Let Us All Press On

The WORST part of this week: I was told I might have to go home, because of my back. I need to get it fixed before I can come out again.

The BEST part of this week: President told me that he will try to get Mission Medical to allow me to go to the chiropractor once a week (on P-Day).

All is well though. This week hadn't been as hard on my back because, luckily, we had the car back. But it's still pretty rough. Especially in the mornings. I don't know why it's like this. But I guess that's the trial that the Lord has sent me. And I know that as I face it head on, I will be able to conquer my back, and do the Lord's work.

(Sister Carroll, Security Guard - Carroll Smith, Sister Smith)

Sister Carroll and I met a security guard..... Guess what his name was?! Carroll Smith. His first name was Carroll (spelled just as Sister Carroll's is) and his last name was Smith. CRAZY! We had to take a picture to show our name tags, but the picture didn't turn out all too great to see the tags. But that's the purpose of this picture.

Sister Carroll had I got a kick out of that experience. The Lord works in mysterious ways, as we all know. But, He is also funny. We were saying how He probably purposely set that up for us to meet him and the Lord just sat back and watched how it played out when we realized our names were the same. That led into us discussing faith and being protected by the Lord. We're both excited to see our mission play out after we are "eternally transferred" (after we die). Angels literally surround us. We are protected constantly. And it's because of our faith that harm doesn't come. It's amazing. God is good!

I had my first Zone Conference! It was the longest day of my life. We were at the church from 9am until about 4pm. It was crazy. But I got a lot out of it. President and Sister Wakolo spoke, as well as the Assistants, the Zone Leaders, and the Sister Training Leaders. It was all primarily focused on increasing our spiritual capacity. "I will lead, I will live, and I will love like the Savior." That is my goal. As long as I continually pray, read, and obey with exactness, I will be blessed and become more like the Savior each day. I've learned that I cannot do it on my own though. I rely heavily on my Heavenly Father.

It's funny, because when I was home, I was dependent upon my earthly parents. I needed them for everything. Especially when I was away at school. I felt so incompetent. I looked to my mama for help for anything, and everything. But now, as I am doing the Lord's work, the one that I aspire to is my Heavenly Father and His perfect son, Jesus Christ. As I do that, and as I constantly remember Him, I learn patience, kindness, gentleness, charity, love, diligence, and my faith increases.

We had exchanges this past week, as well. Sister Carroll went to a different area, and one of the Sister Training Leaders, Sister Sturdevant, came to Pinnacle Mountain. I was incredibly nervous and not looking forward to it. Why? Because I had to know the area. Sister Sturdevant doesn't, and it was all me.

Anyways, it actually went very well. My focus for that exchange was to be able to talk to everyone, and to get referrals. It was amazing how many opportunities arose for me to do that. I talked with so many people, and the Lord strengthened. He was one truly on my right hand and my left, and His angels were round about me (D&C 84:88).

My faith grows each day as I learn to lead, live, and love like the Savior.

Keep strong and press on. Even when tough times hit you straight in the face, as you turn to the Lord, you can make it through. If anything, that is the number one thing I have learned thus far. "With the Lord, anything is possible".

Two Missionaries Sang As They Walked, And Walked, And Walked, And Walked......

(I really did not want to ride my bike....)

This week, it was bike week. Which means, walk week. Walking. And more walking. And wait for it, more walking. Holy. It was hot, and the sun was shining, and every time I came in from outside, I felt like I just stepped out of the shower. And it wasn't even as hot as it normally gets here in Arkansas. Can you believe that?! Yesterday, it was thundering and lightninging. And then this morning it rained. It's weird here. Luckily, now we're done with bikes/ walking. Sister Carroll thought it would be funny to "practice" biking the other day. So around 8pm, we went biking for about 30 minutes, and it was HORRIBLE. I was struggling SO much. I despise hills, greatly. But, if we turn to the Lord and humble ourselves, "He will make weak things become strong". So, that's what I'm shooting for!

