Mission Log - March 5, 2018 - The Final Hours, Part 6 - Mission Accomplished!

Hola y muy Buenos Saludos, my beloved brothers and sisters, dear friends, family, parents, and fellow missionaries!

Whew!  What a week, what a mission!

This week, we saw many miracles.  Martina whose husband previously didn't let her come to church, came to church this Sunday!  So did Nydia!  She's an investigator, and she decided to come to church because her best friend, who's a less active member, decided to come with her daughter.  And Yoni and Nanci, the Guatemalan bread-makers, who are so busy that we visit them as they make the bread, came to church with their daughter, Ashley!  Those 5 investigators literally doubled the size of our little branch!  It was a miracle.

The second miracle was that for the first time in a long time, there will be baptisms in this area!  Last night, Jordan and Elizabeth, whose sister is a member, agreed to be baptized on April 28th of this year.  It was so powerful, and we are happy for them!  It was extra special for me because that date is also my parent's wedding anniversary.

I must say, this has been the best and also the most challenging 18 months of my life.  As I end my service as a full-time testifying servant of Jesus Christ, I would like to share with you all what I've been sharing with everyone I meet for the past year and a half.

The first thing we share with our spiritual brothers and sisters is the solemn principle of their own Divine Identity.  The core of our message is that God is our loving, personal Heavenly Father.  It's the first thing we teach, even before we teach about the First Vision.  It's incredible how many people don't understand that.  Heavenly Father has prepared a plan of happiness for us, including happiness in this life and the next.  This plan shows us how to align our lives with our Father in Heaven and live with Him forever.

In Sacrament meeting a few Sundays ago, the two speakers both spoke about the Light of Christ.  They shared Elder Uchtdorf's talk about the animals who have an instinct for home.  The Light of Christ means that people can distinguish between spiritual light and darkness - when they feel spiritual light, they feel hope.  They see the light in our eyes and feel the light in our message.  They're drawn to it, usually. :)  Our message brings hope to people who are trapped through their mistakes.  When people feel the light, they want to stop whatever they're doing to step towards it.

We teach them to have faith in Jesus Christ, and in His Atonement.  We testify to them that because of His selflessness and obedience,  He alone could be sinless so that the law of justice had no claim on Him.  I am certain that even before this life, we knew and had faith in Him.  He suffered for our sins so that we don’t have to suffer for the actual sin if we repent.  He did this out of great love for us, and a desire to be obedient to His Father.  Throughout my mission, as I have testified of Him, He has become real to me, for which I am very grateful.

One thing I've learned as I've striven to be exactly obedient is that we have to change our nature if we want to align our will with His.  We have to not only stop sinning, we need to change our hearts so that we don't even want to do evil.  Changing our hearts is often harder than stopping the sin - just like Elder Oaks said in his talk: "It's easier to clean the leaves than it is to strengthen your trunk."  Some may say, "but I like my personality! I don't want to change!"  Isn't eternal life and unimaginable progression worth changing your personality?  I decided that, at least for me, it definitely was.

I've watched several people enter into the waters of baptism.  Something I've noticed is that the Spirit one feels at a baptism is tantamount to the Spirit I personally feel when I partake of the Sacrament each week.  When we are baptized, and each week as we partake of the Sacrament, we show Heavenly Father we really mean it - we really want to leave behind our sins.  The mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation for the Sacrament needs to be more than a casual thought while we sing the Sacrament hymn.  (Although I've been guilty of that.)  It needs to be something we do every day as we review our day’s activities in our nightly prayer.  We need to be thinking, "How would Heavenly Father have me improve this week?" not just, "How do I want to improve this week?" - although that's a good start.  I have tried very hard to do this ever since the MTC, and I've tried to teach it to our investigators.  This is the how we keep repentance on our minds all the time.  It is not something to be dreaded but should be a thing of rejoicing.  It brings great joy to the Savior when we take advantage of His supreme sacrifice, and accept His gift.  (That's also why it's so crucial for them to come to CHURCH!! :)

The other day I was reading in Alma 5 and these questions seemed to speak right to me - How can we know if we are repenting?  Does our countenance reflect Heavenly Father's?  Can people see the change in our eyes?  Do we pray when we don’t have to pray, when we don't feel like it?  Do we have an inclination to be kinder to our companion?  It's not a checklist; it's a change of heart.  We maintain this remission of sins by serving others.  Seriously, before the mission, I always underestimated the power of service.

I know with all my heart and soul that this Gospel is true.  "Gospel" means good news - and isn't it wonderful news?  This is eternal life.

I love you all sincerely. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Con todo mi corazon,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - February 26, 2018 - The Final Hours, Part 5 - Humble Advice to Potential Missionaries

Buenos Dias from Albuquerque!

This Sunday, we were asked to present the Sunday School lesson on the "gifts of the Spirit."  So we found all these gift bags in the closet and put slips of paper in them with the "gifts" and the coordinating scriptures! 😄

For my second-to-last email, I would like to offer my humble advice to potential full-time missionaries of all ages based on what I have learned during the course of my mission:

1. Love your companions.  To grit one's teeth and say, "I'll just 'endure to the end' of this companionship," is a recipe for misery and a great stumbling block to the work.  Just be happy - the happiest times of my mission were not the easiest; they were the times I tried my hardest to treat my companion with respect and humility.
2. "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."  Yes, you'll have companions or you'll see other missionaries being less than obedient.  Before breathing out fire and damnation upon them, remember the golden rule, give them the benefit of the doubt and, in a Spirit of love, talk to them in private to address the issue.  Love is the key.
3. It'll be hard.  This is not a 1.5 or 2-year EFY.  You won't be spiritually pumped 24/7.  Expect hard days, and embrace the opportunity to be rejected, for you represent the Savior.  If He asked, you would be willing to do anything, not so?
4. LEAVE ROOM in your suitcase!  Especially if serving state-side.  Trust me, you will collect a ton of stuff, and it's simpler not to have to weed out possessions all in a panic when you receive a call saying you're being transferred and you have 2-3 days to pack.
5. Understand how food works if you go foreign.  It took me just a few weeks to figure out that Hispanic food doesn't cook in the flavor, like the food I grew up with.  They use salt, chile, limon, and fresh vegetables to garnish and liven up their meals.  In other countries, it may be different.  Learn how the people you serve eat, and you'll have less trouble adjusting to the cuisine.
6. JOURNAL AS YOU GO.  Back writing is so time-consuming - if writing a page in a literal journal is going to be impossible for you, figure something out that works for you.  For example, take a voice recorder or a video camera and record yourself every night.  Or purchase a rather large calendar and write a little something on each square.  Or save a section on your daily planning page to jot down the tender mercies.  Or take copious pictures.  Just make sure it gets done!
7. First impressions are important.  Remember that as you knock doors, this could be that person's first impression of the Church.  Remember who you represent - stand up straight, smile, and leave people with the impression that this message will change their life because it will!
8. Be brave.  Talking to strangers (especially after chasing them down) can be hard!  But after the first 15 seconds, it gets way easier.  Remember the Lord promised: "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."  Why fear rejection when such a blessing is promised to us?
9. Pray like you mean it.  The morning and nights of my mission have become my personal interview time with Heavenly Father.  If you can't focus early in the morning or late at night, this might help: Take 5 deep breaths, counting them on your fingers, then imagine entering a huge throne room and imagine Heavenly Father sitting there and saying something like, "My daughter, I've been waiting for you.  What do you have to tell me?"

