Life As A Foreigner (36hrs later)

After a 12hr flight from Seattle to Shenzhou with a 2hr layover for customs/inspection screening, the 2hr flight to Xiamen, 20min drive to my hotel for the 10hr layover (due to it being just for one night, I shared with a random girl from Taiwan, who showed up unannounced an hour after I checked it) where I only got 3hrs of sleep, then the 4hr flight from Xiamen to Qingdao where I met Alex and we then taxied to the train station, waited 2hrs for our route, then a 2hr ride on the bullet train from Qingdao to Zibo, where I then FINALLY was taken to my apartment.

With that said, I don't even know where to start. This has definitely been longer than a "three hour tour" (extra points to you if you know the reference), so how about I just "start at the very beginning"...

Having this been my very first time ever outside of the USA (apart from Canada, but I mean who really counts that place...), I had NO idea what to expect. I went into this grand adventure completely faced with the unknown. But, that's besides the point.. Upon finally visiting another country, I have discovered how self-entitled we as Americans are. When people of a different nationality come into the USA, we suspect them to know English, if not expect them to. They come to our country, therefore, they need and should speak OUR. On the other hand, when Americans go to a different country, we yet again expect them to speak our language and for them to know how to communicate with us. How great of a discombobulation is that! I noticed that the other White folk (little as they were, me included) expected all of the people living in China and speaking Chinese to magically be able to speak to us in our native tongue. Goodness sakes! How terribly prideful is that! I am definitely putting forth an effort to learn Chinese, so as I can at least show that I am trying (maybe not succeeding, but it's the effort that counts, right?). I so far have perfected the phrases of: "Hello, how are you?"; "Do you speak English?"; "Thank You"; "See you later!"; and "Water". It's not much, but it's better than nothing! I've noticed that people here do tend to be very helpful. When someone who is bilingual notices that I am struggling due to the language barrier, they readily jump in. That's a perk that I will be forever grateful for, especially during all my time within the airport.

Okay, now moving on to the good stuff. I wish I had a camcorder (yes, throwback.. I can't think of what we call it nowadays) recording me when I first stepped into the bathroom stall at the airport. Of course, I was trying not to have any expectations of China, but I did at least half expect a Westernized toilet, right? Wrong. It was a hole. In the ground. Literally nothing to sit on. Y'all want a squatty potty? Well, here it is, except to a whole new level! Or, I guess it would be "to a whole new lower level". I stood there staring at it for a good minute trying to figure out how to proficiently use it. I was ecstatic when I got to my flat (apartment) and saw the beautiful western toilet. It's the little things.

Does China believe in comfort, personal space, or clean air? With the comfort, I am referring to the beds. They are hard as a rock, and that's not an exaggeration. Luckily, I was given pillows, and so I laid on those. It might it slightly better. Personal space doesn't really seem to be a thing either. If you're like me and have a very large personal bubble and don't necessarily like people in it, come to China and it'll pop it. Crowds of people on buses, in elevators, standing in lines (if you could even call them lines; it's more like scads of people asserting their dominance and shoving their way in), you name it! As for the clean air, that's a blessing that I've taken for granted throughout my life. There's this thick smog-like haze covering the whole city. Oh. And it's humid. Extremely. Probably just as much, if not more than Hawaii. It'll take a minute to get adjusted.

When I moved to Utah, I thought that they weren't all too great of drivers (they very soon became we as I easily adapted to the Utah driving habits...). Now, I see it all with a very different perspective. There is basically no order or structure in the driving that occurs here in China. Sometimes, there aren't even lines on the road. There are car horns blaring nonstop, and pretty much brakes don't exist. Let's just say, I am incredibly happy that I'm not the one behind the wheel. I wouldn't even know how to attempt to get from one street to the next. Unlimited amounts of motorized bikes weave in and out through the traffic and pay absolutely zero attention to anything going on around them. Each driver, whether it be car or bike, is 100% focused on themselves and figuring out how to get from Point A to Point B most effectively and as fast as possible. One thing that is kind of cool though is that all of the stop lights have countdowns on them. You know how at crosswalks, sometimes it counts down for how long you have? Yea, in China, it's not just for the pedestrians, but for the cars on the roads to know when they can go, and then they gun it.

