Big Week

This week was huge. A ton has happened this past week. First we had Sister Palmer, our Mission President's wife, came out and taught with us in our area. It was awesome! We stopped by the very first A&W, which we eat at just about every week, and she was taking selfies with us in front of the building. It was hilarious. Friday was Pioneer Day, which I have never celebrated before, but it was fun. The Stake had a huge activity and it was cool to learn some history on the Pioneers. There was a pie and cobbler contest...the missionaries got to judge. DELICIOUS! Then on Sunday, all 4 of the missionaries in my ward gave talks. I went first and talked about the Book of Mormon, My companion spoke on the Restoration, Elder Gwynn spoke on Prophets and Revelation, and Elder Hill spoke on the Atonement. All of our talks were super powerful and it was even more spiritual when we all sang a musical number. We sang the EFY Melody "As Sisters in Zion and Army of Helaman." Everyone in the congregation teared up and I felt the spirit so strong when we were singing. AWESOME! Things are awesome here in Modesto. I love it. I have been where American Graffiti was filmed and I constantly drive by the high school where George Lucas went to....FUN FACTS! I hope all of you are well and are having fun. School starts soon. Good luck!

What a Week

Woah woah woah. Wow! I love the Modesto Mission! Incredibly different, but we will make it the Mighty Modesto Mission soon enough. The Sacramento missionaries that they combined us with are...different. They were taught different as we were and so there are no rules in our mission. We are building up and being united. So much has happened in the past couple of weeks. First off, funny story. The other day, we ran out of gas and got stranded. We had to push the car off the road and our Bishop came to save us with a gas can haha We also had a baptism this past Saturday and it was awesome! My companion and I sang an a Capella duet and it brought the Spirit so strong. Everyone was in tears. AWESOME! We sang "Come Thou Font." Just beautiful. Our Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Palmer, were present. President Palmer even spoke at his baptism. I love them. They are so cool! I will put my new address at the bottom of the email. By the way, I no longer have to run. God loves me! Fourth of July was great by the way. We stayed at Sister Phillips home and played games and ate food....I crushed the Elders in Monopoly. Good times haha Oh, also, President Packer passed away. I am a little bit worried about all of the Apostles passing away. It will be interesting to see who will be picked to be next. I am posting a link about his life in remembrance. Take care and press forward.

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/biographies/president-boyd-k-packer?cid=HP_FR_07-03-15_dPAAST_fBIO-PCKR_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng

4300 Dale Rode

Modesto, CA 95356

BIG NEWS

The time has come for transfers again. This is a much more special one though, you can even say historical....Guess who is going to the new Modesto mission? ME! That's right, me. Oh my word am I freaking out a bit. I feel almost like Fresno is kicking me out haha Wow, I get to say I served in two missions. Well, at least it will be maybe 10 degrees cooler there. I am going more north. I am specifically reassigned to the Modesto 6th ward in Modesto and the of course is in the Modesto Mission. I am still trying to sink it all in. Yikes. It was cool because the Alluvial Bishop announced it over the pulpit/mic. My companion, Sister West, is staying and is going to train another sister that is coming in. I am excited, yet nervous of course. We even will have a new Mission President. Oh....no one should write or send me anything until I know my new address.

In other news, we had a baptism this past weekend and it was so touching. His children shared their testimony at the end, they are maybe 5 and 7. Then he shared his and it was remarkable at the experiences he shared. Angels are real and God exists. There is no doubt in my mind about either of those. Not to mention that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and saved us all. He is the reason for life and salvation is made possible through Him and only Him. Families can be together forever and I desire that for my family. I love my family, Earthly and Heavenly. We also have two more baptisms on this up coming Saturday. They are the nephews of the Woodward Park Ward Mission Leader, a WML just works with the missionaries a lot.

When I found out that I was moving to a new area, I started telling people. The most heart felt moments of my whole mission is when I told 3 specific people (all separate) and they just held me and cried. One is Daisy Castillo who is a recent convert, she was baptized in March. Another was Cheryl Alexander, who has been learning about the church for a few months now. Then there is Denise Martin, who we have met a few times and is now investigating the church. I love all of them deeply and so many others, but I felt like a successful missionary because I KNEW without a doubt that I had touched their spirits in some way. I had started a change in their life. I know that the Gospel is true and if there is anything that I want you to know about it, it is that it is simple. The Gospel is centered in Christ. We learn of Christ, we teach of Christ, and we follow Christ. That is all anyone ever needs to know. I came out on my mission only knowing that Jesus Christ was my savior and that He is the way. Now I know much more, but it all boils down to Christ. We must make Him our foundation, our center. I love you all and next week I will be in Modesto with a new companion. See ya!