Anywho. Hope you all enjoy!

Lots of Love,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - February 19, 2018 - The Final Hours, Part 4 - New Investigators and More Miracles

Happy late Valentines Day, Everyone!!

So, the heart-attacking did not cease with the less-actives and investigators - this week, I successfully and sneakily heart-attacked my companion!!

 

Whew!  What a week, what a week.  We have been working hard and have been blessed to find new investigators this week.

Last Monday, the Coronado branch had a Noche de Hogar (a family home evening) in which we celebrated the birthdays of Abuelita Quispe and her daughter.  We had 10 less active members, 1 investigator, Irene, and 4 potential investigators come!  We actually found out at the party that we were confused about where the investigator and potentials live: they live in the other branch that we cover, Bosque. :)  The "birthday girls" were first to have some cake.  In Mexico, there is a tradition called "mordida," or "little bite," the literal translation being "bitten."  The birthday person leans toward the cake to take a bite, then someone shoves their face into the cake!  In this instance, my companion did the honors. :)

The next day we had a service opportunity and helped a lady named Danni move.  She's a retired FBI agent.  She let us have her sunflower lights -- my companion was very insightful and wanted to give them to a less active member who loves sunflowers.  We went later in the week and gave the less active member her lights and set up a dinner.  She was very grateful!  We then asked her for referrals, a skill we have recently been honing.  Now my companion and I pray not only that people will be open to hearing the gospel, but also that people will be willing to share the gospel!

We finally met with Claudia Aguilar!  It's been a few weeks, but she has been so busy, we've only been able to heart-attack her.  She expressed that she noticed a difference between LDS teenagers and every other teenager.  She has a young son who's 12, and she told us she was interested in becoming a better mother.  We taught about the Book of Mormon and showed her the new President Uchtdorf video about finding truth using the analogy of the 6 blind men who went to see the elephant.  She is wonderful and we're excited to see her this next week!

We also finally met with Manuel, the man with gold crosses on his teeth.  We went with one of our ward missionaries, Hermana Loya.  She is awesome and it was a very good lesson!  We mainly focused on prayer and taught him that God is his Loving Heavenly Father.  He is interested, but he definitely speaks English better so we passed him off to the English elders. :)

One of the miracles we had this week was that a less active member named Carlos who is 18 years old and wants to go on a mission went out with us!   We were able to find a new investigator with Carlos there.  We were trying by a Hermana Loya's neighbor, who wasn't home, then took a moment to admire their chickens and their peacock.  Carlos noticed a trailer next to the house; we knocked, and met a man named Jesus.  He is a ranchero/vaquero (rancher, cowboy) and he was very receptive!  We taught him the restoration and Carlos shared his testimony - it was powerful. :)

One of our new investigators, a lady named Emma, expressed her passion for sewing.  She even went to sewing school in Mexico!  She was very kind, and interested in the message.  Her husband's name is Lazaro, who is also a ranchero/vaquero.  They are very humble and we're excited to work with them!

We also found two undocumented former investigators named Ana and Veronica.  They love their ancestors and we know they will love the temple!  They told us that every Sunday they go and have a picnic near their mother's grave to honor her.  We have a temple service opportunity this Wednesday, to care for the grounds, so we plan to invite them. :)

We saw many other miracles and had a great lesson with Nydia again!  When we challenged her to pray to know if the Book of Mormon is true, she told us, "Well, sisters, I think it's true and all, but that's not really my question."  Surprised, we asked, "So, what is your question?" "What is my purpose in life?" she asked.  We directed her to Alma 34 and promised that Heavenly Father was ready to answer that question, too! :)

The work of God continues here among the Spanish-speaking community of Albuquerque. I love you all very much!

Love, 

Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - February 12, 2018 - The Final Hours, Part 3 - Lots of Miracles Happening

Dearest Family and Friends
​
Whew! What a week, what a week.

The above (omitted) video is of a man named Steve Ortiz.  When we knocked on his door, only he was home, so we told him we couldn't come in.  He pulled up a chair to the doorway and proceeded to share his amazing guitar skills with us.  These are the lyrics of his little song: "What's the matter with ya, girls? Don't you want to come in?  I am not a mean guy;  I will not beat you up!" :)  He was right, but a rule is a rule.

On Saturday, many crazy miracles happened!  We found 3 investigators that day and 2 potentials who became investigators the next day and then 1 more potential who will be an investigator this Friday.  So all of the people we met that day unexpectedly became investigators!

One of the ladies, Nydia, we met with at McDonald's. 😲  It reminded me of my days working there.  Nydia is from Costa Rica and then she lived in New York so she as a New Yorker accent! :)  We spoke about the Plan of Salvation, and compared it to how the same way she wants to retire in Costa Rica one day, we all want to return to live with Heavenly Father as we once did.  She is awesome; we are meeting with her again this Saturday.

Another lady we met when we were "heart attacking" a less active.  The less-active member caught us in the act and happened to have a bunch of relatives over!  One of them, Yazmin, wanted to listen to our message.  As we talked about the first vision, we told her that we knew she was a special daughter of God she started crying and excused herself.  When she returned, she told us she was raised Jehovah's Witness, but she wants her and her 11 year old son Xavier to learn more.  The dad, Jesse, is a less active member who was the nephew of the less active member we were visiting.

We then met the cutest viejita (old lady), Irene, when we had an appointment with our other investigators.  Those investigators weren't there, but she was!  She wanted us to come over the next day and teach her great-grandsons as well!  When we came back the next day we taught her and her great-grandsons.  As we were walking up to her house my companion told her she liked her skirt.  In true Mexican fashion, she went and changed and gave her the skirt despite Hermana Mckay's protests. :)

We also started teaching Ramon Crespos, a Minister in his own Church.  He told us within the first 10 minutes that he knew the Book of Mormon was true and that Joseph Smith is a prophet!  His only fear is he worries what would happen to his congregation if he was baptized.

Lots happening! I know it's all led by the Lord.

More miracles next week!

Love,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - February 5, 2018 - The Final Hours, Part 2 - Emotional Bank Accounts

Hola, brothers and sisters, dear friends!

Whew!  What a week, what a week!  The days feel like weeks, and the weeks feel like days!

This week, I was continually impressed with Hermana McKay.  Last Monday, during preparation day, we cut out a bunch of paper hearts so we could heart-attack less active members during the week.  We also organized a few records into their separate areas, something I've been wanting to do for weeks!  We distributed many of the heart attacks this week, and plan to do more next week!

We then had an AWESOME lesson with our branch president.  He told us of an investigator family that studied before with the Elders and went with us to contact them.  We met the Meridas!!  Yoni, Nanci his wife, and his three kids, John Luca, Ashley, and Yoni Jr., all play soccer!  They showed us their wall lined with medals and all their trophies.  My brothers and sisters all play soccer, too, so I was able to relate!  They're Guatamalan, and Nanci sells Guatamalan bread for a living and Yoni is a soccer coach.  We taught them about the Holy Ghost and how to identify it.  I am certain the Spirit knew we were talking about Him, because He was definitely there!! :)  Walking out of the lesson, Hermana McKay and I both felt strongly that we needed to teach them the law of the tithe next time, and we're seeing them tonight!

