An Alabama Adventure... as a messenger of Christ: Week 28 - Shell Shock! Hoover, Alabama - A Real City?!! New/Old Companion/Friend;) Samford University!! Wow!

Tennessee River

This is one of my best friends in Corinth, named James. James has faced very difficult health challenges this year, without the support of family. He's currently fighting a horrible infection in his legs. The Monday before I left Mississippi, he was transported to Memphis, where they are going to try to get him healthy enough for amputation. They've given him a 10% chance of survival. I want you to know how much I love this man. Over the
last 3 months he has taught me so much about forgiveness, and the Atonement. He's taught me that it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of you, when you have truly repented. That you can still love those who choose not to see the change that has taken place. That you can still have peace in the knowledge that the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers ALL. And that there is JOY to be had at every stage of this journey. Even on those days when his pain was high, and the future looked bleak, if you asked James how he was doing, or if you could do anything for him, he'd say "Sure is a beautiful day.." and then ask us if we had enough food, or money, or needed some ice cream.. ha! No matter what, he'd find something to give us, even if a good laugh was all he could give. The first day I met James we were in the hospital, and his doctor walked in, saw my name tag and said, Whoa!.. for a second I though your name was Jesus Christ!".... James BUSTED up, as did the rest of us. From then on James called me Baby Jesus. He nicknamed Sister Chibataka Blue Lake, Sister Nielsen Bubbles, and Sister Terry-Terry Cloth.. cause she's got things covered. HAHAHA. James is slow to judge and quick to forgive. He is one of the most Christ-like people I've ever had the privilege of calling my friend, and I wish more of the world knew him.

Last night in Tennesee...:(

We went to the mall the other day...

I have no idea how to be in the city anymore, haha! Stimulation overload. I just spent 6 months in the backwoods of Mississippi/Tennessee, and was transferred to Hoover, AL last week, which is basically part of Big City Birmingham.. It's got me all messed up. I miss the woods like crazy, haha! Plus the country is where it's at.. All the crazy (for real crazy) cool people live there! I know I'll adjust... I love the city too. I know I'll grow to love the people :)

But I do love being back in the Alabama green...

Alabama green is good to see again!

Sister Terry made this for me :)

Oh and our apartment has a gorgeous view.. it's called a tree house apartment, we're on the top floor, and basically the whole side of our apartment is window looking into the trees, where I watch squirrels scurrying about in the mornings. This morning I woke up to the sound of an Alabama downpour. Loved it. I'll try to send the video.

It's been a week of adjusting and getting to know the investigators, ward,
and land.

Hope everyone is well! I love you!

Xoxo Sis Smith

Sister Mathis!! We came out together from the MTC, and were in the same district our first transfer! So excited to have her as a companion.. it's going to be a great transfer :)