After nearly 36 hours of travel and wait time, I finally made it to what I will be calling home for the next two months. I have a (rock) bed, a western toilet, a washer (no dryer, because I have to let the lovely wetness of the humid air dry my clothing. Not too sure how well that'll go over...), a shower that is literally in the corner of the bathroom (no doors or separate shower floor, it's just a part of the room), and a small little stove top to boil the water. It's definitely not like back home, but "I think I'm going to like it here" (yes, another song. Don't hate). I already do! I was even introduced to some of the teachers, who are all really very sweet. They showed me around the nearly built school which isn't even fully constructed yet. I am the first foreign teacher that will be here at the school. So that'll be exciting! All the girls are such angels though. It's going to be a lot of fun!

There's still so much more to share, but that's basically the first thoughts of the "life as a foreigner"! Let's hope this foreigner lasts the whole two months (mainly referring to the fact that I'm probably going to die of starvation within the first few weeks......)!!!

Utah Living; Substitute Teaching

Hello from the happy Beehive State! Eight months ago, I moved to the grand ol’ state of Utah, not really knowing what to expect. My initial plan was to become a psych tech at a hospital (applying my psychology love and degree). However, that didn’t work out, mainly because it was poor pay$$$ and the drive was a good distance. I figured that I would have a low-key job while I waited to go to Grad School. I applied to the Masters of Social Work program at BYU. I was rejected. I was bummed, to say the least. I knew nothing except for school life. And now it’s over. Done. Finished. I felt like I wasn’t good enough. Whatever, I moved on. I started more purposely pursuing becoming an interpreter for the Deaf. I studied, took the Knowledge Exam, failed, studied again, took the exam a second time, and failed. I wish God would just hold up a neon sign saying “NOT FOR YOU, JESSICA!!” But no, I have to take all these different roads. Amidst all of this, I had been working as a substitute teacher in the Canyons School District, just to help me get along. Let me first say, I have absolutely LOVED it. I’ve subbed in all different sorts of areas, from PE, Kindergarten, Dance, Librarian, Math, History, High School, Middle School, and everything there between.

I’ve had my good days and my bad days. There have been classes that I’ve simply adored and some that I refuse to go back to. It’s definitely been a mystery each day of not knowing what to expect from the room, lessons, students, and everything else. I was always walking into the unknown every day I step foot into a new classroom.

Within time, I established a foundational pattern. I started accepting long term positions at a particular Middle School. Kids started to enjoy coming to school each day, knowing that they had a “lit” teacher. I would get shouts of cheers as I entered each class. Walking down the halls was even more extreme. I felt like a celebrity as crowds came to say “Hi to Ms. Smith”. I was constantly surrounded by little munchkins reaching towards me to get a hug.

Whilst subbing, I discovered an alternative route to becoming a licensed teacher in the state of Utah that did not require a specific degree, classes, or training. I kept postponing taking the steps to apply. In time, I made the decision and EVERYTHING fell into place. Literally, it all fell into my lap. I took the test to prove that I am proficient in middle school mathematics. Passed it with flying colors and sent in my application to the State of Utah Education department. Not yet hearing back from them about being officially licensed, I took the step and applied to the Canyons School District to be added into their math teachers’ candidate pool. Within a week of applying to the District, I had a screening interview, an interview with a specific school, and a position offered to me as a 7^th grade Math teacher.

Now is the time where I wish God would display “TAKE THIS PATH!!” on a blinking sign. I’m just glad that I didn’t miss it. Fast forward a week or so… The school that I had been long term subbing at for the last 6mts miraculously had a Math position that suddenly opened up!!! I would be considered crazy if I had not applied! So I applied, interviewed, and was offered the job, which I then immediately and gratefully accepted. This leads me into the grand news of: I am officially an 8^th grade Math teacher at the lovely place of Union Middle School starting in the 2017-2018 school year!! This has, no joke, been my passion since the 2nd grade. I dreamt of becoming a Middle School Math teacher. Dreams really do come true!!! And I am loving every second of my job.