Hermana McKay also has a great talent for talking to everyone.  We spoke with 8 people in an hour, just trying by a former investigator!  She really wants to be here for the right reasons and she fears no one!  We even found a new investigator that way – Manuel.  We just pulled over on our way to heart-attack one of our investigators and talked to him!  Turns out his girlfriend, who lives in California, is an active member and has been sharing the Gospel with Manuel for years!  It was a miracle!

We had a 28 hour exchange this week, a little longer than normal to save miles.  It was a very busy exchange!  We had correlaccion with Hermano Bianco, a lesson with our recent convert Norma and President Criddle, and a meeting with the Stake president and all the missionaries in our stake.  We even caught a glimpse at a shooting star!

After the meeting with our Stake President, I was sitting with Sister Guy, a new missionary because she had a headache.  We were just talking, and I mentioned how her trainer and I arrived in the mission field at the same time.  She exclaimed, "You're leaving, too?!"  Yes, I told her, and she was so sad she began to cry!   😖 She's very sweet.

During to course of my mission, I've learned a LOT about companionships.  The best thing I can compare them to is a three-legged race – you can't lay back and expect your companion to carry you, but you can't do it all yourself and drag your companion along behind you, either.  You MUST work TOGETHER - there is no other way.

In harmony with this concept, our Mission President shared with us recently the idea of an Emotional Bank account.  It’s a metaphor for the amount of trust in a relationship – in a companionship, in a family, in a ward, etc.  Basically every interaction you have with another person may be classified as a deposit or withdrawal.  Deposits build and repair trust in a relationship.  Withdrawals lessen trust.

Examples of deposits are: being kind, serving them, keeping promises, being loyal to the other person when they're not there, and apologizing even if you don't feel like it.  I have tried this with different companions and I can testify that it works!

Examples of withdrawals are: being unkind, refusing to serve another when you could, breaking promises, talking about or gossiping about them, pride, or being competitive.

President Guffey challenged us to think of our own Emotion Accounts – if we're under or over balance, and what steps we could take to bring balance to the Force.

The thing is, the only deposits and withdrawals you can control are your own.  To build trust, you have to choose to treat every problem as an opportunity to make a deposit in your companion's emotional bank account.  If you figure that out, you're happier, they're happier, you both work harder, and you find success!  There's only pros and no cons.

He then shared this:
"The writer of Proverbs said it this way: “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thing hand to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27).  Try it.  It’s powerful.  Make deposits.  They’re a good thing!"

I can say from experience, that I know these things to be true.  I have tried it – and it works!

I love you all a lot!

Love, Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - January 29, 2018 - The Final Hours, Part 1 - Member Missionary Tips

Dear Lovely people,

Whew!  What a week, what a week!

This week, I got a new companion who brought fire and zeal into this area!  Her name is Hermana McKay, she's from Draper Utah, she's been out 4 months, she got her associates degree at Utah Valley University before she came out, and she's the middle child of 5.  She's an amazing missionary!

We saw many miracles this week!  We went out to Coronado in Rio Rancho on Saturday.  We did some street contacting and found two new investigators that way!  One of them even met with missionaries before in California!  His name is Jeremy and his wife has some medical problems.  He wants to meet with us and is excited about learning more!

I'm excited to work HARD these last six weeks!  I have a feeling it's gonna be great.

Nothing happens in missionary work until we find someone to teach.  You can't teach or baptize if there is no one to do it.  As Full-Time Missionaries, we're ALWAYS finding - asking for referrals, talking to everyone.  That's why Hermana McKay is so effective, I feel like.  The members are the best way to find, because they can support those they refer to the missionaries through the teaching process.  Here's a few thoughts about starting a gospel conversation.

• Don’t force gospel conversations; let them happen naturally.  When you force a gospel conversation because you feel obligated to do missionary work, people will know and that will turn them off.  I noticed that when I was a greenie, and it's been a recurring theme since then. 
• Study the scriptures.  President Eyring said:  “Prepare to share [the gospel] by filling your mind every day with the truths of the gospel.”  I can't even tell you all the times we've shared with someone a scripture we read that same morning during studies.
• Carry gospel materials with you.  I remember a sacrament meeting talk where a sister described how she likes to take a fresh copy of the Book of Mormon on the bus with her so if someone asks about it, she can give it to them.  Missionaries are also willing to share our handy dandy cards with you!
• Pray for opportunities to share the gospel.  Heavenly Father is preparing people like Jeremy all around us.  He will lead them to the Gospel through us if we ask for it!  Pres. Eyring again: “God will put prepared people in the way of His prepared servants who want to share the gospel. How often it happens depends on the preparation of your mind and your heart.”

A few tips and tricks:

• Compliment them!  People want to feel loved, and to feel good about themselves.  Open a gospel conversation by raising the person’s self-esteem.  Smile REAL big.  Example: "Would you be so kind as to tell me your thoughts about the purpose of life?"  With this question you label the person as kind; they'll begin acting that way.  That's something my dad taught me even before the mission!
• Try to notice what's important to them and relate that to a gospel topic.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “Reach out sincerely.  Ask these friends what matters most to them.  What do they cherish, and what do they hold dear?  And then listen.”  People like talking about things that are important to them - usually their family, their hobby, or their car, at least here in Albuquerque.  Look for clues, like little kid bikes, to help you know how to begin talking with people.  "Hey, you have a big family?!  I love big families!  In fact, here's a picture of MY family!"  Open a gospel conversation based on THEIR interests.
• Just go for it and let the Spirit flow.  Ask things like: “What makes you happy?”  Get curious about them.  Elder Holland otra vez: “When the Lord delivers this person to your view, just chat – about anything.  You can’t miss.  [I like that part]  You don’t have to have a prescribed missionary message.  Your faith, your happiness, the very look on your face is enough to quicken the honest in heart.  People do not join the Church because of what they know.  They join because of what they feel, what they see and want spiritually.  Our spirit of testimony and happiness in that regard will come through to others if we let it.” 

Love you lots! More to come next week!
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - January 22, 2018 - T11, W6 - Power of Positivity

Dear friends and family,

Whew! What a week!

My companion was called to be a Sister Training Leader for her last transfer!!  It's been an exciting two months, but I am so happy for her!  She'll do great.

​We recently tracted into​ the Finch family and had a chance to brush up on our "Bird" -
"Excuse me, my fine-feathered friend! Tweet-tweet tweet, twitter tweet?" :)

Our mission president has recently been emphasizing positivity.  He shared with us:

"...What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears.  When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: "Critics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve."

Looking at the dark side of things always leads to a spirit of pessimism which so often leads to defeat.  If ever there was a man who rallied a nation in its time of deepest distress it was Winston Churchill.  The Nazi war machine had overrun Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, Belgium, Holland, Norway, and was moving into Russia.  Most of Europe was in the grasp of tyranny, and England was to be next.  In that dangerous hour, when the hearts of many were failing, Churchill spoke:

"Do not speak of darker days; let us speak rather of sterner days.  These are not dark days: these are great days - the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race."

Following the terrible catastrophe at Dunkirk, many prophets of doom foretold the end of Britain.  But in that dark and solemn hour this remarkable man said, and I heard him say these words as they were broadcast across America: "We shall not flag or fail...we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender."

