Hello Hello

Hi everyone! I am just sending you an email to tell you that WE ARE LOVED. 

This week I learned so much. After 17 months in the mission, there's still a billion things to learn and master before I finish. But it's lots of fun. I feel like it's kindof like the doctorate or research part of the mission. Where I can apply myself freely but also feel like there's so many new experiences. 

We watched the District this week for Sis. A's training. I cried! I love missions. 

This week we were talking to a dad. His name is Bobby. He has refused to listen to the missionaries for like 6 months. His two children became members, but He didn't want to listen. Then, for like the 4th time since I've been here, I was like "hey you really should listen to us, even just once." and he said OKAY. He even showed up for the appointment, and after it was over, he said he wanted to keep learning and CHANGE. I am glad I pushed him a little. Because he really wants to fix things. He had a really bad family problem, but he is learning that Christ's Atonement happened for him. It's awesome when people finally let the Master Physician in. His pain can all leave if he accepts the gospel. Pray for Bobby!

I have had some great experiences lately studying the New Testament. Sometimes I think of what it would feel like to be there by the side of Jesus Christ. But I do feel that. As His missionary, I experience His voice, His power, and His love daily, even with my imperfections. I have become one of His investigators. And His patience and love with me gives me the strength to also strengthen those areound me. 

I talked in church yesterday about how although life is hard, the gospel isn't. I said that in my opionion, God's life is probably kindof challenging at times. But it doesn't get Him down, because His work and His glory is His focus. I talked about how by helping God with His work and glory, we can experience the same joy as Him. I focused on family history, missionary work, and temple work. I shared about my great grandmother's journey to the temple as a young girl. It just hit me how if we resist doing God's work, because we are too busy or tired or lazy, we don't experience His glory. He sent us to earth so that He could fulfill His purpose, and while we are on this earth, we can choose whether or not to participate. 

I love you all. Life is so great, and I am changing because of the gospel. It doesn't require a lot of difficult things, because all that is required is willingness, then He does the hard work. 

Have a great week! 

-- 

Sister Smith

To Mom: 

I got the email. It's fine. I look ugly. but other than me I think it's great! and it will work fine, because I dont' even care about giving people cards, they will just cry if I don't. 

I would love to do that race if I can run by then :) jk! let's do it.

I want to speak tagalog to jennylyn!

I would love to do anything when I get home, especially if it's with you!

My companion is changing so much. She's always thanking me for teaching her and she told me that she has learned to be postive from me and not speak or think negatively about others. Last week I explained to her that those have been some of my biggest goals to change on my mission so what a compliment. I am finally becoming like Great grandma howell. Grandma howell also put that in my most recent letter from her. i feel lke I have a far ways to go, but what motivation that I am starting to be identified as positive, cheerful, and kind. not negative and gossipy.

I bought like $50 worth of little things. I got like a bunch of earrings that were way cheap because I thought of all my girl cousins but then I got home and was like what a bout the bo;ys? but we'll see. it is kindof just a bunch of little souvenir stuff that reminds me of here, so I will see. I thought of getting all of you a pair of flipflops because they are cheap here and that would be something you could use, but it would remind you of me and my mission. . we'll see. 

 I want to see this mr, chris stuff.

Okay well I hope dad is good. Show him the attachment I forgot to put on his email. 

LOV EYOU SOOO MUCH. I don't really care who comes to the airport by the way. It seemed like a big deal before and now I don't care, as long as I go home. Hahhaa. 

Miss you. See you in just over a month. I hope it goes by fast and slow!!

OH yeah, someone in our sunday school argued for like 20 minutes yesterday about how we should n't say swimming isn't okay on sunday because fish have to swim to stay alive. ugh. I hate that stuff.

To Dad:

Hey dad. I hope you're doing well. I fasted and prayed and worried a little this week for you. But I"m glad you're alive. 

Grabe I can't believe Tyler is leaving. Time is going by pretty fast. I just have 5 weeks... and then I fly too!

