April 30, 2018

From Mom - Travel Log

Dear Sammy Sam,

Well, we’re home after a nine day absence. We dropped Josh off at BYU-I and saw Steph graduate, which was the reason for the trip but we did so much more .... and here are the highlights:

When we left our house it was still snowy and cold. We really enjoyed the unveiling of spring as we drove south. We stopped at a little town in Montana (Augusta) to use the bathroom and the local saloon had an indoor outhouse. Haha.



The first thing Mia did once we arrived at Steph’s was to pick the dandelions and another purple flower. We were coming from a colour starved world and it was exciting for us to see the blossoms and flowers growing in Utah. 





We spent a day in Salt Lake where we enjoyed Temple Square, the Church History Museum, lunch with Tyler AND a Utah Jazz basketball game. I loved going with your Dad and watching him watch a sport he likes so much. He’s a hardworking, selfless man, your Dad. I was thinking that everything he does is always for the benefit of others. He leads and guides our family with love and wisdom and I’m glad he finally got to do something for fun. 





I can never put a finger on why the temple, any temple, is such a peaceful place. Just walking around the grounds reminded me of all the important things in my life: my relationship with God, my family, the purpose of life and those deep reverent feelings that come only on grounds like these. 



Utah Jazz won by 20 points. 



We also spent a day in Arches National Park. As always, when I’m out in nature, I was struck by the beauty of the earth and soaked in the wonder of it all. 








Abby is pointing to a place we climbed to.



Places like this make me grateful to be alive. 

Tyler and Steph brought us climbing multiple times (both inside and out) and the girls really loved it. I think we’re going have to write it into our learning plan next year. 







Seeing Steph graduate was a big highlight. She worked really hard and we’re proud of her. 





We also saw Josh off to BYU-I. On our way home, we saw him again and had a little birthday celebration. He had a good first week at school that he’ll tell you about, I’m sure. 



We also stopped to see Great Grandpa and Grandma. We’re thinking it won’t be much longer for him now. He’s so weak he can’t get up or down on his own. 



We had a good time but it’s always nice to be home again. We returned to the snow being melted completely and now our work begins again for the warm months. We’re planning on finishing the garage, renting a bobcat to get rid of the dirt piles, put in a garden, work on the treehouse, etc, etc. We’re looking forward to it. 

And now it’s time for you to tell us your highlights! How are you preparing for your district meetings? Is the weather changing? Isn’t the rainy season coming up soon? Who are you teaching? Tell us something that strengthened your testimony this week. 

I saw this at the church history museum and I was reminded that my grandma Bruce had this on her fridge when I was a child. I learned that it’s a mathematical puzzle. Each shape is symbolic of a number and when you add each line, including the diagonal, they always add up to eighteen. If you take any tile away, the complete picture is compromised. I was thinking how important it is for each of us to lift where we stand or to “act well our part.” Each of us matters. The work we do, matters. It’s important to always improve our relationship with God so He can help us, magnify us and strengthen us. 

Have a good week, Elder Smith. We sure love you!

Mom


From Sam - One fast week

This week was amazing! And it feels like I was just emailing yesterday. Time on mission is the weirdest thing. I also can't believe that mothers day is in two weeks and my birthday is in two weeks. Besides the time flying, I have really enjoyed the people I've been able to teach. I have definitely seen Gods hand in my life. I know that he truly loves all people and I'm very grateful to be part of sharing it and helping others find it. There has been one investigator we have been teaching. Her name is Limpo and she's 16. She's looking for the true church and just like Joseph Smith, has been going to all the different church's to find out which one it true. As we shared his story she connected with it perfectly and as we shared the first vision experience with her, I felt the spirit, my companion felt the spirit and I know that she felt the spirit as well. The gospel really helps all people and I am part of that process.

I can honestly say that coming on my mission I've experienced so many things that I never knew I would experience. Part of the stuff is the fact that i'm in Africa. The rest are just me being in the world. I've learned so many things about other church's, I have hilarious conversations with drunk people and I'm part of the minority being one of the only "White Men" in the area causing all the kids to call out Mazungu Mazungu, then I fist bump them and they are all happy. I love being a missionary and Iove this gospel. "It's true, all of it" (Guess what I quoted, only a few will know)

I love you all, stay awesome,

Elder Smith

Pictures:

-African Sunset

-African  Tree

-Going home picture for Sister Mafunda

April 23, 2018

From Dad - Live from Utah

Dear Sam,

I’m writing this from Steph and Tyler’s projector room laying on their hideaway bed.