It was this kind of talk, which saw victory distantly through the dark clouds of war, and not the critical faultfinding of cynics, that preserved the people of Britain and saved that nation from catastrophe.

"I have little doubt that many of us are troubled with fears concerning ourselves.  We are in a period of stress across the world.  There are occasionally hard days for each of us.  Do not despair.  Do not give up.  Look for the sunlight through the clouds.  Opportunities will eventually open to you.  Do not let the prophets of gloom endanger your possibilities."
- President Gordon B. Hinckley

Let us all press on in this great work!  There are people praying to find Gospel light.  Others are seeking truth, but they know not where to find it.  Let us be faithful and serve with all of our hearts, mights, minds and strength, that we may be bring salvation to our brothers and sisters!"

I just want to add my testimony of the power of a positive attitude - which stems from faith.  One happy person truly can make a difference in a discouraged group!

Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - January 15, 2018 - T11, W5 - Inspired Leaders - Called of God

Hola, loved ones!!

​
Whew! What a week, what a week!

This week has been inspired, blessed, and guided by the Lord.

We had the opportunity to go do visits with the Stake presidency.  Even though they couldn't all speak Spanish, the visits were all inspired!

Two of the brethren went to visit Lucy, a less- active member who we have hard time visiting because she gets home late.  Not only was she home, she let them in, and even committed to share the Gospel with her boss at work and to read the Book of Mormon every day!

Two of the brethren went to visit the Conway's, an active family whose mother, Norma is a recent convert.  They found out that Hermana Conway, the Relief Society President, has been having problems walking.  They gave her a Priesthood blessing, and expressed their gratitude for her service.

Two of the brethren went to visit Ana Adrianzen, a less-active member whose mother we're working with to go to the temple.  They found out more in that hour than we could in 2 months!  They found out that her main concern is her children, that they won't have the Gospel blessings she does.  She's been separated from her husband for 5 years, and she goes to the Temple session in Spanish every month.  ALSO, her son was there in the visit!  He said he appreciates how the church treats his mother and then the brethren invited him to go to Institute.  He's not a member, but said he would look into it!

The Branch President and the Stake president went together to visit the Andersons.  There had been talk of offering the dad a priesthood blessing, but during the visit, they felt it best to simply talk about baptism and commit them to do family prayer and scriptures every day.

We went with the former branch president, Brother Thomas, to visit Hermana Greaves.  She told us her surgery was postponed until the 14th, and began the usual chat.  Only this time, Brother Thomas boldly invited her to share the Gospel with her children in corrupt Venezuela.  He also promised her she would survive her surgery and testified that her mission in life was to offer her children the Gospel! It was a powerful visit.

I have a firmer and firmer testimony that the men that God calls as leaders are inspired and led by Him personally.  I know that they hold the keys of the priesthood and they have the power to minister to these people at this time.  I know that the Twelve and the First Presidency will be called of God and led by Him the same way.  I trust them completely.

Love,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - January 8, 2018 - T11, W4 - Miracles are Real!

Hola, Amigos!

Our Ward Mission Leader's name is Hermano Bianco, so we found this -
​

Miracles, they are real!!  Here's just a few miracles we had this week:

We were able to teach an amazing mom in Coronado.  We had tried by, set an appointment, had to change the appointment, and were SUPER late due to a man we spoke with on the sidewalk in front of her house, but she was still there, waiting for us!  She had even made us empanadas, which are fried pastries stuffed with chicken or beans, depending.  She is so prepared - she believes that what we teach is true!  We invited her to be baptized this week, and she expressed her concern: her husband may not approve.  He's open to us coming over, but he's always working when we go, so we haven't yet been able to teach him so that the Holy Ghost might touch his heart and they all can be baptized together.

We then went to visit a less active member, a woman we'd been trying to get a hold of for weeks.  We were finally able to talk with her!  As we sat in her living room, her cousin came home who was staying with her from Columbia.  We said hello, and she gingerly poked her head out from behind the wall of the kitchen.  We smiled REAL big and waved her over.  At first she was shy, but she gradually became more comfortable and started asking us a bunch of questions.  She was genuinely curious, and we were able to teach her a lot of things.  She went back to Columbia this week, and we will pass her off to the missionaries there soon.  We sent her on her way with love and a Libro de Mormon (Book of Mormon).  She was awesome!

Tuesday we were able to have an awesome lesson with one of our families, the Quezadas.  Some members in our ward, the Mieras, were friends with them from when they were taught before, and the investigators had always been hard to get in with because of their crazy work schedules.  But we were able to set a set time to see them each week, and bring the Mieras with us.  We actually just invited Hermana Miera to go with us, but once we got there, the dad asked, "Where is your husband?" :)  So she called him and we waited for a few minutes for Brother Miera to drive over.  It was such a powerful lesson; we shared the message of the Restoration.  Members make all the difference - I think that the Holy Ghost is more comfortable when there are members around. :)  It is always so cool to see when the Spirit is truly working.  The dad had been a bit more quiet in the past, but that night, we were able to see him open up.  He shared an experience of how he had remembered our first message, Helaman 5:12, and was super worried about losing his job.  So he took it to heart, and prayed.  Not long after, he got a phone call from someone he hadn't talked to in 10 years, who said something that put his mind to ease.  His wife told him later that she felt we were inspired to come, that we were an answer as well, and he agreed.  They are SO awesome.  It was our last appointment of the night - gotta love those 8:30 miracles!

The next night, we were able to teach the husband of another investigator.  Finding the two of them together has bien dificil, but after weeks of trying by, and canceled appointments, we taught them both.  They both work on Sundays, but the husband is trying to find a new job, specifically TO go to church.  It was one of the quickest lessons I have ever taught, but almost because we didn't have time, it was more concise, and powerful!

Then we went out to Coronado for an appointment that we had been a little worried about.  There is a less active family with some problems, and the husband has turned VERY anti.  I honestly thought they would stand us up.  All the members warned us about them, and told us just to love them.  We were able to talk to the wife who was SO friendly.  She isn't allowed to go to church right now, because of her husband, but she still has a strong testimony.  It was so relaxing, to just get to know the family, and to be able to talk with her.  We are hoping to go back and just do simple things with the family, to try to bit by bit work with them.

Late another night, we were rushing, and had only about 20 min before our next appt, but decided to try a former.  She pulled up as we were praying, and we were able to share a short message with her, and set a return time.  Miracle!

We also met with a family who is in another ward, but the husband is the High councilor assigned to the branch, and the wife is bilingual.  They gave us a few referrals, and even set up a dinner for last night with a nonmember friend.  It went pretty well!

Sorrygottagoloveyouall!!!

HS

Mission Log - January 2, 2018 - T11, W3 - Investigators to Love

FELIZ ANO NUEVO! (Happy New Year!)

My companion swiped a quick picture of me on New Year's eve: (yes, I was tired :)

It is a new year, a fresh start!! And what a start it has been.

This morning, we had lunch with a less-active sister that's from Venezuela.  She made us special biscuits as well as beans, cheese, eggs, avocado, and hot chocolate.  And boy, do they know how to do breakfast in Venezuela!!  We sang for her and she told us all about her life.  We hope she comes back to church soon!

We're working with several families right now.  For convenience, here are their names and a little bit about them.

