On the home stretch

	Mon, Dec 31, 2018, 8:43 AM

Dear Mom,

Wow! That's crazy that both Kaitlin and Kiersten are getting married. And Ammon. What? Kaitlin told me that they're getting married in June in Kennewick. I'll be able to go and see them get married. 

This week was good. We kept teaching all of the people from last week. On Saturday, we taught Mariana and Cristian about the law of chastity and they said they'll "talk about it." They didn't go to church so we think they were all little shocked by the lesson. We'll keep teaching them. We're praying that the Spirit softens their hearts.

The Gauna family went to church on Sunday. Their Dad, Carlos, went too for the first time in years! Yea! 

So, about getting released, I'm pretty sure I'll cry. It feels way too close so I avoid thinking about it. 

I got the flight plans too and wow, that's a lot of layover time. Fortunately, Elder Mitchell gave me a $10 bill for Christmas with a note that says "Dear Elder Smith, buy yourself lunch in the airport, love, Elder Mitchell." Haha, that's the only American money I have. But, I think my debit card will work in the airport. 

Do you think you could put around $250 in my checking account? Next week we're going to capital to buy souvenirs. (don't remember how to spell that)

Thanks for answering the questions about Grandpa Garth. I've already read it numerous times. I love learning about Grandpa. 

Sorry for the short email. I love you! Thanks for your help with Sadie's Christmas gift. 

Love,

Elder Smith

Cristian and Mariana

Cameron James Smith

Mon, Dec 24

Dear Mom,

This week was incredibly successful and really really tiring. I'll start with the good:

The Gauna Family

Last Monday we were planning in the morning and felt the impression to go visit an elderly member whose name we found in the ward directory. I ignored the impressions because she lives in a rather dangerous area and we would have to visit her late at night. And she lives far away from the other plans that we had already made. 

BUT, the impression came again so we wrote her name as the last thing on our agenda. 

We went to her house and were surprised to meet the Gauna Family, a family of 18, half of which are members of the church who haven't attended in years!!! They cheerfully received us. 

Four of the children (Nicolas, Elizabeth, Juaquin and Kiara) came to church on Sunday and LOVED IT! We're very excited for them and how ready they are to receive the gospel! I can tell you more about them tomorrow. 

Work, Work, Work: Cristian and Mariana

We've been trying really hard to give everything this Christmas season! In all of the buses, we've been sharing our testimonies of the Book of Mormon with everyone; in all the trains, we've been singing Christmas hymns and inviting everyone to learn more about Christ! 

Although we've never actually taught anyone that we met in the trains and buses, God has guided us through the people that receive us there. On Wednesday, we went looking for a young family that we talked to on the train. All the neighbors said, "oh, they live in the next house. No the next house. No the other next house." Ah! Never found them. It was a fake address. 

BUT, we did find Cristian and Mariana. They are the happiest couple that I have ever met in my mission!!! We knocked on their door and they let us right in! They're very interested in the church and the Book of Mormon! I'll write more about them as they keep progressing!

Tarjetas

On Saturday, President Smith challenged us to invite 300-500 people to church on the 23rd. We worked liked crazy and invited 400 people to church!

The Sun

So, like I said, on Saturday we worked like crazy. Thanks to my good friend, the sun, this Sunday was possibly the sickest day of my mission. Sunburn, headaches, muscle aches, weakness, and exhaustion (I think I was really dehydrated).  But, I got a good nights rest, drank lots of water and now I'm doing well. 

So yep, that was my week!

I love you! Talk to you tomorrow!!!

Elder Smith

Finishing my mission in Saurez

Dear Mom, 

Yep! Still in Suarez!!! Elder Dominguez was changed to another area. My new companion is Elder Mitchell from Connecticut (not the Elder Mitchell that I was in the offices with). He's really happy and easy to get along with. We've been working a lot. The train singing hasn't been too successful but we find lots of people on the buses! This week we taught a young man (José) that we ran into while we were looking for the house of another guy I had talked to on the bus. We scheduled an appointment with Jose and when we went his first question was, "I've always wondered, did Jesus ever come to the Americas?" uhhhhhhhh, what? Who asks that kind of question? We gladly answered him yes and proceeded to share a Book of Mormon with him. The Spirit was present in the lesson. We're excited to see how he progresses!

The other people we are teaching are doing well. A few little hiccups with opposition from family members but we're hoping on some Christmas miracles.