We left home on Thursday afternoon after a string of repairs in your white car (new tie rod, alignment and a new starter after the car stopped starting at the mechanics!). We got to Grandma and Grandpa Smith’s around 11pm and enjoyed visiting with them and also a short visit with great grandma and grandpa smith. Never know whether it might be our last.  

We drove both little cars down to Rexburg and arrived too late to check Josh into his apartment, so we crashed at the quality Inn and went swimming. The next day we got Josh checked in then dropped him off for an introductory session and activities to get him familiar with campus and meet new people. We did some shopping for him at Walmart to set him up then found him again for hugs. He was feeling much more comfortable after meeting a few people. His classes start tomorrow. 

We’ve been keeping tabs on Ben at home. He didn’t end up coming because he’d already paid for his band trip to Whistler. He’s staying at the de Vries and having a great time. 

When we got into Provo about 4, we didn’t rest long before Tyler enticed is to go rock climbing. 

Both girls did amazing and I and Mom even got in on the action. 

After Church today we went and did Tin Types (old fashioned photography)

Mia was super bored, so eventually Tyler took pity and took her and Abby to the park while we finished off. 

I’m grateful and proud of each one of you kids. Enjoying getting ready to celebrate Steph's big graduation moment Thursday and Friday. 

Sure love you Sam. Keep checking the from home folder in google mission folder for uploads. 

Love Dad. 

From Sam - Baptism!!!

This week was amazing! First we had a baptism for our investigator Cyrus, He's been investigating since I got here. He was finally able to be baptized. This week I was able to have my first actual dinner appointment. It was really nice to not worry about the cooking, just the teaching. That's my favorite part about my mission, all I have to worry about is finding and teaching people; Just missionary work. It's the best.

Today I was able to participate in a district activity. We played volleyball, card games and finished it off with pizza, cake and banana bread and ice-cream. My district is the best. It was also really weird to just wear a t-shirt and shorts outside of my flat. I think it was the first time I have done that. I also found out this week that I need a haircut every month and a half to two months. It's always a relief when I cut my hair, I don't have to worry about anything.

Pictures

- Kids sitting with us as we wait for an investigator

- Yess drink and a new haircut

- Another beautiful African sunset

- Cyrus' Baptism

- Our investigators super relaxed cat

- Me making a Draft board(Draft is Checkers on steroids)

- District Activity Pictures 

Videos

- Kids endlessly fist bumping me. 

- Other church's Sunday gathering

- Me flipping out in Zambia.

Response from Payton Bruce: 

I'm so proud of you! This is awesome! Sp great to hear and see pictures and videos! Keep up the good work!​

April 16,2018

From Mom - Awareness

Dear Elder Smith,

Sometimes I can’t help but think life is getting better and better all the time. It might be the return of the sunshine, longer daylight hours and the beginning of The Big Melt, but let me tell you of a few interesting experience that illustrates this onward-and-upward feeling. 


1) Weeks ago Dad and I were shopping for a few Easter treats. Mia had been lamenting the fact that she didn’t have a 2018 calendar, so we were at Walmart looking for one. It’s late in the year for calendars and the associate explained they didn’t have any. We walked away wondering where else we could go when over the loudspeaker we heard, “For the couple who were looking for calendars, we found some!” so we turned around and went back. As we were looking at the options, I see Sarah out of the corner of my eye. (Remember that Korean lady who started coming to church but her husband won’t let her be baptized?) “Hi, Sarah!” and we started exchanging pleasantries where we found out she was stuck there until 10:30 p.m. (Walmart closes at 10, and it was around 9:00 when we saw her) waiting for a taxi to take her to Calmar (a $40 expense). The weather was -18°C and she was worried about the lateness and waiting in the cold for 30 minutes. Of course, we offered to drive her home and suddenly she exclaimed in her soft Korean accent, “God always provides!” And then she tells us she had been praying for help to get home. 



It’s a small thing, I know, but I can’t help thinking about it. If that Walmart associate wasn’t kind enough to call us back, we would have missed Sarah completely. So who answered her prayer? Us, or the Walmart worker? I guess it doesn’t matter except to say that I know Heavenly Father loves each of us and answers our prayers, big and small. 

2) It’s been a busy week with Ben performing at the Winspear in Edmonton (with the LCHS Choir and band where he sang, played clarinet and did a solo on the piano playing Root Beer Rag), and Josh performing at the Institute Choir Concert. 



(See the guy with the white shirt in the middle of the choir? Ben is right beside him. Ha! And Dad sent you pics of Josh’s concert.)

