1/12/12
Hey family!
Man this week was a great week! First off, Mom and Dad thank you for the package! I can’t believe Addi sent that Taylor Swift calender!!! I had to take my permanent marker and cover her up! But I left on the wrapping so I can read Addi’s message on there! I loved it, Addi girl! THANK YOU! Thank you for the ties and for the jeans! I’m sorry to say those jeans weren’t even close to fitting and they were my favorite ones before I left! Haha I’ve gained 10 lbs. here! But no worries, I can get some out in the field. Thank you sooo much! The good news is they opened a new weight room when I got here, so we aren’t getting too out of shape haha! But I can’t wait to get out and get on a bike, cause I have never eaten this unhealthy before!!! And I loved that family picture! Thank you sooo much! Second, thank you for all the dear elders! Family, Rammells, and Ydes! You’re the best! Sounds like Colt is doing well! I loved his email! He’s such a stud! oh and p.s. Alex I have a letter headed your way buddy! And Chan, I hope you’re loving all those chicas up at BYUI! I better get more updates boy! And Addi, I better hear from you!
So I am like 12 days away from heading to Texas! It’s crazy! Haha The Spanish is really coming along and all of our teachers say that our district is pretty advanced. But I am still SOO nervous to have to speak with natives all the time! Yes, I’ll admit it, I’m nervous! But what better way to learn right? It’s hard to have a message that is so important to you that you want to share with others, yet because of the language barrier it’s so hard. But that has really pushed me to work harder. I love how here it’s not just "learn Spanish for 10 weeks" but it’s learn to teach the gospel. And the fact that you have to do it in Spanish is just a little side note haha! It’s such an exciting thing though, so many crazy emotions going around but it is going to be such an adventure!
So we got a new teacher last Wednesday named Hmno. Bulloch and he is so sweet! He has been back for a few months and is a skier and played DB in high school and is just the best. I meet so many people here that I just love and I don’t no how I feel about all this goodbye stuff! But I better get used to it! haha! When you learn to love someone through the gospel, it really is a different relationship. I just can’t wait to fall in love with the people I am going to teach.
So anyways, I’m soooo glad to hear that you have been reading everyday! It’s such a great things to have the Book of Mormon and I truly have gained such a strong testimony of it since I’ve been here. I’m almost done with 3 Nephi and I am about to finish my goal of finishing it before I leave for Texas and I honestly have learned so much. The lesson we taught in TRC this week was how to receive personal revelation through the Book of Mormon and I know without a doubt that it happens! SO keep reading!
So as far as my friends here, Elder Mills is doing great! Love having him around! Elder Petersen is great as well. I see him a few times a week! I saw Elder Andrus twice and he’s looking great! He’s in my same dorms just a floor up and he says all is well! Elder Murdoch is an old pro here now as well! I’m so blessed to have such great friends who are serving as well! They set great examples for all of us and it always makes my day to see one of them!
So family...Like always I’m sorry for the rambling email! So much to say and so little time! But hopefully I’m keeping you somewhat updated! Missions are the best! I can hardly wait to get to Texas. I know that the experiences I have had here, as well as the ones through out my life have prepared me specifically for those people. I am so happy to be here. I LOVE being a missionary. I love you all so much and hope you know that you are all in my prayers!
Mom, Dad, Chan, Al, Addi-girl, I love you all so much! Have a wonderful week and I’ll talk to you soon!
Love Elder Smith