Being in Men's Chorus again would be great, but I need to practice a lot. My voice isn't as strong as before. 

Joining the Lord's Youth Batallion has been fun! I love feeling part of something bigger than me and my life. Praying every day that all of God's children can receive the gospel has made me think differently during the day. It's easier to find the motivation to talk to everyone that I can. 

I'm pretty sure that we'll do the video call on Christmas day. I'll be able to write you about it on the 24th. I'm thinking it will be good to have a call with just our family. 

Favorite Christmas song? Probably We Three Kings. My favorite Christmas Hymn is O Little Town of Bethlehem. 

Elder Stokes told me that the package got to the offices. I'll get it on Thursday when we have our mission Christmas concert!

I love you! Talk to you in a week!!!!

Elder Smith

Light the World

Dear Mom, 

I too am amazed at how fast the days are flying by! This week felt like nothing! We've been enjoying the "Light the World" campaign! We've been singing Christmas hymns in the trains (I was really nervous at first but it gets easier every time we do it). No one has accepted us in the train yet but I trust that we are planting many many little seeds every day!

This week we had a great zone conference. We gathered together with the stake and ward leadership and were taught by President Smith, Elder Batalla (area seventy) and President Foti (stake president). It was a very different feeling to be taught with the members but it makes so much more sense now that I think about it. We have to work together to have success!

On Friday, I read the youth devotional from President Nelson and his wife. The first time I listened to it I thought, "meh, I'm not a youth. I can't do these things." Rereading made me see that I can do almost everything that President Nelson asked of the youth. I decided to join the Lord's Youth Battalion!  So, yes. I made a little plan for what I'm going to do and I'm going to do it!

As for Christmas plans on the ward's part, we're having a ward dinner this Friday. I don't remember anything else. 

Transfers are coming tonight! I'll find out if I'll end my mission in Suarez or somewhere else. Ah! It's so crazy to think that I only have one transfer left. I hope it's the best one yet. 

I told Dad today that I would like to work for him when I get back in January. What questions or suggestions do you have for me as far as plans that I need to make before I get back?

I love you!!!!! Enjoy the snow!!!!!!!!!! (I hope more comes :)

Love,

Elder Smith

Pictures

Baptism of Cesar Martinez

After the baptism of Illary

A Miracle on Sunday

This week was great! Brother Martinez and Illary were both baptized and confirmed this week! Brother Martinez was nervous going into the baptismal service but after being baptized said that he felt calm and happy. Illary was so happy to be baptized! She's 9 and loves the church so much. 

We had a miracle on Sunday! We went to church on Sunday and met a young woman named Judith. She had come to the church with her cousins for the first time. We asked her why she came and she replied that she wants a change in her life. We had a nice conversation about the Book of Mormon and how it helps us find truth in our lives. She gladly accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon, agreed to read it and accepted the challenge to be baptized in three weeks! We're excited to start teaching her tomorrow. 

There are other investigators that are progressing but I'll write more about them later.

So soup: we didn't have lunch so we chopped up the two things we had in the fridge (carrots and potatos), cooked some rice, and threw it all together. We also threw in a cube of seasoning called "caldo" that I latter realized was chicken bouillon. 

Ammon and Kaitlin, hm. I can see that working. Tell them they have to wait longer than the Hopkins so that I can go to the wedding, haha. 

We go to the temple our last week in the mission field (a week that is getting closer at an alarming rate!!!! Gotta work while there's time!!!!) When I get back, I think I'll go to temple sessions in both languages. As of now, I've been to more sessions in Spanish than in English.

We're using the "Ilumina El Mundo" videos in our lessons. It's a good way to get into doors. No, fortunately, there are no strange insects or animals. The craziest it gets is a few lizards on the walls.  

Okay, yes. I like your idea for Sadie's Christmas gift. I'll write my part next week. 

Have a great week!  Love,

Elder Smith

Visit from Elder Gong

Hi Mom,

This Friday, we received a visit from Elder Gerrit W Gong!!!!!!!! He came to Ramos Mejia (the Buenos Aires West mission) and spoke to us about the Doctrine of Christ. He explained the simplicity of the doctrine and invited us to study more deeply the words of Nephi found in 2 Nephi 31. After talking to us, he has us gather into groups (our districts) and came and shook each one of our hands. When he talked to me, I was impressed by the encouraging spirit that he had. It seems like he just glows goodness and kindness! Sometimes I think that God looks at my mission and sees all of my imperfections and things that I don't do. However, after meeting with Elder Gong, I feel like I understand better how the Lord looks at me.