Quezadas - The Quezada family was a member referral from our ward mission leader.  They are super awesome!  They have three kids, Ashely, Estrella, and Uziel.  The dad, Armando, works in construction, and the mom, Dora, works as a nurse.  They both work crazy hours, so it's been quite a trip trying to set appointments with them, but Heavenly Father guided us there at just the right moment to get in to see them!  We taught the lesson "God is you loving Heavenly Father" and committed them to pray as a family every day.  We also gave them a copy of the Book of Mormon, invited them to read it, and promised to explain a little bit more about it's origin the next time we see them, which will be tonight!

Aguilars - The Aguilars were also a member referral.  Leo and Claudia have three kids as well - we weren't able to catch all their names, but they were actually taught by missionaries before!  We asked if they would allow us to come share six discussions with them that would change their lives forever.  They considered it for a moment, and said, "Claro que si," which means, "Of course!" :)  They are so prepared!  They also have busy schedules, but we committed them to take five minutes every night to come together as a family and pray.  The dad, Leo, was hesitant, but offered a beautiful prayer at the end of our short lesson.

Perez - The Perez family is a very special case.  The mom, Erica, was baptized years ago in Mexico, but her records were lost, so she must either find two people that were there to sign their names saying that it really happened, or the ordinance must be repeated.  The rest of the family aren't members - The dad is Luis, and they have two sons and one daughter: Edgar, who's 15, Kevin, who's 13, and Lyna, who's 9 or so.  We shared the Family proclamation to the World last time we saw them, but it's been a while - we hope to get back in contact soon and can invite them to church!

Figueroas - The Figueroa family came to the Christmas activity a week ago, but they are so very busy, we haven't been able to see them since.  The dad is a truck driver and the mom is studying to get her masters degree.  The two daughters, who are 16 and 11, are the absolute cutest!  According to their mom, they say a prayer together every night before going to bed.  They both like flamenco dancing (like buzz lightyear in Toy Story 3) and we hope we can start teaching them soon!

There are more investigators, but those are the focus people right now.  There are so many people to love and serve out here, I feel we can never be bored!  It is invigorating.  I love being a missionary!!!

Love, Love, Love,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - December 26, 2017 - T11, W2 - Merry Christ-MAS

Feliz Navidad from New Mexico!!

It's pretty "chile" here!

What a joy and a treat is it to be able to spend this magical time of year in the full-time service of the very One we celebrate.

I am humbled and honored to have spent this whole year in His service.  One of my favorite parts about what we share is, of course, the Book of Mormon.  It's unique, refreshing - it's the unfiltered word of God, what do you think? :)  It teaches us about His true nature.  If you take another look at the Christmas story in the ancient Americas, a profound example of His love is found in 3 Nephi 1.

Remember Samuel the Lamanite prophesied that Christ would come (Helaman 14) and gave signs, including that there would be a day and a night and a day with no darkness at the time of His birth.  About 5 years later, the wicked Nephites determined that the believers would be put to death on a certain day if the sign did not come to pass.  We read in 3 Nephi 1:

9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.
10 Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.
11 And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers.
12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets."
    - 3 Nephi 1:9-13, emphasis added

That response from Jesus, the night before He has to leave for His grand Mission, is incredible to me.  He was about to embark on the most important earthly journey anyone had ever undertaken!  His to-do list must have been a mile long, as well as farewells, last-minute instructions from Heavenly Father, and packing spiritually, yet He took the time out of His sacred schedule to respond to Nephi’s prayer, and assured him that the signs will come to pass and his family will be alright.

Heavenly Father does hear and answer our prayers. Maybe not in the exact moment or way we want, but He ALWAYS answers.

I love all of you so much!

Also, in Spanish, "mas" means "more"... so Merry CHRIST MAS!

Love, Love, from Heaven above,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - December 18, 2017 - T11, W1 - Temple Baptisms and Gratitude Conquers Pride

Dear loved ones,

What.  A.  WEEK!

This week, we had the opportunity to go to the Temple to do baptisms for the dead with one of the recent converts in the branch!  Norma Saenz-Rico, who recently celebrated her 89th birthday, asked​ that we accompany her because she can't actually do baptisms - she can't be immersed in water.  But she can do confirmations!  We were overjoyed to help her do the work for her ancestors.

There was a very sweet spirit in the temple.  The youth from Volcano Cliffs ward, the English ward we share the building with, happened to have a temple trip that very night!  We had the unique opportunity to see Fabian, the only young man in our branch, enter the temple for the first time! 

In addition to the above mentioned, we saw many miracles this week!  We finally got in contact with Walter Guerrero, a less-active man in our ward.  When he answered the door, I recognized him!  I knew his parents, the Guerreros, from 12th ward.  Almost a year ago, I had met Walter at a Christmas party at their house!  We talked to him, and not only is he planning on returning to activity, he's excited about his calling as a ward missionary and asked if he could come to lessons with us!

We saw the Perez family again and shared with them the Family: a Proclamation to the World.  We invited them to do family prayer every night and we're seeing a lot of progress with them!

Something I learned in a penetrating way this week was that Gratitude is the balm for stung pride.  As many may know, I'm prideful - I've been trying to work on having more humility, and it seems that whenever I get comfortable, another test comes along. :)  I have added minutes to my prayers of just thanking Heavenly Father for blessings - and although my pride has been hurt many times over the past week, instead of defending myself or talking back, I have "experimented on the word" if you will, and did the exact OPPOSITE of what I felt like doing.  For example, I apologize when I feel more like justifying - I've really been trying to stay positive when I felt like being bitter.  And you know what?  IT WORKED!  I felt the Spirit comfort me and give me a spiritual back-pat.  Somehow, I can be told something over and over, and yet I re-learn it once I try it for myself.

It's the same with anything.  As it says in John 7:17, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of his doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  Try it, and you'll see!  Try reading the Book of Mormon - try praying - try going to church every week - try paying tithing - "and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10)

Love,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - December 11, 2017 - T10, W6 - Elder Renlund Visit and Tumbleweed Harvest

Que tal from Albuquerque!

Whew!  What a week, what a week!

This week, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Twelve came to speak to us, the missionaries.  I had the opportunity to shake his hand, and during part of the conference, he opened up for questions.  It was really an amazing time, but they said not to transcribe any of it, unfortunately.  But here is the picture!  I'm right behind Elder Renlund, four rows back. :)

This week, I had a profound experience while rendering service to a neighborhood plagued with tumbleweeds.  I wasn't in a talking or socializing mood, it being early in the morning, so I grabbed a pair of gloves and a rake and fairly HACKED at those unsuspecting bushes.  To my surprise, they came up easily; with very little effort, bushes that reached my waist came up easily, like giant, prickly cotton balls.  I was swinging away like a merry old golfer, when I looked behind me to see my companion.

To the idle onlooker, she appeared to be doing nothing, just chipping away at the rocks I had already cleared.  Upon closer examination, she was actually cutting down the much smaller, much more stubborn weeds.  I was reminded of Doctrine and Covenants 4 and the image of the harvester.  Some lucky missionaries get to the really big, obvious, golden investigators first - they open their mouth and thrust in their message, and they harvest a TON.  People see them and think, wow, what a successful missionary.  Missionaries like my companion, who have to come behind these lucky reapers, are often judged for appearing less successful than others, even though they work just as hard if not harder than those who came before.

