God Be With You Till We Meet Again

I can hardly even gather my thoughts for this week. It's been a rough and off week.

Last Monday, we went bowling for Sister Carroll's last P-day. There were about 12 of us missionaries that went. Elder Hymas (from the MTC) and his companion, came up as well, so that was cool to see him. We had a real fun time. The first game, I think I had about 75 points, and then the second game, I had 104 points. Sweet! Progression.

My wonderful trainer and I at the Bowling Alley!)

(Gone Bowlin'!)

During the week, it was really off, and not even for just me and Sister Carroll. We had Zone Meeting and all the other companionships have said that things haven't been working out for them these past few weeks either. We know though, that that means that great things are about to happen. And we are all so excited.

Zone Meeting was really neat because we focused on our purpose. The Zone Leaders were sharing with us the importance of being truly converted to our purpose. As we do that, it is natural to want to invite others to come unto Christ.

We have a Mission Goal of 100 baptisms in the month of November. So far, our max per month has been about 60, or so. The whole mission is getting really excited for the goal and we're all getting pumped. A lot of the missionaries are not very motivated lately though, because things haven't been all too great. I'm glad that I am still new and have my innocence shell around me and don't know too much of what is good and what isn't.

Sister Johnston, Sister Carroll, and I outside the Razorback Submarine)

On Saturday, Sister Carroll and I had P-day, since she leaves. Sister Johnston, a lady in the ward who looks EXACTLY like Kate Hudson, took us out. We went to some submarine called the "Razorback" that has been used in wars and such. It was really cool! And small, and claustrophobic-ey.

After the submarine, we went over to Central High, which is the first school that had Blacks and Whites enrolled. It was really neat to read all the history behind it. They have a little Visitor's Center inside that we went to and read all about the experience. It's crazy what they all went through and how hard it was for them.

The Johnston's then took us out to a restaurant called "Flying Fish". It's a super southern food restaurant full of fish foods. I got some grilled chicken sandwich. It was pretty good.

(It's crazy that it even looked like this in the 60s)

(Central High... It seriously looks like a castle)

(At Flying Fish restaurant. They had SOOO many singing fishes on the walls)

Anyways, this week has been crazy busy. We've tried to see everyone before Sister Carroll left. Nothing was working out and all things were falling through. It's also been incredibly emotional. Sister Carroll left yesterday and goes home officially on Tuesday. Transfers are this Wednesday. So, I am with the ASL Sisters until then, and then I'll be getting my new trainer. It was very sad to see Sister Carroll go. She has taught me so much. But, I know I will see her again. If not in this life, then in the Celestial Kingdom! (:

Even when things get rough, there's still always a sense of hope. I love that about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And I love the stress on humility. This week, I've been studying the attributes of Christ. I've been studying, and reading, and praying, and searching myself to know which areas and characteristics I need to work on. The top two areas are 'patience' and 'humility'.

Humility is pretty much coming to a knowledge of the glory of God and knowing of your nothingness. It's being meek, poor in spirit, submissive, and teachable. Rather than boasting of yourself and your goodness, you boast of God (Alma 26:12). I know that I am nothing without Him, but with Him, I am everything.

Going along with humility comes patience. He does all things, in His own timing. For He knows all. In Psalms 46:10, it said "Be still and know that I am God". That's a powerful statement. Knowing that He is God and that I am nothing without Him, I can exercise my trust in Him and fully submit to His will and be patient, for He works all things for my good, but at the time that HE seeth fit.

I know that as we strive to win mastery over ourselves, we can become more like our Heavenly Father. He has paved the way for us. We just have to exercise our trust and defeat the natural man. As we do that, the Lord will help us overcome the challenges we face and give us the strength to suffer opposition without anger or frustration. And we remove our doubt, we will come to "see God". When we become humble, we will understand His greatness.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

"Doing better than our best is doing our best with the Lord's help."

That hit me so hard. Sister Carroll and I were discussing 'doing our best' as we serve. And I said how I'm always working my hardest and doing my best, because that's how I was raised, I never half-worked at something, but always gave my best (thank you, daddy!). So anyways, we were talking about that. I mentioned because of that, I never feel like I didn't do the best that I could that day. But rather, looking at things positively and seeing how much we DID do that day. And then Sister Carroll said, "doing better than our best is doing our best with the Lord's help". From that, I learned that maybe I am doing the best that I can do by myself, but with the Lord, I can do so much more! And that's what I plan on doing. I will exceed my best, because the Lord will fill me up. (:

I've mentioned Laura Deal before, but I think it was very brief...
We met her in Little Rock at a park. She is from Camden, AR, which is about 2 hours south of here. An appointment we had scheduled fell through as soon as we got to the park to meet with her. So, we went walking and met Laura and her brother, Samuel. We discovered the Laura has been "investigating" the church since she was 7 years old, and she is now 15. Her aunt is a member, and she's been going with them. But, her parents would not let her be baptized. Anyways, we met her dad, so that it didn't seem like we were creeping on his kids. We discovered the reason why they were here-- Laura's mom just got surgery at the hospital and so they were here for a few days. And then that was it. Off we went.

