Last missionary lesson to the family. December 25, 2014

Smith, Adams families, Malo Lelei! (Tongan) Merry Christmas!

This is my last letter as a full-time missionary. :/ I am not sure what to think. I'm excited to see you but sad to leave this place I've come to love so much. As I'm preparing to come home, I have been asked to set a lot of foals an reflect on these quotes by prophets and apostles. One of them really stood out to me to share with you. "Our house is to be a house of order...let us provide time for family, time for work, time for study, time for service, time for recreations, time for self-but above ALL, TIME FOR CHRIST" PRESIDENT MONSON

Then ask yourselves, "What are the top 10 priorities in my life?" then "am I living like those are my priorities?" I know our family is on everyone's list of the top 10's, but how do we show it? Are we too busy with wrestling, drill team, work, grandkids, friends, homework, etc to show that our family is what is most important to us?
Linda S. Reeves in a recent conference said: "The only things that really need to be accomplished in the home are daily scripture study and prayer and weekly Family Home Evening."

I know we are all busy, but the most important thing we can do is to make time for our family. To do prayer and family scripture study. If you do no make time for it, you will never have it. And I truly have seen the difference it makes as I go into homes that do family study and prayer an homes that do not. Make it a priority. Even if you need to just start with one daily family prayer. Start with one if you have to but make time for it in your daily life. There is much more love and spirit in a companionship that studies, learns, and prays together. I love you all and I will see you soon!

With love,
Sister Smith

last letter to mom. December 25, 2014

What a crazy few weeks I've had here. Nothing like spending Christmas day packing to go home. Next week will be a district pday and 2 days til I come home so it'd be silly to write then. I'd get there faster than the mail would.
It has been weird weather here too, usually upper 30's. Last winter it was more normal to have -30'. Minnesota is kind of a funny place. There was some snow on the ground, but now it's all gone. (
I can not believe I had a brown Christmas in Minnesota!
What a wonderful 18 months this has been! It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done, but so worth it. I am much more the person I want to be than I was 18 months ago. And most of all I have gained a testimony and an understanding of the Atonement of Christ and how it affects my life/ It is no longer just this thing I don't understand, but it has meaning to me and I've seen how it changes lives and families. I have learned the things I want to be in my future home, and new ways to be better and to come closer to my Father. What a blessing my mission has been. Thank you for supporting me through it! :)
3 Nephi 5:1313 "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."

With love, Sister Smith

fun pictures. last week of mission.

 The spirit of Christmas

 this was our big snow!

Until this. We ended up with about 7 inches

New culture. Liberian 12-22-14

So I tried Liberian food this week, it was pretty good but only because she made it with less peppers so that we would be able to eat it:) it is what they call cabbage. but it had other veggies, and fish, and some other meat in it too.

Also a Liberian member taught us how to wrap the headwraps. pretty good for my first time:)

last email before Christmas Dec. 22, 2014

DO NOT SEND ME TREATS.... all we have in our apartment is TREATS and junk and I am so sick of doing the workout I have been doing for 18 months so my exercise is not very good right now. Whenever people do not want their treats at their house they just give it to us and I am so sick of junk food. We have thrown so much away too. You can send real food, but no sweets please:)

You do not eat any more bread at all??? The tree we made was from an oriental trading magazine, so all we did was put it together.



Wow, that is such a cool miracle! I am glad that little boy did not get girl toys and clothes. yeah, Sister Upchurch tried to e-mail it to you but you never got it, so I just had her text it to dad. Good thing Dad never changes his number:) I got into a class I was on a wait list for! Great! I am excited to hear about it! I will talk to you soon!!! 3 days!

With Love,
      Sister Smith

On Fri, Dec 19, 2014 Christy wrote: Tender Mercies.
I seem to be having a lot of these lately. I just can't believe how often I am watched out for. I was working on sub for santa today, because Angella and I go shopping today. There were three angels left on the tree at Zions, so I was making my usual list of what we needed to shop for and I noticed that one I said was a girl, wasn't! It was for a boy. Heavenly Father made me notice that today so that little angel will get his proper toys. Also made sure nobody took it off the tree. It just made me so happy. Also dad got a text with the picture of you and your tree, I emailed it to myself. When I went to check it out there was a notice from usu about a class you were on a wait list for and you had to accept it tonight by 12:08 am. I will fill you in on the story of the wait list when we talk, but I just can't believe I saw the email. It is 10:30 at night and I just wanted to get your picture on my computer! I just love my Heavenly Father so much. He really looks out for me. Well for now, I am off to bed. Have an early day tomorrow to finish up Christmas for 60 children. Love you tons, Mommy

Paper Christmas tree. 12-18-14

This was sent from a member who said they just dropped Emily of and they wanted us to know how sweet she is and what a good missionary she is!

Christmas devotional from Emily! December 16, 2014

ALOHA! I love you all! This week to go christmas.mormon.org and watch "He is the Gift" and then find a way you can share it this Christmas! It is the True gift of the season.

Mosiah 14:4-5
4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

We can be healed and strengthened, through Jesus Christ. Our lives have been tremendously affected by this gift. Your friends and neighbors, and even those around you who you do not know do not know this gift fully. How would you feel if you were them, and no one shared it with you?

#ShareGoodness

With Love,
      Sister Smith

Warning to family December 16, 2014

Just a warning, We just discovered a lot of things to do here, so I will not have a ton of time to write on most of my p-days left, we have today where we have lots of things to do, then Christmas I'll talk to you then, then New Years which will be a district p-day and like 2 days before I leave so I'll probably pack then. So I know I have been getting tons of letters and I love it!!!!!!!!!! but just incase people freak out that I am not writing back, you can let them know why.
With Love,
      Sister Smith

Christmas tree

Our little Christmas tree. Made it another year!

Christmas business December 16, 2014

Okay, thank you for the notice that I can open my package. I will probably still send more home,but I still have to study, and wear clothes for 2 1/2 more weeks but I could get rid of that stuff already. Honestly all of my clothes look like trash, so overused and I am so sick of them. So I will probably leave a lot here, and I think most of my stuff will fit in my suitcases, I did buy a carry on bag, so I do have more room than I came out with. I am not exactly sure what I am doing yet:) I got the skirt from another Sister. We all get sick of our clothes, so we switch a lot:) But it is a tich too short for missionary standards, so I just sent it home for later:)

We had our Christmas conference yesterday so we had some training, then we got to watch a movie that was not made by the church! it is called "It's a Wonderful Life" I LOVED it! have you seen it before?
Susie told me the date and place too, I'll be there!

I did get the cheeseball package! I got it on a Sunday, how bizarre right? I guess they deliver mail on Sunday here. I am glad that you sent Sister Nelson something. She really needs a digital watch but does not have money to buy one, Sorry this is last minute and it definitely does not need to be for Christmas, but if you find one that is good will you send it to her? If you are too busy that is fine, I can do it when I get home. :) I kept forgetting to tell you she needed one.

We need to go to Nauvoo ASAP! and the sacred grove, another trip to NY!!!

I guess Gretchen has been in contact with a member of the ward though, so hopefully she is not too far gone.

This Christmas season has been especially stressful, I made it a goal to have all my Christmas shopping done before December starts next year, so I can fully enjoy Christmas and all the fun traditions we have and NOT have to be stressed about everything. It is not right to be stressed all December. That is exactly what Satan wants. I want to develop a lot more traditions the bring Christ in (some I have gained from members here) I do want you to leave all the Christmas stuff up for when I get home:)
I have missed Morgan so much, I don't know why especially him, Cass, and Cooper. maybe because they are the ones that I know will have the most change since I have been gone. I love my little brother a lot and I can't wait to hug him again, and for him to go on his mission!
Can I wear a dress for Family Pictures? I don't know what clothes I have there but I do not want to wear the pants I have here. Does it need to be like Christmas red or like burgundy red? does it matter? I love family pictures!
Grandma and Grandpa are so silly, they just up and drive to Idaho, I guess that is how our family rolls, we never plan anything in advance! I love it!

FOR SKYPE: For right now I am planning on skyping you around 1:30-2 my time. Which would be 2:30 or 3 your time. We kind of have to be flexible because you are only an hour time difference and Sister Taito has a 5 hour time difference. But we can confirm it next week when we e-mail.

With Love,
      Sister Smith

Sister Taito-my companion

Namaste! December 8, 2014 Christmas plans

haha! Namaste! Did you know that Elder Shrestha (the one you sent jerkey to) that Namaste is part of his native language? That is one of my favorite ways I have learned to say Hello on my mission!

