a New Era - The Power of Happiness

Hey Ya'll!

We had a couple cool experiences last night and the night before. We started tracting this apartment complex we hadn't been to before. One of the YSAs mentioned a lot of international students lived there, and would probably be the only people still in town during the holiday break. After weeks of exhausting all of our other ideas, we finally gave it a try! 

The first night we were invited into the home of a sweet Nepalese couple, Rina and Ashok. Their religious culture is Hindu, and it was a sweet thing to be able to learn a little more about their rich beliefs rooted in family and love. We were able to talk with them about the universal truth that God is our loving Heavenly Father, and that we are each brothers and sisters. They have a 5 month old baby boy named Evan, and Rina's mother, Camoa, was also there visiting from Nepal to help with the first few months of parenthood. There was such a sweet feeling in their apartment, as we kneeled to pray together before we left. 

The next night we met Arpan and Sweta, another sweet Nepalese couple! It just so happens that Arpan was the president of the Nepalese Cultural Night I attended with Sister Tunuufi back in November! They were so excited to hear that I had been there with them that night to learn about and celebrate their beautiful country and culture. Again, we had the opportunity to testify of the eternal truth of families, and the plan Heavenly Father has for each of his children. As it turns out, Arpan was given a Book of Mormon years ago when he spent some time in Japan! It is absolutely amazing to me how the Lord orchestrates these meetings. No matter who or what or where we are, he is working in our lives.

After leaving them with a prayer, the last door we knocked was Sama's. A beautiful young woman from Iraq. She told us a little about her past, her beliefs, her country, and her dear family. What an amazing woman! She expressed her desire to learn more about the message we share, and invited us back. As did the previous families. 

I've been given the opportunity to learn of the great power of happiness lately. The end of the mission is kind of rough at times, but as President Sainsbury counseled me, (as have my parents for like... my whole life, haha), I'm going to just focus on the Doctrine of Happiness. There are so many anxieties we can easily be overtaken by in this world. At different times in our life, through certain challenges. But I do believe there is actual power in happiness, and choosing to look for and focus on it. Rather than agonize about whether I'm ready to leave this phase of my life, my mission, or whether I've become exactly who I wanted to or who the Lord wants me to, I'm going to chose to trust and to be happy and enjoy these last 2 months I have to serve the Lord and be one of His missionaries. 2 months from today to be exact! I really have learned so much about what true happiness is, and where it comes from over these last 16 months. I hope and pray that all those I love will one day feel the happiness they deserve. 

"Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it. And this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." -Joseph Smith (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p.255-56)

The words of our dear Prophet, who we will miss. So grateful to know he is reunited with his sweet Wife and friends. 

"No matter the phase of the work, something good is happening. Either you're teaching, strengthening your companion, or growing closer to the Savior." -Sister Boyack (my dear Sister Training Leader)

I love you all, have a great week!

Love Sister Smith