This week was really good in our area! We were able to see real progress in a few of the people that we are teaching. Rodrigo finally read the book of Mormon and prayed about it! We've been inviting him to do so for the past 3 weeks and this week he did it! And surprise, surprise, he felt the Spirit when he prayed! He didn't completely recognize what the spirit feels like and we helped him understand that all good things come from God. 

That's interesting that the missionaries won't be eating dinner with the members anymore. Will they just not eat dinner (like us)? The ward gives us lots of food here in Suarez! there is a good number of active families (our weekly attendance is about 100 people). We eat lunch with the members almost every day, so, yes, it is different than the offices. I would say it's a step up in healthiness. 

I bet that having Dad gone pretty frequently does ware a little. I don't ever feel weary of being a missionary. But tired and ready to sleep? Yes. Every day, haha. But that's how things go. How's dad going with Tithing settlement? Does he miss lots of meals?

The Holidays in Buenos Aires are fairly low-key. On Christmas and New Years, there are a lot of fireworks. I think the majority of people get together with their families and celebrate with them. 

I'm on my last bottle of Neutrogena. We will shortly be buying more :)

I recently read the book of Mosiah and it is my favorite! I love the teachings and prophesies of Abinadi. What most impressed me from his teachings is how clearly he explains our need for Christ and our need for the commandments (see Mosiah 16:4-5). 

Wish I could write more! I love you, Mom!

Have a great Thanksgiving! Say hi to everyone for me!

Love,

Elder Smith

Back in Saurez

Dear Mom and Family,

You will not believe the call that I got on Monday night. 

Elder Stokes and I were finishing up a lesson in the San Fernando chapel and my phone rang. It was Presidente Smith... Cutting straight to the chase like President always does, he told me, "Elder Smith! We've made a change to your transfers. You will be returning to Jose Leon Suarez with Elder Dominguez to open a new zone!!! Are you excited?" I was pretty surprised but accepted the assignment (I had been assigned to a different area just four days earlier and was expecting to go there, come Tuesday). 

First day with Elder Domínguez

So, yep, I'm back in Suarez!

This week has been fun seeing everyone again, seeing all of the progress that they've made. On Saturday night, I got to go on visits with Hermano Ruben Peña, a member who got baptized when I was here with Elder Ryan. I've also got to reconnect with the Maza family, the Romero family, the Seco family, the Baez family, and many many others. It feels like home away from home. 

The hardest day of my week was Tuesday. I felt so sad to leave the families that I love in San Fernando and at the same time so anxious to be reunited with those that I love in Suarez. Thinking straight was challenging until we got out into our area and started working. 

Early in the week, we met a young man from Paraguay named Rodrigo. The family Baez introduced us to him and we started teaching him about the Book of Mormon. He's very open to learning about God and accepted a baptismal date for the 17th of November. 

We're excited to have lots of success here. The members of the church here are the best! 

I was reading this week in 2 Nephi and loved this prophecy:

"And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover [the people of the Lord]; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory..." (2 Nephi 6:14). 

The Book of Mormon has so many promises for our days! I pray that I can be worthy to see the fulfillment of these great promises. 

I love you all! Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Un abrazo gigante, 

Elder Smith

Last week in San Fernando

Hi Mom!

This week was great! I have a good number of pictures to send you so hopefully, I can get the computer to work. 

On Saturday, President Smith called me and told me that I'm being assigned to serve in the Parque Brown ward in the Liniers Stake! Parque Brown is in the very corner of the mission in Capital. My area is one half of the Villa 20. It's pretty crazy that I'm going there but I am excited to go to an area that has a higher concentration of people. I'm also very happy to be returning to full-time finding and teaching. I'm going to be a zone leader with Elder Alfaro de El Salvador. He was in my zone a few months ago and we got along great! I'll tell you more about him next week. Tomorrow is when all of the changes happen. 

My last week in San Fernando was fantastic! We taught the Mucha-Quinto family twice during the week with Bishop Murillo, Katherin and Elder Wride and 4 of the 5 family members came to church! Their names are Marcelo (dad), Ana (mom), Gabriel (16), Mariana (11), and Agustina (9). Gabriel didn't come because of some previously made commitment. However, his parents and sisters talked to him so much about how much they liked the church that he's already eager to come this Sunday. The ward received the family extremely week. I can tell that the Bishop was just giddy to see a new family come to church (for the most part, new people come alone or with a friend who is a member of the church). I send updates that I get from Elder Stokes on how they do in the coming weeks.