Wait, Dad is going home early enough to be able to pick up Cassidy and take her home? Usually when we get packages they have boxes that they leave it in at our apartment, that they give you a key for inside your mail box, just like at the post office. But Yesterday, on Sunday, we found a package for me outside our door. They don't deliver mail on Sunday, so we have no idea how it got there. . . But I loved all the sunshine:) Thanks! I am so excited for the tree, you can not imagine, I have been so excited for it all week!

We do have good investigators, we have a mom and a daughter (the mom's name is Christine haha!) they are loving the gospel and preparing for Baptism. We have a man from Kenya, named John. He will soon be being taught by the Elders because his girlfriend just went back to Kenya so we can not teach him anymore. Then we have a few other people we are working with:)

The ward is great! We had 3 member presents this week! That is much better than the 0 we have had in the past! Sister Taito, loves to sing, she danced at the PCC (Polynesian cultural center), she does not like the beach (except for to surf on), She loves snacking mostly on goldfish, She taught me and one of our investigators how to hula and we did it at the ward party on Saturday (it was awesome!)

Sister Nelson's first name is BrendaLee

I would love ingredients for cheeseballs:) Also, PLEASE PLEASE send me a copy of the forgotten carols!, President Forbes changed the music rules a little so I can listen to those now! Thank you for the extra money, I definitely need to be finding Christmas presents.

Is State Drill overlap a competition of Wrestling? Does Morgan like wrestling? I hope he is happy, and I will pray for him. At least he is still eating, not like Bryson did. all my wrestling friends would live off of celery, and peppers, or a string cheese. yuck. How much weight has Morgan lost so far? I have never heard of the cabbage soup diet. Why no bananas? That is cool that he is doing something and trying hard at it! I'm so proud of my little brother. I bet dad will like the diet though, he's always been into healthy stuff.
I would starve if I could not eat bread, pasta, or white rice. . . that is basically all we eat, because it is all that is fast and easy.

Today it is freezing. the temp is not bad, but the wind is awful. . . I sure hope it gets better! Well, I will send you some snow from here, I hope it snows there before long, I want to come home to snow!


I love you, thank you for all you do. Guess what? we already have a place to be on Christmas Eve and tentative plans for Christmas Day!!! Well in advance! The ward loves us after we hula'd at the party! Yeh Eh Nah!

With Love,
      Sister Smith

On Mon, Dec 8, 2014 mom wrote:

Namaste is spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest. This gesture is called Añjali Mudrā or Pranamasana. In Hinduism it means "I bow to the divine in you." So picture me doing this and bowing to the divine in you!!!

Good morning or most likely afternoon. Well it's December 8. Can you believe it? We finally got our tree this weekend. Now today I have to get to work on the inside and outside of the house. It's crazy nobody is ever home to help out. Hopefully I can get Morgan to help me after school. We are taking Lindsey and Ty their tree today so they can put it up. Morgan just couldn't stand the thought of them hauling it home on top of the Denali. So we will go after we drop Cassidy off in Roosevelt at tumbling. Dad will pick her up when she is done and they will head home. Maybe do some more decorating on our tree. We only got the lights on. Cassidy had to go to bed and we didn't want to finish it without her. You should be getting your tree today, if you don't have it already. Do they leave packages at your home or do you get a notice and then pick it up at the post office? just wondering how that works. Funny thing about the tree. I got it all packaged up and ready to ship out and I looked at the label again, and didn't write your apartment number on it. I am so thankful for tender mercies from Heavenly Father. Why would i look at the label and notice the missing information. I know why and I am so thankful when the little things (but really big things)happen. You probably wouldn't have gotten the tree. Did you get a package from me this week? I forgot to check the tracking on it.
How are things going with the missionary work? Any good investigators? Is the ward warming up to you yet? I haven't heard anything about your new companion except that she is from Hawaii. What else? Also I really want to send sister Nelson a gift. Can you tell me her first name so I can get it out soon. I just will have to send it to the mission office and we know how long those kinds of things take. I want her to have it before Christmas! Last week you said you had some ideas on what you wanted for Christmas. Want to tell me some? I will definitely take you shopping when you get home, but still need to send something to you to open Christmas morning. My cheeseball factory opened up this weekend. I made a quadruple batch of cheeseballs for friends and family. Do you want me to send you ingredients to make some of your own? I have rolka cheese and the seasonings. You will have to buy cream cheese and sharp cheddar is all. Let me know today if you want it and i will get it out.  I put some money in for extra shopping you might be doing.

Work at the family history center is going well. Lana Jordan is just loving taking the class on Sunday's. She is having so much fun. I found 14 more people that I need to check sources on that say they need temple work done. I don't want to start on them yet because I have so many others I need to get finished up on a family I am working on. It's so sad that Lindsey is gone now and not coming to the fhc. I need help getting all this done. I will have to convince Jamie to get up there with me. Melanie comes, but she works on her own line and Trents.
The play is over and now drill and wrestling are in full swing. They have competitions on the same weekend all of December and some of January. Morgan is doing well but still overweight. He is at 308 and needs to be 285. So this week he wants to do the cabbage soup diet. Have you ever heard of it? Every day you eat cabbage soup and then on each day it tells you specific things you can eat as well. Today is any fruit, except bananas. So he eats all the soup he wants and all the fruit he wants. His breakfast this morning was a kiwi, orange, and an apple. Pray for him (and me). It is going to be hard. I know anytime you change your eating it makes you ornery because you are hungry! I will need strength to endure the week. Dad is going to try it too. We are all getting healthy. You might not recognize us when you come home. lol. Morgan is really trying so hard to make good choices. He isn't suppose to eat bread, pasta, white rice etc. So we had a pasta bar for lunch yesterday. That is so hard, but he had no pasta. Just ate salad and all the toppings like chicken and meatballs. We might have to stay home when they want to eat pasta from now on and let them eat at home. We usually have sunday dinners at my house because we all fit down in the piano room. I can't expect them to change what they want to eat, but I can make it easier on Morgan.
Well I have a letter going out today so I am out of things to tell you. Have a great day and hope you are staying warm. Looks like you are in for decent weather temperatures this week. 30's until Saturday suppose to be in the 50's. Let me tell you how weird it was cutting down a tree with only a skiff of snow on the ground in the mountains. I wore tennis shoes to go traipsing around the mountain with dad. Boots would have been better because the river bottoms were a little slushy, but it worked. I love you and wish you a very happy holiday season! Love, mom

Week of Gratitude December 1, 2014

haha!! so actually, it is so funny December 1st, I'm here in Minneapolis, it is 4 degrees outside, and I have not put a coat on all day. . . LOL! I'm CRAZY, but it really is not that bad, except on my hands. That is really weird that the sub for santa applications are not in yet. usually there are tons of people asking for help. I did not get mail every day, but I did get some Friday and Saturday. So maybe I will get it all this upcoming week! I did not get the Christmas CD's yet. . .
My gratitude List:
Monday: The Simple things in life, having lunch with a member, the Sisters in the ward who just take us in and help us feel welcome (Lynn, Sister Upchurch, and Sister Alexander), my ability to teach the gospel. Sister Nelson. That I got to serve Karen Speaking even if it not was for as long as I wanted it to be.
Tuesday: LDS family services and the ability they have to help people feel happy again. I went there for my last appointment, and she talked about communication skills, I am grateful I have learned how important it is to speak positive words, my positive companions that rubbed off on me.\
Wednesday: STEP (a food shelf we volunteer at weekly), when people tell me good job for things that I do that are hard, Christine and Diana (our investigators), My Testimony
Thursday: We had a place to go!!, My family, Pumpkin Pie, I love the people that we visit I have gained so many friendships here! It will be sad to leave Minnesota, to be the person that I am.
Friday: We got to feed a member's dog she was really cute! Sister Taito will help me and back me up when I feel like I need it!
Saturday: Service, I love to do service!, I am grateful for my car (at home) and that it is not a ford, when others express true feelings, not just what they think I want to hear.
Sunday: Happiness, Laughter, People that care, Getting to meet new people. Bishop Richins.

haha! President always refers me to Sister Forbes too:) haha she's the sweetest though! You do not need to be worried though. . . Are you planning on sending Christmas presents for me here? I was thinking it might be nice to have a stocking, or maybe a present or two. I am fine to just have Christmas when I get home so I don't have to haul more stuff home, ya know? Let me know if you need ideas, I have a few ideas of things that I would like but that you could just take me shopping for after my mission and count that as Christmas:) Let me know what you are thinking!

I have no idea what Sister Taito would like, she is just a funny sister, but I will keep thinking about it.

