CHRISTmas Season

Hi everyone this week was easily one of my favorite weeks ever so I'll get into it. 

 

Last Monday my wonderful companion turned 20 years old and so we celebrated by going to the tiger sanctuary and bowling. Funnest Pday ever. Brayan took us out to dinner at Olive Garden which was also awesome. 

 

I went on an exchange with Elder Stewart on Tuesday and it was so fun. He's my favorite guy and I loved the whole day. We knocked on a ton of doors and met some of the wildest people ever. Some guy we met had a dog who took off running away. This man grabbed a screwdriver and launched it 35 yards at his dog. Luckily he missed. Missouri is so fun.  

 

PAIGE'S birthday was on Wednesday! I miss Paige and am bummed she's already 7.

 

On Friday we helped our member clean out an apartment. I'll make sure I add some pictures below. Had a half day exchange with Elder Peterson who is just like my man Elder Henstrom which was one of my favorite days in the field entirely. Saw tons of success in Spanish and it was good for me because I had to do it myself. 

 

Transfer calls came Sunday night.....I was so stressed. My trainer is sadly going to Arkansas, and I was terrified I was going to leave too. Luckily I'm staying and my guy Elder Campbell is coming up which I am so excited for. Here we go. Who knows what's going to happen with me driving.. also grateful I get to be here for Christmas:)

 

Random highlights:

- Brian came to church again and we had like 20 more people there than normal it was wild

- Rain here has been absolutely awesome one morning we woke up at 5am because the thunder was like a bomb

- Elder Stewart ACCIDENTALLY ran over a squirrel on our exchange

- Had a ward party with the English ward and even Santa came:)

 

Spiritual Thought for you all:

D&C 84:88:

"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. 

 

One thing I have come to realize while serving is about the love of Jesus Christ. Everything he has ever done has been a sign of the love he has for us. As I continue to study him and everything about him, I have come to understand some of the ways Christ bears us up. Christ always finds ways to lift us, when we need it most. Never forget that he, and our Heavenly Father, eagerly await with their arms open. They are in the small details of everything. Always. Always remember why we celebrate Christmas. 

 

I love my mission so much. I want to make the most of it every day. I miss and pray for you all constantly. 

 

Go play in the snow for me,

Elder Smythe:)


















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