(Me and Sister Carroll)

One thing I've learned greatly is how much the Lord truly watches over us and wants to lead us. I've learned that as I turn to Him, I can be shown the paths I should take.

Sister Carroll and I have been trying MANY times to try and see a less-active in the ward, but she never answered. After we tried it one day, we said we'll try ONE more time on another date and then give her some space for a while. When we passed through her area again, on that same day, we met a man outside her house. His name is Charles. We came to find out that they were living together. We got to talking with him for a bit and he said to come by again some time. It's incredible how the Lord works. We were trying our best, and He placed Charles in our hands.

On our first day of bike week, we made 5 contacts. And the following day, we contacted TEN people. It was amazing. The next three days, EVERYTHING we had planned had fallen through, including our back up plans. For two days, we taught ZERO lessons. Heavenly Father knew that would happen, which is why we were so blessed abundantly the previous days. He knows what is to come. It's amazing how much can happen when you put your trust in Him.

Yesterday, I put my Hymn book in my bag, and I had no idea why. I didn't need it at Church, because there are already Hymn Books. Anyways, nothing worked out like we planned yesterday. Sister Carroll said "Let's go see Billie". And off we went. Billie is in a rehabilitation center and we go and sing Hymns to her. And luckily, I had my Hymn book. Except, I know it wasn't luck, but rather, the Lord prepared me for the day. He knows EVERYTHING!

(Me, Billie, and Sister Carroll)

Another miracle happened this week, as well. We met this lady named Otha and scheduled to meet her the next day. Upon arriving at the designated teaching spot, she told us she couldn't make it. If it wasn't for that falling through, and us being at that park that day, we would not have met the Deal Family. Laura (pronounced like Dad's sister) has been attending church with her aunt since she was 7 years old, and she is now 15. She has not been baptized, because her parents wouldn't let her. They aren't from Little Rock but are here because their mom got surgery and was at the hospital. We ran into them again at Subway later that day for dinner and were able to get her number. The next day, we went to the hospital to leave a prayer with her family. Later, she contacted us and asked if she, her younger brother, and her dad, could meet for a lesson later. So, we taught the Restoration to those three. Afterwards, she asked her dad if she could be baptized, and he said YES!!!!!

If we hadn't met Otha, if the plans hadn't fallen through, and if we hadn't met Laura, and then saw them again at Subway and got their number, we would've never taught the lesson, and her parents wouldn't have been allowing her to be baptized before she was 18. Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. But it's always for the benefit of His children. I am so grateful that everything worked out in the way it did, so that we could meet Laura.

One other Miracle. Sister Carroll and I were walking along the road heading to dinner. Out of nowhere, a man appeared. He said he was Mormon and from Texas. He offered to pay for our meal. Afterwards, he disappeared. Sister Carroll and I truly believe that he was one of the Three Nephites. He appeared suddenly, offered to help, and then was gone in an instant. Again, I was able to experience God's love. He seriously does watch over His children. And as long as we turn to Him and have faith in His dealings, all things will happen for our benefit and for the benefit of building up the Kingdom of God.

(I had a butterfly on me... Seriously made my day!)

I love this mission. I love these people. And I love the Lord. I am willing to forsake my own wants, desires, and dreams in order to align mine with my Father so that I can TRULY give it all to Him. I will have no regrets.

Onward, Christian Soldier!

(With Bishop Tobler's Daughter)

Well. I'm still sick. It has not been fun. This past week, we weren't as successful as we could've been because I slept in and we returned home early. But I needed the sleep so I could recover and prayed that I wouldn't get worse.

Guess what!!!! I have more mosquito bites. But, I've gotten smart now and am carrying around my bug repellent and making sure I spray some every time we go walking. I haven't been bitten lately, so it looks like it's a success!

My goodness. I don't think I've drank so much water in my life. Like, my entire life combined, as I have while here these two weeks. We drink so much. Which means, naturally, we have to stop for the bathroom SO MUCH. But it's good. It gives us a chance to talk to randoms in the stores. And to get hit on.... Which is not a plus. Haha. These two guys came and tried flirting and were gonna ask for my number. And he straight up said, "I came over to flirt with you, but then you started talking about Jesus". So, we continued talking about Jesus, and he said, "The whole reason I came over was to get your number...." So, that was definitely a bit awkward. Really. Sister Carroll says it's something that happens often and to get used to it and the awkwardness.