With Love,
      Sister Smith


On Sun, Nov 30, 2014, Christy wrote:
Can you believe it's December already? Not me. I am so not ready for Christmas to be here. I put Sub for Santa applications out weeks ago and when I checked at the Bank last week there still were none turned in. Weird huh. Makes me very nervous. How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was good. I wrote you a letter that is going out today. We all kind of took a day so you would get something every day. Did it work? My day is today. It is very long and tells all about our little get away for dad's birthday. So I will spare you having to listen to it twice and let you look forward to a long letter from me Wednesday!!! Did you get the Christmas cds? They always make me happy.
Well I took notes everyday of things I am grateful for, so I will share them now.
Monday: Eternal families. I want to be with my kids and grandkids (all my family really) forever! Also very grateful today for missionary pdays and emails. I have really been at peace since your email last week. How are you doing? Should I still be worried? I hope all the things causing you to over stress are all worked out now. School, a place to live, when to come home, new companion, etc. I can't wait to hear all about her. I need to send some christmas stuff for her, so if you would give me a little insight that would be great. I just want to fill a christmas stocking for her too!
Tuesday: Family support. I just love our family. They all came to watch the kids in the play and that means a lot to me. Also went to Vernal to help Lindsey unpack a few things. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. I just love the sun.
Wednesday: Sleep. After being up late every night because of the play, I am grateful for sleep. Also grateful to have a home to have Thanksgiving dinner in.
Thursday: Food and family. I will have to send you a short story about the pilgrims and the five kernels of corn they ate for a meal. I shared this story before our feast. I will include this in my letter. We are very blessed to have food on the table. I feel bad for those that didn't have much and hope I can help people at Christmas have food in their cupboards.
Friday: Today because we began our trip to southern UT. I am grateful for nature and the beautiful red rock mountains in Southern Ut.
Saturday: Today I am grateful for laughter. Dad had been so relaxed on this trip. Didn't have a million phone calls and didn't stay up all night running credit cards. Just was happy to be with us.
Sunday: Today I am grateful for the opportunity to go to church and renew covenants made. I am grateful for the peace that Sunday brings. I am grateful for my testimony. (it was fast sunday in Moab because of stake conference next week)
The weather has been so weird. We have been in the 50's all week long. I looked online at Minneapolis, it looks cold! Are you staying warm? Looks like today in Minnesota will be the coldest all week. I can send hand warmers or foot warmers. I kept telling Morgan we need to put up our Christmas decorations. But we will prob wait until it's in the negatives to do that. Seems like that's how it happens. I am putting books together for grandma and grandpa if you have a letter or two you want to add. If it will be easier, I will probably just put them in a binder in page protectors, because there are so many I still don't have and then they can still be added easy enough later.
I pretty much said anything I could say in my letter. So I will go for now. I love you and hope you know how wonderful you are. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father is taking care of you and answering your prayers and mine. I am glad He is there for you 24/7 when I can't be. I am grateful for Sister Forbes too. She is really nice and told me I could call her anytime. I won't, but it's nice to know. Seems like whenever I contact President Forbes, he says oh here my wife knows more than I do talk to her. too funny. Have a great week and remember who you are! xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
love, Momsy

Thanksgiving pictures 2014

                                                Thanksgiving with the Hawes family.

This was our early Thanksgiving group that got together and had a friendsgiving. So some of the sisters could have Thanksgiving with their families. I LOVE these Sisters!
With Love,
      Sister Smith

Nov. 24, 2014. Spending the rest of my mission in St. Louis Park

Yes news of transfers! I am staying, and Sister Nelson is going to speak Hmong! I will have a new Companion, Sister Taito. I already know her and love her!

I have studied this talk so much lately! It is so good.

I completely forgive you that you did not write a letter. I was glad to get the planner, and the pictures of Cassidy! My companion really struggled this week with not getting any mail, so it was okay that I didn't get lots because that would have made her feel worse.

I do not know what triggered the depression. I think a lot to do with figuring out going home, this companionship was really hard for me, so is being in this ward and feeling no support, then being near the end of my mission (President Uchtdorf talks about how we resist endings. . . that's me!), no invitation for Thanksgiving(specially when both of the Elders had a place to go), Throw Satan in the midst and you have depression. My past two companions have had Depression, and I think just being around a depressed person 24/7 for 4 1/2 months just got to me.You often become like your companions.
Who in our family has had depression? The Therapist asked me if any family members have had it, and I told her no. . . I really do feel much more calm. There has been a huge change in both my companion and I this week, and of course there are still down days, but I do feel better, we will see how this new companionship goes. . . She is a really happy person so I am sure all will be well:)
I think the best way for you to help is to just write (if you are busy it is okay, I am fine without a letter but it is nice to hear from you). I truly feel like I am on my way back up, coming out of the depression.
haha! sorry, but the last place I want to live is in the LLC with a ton of Freshmen. . . But she can come visit me often:) How far away is my apartment from campus?
I will remind myself daily of the love everyone has for me:) I was hard to share with you, that's why I waited for such a long time before I told you.
You don't need to contact the therapist I only get one more session with her, and that will be tomorrow. I do not need medicine. There are 2 kinds of depression, and only the hereditary kind needs medicine, usually. I don't have the hereditary kind:) I don't need any oils, I still have a lot that are supposed to relieve stress, and I use those. I have been praying for happiness for the rest of my mission, and I found some of it this week.
I do keep a gratitude journal, I write down things on my family calendar, so I can see my family, and all my blessings every time I look at the calendar:) I will share with you next week.

I gotta get going, Just so you know:
- I will not write letters until Thursday this week so you will get letters, it will just be later.
- We did finally get an invitation for Thanksgiving, we will not be alone!
- Will you make an appointment for me with the Dentist and the orthodontist shortly after I get home, my mouth feels so gross! and I wanted to make sure that my teeth are okay. I was supossed to go to the ortho before I left but never did, so do you think I need to go? should I still be wearing my retainers? IDK! I LOVE YOU!

With Love,
      Sister Smith

On Sun, Nov 23, 2014  Christy wrote:

Any news of transfers yet?

" It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach? Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.""
—Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances"

 I had a great talk today with Sister Forbes. I just called her to see how you were and thank her for getting you some help. She recommend I study this talk, and can you believe I checked my email today and this was one of the daily messages that I received. Tender mercies of a very loving Heavenly Father. I was shocked to say the least when I opened up your letter on Saturday. I have been very disturbed and am going to beg forgiveness that I didn't write you this week. I went Friday to get the mail and thought "Oh ya, Emily said she was going to be busy this week" I felt kind of bummed about the whole situation. Then I realized that you were going to feel the same way and it was too late. And now I feel even worse. I got sick this week and all I wanted to do for days was sleep. I finally got tired of it and went to see Darwin who gave me a shot and some pills. I just haven't been able to break up all the congestion in my head. The play is going full force and that was crazy too. Feeding the cast and working in the concession at intermission. I know they are all excuses and not very good ones. I am begging forgiveness. I should have sent something. But I did help Jenn get the planner out. Does that count?

Well of course I have some questions. Do you know what triggered your depression? Was it a snowball effect of moving to an apartment from the Parkinson home? I know the missing mail from me didn't help and it makes me so sad. I am not going to make a big deal out of it, but I certainly am not going to brush it off either. I know depression is real. I have witnessed it in friends and family. What can I do to help? Besides Pray? I looked back on the timing of when and why I even sent you that video. So weird. I know you went thru a lot of stress worrying about coming home and going to school, but hopefully that is not bothering you anymore. Allyson came home this weekend for the play. I told her when you were coming home and she screamed!!! She wants you to come live with her. I told her I found you an apartment already. And at church today, she again told me how extremely excited she is for you to come to Logan.
There are lots of resources and helps for people and families of people dealing with depression. Sister Forbes told me that you are in a special place and have extra protection dealing with this situation. Of course Satan does not want you to be happy and successful, but you have a Father in Heaven who has promised you blessings upon your obedience as you serve Him. The very most important thing for you to remember and say daily is "God, mom and dad, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and nephews love you so much" Say it daily!!! I mean it. You are not alone and we can pull you through it. I hope you don't care that I shared your letter with the family. I want them to give you extra prayers. I am also going to put your name on the prayer roll at the temple--again!! Thank you so much for sharing your feelings with me. It was probably really hard. Do you want me to be involved and contact the therapist? Is it bad enough that you need medicine to help you get thru this? I just don't know and I know it is hard to get my feelings thru an email, but I promise I am not freaking out. Just want to help and don't know how. I am sure Do Terra has some oils that can help with anxiety. Do you want me to check into that? I know you want to find happiness for the rest of your mission. You have done so many good things. And whether you see it or not, have affected so many people by your example. Think about all your new friends you will have for life. Old mission companions, investigators, Relief Society presidents, the Parkinson's, etc, etc. etc. This week give your Father the gift of gratitude and count your blessings. Do you keep a gratitude journal? Do you jot down or note in your planner tender mercies and miracles witnessed? Let's do it together and share it next week.

