Vagabond

Dear Mom, 

This week was the best and the worst. The worst because almost every appointment that we had fell through. We were in the street for the whole week! I'm practically a vagabond!!! But, it was fantastic at the same time. We had a mission conference with the area seventy, Elder Packer. He taught us about the Spirit and the importance of planning in missionary work. In a leadership conference that we had afterward, it was commented that "we work like crazy in our mission. what can we do to have more success?" Elder Packer replied, "you know, it's all right to use your mind and think in the mission field." wow, that was a good eye-opener (and a little punch in the gut). But he's right! We have a lot to learn. Elder Packer also instructed us to have a larger focus on having and following the Spirit in our work. 

Since the conference has ended I have been thinking non-stop in what we can change and how we can apply what we learned. I am excited for the changes that are coming!

How do you think that we as missionaries can encourage the members to participate in the missionary work? 

Of the investigators that we are teaching, Teo is the closest to baptism. We were crossing a bridge about a week ago and a little kid came running up to us from behind. I said to elder Martinez, "hey, maybe that kid wants to get baptized." The boy got to us and said "Elders! My mom wants you to go to our house! I was baptized a few months ago and now my Dad wants to get baptized. Can you go?" We looked at each other and thought, "hmmmmm, YES!" 

Turns out that Teo was listening to the missionaries before but wasn't married and didn't make it to baptism. He got married 2 months ago and now is excited to be baptized! Teo has a lot of tension in his marriage and in his family life due to being the dad of a mixed family. We are praying to know what we can teach Teo to help him have peace in his life. Teaching Teo strengthens my testimony that the Lord is preparing people in my area to receive the gospel. 

I know that the Lord is hastening His work and that we are lucky enough to have a  part in it. Thank you for all your support and love! 

Love

Elder Smith

Faith building week

Dear Mom,

ah, las montañas. St George is so pretty! Did you go to Zion's or to a different part? Did you see the Smith family when you went to church? Did you go to the temple?

This week was a good faith builder. I am constantly reminded that I need to think less about myself and more about other people. When I think about myself and how I'm doing, things just get heavy and I get down. It feels much better to focus on other people and their needs.

We are teaching a good number of people right now but they don't seem to be progressing. We're trying to decide with whom we should have patience and who we should stop visiting. It's always a hard decision but we need the time to look for new people if someone's not going to progress.

Elder Martinez and I are doing well together. I sometimes wonder if he's upset with me or not. He doesn't talk very much and has a serious resting face. I keep going happy.

This week we are going to be visited by the area seventy. Half the mission will be with him on Wednesday (us!) and the other half on Thursday.

Reading the Book of Mormon and having good prayers are continual sources of strength. I feel an overall boost in the day when I have good morning scripture study. Sometimes I would just like a personal interview with the Lord. I would like to know what He expects of me and how I can do what He wants.

Hope you have a fantastic week!

Love,

Elder Smith

Eating birthday brownies