I considered the uprooted bushes we'd unceremoniously dumped into the road. I thought to myself, if we don't get these bushes into bags, they'll roll in front of a car and be dashed to pieces.  As the thought crossed my mind and we brought out the trash bags to start stuffing, I thought of those who are newly baptized, recent converts.  They have a testimony, but they are still new and need guidance and protection from the breezes that would blow them into danger.  That's why the church focuses so much on having them go to the temple to do baptisms for the dead, and prepare them for more sacred covenants.  The temple is the "bag" - the safe place we gather them into so they don't get run over by temptation, doubt, and pride.

As we stuffed the surprisingly poky plants down into the fast-ripping plastic bags, and the sharp stickers got into our gloves, shoes, and clothing, I was reminded of the crown of thorns that our Savior wore.  He wore it without grumbling or complaining.

Sharing the gospel isn't easy.  There are tough little weeds, prickly thorns, sore muscles, and hard days.  But once we gathered all the weeds into the bags, it was so rewarding and so worth it.  I know that there are people all around us that are just waiting for the gospel.  As we thrust in the sickle and share the Book of Mormon with them, we actually feel the Spirit more in our lives.

My brother, Janson, and the family actually are great examples of that.  A while back, Janson shared the Book of Mormon with a neighbor and actually gave him a copy.  Now, that same neighbor is taking the missionary lessons in our house!  My family are amazing and great examples to me of member missionaries, and it's blessed me on my mission to have them to look up to! :)  Love you, Family!

That's all for this week. 

Con mucho cariño,

Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - December 4, 2017 - T10, W5 - Missionary Lifeguards

Bueno from Albuquerque!

Whew!  What a week, what a week!  What a GOOD week.

This week, a family made the very important decision to be baptized.  The Ramos family is very special and we were so happy to see them progress, help them answer their questions, and develop a relationship with the Savior.

As we witnessed the four of them enter the water and come out clean, one by one, the Spirit was very strong.  I thought of an article I'd read in the Ensign called "The gate called Baptism."  He made this observation:

"Baptism is not just the gate through which we enter the Lord’s Church and subsequently the celestial kingdom; it is also the gateway to the precious, indispensable, and ongoing process of becoming “perfect in Christ” (Moroni 10:32, 33) that each of us needs and wants....In simple terms, we may call this ongoing process conversion."

My most sincere desire for all the people I meet is for them to start or re-start the conversion process and essentially "get back in the boat" that is Jesus Christ's church.  The hardest thing about being a missionary is that sometimes people look at us kind of like annoying lifeguards with the little whistles - "Breeet!  No splashing!  No running!  Read your scriptures!  Do your prayers!  Breeet!"  As they float in their inner-tubes, loosening their life-jackets, they can't see the red on the horizon that means a storm is coming.  Conversion, to me, means listening to the lifeguard - even though it's annoying to be told what to do; it doesn't mean you can't swim.  It just means be careful.  Listen to the Lifeguard.

Safe swimming!

Love, Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - November 27, 2017 - T10, W4 - New Area, Small Branch

Dear wonderful frijoles,

Whew!  What a week, what a week.
This is my new companion, Hermana Page:

(Yes, it's COLD!)​
She's from Boise, Idaho, but she was born in Guatemala.  We actually came out at the same time!
This week, there were many reasons to be grateful.

Day 1
First of all, my new companion and I successfully located our new apartment.  There were remnants of Elders - a Nerf gun here, a pair of slacks there.  We cleaned it out and tried to bring order to the place.  We acquired a map at a nearby Walmart.  We then had dinner with a family of Investigators that've been coming consistently to church for over a year now.  We heart-attacked many people that night!

Day 2
Ready to take on the day.  We stopped by the Miera Family by request.  She was recently called to be the Relief Society President - she was very excited that there were now Hermanas in the branch!  She took us to meet three people - Hermana Greaves, Sandra, and the Huerta Family. 

Hermana Greaves wouldn't sit still - instead, she took the three of us on a grand tour of her house, showing us her dog and the newborn puppies, her back porch that she'd built, and the carpet she planned to pull up.  For a woman with cancer, she sure has a lot of energy! 

Sandra wasn't thrilled to find missionaries on her doorstep, but when she looked past us and saw Hermana Miera, her face lit up!  She simultaneously shook Hermana Mieras hand and pulled her into the apartment.  That's the power of member missionary work!  If we were alone, we never would have contacted Sandra - but Hermana Miera knew Sandra!  It was a beautiful thing to see. 

Then, finally, we went for a quick visit to the grandma Huerta.  We planned a Family Home evening with her.

We were shocked to discover in our correlation meeting with the President of the Coronado Branch that we'd been missing a page of the ward list!!  Luckily, we were able to print a new copy. :)

Day 3
We literally "lost ourselves" in the work today.  The dirt roads of Rio Rancho show up on Hermana Page's GPS, but there are no street signs out there in the wilderness!  After popping by the Branch President of Bosque's mansion for a quick meeting, we headed up for the hour drive to Thanksgiving dinner.  And what a dinner it was!  There was turkey, ham, yams, and of course, chile, limon, and agua de coco. :)  The member told us that everything was gluten free and sugar free.  We felt very grateful to be a part of that dinner!  It was fun because we were assigned to the kids table.  They have two tiny little kids - and boy, could they talk! :)  We then went for a visit in the home of the Bake's.  They just recently returned from a full-time mission in Guatemala.  It reminded me of my grandparents, who also served a mission in Guatemala! :)

Day 4
The spirit of missionary meetings is definitely different up here in Albuquerque.  The missionaries in my district here are wonderful - very upbeat and positive.  They motivate me to be more prayerful and faithful about the work.  And because there are less missionaries here than in El Paso, the other sisters were so excited to have us here.  One of them told us that she'd never had other sisters in her district for her whole mission!  We then tried eggplant casserole - not bad!  We then tried by a member and met her neighbor, Kimi.  She was very nice!  She told us to stop by anytime.  We then tried by a man named George - he told us he wants the lessons again, even after a year without seeing the missionaries!  We felt so proud to be able to tell the branch mission leader that we have more time now to focus on Bosque.  He said, "Hmm. Good job, Hermanas.  Here's some more people for you to find." :)

Saturday
We went to help out a family that is moving out of the branch.  In a branch of 14 people, one family leaving makes a huge difference.  We had dinner with the Quipse family.  The Quispe boys are the only two youth in Coronado - the older one, Carlos, is planning on serving a mission!  We also stopped by an investigator family named the Perezes.  They have been investigating for a while, and the mom is a member.  They are a young family - her boys are 13 and 15, so we plan on inviting them to a Family Home Evening with the Quispes.

Sunday
8 HOURS OF CHURCH!!  Being a missionary is the best. :)  We're lucky that the two branches meet at 9 and 1, so we're able to attend most of both of them. :)  Bosque had a farewell dinner for the Andersons, who are moving out.  It was a great turnout- almost everyone in the branch was there!

It has been fantastic. More miracles to come next week!

Love, Love, Love,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - November 20, 2017 - T10, W3 - Living Alma and Transfers Again

Dear Wonderful people,

Whew!  What a week, what a week.