Quoting President Ezra Taft Benson,  Sister Curtis said that prayer is the key to keeping depression from destroying individuals.

“Sisters, I testify that the Lord will send answers to prayers with the ability to penetrate the darkest, darkest feelings of depression,” Sister Curtis said. “In fact, when we ask for His Spirit, it has the ability to heal us. The Lord wants to help us mend. We need to ask—and ask often—as often as it takes.”

“I testify that Jesus Christ loves you, and He has the power to comfort, strengthen, and bless those who suffer with depression because He is the master mender.” —Amy C. Curtis, LDS Family Services.

Enough of that for now. On to brighter things.

Class schedule: Careers and Life planning, Cindy Stokes. Parenting and child guidance, Kay Bradford. Families and Cultural Diversity, Grant Bartholomew. Family Finance, Alena Johnson and just for fun-Aerobic Kickboxing!!!
Well Lindsey and Ty signed closing papers on the house. They will start moving in tomorrow. They are going to Brigham City for Thanksgiving and hope to have things kind of set up before they go. I think it sounds chaotic! Cooper has been sick all week too. It started out with a cold then turned worse. Now it is his tummy. He hasn't felt good for four days now. It is so sad. He tries hard to play, then stops and lays down with his blankie. He tries to eat, but just doesn't eat much.
Grandma and grandpa got called to replace Lindsey and Ty teaching primary. Too funny. But the bishopric gave them beautiful blessings today. I thought, dang I want one of those, just not a new calling. I want to stay put in the family history center.
For dad's birthday, we are running away after thanksgiving. We decided to go to the Grand Canyon. Weather is suppose to be in the 60's. Man I will take that. Just don't know what we might have to go thru to get there. It is in the southern part of Utah. No wrestling and no drill. I can't wait.
Well I better sign off for now. It's getting late. Remember who you are and remember we are here for you! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox Love, Momsy

Winter Strikes in Minnesota 11-17-14

Winter Strikes again here in the frozen land of Minnesota! since last Monday it has not stopped being freezing. But we are doing well, and I'm doing my best to stay warm! Yesterday, we got to go to a fireside with our investigators and they loved it, they were really touched by the friendliness of the people there and also the Spirit that they felt. They are Marathon runners from Kenya and they have been to a lot of places, and everywhere they go they find missionaries from our church! The Lord is leading us to them over and over again! so cool!
With Love,
      Sister Smith


Response from my letter which is posted below:

We had Stake conference too! Seriously it was so inspirational! My Stake President is such an amazing man and I feel peace come over me whenever I get to hear him speak. He is such a great leader! It was all about the Share Goodness talk by Elder Bednar. I did not even know Angel Peatross went on a mission! Missions are pretty good things. Good thing you have Morgan in a few years to make you a missionary mom again!
I've also been thinking a lot about companions I have had, and what I have learned from each of them. They are all so great, and I can not wait to see them again (most of them are already home).
A huge part of missionary work is talking to people you don't know. Strike up conversations to strangers. I know that sounds crazy, and still a challenge in Duchesne but you never know who is struggling, or who needs to be reminded of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have you filled out one of those, My family Booklets the church has produced? A member of the 70 came to our mission and talked about how we need to fill those out and then talk about it with people that we meet, when we are in line at the grocery store and everywhere!

I am so excited! this sounds so great!!!!! I seriously feel good about this! Lindsey did not send me the schedule, I would love to know what classes I am signed up for. I've been kind of worried about an apartment too, I am so excited that you found me a place to live! Honestly I am glad to not be at Brentwood anymore, the friends I had there were not the greatest, so I am glad to be totally removed from the situation:) Where in Logan are the Apple Tree Cove apartments? I am excited to have a private room, it has been a LONG time since I have not shared a room. Plus, I HATE coin operated laundry, i am so glad to not have that anymore, hopefully ever! Thank you so much for finding this, and getting it all figured out for me I am so grateful!

The Elders found my GPS in the library at the church building. Where we have looked tons of times!

Transfers are November 26th. But we will find out next monday who goes where. I will keep you posted.

Last week I had plans to get my hair dyed and tons of other stuff, this was the 1 p-day we had actually made plans and I was so devastated that we could not do any of it because we could not drive, and we couldn't even e-mail or shop unless we walked, and we could not get a hold of the members that live close so we could use their house to e-mail, then no one would give us a ride to the places we needed to go, but then at like 1:30 a member finally responded and gave us a ride to where we needed to go, and then getting a haircut and color took a SUPER long time, and then we went out to work! So it was just crazy!
Zone P-day today, so probably not anything super awesome should be expected in the mail but maybe i will find time:) Yeh Eh Nah Pah Do!

With Love,
      Sister Smith

On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 10:50 PM, Christy Smith <tasmith64@hotmail.com> wrote:
We had Stake conference this weekend. It was different for the Saturday evening meeting they held it like a report from a returned missionary. We had four newly returned missionaries there: Elder Farnsworth, Sister Angel Peatross and two from Tabiona a Sister Nelson and Elder Brown. The members of the high council were all seated on the stand and the missionaries would get up one at a time and do like a report to the Stake Presidency. After they shared some thoughts the High Council had an opportunity to ask questions about their mission. I just got so excited and cant believe that will be you soon. I can’t wait to hear all about your mission in your words from you. The Sister’s killed it. I just love being a missionary mom. I feel like I am part of a very elite group. It is so awesome to hear how happy they all all. How their testimonies grew and the miracles they were able to witness. They all bore testimony how they knew the Lord had sent them to the right place. So I started thinking about places you have been and companions you have had. I want to meet them. And I can’t wait to meet the people you have helped and served. The missionaries all talked about how important the ward Is and how much better it is to get a referral from a friend. I keep thinking who can I be teaching and inviting. Bobbi is really my only friend that isn’t active. I have prayed for missionary experiences before, but maybe I haven’t listened very well for an answer. Maybe my service is at the family history center and getting people involved in their journey to turn their hearts to their fathers. Right now I have Lana Jordan and the Johnson’s. (I think I told you that already) But it is so exciting to hear how much fun they are having. Every week Lana tells us something new she learned. No one in the class has been to the temple “yet”. Lana is one of those women who have been to church alone her whole life. Never having the support of her husband. That is so sad to me. So when I talk about doing names at the temple, I try to be very careful and not offend her or make her sad. I always tell her that she can arrange to have the work done. Maybe doing this work will inspire her to do it herself. Ginger and Troy Johnson really need the temple. From what I have been told, I think he is (or was) a drinker. He was really interested in doing family history when he came to class. He didn’t seem like he didn’t want to be there. So I guess we will see where this journey takes them. Hopefully to the temple! I love the work. I love finding and adding people to my family. It really gives me so much happiness.
So I know Lindsey got you registered for classes this week. We figured it’s easier to drop a class that you don’t want than it is to get into one. I don’t know if she sent you the schedule or if you want me to. I was so worried about finding an apartment for you. I tried for two days to call David Walker at Brentwood. I only got the answering machine. But one day I was looking up a number to call or email contact and I found a website that listed contracts that were for sale in Logan. I was so excited. Lindsey was here and she helped me make sure I found a good deal in a good place. I found you an apartment!!!! We are taking over a contract for a girl who is getting married. Apple Tree Cove apartments with a private room and private bathroom! Washer and dryer in the apartment. (I figured you were tired of coin op laundry!) The apartments are only two years old so they should still be in good shape. I hated having to get a room never seeing the place, but I figured Heavenly Father lead me to the website and place. Honestly just now I tried again to find the site, and I can’t. But I have signed a contract and you are set. I don’t really know if I will have time this week to write a letter. The play starts Thursday and you know what that does to all our time. It will be crazy. And I am trying to figure out what to do for dad’s big 50TH birthday on Friday! Lindsey has been sewing like crazy to get Morgan’ s and other people’s costumes ready. She is a lifesaver.
I am so happy the Elder’s found your GPS. Where did that ever end up? That is so crazy.
I want to send you the Christmas tree and stuff, but when are transfers again? I don’t want you to have to pack it up to transfer. I want to send Sister Nelson some stuff too. So keep me posted.
I had to laugh at the letter you sent home, because in the family letter you said you would have lots of time to write letters because it was snowing and you couldn’t drive cars. Then my letter was so short. “Love ya….things got super crazy.” It was funny.  Thanks for thinking of me and I am glad you are ok. I love you tons and tons and tons!!! Thanks for your example to all of us at home. Hope you feel our prayers in your behalf. Every day!!! Yeh Eh Nah Pa Doh!!! Mommy