Sister Carroll and I went to Subway for dinner, and 10 minutes later, Laura and her family walked in. We knew that was a sign. We had to get her number! So, we did. The next day, we asked if we could go to the hospital and say a prayer with her family. She said yes, so we went on over. The pastor of THEIR church was there and it was really awkward. After his prayer, and after they left, we hung around a bit longer to pray with Laura's mom (Samantha).

About an hour later, Laura texted and asked if we could have a lesson with her and her family. So, then we met her, Samuel, and their dad, Randy, at the church and taught the Restoration. Randy thought it was interesting and we think he finally understood.

A few days later, we got a text from Laura saying that she has "great news". She never replied, so we just expected to hear it from her on Sunday (since they were in town, they were gonna come to church). But, things didn't work out. Long story short, in Relief Society, we got a text saying that she's getting baptized! After the lesson with us, she asked her dad if she could get baptized. He asked "is that what you really want?", and of course, she said "YES"! He then said, "I guess you're old enough to make that decision for yourself".

She told us that she's getting baptized on the Friday, August 29th, in Camden. We tried ALL week to try and find someone that could take us there so we could be at her baptism, which we got permission from President to go to. Finally, on Thursday, Sister Stewart said she could take us!

(With the Deal Family at Laura Deal's baptism)

We took a two hour road trip to Camden, Arkansas for the baptism of Laura Deal. It was the sweetest moment ever. She has been wanting to be baptized for 8 years, and finally, it happened! Afterwards, she came over to us and gave us a hug. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she was so grateful. It was a precious moment, and one I hold dear. She was my first baptism, in a sense. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Sister Carroll and I had to make a difference in that young girl's life. I know that the Lord puts people in our life for a reason, and the reason that we met them was so that we, as sister missionaries, speaking by the Spirit of the Lord, could say something that would touch the heart of her dad, and soften his heart.

After the baptism, I jokingly was saying to Randy that he's next. He actually didn't put it off. But rather, he said that he's thinking of it. And I asked if he's gonna start meeting with the missionaries. He's not too sure though. I hope that Laura's influence can be a good one for that wonderful family. I am beyond grateful for the time I was able to spend getting to know the Deal Family.

Side note: I realized that missionaries are kind of like hospice nurses. Hospice nurses prepare people for their death, and so do we as missionaries… But SPIRITUALLY. We are preparing people for death (: We teach people what they can know for themselves about what will happen after they die. We provide hope, and a sense of belonging. It's incredible.

Also, guess what I did?! I sang…. In church.… In Sacrament…. Yes. Crazy. I know. Sister Carroll, and a younger lady in our Ward, and I sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". Not the original Hymn version, but rather the one by Michael Hicks. Listen to it. It is powerful. Guess what else? There was a point in the song where I sang Alto, all by myself, and Sister Carroll sang Soprano, and the other gal sang a descant. Yes, I sang a part by myself. That never happens. But, I was able to do it because the Lord helped me. I know that with Him, all things are possible. It was a powerful song. As we were singing, I was looking out at the congregation, and the women were close to tears. It took all of me to keep myself together. I love that song. I love the testimony in it.

Another incredible experience happened this week...
For Ward Outreach, I went with a sister in the Ward, and Sister Carroll went with a different one, and then we go see less-active members and invite them to church and to visit with the missionaries. On this particular time, I went to try and see a less-active member named Terry, with Sister Stewart. However, we did not meet Terry, but rather an older woman named Jerry. She said that Terry used to live there with her but then stole from her and ran off. She proceeded to invite us in.

We learned that her parents are Members of the Church, but that she is a Methodist. I shared a bit about the Restoration, but then scheduled another time to come back.

Later, Sister Carroll and I realized that she visited Jerry before. She took them out to dinner, but then the sisters never contacted her again because she didn't seem interested. Going to the scheduled appointment, we were timid. We weren't too sure what to expect, so we didn't plan for much, and were planning our escape, so we would only have to be there for 30 minutes. But, the Spirit had other intentions.

We felt the Spirit soooo strong! I was trembling. I literally spoke the words of God, and as I did so, I spoke with power and conviction. I had no idea what I was saying. The Lord was speaking words through me… Words that touched Jerry's heart... She desired to learn more. She had questions. And the Spirit had answers. I was trembling so hard while I was a tool in the Lord's hands. It was truly an amazing experience.

That was the first time I actually was teaching to a person's needs rather than teaching a lesson. And that is something I desire to have happen with every appointment and with every person we talk to. And I know the only way that can be accomplished is through exact obedience. As I follow what the Lord wants for me, and the guidelines the Mission President has established, then miracles WILL happen. I have no doubt about it.

God is real. He is mindful of everyone. And He lives. I know He lives. I have felt Him in my life. I have experienced it. I spoke His words. I know they weren't mine. I know he directs His children today. I know that plans fall through so that His plans can happen. I know miracles happen AFTER the trials of our faith. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father. I know that because of that, He sent His Son so that I can return to Him. I know that He walked this earth. I know that it is only through Him that I will live.

I know that my Redeemer lives.

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!)