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