Sister Smith

Helaman 5:12

It is Hot in the Summer

I just wanted to title my message that, because oh my does it get hot here and it has only begun. It is very normal to be in triple digits for the low. GAH! I cannot believe this, but I miss the snow! Anyways, we have a miracle baptism happening this Saturday and we had another miracle happen yesterday. God literally directed this girl to church yesterday, by her self, and says she wants to be baptized because she knows it is true and of God. WOOHOO! She is so cool and it's funny because my companion, myself, and her all said that we have met before and know each other, but we never have. Pre-Mortal World? I think so! Transfers are next week so I will find out this weekend what is going to happen. Also, this is the transfer where we are going to find out who is going to be called to the new Modesto Mission. Update: My mission, the CFM, is splitting in half next month (which is not common) and some of us will be reassigned to that mission. Guess we will just wait and see what happens. I love you all and hope that we continue to find miracles. I testify that anything is possible through prayer and I close in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Blessings are in Store

This week we went to the temple so our preparation day was moved from Monday to Wednesday (this week only). I absolutely love going to the temple and it brings me so much peace. I really needed it. I would like to take a moment to recognize Elder L. Tom Perry, Quarom of the Twelve. One of beloved apostles passed away last week and we know that he is sharing the gospel on the other side. He was one of my favorite speakers. 

Anyways, this past week and a half has been wild. We found six new investigators and we have three investigators with a baptismal date. Crazy miracle story. MIRACLE MIRACLE MIRACLE! 

In one of wards, there is a family where the wife is a member and the husband is not. He was super against the church, but they are kind of a young family and are sweet. The wife recently went receive her patriarchal blessing and her husband went with her. After that was said and done, he just instantly knew he needed to be baptized. He received a divine witness of the truth of the Gospel. Now he is preparing to be baptized on June 13th. Did I mention that their ward is doing a 40 day fast? It truly brings miracles. I have seen every ward fast bring at least one soul closer to God. It is truly a miracle. Out of the blue like that, he wanted to be baptized. CRAZY! haha 

I love you all and I know that great things are always around the corner. I hope you all have a wonderful week and should have a few couple stories on Monday. 

Sister Smith

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/biographies/elder-l-tom-perry?cid=HP_day_date_dPAAST_PERY_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng

Happy Memorial Day

First off, Happy memorial Day! Go be free and eat some barbecue! Second off, this week we worked really hard.

We are trying to figure out ways that we can find and teach more. We thought that memorial day weekend would be really good for missionary work but it turns out that rich people just go out of town for holiday weekends. We were having trouble finding anyone to talk to members and non-members. We did get 3 new investigators but we found them through our own efforts and they are not very solid yet. We need to find more ways to encourage the members to work with their friends and invite them to learn about the gospel.

Our ward mission leader and his wife go sealed in the temple this week we were not able to go but we are super excited for them! Did I mention that he is doing his own personal 40 day fast? It is scary. He eats one small meal at 5pm. He is on day 35. He is the most righteous man I have ever met and we just helped them move out of Alluvial ward into Woodward park. We get to work with them still! :D

One of the new investigators that we found name is richard. He is very stuck in the 70's and apparently has been working on the same vintage cars for the past 20 years. we invited him to church and he had a lot of questions about if we knew about mormons who came and settled this valley. He asked a lot of weird questions about Mormons and Indians. I am not sure what he was thinking while we were talking haha

also we were knocking on this one door when we looked into their next door neighbors yard and saw the tardis sitting in their front yard. we knocked on that door next. They said they had "all the Jesus they need". But we were welcome to go check out the tardis. Also, their front door looks like a police call box. We took pictures with the Tardis, we are teaching people in other worlds!

This week, we also did a super cool training in our district. I now finally understand Jacob 5, which a super long and confusing chapter in the Book of Mormon. I just had some super cool revelation for that training. Anyways, I love you all so much and I miss the rain haha California is scary dry. The ground is so dry that when it does rain, the ground cannot absorb it to any degree. The retainment ponds are completely dry too.

Sister Smith

Happy International Star Wars Day!

Today is International Star Wars Day (May 4th)! Besides that though, the work is going great here. It is also really hot in California. I am sorry my message last week was abrupt at the end, but I had to get off right then and there. I had yet to tell you that my companion and I caught a live frog haha kind of our thing I suppose.  Mother's Day is coming up and I am so excited to call my mom. It is going to be so nice to see my mother again. Sometimes I just want to call her, but I cannot.

Also, Transfers is this week. DRUM ROLL................Sister West and I will be staying in our area. I love it here. Not to mention my training is over now and I have already been out 3 months. Woahzah! Time is flying by on my side of the mission. I can see myself changing everyday though and I feel happy. I am growing constantly and strengthening my testimony. I love the Gospel and I love how it blesses families. I know that I am doing so much good for not only people here, but also back home. 