 Taking a selfie with Elder Mitchell, Katherin y Marcia

 Last day in San Fernando 

First day with Elder Domínguez

Last Monday, we had our last meeting with Rosa (Marcia and Katherin's mom). She was sad to be leaving her daughters but was very happy to hear that the sister missionaries in Italy would be visiting her as soon as she got there! We heard yesterday that she arrived well and went to church in Florence with the missionaries.

Yes! I was happy for Robbin, too! Robbin told us that he was unsure about being baptized before but has seen how much good it has brought to his friends' lives and felt that he was ready now. 

Mini mission within the mission

Dear Mom,

The office seems like a mini-mission within my mission. It feels like I've entered a time-space vortex. Elder Crandall and I have been together for so long, but every day passes so quickly. One advantage about being together for so much time is that we've got the office work down like pat. We're able to spend more time teaching in our area now because we can complete our workload more quickly. Elder Crandall is leaving in one week (sad day) and I will be training a new secretary to take my place (99% sure about that one). 

Elder Drummond and I had a good experience last week (if you don't remember, Elder Drummond is the mission financial secretary. We were in the MTC together). There was a little mix up with some work that we ordered a month ago; two companies had pulled some tricks and we noticed. So, we got to go visit their offices and go into "business-mode." Everything turned out well and we just laughed afterward because two young white kids had ruffled the feathers of a bunch of adults. Oh, the offices. 

I don't recall if I've told you about Luis yet. Short run down: we've been teaching him for about a month. 60 years old. Lives in a little brick room on top of his kids' house. Loves the book of Mormon. Has 15 teeth (give or take a molar). Born in Chile. Struggles with loneliness. Always grateful. 

He's been coming to church and is on track to be baptized at the end of the month. We had a spiritual lesson with him on Saturday. We shared the first vision of Joseph Smith with him, and as we did I could feel the spirit bringing a peace into my heart. Just a quick reassurance that what we teach is true and that it's the way to be happy. 

That's great that the Doctor Lund talk was edifying. What were the main ideas that he presented? What is Andrew up to? I haven't heard from him in a while. Isn't he working? 

In my personal study, I've been focusing on the prophecies of Christ in the Book of Mormon. Did you know that the name Christ doesn't show up until 2 Nephi 10? Nephi and Lehi always use other titles like The Lamb of God or the Messiah to refer to Jesus Christ. (I thought that Messiah and Christ both meant "anointed one" one in Hebrew and one in Greek. Wouldn't it show up as the same thing in the Book of Mormon because it was written in reformed Egyptian? I'm not sure but I want to learn more about that later). Studying with a focus on the prophecies has helped me see an outstanding central message: Jesus is the Christ. He ministered among the Jews, was crucified by them and gave His life so that we may be saved. I love this simple message. 

Overall, things are going great! I'm excited for General Conference. 

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Smith

Argentines care for their elderly

Dear Mom, 

The Argentines take care of their grandparents and great-grandparents very well. I have been surprised by how many people have their elderly parents living in their home so that they can take care of them. There is a strong sense of responsibility to take care of those that raised you. In Zarate, we taught the family Leviosa; their house had great-grandpa, grandpa, mom and dad, and kids all living together and sharing the responsibility to care for one another. I commented to Elder Pereyra that retirement homes are common in the states and he was shocked. 

We have been running to the chapel and playing soccer with all of the office elders for the past few weeks so exercise is back in my life. I do miss the outdoors: swimming, hiking, green... but, there will be time for that later. 

Elder Wride is from Aberdeen Idaho (the Snyders might know him?) but has lived in Cleveland for the majority of his life. He is a big-time auditor. He worked for Standard Oil and Sherman Williams along with other companies that he started with his sons. He served a mission in Argentina when it was all one mission. Hermana Wride is from Buenos Aires. They met in Buenos Aires and got married after Elder Wride's mission. 

Our interactions with them are fun. They play a grandparent role in the offices. Hermana Wride helps me with all of the referrals in the mission. Elder Wride is the office manager so he supervises and tells us wisdom filled stories. 

Food: I strung the Life Cereal over 3 days, mostly because I ran out of milk on the first day. The granola bars made it two days. We didn't know they had peanuts in them but fortunately, Elder Crandall only got a little sick (he's allergic to peanuts). 

Garments: 10 out of 10. 