 Which leads me into….

“School’s out for summer. School’s out forever. School’s been blown to pieces. No more pencils. No more books. No more teacher’s dirty looks. Out for summer, out till fall. We might not come back at all!”

That’s what I’ve been singing all the day long! That being said, it’s summer. I have no job. My contract to begin officially teaching and getting paid monthly (on a salary… I feel like a real adult) doesn’t start until August. So, what am I deciding to do? I’m going to China!!!! I will be in China within a week and teach English for a period of two months. I am so full of MANY different emotions. Ones of anticipation and others of fear. However, I have wanted to do something like this for over three years. Now, I finally have the time and means to do so. Heck, why not?!

Stay tuned for updates about my grand independent adventures from the land of China.

I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go... Part 2

(So. I was a lion.)

Hello friends, it looks like I will be seeing y'all A LOT earlier than originally thought, cuz this girl is making her way back home. Before any misconceptions are made, I want to let y'all know everything that is and will be going down. However, I need to preface it first...

As many of you know, I have been through a lot of chaos over the past year and a half, all pertaining to "the mission". Before I came back out on my mission, I was 20yrs old and had just received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and my whole life was in front of me, and it scared me. I thought that leaving on my mission, naturally, would make it so I wouldn't have to face those "real life" decisions right off the bat, but rather, 15mts down the road (jokes on me!). A week or two previous to me receiving the approval to return to Arkansas, I had thoughts and feelings that it may actually not be the Lord's plan for me. However, I pushed those thoughts away, because I had worked THIRTEEN MONTHS to return and I wasn't going to let it all go to waste. And so, I packed my bags and off I went to Arkansas.

(A pic from our zone sisters Pday.....)

It was rough from the very get-go. I was not given a full-time car, as was promised; my back pain came on even worse than I've experienced being home; I was diagnosed with clinical depression after a little over a month being back; on top of that, my therapist said that he has no more suggestions nor ideas on how to help me, because I am literally doing everything that should bring happiness, and I want to be doing them, but I'm still not happy; I have been experiencing no sleep, sicknesses, major headaches and fatigue, and major ankle pain all throughout, as well. I have come to realize that all of this turmoil was due to my wants and my will clashing with the Lord's will for me, which is the LAST thing I wanted to do. Returning to Arkansas, being back on my mission, didn't feel right. I wanted it to be right, so I did all that I could think to do to shake that feeling, but that un-rightness factor stayed. No matter what wonderful spiritual experiences occurred and grand people I met and taught, my enjoyment was lacking. Which made absolute no sense to me because I totally and completely love being a missionary. I love it, I just haven't been enjoying it. My desires were contrary to the impressions that kept arising that the Lord needs me elsewhere. And in the wise words of Nephi,

"I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do"        (Nephi 4:6).

(We got some mouth face thingies
from Sister Taylor's familia!)

That's truly how I am feeling. I feel as though I don't know all the answers. I couldn't understand why the Lord could possibly need me somewhere else. It makes no sense because this is where I truly want and have fought so hard to be.

But, the key to ALL of this is: it doesn't matter what I want, or what my parents want, or what she or he wants.... What matters is what the Lord wants, and all I want to do is to follow His will for me. And so, once again in Nephi's words,

"Nevertheless, I went forth..."

That is what I am doing. I don't know what is in store for me at home (because, I often times think nothing, heck... I'm nearly 21yrs old and already graduated from college... I don't know anything besides school), but, I am truly led by the Spirit, and so, I am going forth and returning home.

The reason that I am disclosing all of this to y'all is because I am really going to need y'alls support. It has been really difficult for me to accept this because I am afraid. I am afraid of leaving my mission, and I am afraid to have to face all the questions and the disappointed faces, all over again. I went through that once, a year and a half ago, and I won't do it again. I know this is part of Heavenly Father's plan. I ask for your prayers to help me understand what His further plans are for me, because I'm just as shocked as y'all may be.

