Week 39 - I never knew hell could be so pretty..

Well... We've officially been finding for 7 weeks straight. We meet people here and there (literally no one answers their doors), but the conversation usually ends pretty quick when we "get to the good stuff." We're trying really hard to find opportunities to serve people. We've felt strongly that service is going to be the best way to love and teach these people. "Service softens hearts."

It's blasted hot. And so humid I can't tell if I'm sweating or swimming most of the time. The air is just so thick, it's hard to breathe! But the plants are out of this world. 

There are little geckos everywhere! Reminds me of the Lake Powell days,

chasing lizards all over the red rocks :) ssss'cccuuuutte!

Look at this magnolia flower the size of my head! I never knew hell could be so pretty...

Sister Terry gave me this shirt!!! Best thing ever. I'm not sure you can

fully appreciate the Southernness going on here, unless you've lived in the

South. I love her so much. She was just called to be our STL, and am so

glad we get to serve around each other again! 

Sister Wright (my comp) is also incredible, and one of the funniest people I know. Laughter is the
best way to get through the tough days, and I'm grateful Sis. Wright supplies so much of it.

There are good things I want to share, but I just haven't had the time or
the mind to write about them.. I'm so sorry.

One thing I do want to share is something President Sainsbury shared at
stake conference on Sunday. "It's our inadequacies that drive us to our
knees. And it is there that we find the faith to move forward."

You and I and every person that ever was has felt inadequate at one point
or another. Whether it be school or career or parenthood or just wanting to
help those we love, but not knowing how. Some sever trials may break our
heart, and stretch us beyond our capabilities. But it is there, in those
broken places, that the light of Christ can enter in, if we so choose. And
we ALWAYS have a choice. Faith is a choice.

I have found that in times of need, the scriptures can *tell* us what we
need to do, and the Holy Ghost can help us *understand, *and *show* us what
we need to do. The spirit can be felt on every page of the Book of Mormon.
In every sentence, in every word. Heavenly Father knows us by name. He
loves us. We had no doubt of this is the pre-mortal, and we now have the
opportunity to regain that knowledge. Trials are part of that process.
Trust in the constant care of the Lord. As Sister Wright said this week
"When we feel like we can't do it, we can't. But HE can."

I love you all so much more than words.
Love Sister Smith