Oh, that reminds me of a story. This past weekend was one of our investigators prom. We went over on Friday, shared a lesson, and I may have told them that I am awesome at doing hair...WRONG. I practiced and practiced on my companion do what she wanted, but I could not. We went back the next day to help her with her hair, and share a message, and Sister West did it. We were praying so hard for her to be stunning and it was. POWER! Anyways, it was a really spiritual lesson too. WOOHOO! I love you all so much and hope your day is wonderful. Enjoy the weather and the hand of God that is in our life. I know that you will be able to see tender mercies in your life. I know I do. I say these things in the name of thy son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Smith

Here Comes The Heat

California is a very much different climate to say the least. It is very hot, dry, and the air is basically smoke (In Fresno anyways). People here call it "Smogville." Somewhat unsettling when I am running in the mornings. We have to drink a ton of water every day or else we die. It is typically in the 90s and it is still the Spring. YIKES. Maybe I will come home tan ;p (ya right. Ginger genes) Good news is, it poured all day on Saturday (which was also my half birthday!).

On to more spiritual things about the past week. We worked at a sweet service project on Saturday. We went to the Fresno State Bulldog Stadium and primed every single door that exists. It was a long four hours in the rain haha but afterwards I did cartwheels on the football field. Woohoo! It was super fun. We also found a couple more investigators this week which is super great! We are so excited to teach more people that are not already members. We teach a bunch of less-active and part-member though so it seems to balance out. Our investigator with a baptism date dropped us and it is really sad to see her do that, but she has her agency (freedom to choose). Also, my companion and I decided to do the PURIFICATION CHALLENGE. It is not as dramatic as I make it seem, but it is intense. It goes over the course of 40 days and we open with a fast (sacrifice two meals for 24 hours) to figure out what we should change to "purify" us more. It can be either sacrificing something or start doing something. Anything really! So we are on day 3. Hopefully my Companion and I stay together for another transfer (6 weeks), because next week is transfers! AH! I have been out almost three months now. I am almost done with training! WOW! 

Oh, another thing that happened is I gave a talk during sacrament meeting in one of our wards. We go to church for 6 hours every Sunday by the way since we have two wards and that does not include the meetings before and after. I have to go now, I am out of time. I love you all. Goodbye

Take Two

Ok. Now I have time to actually sit down and type out a real blog post. I hope you all are ready because a lot has happened in the past two weeks.

Last Monday, my companion and I went with a member to a place called Superior Dairy. It's similar to Young's Dairy, but super fancy. We rode the train to Hanford, which about 30 minutes south of Fresno and then we walked a couple blocks over to SD. DELICIOUS. I totally recommend it if you ever go, but I practically ate a serving that could satisfy at least 4 people. Oops, not my fault the portions are incredibly huge. 

Oh, we also had our mini missionary last weekend. She is so great! A mini mission is basically where seniors in high school can go be a missionary in the area for a week or weekend (varies on the area) with the local missionaries. The even get set apart. I absolutely adore Sister Kellog, but now she is just Danni Kellog from Clovis. 

We are working incredibly hard over here to "Harvest" the work. We are teaching new investigators, and some are now progressing, and one even has a baptismal date. It is remarkable about what all is happening. The Lord is preparing people alright. We are also working with several less actives and part members. 

I cannot believe I forgot this, but...at one of our Zone conferences, which is where missionaries from multiple stakes get together, my companion and I put a dead frog in an Elder's car hehe And they are in our zone (stake)! We found it the other day and picked it with this in mind. They have yet to say anything, but it is still hilarious! 

I cannot remember what else has happened, but the work is moving. I am loving every minute of being a missionary and I love the work that I am doing.

Happy Easter

Sorry for the late greetings, but Happy Easter! Wow, a lot has happened these to past weeks (sorry about the slack on last weeks blog). Well General Conference was this past weekend. It was AMAZING! General Conference is a biannual conference that takes place in Salt Lake and is broadcasted through the whole world. It is so special because that is when The Prophet and his Apostles speak to us and a number of other General Authority Leaders. There are 4 sessions (2 hours long a piece) and they are all different. One of the sessions was hilarious though, because a member family in our ward invited all of the missionaries in the Stake over to watch it together. There were about 16 missionaries and they have a huge family so it was crowded, but it was fun.

I love members. They are so charitable. We had two Easter dinners, another family set up and Easter Egg Hunt for all of us missionaries, and another couple gave us personalized Easter Baskets. Oh, something EXTRA cool. One of our dinners was at Bishop Lawrence's house (his dad is a Quorum of the 70!) and their tradition is to have a real Pass Over dinner. We all dressed up in robes and sat on the floor. They had baskets and candles and they talked about the story of Christ as we passed the food around the circle. It of course was all hand food. It was super legit and a good learning experience. I loved it.

The work continues to progress and it is inspiring. This weekend, we are going to have a "mini" missionary stay with us and it is going to be so fun. That is when a senior in high school that wants to go on a mission goes out on a "mini" mission close to home and they stay with full-time missionaries. They will be with us for the weekend and I will let you know how it goes next week.