Speaking of Sister Carroll, she's still great. I still learn from her each day. She helps me be the best missionary I can and always puts things into the correct perspective. She has so many little quirks and it's fun to point them out. She and I get along so well, and are alike in many ways. She's the sweetest. It's sad to think that she leaves after this transfer and then I get a new trainer for the second half of my training. I'm not too sure how that's gonna work out. But they would bring in a new trainer that is new to this area. Which means, I will have to know everything about the investigators, the recent converts, the less-actives, and the ward, so that I can teach her all about them. No pressure or anything!

(Oh, Arkansas..... Spider on our car)

When I was sick and just not feeling up to anything, I opened one of the "open when you need an extra push/scrutinizing".... It said, "WOMAN, SUCK IT UP. Go baptize someone." That seriously, made my day and really put things in perspective. There are people that are suffering so much more than me. So, why am I wallowing in pain and sickness when people don't even have hope for this life?! So, guess what Sister Carroll and I did? We went and found someone to baptize!

Benji and Nacha (and Nacha's daughter, Edisca). They are incredible. They have recently moved here from the Virgin Islands. We taught them the first lesson, invited them to read, pray and come to church. We also invited them to be baptized on August 30th, and they said yes! (When I say "we", I mean me... I invited my first peoples to come to church and to be baptized!!! ON THE FIRST VISIT!) Benji then came to church. And thought it was very different and had questions. We are meeting again with them tomorrow (:

We also went with a member and taught Joshua and Leroy. We met them as they were sitting out on their porch and we scheduled to come back and teach. So, we did. We taught the first lesson. Joshua seemed really interested and had some good insights because he has a strong religious background. We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and he seemed genuinely interested. We're trying to meet with them again soon!

Life here in the mission field is pretty great. I'm starting to do things. Meaning, I talk to the Ward Mission Leader and give him the progress report for the week, I wrote up my first teaching record for the area book, and I'm inviting people to learn more of how they can increase their faith in Jesus Christ. It's amazing and I'm learning so much.

This week, I've really learned how much I rely on my Savior, and how much He's played a part in my life. Seriously, I would not be where I am and who I am today without His hand in my life. He's directed my paths so I can be here in Arkansas and teach the people I've met and will meet. He's done so much for me and has taught me so much. I've come to a real understanding of what it means by "faith precedes miracles". Once I put my trust in the Lord and turn to Him, then that is when miracles can happen, and have happened. As I turn to Him in prayer, and as I read, I feel prompted to do things and go places. Every time, we meet SOMEONE that needs to hear the Gospel, or that knows someone that can benefit from hearing the Word of God. It is truly incredible. And I love how much closer I have come to my Father in Heaven as I'm here. It's truly a humbling experience.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

I have come to know the truth of this scripture. Heavenly Father will literally show you where you need to go as you turn to Him and recognize that He knows more than we ever could. As you do this, you will come to notice how much the Lord wants to help you.

TRUST HIM.

Which Kingdom Will I Inherit???? Is that even a question?!?!? CELESTIAL!

We made this is church in our Gospel Principles class. Benji really liked it and it leads right into our next lesson on the Plan of Salvation. (:

Do you get it? My life is a book and the book of life will open up and I'll be judged according to my works and the desires of my heart.

Onward, Pressing Onward....

(My District at the MTC ready to leave for Arkansas)

(Ready to head out to Arkansas!)

Well. I'm here.

Last Tuesday was the LONGEST day of my LIFE... Holy. We woke at 2:30am.... Took a bus to the airport. I was able to call and talk with my Mama and Daddy, which was great. Our flight was at 7:20am. Then to Atlanta and we had an hour layover there where I called home again. Then off to Little Rock! It was super sweet. Elder Zickella and Sister Holst were actually sharing the Gospel with those sitting next to them. I was so inspired by em. They're great missionaries! All of the missionaries in my District and Zone were pretty great. It's a bummer that we're all going our separate ways now.

