Pictures and a Testimony

I know that My Redeemer lives.

This week I was privileged to learn more about the Atonement.

I saw it in the lives of those I met. 

I saw it in my own struggles to overcome weaknesses.

I saw it in the scriptures as I read of His suffering and His plan.

I felt it as I heard others testify. 

I felt it as I looked at the sky and all around me and remembered He not only died for me, but He created all life and the environment around me.

I felt it as I cried from rejection or trials, 

yet I felt it as I cried from laughing and feeling the joy.

I know the Plan of Salvation, Redemption, Happiness, is His plan of hope and love. I feel His love when I keep His commandments. I know through His Atonement, I will live again. And I will do all I can to not only live again, but to live with those I love. 

He lives today. We don't need to sorrow over His death, but we can rejoice because He lives. We may sorrow over our decisions, pains, and temptations, but because He was lifted up, we all can be lifted by Him out of the depths of despair and into Hope and Repentance.

I had a great week being a missionary. I love you all. Enjoy the pictures. :) 

-- 

Sister Smith

To Mom:

Michael said you sent him a video and he said it is now called "He is Risen Day" 

Happy He is Risen Day to you too!

Mom, this week started hard, but it was a good week. I had fun.

I forgot to put this in my group email but we taught a kindof less active lady and at the end she grabbed us and hugged us and said "it's just like hugging Jesus Christ!" it was so cute and I about cried. 

I worried about Cooper. Then I just fasted for him. Life is hard. It's hard to feel good enough. But I am working on a letter for him. One day I was just so worried about him and myself and feeling sad and stuff, but after I prayed, I opened my book of mormon and my next chapter to read was alma 16-17. Well, I was comforted. 

Some good stuff I read:

Blessed are the Peacemakers by Henry B Eyring

LIving a Life of Peace, Joy, and Purpose by Richard G Scott

An article about Speak, Listen, and Love. It's about communicating with your spouse, but I still learned a lot. One thing I liked was that we need to listen and care well enough that we understand our spouse, or companion, or children or whatever's problem, from their eyes. 

I watched the errand of angels during my lunch break on saturday and sunday. It was good. It made me evaluate who I am as a missionary and what if my mission was a movie? It also made me want to be better at recording things so that others can know what I experience and learn. 

I'm excited to watch the Gen Woman's session! yay!!

Parker's farewell. haha. I'm glad he's home. Time flies. 

I'm going to be a grandma! Sister Smith is training next transfer. I am proud of her.

Well. I'm sure I could think of other things to share. But I just want youto know I love you and am so grateful for your faith and strength, that I could be a member of this Church and know who the Savior is. 

LOVE YOU!

Hi dad

This week I felt so weak. I felt like everything I've worked on for my whole mission was nothing. But when I stopped crying about it and took it to Him, I feel like I have been showed my growth and I feel better. I also realized I was trying to reach perfection before I go home from my mission. Reality Check, I'm still human. I'm still going to be mean sometimes and not always do what's right. But I'm trying more than ever and from my mission I learned that I can't and shouldn't try to do it alone. That even if I mess up, He's there to help me. 

Our investigators are all struggling. But I know that sometimes it just takes time. And I'm feeling very patient. No problem :)

I forgot to tell mom that me and another sister did a duet of How Great Thou Art yesterday in church. You can tell her. I hope you read each other's emails anyway. 

I had a good easter. No huge miracles that I can think of right now. I think just one miracle is just that I'm here. I know I can never repay all of the sacrafices and struggles I've put people through, but it's wonderful to see what has happened to our family and our friends and the people I"ve met here in the Pines because of this mission. 

I lvoe you!!! :) 

bye. 

March 2016 Mission Leadership Council!

March 2016 Mission Leadership Council!
from Urdaneta Mission Blog
This past Mission Leadership Council was held on March 2nd, 2016. The Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders came together once again to discuss and to council with one another. One highlight of the Council this time was the discussion about the 2016 Easter Initiative: Hallelujah! For more information, please visit FollowHim.mormon.org to find out more about the Church's Easter Initiative this year.

Hello Holy Week

It's a big deal here in the Philippines that Easter is coming up, and although not all of the traditions fit with what we believe, I am grateful for this time to think about the Savior and what He has done for us and to just come a little closer to Him. I hope you all are doing the same. 

I really feel like I am improving as a missionary, learning more and wondering why it takes to long to learn sometimes! The language is still hard, but I can speak it, to the amazement of many people. It's fun. Sometimes I let them suffer and try to speak english for a while, then I reply in Tagalog and they laugh so hard. I love Filipinos. 