 

April Fools day happened on the same day that our Zone has weekly meetings....You can imagine the stunts that Our Zone Leaders pulled on us. When we were all inside, they took off one tire for each car and put them with our supplies that we ordered that wait for us on the stage. It was ridiculous and hilarious. And then the nerf gun war.....I encourage everyone to have one haha it is super fun. During the zombie run, a few people were still "alive" and bunkered in a room and barricaded the doors with chairs and tables so us being the zombies, which was quite a few, just slammed open a door and rammed in. It was brutal, but a blast.  Luckily I have no battle scars. 

Missionaries have fun, as well as work hard. I know that being a missionary is worth it. "Missionaries leave their families for two years so that other families can be together for eternity." It is hard to give up a year and a half and devote it to strictly the Lord, but it is the least I can do in return for all that the Lord has given me. For the youth that are thinking about going on a mission, go. Do not hesitate. If the thought comes up once, then act on it. I know that as a missionary, my family and friends are being blessed for my efforts. Not only am I being blessed, but the people around me are too. I love my Heavenly Family as well as my family on earth. Serving a mission is how I can help both. I wish you all a beautiful week and I know that the Lord is watching over all of us. I say these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen

First Transfers Week

Before I get the ball rolling in my awesome blog post of the week, I must announce the transfer call. I am remaining in my area with my trainer Sister West, but Sister Steed is being transferred to Orcherview in Fresno North Stake on Wednesday. We will miss her dearly, but I know why we are not typically in trios...it is to much fun and we can get in trouble more easily haha It was an honor to work with her though!


As the weekend approaches, we are preparing for Daisy's baptism. I am so proud of her and she is like a little sister to me. She asked me to give a talk at her baptism about baptism haha should be fun, but it is my first baptism talk. WOOHOO! Then Audrey is progressing so much and it was so heart warming when she broke down in tears in our lesson yesterday. She felt the Spirit so strongly and I know she can feel it. I adore her and she reminds me of myself as well. She is a sweet girl and has an awesome fashion since. I will send pictures of both of them sometime. We also have two more investigators that are just outstanding and they are excited about the Gospel.


Oh, I almost forgot (not really). This past weekend, I was able to listen to the words of an apostle and shake his hand. It was SUPER COOL! I received so much personal revelation and his words still ring in my ears. My companions and I were fortunate enough to go to two conferences that he presided over. One being a mission conference were ALL the missionaries in this mission come together (that's about 240) and the other being just for our stake. We were super blessed and I know that he is a servant of the Lord and he spoke the exact words that we needed to hear. I cannot wait for General Conference. It lands on Easter this year and it will be extra special. I felt confused at first though, because he looked different from his pictures and he was pretty dang funny. I did not know that General Authorities could be hilarious (besides President Monson of course).


The days are going by fast here. There is a quote floating around the mission that goes "A day feels like a week and a week feels like a day." That is 100% accurate! I have been gone for about two months now (correct me if I am wrong) and it has been an incredible adventure so far. I am enjoying myself and I am growing more each day, spiritually that is. By the way, California is hot and it is only March.


I have to wrap things up here, but I want to tell all of you that I miss you and I am praying for everyone back home, by name. I miss Ohio so much and I sometimes I just want to relax, but I know that what I am doing is making a difference to others. This is where I am needed and I am meeting so many beautiful souls out here in California. I hope that your week is well and I would like you to always remember Christ in your life when you go about your day. With Easter coming up, it is easy to think of what He did for us and His crucifixion, but I want you to think about WHY. Why did He die for us and what have we been giving because of His sacrifice? I know that Jesus Christ loves us and He wants us to live our life to the fullest. He wants us to have pure joy.


Until next week,

Sister Smith

Happy St. Patrick's Day

There is so much happening all around me everyday and I just wish that I could have someone record my life. That would be so much easier to explain what is happening, but life is not a big movie. For starters, I am changing so much physically and mentally. I am pretty sure that my hair is super red now and I am not as pale. Oh, did I mention I can run 2 miles in 20 minutes? Not fun, but I can do it more gracefully then I ever could before in my whole life. I am also eating salads all time, which is super weird! I am strengthening my testimony all the time though and I am understanding things better then I ever would without my mission. 

I want this message to be brief, but never give up. That is my spiritual thought for this week. I have gained a strong testimony about the Lord strengthening us when we need it and when we feel incapable. I know that if we put in all that we can do, we will be able to accomplish it. Listen to the amazing talk His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox and you will understand why. I know that if we build our lives upon the rock of Christ [Helaman 5:12] that we will always be able to make it through whatever challenges that life may bring. I love you all and just wanted to share that with you brothers and sisters. I testify that you will always be good enough in the eyes of God if you put in all of your effort to follow Him and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

(here is a beautiful California sun rise)

 

Good News All Around!

I do not know where to begin and this will probably be short because I have so much on my mind right now, but I am now in a Tri Companionship! This will last for at least until the end of transfers (2 weeks left). Sister Steed is now in our little group and she is from St. George, Utah. You know they say that one out of three missionaries is from Utah haha LIVING STATISTIC!