Jeffrey R Holland says the mission IS real life, that this is as real as life is gonna get. I think that is true. When else will I get to devote all my time to Him? Never. 

So I'm sad that I will be coming back to fake life. haha. Because work and school and stuff isn't all eternal. But finding my eternal companion is. ARe you workng on that? haahah

I love you so much. I haven't emailed everyone else yet. Oh yeah, Two of my long time investigators in Sta Barbara are getting baptized, well one already did. I think I might be the best planter in the mission. I have like the lowest baptisms, but I have heard of like maybe 20 baptisms from people I taught or started along the way. It's so awesome! I don't even care that I wasn't there to see it!

Well, Love ya! I like this quote, "Go where you're needed. Do what you can." Louise Y. Robinson.

Happy Father's Day

Helllllllo all, 

I am so happy today because I have seen that Heavenly Father is very involved in my life. That He loves me and He loves you. I am noticing more and more how things happen at certain times and with certain people so that we can learn certain things that will prepare us to return to Heavenly Father. 

This week I saw some challenges, but I also saw His power. We taught some people with no kindness in them (I'm surprised sometimes at the nice things that come out of my mouth when someone is saying things like "you're too young to know anything more than me, I was in the hammock first.") 

I coughed and hacked it up this week and lost my voice. I learned that being able to talk is really important to missionaries. :)

We had a service activity where we cleaned up this lot. I cut and moved some logs and trash and it's nice sometimes to do yardwork...but I will be fine not doing it when I get home, dad :)

Happy Fathers Day to all of you dads, future and current. I love all of the father figures who have influenced me in my life. Especially my daddy, and my Heavenly Father. 

This week I also learned that we can't seek others' approval but God's. Through some things my companion told me, I learned that I have changed as a missionary. And as she told me some of my strengths, I was able to testify to her of how Ideveloped those things. The Way is the gospel. I'm not perfect. but the way is the gospel. 

I love you all :) Keep coming closer to Christ and be His friend. 

Bye! Sorry, like my brother, I have no pictures. We're not good at that in our family. haha. 

1 more transfer! See ya'll soon.

--

Sister Smith

To Mom:

Mommmmmyyyyy!!!!

I can't stand it. The other day I was like so homesick I just wanted to hold your hand. I guess that's every day. haha. 

You just got a fb request and no message? We sent pictures and stuff. Dang. Hopefully you will see it :) Yeah, Sis. Claudia is really nice. She's like 30+ and has no husband yet but she's so sweet and awesome. 

Hearing about Ragnar makes me want to run!!! Can't wait.

I am definitely learning a lot with my companion. I am just trying to make it fun because I'm going home! She's starting to love me, she said last night. So that's success ;)

It's okay! Don't worry about money. I took out 100+ because I'm trying to find some souvenirs since I've really not found any. But let me know if you think of any ideas of types of things you'd like me to bring home. 

I hope to finish the book of mormon but I'm only on 2 Nephi...

Poor dad.

You're my best friend too. 

I met a deaf member who's like 14 and she does ASL and it made me excited for SPED. It's like I don't want to do the school part but when i meet special people i'm excited.

Okay. gotta email tyler. love you bunches!!!

To Dad:

Happy Father's Day Dad!

I love you bunches and I'm sorry that you have had to feel so much pain. I hope your surgery goes well. Just don't stress too much. Think about it- you could be getting operated on here in the Philippines. THAT is scary. haha. 

If it makes you feel better, I got a chest xray since I'm going home soon and everything is fine. haha. 

I'm glad you got to hang out with Cooper and stuff. I'm excited to hang out with you again. It's crazy, it's starting to feel really close, but also so far away :) but I'm sure soon enough I'll be on the plane freaking out. 

This week, probably the most awesome thing that happened is that I forced my companion to tell me everything she hated about me. It was funny. Mostly that I don't eat enough food. But I started to strive to reallllllly listen to her and talk a lot to her and finally last night she told me that she is truly starting to love me. 