Anyway, afterward we decided to splurge and go out for a late appetizers at Boston Pizza (which turned into a meal). We laughed, ate and chatted and I really soaked it in especially because Josh is leaving this week for school. As we were finishing up, the server came so we could pay the bill and explained that the couple who were sitting across from us payed $40 towards our meal. I looked over at the newly vacated table of this mystery couple and was dumbfounded at their anonymous service. 

Again, such a small thing, but it seems all I hear about on the news and social media is about conflict and hate, but here was a very tangible example of the goodness of humanity. I have to say it restored my faith in people. 

3) Yesterday was the most delightful Sunday I’ve had in awhile. Maybe it was because Amanda James came to church with us (Josh invited her), maybe it was because the speakers were really good, maybe it was because I ran a meaningful and unifying Teacher Council Meeting, or because of potluck. It could be the walk in the sunshine Mia and I had with our colourful rubber boots or because Coco caught TWO pocket gophers. Maybe it was the temple recommend interview I had with the bishop or the family visit before bed. All these things added to the day but I think the secret ingredient to my fabulous feeling was the awareness of all that was good and the gratitude that I felt for a loving Heavenly Father who loves us back and gives us peace. 



(Abby and I had to scrub Coco for a half an hour before she came clean!)

Awareness of all that is good in our lives and the source by which they’re made manifest is a valuable awareness to have. It gives me a good perspective and brings me happiness. 

So, if you’re struggling to know what to write us, tell us about that. When you look back on your week, can you see the small miracles, answers to prayer, the goodness of people, or just plain awareness of all the blessings you have?

We love you, Sam. We so proud of you and the daily, good choices you make. We pray for you in your new responsibility of DL and for your new companionship. We hope you are remembering your sunscreen and will be watched over. We miss you but wouldn’t have you be anywhere else. 

Love you forever, 

Mom ❤️





From Sam:

This week has been amazing and has flew by like no mans business. I'm almost 4 months on mission and it feels like I just got here. It also feels like I've been here forever. My companion said to me that soon the mission feels like home, but home feels like heaven. I'm always commenting about how everything in Zambia is just like home in every way but nothing is the same as home in every way. It's so weird. In Elders quorum the teacher asked what we think about when we hear "The World". One comment was that it's everywhere but where you are. I found that kind of cool. I also was invited to my first dinner appointment with a member family(I love not having to worry about what to cook!) I'm pretty excited.  

I had a great and awesome experience yesterday. The first half of the day was church. The second half of the day was two amazing blessings. We went to see someone who stopped us on the side of the street a few days ago, She had some questions about "Mormons", You don't hear that very often but we went to answer her questions. We went through the restoration so we could answer with context, but when I recounted the first vision, I felt the presence of the Holy Ghost really strongly, which is something I haven't really consciously felt in my life. It was an answer to a prayer I've had for some time. It was so cool. The other blessing of the day/week was when it was starting to get dark and we had 20 minutes before we had to knock off for the day. We decided to try knocking on someones gate we've been trying to teach for over a month now. It turns out that she was finally home and we taught her. We taught a lesson but we mostly taught her. She needs the Gospel and when we taught we focused not on the lesson but on how the gospel can help her and we got to know her a lot better. Through out the lesson, the whole atmosphere was so peaceful. I could tell that the spirit was there.

My testimony of the power of the Holy Ghost increases everyday. I don't think your testimony can ever stop growing. It occurred to me that even though you may know that the church is true, if you're not careful, that knowledge can be neglected. Always be caring for your fire and constantly be building it up so your light can guide others.

I love you all,

Elder Smith

Pictures:

-Waiting for an investigator and chilling out on the grass

-"Cactus Juice, It'll quench ya, It's the quenchiest"(Guess what that one is from)

Videos:

-Cool/Super funny song on the bus home

-Super spicy food because I put to much chili sauce

-Everything in the sky

From Dad - Quick Note

Hi Sam,

Dad here. Mom's writing you this week, but wanted to post you a couple of videos and photos. I created a "From Home" folder in our shared drive and posted some photos and videos there. 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cGASejq3ivJBachCoSNUPyrZdoCp8hgP

The new video is Ben playing Rootbeer Rag during intermission at the Black Gold festival of the arts at the Winspear. He tore up the keyboard as people came back in for the second half of the program. He was also the center of attention for one of his choir numbers where he suddenly jumped out in front of the choir and led them on some actions then did a dance number on front. Hoping to snag the video of that somehow!

We had a busy but good week. Last week with Josh home before he goes to school. We enjoyed listening to him sing in the institute choir. Seems to be a tradition happening there!

Have a great week, son. Love you lots.

Dad.

