Week 48 - My Heart

Hey Ya'll!

So this week we had exchanges, and I got to be with Sister Terry in Bessemer again! We had a great time. We were tracting in old town Bessemer (ghetto), and had to find a restroom.

We stopped at the scariest gas station I've ever been to, and asked some guy (not sure if he really worked there) if they had one, but he said they didn't. However, he was kind enough to point us down the alley across the street, and said if we followed the alleyway we'd find a "Churches Chicken" restaurant with a restroom. Ehhhhhmmm.. Okkkiie. Not sketchy at all.

We decided to take the long way around, and eventually found the place. We met a lady there who had actually met with missionaries before, and had a Book of Mormon! So cool! I hope after my mission I still have these type of experiences. Being able to see the Lord work in the tiniest details (like a full bladder in a sketchy town with one working bathroom) is so cool!

In other news, Sisters Begay, Trepanier, Terry and I got to wrestle some goats. That wasn't the initial plan, but it happen. Sisters Trepanier and Begay were dropping Sister Terry and I off at a members house (we were going to visit, then walk from there to go contacting) when suddenly Sister Trepanier was out of the car and running toward the goat den on the property. Back story: Sister Trepanier grew up on a farm, and loves animals more than life itself. She has taken white out to our white handbook (missionary conduct book) and changed the rule from you "must not take pets home" to you "must        take pets home." She once picked up a stray dog and kept it in the apartment overnight.. Just until the owners called back. Anyway, she was climbing the goat fence before we could do anything about it. One of them was friendly, the other left bruises. Hopefully you can see the pictures and video I sent.

Later while Sister Terry and I were walking (forever) we stopped and talked to a young man smoking out on his porch. It was one of those things where we both saw him, didn't say anything, almost walked past, but then both just stopped dead in our tracks. We knew without saying anything that we were supposed to go talk to him. And those moments are never easy, haha. We had walked just far enough that it was going to be awkwardly obvious that we were coming back for him. Not to mention there was a busy road in between us and him, so we had to dodge traffic and cause a scene to get to him, haha. Anyway, none of that mattered once the conversation started flowing. He had just graduated high school, and was the epitome of a young southern gentleman. "Yes ma'am" "No ma'am" "Thank you ma'am." While we were talking, he got a call from a local repair shop he'd applied to work for, and was accepted for a position. It was the most respectful conversation I've ever heard. Man, I will miss that Southern hospitality and character. Dirty fingernails, scuffed up shoes, cigarette smoke, and the most genuine hearts. It became so apparent that Heavenly Father was aware of this guy. He invited us to come sit on the porch with him, and we talked for almost an hour. He had so many questions, and we did our best to answer them. We taught the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and how it was that we had answers to things he didn't know there were answers for. He filled up our water bottles for us, and thanked us for spending time with him. His name was Austin.

Unfortunately Wong won't be getting baptized this weekend :( He leaves for New York in about a week, and just still says he needs some time. I admire him so much, as heartbreaking as it is for Sister Begay and I (and him). He is a man of his word, and he understands the sacredness of the promises and commitments we make at baptism. I admire him for wanting to do it right, and wait until he knows he can commit to the changes he's trying to make. Holy smokes, I could cry just thinking about the spirit that is felt whenever we are with Wong. I know he was meant to come in contact with missionaries at this time in his life, even if Sister Begay and I don't get to witness first hand the things that are going to continue to take place.

Have I told you how much I love being a missionary? I love it. I love riding a bike, sweating through two outfits, and taking multiple showers a day. I love talking to absolute strangers, and wearing the name of Jesus Christ. I love the love I feel for those around me because of Him. I love learning from my companions, and from other members that I would have never met if I didn't come out here. I love learning from strangers with completely different lifestyles, beliefs and backgrounds. I love Alabama and all her history. Her beautiful land and people.

Sister Begay is one of the most incredible people I've ever met, and I know without a doubt that she is one of the reasons I'm here in the ABM at this time. I needed to meet her. It's amazing how much a heart can stretch, when you miss your family and friends like CRAZY, yet you dread the day when you have to say goodbye to people and places you've known for a fraction of the time.

Well, I hope you all have a great week! I love you so much.

Xoxo Love Teirs

Sister Smith