I know that Heavenly Father quite literally has His hands in our lives, because we really do need that divine help. However, we must put our faith and trust in Him. He loves each of us because He is our loving Heavenly Father, so it only makes sense! When we fully submit ourselves to His will, only then will we be able to experience true happiness in this life and peace in the life to come. The gospel is real and I fully intend to continue to preach

 "exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth"                  (D&C 109:23).

Well, friends.... With that, I guess I will see you shortly. I'm not sure yet when, because it's not COMPLETELY finalized, but it shall be soon. I met with President Wakolo last week about it and he said to continue praying and he will as well. We will be meeting this week to set things in stone. Who knows what's happening, exactly, but I do know that I am to be home. Hopefully President gets that same answer...

I don't know what the future has in store, but I know that it will be bright!

"The future is as bright as your faith" (Thomas S. Monson).

Love y'all!
Sister Jessica Ann Smith

(Went on exchanges to Pinnacle Mountain
and I was able to see sweet Bre'Yunna!!)

(Zone Conference with the bestest!)

(After exchanges with our STLs (Sister Training Leaders...
Equivalent to the Zone Leaders, but only for the sisters in our Zone))

Love One Another

Hi friends! Happy {late} Valentine's Day <3

Longest and Shortest Week Ever!

(True reality of the week.... #CandidShot)

This week's email may the shortest in my mission history of emails! Why, you ask? Because we have had fevers and the flu since Tuesday!!! No bueno! It's going all around Little Rock and is knocking people out for a week or two. Today was the first day where it doesn't feel like we're getting worser (yes, it's a word). We've felt kinda selfish because in the time that we were forced to be bedridden we've had so much bonding time, cuddling time, chatting, and time to study the scriptures GALORE! It's been quite grand! We each received 2 priesthood blessings. One at the beginning of the week and one at the end of the week. It strengthened my testimony greatly of the reality of the power given to worthy men from God. There were specific things mentioned in each of our blessings that the Elders could not have known without complete help from God. I loved it!!

OH! One exciting thing occurred!! The ASL Sisters were out of town this past weekend, which meant.... I GOT TO INTERPRET FOR CHURCH!!!!! I was incredibly sickly, but I still did it and it was so great to be able to sign again! I miss it sooo much!

We are super excited to get back to our investigators and teach the world this week! Hope you have a great one, as well.

Lots of love,
Sister Jessica Ann Smith

(We had a surprise Sisters Zone Meeting with President and Sister Wakolo...
Here we are (: )

As Zion's Youth in Latter Days

(It was a rough day out tracting, so we took
a short break at the playground. I was a little
kid once again on the baby swing!)

(At the end of said "rough day",
we piled on the couch...

This week was quite miraculous and incredibly magnificent. I absolutely LOVE my companions. We have SO much fun together and it makes the missionary work more doable. They are great and we all uplift and strengthen each other in abundance.

We discovered this last week how we can help the ward, because it needs help. Basically, the members haven't trusted missionaries in quite some time. So, our task is to gain the trust of the members! Which, hopefully, shouldn't be too daunting of a feat. We are doing our best to visit everyone in the ward, including active members, semi-active members, and less actives. It's been a lot of driving, but all is well!

Oh! I am the designated driver! I don't think that I mentioned that last week! So yea. Driving. In Little Rock. With horrible roads. And not many road signs. Loads of speed bumps. It's great. Haha. But it's nice to be driving again.

(We got a cactus!!!!! Named Smarlor!)
Combination of names SMith-ARnold-tayLOR

We've had some new investigators, and we've had to drop some that we thought were golden and then weren't, but ya know...that's missionary life. You can't save em all (but you still "gotta catch 'em all")!

We've been blessed to have our Ward Mission Leader's sweet 16yr old daughter come out teaching with us. It actually has been an eye-opener for us. She has not been shaped to that "missionary mold". When we would have the exact answer and the exact scripture to pull out to rebuttle the (because it's been indoctrinated into us), she simply would testify purely. She didn't have the "missionary voice" and she spoke from her heart which was able to touch their hearts. It was a great reminder to me, as well as to Sister Arnold and Taylor, that testifying is how we can bring the Spirit unto those that we are teaching. I was grateful for that learning experience.

