Sister Smith

Monday, June 6, 2016

Week 46!

Surprises, Miracles, & Spiritual Gifts

Week 46--June 6, 2016

Okay, I don’t have words to describe this week. So much has happened and there have been nonstop miracles!! To start off, this was the last week before transfers. I honestly didn’t have any idea about what would happen, but I was positive that Sister Vital would stay here because Pres. always keeps people in this area for a long time. But as we know, Heavenly Father knows better than us!! We had a surprise call late Friday night, we´re talking 10pm (that’s late for missionaries.) The assistants called and said hello “Sister Smith! Are you liking the area?” I’m like yes!!! Then they asked to talk to Sister Vital....I’m in shock because they didn’t say I’d be transferred. But then they told Sister Vital she is being transferred!!!! She was crying and so sad because she literally has the biggest heart and is already attached to the people here. I kept telling her she would stay for another transfer and she thought I would train her again but NOPE!! They didn’t tell her where she´d be going or the name of our new companions because the whole mission is having a farewell for President and Sister Kuceki this week. They will surprise everyone and tell them who their new companion is and where they’ll be serving! (This is the 1st time they’ve done anything like this in the mission. I’m so excited!))

So before knowing about the transfer, things have been a little rough for Sister Vital and me. We have been teaching and finding LOTS of new people but unfortunately no one has been ready to accept the gospel. We have been being obedient, praying, fasting, having lots of faith, and have kept being our excited selves even through the dull times. The other week when I told about the miracles about the people we found, none of them have kept through. This has been my first time training and we haven’t had a baptism. In my first area my trainer and I had more than 1 baptism. (; I’ve felt super bad for Sister Vital because I wanted her to have the experience of finding amazing people and then having lots of baptisms. I have been super patience and I know that everything happens on the Lords time and that its not about the number but that these are real people with REAL problems and it takes time. But after we received the call that Sister Vital would be transferred I had a hard time.

Never in my mission have I thought I wasn’t doing enough or doubted if I was a good missionary. It’s been 2 months since my last baptism and the goal of the mission is to have at least 1 baptism every month. Caldas Novas isn’t an easy area and I have found the most INCREDIBLE people here like holy cow! Rodrigus, Cosme and Damian, Patrica and Caroline, Rafael & Fabiana, Wellington, and more, but most of them have to resolve problems, and need to get married and here in Brazil the process is super long. We have found amazing people but nothing has been happening.

I prayed to Heavenly Father that night and told him I’m sorry if I haven’t been a good trainer and that I’m sorry that I haven’t had any baptisms. I told him that I have been trying my hardest but to please help me know what I can do better or what I’m lacking.

The next day went to Rafael & Fabianas house for a dinner that they prepared because some of us would be leaving. Background; I talked to Rafael in the street and got his address and visited him with Sister Kendell 2 times then Sister Vital and I taught them and they all wanted to get baptized. But then they had some things they had to work on and they needed to decide if they really wanted to get married. That night they told us they had decided!! THEY ARE GETYING MARRIED AND BAPTIZED!!! The 3 of them!!! I WAS IN SHOCK AND SOOO HAPPY!!! Then we visited Wellington the next day and HE SAID HE WANTED TO BE BAPTIZED TO!!! Miracles from Heavenly Father people....I have no other words to say.

Then to top off the week we had a surprise visit from President and Sister Kuceki in our cute little ramo (smaller than a ward). Pres. Kuceki didn’t tell anyone he was coming, he just showed up. I was in shock and nervous because I was going to be teaching the lesson on Sunday and now Pres. and Sister Kuceki would be here to hear it! I was nervous but I had a prayer in my heart and you guys it was the most perfect lesson! We talked about gifts of the spirit. We talked about the gift of tongues, the gift to see angels, and the gift of revelation. I put them in 3 groups to read and talk about 4 spiritual gifts. President and Sister Kuceki were in the same group as Rafael and Fabiana and they were all talking and sharing experiences. Then after I had each group tell about a gift they studied. Sister Kuceki said to Rafael, share the one you talked about with everyone. He went on to tell that he has the gift to know that this gospel is true. He told about the first day I talked to him in the street and how we taught him in his home and how he knew it was true. I was crying and Sister Kuceki was crying too. It was the most special moment ever! It was special to hear him share this with everyone there. I felt so much happiness and joy and felt so humbled that Heavenly Father guided me to Rafael and that he is getting baptized! After, we bore our testimonies in sacrament meeting it was incredible!! I couldn’t stop crying then we sang “How Great Thou Art” one of my favorite hymns! It was so wonderful you guys I’m grateful Heavenly Father answered my prayers and confirmed to me that the works of my labors have paid off. I know now that He is pleased with me!

