Sam called on January 9 from the SLC airport. We had an amazing conversation with him. We felt such a strong spirit of dedication and love for the work from Sam as he talked to us. He shared some spiritual experience he'd had in the MTC and we could all feel the spirit as he spoke and his voice became a little emotional in the telling of it.
He encouraged us to always read the scriptures with a question in mind and shared that he had had many questions answered from reading the book of Mormon that way. He shared a perspective on James 1:5 and suggested replacing the word "Wisdom" with "Spiritual Gifts". E.g. "If any of ye lack 'spiritual gifts', let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally ...".
He was excited to be going into the field and we loved every minute of it. I thought I was recording it on my phone, but when I went to retrieve it, it was not there :(
From Sam (Jan 11):
I've got good news, bad news, better news and great news.
The good news is that I have gone to both the Provo MTC and the South African MTC before i've actually gone to the mission field. The bad news, I was rejected from flying to Zambia. I did make it to Johannesburg but that's as far as I made it with my companions. The better news, I didn't lose my luggage. I got everything still with me. The best news, I'm here at the SAMTC and I'm loving it. I should be getting on a flight to Lusaka this afternoon. Don't worry about me, the Lord is on my side and I got the church to back me up.
I love you all.
Sincerely, Elder Smith
From Mom:
So happy to hear an update, Sam! Glad you are safe and well. What is the reason for being rejected to go to Zambia? How is the SAMTC? Any first impression about Africa?
Praying for you,
Mom
Praying for you,
Mom
From Sam (Jan 11):
I made it to Zambia! We were rejected because we didn't have a return flight from Lusaka to Johannesburg, but we did have a flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta. So we were rejected. The SAMTC was amazing. I went from the biggest MTC to the smallest MTC. We were there for just the morning, then we had a tight flight to Lusaka. We made it safe and the Mission President picked us up. I'm at the mission home now and I'm going to meet my trainer right away. I'm loving Africa. It's so green and hot, definitely not Canada. But it's pretty amazing.
I love you all,
Sincerely, Elder Smith
From Mom (Jan 11):
Don’t forget to add Abby and Mia to the family emails. They feel so important.
We’re SOO happy to hear you’ve arrived safely. What a crazy adventure you’re starting. We’re maybe a little jealous at your weather. It’s -32 right now and maybe we’ll just stay inside today. We’re nine hours behind you so we’re just starting our day.
Love you!
Mom
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