We arrived to the Mission Home and Sister Larsen, Sister Holst, and I slept in the room where the General Authorities sleep. AHHH! Sister Wakolo and the Senior Missionaries made us all dinner and it was super good! After training and meetings and testimonies and pictures, we went to bed.

(My MTC District at the Mission Home in Arkansas)

(With President and Sister Wakolo)

We made our way to the Church to be told where we'd be going. We got our companions and our areas..... My trainer is Sister Rebecca Carroll and we are assigned to the Pinnacle Mountain Ward in Little Rock. Which also happens to be President Wakolo's Ward!

(Me and Sister Carroll!)

It was sad to say goodbye to my District. But, it just kinda happened. It was like a "See ya later" and no big hoorah or anything. I wish we had more time, but as soon as we got our companions and areas, we basically left straight and went to our homes.

Sister Carroll is AMAZING. Seriously. I could not have asked for a better trainer. She's from Orem and only has 5 more weeks of her mission. Which means, for my second 6weeks, I will have a new trainer. I'm not too excited about that, but it should be good. I seriously look to Sister Carroll for EVERY cue. If she puts her bag down, so do I. Haha. She is incredible. She talks to EVERYONE we see. Pretty soon, I hope I can do that.

I am now serving in Little Rock and covering basically the western area of Little Rock.  I am in a member's home.  We live upstairs.  I do not have access to the internet here.  We go to the library.

The Pinnacle Mountain Ward is pretty great. The members are awesome and super welcoming. We've had dinner with a member every night so far. I bore my testimony in Sacrament yesterday. I felt like that would be a good way for the Ward to see who I was and to hear why I'm here on a mission.

The first few days in Arkansas, It was raining.... No sun. Now, the sun has finally came out and it is hot, humid, and bright. I love it! And I love the people here. They are so great. There's not many Southern accents that I've ran into. Mostly just many ghetto talk from because there are a ton of African Americans here that struggle with reading and talking properly. But I truly love them! And I'm loving those that I teach.

We have the car, so I haven't had to ride my bike yet, which is a very good thing. I seriously cannot ride that thing... We should have the car for about another week and then we'll have bikes for a week... Not stoked. But that doesn't mean we haven't been walking, because we sure have! I have blisters to prove it, as well as mosquito bites. I have 24 mosquito bites, and 20 of them are on my legs.

Basically, all I'm feeling is exhaustion. Even when getting sleep, I am still tired. I actually SCHEDULED in sleep for my P-day today. It is much needed. I'm actually getting sick, and I'm pretty sure it's from exertion and exhaustion. I'm falling asleep left and right... Especially in the car and during study time. Which is not good. I hope after today's nap, I'll be better.

Eating wise, I'm getting enough. I'm hungry throughout the day because we're doing so much (and yes, Mom... I am drinking TONS of water). Dinners are always so filling. Every meal so far has had meat.... Yum......... I've had garlic shrimp and some pork, and some nasty beef thing. Haha. I don’t have much storage place for food of my own since we’re living in someone’s house, and we basically have dinner provided every night.

I gave my first pass-along card on Saturday. And my first door-knocking. It was super great. I love going spiritual harvesting (where we go walking and talk to people and knock on doors). We did that yesterday and met a few that we set up return appointments for. I'm excited because lately we've been teaching only those that have been taught already by different missionaries. So it's been rough just jumping in and not knowing where they stand. It will be nice to be able to teach from the beginning.

I've been learning so much from Sister Carroll and from the people I teach. It's incredible. We pray probably twenty times each day and it just helps me come closer to my Father in Heaven. I've learned this week to pay attention to promptings, even when you may not think they are. We were walking down a street and felt we should knock on some door and she was interested! Also, walking and I felt like we should continue going straight as opposed to turning. And we met about three others. It was super great.