-Sister Smith

My favorite family Rafael & Fabiana, Rafael, & Junior!! They will be getting baptized in July!!!!! (:

Look at the cake they made us because

Sister Vital is leaving!!

Look what Fabiana and Rafael gave to me!! 3 new pairs of shoes they were't using! I looooove them and they are so comfortable!! They gave me a dress the other week too but it didn't fit!

Happy Sister Smith (((: I needed new shoes!!

Farewell party for me and Elder Alves but turned out to be for Sister Vital!!

Look at the food!!! It was to die for!! yum yum

My district during the surprise visit of President and Sister Kuceki, I love them!

I will miss them so much!!

This little member says "Sister,here is a present for you." So Sweet!

My favorite member family! The moms name is Jessica (we´re good friends)

Meet Wellington (he´ll be baptized this Saturday)

Eating dinner

Elder wanted my hymn book in english soooo bad! I told him if he bought me acai he could have it hehehe

(this was his last transfer and now he is headed home!)

Acai always keeps ya smiling!

Look what President Kuceki dropped off at church for us when he stopped by! 14 letters clear back from Feb. and a package from my Aunt Tiffany!! THANK YOU! (thank you grandma & grandpa Smith and Schauerhamer for the letters) I love you all!

ps Tiff I will make the dress work. I LOVE IT! THANK YOU!!!

Life is a Highway...

The saaaawwww and my arm eheh!

I'm going to miss Sister Vital, she is going to visit Utah after her mission and she´ll come to my wedding!!

Our last DISTRICT MEETING TOGETHER!!! I am going to miss Sister Vital! Elder Alves & Yanqui will stay another transfer with me!! ((:

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Week 45!

Happy Families

Week 45--May 30, 2016

This week we have been working a lot with families and holy cow can I just say, raising your family is the gospel is ESSENTIAL! I knew it before the mission (obviously) but in the mission yeahh it´s just soooo REAL guys. Sister Vital and I have been laughing a little because seriously everyone we are working with either has marriage problems or problems with union in the family. We have been teaching about how to have family nights and how the gospel of Jesus Christ can help a family that may been weak or passing through trials. We have been like, yep Heavenly Father is trying to teach us something here! Haha! Heavenly Father has made some things clear. Before you marry someone you pray first, you make sure you have a confirmation from the spirit and Heavenly Father that they are the right person. Fortunately or Unfortunately who you marry will not only affect you, but your kids. Also, when we are baptized and sealed in the temple with our family for eternity, it doesn’t end there, that´s just the start. Everyday you have to work, remember the covenants you have made, read the scriptures together, pray together, go to the temple together, and have family night. It breaks my heart to see families out of the gospel struggling but also people that have the gospel struggling. I am learning marriage isn’t easy...I’ve never been married but holy cow, its something hard for everyone, but if you are doing these basic things, those problems won’t be as hard and Heavenly Father will help you. You will see the hand of the Lord in your life, in your marriage and family everyday. Marriage is a triangle with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost at the top and you and your spouse on both sides.

This week Sister Vital and I have been seeing the need of education. Education is POWER. The more you know the more opportunities come your way. Like college is super duper ESSENTIAL too. Go there, study, get a good job, and also pray about what you should study. Your job can either help your family or be a burden for your family. So you better choose wisely!(; So many people here in Brazil didn’t finish high school, got pregnant at 15 and then married. Later got divorced and have kids and don’t have a job to buy food or to pay rent. This week we have been working with members and it has broken Sister Vital and my heart. One member doesn’t have a job, he is divorced and he stopped going to church because he is stressed and can’t figure out what to do. Another member is sad because he wants to get married but can’t find the right person and started drinking again. Another member can’t go to church because the only work they can find is on Sunday and is slowing making other wrong decisions. We have been teaching about the need to keep trying, keep pushing, don’t give up when trials come. You can choose to reach for the Saviors help or you can do the easy thing and fall and do what everyone else is doing. Drinking everyday, laughing, being merry because tomorrow we die. DONT DO IT! Keep the faith! Ask for help from Heavenly Father, ward members, the bishop, find help! Our sweet Saviors knows what we are going through when challenges come, he knows EXACTLY how you feel and what you need to do to overcome a bad habit or difficult situation. I am so grateful for the gospel. It has everything we need to be happy, be safe, and avoid the dark sorrows of the world. The gospel keeps us holding tight to the rod and far from the great and spacious building. THE CHURCH IS TRUE PEOPLE!!