President Deyro is also awesome. I talked to him a little this week pres deyro was like "don't worry about what other's think. Christ was called a winebibber and sinner and devil, but He did His ministry till the end." and stuff like that. It really helped me remember that as long as I'm doing the right things because I love God, then people can think what they want. I'm glad that Pres. knows me and loves me enough to boldly tell me to get my faith back and keep walking on water. :) haha. I think one thing I have learned as a missionary is to be positive and hopeful... about myself, others, and situations. Sis. Apolinario told me last night, "you're a really positive person." which is something I would have never thought in the past...especially at the beginning of my mission. But I realized I have been changing.

I am so happy. It's hard thinking about leaving here. I sometimes just can't think about it. Because it makes me want to grab people's kids and spend all my money on foods, and stuff like that that I just can't do. 

I am trying to stay realllly diligent in my area even though we have met some really bastos people. I will also try to be better at training the members. I was just thinking this morning about how I wish the members here could experience the strength of the church in Utah, but I guess it is just little by little.

I'm really struggling with english lately. Sorry for my weird emails. 

thanks for always putting the "be's" at the end of your letters. they are always things I am working on and thinking about. Love you lots. 

Auber 

Level 120

This week was a good week. VERY challenging. Sometimes I feel like I am in a game and my character just gets everything happening at once and has to fight all of it. It's pretty hard. It's like level 120. But thats good. I've passed lots of levels and I will keep passing them till there's no more ;)

This week I had a sick day, but not a rest day! I only felt good when I was out working. Heavenly Father needs His missionaries. 

We had a "Blitz" in our area which means our district came and did some finding in our area. That was a good day because we achieved a lot together. It is fun to see what happens when you work hard and you believe that everyone has potential.

Birthday Shoutouts to my Anak, Sister Smith 2 and to my Daddy! and everyone else who has birthdays!

We found an elect guy named Jimmy. He's chubby with a ponytail and he wants to do things so that he'll know the truth. Jimmy is a nice guy and takes care of his old lady mom. He is honest. It is fun to teach people like that who really want to do what's right and find that truth. 

I read some conference talks this week, and also just in the things I'm studying I'm amazed at how many new things I can learn. Sometimes I find myself in awe at the gospel and at the beauty of His plan. 

I hope you are all well and happy. Mahal ko kayo!

--

Sister Smith

To Dad:

I am okay. I am healthy, although I spent one day with everything going out of me. but I'm better now.

I told you who my companion is. haha. But I am in Mapandan with Sis. Apolinario. My new area is pretty good. It is expensive travel, but it's pretty and I like the people. The ward is nice. Very loving and funny. It's a verrrry small town, smaller than Sta B. We have quite a bit of work, although we're still figuring out scheduling and stuff.  

I'm glad you had a good trek and meeting. That's fun. I'm glad that coop is gaining strength. 

Thanks for the encouragement dad. Sometimes it's really hard to have so much going on. Not only am I trying to give my all to the work and prepare to go home, but I'm also being tested and challenged. I love you and I am so grateful you're my dad. You make me want to be a better person always. I am so glad I had such a good upbringing. :) 

I love the talk Be Thou Humble too. I finally got around to really reading it. I know I needed it. I know my companion is not always the one in the wrong because sometimes I lose patience. But I am getting better every day. 

Well, keep the prayers coming, and I will keep striving to fulfill them.

Lovey ou!

Hi mommy!

Tyler is awesome. I'm glad he is always having a good attitude and learning from everything!

I'm glad you finally got to be a ma!

I can't wait one day more so I really hope it's August 3 still. i haven't gotten anything yet but I think you might get it the first week of july or so. I just pulled that date out of nowhere so I have no clue to be honest. 

I'm getting excited for school!!!

