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