Oh, more awesome news! Two of our investigators are going to be baptized at the end of March :D One is Daisy and she just surprises me every time we see her. She reminds me of myself, which could go either way I suppose haha The other woman being baptized is Brandi. She is really cool and has two sweet children. Fun fact, her husband is Muslim. I truly believe that Fresno, California is the real "Melting Pot" of the world. I have met so many different people from all over the world and that speak so many different languages. REALLY COOL!

Then to top of all the good news....drumroll...AN APOSTLE IS COMING TO SPEAK TO OUR STAKE! (and only our stake) Wicked cool! I am so excited to be able to hear the words of a General Authority in person. If you were wondering who it might be, it will be M. Russell Ballard. Lately I have been calling him Elder Ballhard haha I think I am so clever. That will be next weekend so that is something to look forward to.

All is well in sunny California and I hope everyone back home is doing well. I know that as I continue to do my best in my mission and dedicate my heart to the Lord, that my family will be blessed and they are. That means more than just my blood family by the way. I love everyone and miss you all so much, but I would not give this up for anything. This is what God had planned for me before I was even born and I am embracing my destiny. I hope you all do the same and just love life. God will always bless us for our efforts. I know this to be true. God knows all of us individually and He loves us know matter what. Embrace it. I know that as you do so, you will see a change in your life whether it may be small or drastic, but it WILL be good. I can promise that. I say these things in the name of Our Brother, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Smith

Alma 26:12

God is Real

To start of my message about the week, I would like to share with you all that I know for a fact that God is real. he is working on this area with full intent and the field is most definitely white. This week we received several referrals and they were all prepared for us. A few of them literally went looking for us and now they all want to get baptized. There are no dates set, but there are many on the horizon. I am so excited for the work that is going on in Fresno. Two of our investigators are so stoked about the Gospel and becoming a member. With their background and history, I know that was suppose to teach them. I can testify that I was given the life that have lived for the benefit of the people I am teaching here. They are waiting to be taught and I am fully prepared to find them.

One of our new investigators signed up on LDS.org to have missionaries come over to here house and she literally asked "How do I become an official member?" after the first lesson. She is constantly jumping for joy whenever we come over and she is progressing most diligently. We had Stake conference this past weekend and it was so enlightening. I actually took notes, which I do not do to often. I learned that Fresno is home to a Quorum of the Seventy member and he presided (hosted) over the conference.

Shout out to the Huber heights Relief Society! Thank you so much for making me a banner. I put it up above my bed and I absolutely love it. It helps keep me positive when I may feel down. thank you ladies for being an inspiration to a Sister in need. I would also like to thank the entire Huber Heights ward and our amazing Bishop. I am so grateful for you charity unto me. That reminds of a charitable moment my companion and I found ourselves in a few nights ago. We were running through a drive through on our way to an appointment (that is another story in its self) and the car in front of us paid for our meals so we paid for the car behind us. Hopefully we started a pay it forward chain reaction. I invite you to do one good thing for someone else this week. It does not matter how big or small. I love you all and can promise that it will make someone smile with gratitude. God Speed.

 Sister Smith
Charity is Love [2 Nephi 26:30]

Couple Weeks In

I have been in California for about two weeks now and it is still hard to believe that I am here. There is constantly something going on at all times. Early today I was able to go the Fresno Temple with my zone and it was so much fun. It really is smaller than the Columbus temple though, if not the same size. Something I really want to share with everyone though is what happened last night. In one of my wards there is a Family Home Evening (family night) every other week that a member hosts at their home. The missionaries always teach the lesson though, because there are always investigators and recent converts present. There are many members present as well. it is just a blast, but Sister West made me teach the lesson since I am new to the area. Let me tell you, I am so grateful that I had that opportunity. It was so spiritual that there was no dry eye, including myself. I talked about my favorite verse, which is Alma 32:21, and my conversion story. We discussed what the scripture meant to others and about knowledge in everyday life. We then played Gospel Charades and related it back to the scripture verse. It was spectacular and of course there was food afterwards. One thing I love about my area is that there is always food. We have a dinner appointment every night and sometimes a lunch appointment. Members often give us snacks or treats when we visit them too. Do not worry, I am being OVER fed if anything.

For those who are wondering, California is cold at the moment. I wear a short sleeve, because I am from Winter Ohio, but everyone is bundled up. I think it is funny. I do get cold, but it does not bother me much. Have I mentioned how rich my area is? It baffles me. I have only seen houses this big and fancy on TV. I DO NOT GET IT! Also, who knew that there so many different kinds of Palm Trees? I did not, but I am keeping track and learning.