Andrew: not exactly sure what you can do. I had a good experience this week. I was feeling a little frustrated with my companions because being in a trio is not the easiest thing in the world. I thought, "hm, how can I communicate to them that they need to do such-and-such thing? Why don't they just see it?" I stewed over it for a while thinking that if they didn't do all of their part they I would stop and show them how much I was doing. And then realized, "you know what? God doesn't ask me make my companions do their best, He just askes me to do my best. That's all I can do and that's that best way that I can influence them." So, I stopped grumbling and put my shoulder to the wheel. 

The situation with Andrew is different because your him mom not his companion but you can only do you best. You desire to help him and I am certain that God will give you the guide and strength that you need. You have the scriptures and prayer You have dad. I would say that you are well armed for any battle. 

I love you, Mom! 

Your son,

Elder Smith 

How we find people to teach

Hi Mom, 

We usually find investigators by talking with people in the street or knocking on doors. We are currently teaching a family that we found a week ago. The grandpa and a good number of his kids and grandkids all live together. The grandpa (Luis) and one of the grandsons (Elian) came to church on Sunday. They are doing great. We also find people by inviting family members or other people who happen to be in the house to participate in the lesson. That's about it. 

Elder Mitchell, Elder Crandall and I are together for the majority of the day. We've been working more with the members from our ward at night when we go and do visits and usually do spits amongst the four of us. As for the last time we laughed, hmmm, I think it was about an hour ago when we were eating with the Wrides. They invited us over to lunch. Elder Wride is constantly telling stories and jokes; we always get good laughs when we're with him. 

Our ward has an older lady that plays the piano every week. She plays very well. I did get to pitch hit the other day in a farewell for a missionary that is leaving this week to Chile (don't tell dad, they do farewells and homecomings here). 

On Pday, we do some office work, play soccer, eat, buy stuff, clean the apartment, write, and sometimes sleep. This morning we had a meeting with President Smith to get ready for the next few days. 

I did get my package! Thank you!!!! I already ate all of the Life Cereal and Reeses. And the granola bars. They're all gone. I loved the little notes from everyone. Tell them thanks for remembering me. 

As for plans and girls, I'll let that take care of itself when I get home. I can now reasonably comprehend the time that I have left here and it's scary. Time to get to work!

I realized this week how good dad is at pondering the scriptures. I would always get annoyed when he would talk about the same verse of scripture for a whole week (or month, or year, or lifetime) (D+C 121) but I realize now that that is exactly what we are supposed to do with the scriptures. They don't do us any good if we just read them and enjoy the nice stories. 

I love you, Mom! Thanks for everything. 

Love,

Elder Smith

New people to teach

Dear Mom, 

I'm glad that the trip turned out well! You're right, having Dad around does make things brighter. I'm currently trying to learn to have a positive attitude all of the time. Challenges and little hiccups often come up in the offices and having a good outlook makes a big difference. 

We found new people to teach this week, WAHOO!!!! Teaching and testifying of the gospel is the happiest part of being a missionary! Last night Elder Mitchell and I taught about the first vision of Joseph Smith to the Sandez family. I always feel the spirit as we talk about Joseph Smith seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ. Explaining to others helps me remember how fortunate we are to have knowledge of the true nature of God. 

Thanks for sharing about how things are going with Andrew. I bet it's hard to kind of let go a little more and let him make choices. I frequently feel the desire to be back at home to be with him and see the experiences, growth, and challenges that he has. 

We had 4 zone conferences this week. That means 4 days in a row of Chinese rice and egg rolls. Haha, we discovered that gallbladders have a limited capacity because, wow. 

In our zone conference, we watched a video of Elder and Sister Holland teaching about the Book of Mormon. I was impressed that I need to strengthen my testimony of the Book of Mormon and dedicate more time and effort to pondering its message. I had a cool idea of how I can approach the Book of Mormon in a different way to get more out of it. I'll tell you about it later when I've tried it out for a little bit longer. Today was day one. 

I love you! Let me know if you have any questions about anything. 

Elder Smith

Being Part of the Office Team

Dear Mom, 

The offices are going great! This week passed really fast! We worked a lot and were able to find a few people to teach! They didn't come to church on Sunday but people rarely come the first week that they meet us. More visits and teaching will help them feel the desire to go to church. Transfers turned out surprisingly well. We decided to use three taxi companies to do all of the traveling that the mission needed (one of the companies previously has a monopoly on our traveling needs and they were getting too comfortable). The owner of the company with the monopoly threw a little fit over not getting 100% of our business but he cooled down after a while. I never would have thought that I would participate in making business deals during my mission. The offices have brought many great unexpected experiences. 