Funny story I was walking super fast in the dark and didn’t see the sidewalk was a little higher than another part and BAM!! I stubbed my big toe!! (Guess the movie) I kept walking because we were late but I literally had to stop because I thought I broke it haha! The next day I could hardly walk, then 4 days later I stubbed the same big toe!! I’m like ouuuuuchh!! haha but luckily I didn’t brake it just sprained it hahah!!

I love you all! Thanks for all your love and support! Time is flying! Have an awesome week! Love ya´ll!!! Don’t forget to have family night and scripture study!! xoxoxox

-Sister Smith

p.s. if it's driving you crazy what movie she was talking about it's, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Our cute Bishop Rezende! Happy 71st Birthday!

The elders baptized Maria last week and

I just love her!!

I love this awesome member (the Elder that baptized her lives in Utah and I know his sister!!)

I love eating lunch at Rodrigues & Selha´s house (we are wearing the skirts/dress

that she gave to us.)

I love Pedro!!!

Why sooo serious???...best photo bomb ever.

I'm dying!

The Jungle!!!

You cut that pineapple girl, We love pineapple!

I Love my Brothers!

idk either folks....?

Monday, May 23, 2016

Week 44!

Keep the Faith!

Week 44—May 23, 2016

Baptisms and finding people has been super slow here in Caldas Novas, but that hasn´t stopped us!! We have been praying and fasting to find someone ready for baptism and guys this week the Lord has been preparing people and putting people in our paths. We´ve seen many miracles and tender mercies.

This week we went to visit an investigator and they were having a problem with one of their family members so we didn’t get to talk to them, so we left to go visit another person. We were walking down the street when this lady on the phone ran up to us and said “hey! What church do you attend? Could you help me and say a prayer for my sister who is having problems with her husband?” We were like “yes, of course!” So we followed her to her sisters house and after we got there said a prayer for her sister. The lady that brought us there was Eusoni, and she said “Are you guys mormons?” We were like “yes, people call us that as a nickname.” Then she asked us, “do you have the Book of Mormon in your religion?” We were like “yep!” And whipped a book right out of our bag and explained it to her and her sister then gave each of them a Book of Mormon. It was awesome!! So we scheduled a day to visit them and invited them to church on Sunday. Eusoni wanted us to meet her family and said she´d read the Book of Mormon! She was so excited and thanked us! So a couple days later we returned to her house and taught the Restoration to her and her whole family. It went so good and they said they would all pray and go to church. Eusoni said that the other day when we said a prayer at her sister’s house, before we got there her sister was about to take pills to kill herself. But after we got there and said a prayer for her, she didn’t want to anymore. Eusoni said she had a prompting to ask us to help her when she was in the street. She didn’t know who to ask or what to do and then we came walking by and she felt she needed to ask us for help!! We were like AHHH!! The spirit told her, it was so cool!! Eusoni was at church on Sunday and loved it! She´s GOLDEN!!

Okay, another amazing experienced happened yesterday. So last night I wasn’t feeling too good and I was a little stressed out because I couldn’t figure out where this address was. We were walking and I was looking at the map when Sister Vital stopped me and said lets go talk to that man, I have a feeling we should. I am not going to lie people, I was a little frustrated and we were late, we had already reached our goal of contacts for the week, I just wanted to get going and find the house we were looking for. Right when I thought this I was like, I need to repent, watch this man totally have a problem and need us and we are an answer to his prayer. So we started talking to him and I could tell something was wrong. I didn’t ask him, but we waited and he finally said. “Wow, its amazing that you guys stopped and talked to me. I saw you guys walk past me and I thought, I think they are from a church and then you guys came back and talked to me. I have been having a lot of difficulties this past month. I got divorced and I lost my job and I feel I need to start going to church and I don’t know what to do, I feel super lost, and I’m living with my mom.” After he said this I looked at my companion and she looked at me. You guys, the spirit speaks to us, but it’s hard to hear him in our moments of stress and worry. We must be in tune and listening and paying attention to the spirit. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost and how he spoke to my companion. I learned a valuable lesson from this. I’m so grateful Heavenly father is preparing people for us!!

LOVE YOU ALL!

-Sister Smith

This is the mom of the bishop here, isn't she just the cutest! I said "I need a pic of you in your adorable dress!" And she was like, okay, and placed her hand on her hip hahaha(;