April 9, 2018

From Dad - Conference

Hi Sam. 

I think I heard Mom say that you would be listening to conference  this week-end. How was it? I remember conference being one of my favorite times on my mission. Amazing time to be alive when we have living prophets. 

This week-end, Mom and I went on an overnighter to Edmonton. We stayed in the Westin Hotel downtown and had a great time reconnecting both with each other and with our goals for us and our family. Didn’t have to spend too much time on you knowing you are mostly in the Lords and the mission presidents hands. Keep the rules and you will be protected. 

We had some funny experiences on our extended date. When we got to the hotel, the valet directed us to the parkade asking us to bring our license plate # to the front desk. So we did until we found out that the cost was $33 for the night!  We quickly asked if we could move it after check in and were able to use my work parkade  pass to get free parking. It worked out well as there is a nice crepe restaurant right by my parkade. We enjoyed a scrumptious dinner, where we realized half way through our entree that I was eating Moms Salmon and artichoke crepe and she was eating my cordon Bleu chicken crepe. We laughed that we had hardly noticed but both were so yummy we just kept eating !

After we walked down Jasper Ave to a bookstore (Audrey’s books) that we used to go to when we lived on 124 st for a book signing. 

It was quite cold outside (Spring  has decided to delay coming this year) so we had to walk briskly and
We found a couple of stops in the way back to get warm. The first one was the Wee Book Inn, a used book store. I thought we were only stopping to get warm but when I’d looked around a bit and then found your Mom, she already had a stack of books in her arms! So I didn’t want to be showed up so I found a couple myself. It reminded me a bit of our early years when buying books was our favorite thing to do. 

The next stop was a Tim Horton’s for a hot drink. When we stepped inside we felt a little prickle go up our spine as it was a pretty sketchy crowd inside. Downtown Edmonton at 10 pm is a whole different world. From the gangster dressed black boys in the booth with low jeans and bandannas and outrageous caps, to the native lady counting out dimes to pay for her coffee that she promptly spilled to the short skirted, high heeled teenager girl, I was mentally planning my Kenpo-x moves to get Mom and I out safely!  In the  end, my intimidating presence protected us, and we hurried the rest of the way to the hotel alternately Burning and freezing our hands as we juggled books and hot chocolate. 

I love the adventure of life with your Mom. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. You kids are pretty special too. 

Speaking of P90x, I captured a video of Ben and Cody and Mia doing Abb ripper. I’ll post it to google drive and send you a link shortly. 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xaIzvTarWHsmju0DiDoltA-1kixGjwqx

I  had a funny/frustrating experience on Saturday. I got an upgraded phone from work and so I had my old iPhone I wanted to set up for Ben to have a phone again (he lost the old boys phone). So I was resetting and erasing it for him to use and I ended up doing it, but then as I was looking at my phone, something didn't click right in my brain and I thought the reset had failed and that I was holding the old phone, so I reset my own phone! So now I have to re set up my own phone and have no pics to send to you :(. Maybe Mom can forward some or Josh or Ben.

We’re looking forward to traveling down for Stephs grad and busy with festival performances.  Say a prayer for Abby and Ben this next 2 weeks. 

Have a great week Sam. 

Love Dad. 

Reply From Sam:

I absolutely loved conference. It was my favorite part of this week. Just like you, I had the spirit testify to me that President Nelson is called of God and is leading the church.  

I'm also thankful for the stories and for the video you sent me. It made me laugh because everyone was being themselves.

I love you Dad,

Elder Smith

From Sam - To Eternity and Beyond

This week has been an exciting week. Transfers happened and I got a new companion. His name is Elder Hansen and he's super cool and very gospel smart.

We've been able to get along very well. This week there are a lot of people that are preparing to be baptized. Two this week and 9 more in the next 6 weeks. It's going to be amazing. At ever baptism I watch I think about what I learned in the MTC: You change peoples eternities while on mission. It always gets me excited whenever I think about it.

Yesterday I was able to watch Conference. It was so amazing!  I was able to feel the spirit testifying to me that Russell M. Nelson is the one called of God to be the prophet and lead the Church. 3 of my investigators came and had a great experience. I know this because one of the investigators that came called me in the evening and gave me a 7 minute thankyoumony on the prophet, the spirit and eternal life. It was kind of funny but I knew that he felt the spirit super strongly.