I know this Church is true and I am so happy to be here and share that knowledge with others! (:

P.S. - SMALL WORLD - Message from Grandma Mitchell:

Someone sent a picture to Grandpa’s I-phone and said, “Guess who we had over for dessert tonight?”  We could tell it was Jessica & her companion, but couldn’t tell who was with her.  Grandpa called Scott & Leslie to see if they knew who the other couple was, but they had no idea either.  Later in the week there was a message on Grandpa’s cell phone from Ray Walker, who was Bishop of our ward when we first moved here to Federal Way back in 1969. (Grandpa served as his counselor for awhile.) When Grandpa was finally able to talk with Ray, he found out that he and his current wife (Ray has been remarried for many years now) live in Little Rock in the very ward where Jessica and her companion are assigned. SMALL WORLD!!!!  Several years ago Ray and his wife came to visit us, but we had forgotten where they lived. Ray told Grandpa he has served in the Mission Presidency with three mission presidents and is currently serving on the high council. Ray’s daughter Pam used to babysit our babies. He promised they would take good care of Sister Smith.

(Sister and Brother Walker and Sister Carroll)

An Epistle from Sister Smith on Her Way

Oh goodness..... It's been a week and a half and it's been AMAZING! I love my District and I love the MTC. Last Saturday, we all went to the Provo Temple and did a session. It was super great. We watched the NEWEST video. Way cool!

(My District at the Provo Temple)

Sunday, I finally became the official Sister Training Leader. And on that Wednesday, I was able to welcome all the new sisters and elders. We have four new sisters and fifteen elders. The sisters are awesome. Elder Pearson, Vanderwood and I welcomed them all and it went super great. We gave a tour and answered their questions and made them feel comfortable as best we could.

I think on Sunday, I ran into the ASL missionaries. It was super rad! I signed with them and asked where they're going and just talked. It was so weird cuz afterwards, I thought back and couldn't believe the conversation I had was just in ASL, because I understood it perfectly. One of the elders even said that they have a sister in their District that is going to Arkansas for her mission. I asked if she was from Washington, and they said yea! That must be the girl that Elder Rainey and Stephenson (from the Deaf Branch in Seattle) were telling me about!  

On Sunday, we also had a Devotional up at the Marriott Center. T.C Christensen spoke... He's a cinematographer for LDS Pictures. He was talking all about 17 Miracles and Pioneers and stuff. What I got out of that was that I need keep a journal ALONG the journey as opposed to only once I get there. We had another Devotional on Tuesday, which we sang in the Choir at. We sang "Lead Kindly Light" for Stanley G. Ellis of the Seventy. He had all his family speak and I learned a ton. The most powerful statement I got out of his talk was that we need to give it all we've got! In D&C 4, it says, "Serve Him with all your heart. might, mind, and strength". We can't hold back. I thought that was super great and a good reminder. 

One other thing that spoke to me from the Devotional was an analogy of the train to the Gospel. We are all on a train of life and some people get on (converted), and some people get off (fall away). But it is still going and going and not stopping until Christ comes again. It's our choice to stay on and we need to thank Heavenly Father that we get to be aboard. 

On Monday and Thursday, we did 75 minutes of service. Monday, my companions and I cleaned the bathrooms within our Residence. We swept the floors and wiped the doors down. We also swept the stair steps. On Thursday..... We cleaned toilets, mirrors, and sinks, in the Women AND Men's bathroom. That was DISGUSTING. 

Our investigators have been SUPERB. We teach Marco (Our PI... Progressing Investigator), and Barbara (Our TRC... Teaching Resource Center). Marco is our teacher as someone that he taught on his mission. It was amazing. Eventually, as a companionship, we realized that he was lacking the faith that God will answer his prayers. So we testified to him of the Atonement and love from his Father in Heaven. And it was AMAZING. We got him to pray for the first time and he experienced something that I can't even explain. It was beautiful. We came back the next day and he said he felt so much better and lighter (because he continued to pray night and morning). We then explained the intro to the Book of Mormon and the importance of it. And we committed him to read Moroni 7. Our final meeting with him is on Monday and we plan on inviting him to be baptized. Stoked!