This week, so much has happened!  On Monday, we met the Perez family, and they are so awesome!  They are a part-member family, so the Dad is not a member, but the Mom is.  We read Alma 32 and talked about the seed of faith.  (The kids decided it was a watermelon seed. :)  Hermana Burrell commented afterward that it felt just like a family home evening back home. :)

One thing that I have noticed during my time up here in Albuquerque is that it is COLD!!  On Tuesday, before zone conference, all the missionaries were outside doing routine vehicle checks - checking the tire pressure, brake lights, horn and whatnot - and it brought me back to those college days at BYU Idaho because my hands were freezing!

During the conference, two men power-washed all the engines of the mission vehicles.  During a break, we brought them ice-cream sandwiches, talked with them, and found out that they weren't members.  Then one of them, Bruce, told us: "I've been waiting for three months for them to send somebody to my house!"

That evening, we had dinner with the Andersons, a young family heading out to Utah next week.  We're helping them move next Saturday.  Then, after we saw the Andersons, we went to go see the Andersons (confusing, no?) who are a golden investigator family!  We walked in on them doing their daily exercise, then proceeded to have a very spiritual lesson.  They have very different religious backgrounds, but as we listened to them, the Spirit took over and we read 1 Nephi one with them.  One of the wife's main concerns is that when she goes to church, she feels like she's not going to make it to heaven, because of commandments she hasn't yet kept.  It was so awesome when the Dad said to his wife, "Look, honey- in verse 14, it says the God won't suffer those who come unto Him to perish.  There's your answer!"

Of course, some crazy things happened this week - we were asked to give service as costumed advertisers for a restaurant (we politely declined); Hermana Burrell's aunt and uncle happened to be traveling in Albuquerque and took them out to dinner while I was on exchanges (NOT allowed, but Hermana Burrell didn't know); and we found the living Alma!  (pics below)

I'll explain: we met a woman on the street named Alma.  I was excited - "No way! Your name is ALMA!?"  I flipped to Alma 32:28 and showed her - "Look! It's YOU! Alma!"  She was very excited.  The very next day, she invited us back for pumpkin pie.  She had told her husband and her grown daughters about us. 

"I just had this great feeling last night when you left!"  She exclaimed.  "That was the Holy Ghost! How do you feel right now?" We asked her.  "I feel good! I feel knowledge and understanding," she said.  "THAT's the Holy Ghost!"  As we shared the message of the Restoration, and told her of the first vision, she got teary.  Finally, as we told her of the Book of Mormon, I held it out to her.  Her reaction was the best I've ever seen - "For ME?!" She gasped.  "Yes, for you!"  "My first book of Mormon!" she said, looking at it eagerly.  "You know what you need to do now," we said.  "Yes! I'm going to read it!" "And pray." "And pray!" :)  The best.  The Book of Mormon speaks for itself - just like Tad R. Callister's talk this past conference.

SO, as many of you know, the most dangerous zone to be in as a missionary the COMFORT zone.  I have learned many things as a missionary, but more recently the skill that I've been able to practice the most is packing.  You guessed it! I'm being transferred again.  Unfortunately another missionary is going home, so her companion will be coming to Bosque and Coronado with me while Hermana Jackson and Hermana Burrell will be staying in Valle del Norte.  Sad to leave - excited to pinkwash!

Love, love, love,
Hermana Smurthwaite

1. The living Alma

2. My most recent mural

3. Tacos from home :)

Mission Log - November 13, 2017 - T10, W2 - Albuquerque, Trio, and Urgency

Hola from ALBUQUERQUE!!

Whew!  What a WEEK, what a week!

This week I received the two craziest companions in the mission field!  Hermana Jackson is from Delaware and we actually knew each other before the mission - we went to the same mission prep class at BYUI.  And Hermana Burrell is from Tremonton, Utah, and she's been in the field a fresh two weeks now!

We are covering 3 stakes, which is to say, 3 Spanish branches, the largest area (geographically) in the mission.  The Valle del Norte branch is the largest, with 30 active members and about 80 less active members.  The Bosque branch is the second largest, with about 6 active families and 1 investigator family that goes every week. :)  There's something very special about that branch - everyone is so loving and inclusive.  This is silly, but I wish all church units could be that small, so everyone could know each other and be super close like that.

The smallest branch is the Coronado branch, with about 3 active families and 13 families total.  We haven't gone to their branch yet, because it's at the same time as Valle del Norte, but we'll go next week, for sure!

Many crazy fiascos happened this week - Hermana Jackson got really into studies and dressed as a Pharisee:

And we accidentally chucked the keys in the dumpster when we were taking out the trash:  (I was the only one who could climb in and get it :)

I love this quote from Jeffery R. Holland:

“… if I come to your mission, and I don’t think you are working hard enough, forgive me if I seem to bear down.  A mission is not casual; it is not something we do if it is convenient; it is not something we do if it is comfortable…. I want you to embrace, savor, and cherish every single minute of it – the good times and the hard times, the companions you love and the ones who test your faith.  I want you to enjoy all of it, to learn from it, to grow from it, and to know that it will never come again.  Plan now for the stories your children will hear and ask to hear again about what you learned on your mission, about how much you loved the people and the land…. We cannot guarantee heroic results.  You are going to a wide variety of missions and to a wide variety of peoples, where interests, cultures, needs, politics, materialism, and a whole host of factors will play a role in your success.  We can not and you can not guarantee heroic results.  But every elder and sister in this room can pledge heroic effort.  I ask you to do that.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Provo MTC, 18 January 2000).

He is right - this moment is so short!  And I think this could apply to life, not just to the mission - the time is short!  Even though it might seem long sometimes.  I never understood that before my mission - but now I can feel a sense of urgency.  I feel like I need to MOVE!  And not tomorrow, but NOW!  Every second counts.

Love, love, love,
Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - November 6, 2017 - T10, W1 - Gratitude and Challenges

Dear wonderful people,

My new companion is awesome!  Her name is Hermana Ballantyne, she's from Provo, Utah, and she is such a powerful missionary.

She is so clean and organized - the Area Book was the most organized I had ever seen and the apartment was spotless, a first for right after transfers!  She has excellent posture - and she doesn't eat sugar at all, because of all the health benefits.

She's a shining example of gratitude.  She's always sincerely thanking people for things: "Thank you for texting that investigator." "Thank you for all your hard work." "Thank you for asking that question."

She has an amazingly powerful testimony - during a lesson with the Reyes family this week, we were teaching the plan of Salvation.  She kept looking at them steadily in the eyes and saying," I know this is true.  I know you can be together eternally."  After the lesson, she continued to amaze me and said, "Let's say a prayer of gratitude!"  In the prayer, which was one of the most heartfelt, spiritual prayers I'd ever heard, she thanked Heavenly Father that the family we were teaching was going to the Celestial Kingdom.  She also thanked Heavenly Father for her companion, me.  I felt honored to be included her prayer.

Later in the week, our weekly planning session was the most focused, alert, spiritually directed weekly planning session I've ever had the privilege to be a part of.  I could feel the love my companion had for every single person we discussed - and at the end, when we did "comp inventory", which is like a weekly one-on-one with your companion, she had nothing but positive things to say.  Truly, she is a consecrated missionary.

But.