I did more exchanging this week. It was fun. I learn so much from being able to spend time with the other sisters and help them. I love the opportunity I've been given to lead and I know it's made a huge difference in my life. I can't believe that the time I have been an STL is more than I have left on my mission. I love all the mission opportunities, and I will not stop when I come back to utah :)

I have been learning a lot about the Spirit. It is so great. Lots of things are just clicking as I have tried to study with more faith and look around and pay attention. 

John John and Clarissa came to church! I love them so much and I know that although they have a challenging road ahead of them, they want the gospel in their life, and I want it for them. I about cried last night just thinking about their little girl Jasmine who went from being a shy 2 year old to running to us on the street and their baby boy John Scarlett with the funniest hair and smile. They are changing as a family, and it is awesome. 

There was such a strong spirit in sacrament yesterday. A recent RM spoke and answered my prayers! I love how we have a chance to partake of the sacrament and remember Him every week as well.

Lots of people hid from us this week. But that's their choice I guess. You can't have all happy campers. 

We are also teaching a new family and they are so great! They are seeking and asking and their questions and thoughts are so exact with the gospel. I hope they can see that and act upon it. 

I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful easter week. Have fun!

#Hallelujah!

#Aleluya!

--

Sister Smith

Hi dad! 

Things are honestly kindof rough. We taught 16 new investigators this week. None of them went to church. That's just one example. But I am not really caring about numbers. I should probably care more. But I more care that people are feeling the spirit and making choices. Whether they choose to accept or reject, I just want to do my best.

Tyler is awesome. His email was powerful to me. His testimony is so strong.

This song made me think of you:  https://www.lds.org/youth/music?cid=YS-C-music&lang=eng It's Not about you.

I can't believe how fast time is going. Well, sometimes it's fast and sometimes not. Today I've been on a mission for 14 months. It's very fast. It's weird to realize I'm now an Old missionary. I'm now the example and maybe inspiration for the younger missionaries. 

Thanks for the inspiration. I will do that, and let you know how it goes. 

I've been exercising dad! have you? One thing that has helped me is each night, I write down what I will do for my workout the next day, then I just get up and do it. So I don't have to think.

Well, I love you, have a good week! Keep being the best dad. 

Heres a hug!  HUG.

Bye.

Dearest Myest Motherest,

I liked that quote too! It's a good book. The gospel is inspiring.

I liked the new youth music! have you listened to it? some of them are just blah but some of them are good, and the lyrics are good too. 

I am learning patience still. It's hard and is taking a long time ;)

I miss the temple! I read the booklet preparing to enter the holy temple. Because I'm preparing for in 4 months. I'm angry though because the manila temple was closed when I got here and will be closed when I go home. Not fair. 

I liked the talk Be Still and Know that I am God. I remember listening to it in my apartment last last year...

Well, I don't have much more to say. But I still have to write at least 5 people. So I love you!!!!!!!!! Thanks for being the best most supportive mom everrrr!

By the way  14 months ago you took me to the MTC!

By the way if anyone asks how old your baby is, she is 242 months old.  

Happy Summer!

First, everyone go here! followhim.mormon.org

Summer is definitely almost here in  the Philippines. I am not really enjoying the heat, but I am enjoying everything else! This week we found out Sis. Vaivai actually probably had Dengue fever, but she is better now and it's the best. Although we had some rough days, we also got to have two sets of exchanges and it was so fun. I love our sisters and I love the opportunities to try new things and learn from so many people. 

This week we had a zone conference. I gave a workshop about the word of wisdom and how we can be healthier people. I learned so much preparing and giving the workshop has helped motivate me to work a little harder and eat a little better. I shared this video:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-05-1180-word-of-wisdom?lang=eng

Everyone I love the Book of Mormon! I had a day this week where we were at home while my soa recovered and I could not stop reading!

I also had to speak in church this week. That was fun. I spoke on the atonement and how it can help us through anything. I wish I could share it with you but I didn't really write it out and it was tagalog. But I would encourage all of you to come to the Savior this easter.

I have an analogy for ya'll this week.  I was doing yoga and balancing on one foot and in yoga the teacher will always say to find a focus point that isnt moving (for example, don't focus on another person). So I was thinking about how we need to focus on Christ, and how He never moves. That if we focus on the world's standards, or people in the world, we will fall. Sometimes, even when we are focused on Him, we stumble, but He is still there and we can get up again. 

My investigators are good. We're working on finding. I feel like I'm being tested and that they are too. Many of them are facing opposition and trials and it's tough work. But I know He has a plan. 

Love you all!! 

