Week 40

AREA: Central Tucson 
COMPANION: Elder Kapele  


Friends and Family,

Monday: Pday was pretty typical. This morning we did laundry at Roy's,
went shopping, and then hung out with the other missionaries. Said
goodbyes to some of the missionaries that were leaving the are.

Tuesday: Today was alright... This morning we went over to the
transfer site to bring something to one of the elders. Had a good time
saying goodbye to the missionaries leaving. We then went to the food
bank which was fun as usual. Called to confirm our appointment with
Vicente but he got kicked out of his apartment because he wasn't able
to pay rent. Went looking for him and wasn't able to find him. Had a
lesson with our new investigators Rafael and Olivia which was okay...
They weren't very focused in on what we were saying. Found out Rafael
has autism or something, Olivia is alright though, she's just shy.
That was pretty much our day.

Wednesday: This morning we had district meeting and it was Elder
Kapeles first time doing a training as district leader. He did a very
good job. Went home, changed out of our suits, went out to see some
people, and had dinner. After dinner we gave a little girl a blessing
who was sick. Roy was super awesome and bought us some frozen yogurt.

Thursday: 9 months out today... Dang... This morning was pretty good,
had an appointment with the Doctor, drove home past the temple being
built and they're almost done with the outside it looks like. Went to
pep boys today to get the brakes changed and literally spent 2 hours
for them to bring the car in the garage, take the rims off, and look
at the brakes to tell us they needed to be changed again... Finally
got done and went to dinner and then went to a move immediately after
that. Helped the people move some stuff into a storage unit which was
fun.

Friday: Woke up and helped another family move... Loaded a big Uhaul.
After the move we went home and pretty much weekly planned all day
which went really well. We have a pretty busy week planned next week.
Had dinner at Taco Bell for dinner and ran into a less active member
and ate dinner with him which was nice. He invited us to come over to
his house sometime. After we ate we went and talked to this guy
sitting on the curb outside a Walgreens. Talked with him about the
Gospel for about 30 min. Interesting conversation because he was
atheist... Gave him a Book of Mormon and said he would read it. We
then went looking for Vicente again and couldn't find him.

Saturday: This morning was fun, did some service at a park pulling
weeds at a park. There was a baptism this morning for some other
elders in the area. We gave the 5 minute teaching moment there which
was good. Had a very awkward law of chastity lesson with our
investigator Jason. This lesson isn't normally awkward... But for some
reason it was awkward this time. Had dinner at Roy's again and I
cooked burgers for everyone.

Sunday: Pretty good sabbath day, Jason was at church which was
exciting. Pretty sure he had a good time. After church we went home
and did studies. Kapele was sick though and took a nap. Went to dinner
and talked about Minnesota a lot... Brother Vincent served his mission
there awhile ago Hmong speaking and will be visiting the area around
July. Will be visiting the Hmong branch that meets by lake Jarvis so
Rick look out for the Vincent family. After dinner we went looking for
Vicente and found him! Sucky thing is that he was hand cuffed and
sitting on the curb with a cop standing by him... Ghetto life.
Hopefully he gets a hold of us after he gets out of jail. Just had a
warrant for his arrest from like 5 years ago for a DUI... Trying to
change his life around and been having a rough couple weeks.

Really good scripture I came across this week that I liked It's Moroni 7:13

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good
continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do
good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

Share your thoughts with me what this scripture means to you:) I'll
try to respond next week.

Hope you have a great week! Love you all!

Love,

Elder Smith

Week 39

AREA: Central Tucson 
COMPANION: Elder Kapele  


Monday: Today was pretty good, this morning we just went to Roy's, did
laundry, and ate some lunch there. We had a multi zone basketball
tournament and I watched... Haha was pretty fun to watch. Had a lesson
with Jason which was pretty good. Gave him a prayer rock and he really
likes it.

Tuesday: Pretty busy day. Had Foodbank after studies which was fun.
After Foodbank we went to Buffalo Wild Wings with everyone and had
horrible service. Had a lesson with Vicente which went great. Things
with him are going great and he is on track to being baptized on the
28th. We then went to Lee's for new member lessons which was good.
Tried to go and visit our new investigators Rafael and Olivia but they
were sick so we rescheduled for another day.

Wednesday:  Today we didn't do a whole lot. This morning we did our
normal routine... We didn't have district meeting today so we decided
to meet up as a district and have district lunch. Went to a Sanoran
Hotdog stand, super good. It's a hotdog wrapped in bacon with a bunch
of toppings on it. It's the Chicago styled hotdog of Tucson. Had an
unexpected lesson with Matt continuing to answer more of his
questions. Kinda a bible bash session but not really at the same time.