Gaining the trust of the ward. November 10, 2014

That is so weird, mail is being so funky. I am fine when I was in Maple Grove I went to the doctor twice because once they told me I had allergies, and the other time they told me I had athlete's foot (which I totally contracted from our apartment that the Elders used to live in.) But I guess that I forgot to pay something somewhere, so I just did it. Okay, January 3rd. it is final. . . gah!
Alex is a popular guy. . . haha! It is so weird that the Fosters moved. I remember them talking about moving my senior year  but it was never real, but I guess that it actually was! Yeah, this morning we woke up to tons of snow, we are not allowed to drive our cars, and it is not supposed to stop for a few hours. I broke out the last of my winter gear today:( I will be okay without the fleece lined tights for a while, you can wait until the ones from Kohl's get here. It is funny, people at the post office know me too, sometimes I have to go in to get packages, and so they know my address and they stopped checking for ID because they know who I am :)  It is so crazy that Tyler is coming home now. I think I'll be the next to come home Is that right? When does MaCoy come home?
I did get Lexi's announcement. I Put it on my fridge:) She is so pretty, and I was so happy to see that it was in the Temple!!!I had no idea that Chelise went to Peru, that is so crazy. (I guess would I expect anything less from Chelise?)
I have a hard time believeing Morgan gets up at 4:30 am! does he like it so far?
Things with the ward are still rough. I think the first step is that I need to warm up to them, because once I love them, they will have an easier time loving me. . . but it takes time. We have tried everything in the book to gain their trust and it is a challenge. They still have no plans for us for Thanksgiving. . . Who lets missionaries be alone on Thanksgiving day???? No, we will talk to the Relief Socitey President about it and I am sure we will find something! It is hard to go to a ward where you do not feel welcomed or loved.
My scripture masteries I have 4 more of D&C and I have 1/2 the Book of Mormon ones memorized:) So they are coming along!


With Love,
      Sister Smith



On Sun, Nov 9, 2014 Christy  wrote:

I don't know what's up with the mail system lately. No mail from you last week. Hopefully Monday. I checked your bank balance it is 152.24. I did notice a payment to the North Clinic for 10.00. Are you ok? I did finally get things worked out with with the travel home information. I didn't hear from President Forbes, so friday I called him back. His wife answered his phone and she gave me the number to mission travel. I called them so I could get the exact price and book it if we could afford it. The cost was 200.00 to change then the difference in the ticket price which was 42.00. I was so happy it wasn't too much. So I got things changed and have the itinerary now. You travel home January 3! I don't know if you really want to know that or not, but nevertheless now you know.
Alex talked in church today. It was pretty crowded. Mr and Mrs Foster came. I never see them anymore. I guess they built a house down south. Gayle still works in Roosevelt so they are kind of back and forth between houses. Mr Foster told me Minnesota is in for a winter storm, so I looked online. I hope you have your winter gear out again! I bought one pair of tights for you and we ordered more. I don't know what size for sure. We just got large. Lindsey found some on Kohls website. How badly do you need them? Should I wait until the ones from Kohls get here or do you want me to get the pair I have now out? I don't care either way. They love me at the post office! haha. Tyler Harper comes home Wednesday! Clayton was visiting with me one day at the post office. He was shocked that I send out mail every week and email on Mondays too. Well that's a man for you, even if he is a dad. I still like to get mail and hold the letters in my hands and read them whenever I want. I like to see your handwriting too. lol.
Lexi got married Friday. Did you get the announcement? I went to the reception. She looked beautiful. I attached one of the many pictures they have posted to facebook.  Chelise came home from Peru to be here for the wedding. Did you know Chelise went to Peru? She went to teach english for three months. Xela Rowley went with her, but for some reason she came home earlier than Chelise. So she was there alone for a month! I would die to leave you alone in a foreign country. Minnesota is far enough and I know you are in good hands.
I am so glad Lindsey is here to help sew costumes for Morgan for the play. You know he is hard to fit in any of the stuff they have in the storage closet of play stuff. I went down one Saturday and helped sew a ruffle on a skirt. I was pretty proud of myself.
I don't know if Morgan told you or not, but he has decided to start wrestling. (Probably better keep that a secret. Don't tell him I told you!) Mr Lym at the school (he took Conley Moon's place with FFA and welding, shop class) talked Morgan into wrestling. So he gets up at 4:30 AM!!!! to be at practice at 5. Can you believe that? I can't. I am sooooo glad he has a license. I can't get up that early unless i started going to bed at 9 at night. The coaches are so happy to have him there.
How are things going with the ward? Are they warming up to you two yet? I know Braken has mentioned the need to get the ward members involved. I know how important that is to have a friend at church. Even grandma mentioned she wanted to go back to Idaho, because they are always so happy to see them and here nobody said anything about being happy to see them. I know people talked to them at trunk or treat, but that is how she felt. We just get set in our ways and do our things at church. Go to sacrament, then go to class etc. I try really hard to look around and see who I haven't talked to in a while. Especially in Relief Society I always go sit my someone who is sitting alone. I hate to sit alone. We just have to look out for each other right!
I now have 10 scripture masteries memorized (i think I still know them all haha) How are yours going?
Well I think I will sign off for now. It's bed time. I love you tons. Remember who you are. Keep warm!!!!! Love, MOM

Letter home November 10, 2014 Kenya Investigators

Habari Yako, (Swaheli)
We have some investigators that are from Kenya. IT is pretty neat to be around people from other counties all the time! A few days ago they fed us, it was called Ugali. It was white stuff we ate with spinach. It was so yummy! Also, we stopped by a potential investigator's home and it was neat to see how the Lord was guiding us to her. Soon she is having a pretty major surgery and she has no one to go to the hospital with her. So when we stopped by she just needed someone to listen to her. She is really scared for this surgery. This potential is pretty crazy, but it was good timing for us to be able to be there for her.
Wednesday the Elders found my GPS! It was so exciting to have it back. It was also good to be without it, so I really had to follow the spirit to get me where we needed to go. It build my confidence in myself and my map reading. But it is so nice to have it back for when we get lost.
Today we woke up to snow! Lots of it! we are actually not able to drive our cars today because of all the snow. IT is so crazy, so I don;t know how we can shop, or email or do anything else we planned on doing today. But hopefully I'll get a lot of letters written. With Love, Sister Smith

November 3, 2014 Coming home

------Before I read your e-mail------
My thoughts are that I know that there are a lot of Sisters going home Dec 17th and I think that I need to be here longer than that. Honestly I want to come home a week(ish) early so that I can adjust a tiny bit, go to the dentist, spend some time with you, gather my stuff, move to Logan, adjust to Logan and then go to school without being a nervous wreck because I don't know where anything is and everything is a mess. I think that if I come home before Christmas and be around you all for a long time then move out again, it will be hard for me and I will just make the process of adjusting be drawn out and longer than necessary. I'd rather just start school on the 7th, go to school for a week and a few days then come spend the 4 day weekend with you all, so it will be less of a me adjusting to being around family again, then by the time I get used to that I will be adjusting to being on my own again. and this time not even Lindsey or Megan are in Logan to keep me sane. I want to be in Logan on the 7th, and i also feel like the mission needs me for as long as I can stay.

---after I read the e-mail---
I did get my packages from the mission office, I finally went down there, I have not been to the mission office since MAY. . . that is so long! I could use some fleece lined TIGHTS, not leggings. also my companion wants to try the prepared pantry syrup.

Well, When I get home I will help you, I will be close to a temple, and I am sure I will be missing the Spirit so I'll go to the temple. . . Actually a member of the 70 came to the mission and he  told us to make sure our family had a name ready for us to go do sealings for when we get home, so save one for me:)

I do remember Bill, He was such a nice guy, how many siblings did Grandma have? I did write you too, maybe the mail system is just going on the fritz for us. . . Because I sent it!

He told me it would be $200 to change tickets. I will pay for it, I know you and dad have been forking out a lot of money for me in the past 20 years (but especially in the past 3). I feel right about it.