Today I got a mini quad and a mini hymnbook from the distribution center, something I've been wanting to do since I got here. I spent a lot of money and hopefully I don't need to spend this much money in one day for the rest of my mission. I had a shock this week because I was called as a district leader. Everytime I think of it the scene from The Best Two Years jumps into my head where Elder Vanpelt says "Just watch Elder, I'll go from junior companion, to district leader." I feel so under qualified but at the same time I feel like I got this. Mission life is really exciting. Every once in a while I think about what everyone is thinking about my life in Africa. Then I think about my life in Africa. It feels so normal but also so different at the same time. I feel like I've been here forever but it also feels like Everything is so different and weird. All in all, I'll figure it out in 21 months.

I Love and miss you all,

Elder Smith

Pictures:

-Me and my new Companion

-New companion and investigator Sean

-Me with a weird mint lemon drink that tastes really weirdly good.

Videos

-Us playing with the kids

-Waiting for wraps and finishing up the day

April 2, 2018

From Sam - First 12 Weeks:

I've finally done my first 12 weeks. That means I'm done training and waiting for transfers to happen. It's an exciting process. You don't want anything to change but you also know that the change is good and that when the change happens you'll get used to it. I was able to finish the Book of Mormon on the same day that I finished training, I feel I can testify with boldness about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Every time I finish the Book of Mormon I follow Moroni's counsel and promise to pray about the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I see it bless my life and the life of others. I don't know what I would do without the Book of Mormon.

Everyday I experience the African sun and the African rain. I always say to myself and my companion "I'm in Africa". I can't complain about anything. Africa is amazing. But it's the people that make it so amazing. It's true that where i'm working there are a lot of drunk people, but there are a lot of really super awesomely cool people as well. When I sit down and talk with them I get a new perspective on life. Some people are poor but make the most out of life and don't complain, other people are really self reliant and can relate to everyone. One of my favorite things about my area is the little kids. The baby's are often scared of me, the toddlers are shy but curious and the older ones try to challenge us with the language. I try to fist bump all the kids, and I'm starting to see the fruits of my labors, every once in a while kids run up to us with their fists out and I'm just silently proud of myself as I fist bump them all. 

There are some kids we met and we introduced ourselves as Chimutu and Chimpunu(Meaning Head and Nose in Nyanja) Now those kids call us Uncle Chumutu and Uncle Chimpunu thinking we have no idea what those words actually mean. It makes them laugh and it makes me smile because it's funny.

Because I'm 9 hours ahead of the States, I have to wait 'till next week for conference:( So, yesterday I walked with one of our investigators to church, which is between 45 minutes walk to a 1 1/2 hour walk. It was fast Sunday so I was ready to have my energy drained, we walked for 15 minutes and the Bishop pulled up and gave us a lift to church. Saving us time and energy. Because of the time we had we were able to teach a lesson to our investigator(Sean) and help him progress towards baptism faster. Even though I was saved from a walk to church, I wasn't saved from a walk back. By the time I got back I was dead tired. After my rest we went to our area to teach some people. I was super hungry but when I teach a lesson all thoughts of hunger leave. I really do feel Gods help in my life.

I feel there is so much more to tell you. But for now I'll leave you with my pictures In my next email.

-Investigator Bright's cat not caring what we do

-Left to right: Me, Sean, Elder Blanchard

-16 Bananas in one bunch

-A Funeral truck

-Cooperative Collage grounds

-A Soccer team practicing

-Nshima, Fish and Chinese cabbage for lunch. Yum Yum.

-My companion and I bought Zambian Soccer Jerseys. I have no idea who these players are.

-Right to left: Me, Brother Noel, Sean

-Elder Blanchard bought a sling shot for 6 Kwacha

-Easter Candies from the ward.

Videos:

Me Trying cooked maze.​

​Nshima Lunch​

​Trying out the new sling shot​

​Crazy weather.​

From Dad:

Hey Sam. Sorry we didn’t get an email out sooner. We lived General conference. You may have heard of some pretty significant changes including disbanding high priest groups at the Ward level and changing and simplifying home and visiting teaching and calling it ministering. Reminds me of the change for missionaries to use preach my gospel vs. memorized lessons.

I’ll post a couple of videos up to your drive shortly. Lots of snow this easter. 

Josh and Ben took a bro trip down to Utah and will be back tomorrow.  We’ll try and post some of their Facebook pics. 

They even got some climbing in with Tyler

I love your enthusiasm for the work. I felt a strong confirmation this conference of the calling of President Nelson. He is the prophet of the Lord for this time. What a marvelous blessing to live in days such as these. 

Keep up the good work. I think Mom will be sending a letter too shortly. 

Love Dad.

From Tyler:

Sam, not sure if you remember this one, but here is Ben cruising his way to the top of the 90' route in Rock Canyon-- the last "warm up" we did before heading south on our road trip.