Thursday: Kevins birthday! He can buy cigarettes now;) haha Went to
Foodbank again, it was pretty cool. Folded a bunch of boxes. After
Foodbank we went over to Vicente's and taught the law of Chastity with
Roy. Vicente really wants to get baptized and is very accepting of the
things we're inviting him to do. Had dinner and then went over to
Lee's for a new member lesson. Tried to go too another lesson that was
scheduled for tonight and it canceled again.

Friday: Had a half mission conference today. Woke up and immediately
headed over to the stake center where we were having the conference.
Really good conference, we were once again visited by a member of the
70. His name was Elder Foster and he spoke on member missionary work
and how to affectively involve them in the work. Really fun seeing all
the other missionaries too. We then had a lesson with Jason which went
well, met up with the AP's to grab a package from them.

Saturday: After studies we went over to a members house to help them
take their pool cover off. Brother Larson is 93 years old, a retired
dentist, and a WWII veteran. They were awesome and brought us to smash
burger after helping them out. Tried to go to a lesson but it
canceled... There was a huge food drive today that we volunteered at.
It was at the post office and we helped move sooo much food. Dinner
bailed on us so Travis the guy that works at the Foodbank gave us
money to go out. While we're were out to eat a lady came up and gave
us a piece of paper with scriptures on it about our purpose in life.
It was very nice of her. Tonight was transfer calls and were staying
together again. Elder Kapele is now the district leader though which
is cool.

Sunday: Today was pretty good, gave a talk in church that was based
off a talk called "stay by the tree" by Elder Pearson. Very good talk
about enduring to the end. I would recommend reading it and studying
it for sure. After church we changed and then went back to the church
for lunch with a member where they stuffed us with food. It was very
good. Rest of the day we tried to go visit I people.

I would like to share a quick message about how through Christ we can
be perfected. Our loving Heavenly Father has given us a savior who
atoned for all of our sins. Through our savior Jesus Christ we can be
perfected if we are willing to repent. There is an amazing scripture
in Moroni 10:32

32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves
of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all
ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then
is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect
in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can
in nowise deny the power of God.

I love this scripture!  I know that Christ is real and if we let him
into our hearts, through him we can perfected. I love my Savior Jesus
Christ and so thankful for all that he has done for us.

Hope you have a great week everyone!

Love,

Elder Smith

Tow Mater

Me and Elder Baker(his dad was my stake president for a long time)

Jason and his prayer rock

Week 38

AREA: Central Tucson 
COMPANION: Elder Kapele  

This week was an adventurous one... Was sick most of the time sadly
but still tried my hardest to get out and work.
Monday: Got a haircut today finally... Decided to go shorter than
usual which I'm glad I did. I think it turned out pretty good. After
the haircut we went and got lunch, and then went to the church to
spend time with other missionaries. We deep cleaned the apartment
which was much needed... Glad we did that except the apartment then
smelled like bleach which was annoying.
Tuesday: First day of feeling sick... Threw up, slept, couldn't eat,
and threw up more. Super fun day.
Wednesday: Day two of feeling sick... Even though I still felt sick we
went to zone meeting which wasn't so bad. Felt nauseous the whole time
but was able to pay attention and do what I needed to do. Still not
able to eat a whole lot.
Thursday: Day three of feeling sick... Didn't want to lay in bed all
day and do nothing so I got out of bed and went to work. Went to
Foodbank today which was fun and at the same time exhausting... No
food for 2 days I didn't have a lot of energy. Had a lesson with
Vicente, stopped by goodwill to get him an alarm clock so he had
something to wake him up on Sunday's for church. Taught him the Word
of Wisdom which went very well and agreed to living it. Had dinner at
Roy's tonight which was alright... I tried to eat as much as I could
which wasn't a lot. After Roy's we went through the Potential List and
actually found two people to teach. It was a part member family with
two kids that wanted to start taking the lessons and get baptized:)
Friday: Feeling better but not normal. Had a lesson with Jodi this
morning which went well, weekly planned. During lunch we went down in
this tunnel that is under the gym, it was so cool. The thing is
probably about 100 ft long After planning we had a lesson with Jason
that went well, we taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ which I feel went
great. Had dinner with Lee and taught him his first new member lesson
:) really amazing to see how strong of a testimony he has.
Saturday: Woke up feeling better than the rest of the week. This
morning I actually ate breakfast which was nice for a change. After
eating breakfast we did studies went out and got to work. Stopped at
Jimmy Johns for lunch and had a miracle happen. An employee came up to
us and asked if he could meet with him after his shift. We met up with
him at a park and taught the Restoration. Very interesting
experience... He had been exposed to a lot of false doctrine and had a
lot of questions about our faith. Tried our best to answer the
questions, we will be visiting with him again sometime next week to
answer more questions.