Movies sounds fun, that is really special that Cassidy wanted to still sit by you! Have you seen Meet the Mormons yet? President said I could call you today (monday) So I have to finish my e-mailing then I will call and confirm things.


With Love,
      Sister Smith

On Sun, Nov 2, 2014, Christy wrote:
So before I say much about your visit with President Forbes. I want to know your feelings. What did you learn and what thoughts are mulling around in your head? I want you to tell me before the end of my email where I tell you our thoughts.

I am really hoping you got your packages finally from the mission office. It is because I sent them in a padded envelope, not first class or parcel post that they couldn't forward them to you. So we had to wait for someone coming your way to bring them. Awful! I know I am so sorry. But think of all the packages you have gotten recently. (hopefully) I have another one going out soon, so if there is anything you need, please speak now or forever hold your peace.
The conference talk we listened to today was "The Book" one of my very favorite talks. I love how he compares life to a passport and things have to be done in a certain way and in order to get to your destination. Just like baptism and confirmation are stamps in the passport of life to get us back to Heavenly Father. I love that he says family history work should be done by families. I need some help to get all this done. I am seriously thinking I might have to share with the temple system. I don't want our ancestors to have to wait any longer. I do have my favorites, that I have had to hunt for that I feel so close to that I am keeping and some I am handing out to relatives, but I feel bad making them wait and I am sure they don't really care who does the work for them.
I don't know if you remember my mom's brother Bill. They live in Alpine in the big house with the pool table downstairs. We use to have Christmas parties there. Anyway, he died last week. In his sleep, figured maybe had a heart attack. The funeral is this week. Makes me sad for my mom. Now she only has one brother left of family that she knows.
I didn't get any mail this week, so I am really hoping you aren't trying to get back at me for not writing, which I did. Jk. I am sure you are busy.
When I got home from the fhc on wednesday night, I had a message from President Forbes to call. He was funny. "It is not an emergency and I just want to talk about travel arrangements" is how he started out the message. I am glad. I might have freaked out a bit if I didn't know you had a visit with him this week. From what I understand, we would have to buy you a ticket because yours is already purchased. I think it would be the price of a full ticket. I can check if I need to. I am suppose to call President Forbes back when we decide what we are going to do. So dad is thinking you should just come home on the 7th and live and work around here until summer or fall. It seems to be a hassle and I think it messes up companionships if you leave early.That is what Rick said anyway. I know travel during the holidays is hard and expensive. I know Lindsey wrote you an email tonight about things you can busy yourself with. I can definitely put you to work in the Family History Center!!!
I am trying not to be selfish and am praying to know what is best for you. Only you can decide. So what are you thinking? I know it is so hard trying to decide on things like this thru email and not being able to really talk about it. We will support whatever you decide. Just decide then pray to know if it is right. Then let me know what to do.
Dad and Morgan went to Las Vegas this weekend to the races. There was a tool auction then they got race tickets for going to that. They took Ty with them too. I think it was a long weekend for Lindsey. Today was a nightmare with the time change business. Cooper was so tired, but wouldn't take a nap at my house. Kid will only nap in his dark room at home. Then it was too late to take a nap because it was too close to bed time. Then Lindsey was playing rough with him and ended up giving him a bloody nose! Crazy huh. I think her head met up with his mouth and nose. So she finally took him home to bed. Then Easton started. He has been an angel all day. I don't know what was up with him tonight. Crying and nothing would console him. He is usually good to take a binky from me. But not tonight. I hope they all go home and get some sleep.
I did take the girls to the movies yesterday in Roosevelt. Jamie tended Porter and Mel tended Cooper so they could go enjoy a good chick flick. Cassidy came too. It was fun. They actually had a 4:00 show in Roosevelt. Some of the drill girls showed up with their moms too. I was happy Cassidy wanted to sit with me. It was fun.
Well I guess I am off to bed. Hope you have a great week. Remember who you are! I love you tons, Momsy

Email to mission office about packages sent there. October 28, 2014

Hello. This is Emily Elizabeth Smith's mom. I sent a package to the mission office when I was waiting to find out if she was going to be transferred last week. It said it was delivered on Oct. 17. Did you happen to get it? I don't know how long it takes to get it to her from the mission office. I am just making sure it will get to her. She said she hasn't heard from me in a couple of weeks. Thanks, Christy Smith



Their reply:

Dear Sister Smith,

This is to let you know that your daughter Sister Emily Elizabeth Smith got her package from you yesterday.  It did arrive here on the 17th.  Sorry for the long delay.  When a package is sent priority or first class they can be forwarded on but any packages sent parcel post (standard) or Fedex cannot be forwarded and are kept here in the office.  Packages sent by UPS can sometimes be forwarded – it depends on who delivers the package.
Packages here in the office are usually taken by Zone Leaders (when they have a meeting here) or taken to their Zone by President Forbes when he goes there for interviews, etc.
I hope this helps.  Thanks for bringing this to my attention.  If you have any questions let me know. Have a great day.

 Sister Thompson
Minnesota Minneapolis Mission

Cassidy on drill. October 27, 2014

okay, this freaked me out. Clearly I need to see pictures of Cassidy more often because the only thing I recognized about her was her face! She is so grown up now! WEIRD!!!

October 27 email. No mail for Emily!

His was my favorite talk at conference! I have listened to it at every chance I get near a computer! haha!

I have not gotten any mail from you for 2 1/2 weeks. . . So i don't know what is up. All I have gotten for the past 2 weeks was a letter from Morgan (which I was very grateful for but I don't know why the mission office does not forward on mail from you or something strange). So, still no CD's. I have been so used to hearing from you every week and with the transfers happening and so much confusion there, and then Easton being born at the same time, It just kind of put me down, and made me feel like As soon as Lindsey had her baby you stopped writing and you are the person that cares about me! and I know that is not the case, it was just weird timing and made it really hard for me to go from getting mail every week, to nothing for 2-3 weeks. Plus there are a lot of stresses on me from the ward here. It has definitely been a really challenging few weeks, but just like ELDER JÖRG KLEBINGAT said, sometimes challenges come because this is life! I know just like he said that this is a trial I am facing right now, and I need to have confidence in myself, knowing that people love me.

With Love,

Sister Smith


On Sat, Oct 25, 2014 Christy wrote:

Our conference message today was given by BY ELDER JÖRG KLEBINGAT. Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence. I want to to listen, read, study and memorize (well maybe not memorize) I really felt like it had so much good counsel for you. Did you get the cd's yet? He spoke Saturday afternoon.




Here are some of my favorite parts of his talk:

"On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your spiritual confidence before God? Do you have a personal witness that your current offering as a Latter-day Saint is sufficient to inherit eternal life? Can you say within yourself that Heavenly Father is pleased with you? What thoughts come to mind if you had a personal interview with your Savior one minute from now? Would sins, regrets, and shortcomings dominate your self-image, or would you simply experience joyful anticipation? Would you meet or avoid His gaze? Would you linger by the door or confidently walk up to Him?

Whenever the adversary cannot persuade imperfect yet striving Saints such as you to abandon your belief in a personal and loving God, he employs a vicious campaign to put as much distance as possible between you and God. The adversary knows that faith in Christ—the kind of faith that produces a steady stream of tender mercies and even mighty miracles—goes hand in hand with a personal confidence that you are striving to choose the right. For that reason he will seek access to your heart to tell you lies—lies that Heavenly Father is disappointed in you, that the Atonement is beyond your reach, that there is no point in even trying, that everyone else is better than you, that you are unworthy, and a thousand variations of that same evil theme.

As long as you allow these voices to chisel away at your soul, you can’t approach the throne of God with real confidence. Whatever you do, whatever you pray for, whatever hopes for a miracle you may have, there will always be just enough self-doubt chipping away at your faith—not only your faith in God but also your confidence in yourself. Living the gospel in this manner is no fun, nor is it very healthy. Above all, it is completely unnecessary! The decision to change is yours—and yours alone."

6. Accept trials, setbacks, and “surprises” as part of your mortal experience. Remember that you are here to be proved and tested, “to see if [you] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [your] God shall command [you]” (Abraham 3:25)—and may I just add, “under all circumstances.” Millions of your brothers and sisters have been or are being thus tested, so why would you be exempt? Some trials come through your own disobedience or negligence. Other trials come because of the negligence of others or simply because this is a fallen world. When these trials come, the adversary’s minions begin broadcasting that you did something wrong, that this is a punishment, a sign that Heavenly Father does not love you. Ignore that! Instead, try to force a smile, gaze heavenward, and say, “I understand, Lord. I know what this is. A time to prove myself, isn’t it?” Then partner with Him to endure well to the end. Spiritual confidence increases when you accept that “often trials and tribulations are allowed to come into [your life] because of what [you] are doing right”

Acknowledge and face your weaknesses, but don’t be immobilized by them, because some of them will be your companions until you depart this earth life. No matter what your current status, the very moment you voluntarily choose honest, joyful, daily repentance by striving to simply do and be your very best, the Savior’s Atonement envelops and follows you, as it were, wherever you go.