--

Sister Smith

Congrats to Ty! I was glad Toni came to my endownment. I can't believe it's been so long!

Congrats to keaton! send me a picture!

Oh. It just looked like them. Darn. haha. 

Don't worry about the text. It was true, whatever it said, and it didn't hurt me, it woke me up to how hard it was for you. I'm sorry for how I acted. It was so dumb. 

I can't wait to see you in like 20 weeks. It seems so far and so close! But I love it here and I am excited to bring the Philippines home. I could probably even fit a filipina in my suitcase, but I can't just choose one  ;)

Seriously, seriously ew ew. My companion doesn't get it either really. I miss brooke too! she always ew'ed with me. 

Thanks for the prayers!!!

Yeah, I knew we don't have tons of money, but compared to them, we are soooo rich.\

My health workshop was okay. I mostly focused on the spiritual side and there was good feed back. then I made some handouts.

I don't feel like typing about the other stuff! haha sorry

I liked a thought that made me laugh (it was my own thought). I was thinking about my faults and stuff. then all of a sudden I was like...."I'm being like the 'things like this' lady! I'm saying "it's things like this or that that make me imperfect or lame or whatever. and I'm missing all the beatiful trees or happy things about myself." so I'm not going to be like that anymore.

I like the talk in the march 2016 liahona by d todd christofferson.

I love you!!! soooooo much!

hey dad,

I'm so proud of tyler and all of you. 

I will print that talk.

I forgot mookie went on a mission. Wow, everyone will just keep coming home, then me. LIndsey Valentine should be coming soon, and i'm sure others I have forgotten. I only have 20 weeks left. Which is a while, but not long

Our area is kindof struggling. We haven't had progress really. I feel like I never have baptisms, but I also know I can't compare either, and I've seen progress, it's just hard to measure. One family I want to progress so bad is the ballesteros family. Brother is sick with really bad arthritis, but he is really feeling the spirit. I noticed him wipe a tear when we were teaching him about how he could hold the priesthood. BUT problem one-sister is so busy and she doesn't read or care as much as brother. problem 2- our chapel has stairs and I don't think he can climb them .BUT HE HAS TO GET BAPTIZED. I know it is healing him. he stopped smoking, doesnt drink coffee now, went from laying in bed all day to now being able to walk, just from the time we started teaching. I LOVE THEM. but it's hard too. The otehr ones I love so much are making me sad. like they say they aren't drinking or smoking, but I see them drunk. 

Well that's enough. I"M SO HAPPY. theres so much I want to do and study, but I probably won't get it done before I go home. Good thing there's life to apply it. I'm almost more excited to be a member missionary, and a mom missionary because it's like this is the MTC for that. and it's the same feeling as in the MTC, you love it, but you're ready to get out in the feild. but I"m not trunky, I'm still working soooo hard and improving daily.

LOVE YOU LOTS> I will try to make some music. and of course be good. 

oh yeah, funny story, I witnessed 2 sisters come home to their apartment once at 10:35 (2 hours late at that time) and they said everyone was lying about them and stuff. Well now they are both SENT home and one of them is engaged to the guy they always worked with in that area. People. haha it is really sad though. I cna't imagine GLADLY throwing away my mission and lying like that!

Okay bye

hello hello hello

Hello Everyone!

I am very hyper, because my companion was sick for 4 days! So I've been doing too much studying and not enough talking or getting my energy out. But I have gained an appreciation for our work and our area and it's a challenge but we will get everything back in order. my companion is awesome! She didn't complain even though she felt like she was dying.

Funny story- I did not watch tv, but I happened to see in the corner of a member's tv, "22 weeks till the olympics!" so I got out my calendar to see if I'd be home for them. Well turns out, last week I had 22 weeks left. What??

This week we had a wonderful Mission Leadership Council. I loved learning more about the Spirit and using scriptures and just feeling the power of the gospel and council. One thing I loved that Elder McBride (an assistant to the Pres) talked about was learning to use the Spirit. That sometimes we have "inconspicuous guidance" which means we won't really KNOW everything we have to do, but through our agency, our brains, the situation and just small feelings we can act righteously. 

I ate icecream and brownies this week. YESSS.

I loved something President Deyro shared as well. It is how to have joy and peace of conscience (Mosiah 4:3). It is following the counsel in 1 Nephi 16:28-29 and Alma 32:41-43. There are wonderful patterns for us to follow in the scriptures if we just seek to understand. 

Welp, one last quote by Brigham Young, "If the devil says you cannot pray when you are angry (or sad or made a mistake or whatever!) then tell him it's none of his business...and pray till that insanity leaves you." I forgot the last part but it's along  those lines. 