I've liked learning about excel and honing my computer skills. Being part of the "Office Team" has also been enjoyable. We've become very good friends. I should probably look for ways to enjoy more of the work that I do. I feel very much that I am working and not so much a missionary during the day. But I don't worry about that too much. God put me here to do good and so I'm going to do it.

Our ward is pretty small, 50-60 active members. The majority of the ward is Peruvian (haha, the bishop is from Peru and wasn't too anxious to replace the flag of Argentina a month ago. (it was dirty and ripped up). We ganged up on him along with the first counselor in the bishopric and the ward Secretary to convince him to buy a new flag. Haha, we won.) They are a few core families that make up the most of the ward and a few others mixed in. The group that we work the most with is the YSA. Most of the recent converts are YSA along with our ward mission leader and the ward missionaries. President goes do a different ward; he lives 20 minutes away from us in train or car. 

I loved that talk by Elder Oaks! I read it a few times after he gave it. 

Mathias (my BYU roommate from Spokane) told me that Glaser Nat. Park is his favorite! Take lots of pictures for me!

Here's a little part of the letter that I wrote to President this week:

I am doing well. I've recently been thinking a lot about the covenants that I've made with the Lord and pondering in the promised blessings that accompany every covenant. I was taught by my dad that "the power of godliness is manifest in the ordinances." I always thought that this meant that the moments in which we perform or witness ordinances are when the power of God is shown unto us. While this is certainly true (I've felt the Spirit strongly while participating in ordinances) I understood this week that the power of God is largely made manifest as we live our covenants. I know that God remembers the promises that He has made and that He keeps His promised as we follow Him.  

Covenants are the way to receives God's blessings!

Have a great week with everyone together! I love you!

Elder Smith

1. First day with Elder Mitchell (oh yeah, Elder Mitchell is our new companion)

2. Wheat Soup

Robbin is baptized

Dear Mom, 

With Elder Stokes taking over a lot of the secretary responsibilities, I was available to help the other office elders out this week. On Friday, I drove Elder Bravo to Baradero and then to Zarate and then to Liniers and then back to San Fernando. We almost covered the entire mission in one day! (considering the fact that our mission is one of the smallest in South America). I'll send some pictures and videos of the drive. On Sunday, I went to Benavidez to work with Elder Arroyo for a day. It was good.

On Saturday, Robbin was baptized!!!!!! He was so excited and the baptismal service turned out great! I'll send a picture of his baptism. 

We had a good experience finding a new family to teach this week. We were planning on Saturday morning (our only full day in teaching being missionaries in our area) and were so excited because of the number of set appointments that we had. Nine in total! (that's a good day for us day). As we discussed how to best go about the day, we felt the impression that we should knock some doors on a street named "Ambrosoni." We did so when and the second house we "clapped" was the Muchoquintos! Their two youngest daughters answered the door (11 y 9 years old) and said that no one was home. We went ahead and taught them about the Book of Mormon, because, hey, everyone deserves to hear the gospel, even little girls. The older sister said, "meh!" but the younger sister, Mariana, said, "I'll read it!" We gave her a Book of Mormon and told them that we would come back on Sunday afternoon. Sunday afternoon, Elder Stokes and Elder Mitchell went back and taught the whole family about Joseph Smith and the First Vision! (I was in Benavidez). The whole family of five listened and willingly accepted the invitation to read the Book of Mormon!

We're going to go back on Thursday to teach more!

 1. Ana, me, Marcelo. After the activity we had last night.

 The local Catholic Cathedral. We went to visit last Monday because we've driven past it so many times and I really wanted to go inside. 

. Marcia, Elder Mitchell, Rosa, Elder Stokes, me, Katherin. The day before Rosa left to Italy

I am grateful that we listened to the little prompting to knock doors on that street. It is incredible to me to experience being led by the Lord's spirit. I know that God is constantly working to help everyone receive the gospel. 

Scripture study has been going well! I've been thinking a lot about D+C 11:21 this week: "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." This together with Pres. Nelson's invitation from conference in April to seek more personal revelation has made me think that I need to make it a daily pursuit. Do you have any tips of how I can do so?

I love you! Have a good week learning more from Nephi! I'll think of questions about Grandpa Garth and send them to you next week!