Sunday: Church was great! We had 4 investigators at church! All of
which I'm pretty sure enjoyed it and will definitely be coming back:)
After church Elder Kapele Skyped home for Mother's Day while I just
sat and talked with Roy. That was pretty fun.... After that we had
dinner then went home to do studies since we hadn't had the chance to
do it.
Yesterday was Mother's Day which is one of the most important days of
the year after Christmas and Easter. This is the day we put aside just
to recognize how amazing our mothers are. I just want to say that I am
so great full for my mom and all she has done for me. She has been
patient with me and continued to show her love for me everyday. So
thankful for her being so supportive of me on a mission and shows her
love for me every week through her weekly emails. Love you so much
mom!! Everyone make it a goal to tell your mom everyday, she deserves
it after putting up with you for so long;) haha Have a great week
everyone!
Love you!!
Elder Smith

The tunnel under the church

The whole mission with Elder Holland

Week 37

AREA: Central Tucson 
COMPANION: Elder Kapele  

Monday: Today was super busy and fun. This morning we went to Roy's to
do laundry and he made breakfast for everyone which was nice. We then
did all our shopping and stuff so we could then go bowling with the
district. That was tons of fun and we had a great time. I was super
close to beating Elder Wilstead who is really good at Bowling. We then
spent the rest of the pday hanging out at the church and talking. Had
dinner this today which was nice for a change. I also picked up my new
suits which was awesome.
Tuesday: Loving my new area so much! This morning we did our normal
routine and then we went over to a recent converts place for a new
member lesson. The relief society president was nice enough to come
with us to help us teach the lesson. Had Foodbank as usual which was
fun. We then rushed home to eat so we could pick Joe(a ward
missionary)up for a lesson with Vicente. Vicente has been progressing
very well and has really taken an interest in the gospel. He has a
baptism date still for May 28 and looks like he will make it to that
date no problem. We had dinner after that with some members at chick
filet. Went over to Lees for a lesson to help prepare him for his
baptism.
Wednesday: Had to wake up earlier than usual to drive to the North
Stake Center. We were having a huge mission conference with all the
missionaries in the mission. When we got there it was ridiculous how
many missionaries were there. Took a mission pick which was super cool
and then we met Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the twelve
apostles! Probably one of the coolest experiences of my mission! Never
thought he would come visit my mission. He spoke to all of us about
his mission and get a very detailed lesson on the Atonement. He just
walked up and down the chapel talking, teaching us about the
atonement. Very powerful talk and I loved it! There is an Elder
Ballard in my mission who looked super familiar and turns out his dad
was President Ballard, my old stake president when I first moved to
Minnesota. The rest of the day we visited some people, had dinner, and
visited some other people.
Thursday: This morning we had our normal routine, went to Brother
Donaldsons for breakfast and a ward mission meeting, and then the
Foodbank. After that we had a lesson with Vicente which went great!
Talk the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is still very much enjoying the
spirit he feels. Joe came to help with the lesson again which was
nice. After dinner we had a lesson with Lee that was pretty good,
showed him a video on the atonement, and did some last minute things
to prepare for his baptism. Then had a lesson with a new investigator
who is kinda crazy... He's fun to teach but kinda scary. Brought Joe
with us which was comforting.
Friday: Happy baptism day! This morning we did our normal routine and
then had weekly planning all day. That wasn't a very fun part of the
day, except it had to be done. After planning and everything we went
to the church to fill the font up and get everything ready for Lee's
baptism. We then had the baptism and it was great:) I had the
opportunity to baptize him and it was perfect. The spirit was so
strong I had the chills for like 5 minutes after and Lee said he felt
the same way. Amazing experience and I hope I get another opportunity
to do it.
Saturday: pretty boring day... We didn't do much except finding. We
did find a new investigator through a referral from some other
missionaries. His name is Ben and he's been taught by the missionaries
before and it's been about 2 years since he met with them. Excited to
start teaching him and see where things go. We also taught a 5 minute
teaching moment after a baptism of some other missionaries.
Sunday: Happy Sunday. I don't know if it's bad to say but I'm so glad
I only have 3 hours of church again. Having 6 hours is like déjà vu.
So glad I don't have to do that anymore. Church was really good, Lee
was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of the Holy
Ghost. Had the opportunity to stand in the circle for that, it was
very spiritual and a happy moment for Lee.   After church since my
parents will be on a cruise next week I got to Skype them today:)
super fun to see all their faces and talk with them for alittle.
This week I had the opportunity to baptize Lee. It was one of the most
spiritual moments of my life. Knowing that Lee is on a path that our
Heavenly Father wants us to be on and how important it was for him to
take the step of being baptized by the proper priesthood authority. So
glad we all have the opportunity to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ,
even if we didn't get a chance to on the earth, we will get a chance
to follow him in the spirit world. The temples are crucial for this to
work, we must all do family history work and go to the temple and do
their work. I don't get to do their work while I'm on my mission as
much as you all do! Work hard and get to the temple! Love you all!
Love,
Elder Smith

Lee's baptism--Ryan, Lee, and Elder Kapele

Elder Smith and Lee