I hope you are feeling better and forget about the last couple of crazy weeks. I love you so much. Mommy

October 20, 2014 letter home. I hate Fords!

I can honestly say that I have my own experience and I have come to know for myself that Fords are the worst vehicle EVER!!!! On my mission I have driven a Chevy Malibu, Chevy Cruz, Toyota Corolla, and a Ford Fusion. I have never had so much trouble with a car as I have now. We were without our car for a week and a half for it to get body work done. Then it has been to the dealership 5 times in the past three months, just to get the molding that fell off put back on! AND IT'S STILL NOT FIXED! UGH. I am so bugged about it. I never want to deal with a Ford dealership ever again after this experience. Also, I don't like how the car drives but worst of all...They use Snap-on Tools in the garage.  :( Yuck!! I did however see one Macsimizer in the garage, so one mechanic might be a good one. :)

Anyway, this week was pretty great. An investigator we have, "Ted" was a Mormon.org referral we got to teach him a great lesson of the Restoration. Then when we got home that night I realize that I had left my scriptures at his house. So we planned a time to go by and get them. When we went over his wife was home and she wanted us to meet her! So we did, and we taught a lesson. It was so cool! When we talked about being sealed (not something we normally talk about so early but she asked)  she looked at her husband and said "well we might have to do another one, then they talked about where they would hand the picture in their living room. :) It was so great. Then they both came to church and the ward was so welcome to them. Since we fasted for the trust of the ward, we've seen a lot of changes. Fasting is real. It works!

With love, Sister Smith

No transfers! Yeah. October 20, 2014

I did not get transferred! Neither Did Sister Nelson! Only the Elders in our ward left, two that had been here for over 5 months left the ward and their greenies took over the area. That is awesome way to read a talk every day and discuss it with your family! When do you read them? How do you pin kids down long enough to pull that off? I did not get conference CD's yet.

AHHH! I can't believe Alex is home! Is what is he doing for the time being, is he headed off to BYU? I love Mona, she is such a great lady!

I don't know Ginger but I do know Todd, that's cool that she is coming to church!

Well, this is kind of random, my companion hardly ever gets mail, and it is really hard to not get mail. . . Let me tell you a little about her. Her and her whole family have been in foster care. Her step father was abusive and so she was taken from her birth mom and put in foster care when she was 6 years old. She did get to live it the same houses as her siblings, but it still must be awful to be taken from your mom! Early on she got put in a LDS home and was with them for 9 years, where she got baptized. But later homes were not supportive of church, and they did not want to help her live the gospel. All 3 of her siblings were baptized, and she is the only one who is active. So as you can imagine, she has many people helping her to be able to afford a mission, but not much support otherwise. If you could write her letters everyonce in a while that would be great:)

Did you get my notice that I need a new SD card so I can keep taking pictures?

I love you so much mom, you are great!

With Love,
      Sister Smith





October 19, 2014 Christy wrote:

Did you get transferred? What's new? I saw a thing on facebook about a challenge to read a conference talk everyday as a family then talk about it. So last Monday we started. There is a specific list with an order of the talks. Not just watch them in a row. I love it so far. It has been really good to share our thoughts and testimonies of different subjects. Did you get your conference CD's yet? I hope it is something you can listen to and enjoy. The messages were all so good. Lots of testimony of revelation and our prophet and how he was called of God. One talk we all really enjoyed was Linda K. Burton, Prepared in a manner that never had been known. I love how she explained with the ten virgins how it is impossible to share our oil. I always felt bad that the five wise wouldn't share their oil. We have been taught to share and serve others. They way we build up our lamps is by going to church, reading our scriptures, saying our prayers. etc. That is why we cannot give away our oil. Dad and I got the exact same thing out of that talk. It was funny.
Well Elder Farnsworth made it home last Friday. He looks exactly the same. His mom has a huge smile on her face and I don't think her feet are touching the ground yet. lol.
I am starting a new class for family history. I am excited. Lana Jordan and Ginger Johnson and hopefully her husband are going to come in. Do you know Ginger? Morgan's friend Todd who seems to find a way to get in trouble? Do you know anything about Todd? Well anyway, it is his mom. She is super nice and works at the county building where you register vehicles. They used to come as a family for a while, but only Ginger comes now. I had a feeling to ask her if she wanted to take the class. She was super excited and was going to call me about it. I feel Heavenly Father guided me to ask her. She works in the young women's now. The girls really like her. Well it is getting late and I better get off to bed. I love you and hope you are doing well. Have a great week. Love you tons, xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox((((hugs)))) Mommy

October 13, 2014. Letter home Crazy week.

So this week we went to a nursing home. While we were waiting for an elevator an old man in a wheel chair, probably a little crazy, told us his wheels were made of Gold. We were confused so he said it again. Then he grabbed my hand and said "and we're gonna go for a spin." Then he kissed my hand! It was the strangest thing that has ever happened to me. Thankfully he let go of my hand when the elevator came, which was right after he kissed my hand. Oh man, all the nurses were quietly laughing and Sister Nelson and I just laughed so hard when the elevator door closed. I have never seen sister Nelson laugh so hard, not even when we talk about how I fell off my bike. It was just a really weird week. I feel so bad stuff is happening to me, but I don't have any control.
On a more spiritual note, We are starting to gain the ward's trust. The Cedar Lake ward just combined with the Crystal Ward 5 months ago and the ward is still pretty separated. The Cedar Lake members still know and trust the Cedar Lake missionaries. It is a funny thing. But we bore our testimony and the ward members came up and talked to us. We got invited to dinner!! (which was a miracle because we haven't had a member meal in a week and a half) Then we got asked to talk in church next week! Which was so exciting! We finally found out transfer news. We are staying together for another transfer. I'm finally gonna stay in an area for a little more than 3 months!
Love Y'all, Sister Smith

College or no college. That is the question. October 13, 2014

We don't know If I am getting transferred yet. . .

I am not worrying about it but it is something that does have to be on my mind, I have to have a plan for the future or else I will stress, and I will not focus at all. It will be much harder for me to focus if I feel uneasiness about my future. However if I make some plans and have an Idea of what I want to do then I will be confident that I will be okay after my mission and I will still be busy and doing important things. I promise I am not letting it be a distraction but I do need to think about this because USU has to know in advance when I am coming back. Also, I have to sign up for classes if I am coming back winter semester. It is not making my mission any harder. We actually have to write a letter to the President before we leave the mission about plans and goals for our future.(that means I need to have some!) President Clements(especially near the end of his mission) was always telling us how this is preparation for the future, and that we do need to be thinking about our future as we make choices today.

I didn't really feel like I got any answers as I fasted. I feel like USU is still a good place for me to be but I feel like January 7th is too soon. January 7th is the day that I am supposed to be coming home. I want to be around for a while before I go to college too but also, I do not want my life to be put on hold. I do not want to get off my mission, where I am always doing something, where I always have a purpose. Then get home in January and have nothing to do, no purpose. There is nothing for me in Duchesne right now (of course besides my family). There's not really jobs that are worthwhile, there's no singles wards, etc.

Sister Riley and I have been talking, she just went home, and then started school 2 days later she did say that it was hard. I don't really want to go back to school the day I get home from my mission. But I do not want to live in Duchesne for 8 months while I wait for school to start again either. I will keep praying about it.

I always warned Cassidy to not get involved in too many things because then she would be always running around like a chicken with her head cut off, and I had already started everything that I did and I loved all of it, so it was too late for me to stop, but I warned her before she got started with so much to not do too much! haha! We are our father's daughters! We want to be busy and work, and we are sure we can fit everything in. . . but it might not always work.

That's neat that Grandma reached her goal! I got to do some indexing a couple weeks ago too! It is so exciting to me that they are building a house in Vernal! ahh! My current Bishop has a daughter that lives in Vernal, and he just went to visit. He is planning a trip in February also to Vernal. He was telling me all about how I better come visit him when he comes to Vernal! Also, how he will send his daughter to my homecoming in January. haha! He is so funny!

I did get to go to the temple! The session was FULL (so full we had to bring in chairs for people to sit in) and I did not see one person without a family name!! It was just so neat. They weren't all their own family names but I did not see any temple names given out to anyone!

