as my support. Keep being disciples. 

Love, Sister Smith

To Mom:

Thank you. You are the best mom. Here's a poem for you. I wrote it last night for a few minutes.

Back before I knew Him

I thought happy was a place.

I thought it was the place you go 

when you're finished needing grace.

I thought his gospel and His plan

had boundaries of can't and can. 

As I came to grow and learn

and with growth came mistakes

I came to find that all the time,

I really needed grace. 

I felt discouraged, even down.

I felt like royalty losing a crown.

Over time I realized

Happy is the hope we find

When we know Him and His way,

He is mercy He is kind.

His gospel and His peace I found,

in seeking grace, while kneeling down.

He always places on my head,

the crown I drop every now and then.

He wipes away the tears and says,

words that lead me back again.

I found His grace He always lends,

Helped me to love Him, my Best Friend. 

I'm embarrassed to share it but if you think good you can. haha. 

You should try speaking another language while fasting. That is funny. I said cat instead of heart again! oops.

I'm with sister smith for now. We'll see on wednesday if that changes. 

I never have hot water. I actaully feel sad if my water isn't cold enough. and I would rather use a bucket than a sprayer. You might have to buy one for me.

I eat oatmeal in the morning, rice and something for lunch, snacks and sometimes dinner. I eat way too much. I"m fattttt. but I fasted for more self control so hopefully I can eat what I need and make healthier choices. Exercising sucks. I can't do it. there's either no time or no energy. At least we really walk a looot. like maybe 2 or more hours a day. It is not stormy. jUst hot hot hot. I had to buy a new umbrella. I didn't want to because I'm pretty sure you sent one for christmas but I guess I'll hopefully just have an extra. 

We usually travel by foot or by trike. sometimes jeep somtimes bus. 

people don't really slam doors. they just run away, or pretend they aren't home, or send a kid to say "they said they were sleeping." My tagalog is okay. I actually dreamed in Ilokano. I think I am not sure any more if I dream or think tagalog or english. Its just a mix. 

I love you so much. feel free to add on the blog things I tell you that I don't tell other people, as long as it doesn't seem private. 

I'm doing pretty good with my life. I love it. It is hard. I still miss you all and Michael and college and running a lot, but most of those things will be there for sure when I get back. so I try to just have good feelings. 

I realize more and more how prideful and selfish I am. I am trying to appreciate that and not be discouraged. To just change and not be angry. 

Well I love you. enjoy your week. You all are the best! I can't wait to be a good mom like you. 

To Dad:

I wish I could experience the fall too. It is sad being here at this time of year. It is as hot as ever and as far away as you can get from fall or christmas season. but i guess in some ways that's good because it doens't remind me of home.

Your life sounds really normal. that's good. Happy Halloween. I dressed up as a missionary. 

I think with feeding the sheep the biggest thing members can give is their love and time. We often try to think up programs or classes or jobs or callings or lures or SOMETHING to get less actives back. we try those, here they leave it to the missionaries, but really, I think most these sheep are lost because they stopped recognizing their herd. They just need to know all those sheep want and need them there. I heard once after the shepherd rescues the sheep, he puts it in the very middle of the herd, where he is pulled along by the others. we can't just call to those sheep. maybe they'll join the herd but they'll be on the back or edge, easy to lose again. put them in the middle of the action. get in the middle of their lives. I think visiting teaching and home teaching is way important. also, just involving them in our lives. barbeques, christmas parties, even just dinner. 

I'm doing good. I am with sister smith for at least 2 days. we'll see if I or she transfers. I don't want change but that's life. I have lots of admiration for sis j. I honestly don't think I'd come back. Not because I don't love it but I just think it would be too hard. My investigators are pretty good. One funny story is that Bro Lucena said a while ago that he dreamed my first name but forgot it. He just knew it had an ah sound. then the other day we ate there and he said "Your name has a song. it goes da da da da da da" and it was Aubrey by bread. I don't know how he knew my name or why he dreamed it. but that was weird. He said it was a gift of the spirit because of the work I've done in his family. haha. 

something kindof spiritual sis smith said my tagalog sounded different. I was like how? like tone of voice? and she said yeah. well no. it sounds like way spirit. Like I feel your love way more. So I guess that's  a good change. I am trying to just let myself be comfortable with imperfection in my language. I even said cat instead of heart 3 times this week. I should stop that. 

I haven't had any really weird food. we had a boodle fight today though. look it up.

I love you. I will try to sing more. Sometimes I am a dummy. but I'm repenting.

Your daugggter. 

Sister Smith

hump week....nangyari na

This was a pretty good week. I will stick to the highlights. 

One great thing that happened this week was that I had exchanges with my nanay or trainer on the mission. It was great to see her again after some months, to catch up, to be able to speak straight tagalog to her, and have adventures with her, including seeing the ocean for the first time on my mission. 