Oh yeah, grabe, I have forgotten this for more than a month. Could you make me a thing, kindof like the picture I am sending, but actually nice and cute, that I can give to people here? Thanks. Just use one of the pictures I've sent home and design the layout or whatever so it looks cool. Thanks!

someone gave us this home made ice stuff this week...it was made of mangoes and easy cheese. why would you kill mangoes like that?

I saw a tindahan called TJ Mac's. I laughed! 

My bishops daughter looked me up on facebook. They all said "Wow you look beautiful here. But now you got fat." Thanks everyone! I feel great! haha. 

Well... things are good. 

Well. love you!!! Thanks for being the best mom. See you in 7! 

June na naman!

Whew. It's June. It sounds like it's hot there. It's also hot here. But I'm still alive. And soon they might have us wear some pants. Woohoo..

This week was pretty good. I have a new companion and area! I am finishing the training of my apo (grandchild) in the mission. It has been a fun switch to go from the crazy life of exchanges and travel to training and learning from a new crazy missionary. Sister Apolinario is so funny and nice. I feel bad sometimes because I'm nice, but not like the lovey dovey type so I hope she knows I love her anyway. :)

One thing I liked this week was just getting to know a new area. There's something that just pushes you in a new area. You have no preconceived ideas or experiences and it makes it easy to just do your best. I have learned in my mission to love where you are and do what you're supposed to do. Whatever the trial, just keep going. There's always something we can do more or better. I liked in Ether 3 this week, I thought about the pattern Ether used to solve his problem and thought about that process specifically with overcoming weaknesses or sins or bad habits. We need to let the Lord know we need help. Think of things we can and will do. Bring the idea and work to Him. Allow Him to touch our lives and be willing to do His will.

Last monday there were some crazy new things happening and some adversity all that came down in one day and I just prayed for peace and eyes to see that everything would be good with my family and my mission and we went out to work to a pretty sunset behind us and a big rainbow-symbol of peace before us. God is good.

We were on a jeep earlier this week and a lady said "Where's your little companion?" I was like thinking..I've had a lot of those. and she said "In Tambac?" That was my first area! This was a lady I had thought of last week, wondering whatever happened to her. We had taught her twice, and then she just was busy and everything. But it reminded me that people remember the missionaries. She had lost a child last year, and I remember teaching her the plan of salvation and just hoping she got it. I encouraged her to listen to the missionaries again. It's just funny that she recognized me after more than a year!

OH yeah. We have a way nice house. It's cute. 

Well, bye! Love you all!

--

Sister Smith

To Mom:

THanks for the letter you sent. 

Speaking of me coming home, someone submitted their paperwork late in my group so we got crappy flights. I should get home At like 9 p.m. I"m not sure if it will be Aug 2 or 3 or something like that. We'll work that out when it's sooner. But just so you can start thinking about it all maybe. We could maybe just stay in SLC or something that night at a hotel and just chat or eat or sleep or whatever then go home in the morning. I"m getting so trunky it's so bad. 8 weeks to go ;)

And by trunky, I mean all I want to do is missionary work because there's not much time left!!!

I read some good talks:

Adverstity and Prayer

For thy Good.

Look them up! :)

My new companion is super touchy which most americans aren't a fan of and i"m really not a fan haha. But she's cute. I've been so mean to her I feel. LIke strict, but she just loves me! So I'm working to make the rest of her training really good. So she becomes obedient and understands what we are doing. It's fun to train and not have to do so much extra stuff. 

OH yeah, she calls me Mamila. it's cute- a mix between Mommy (because I"m training her) and Lola (grandma). ;)

I don't know what to do about jobs. Ugh.
I still have one sem of scholarship, I think they will do it automatically.

Well, I better reply to like 8 emails in the next 8 minutes. 

i Love you so much and I'm getting so excited to see you. its killing me. have a good week!

bye! our house is mint and gray! it's perfect for me! 

To Dad:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I know it's early. But I love you and I will celebrate with you in August :)

You're the best dad in the whole world really.

Love you lots!!! See you in 8 weeks. :) maybe by that time you will be able to eat one bite of icecream. 

bye!