Sam's Mission To Zambia Blog: February 10, 2018

From Dad - The Joy of Vehicles

Hey Sam.

It's been another super cold week this week. Our vehicles have not been left unscathed. Sunday Mom and the girls headed down to Sparwood to help G&G Bruce working on their basement by cooking their meals for them. She also enjoyed visits with Siabon Westerop and a trip to the temple.

While they were gone, Josh and I determined to fix the van which was whining more than usual and having trouble steering. After consulting the ultimate manual, YouTube, we were able to replace the power steering reservoir and see immediate improvement. That satisfaction lasted right up until it started happening again and I noticed a large leak under the van. Long story short I spent the next few days in the freezing cold trying to figure out how to fix it. I'm glad to report that it ended up costing $12 to fix the leak and now the van is running seemingly better than ever!

We also ended up having an adventure getting Josh's car started again at the Classic Tree farm as it froze and he couldn't get it started late after work. Josh has had a bit of a tough go with his car this last two weeks, but he's keeping his head up and being positive.

We've really enjoyed having Stephanie with us for the last few days. Big thanks to Tyler for letting her come. She is showing quite a bit now and its getting more and more real that we'll have another member of the family very soon! You'll have to enjoy by pictures, but you'll be able to see the baby at Christmas. She is a joy to have with us and has been playing lots of games with the girls especially. They sure love having their big sister around. She even braved the super cold weather to help the girls shovel the dug out and went skating today for a few minutes at least.

Tonight, we had a fun night playing games (Pictionary and Pandemic) along with the traditional fudge and popcorn. Before bed, I was blessed to be able to give each of the family a father's blessing and in turn receive a blessing from Josh. It is a blessing to have worthy son's to bless my life too.

Life is good amidst the challenges. May the Lord bless you this week, son.

Love Dad.

Attaching all the pics I can from this week.

From Sam - Oh How I Love Revelation

Hello Everyone,

This past week has been crazy. I found out that I am getting transferred to the Copperbelt. I found out on Tuesday and left on Wednesday. I had to pack up, get everything ready because I was also going to the MLC, I had no time to say goodbye so I wrote a couple letters. Then on Wednesday I said goodbye to the Elders and went with my companion to the airport to go to MLC and get transferred. When I got to MLC I did a lot of learning and my brain almost got fried because of all the new things that were being added into my knowledge. I found out where I was going after MLC and I'm super excited for this new adventure. I learned recently that "Without change you cannot improve". So now I'm in the Copperbelt. In Malawi they speak Chichewa and in the Copperbelt they speak Bemba. So I don't know what anyone is saying. But I'm also excited to learn the language.

One really cool awesome experience I had. I don't remember if I told it last week, but this week I have more information. So, last week was fast and testimony Sunday and I was still in Kawale. Just before sacrament meeting started the spirit whispered to me that I needed to bear my testimony. It definitely wasn't my own thoughts. It was a voice that I felt instead of a voice I heard. It was really cool. So I bore my testimony. But that wasn't the really cool part. Remember that I got transferred two days later. I had no Idea on Sunday that I was going to get transferred. In my mind I was staying for at least another three weeks. But I got transferred. As I've looked back at that experience I see how much God loves and cares about me. He knows hoe much I love and care about the branch I was serving in that he told me to leave them with one final testimony before I leave, before I even knew I was leaving. I freaking love the spirit and revelation.

Ever since I was companions with Elder Williams he has helped me receive revelation. It's just a sign that God is real and that he knows my specific circumstances and loves me. He is aware of me and those around me. He also knows and cares about you. Sometimes I feel like God laughs at how clueless I am and patiently helps me improve. Sometime I have to laugh at how clueless I am and I am so so grateful for how patient God is with me.

I love you all and I know God is aware of everyones situation,

Lots of love from your favorite missionary,

-Elder Smith

Pictures:

-My goodbye's