Love,

Elder Smith

transitions

Dear Mom,

I´ll start by answering your questions:

1. Difficult things about transitioning home: I've heard that you get back home and it seems like all of your time as a missionary was a dream. What would I expect to be challenging? First things that come to mind are talking to girls, having to worry about the future, maintaining thoughts focused on the Lord, no more Spanish, no more being with other missionaries, among other things. However, I'm not exactly sure. I'm sure I'll be able to find much to do and lots of people to be with and strengthen at home. 

2. 1 Nephi: I feel like Nephi words are so faith inspiring. I love feeling uplifted by his hopeful attitude and determination. I've found it helpful to focus on a certain topic to not get bored by the storyline that is so well known

3. Christmas: I think I'm fine for Christmas. I would love to learn more about the relationship that you had and have with Grandpa Garth. Stuff like memories, stories, characteristics that you see in yourself and your siblings, how you think of him now, etc. If I write you a few questions about it, would you be able to write up little responses? 

4. Trip: Yes, I am game. I remember when I had the option to choose between weights and a ski trip with dad and I now wish I would have chosen the ski trip. I will be available for and supportive of a siblings trip.

5. Offices, Companions, Next Transfer: Elder Stokes is doing great. He has a lot of initiative and is focused on the work, therefore, he only has smooth sailing in front of him. I'm changing assignments in two weeks from today and will likely find out where to in just under two weeks. 

6. Things Learned: Wow, that is a lot of things. I would say that the primary thing that I have learned or at least become more aware of is the need for spiritual and emotional support from the Lord. I am unable to do all that is asked of me alone, much less in a loving and peaceful way without divine help. I often feel frustration or tiredness or apathy and although I know that what we do is important, it challenges me to give everything I've got. But I have great examples: you, dad, president Smith, and many others. Lots of examples of service that help me remember to depend on the Lord and to keep moving forward. 

There are many more things that I have learned and when time permits I will tell you more about it. 

 The work is going forward like always! I feel the need to do God's work and to help my brothers and sisters here. I frequently reflect on the prayers that proceeded my mission application and call and know that now is an important time of my mission. These months are the months that God gave me here that I wouldn't have had if my decision had been left to my own plans and desires. 

I love you, Mom! I wish I could write more and ask for your advice on the day to day challenges that come up here but I know that you are praying for me and that your faith is helping me. Thank you for everything!

Love,

Elder Smith

Good week

Dear Mom, 

My new companion is great! We always call each other by "Elder" and then our last names or just Elder. Elder Stokes first name is Cameron so that would be really strange to call him that. He is a good worker and has lots of desires to baptize converts. He´s from Layton, Utah. 

I watched conference in English here in the offices (two conferences in Jose Leon Suarez, two in San Fernando). We have the whole zone here and a good chunk of the stake. Two of the people that we are teaching came to the Sunday session of conference, Robbin, and Rosa. They both enjoyed the conference and are excited to keep progressing towards baptism.  

I loved the conference! My favorite talk was Elder Rasband's. I felt the need to make the places I am places of holiness and spiritual protection. Here are the main points that I took away from the conference:

1. Personal testimony comes from personal commitment to experiment on the promises and commandments of God. 

2. Joy comes from knowingly choosing to follow God

3. Compassion should not be conditional on the cause of another's suffering.

I feel like I left conference with a number of small impressions of adjustments that I need to make that will be important. 

Haha, I did hear that D+C 121 reference. I think I understand it a little better now after hearing it used and explained in the context of that talk. 

I'm glad that you and Dad had a good time in Walla Walla! I am grateful for the energy you two dedicate to being devoted parents. I too hope that we will always have a great relationship. In a recent stake conference, I was meditating on the scriptural pattern of parents teaching their children the gospel: Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah,etc. I was especially captured by the blessings and instructions that the fathers gave to their children. I know that the advice that you and dad give us is essential and precious. Thank you so much for that. 

I love you!

Elder Smith

Normal week

Dear Mom,

I had no clue that Elder Christofferson was here. I just saw on Mormon newsroom but I had heard anything before that. Looks like he made some political visits in Buenos Aires and Salta and then went to visit missionaries and members in Chile. It's incredible how quickly the quorum of the twelve travels. 