I also hit my halfway mark this week. What? Where did half my mission go? As I reflect on the last nine months, it is full of hardship strife and pain. But it is also full of growth, experience and of course joy. This IS my joy. Although each day there are things that make it difficult, there are language barriers, there are drunk people, there are storms and heat and rejection, there is also the pure happiness that comes from trying to be like Jesus. I invite all of you to try, just a little bit each day to become a little more like Him. See what happens to you too. 

We had interviews with the mission president. One thing I have been really loving about my mission pres is his humor. I have to take notes of Deyro humor all the time. It was funny though because I didn't really have any concerns at the interview. I saw a liahona on his desk though that I didn't recognize (i have read so many on my mission) and I asked if it was new. He said, oh no that's really old, have it. I was like no it's okay. But he just said take it. It was pretty crazy because it contained articles pertaining to many of the different things I have been pondering and some of those questions in my heart I didn't realize I had. Tender mercies. 

The Lucena Kids got baptized!!! Their baptism was a joy. Their dad was able to baptize him. It was fun to see their sweet family together with no fighting or yelling, but peace and happiness as they progress in His plan for them. I liked later that night as I saw they had started being taught Jan 22 (which happens to be Jan 21 in the US-the day I went into the MTC) and they were lost somewhere a couple months later...then as I thought about them and returned to them, I got to be the missionary that witnessed their baptism halfway in their mission. What a blessing. Sometimes you just feel like certain things were meant for you. 

Shoutout to the member who fed us skippy peanut butter and bread and lemonade for a snack this week. 

Also shoutout to Urdaneta 2nd Ward choir. We totally rocked Come Unto Christ. 

I love you all and I love my mission. I love my life and I love what the Savior is doing with it. Enjoy your week! Please ponder conference. And your scriptures. And talk to our Father- He's waiting for you, He's calling your name! 

--

Sister Smith

To Mom:

Yay! I'm way excited for Sister Jenkins. She sent me a card and a necklace this week. I'm sad though bc when I wear necklaces here my neck turns green and I look like an alien creep. 

I forgot I sent a letter :) yay.

I am sad I missed playing at Sister Bard's funeral. We planned that for a long time. Cool tender mercies though. I remember a while ago knowing that she served a mission here in the Philippines but I had forgotten. I remember a few years ago when I went over and wrapped presents with her for her grandkids for Christmas. I wish I could go back to those experiences and hear stories again and ask more questions. Kindof like you feel with great grandma and my quilt. We take so much for granted. 

I love all those stories about her. What a neat person. I hope I can be great like her. 

Thanks for the pictures. I think I didn't take the ST G one, but it's still cool. and I love that temple. Thank you!

One thing I need to have you do is try to find out when i would need to sign up for classes for fall 2016 semester. I just realized that I need to make some big decisions and I need to have a deadline. like if I'm going to try to do SPED or not. 

You should email sis p. She still hasn't got any mail from her family.

I love davie. It's great. You sent a letter. I think that's all. IT was awesome.

I'll teach you to ami someday.

Thanks for taking my study suggestions. I like hearing stuff about it. 

Hopefully we don't have anything worse than that typhoon. I can handle that, but ugh. 

Wow I'm popular. Just kidding you are. You should search for Cherrie May Dassun Talusig or Gem Mines I think they posted some pics with me in on fb. but Idk. 

I am happy Im halfway, sad, I feel like it's too short before I go home but also forever. LIfe is weird. 

Thanks for being a great mom. Tell the boys hi. I love you all. 

To Dad:

daddddy dearest. this is your princess petunia. 

hows it going.
there's some crap from the storm but its not too bad. our work kindof stunk because of the people being busy and us trying to recover and get going again but yeah. 

your job sucks. just kidding. I am glad you have one. I'm sorry it's slow and that the economy stuff is bad. do you know who's running for president next year? It probably won't get better before the second coming.

I'm glad you have such a great calling to have such great experiences. Speaking of callings, tell mom she won't get released till she loves her calling. and learns whatever God wants her to learn. 

My calling is pretty good :)

Wow people want your talk. You're like a general authority. You'll probably get famous! I wish I could hear it. It's not fair ;) I have to miss everything. But I get to do and see awesome stuff here too. 

Sis Paningbatan is funny. But our exchanges sucked because their next door apartment is also missionaries. bad ones. We had to wait up because they didn't come home till after 10:30.. they were full of lies. It is sad to see people like that. It makes me appreciate you and mom a lot because you gave me an attitude of obedience. and I only really rebelled once and it wasn't very fun (Jacob Lake.) 

Thanks for thinking of me in the temple. I am glad I get to be there, in your thoughts. Keep writing me letters. Sis Smith liked your letter I can't remmeber if I told you that.

Thanks for being a great dad. I know that I am sometimes way hard. Especially when I feel scared or something. But even though we yell at each other I still know you love me. So don't worry. I will see you in 9. Love you all!

--

Sister Smith