Well, it's here, 2014!
Who would have thought it would come this quick? It's weird to think that my 'dash' year is done, the full year that I'm a missionary. But I'm excited to have this half a year left to work the hardest I can and do the Lords work how it should be done. The past year has been full of blessings directly from God that I can't deny receiving. I have grown closer to Him and have really understood and been grateful for this Gospel that I have been given. This mission I am in is truly wonderful. I wouldn't be able to imagine a better mission President to serve with then President Ahlander, he is a great man that is called of God. I am sorry to hear about Michael and the struggle he is having with his President and mission, I hope things will work out. This morning we had the opportunity to take a "visa waiter" in our zone, Elder Jex, to the mission home at 4 in the morning. He received his visa and flew to Mexico this morning. We were able to briefly talk to President Ahlander and it was great. We dressed up in our shirts and ties to take him, and President Ahlander said, "you could have came in your pj's! Now go home and get some sleep!" it was funny. We are sad to see Elder Jex go, he's a great missionary, they will be lucky to have him in Mexico.
So this Saturday, we are still planning on having 2 baptisms! We met with Tony last Monday and once again stressed the importance to stop smoking, after that he said, "OK, I'm done" and hasn't had a cigarette since! When he gets a craving he just chews gum or eats peanuts. He is such a cool guy! To see his determination and desire to follow God's commandments is really a blessing to all who knows him. We've built a pretty good friendship which I hope will last a long time. He's already starting to refer friends to us to teach, so awesome! As for Kaumuka, we have struggled to meet with him to finalize things and get his interview done, so we are hoping and praying that things will work out for Saturday.
Thanks for all the things you all do for me, Thank you for the Christmas packages and cards, thank you for your Love and support, thank you for always being there when times get hard. I receive more than I deserve and it's a blessing that I'm grateful for. I really appreciate the video of Charlie as well, that was really cute, can't wait to meet him! One last thought, Mom you mentioned how the world is a cruel place with a lot of bad things going on. I wanted to share a favorite passage of mine that comes from the New Testament. 2 Timothy Chapter 3 Verses 1-5, The Apostle Paul teaches us what our world is like and warns us of the wickedness that will come. A few verses later, 14-17, he gives us direction and council on what to do about it. He expresses the importance of the scriptures and the guidance that they give us. In this world of tumult, the thing we can do to have comfort is immerse ourselves in the scriptures the best we can. If we know them and follow their direction, we will be ready, and suited for what is ahead. This is what I am trying to bring to people who will accept our message. We have a living Prophet to guide us today, and 12 Apostles to help in the work. What a great blessing that is to know. If we listen to him, we will be saved, and I know that's true. I love you all. Elder Smith