I also suppose some of you are wondering how the missionary work is going? Well it is flourishing. We do not have a baptismal date set yet for anyone (hopefully we will tonight), but we have four progressing investigators and four referrals. Lately, I have learned that work through the members works better than anything. I feel all we teach as missionaries to the members is "social conversion." I mean really, who is going to join a church if they do not know anyone or have no friends? It is also the most appropriate way for missionaries to meet new people. We do not knock doors here unless we know who lives there already. Simple as that. Anyways, all of our investigators are ready for the waters of baptism, they have just yet to pick a date. The field is literally white here and ready to be harvested. A couple of people went out looking for US. They were so thirsty for the gospel that they went looking for it and guess what? They found it. "Ask, and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you" [D&C 4:7]

Brothers and Sisters, I want to share my testimony with you all. I know that Jesus Christ sacrificed so much for everyone of us because He loves us. I know that He is my Savior and Redeemer and He lives. He is there always and the Holy Ghost can testify to you His presence and love. I know that there is a plan for everyone and God will put things in our lives to help us. Just last night we witnessed this first hand. We had a set appointment with an investigator, but we had another appointment that was iffy scheduled at the same time with a Less-Active/Part member Family. We planned to go the set appointment, but last minute it fell through because of a family emergency. We went to the other appointment that was questionable and we were let in. That is special because no one is able to get through the door of that home. We found out that she let us in because her husband, who is not a member, was running late from work and would not be home for another hour or so. What are the chances? Heavenly Father wanted us there at that home, at that time, and I truly believe that. She set up an appointment for us to return and teach her husband. I know this church is true and that the Gospel was restored to its full greatness by Joseph Smith who I also believe to be a true prophet. I hope that everyone has been able to feel the spirit and I hope to change the lives of many. I am here to serve and that is what I plan to do. I say these things in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Smith
1 Nephi 8: 11-12

First Week Down

It has been about a week in the California Mission field and I can say that it is not easy, but I love it. No matter what you do in life, there are pros and cons. California is greatly different then Ohio and it is a whole different culture. I am adjusting to the life style here as well as the missionary life style. It is a very strict mission. Every morning as soon as we wake up at 6:15 we have to run twenty minutes, plank for two, and exercise for ten. They want us to be able to run two miles in twenty minutes, it used to be three miles though. Another fun fact, since California is in a drought, our mission is very water cautious so yay for five minute showers! I have learned that my mission is literally one of the highest baptizing missions in the country. Last year there were over a thousand baptisms. Our goal for the year is *drumroll* 1,342. Crazy, right? Anything is possible though if you give it your best.

I absolutely love my companion Sister West. She is super sweet and constantly cheery. I adore her and she helps me a ton. The members in our area are fantastic. Oh, did I mention that I am in two wards? It is a joint ward, just like Beavercreek and Xenia back home. I am in the Woodward Park and Alluvial Wards. There are incredible people in this town and I am so grateful for them all. I do not have to many stories or pictures to share for the fact that I am more busy than ever. I am just amazed by the testimonies that I have heard. I feel the strongest are from the recent converts and the investigators. They are my favorite people to talk to honestly. I love everyone though and miss home sometimes. Just know that Heavenly Father loves all of us and He sacrificed so much for us. I can promise that if you walk by faith, He will guide you. There are no coincidences. He has a plan for all of us, but it is our decision to follow it or not. I know that no matter what choice or path someone picks, God will always love us. I know that for a fact and I say these things in the name of the son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Smith

Cali here I come

The last week of the MTC was the best week. I am blown away by the many miracles I have experienced. Before I get carried away with the Spirit, I must start at the beginning of the week. Last Tuesday I was able to go to the Provo Temple with my district and it was stunning. I personally think it is prettier then the Columbus Temple, but they both have the same Spiritual atmosphere. I loved it and all of the beauty that it holds. I get to go later today as well! The day after was brutal for all of us though. One of our Elders was honorably discharged and sent home to serve there. He had certain mental problems that he could not cope with from being away from home. He is doing well and we all miss him. That event is what set the balance off, literally. Our Elders then became a trio and that was not easy for them because it doubled EVERYTHING. The sisters and I decided to ask all of them for blessings, which a special prayer given through the power of the priesthood, and it brightened their spirits to be able to exercise their power. It made the district a family again. My district leader gave me the blessing and it made me cry. It gave me all of the answers and support that I needed right then, I wish I had my companion record it.

This past Sunday was a normal Sunday so it was almost like our first Sabbath in the MTC. In Sacrament meeting, which is only with our branch so maybe 20 people tops, I had to give a talk. President Menlove just called me up and so I had to wing the whole thing. It was crazy how calm I was and how well it went. A bunch of people came up to me and said it was the best talk. Not to mention it made my whole district tear up. It was totally awesome! That's the Holy Spirit for you :) Fast forwarding to later that day, our district went outside and we all just bore our testimonies. There was no dry eye. We all hugged each other, within the rules, and sobbed. We knew that our time together was coming to an end. It was a blessing to walk on the temple grounds with them. Always stunning no matter the time of day. 