Well I love you all. 1 year ago today I stepped off an airplane into this foreign land which has become my home. I heard the language I now love and consider my own. and now, after one year, I can say I love my Pinoy family and I LOVE being a missionary. 

Love ya'll. Sorrry. Only one picture. And it's of icecream. 

--

Sister Smith

(photo descriptions)

I love Indian (the green) mangos

I love graham crackers

IS THIS MY BROTHERS? if it is tell me asap.

(We giggled about this one... obviously she doesn't know Cooper has grown a lot, and she also must miss her brothers a lot... photo is NOT her brothers.)

Hi my mommy!

That will be fun. to live in avocet again. I am getting so excited and nervous. I was like all rainbows and butterflies but I'm sure there will be a lot of challenges. Just stress I don't need to think of today.

I wrote Toni and some other wonderful women letters. So if you get a thick envelope, dont be too excited. Sorry, I just realized how ungrateful I was, that they would send me stuff and I never reply. 

That's crazy how close and how far away Tyler and I are. Like if he was a month later or vice versa we might be able to see each other. 

My perm is kindof ugly now. But I can make it work. If anything it gives my hair better volume when I put it in a bun. haha.

I love my rice shirt.

The bug spray is good! Don't worry. I just thought it was funny. :)

One of my batch in the MTC was from Fresno! 

My feet aren't swollen. Just ugly.

I have saved almost every letter. haha.

This week one of the sisters in my house had been struggling with like blisters and she only had one shoes that she brought and they seemed pretty old...so I gave her the equilvalent of like 5 bucks and she was so grateful. I also gave her my socks that I saved for "no reason." shes a brand new missionary.

I love Sis Vaivai. This week we were both feeling pretty sick one day then we told each other off about nothing. Like we were kindof arguing then she walked out and I was like ugh. Because it wasn't a big deal. So I was just praying to understand her and stuff and then she came back and was like I'm so sorry and we just busted up laughing. We realized we had let our weakness of body give us a bad attitude and I think having that helped a lot because it just helped us understand each other more. hard to explain.

have you read no doubt about it by sheri dew? It was cute. I read the whole thing one of the days sis vai was sick. 

I like yoga. 

I'm giving a workshop on health and one on budgeting at our zone conf. So I'm pondering that a lot.

did you read the night with russel m nelson and his wife? their talks were sooooo good. I am so inspired. 

Love you!!!!

miss you! 

To Brandon:

Hi dad

I can't believe it's march either.

that's funny you told me to learn about the spirit because that's MY WHOLE WEEK. it was wonderful. I'm learning so much.

Transfers aren't till the 31st. 

Sometimes it's hard, but I fee like learning leadership is really important in our church and to prepare for eternity. So I'm grateful.

Wow thanks for never telling me mission stories haha ;)

You can tell me when I tell you in August. 

I'm proud of Tyler! and our family. I think we have lots of trials because we have potential of being one of the strongest families. I wrote in my journal for like 6 pages all about tyler and then I added a little about the rest of you because I felt mean. But I just love you all so much and you all have such awesome qualities.

I will work on getting a letter to cooper. I am struggling to have email time especially. but I will try harder.

Are you saying you are considering moving anywhere? I guess just keep me updated. Also pray for me to know what decisions to make in my prep to come home. Because there are many. and I need to be ready so that I can keep growing and staying close to HIm.

Love ya! I'm always hilarious. Don't worry.

I had a nice prayer btw, when I realized I don't need to ask if the gospel is true really, I just need to ask Him to show me how badly I need it. It was an interesting realization. 

K love you. No more time. Bye!

To Tyler:

I'm good! Congrats! I wish I was there. 

HOw is your patriarchal blessing by the way? have you noticed anything special you are working on to apply?

the temple is awesome! will you work there?

good luck!

I eat food. EVERY DAY. I usually have energen at least once. rice. many days I eat eggs. sometimes other stuff.

I'm learning tons and my companion is great!!!

I love you!

hello hello

Hello everyone. This week was good. Summer is coming back here and it's getting hot. 

But it's still good. I love the Philippines. 

This week we had some hard days and some great miracles. Although most of our appointments fell through and we found ourselves doing some walking, we achieved some goals we didn't think we could. 

Weekly tragedy.. the milk I bought on Monday was already rotten. as in chunks. 

Weekly blessing. I learned so much about the gospel. A topic that came up a few times this week in studies was the fact that before this life, we made promises. We told Heavenly Father things we would do on this earth, and I'm sure He told us He would help... I am seeing a lot of my trials in a new light as I consider them necessary for me to fulfill the promises and plans I made with Him. 

