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