Hi!
I know it's December.. but it still feels and
looks like October here. It's just weird. I miss "real" December! We're
supposed to hopefully get a little snow this week, but it won't stay
long. Time on the mission is already weird, and then when the seasons
don't match up with the time of year..?? I may be just a little homesick
this Christmas.
Good thing Alabama is so gorgeous.
This week we were able to do some service with a member, at the old
Tuscaloosa Regional Airport! It's no longer a full functioning airport,
just for those with private planes, and apparently an occasional Air
Force One visit. Oh, and family history! They have a bunch of old court
records from the 1800's that were made available to our member, through a
series of miracles! She has been voluntarily working on scanning these
documents for family history work for 15 years now.. amazing. We were
able to help out one day last week, and will do it again this week. It's
pretty awesome. I love history, my family knows I kinda have a thing
for old stuff (junk....) so it was pretty neat for me to read some of
these 150 year old hand written documents, describing different people's
lives. And such a blessing to be able to do some family history work
for other people's families! It was made even sweeter when Sister
Tunuufi and I had the opportunity to go to the temple twice this week!
The YSA temple trip was this week, and we were able to join them because
Sister Tunuufi had a family name she needed to do the work for before
taking it through for Endowment during our mission temple trip today! So
we were able to do everything from baptism to endowment this week. What
a sweet thing to experience all of these saving ordinances so close
together. It really brought great understanding of Heavenly Father's
love for us. It's such a privilege to be able to participate in the work
on both sides of the veil right now. I know not every missionary in the
world get to do that! I'm very grateful.
We made a stop in to the University of Alabama Natural History Museum
this week while contacting on campus. Remember how I'm afraid of fish?
Have you heard of a Basilosaurus? I'ma have a few questions when I get
to the other side. WHY IS THIS NECESSARY.
We had the annual YSA Christmas white elephant gift exchange.. classic.
Lot's of fun. We were also able to go on a Blitz with Sister Begay and
Boyack, because we were over scheduled for a few things, so we had to
divide and conquer. It was fun, and nice to have the gang all together
again!
You see the funniest things driving around Tuscaloosa. Perks of
living in da ghetto. Some of my fav license plates I've seen: MR.SLAY,
IMTRYN, GODSFAV...
Also, what happen to Skeet? Where he at??
I'm so grateful to have spent the morning in the Temple with so many people that I love. I love the missionaries I get to serve with so much. I know I needed their examples and light in my life. I'm so grateful to be serving here with President and Sister Sainsbury at this time in my life. I learned so much in the Temple today. One thing that really stood out to me was my Heavenly Father's love. As I pondered on how wonderful the creation of the earth was, and how happy they were were with the work they did, the spirit seemed to tell me that their greatest joy came from the excitement of giving it to US. This incredible, perfect, beautiful place was created to be our home, so that we could come here and find joy in the life experiences we would have. I thought of this Christmas season, and the matchless joy of giving gifts of love to those we love.
I love you all so much, have a great week!
Love Sister Smith