It is my personal opinion that Satan works the hardest against the best missionaries.  The tool that Satan chose to use against sweet Hermana Ballantyne was severe clinical depression.  She's on the plane back to Utah right now - to heal and prepare to come back.  The four months she spent here touched so many lives - we didn't have time to visit all of the people she had grown to love.

This past week has been the best and also the most difficult week of my mission.  I was heartbroken that she had to leave - she was so good!  I felt as though I could have done something to help her stay - say the right thing, or read her the right scripture.  But we only had a week together.  She assured me there was nothing I could have done - and, of course, she thanked me for being with her in this difficult time.

So I'm off to Albuquerque.  I'm sure it will be full of adventures and whatnot, and the field is white and ready to harvest up there.  But I will miss Texas... and I will never forget Hermana Ballantyne.

Mission Log - October 30, 2017 - T9, W6 - Transfer and Putting God First

Hola from El Paso!  (But Goodbye, Transmountain!)

from left to right: Alejandro (the Bishop's son), Elder Evans, Elder Simmons, Obispo Cigarroa, Elder Andrade, Elder Soria, and Hermana Bishop​

I didn't want to leave Transmountain North!!!

We were finally getting into a good rhythm - establishing daily contact with the focus families, especially all the recent converts.  Three families are working towards getting sealed!  I feel like every time things are running smoothly and you're getting along with your companion, and you don't WANT to get transferred, that's when you're transferred.  But that's how it should be - we can't grow in our comfort zones. :)  I feel satisfied, however, that I did my best - I did all I could - for the Transmountain ward.

Hermana Bishop is a little nervous about taking over - we had a mini weekly planning session and made sure the Area book was completely up-to-date.  Letting her see the organization and structure of missionary work, I hope, will help her continue feeling capable.

I'm excited to be going to a new zone!  It'll be strange not to have the Chamizion phone call every Wednesday, and zone sports at Hondo Pass, but it'll be a wonderful opportunity to branch out. :)

One of the many amazing miracles we saw this my last week in the area came in the form of a referral from Hondo Pass Elders.  They noticed a family on their records that they had never met before and asked if we knew them.  We replied that we didn't, but immediately went to contact them and met the Padilla family.  They are AWESOME!  There's four kids - Yameleth 11, Mayte 9, Ruby 6, and Liam 3.  The older girls have been going to English ward on occasion, which is why they're on the English ward list.  But, the mother, Jessica, doesn't speak English!  So we're working on getting their records transferred over to our ward. :)  We asked them while we were there what their hopes and dreams are for the future.  The kids mentioned wanting to be doctors, or a truck driver for Liam.  Then we asked what they want as a family.  They said, "An Eternal Family!"  So prepared!  Right then and there, we made a plan with them to get them to the temple to be sealed!  It was an AMAZING lesson and miracle to see and to be a part of.

We also had a miracle phone call this week.  A non-member or less active man named Adam called us out of the blue.  "Are you the Elders?"  He asked.  "We are missionaries - how can we help you?" we asked.  He asked us if we could give his daughter a blessing.  She is in a Children's hospital and has had three surgeries in the past two weeks.  We passed it off to the Elders serving in that area and they gave the little girl the blessing.  Heavenly Father truly guides His children to the Church!

Recently, our Mission President shared the following quote:

“Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments.  It is forgetting which way we face.  And yet, we have all made that mistake because of the fear of men…. For example, some young missionaries carry this fear of men into the mission field and fail to report the flagrant disobedience of a companion to their mission president because they don’t want to offend their wayward companion.  Decisions of character are made by remembering the right order of the first and second great commandments.” (Which Way Do You Face? Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy, General Conference, October 2014).

This is applicable to everyone; I know it's hard - it's super hard to put God first sometimes.  At times the glorious mansions and castles in the eternities seem so far away on the horizon that we feel like we can explore the thorny side-paths and trails and not get lost - only to look up and find that we're completely turned around.  I know the strait and narrow path seems long, but it's so worth it!  You have to learn to appreciate the flora and fauna from behind the guardrails and not go trampsing around out of bounds.  I've learned that throughout my life, and I'm reminded of it every day.

Hermana Smurthwaite

Mission Log - October 23, 2017 - T9, W5 - Obedience is Essential

Dear friends, loved ones, and fellow missionaries,

Our little pumpkin patch. :)​

Wow!  What a beautiful week of miracles.  This week, we decided to focus on strengthening the recent converts and the less-active members of the ward.  We went by their houses and heart-attacked them, visited them, and helped them make a plan to come to church using the handy-dandy church cards.  And do you know what?  It's working!!  Of their own free will and choice, they came to CHURCH!!  Ceci and Ulysses, a young couple with small children, brought their relatives, Joe, a recent convert, and Debbie, a less-active member.  The whole Adame family came - mom, dad, the daughter, the grandkid, the aunt and uncle, and the grandma!  AND, this was very exciting, our ward mission leader came!!!  We were so happy to see him - we'd been struggling to contact him for a while.  He wasn't able to stay for ward council, but it's a good start!! 

Also, out of the blue, Brianda texted us!  She's the one with an abusive husband who we thought had moved back to Mexico.  She wants to meet with us again!  It was absolutely amazing!!  The Lord has truly prepared her throughout these past 5 months.  We're seeing her soon!

Hermana Bishop is doing well - we're getting over the sniffles/sore throat. :)  She's a tough cookie!
Something our mission president shared recently with us is the principle of obedience.  He said:

"Each of you is a beloved son or daughter of celestial parents.  Their spiritual DNA courses through your spirit veins.  They love you.  They know you have the ability to become celestial beings as they are.  For them this is their everyday reality.  I hope it is yours...

We have to have the basics in place before we can learn the more effective ways to do missionary work."

He discussed some basic things the mission as a whole is struggling with - such as effective exercise, the use of slang, and so on.  He continues:

"Generally [these basics] could be classified as being obedient.  Obedience is the first law of heaven.  It is the first covenant we make in the temple.  There is a reason you go to the temple prior to coming on a mission.  One of them is that, having made that covenant, you’re already committed to be obedient, and should not have to make that decision in the field.  You may feel that disobedience only affects you or your companionship.  Not true.  You affect your companion.  Your companionship affects your district.  Your district affects your zone.  Your zone affects the mission.  Just as the combined prayers of the whole mission strengthen each one of us, disobedience by one hurts all of us.  It diminishes the Spirit."

As an animated character in the movie "Prince of Egypt" once put it, "One weak link can break the chain of a mighty dynasty!"

Elder Holland, in a talk given at the MTC called "Don't you dare go home," has this to say for obedience: “I ask you not to resist the principle of obedience; not to resist it here in the MTC, and not to resist it in the mission field.  Your mission president will probably talk about some aspect of obedience in almost every zone conference.  I’d be surprised if he didn’t.  There’s a reason for it.  Obedience is the first law of missionary work.  We cannot get to laws 2, 3, 4, 20 and 90 until we establish that we will obey.  In fact, obedience is the first law of everything.  We don’t really know very much about the pre-mortal council in heaven.  But one of the things we do know is that the issue was agency and obedience.  That battle is still being waged.  What began in heaven has moved to this earth, but that fight is still on.  It is the most fundamental issue in our lives.  Will we choose, with our agency, to voluntarily, humbly, obediently, follow God the eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, or not?  That is the issue of all eternity.”

Obedience is essential.  It's a tiny thing; but it has eternal consequences.