I promise I am not worrying, I am just preparing for the future. I do need a plan, and I can't just wait until I get home, because then it will be too late.  I can't just get on the USU website and figure it out, So I have to ask you to find some info for me. Sorry to freak you out.

p.s. will you send me an SD card, mine is full again. . .

With Love,
      Sister Smith

On Sun, Oct 12, 2014 Christy wrote:

You said transfers was this week. Are you getting transferred?

Well I did some checking and school starts at USU on January 7. Did you learn much while you fasted today? Dad feels like you should concentrate on your mission and you should worry about it when you get home. He doesn't want you to stress out about things now. Do you know when you are coming home? I don't want you to have to be thinking about such things now, I know it makes it hard. You just keep working and doing the Lord's work and we will get things worked out later. I might be being a little selfish by saying I don't want you to leave the second you get home. I would love for you to get to know your nephews and be around a little before heading off to college again. Ty said if it is really close to the day school starts, it would be really hard to go.
Enough of that.
So how are you doing? It has been a really cold windy day, so maybe it's headed your way too. For our anniversary on the 10th of October, we went to see the Little Mermaid at Tuacahn. I checked the calendar and didn't see any school things so bought tickets for me, dad, Morgan and Cassidy. Well about Monday of that week Kellee decided to call a Saturday practice from 8am-2pm. I was so mad. We had to leave her home. I really hate that she is too busy to come anywhere with us. I know she is growing up and getting busy with school, but it is really bothering me and dad. Oh man, he was so mad he was going to have her quit drill. Practices on Saturday? After last week and the homecoming dance being on Saturday of General Conference. They had to decorate after the first session for the dance and weren't done until 5:30 at night. So not only did she miss the second session of conference Saturday, but we all headed over to see Lindsey and Easton at the hospital and she couldn't even go. I don't know why any of this didn't bother me when you girls all did it. Maybe cause she is the youngest and I know how fast time flies. I just love my family time and hate things to get in the way! I just keep thinking about the good, better, and best things talk from conference years ago and maybe being so busy at school is taking away our family time. Oh well enough of my rant.
We only stayed home for this conference, because I had to tend Cooper. It was one of the few times we missed going to Idaho. It was awful to not be there with grandma and grandpa. But Dennis and his family got to go. So I felt a lot better about not being there. I don't think they have ever gone up and stayed with grandma and grandpa.
The picture I sent last week of Porter sitting in the motorhome between dad and Rick was just a ride we took to Upper Still Water. It's fun to all go in the motorhome.
Grandma called me tonight to tell me she reached her goal of indexing over 2500 names this year while at the farm! I am so proud of her. She is awesome!!! I need lessons on indexing. I like doing it, but don't ever do it. I am going up to Idaho some time this week to help grandma pack up. I guess they are moving home on Saturday. I am so excited. I hope they can all get along with Lindsey and Ty and the schedules they have for the babies. No tv for Coop will probably be the hardest. He does get a few movies a day, but dad thinks he can't breathe without it on, even if he isn't watching it. lol. Lindsey's house is moving right along. Suppose to be done by the end of the month. We will see.
Did you get to go to the temple? We did while we were in St George. Me and dad did initiatory for our family. 7 women and 7 men. It was soooo awesome. I cried during two of mine. I was just so happy for them and knew they were happy too. I love that feeling.
Well I am off to bed, take care of yourself. Don't worry, be happy ........ love you tons, Mommy xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Tempe trip. October 13, 2014

This was my district at the temple. Some Elders make picture taking with Sisters VERY awkward and some don't hahaha! As you can tell by the 2 foot space between my companion and the Elders and the normal space between me and the other Elders. We actually have another set of sisters and a senior couple in our district too but they left before the picture:(
With Love,
      Sister Smith

Me and Sister Nelson at the Minnesota temple

Conference and finally I have a new nephew

Family,
Well, I am glad Lindsey finally had her baby! I've been waiting!! haha! I don't have much time to write today. We had a zone p-day today. We had an obstacle/relay race, played ultimate frisbee and capture the flag. My team mostly lost, but we aren't suppose to keep score anyway. We have an elder in our zone who is Polynesian, and he taught us the Haka (look up Rugby and see what they do) So we have been running all day long and I am tired, but it was also tons of fun.
I almost fell off my bike again . . . this is the 4th time I have almost fallen off. I am a total disaster and should be banned from riding my bike. It is 100% ridiculous!
But anyway, conference was amazing. Can you believe that is my 3rd one on my mission? Have you missed me yet? ;) wink.
Elder Godoy's talk really touched me. first I Loved that people spoke in their native languages in conference. I love listening to other languages, they are so beautiful! Elder Godoy came to my mission a while ago and so I feel like I know him. I honestly do not remember what he said at all. I just know that it was for me. I received so much revelation while he was speaking about how we ned to council with the Lord in everything that we do. I realized how I need to depend on the Lord much more and live with a focus of blessings that have been promised to me in my patriarchal blessing. All of you that have yours read it this week and ask yourself "if I keep living the way I am will the blessings of my patriarchal blessing be fulfilled?" I love you all. I know we listened to God's words this weekend. Review them and keep them in your heart! With love, Sister Smith

Questions and answers October 6, 2014

I sent her a picture of Morgan making his homecoming cake. Lindsey had to step in and smooth things out. Emily's reply was: I was waiting for signs of Lindsey! haha! Morgan looks so much like Dad it is weird!!! and I love the Cake, how did he do in the pageant?

I sent pictures of Easton. Her reply was: He is adorable! As I was looking at him I just started to cry because I love him already!

I sent pictures of the flooded front yard after two days of rain. Her reply was: We got it too. . . try doing missionary work in this weather. . . it was ridiculous!

What to do with my life. October 6, 2014

not picture overload, I have been waiting for pictures to come for 3 weeks!!!!! Thank's for the bank balance. . .
Conference spurred in me a lot of questions about what I should do with my future. Elder Carlos A. Godoy (did you know that I know him? he came to our mission) but he talked about how our lives can be dramatically changed by an error of only a few degrees. . . So am starting to think about what to do. I need to know when school at USU starts. I feel like a huge financial burden on you and dad. Missions are really expensive, and so is college and I do not have any scholarships. I am kind of feeling like I just need to evaluate if I need to be at USU in January, or if I need to work for a while before. I was talking to Sister Riley who recently went home and she was telling me how hard it was to just jump right into school. About a month ago I felt a strong impression that I need to learn more about Speech Therapy, so that is also another factor. I don't know anything about it but I need to learn. How would I even go about learning about it? So I am just presented with a lot of options that I am pondering and of course I would love input that you and dad have. I will be fasting about it this Sunday and I would love it if you would join me in a fast. I feel so bad that I have to depend on you so much but what are parents for? I know you don't mind I would just love input from my parents as I am trying to make some decisions for the next year. Thanks so much, I love you.
There probably will not be much of a great letter this week, we have zone p-day. . . But I do love you so much!

With Love,
      Sister Smith

On Mon, Oct 6, 2014 , Christy wrote:
I know you are on picture overload this week, but I just wanted to say hi. I am sure you will be spending your time this morning looking at all the pictures we have been sending. I checked your bank balance this morning too. Hope you are doing well. We will have to share our fav. conference messages via snail mail unless you have time today to share. I love you tons. Thanks so much for the pictures. I love them. So exciting that you got to see Sister Beeson and Sister Richardson. I especially love the giraffe picture. You are so beautiful!!! Can't wait to see that beautiful smile again. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox Love, Momsy

Quick note with news of the week September 29, 2014

I read this one first, so I read Dietz passed away and I was just like WHAT??? that's all the info I get? then I read the other note about how he got in a car wreck, Who knew that someone could have so much wrong with him. I did know him we were friends in High school. How long had he been off his mission? I will keep his family in my prayers. I can't believe she has not had her baby yet! AHH!
WAY TO GO MOM!!! this week with scripture masteries I reviewed some that I used to know and made a more effective plan for how I was going to work on them. . .

With Love,
Sister Smith


On Sun, Sep 28, 2014 Christy wrote:

As of right now, no baby! She is still home. Also Dietz passed away. You did know him right? I do have good news though, I have 8 scripture masteries memorized! Go me. I am amazed. 1 Corinthians kicked my butt! Maybe I already told you that. Anyway, I am working on Mosiah 4:30 now. It really helps to read the chapter and know what's going on. I will keep plugging away. Thanks for all you do. Love you tons, mommy

This is my new coat. The one that won't kill me!