"No Pain. No Gain."

What is up friends and family? Officially been a missionary for 3 months which is wild. This week wasn't the most eventful unfortunately but that'll happen out here.

 

On Thursday I got to go down to Bentonville for a meeting with all the people who I came out with and the highlight easily was getting to see the temple. The Bentonville Temple is so pretty and those who know me know I'm so homesick for the temple so it was good to at least see it:)

 

On Saturday morning we taught our guy Brian again. He read the Book of Mormon and prayed every day this week. He said his days "just feel better man." Seriously so amazing. He is so prepared, ready, and couldn't be more excited to be baptized. 

 

We had the primary program this Sunday and we had to combine it with the English ward. Best moment of my week was when they sang the first verse of "I am a Child of God" in Spanish and it was so spiritual. Couldn't help but not think of Paige during it so that was wholesome made me think of home a little. 

 

We saw so much rejection this week. It was so funny, and definitely hard. Seeing people laugh in your face, yell at you, and slam doors at the mere look of an 18 year old kid. Pretty wild place. I don't ever do much but smile and shake my head. Through all of it we found some amazing people and I'm grateful for the Lord's hand in my life and for the opportunity I have to be a missionary. 

 

My spiritual thought this week is Alma 38:15 and it says: 

 

"15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell."

 

Every time I read this scripture I think of not only my dad sending me off on my mission, but also Heavenly Father sending Jesus Christ to Earth, knowing what would soon happen to his Only Begotten Son. Never forget the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for all of you. STRIVE to be better every day. We'll never be perfect, but we can always strive:) Always read your scriptures and say your prayers

 

Love and miss you guys so bad, always feel free to reach out:)

Go Michigan

 

Go Hug Your Parents,

Elder Smythe









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