From Sam - Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day!
I got to call home yesterday. It was nice to see everyone. I have been calling home for the last few weeks now which have been very nice. The blessing this week was the opportunity to see and speak to everyone in the family. Josh is always too busy working full time landscaping and Ben is always at school. It was very nice to see and talk to them. Another blessing was Grandma and Grandpa Smith were there as well. Not only was I able to enjoy Mothers day with my Mother, I was able to enjoy it with my Grandma as well.
I finished the Book of Mormon for the 7th time on my mission. That to me is a big accomplishment. I'm starting it for the 8th time today. I know that it is true.
A cool revelation I had a while ago was concerning the parable of the sower and Alma 32. Jesus Christ teaches that there are some roots that sprout up but are scorched by the heat of the sun.
The sun represents the temptations of the Devil. I thought about that for a little bit and realised that if our roots(Testimony) are weak when the Sun(Temptation) comes out it burns and scorches the roots so that they whither. If our roots are strong when the sun comes out all it does is strengthen us more and more. I feel the same with my testimony of the Gospel. No matter what the devil throws at me I can withstand the temptations. The only person that can break or tear down my testimony is myself. That's only if I stop doing the small and simple things in life. Reading the scriptures, Saying my prayers and going to church to partake of the sacrament. If I do these things with real intent there is nothing that could shake my testimony.
My companion is a lot like I was when I first came on my mission. He is very enthusiastic and hard working. He likes to cook and to bake. And just like me, he learns best by experience. I do my best to teach by example and when necessary I use words. Sometimes is many cases I just have to lean back and let Elder Kane go for it in teaching and other situations so that he can learn by experience. I try to tell him the best way but he does what he does and then after experiencing it by himself he comes back and realises that I did the same thing. When that happens I just say something for him to think about and leave the rest to him. I say "Think about what would happen if you did/didn't do this or that. What would have changed?" Then I stay quiet and let his mind think.
Things are going great right now. My companion is great and the work of God is moving forward at a new pace and with a new start. I'm excited for the coming weeks. Time flies like an arrow and I don't want to miss or waste a single moment.
I love you all,
-Elder Smith
Pictures:
-A kid trapped a bird
-Me making beans
-My companion made sweet potato chips
-Some funny posters
-Monday wash time
Videos:
A fun Zambian game
A chicken fight
From Mom - Quick Email
Hi, Sam!
I forgot that it was my turn to write, sorry! It was so nice seeing your face yesterday and that everyone got to see it! I had a good Mother's Day. Dad rubbed my feet in the morning, they gave us chocolates at church, Grandma and Grandpa Smith were up visiting and they gave me $30 to spend on something fun, Josh brought his girlfriend, Kamryn and we had a nice supper together. Dad made perfect barbequed chicken. I am a lucky person to have a loving husband and fantastic children.
The weather finally turned nice this week so we've been enjoying more time outside. I have this idea in my head that I want to clear a part of the forest for more picnicking. We'll see how much we can get done before the family reunion in July.
We were very proud of Abby for doing such a fantastic job of her performance on Saturday. She only had two months to do it. She tried and she did it! She acted and sang beautifully. Dad sent you a link, I think. Her costume was perfect and she looked so beautiful.
Mia decided she wanted to go swimming on Friday, so we invited the Robisons. We arrived and it seemed like everyone else had the same idea; the Rector's, Bro. Patrick, the Francis', the Meeks and more were all there. It was like a ward party. Haha.
Ben is getting all his necessary application stuff in for attending University. Him and Josh will probably go together in the fall. Do you want us to get you ready to attend school for January? Just some generic classes? Let us know. It's better to new busy when you first get home.
Love you lots, Sam! Sorry for the short email.
Mom
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