Alright, miracles are everywhere and everyday, but I have been able to notice them more than ever. My companion and I had a crazy last lesson with our Progressing Investigator. The plan was to go in and for me to share my testimony with her and then leave. We wanted it to be short and powerful. Well, it was powerful, but not short. I did share my testimony with her and so did my companion, but then we let the Spirit talk to her. The lesson was about 40 minutes long and most of it was in silence. I asked her to pray right then and there with us to know if what we had taught her was true. We all knelt down and she started to pray. A few words in and she broke down in tears. It then made us tear up. After the prayer we sat in more silence and then she was fidgeting with the Book of Mormon. It fell open and she read a verse...There were more waterworks pouring from this girls soul. She had read Mosiah 27:29. We watched her receive her answer moments after she had asked her question. She knew that it was true and the spirit was so incredibly strong at that moment that we left. Our other Investigator, Eric, continued to meet with us and enthusiastically made the commitment to be baptized. He believes with all his might in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. Those lessons were so amazing that I cannot begin to describe them. That is an awesome guy and his faith is strong. I plan to check up on him when I am in California. Oh, a huge part of my week was a certain patch that I was going through and it fixed itself by my prayers. Many people came to my "rescue" and I am so grateful the charity of man. I do not want to dwell on it much, but it was incredible. 

Last night was miraculous and spiritual all by itself. Our district went outside for study and we sang Hymns into the night sky. Many missionaries walking by either stopped to listen or joined in. It was so humbling to feel a part of an unbreakable unit. Half of our district left this morning for their mission and we wanted a lasting memory of our time together. I believe that was it. Our boys cannot sing the best, but they sang with their soul and it does not get better than that. After we retired to our dorms, Sister Brentlinger (my companion) and Sister Kakuschke grabbed their Hymnals and sang in the girls bathroom for about an hour. The Spirit on our floor was so uplifting that I had no sorrow about the departure of my friends that I have grown so close to. I decided to finish my mission with Sister Brentlinger out so I got up with her at 2:40 in the morning, helped her get ready, carry luggage down from the fifth floor, and walk her to the travel office across campus. The best part of that mission is that we helped other girls carry their bags down the stairs. One sister looked me in the eyes and said "Thank you for being so Charitable. I hope to be as kind as you." I almost cried and hugged her. It was hard seeing off my Elders and Companion, but the lack of sleep was worth it. I love them with all my being and I am proud to call them my Brothers and Sisters of Zion. I have a true testimony that this Gospel is true. There is no doubt in my mind that this was the right choice, not only to serve a mission, but to live in these latter days. I have seen the power of prayer AND music. It can invite the spirit in an instant. I pray that all that read this can fell the love that Father has for all of us and that we will never forget. Keep your head high and your hopes higher. I love you and have seen miracles with my own eyes. God will never misguide you if you choose to follow Him.  I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Smith
1 Nephi 3:7

First week at MTC

I have survived my first week at the Provo MTC much more boldly than I had expected. My experiences here are so incredible and uplifting. I am constantly learning and developing my faith. Oddly enough, I do not feel overwhelmed with the Spirit as much as before because it is literally always with me. I being able to grow closer to my Heavenly Father. I have had a few tough times, but that is because my weak points are without a doubt more magnified when dedicating every waking moment to the Lord. Every moment of our day is planned for us and it exhausting, but well worth it. I am constantly learning, studying, or teaching. I absolutely love my companion. She is so sweet and rad. Her name is Sister Brentlinger and she is from Georgia, sadly enough she is called to serve in another district after we depart the Missionary Training Center. Now my district on the other hand is wild as a group. District is basically the "team" or "group" that we are always studying and working with. There are three other companionship's besides my own, two sisters and two elders all together. To highlight a few main points so far, this past Sunday was spiritually enriching by far. It was Fast Sunday, where once a month we do not eat for two consecutive meals and pay that money to the Lord and pray with real intent about something specific. Fast Sundays in the MTC are really specially because we have a mission conference for everyone on campus. It was amazing. I cried during the talks and testimonies that people shared. One testimony was from the first missionary to ever come from Syria. His testimony talked about the hardships that he went through while in his country because he was LDS. His whole family converted to the church a few years ago and the nation took his father away for it. He talked about the many struggles they went through for their faith, but they continued to be obedient to what they believed. Because of their faith, they witnessed many unbelievable miracles within their family and it brought tears to every single missionary's eyes in that conference center. That Elder's testimony is a true representation of faith in the Lord and I dearly admire that. Every time I pass him on campus I feel overwhelmed with the Spirit. There was another testimony about a sister missionary that served a few years back, she had no father and her mother was ill yet she decided to serve the Lord for eighteen months. Her mother was expected to pass within the eighteen months while she'd serve, and yet her mother supported and wanted her to go and do the Lord's work. Her mother passed six months before she was to return home, and was able to fly out for her funeral, but she then made the choice to go back to finish her service. It was a true testimony of dedication and  of one who could persevere. Later that day my district and I were able to walk around the Provo, Utah temple. It was magnificent and true beauty. Words are indescribable of how I feel when I am at the temple, whether it is inside or outside. Yesterday my companion and I were able to teach our first real investigators. It was almost like a practice for what it would be like out in the field. Yet they were actually interested in what we had to say. The first one was rather distracted during our lesson, and she thought it was humorousness to mock us a bit. The lesson was pretty short so that's about all that happened. Our second investigator of the day which happened in the evening, was a miracle. His name is Eric, and he was truly interested to learn about the Gospel. My companion and I were a bit unsure of what we wanted to teach him exactly, so we prayed before hand of the things that we needed to speak of. And it came true!!!!! We knew exactly what Eric was looking for and what he needed to hear at that time. And we were able to feel the Spirit and know that he could recognize it as well. It was by far one of the best experiences that I have ever lived. After the lesson my companion and I literally jumped for joy and was smiling like bafoons. That feeling that I had felt in that moment is a feeling that I never want to forget and is my goal to continue to reach throughout my mission and my life. The feeling of accomplishment in knowing that you brought another one of God's sheep closer to Him. The feeling of helping someone recognize their true potential of a child of the Lord. We are so excited to continue to teach Eric and to see his progression in the Gospel and towards the light.

