Week 37 - "Ponder on the beauty of the earth made clean again..."

Well... it's been a good week. I was feeling kind of bummed last Sunday, because we knocked on SO MANY doors all week, and had only a handful of people answer, and even less let us stay. But then I went to church, and sitting in sacrament to my left was Rick, an older man the AP's just baptized. He has experienced miracles in his life in the short time since that day, including reconnecting with his son after 10+ years. In front of him was Norma who, after 5 months of searching and praying and searching and praying some more, and battling opposition from her family, finally entered the waters of baptism on Saturday :) It was such a sweet day. Then sitting right next to me was Allison, who isn't even a member yet, but stands up every fast Sunday and testifies of the truthfulness of this Gospel. Yesterday her message was about the opposition she has faced as she's begun this journey, and how it only confirms to her that the devil doesn't want her to baptized because this is the truth. I am so amazed and humbled by the strength and determination of these people. I'm so grateful for the gift of having personal witness from the Holy Ghost, that when the "conversation of those in the great and spacious building"  are directed our way, we don't have to doubt what we know for ourselves. (Quote from Stand Up Inside and Be All In by Gary B. Sabin - April 2017 GC)

I love the storms here... everything is so fresh after.

We got caught in a storm after district meeting last week, and since tracting wasn't exactly ideal, we went mall contacting with the Hermanas. Sister Beck, got struck by lightning last spring.. while out walking with an umbrella. She's fine :) but we avoid such activities now.

I may have bought these glasses... 

You can't imagine how many people are willing to talk to you when you look like a wizard. Also, I think they're cute.

President and Sister Sainsbury have asked us to talk to 20 people every day, aside from those we're teaching. Even if we can't teach a lesson, or bring the gospel up, just to talk to people and let them feel the light and see our tags. I really love this challenge, because it's a much more natural way of contacting people for me. I'm still so uncomfortable with knocking on peoples doors.. it just feels forced. But I love talking to people out and about, and almost always get a chance to tell them why we're here, and invite them to know more. People are much friendlier when they can tell you're being sincere and are a normal human being.

One of our ward friends, Betty, has this (pic of Bob Marley) hanging in her house. She said her brother took this photo at what would be Marley's last concert. So cool! I couldn't get a good picture of it without reflection... :/ Anyway Betty is amazing. She's in her 50's and has studied all over the world. She's from Zambia I think, but lived in New York most of her life, and has the coolest accent. 

Hey, guess what I'm ALMOST HALF WAAYYYY!!

We went on a hike today, after having 5 vials of blood drawn at the doc this morning.. Heh. But I SURVIVED. And it was way nice. I miss the mountains so much. There's just nothing like the smell of dirt, the feel of rock, and the sound of trees and running water. It just gets in my soul and heals all the junk put there by long days and mean people.

We ran back in to the Jamaicans last night, and now have an appointment to
teach the first lesson this week :) Which is pretty great, since we forgot
to get their info last time. Miracles!

To be continued.... 

I love you all so much!

Sister Smith