Barbara went awesomely as well. We taught her Monday through Thursday. She's of Jewish heritage, but not practicing. That kind of threw me off, but it went really well. We taught her about the Atonement and the purpose of the Book of Mormon and how God loves her and wants her to return to Him. We invited her to be baptized on Thursday and she said "I think so, but I'll have to talk to Harvey". Harvey is her husband. It went REALLY well and got me even more pumped to teach real people.

On Friday, we spent the whole day in In-Field Orientation. Basically, we were taught how to be our best in the field. We learned about working with members, talking to strangers, and expectations relating to success. It was a long day, but we learned a ton. "Lose yourself and you will find yourself".

The MTC has been amazing. I've learned so much about myself and about working with others. As many people know, I get frustrated with myself because I easily get irritated with others. It's been a struggle having to be with two sisters constantly, but we've made it work! I've been focusing on not getting frustrated, but rather viewing them as Christ would, with the pure love of Christ. It's a challenge, but I have truly grown to love them. One important thing I've learned is that "you must be your first convert". Which is so true! I've learned so much and had to grow so much, and I've come so much closer to my Father in Heaven. I love that I've experienced that so that I can truly testify of the truth. 

I had an eye-awakening experience the other day where I realized that I need to do better. I can't tell others that the Book of Mormon is true if I haven't truly and earnestly read it and asked if it was the word of God. It's crazy how much insight one can gain when you truly sit down and ponder the scriptures. I love it here but am stoked to enter Arkansas. 

QUOTES of the WEEK

"Respect your Elders!!" -Elder Tucker

"Are your shoes felt?" *Elder Pearson touches them* "Well now they are!"

"SSSSHHHHH!!! She's praying!!!!!!!!!!!" -Me (:

"Aren't missionaries supposed to have good bladders... They only have one Pee Day a week!" -Sister Holst

Anyways, that's all for this week! I'm pumped to enter Arkansas in THREE days. I'm ready to help others come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. I can hardly wait! I love this Gospel so much and want to be out teaching it! 

"Perfect love casteth out all fear".

Be strong, I love you!

(My bed with all my necessities... Pooh Bear, scriptures, and blankie)

(My closet and desk while at the MTC)

(MTC Campus Area)

(MY COMPANIONS: Sister Larsen and Holst)

(The Elders... Such studs. Like Nephi!)

(Excited about my name tag... It's official!)

Mornings Tire Crazy (MTC)

Yea... So as you can tell by my subject, it's been a pretty tiring week so far. It was cool cuz I had an Elder on my plane and he and I actually sat next to each other! Once I arrived in Salt Lake, I met with a group of missionaries and we took the shuttle to the MTC. We had to sit around for nearly an hour until it was time for class. Which meant, I didn't get lunch!! I was really bummed about that. 

But anyways, I met my companions. Yes, with an "s"... I am in a tri-some. Sister Larsen is a redhead from Provo. She is almost twenty. She talks a lot about random stuff, but she means well. Sister Holst is from Colorado, near Denver. She is more of the quiet type. But when she does speak up, it's always something that is super inspirational and insightful. 

I also met my District. SUPER GREAT! I love the Elders and Sisters. Elder Zickella is from Florida... super cool! He surfs, so that was fun talking with him about surfing. He was actually assigned as our District Leader; which he's been doing really well. He directs out meetings and always brings the spirit back. Elder Tucker is from north of Rexburg. He's a great elder. I love hearing his thoughts. Elder Hymas is a laugh. He always has something cleaver to say. He's from north of Salt Lake. Those three are companions. We had another named Elder Thorne that was with Elder Tucker, but he went home yesterday because he was feeling homesick. We all wrote him letters to send today. Elder Vanderwood is a quiet fellow, but really sweet. He's from West Haven, UT. Lastly, Elder Pearson. He's such a cute little brother! He always has something to say. Elder Pearson and Elder Vanderwood have been assigned as our future Zone Leaders. They don't get the assignment until this Sunday though. And..... guess what! I've been assigned as the Sister Training Leader!!!! Basically, I have no idea what all that entails... But pretty much, I'll be welcoming the new sisters that come next week. I'll be the one that sets up District Prayer and is the friendly one that helps them get situated into the MTC life. I also have two amazing teachers: Brother Pitt and Brother Barrett. I could not have asked for two better MTC teachers. And that's my District! 