We found a young man named Robbin this week! We were walking to a less active members house when we crossed paths with Edgar, a fairly new member in our ward, and his friend, Robbin. We were happily surprised to learn that Robbin had listened to the missionaries before (he was taught by Elder Stagg, Elder Ellis and Elder Pereyra!) and wants to learn more! He told us that he had almost gotten baptized before but didn't. Something about dropping a giant lock on his foot, not being able to walk and then moving to Equador. I'm not 100% certain on the whole story but he said that he wants to start going to church again!

Sister Rosa Meza is doing well. She's decided to move to Italy in a few weeks (did I already tell you that?) to live with her cousin. That's going to be a big change for her and her daughters. We're planning on getting her ready to be baptized there in Italy. We may even get to teach her through Skype while she's there (she speaks no Italian and the missionaries there probably don't speak Spanish). She was very excited when we told her that the Church is worldwide. I think it will be a great blessing to her to be received by the ward members in Florence.

Other updates about members here: William is going strong. He works a lot so we're only able to see him once a week and in church. Brother Vaca passed the sacrament for the first time this week! The bishop has been putting in some extra time to help him out and it's working. Brother Vaca was so happy to have made it to church earlier than us, haha. He is a great man. Marcia and Katherin received their patriarchal blessings yesterday afternoon. We haven't talked to them since so we're yet to find out how their experience was. 

So, about getting to church after Brother Vaca. He did get their early but our getting there late helped him beat us. We went walking to bring a young man to church on Sunday morning (public transportation on Sunday is almost nonexistent). The streets were completely empty: 2 miles of no one, not a single person. Just as we got within one block from Umberto's house, two drunks came walking down the street. We took a detour on a parallel street/alley, but they ran after us and threatened to smash our heads with beer bottles. We stopped and were promptly robbed of our mini-cell phones and scriptures. Oh bother. They didn't do anything else to us. After a few minutes of trying to convince them to give our stuff back (I did get my My Family booklet back), they stumbled off into a pasillo and we went to church. 

Other than that the week was pretty normal. 

Hope you have a great time in Walla Walla!

Love,

Elder Smith 

They took my personal scriptures so that was kind of sad. Fortunately, I've been keeping most of my study notes in a separate notebook. I did feel a little nervous but my overall feeling was just annoyance. It's hard not to offer resistance.

Rosa is moving to Italy for work. Her cousin lives in Florencia and has work for her. Her boyfriend isn't going with her because 1. there is nothing for him in Italy and 2. there is not much true commitment in their relationship. Rather sad but the truth. 

Brother Roberto Vaca is 28. He and his wife have two kids, 9 and 4 years old (if I remember correctly).

Weekly

September 24th, 2018

Dear Mom,

We don’t have internet right now, so this’ll probably get to you in a few hours or tomorrow. Or Wednesday, haha. There is a general strike in Buenos Aires starting today that goes through the next day or so. There will be a stoppage of buses, subways, trains and other miscellaneous things. We’re not sure if the internet is related to that (not sure how it could be) but there is a chance.

How did your week go? Everything here went fairly smooth with transfers and the new missionaries coming to the mission. My new companion is Elder Stokes:

(LtR: Elder Cameron Stokes – Layton, UT, Elder Bradley Mitchell – Nampa, ID, me)

He has a lot of desires to work! He’s been in Capital for most of his mission, so the quiet streets of San Fernando are a little different for him, but he’ll do great! This’ll be a great transfer.

Hermana Rosa Meza met with us this week. We taught about the family and the importance of marriage in God’s plan for the families. She told us that she’s moving to Italy in one month (what?!!) and is unsure about whether to get married with her boyfriend or not, because he’s not going with her (hmm). We challenged her to pray and ask God how He wants her to follow His commandments. We’re praying that she continues forward and remembers the spiritual impressions that she has received.

This morning I looked over emails from you and dad that I have printed out. I was reminded that the most important things here are following the Spirit and ministering to others one person at a time. I hope that in the time I have left that I can learn to love the people more and help more of them receive baptism.

How are things going with the new school year? Is Dad’s new clinic up and running? Did they find a new therapist to work there? We ate with the Izquierdo-Maldonado family on Sunday and their oldest son, Nico, was asking me about dad’s work. He’s studying to be a PE teacher.

Tell Sadie happy birthday for me! I wish I could be there. I can’t believe that she’s already 15! That happened way to quickly.

Update for dad: I ate Seco de Carne today with Chicha Morada to drink. I loved the seco. The chicha morada tasted like Hubba Bubba so drinking it was rather strange. Did you have a favorite drink or desert from Perú?

I’ll write more next week! I love you!

Elder Smith