I also studied the Plan of Salvation a lot this week. I am so glad for that knowledge. It truly is the plan of Happiness.

My investigator highlight is the Ballasteros family. Brother used to be an alcoholic, but he had to stop when he got severe arthritis. As he's listened to us, he said he's seen many changes in himself. He wants to be kinder to his family and not yell. He's stopping smoking. He reads the book of mormon and prays every time that he will go to church. He also says He knows Christ wants him and his family to be baptized. They are so sweet. 

I hope you are all doing well and each day striving to come closer to Christ. I love you and pray for you! Thanks for being my support!

Love Sister Smithers

Hi mom. 

This week EVERYTHING has been about being happy or cheerful. So I'm just doing it. haha.

But I read an article about 4 things to do in marriage to be successful but you can apply it everywhere. 

1. attitude of gratitude. instead of focusing on faults focus on the good they do.

2. cheerfulness. laugh about it.

3. work. not trying to make 50/50, but just DOING the part you need to do.

4. feed the faith.

I liked them. 

also, I braided my hair this week. then I took it out and I was like oh. that's nice. it's almost nicer than my perm. But that's okay.haha. oh well. 

That sounds crazy about Tyler's passport. That's funny he'll have to go somewhere on a plane just to get ready to go on his mission. I think there was ONE missionary going to Denmark when I was in the MTC. He was alone. He had no companion, just him and his teacher, and he had to meet missionaries in a different class for meals and stuff. I'm not sure if it was denmark but I think it might have been. Poor guy. HOw long will Ty be in the MTC?

That is a nice story about Tyler. (wrecked the truck, but survived without any injuries) Just gave me a little anxiety...

My companion is awesome. She is excited about the stickers by the way. I got the package! Thank you. The bug spray kindof scares me. but I'm sure it will be effective. haha. 97% deet...

You mentioned that hannah jones has a call... where again?

tell me anyone I know!

I hope you go to another country with dad on a mission. I am forever grateful for all you've sacrificed for me to be here. I was just thinking yesterday how it's probably one of the best investments ever to send a kid on a mission. 

Well. I need to email tyler and dad so they don't cry. One hour is so short. just so yall know :) 

Love you!!!

pics: ugly tan lines on my feet (It looks like I have cankles but I don't.)

nice thing president deyro said to me.

To Dad:

I am busy every week. I feel bad because there is no time to email. I don't even email anyone but you or mom or tyler or our family or michael or the mission president. but it's too stressful. 

I'm glad nothing happened in the wreck. I hate that crap. Mom said he said he didnt' know why he went. Well I guess he went so he could know Heavenly Father is watching over him..

I like what they talked about in our district conf yesterday. Poverty can be ended by tithing. I know it's bad there but they could live in the Philippines. I see the difference between those who pay it and don't. Hopefully the members of the church can become lights to others. 

 Yay spring is there. 

By the way I laughed so hard while reading your letter in my package. Especially about Bella. I think you're hilarious. 

I love you so much. Thanks for being a good dad. Keep being happy too. I get scared getting to the point where I'm actually going home soon. But I know that I am growing every day and that if I leave it up to Him, I will be 100%  charged at the end of this to go out and be who He wants me to be. 

I love you. thanks for everything. All the sacrifice and love. Helping me get here. 

Love your daughter. 

P.s. It's hot. 

To Tyler:

Tyllerrrr

I'm sorry I didn't write you last week. You will probably face the same 1 hour dilemma when  I write you about my wedding or something. I promise I love you! I am so proud of you and so excited about your call. I talked about it all day every day to my companion. I am sad we'll be apart for so long but I'm excited to write you and send you candy. Although I'm sure in Denmark they have food. 

I'm glad you were safe. It scares me to hear stories like that but I guess all we can do is be grateful and move on. Sometimes I think we just make stupid mistakes but Heavenly Father shows us that He keeps us here for a reason. I mean think about how delicate babies and children are, we've probably had our lives saved by him millions of times. Just remember this. He kept you and all those others safe because he has things for you to do. Beginning with a mission. 

I lvoe you so much. 

did you read this? https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/worldwide-devotionals/2016/01/becoming-true-millennials?lang=eng

I've only read part but it's inspiring.

I love you so much. Thanks for being my brother. take care of the family. They will start to get kindof sad and ornery when youre leaving. Somthing Shanna wheeler told me about when brett was going on a mission was that they would say "Satan called and said to tell you youre doing a good job". Satan knows what we'll do and he will cause contention or sadness if we are doing what's right.

Lov eya!

picture is throwback to mtc. you will love it!