Today is my first Preparation Day, that is a day where missionaries are able to do laundry, and write home and pretty much have time to prepare themselves for the rest of the week. The thing that I am most excited for today, besides reading my email, is being able to go to the temple with my district and participate in the sacred ordinances performed there. I absolutely love my district and every single one of their testimonies. They are all wonderful inspirations to me in their own unique way. My lovely companion teaches me all the time and helps me better understand certain aspects of the Gospel. Every time I have a question I turn to her and she always has an answer. She is an individual that I deeply admire because of the way that she views things. She is very selfish in her own unselfish way. For example she likes to provide service to make her feel better. The other sister companionship in our district, Sister Kakuschke and Sister Clifton, are very querky in a very special way. The four of us together are a hoot, and trouble!!!! The elders on the other hand are very interesting creatures. Are zone leaders, Elder Medeiros and Elder Mickelson, are often either timidly quiet or the center of our conversation. Then there is Elder Vance and Elder Harris, oh where do I begin. I don't even know what to say, there is soooo much about those two. Pretty much in a nut shell Elder Harris is the clown, and Elder Vance is the quiet kid in the corner, literally. Each one of these servants of our King has a tremendous testimony that makes each of them glow. I wouldn't dream of being with any other missionaries while growing in the MTC. There is a reason I was put with them, and I'm pretty sure I'm quickly finding out what it is.

My companion recently had the brilliant idea to do service for our fellow district men. We wanted to be able to truly love them in and out so we have been secretly writing a letter to each of them the past few days and to see their reactions is worth it. I love every minute out here, even if every minute is planned, and I know for a fact that I am suppose to be out here doing what The Lord wants me to do. It is a true blessing in itself to be the best disciple of Christ that I can be. I have a true testimony of my faith in Jesus Christ and all of the wonderful blessings that come from it. I have learned that no matter where I am or what I do that Heavenly Father will always be there and will love me for who I am. We are all His children, and He knows each and everyone of us personally. I know that my Redeemer Lives! I know that He restored the Gospel to the earth and that it was the right time. I know that I was chosen to be in the latter-days to help His lost sheep find their way back home. I love my Heavenly Father and my beloved brother, Jesus Christ, with all my heart and I will do anything for them. That is why I am here on my mission, I am here to serve them and make them proud. I say these things in the name of the Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

3 Nephi 28:10

In Exactly A Week

In exactly a week, I will be reporting to the MTC in Provo. I am somewhat nervous and anxious, but at the same time I am also beyond excited. It will be a wonderful experience and I am already seeing the blessings from the willingness to serve the Lord. It is really interesting to see how Satan tries to test our faith when we are doing good. This past Friday I went to the temple and I swear that Satan tried absolutely everything to stop me from going. He constantly kept throwing obstacles in my way and almost everything went wrong, but I made it any how. It was incredible and I know without a doubt that I was suppose to be there. I enjoyed my time there with close friends that came to support me and that includes the Holy Ghost.

Today it really set in that I am leaving; we bought my luggage. Now I just need to focus on preparing my Farewell Talk and packing everything. It is a lot to take it all in, but I know that this is part of the plan that Heavenly Father has for me. I have learned that He is always there if you need Him and He will always love you. I know this to be true and He has strengthened me greatly. I pray that we all be able to feel the endless love of Our Heavenly Father and that we will strive in our endeavors.

Sincerely,
Sister Smith

Moroni 7: 33



Email:
anastasia.smith@myldsmail.net

Mission Address:
California Fresno Mission
1814 N Echo
Fresno, CA 93704
United States