I've been having such an amazing experience while here. I love every second of it. I think I thought it would be harder than it actually is. But I love it! I'm not at all as overwhelmed as I thought I would be. I am learning a ton and soaking it all in. I learn so much from the other missionaries here. They really help my testimony grow and help me come closer to my Savior. We've been as large groups and have taught investigators and answered their questions. It's always such a neat experience. 

I learned that not only do the ones I am teaching have to have an open heart to hear the message I am sharing, but also, so do I in order to feel the Spirit and be inspired as to what I should share with them. Also, I learned a very important lesson... I am teaching people, not lessons. Everyone is going through something different and I can't teach the EXACT same thing to every person. Also, when I feel a need to say something, I should say it! I've been tearing up so much! Which is kind of uncanny because I don't get emotional! But I've definitely been feeling the spirit so much while here. I kind of don't want to leave, but at the same time, I was ready to leave yesterday. I want to be out in the field in Arkansas already! 

My first impressions of the MTC are kind of scattered, but these are my thoughts:

     -Dang... I now understand why everyone gains weight here... There's just so much good food!

     -All of these happy people are going to start to bug me by the end of the week...

     -By next week, I am going to be at the point of my MTC experience as the Zone Leaders are right now. I look up to them, but they've only been here a week more than I have.

     -I don't think I'm ever going to figure this campus out... Or so I thought!

(Map of the Missionary Training Center)

     -Everyone is so friendly and always says hello!

     -It feels really natural to address everyone as "Elder" and "Sister". Some people struggle with that.

     -Being with two people for 24 hrs a day can really irritate you......

     -I am never going to get enough sleep. Between all the classes and the walking around, I will never feel refreshed.

Yesterday, I received mail for the first time! I'm winning! Haha.. In our Zone, we keep score and points of letters and what not. If we get a DearElder, it's 1pt, a handwritten letter from family is 1pt, a handwritten letter from non-family is 2pts, and a package from family is 2pts, and from non-family is 3pts. So far, I have 9pts and have the highest score in my District... And all are from DearElder. So thank you! (: I love hearing from all y'all. It really brightens my day! 

We also received in the mail our travel itinerary heading to Arkansas. Get this... We have to meet at the Travel Office Desk on Monday (the 29th) at 3:30AM. Our flight is at 7:20AM to Atlanta. We then have a 1 1/2 hr layover there. Then we fly to Little Rock. We arrive in Little Rock around 2:30PM (Ark time). So basically, my District is going to become very acquainted with each other more socially than spiritually, because we will be spending a total of about 12hrs straight together while traveling. Should be good!

We had our first gym time yesterday as well. My District (District 43A) all went up to the volleyball courts. We played barefoot in the HOT sand. Holy, by the end, my feet were burning! I've also seen a few friends while here as well, including Nicole Decker, Brandon Tanner (from EFY), and a couple of sisters from BYU-H. 

I'm incredibly grateful for the knowledge of sharing the gospel with investigators that I had formed previously to coming here. It really helped me to feel more confident in sharing my feelings. I really love the opportunities we get, as missionaries, to teach. 

I've developed a greater love from my Father in Heaven and I feel His love for me daily. I feel so blessed for the knowledge that this Gospel provides me with. I know this Church is true and I love it so very much. This week, I am striving to appreciate all the good that God gives me. I'm really seeking to find His hand in my life. I hope you can do the same! (:

Much love,

Sister Jessica Ann Smith

PS... I haven't quite figured out how to send pictures, so there won't be any for this week. Sorry about that!

And She's Off....

Introducing "Sister Jessica Ann Smith", the newest Missionary for

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

And she's off to start her new adventure as a Missionary...