Week 41 - .."if one only remembers to turn on the light."

Tuscaloosa Stadium Again!!

HIIII!!

It was such a great week. Alison is still right on track for her baptism on the 24th, but she texted us this morning and asked if she could move it up to the 17th, because she is so ready and just doesn't want to wait anymore!

This is such a sweet miracle. Initially her family was completely against it, and she was going to have to wait until August to keep peace.. As she has focused on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and continued to strive to follow the promptings of the spirit, her family's hearts have been softened, and now she is preparing to enter the waters of baptism. AH! My heart is so full.

Ok we had a lesson with this girl named Emma, who the Elders referred to us. She's so cool, and we've just really been able to click with her. The last lesson we had this week, both Sister Wright and I just sat in the car for a while after, and soaked up the spirit. It was SO STRONG. We felt so much love for Emma, and both said it felt so much like there are people working for her on the other side. I just haven't ever felt anything like it. Unfortunately, Emma is going to visit family is California for the next two weeks.. we did our best to prepare her for the anti she will inevitably come across, and asked her to take her Book of Mormon with her. If she allows it, I know she will be prompted to read, and there is so much strength available to her if she will.

Could we possible stick out any more?

Ok.. this is a funny sight. Bunch of Elders on an
escalator in the mall.

You have to hear about Brother Briggins.. I look up to this man so much. Ok, so he and his family have been through a heck of an experience lately. About a month ago, his daughter was attacked outside their house in the early morning, as she was headed to work. Brother Briggins and his wife jumped out of bed as soon as they heard her screaming, and ran to her aid. Brother Briggins saw this man hitting his daughter with what he thought was a stick, until he ran and tackled the man, and a knife hit the ground.. YEAH. His daughter was sliced pretty badly, but she survived, and is recovering slowly. Brother Briggins fought this man for an estimated 30 minutes before police and ambulances showed up. Though he was missing the tip of one of his fingers, and very bruised by the end, he too survived.

It's been a month of unimaginable heart ache and healing, both spiritual and physical. Brother Briggins was able to return to church for the first time yesterday, and I wish you could have been there to hear his testimony. He joined the church in the 70's and is the only member in his family. He told us of a time a few years back when he felt prompted to invite one of his grandchildren to hear the missionary discussions. The grandchild did for a time, but never joined. He told us how badly he had wanted his grandchild to be baptized, so at least one member of his family would understand what it was that he was a part of.

*I've never met such a humble and happy man*. His entire testimony was about how much *he knows his Father in Heaven LOVES him*. He didn't say one negative thing about the experience he'd just been through, or that he attends every week as a member of the stake high council, without his wife, 6 children, or any grandchildren. He spoke of his gratitude that God allowed him and his daughter to still be here, that she is recovering, and that he can now lightly touch his finger without cringing in pain 😊. He talked about how blessed he is, and how he knew even as a child that God loved him.

I just can't even describe the spirit this man carries. How is it that he can have so much peace and happiness, *even in the darkest of times*? How can we too have that kind of confidence in our Heavenly Father's love for us? Let me know what you guys think..

I have to rush through this, but I can't leave this one out!!

Mariya, Sister Wright, ME, Sasha

We tracted into a man named Leo this week, who is from Ukraine. He told us he doesn't know many people here yet, so we offered to introduce him to our neighbors, Sasha and Mariya, who also happen to be from Ukraine!! They are the sweetest couple ever, and always bring us delicious Ukrainian food. So Sasha and Mariya invited us to bring Leo over for a traditional Ukrainian meal for us all! Oh my heck, I've never been so happy in my life. Sasha, the husband, doesn't speak much english, so Leo and Mariya did their best to translate the conversation for Sister Wright and I, in their beautiful thick accents. Their culture is just so beautiful, and so fun! The dinner conversation was WILD. I mean, just everyone yelling over each other, and laughing, and SINGING! The food was amazing of course, I wish I could remember the names of everything. There was this beat soup stuff, and scones stuffed with potato, and an amazing cherry cake. But my favorite part was just listening to them talk, and watching how animated everyone was... it was hard to tell if they were being friendly or yelling at each other, until they'd all bust out laughing. AH, seriously the best day ever.

After dinner they had me go get my guitar, and Leo played for us. Pretty soon Sasha and Mariya were making requests, and the three of them sang several Polish, Russian and Ukrainian songs to us! These are my favorite videos.. I hope you can watch them.

And one with Leo :) HIS GUITAR SKILLS THOUGH

Once we'd all sang and laughed until we couldn't breath anymore, we settled down, and the discussion turned to the scriptures. Those questions of the soul were brought up, about where we were before this life, why we're here, and what happens after.. Though we all spoke different languages, I learned that the language of the spirit is universal. There was so much LOVE felt.
Even though we all believed a little differently. I was so humbled by Mariya's humble faith. Leo posed a question about why there were so many more worlds than just ours.. we all shared our beliefs and views, and though Mariya wasn't sure, she said it would all be worked out eventually.
She loves and trusts her God, and said she doesn't need to understand everything right now, so know He has a plan. I was just blown away, and humbled. I love these people so much, for their faith.

My testimony of the Plan of Salvation was strengthened, and my gratitude deepened, for the knowledge that we DO have available to us. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has truly been restored through a Prophet of God.

Welcome to the South!

I want you to know that I know this gospel is true. I know Heavenly Father loves each of us, even when it feels heaven is far away. I love you all so much.

Love Sister T Smith