Smythe, Jackson PT

Hello! I have loved my time in Springdale. I have cherished every second and have no regrets. There is something you should all know. I will be staying a little longer, and my return date has changed to August 24th. I have loved my mission and will love the last little bit just as much. We had a baptism for the most incredible family. They live in a big complex, and we had knocked on their door 10+ times. Each time, they had been uninterested. The most recent time, they were prepared and ready. Lucia is the mom, and she has three kids. Her husband was in jail for a little bit, and they were going through a hard time. We were able to help them prepare, and they were all baptized as a family on Sunday. One of our new converts moved to Connecticut shortly after being baptized. She then passed away unexpectedly two weeks later. Elder Johnson and I were driving home and decided we needed to get gas. He decided to wash our windshield and take an extra five minutes. At the next stoplight, the...

Hello! I will do better at writing next week. I know the Savior lives, and I know He loves us. We had the baptism of our friend Rey. He is over 70 years old and made the decision and sacrifice to be there. He lost his wife over 30 years ago, and both of his parents passed away. He repeatedly says to us how he is doing this for his grandchildren and for an opportunity to see his family again one day. The spirit in the room was undeniable. Our friend Lewis has been taught for over two years. He finally made the decision and will be baptized on the 25th. He was tired of things not changing and is making the decision to change and feel truly happy. I have been learning so much the last few weeks. I have loved every second of being here. I love my companion. I love my area. I love the Lord. "Savior, may I learn to love Thee, Walk the path that Thou hast shown, Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love Thee— Lord, I would follow Thee....

It is frightening how quickly time is running out. I am so grateful for my mission, and I couldn't be more grateful for the experiences that the Lord has allowed me to have here. President and Sister Collins went home this week. It was crushing to say goodbye to them. President and Sister Hathaway arrived this last week and we had an opportunity to meet them and their six children. I don't know if I've ever met such a special family. I would serve another year around them if I could. As good as it gets. We had the baptism of our friend Tasha and her two kids. She is a single mom that went through some pretty tough times a few years ago. We found her a few weeks ago, and she immediately understood the necessity to change her life. She stopped drinking and smoking, and overcame multiple challenges in order to be baptized. While we stood in the water, she broke down sobbing. We are teaching a man named Rey. He is probably around 70 years old. He had a severe stroke a few years...