(We went bowling for Pday today!!!)

Sister Jessica Ann Smith

(Dinner at Stuckey home -- Ward Mission Leader)

Lead Me Into Life Eternal

(My companions!! Sister Arnold 

and Sister Taylor (from Iowa))

Hello friends (:

Well. It's a new transfer, and we have a new sister added to me and Sister Arnold. Her name is Sister Taylor and she's from Iowa. She is pretty great! I love her bunches and I absolutely love serving with Sister Arnold and Taylor together.

(I cut off my hair)

So! We had a totally awesome experience this past week!! We've been seeing an older lady (Brenda) and her daughter (Susan) for a couple weeks now. For the past year, they have been meeting with missionaries. However, they were forgotten for a time. We found them again via a referral. They haven't really been progressing, like at all. BUT! That has now changed. We saw them four times this past week. They are reading the Book of Mormon together and asking questions and figuring things out via the Spirit which is what we do believe. The last time we were there, we asked if they'd be interested in a Priesthood Blessing and we explained what it was because they have been having an incredibly rough time lately. So, we brought a couple ward members over and the blessings were simply beautiful. Both women cried. We finally had a breakthrough with them and they FINALLY are allow the Spirit to enter in and are recognizing it. It was such a neat experience. I have so much love for them and it is so great to watch their progression and coming closer to being in alignment with what our Heavenly Father wants for them. It's great to be that guide. Now, if only they will attend church!!

(You see that house/trailer? That whole 

scenery is VERY typical for here. I love it.)

We've had a lot of fun this week and are keeping ourselves active and busy trying to see all the people that we can!

The ward has been helping us out a lot, too. It's been way great!

Anyways... That's all for this week!

Love y'all!!!
Sister Jessica Ann Smith

(We got some Sonic milkshakes 
and slushes! Much goodness)

(We kind of ended up in the middle of no where
and then found a water park! So, naturally,
we had to take a picture.)

Ye Who Are Called To Labor

(Our Pday was spent burning stuff.
We made s'mores and everything)

First off, I want to apologize for not writing last week. It was kind of a crazy week and I didn't really know what to say about it.

And as for this week.... Pretty much the same boat. We've had a lot of members come with us to lessons. They were some pretty solid appointments, too. We taught and we testified. We set a baptism date with a family, which was way rad!

We had a Mission Broadcast during our District Meeting this week. Elder Oaks, Anderson, and Bednar spoke to missionaries in the Utah area. It was broadcasted to the missionaries all around the world. It was so neat and we learned a lot pertaining to teaching, inviting, the Spirit in conversion, and working with members. Elder Oaks is the new Chairman for Missionaries and his new vision for missionary efforts is "Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts". So the broadcast was centered on that.

Transfers have occurred. And, drum roll, please..... I am staying in Otter Creek. Still in a trio. Sister Quick is going to the area right next door and Sister Arnold and I will be getting Sister Taylor. Sadly, I am not being transferred to ASL. But that's okay. Life goes on. President actually closed an ASL area, so now there are only two open, instead of three.

(Elder Sandman, Elder Boggess (District Leader), Sister Wood,
Sister Hirschi, Sister Quick, ME, and Sister Arnold)

I love being able to go out and to share the good news about my Savior which has provided me with so much happiness and joy in my life. I absolutely love being a missionary. Even though there are INCREDIBLY hard times, and I have to endure through a lot, there is no other place I'd rather be. I am so blessed to dedicate 18 months to serving my Lord and Savior.

Have a good week! (:

Sister Jessica Ann Smith

"We picked out animals that match the appearance and personalities
of the missionaries in our area. Sister Arnold drew them.
Sister Smith - red panda
Sister Arnold - kiwi
Sister Quick - fox
Sister Wood - otter
Elder Boggess - lion cub (because he is almost ferocious)
Elder Sandman - turtle
And then the others are the missionaries that are around and near us."