March 4, 2019

From Mom - email?

Dear Sam,

I thought I should clarify that we still want to receive emails from you because we don't get to hear much from your end when we do a video call. Then I realized we probably take up too much of your time. A conundrum then. Maybe we should keep our calls short so you still have time to email? I don't know. You'll have to let us know what you think about that. 

We had a good week. We spent the majority of it with the Smiths for Grandpa's funeral and also went over to Sparwood for a quick visit with the Bruces and Aunty Nancy. The weather was truly frightful. We woke up to this in Glenwood! And apparently we had the coldest February weather in 40 years. But now it's March and we can hope for warmer.

Btw, Grandma Smith has a Rubik's Cube they can't solve. I told her you'd do it when you got home. 

You've already heard much about the funeral through Grandpa Smith's email so all I will tell you is the most touching moment for me. It was when someone explained that great-Grandma never left great-Grandpa's side in the final days. He was able to hear and understand what was going on around him but unable to talk or respond except by squeezing her hand. So she talked with him non-stop and held his hand every moment she could. To me, that is an example of true unconditional and enduring love. 

Grandma Colleen showed me this picture and it pulled at my heart-strings.

When talking to great-Grandma afterward she said, "I just can't get used to being alone. I feel like the zip has been taken right out of me." So please include her in your prayers. It's an extremely difficult thing to be alone after 72 years of marriage.

Other than that, life is going on as usual. We finished the stairwell though and that was exciting to see progress on the house. 

Before ...

And after ...

Here are a few "regular life" pictures I took this week ...

With the extreme cold temperatures, we've been drinking alot of warm drinks, playing games and staying in. It was nice while it lasted but now it's time to get out of the house.

How is everything in the Copper Belt? I know you said everything is different, but how? Language, yes. But food? Customs? How are the people different? And what is the same?

We love you lots, Sam! We pray for you every day. Todd told me a cute story while we were in Sparwood. He said that his boys pray for you whenever it's their turn. "Please bless Sam on his mission in Africa." So adorable. Also, Nate (4 years old) asked me where you were. I said, "He's on his mission across the ocean in Africa." And he said, "oh." Haha. 

I hope all is well. 

Love you forever,

Mom

February 25, 2019

From Dad - Crafty Week:

Dear Sam,

Even though it ended up being a little one sided, we enjoyed sharing our video selves with you on Monday!  

This week we’ve been working on the house again. Mom has been the busiest mudding and taping the stairway and painting it yesterday. We were super happy to get a really good match of the color allowing us to not have to repaint the whole wall. It would have taken some gymnastics to get all the way to the top and your not here :)

We also made good progress on the coffee table with the girls helping to stain the pieces. Hoping it all fits together well.

Josh is still adjusting to YSA. It’s quite a bit different than BYU Idaho and he’s still figuring out the formula for branching out his circle of friends. Life is full of challenge and growth no matter what stage we’re at. 

Not sure if you already will have read Grandpas email, but Great Grandpa Smith passes away this week. Its a blessing for him but still hard for great Grandma Smith.  We’ll be fasting for her this week. 

http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca/smith-byron.html

Heres a pic of the kids laughing hysterically about funny camera effects. 

Mom took the kids Geo-caching this week. 

Bens schedule is very busy this month but he’s learning lots including time management. 

Abby and Mia went skiing this week and enjoyed going and watching Emma’s gymnastics competition. 

This weeks scripture was 3rd Nephi 12:6 discussing how we can hunger and thirst after righteousness. We’ve been really enjoying the discussions from Come Follow me this week around the Be-attitudes and light. 

Hope all is well with you!

Love you lots. 

Dad. 

February 18, 2019 - Hangouts

Google Hangouts

Samuel Bruce Smith

Hello all.

Jen Smith

Sam! How are you?

Samuel Bruce Smith

I'm doing great

Samuel Bruce Smith

I'm now using the Root Beer lip-balm that was sent in my package and I'm loving the taste of root beer on my lips all the time.

Jen Smith

Oh, yay! I'm so glad you got your Christmas package. Did you like it?

Samuel Bruce Smith

I love it. I'm glad you sent an oil vile. It feels nice to have it at the ready.

Jen Smith

Stephanie and I picked it out while we were visiting her in Utah in November.

Samuel Bruce Smith

I really like it.

Samuel Bruce Smith

I also want to know what everyone thinks about eh new announcement.

Jen Smith

I think the best benefit is strictly for the missionaries who can be strengthened by their families if they need it.

Chad Smith

My first reaction was honestly both happy and sad. There was something tough about only taking to family 4x on a mission. But I think it is a great change. Well

Chad Smith

Best.

Samuel Bruce Smith

I don't know if it will make me miss home more or less. or make me focus more or less. We might have to try it out and see what happens after a couple of weeks.

Jen Smith

Good plan. It's nice to know you have the option of you need it. Luckily, we're not super sentimental and pretty independent, so it's all good!

Samuel Bruce Smith

It will have to be next week. Because I need to pull some personal money and buy a good set of earbuds.

Jen Smith

Okay, we'll plan for that.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:27 AM (12 days ago)

I'm also planning on getting a suit with chitenge, pants and a tie made for me.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:29 AM (12 days ago)

Oooh. That would be coolly cultural of you. I'm excited to see what you look like! You have extra in your account, $2000, I think. So you can afford it.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:30 AM (12 days ago)

Also, we got an email from Pres. Kupu that you are a District Leader now. How is that?

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:30 AM (12 days ago)

My companion borrowed me his earbuds if you want to try it now

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:30 AM (12 days ago)

It's good.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:30 AM (12 days ago)

Sure! Let's try a call.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:31 AM (12 days ago)

Use Dad's phone.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:31 AM (12 days ago)

Or my chat.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:31 AM (12 days ago)

I can only do a video call but you won't be able to see me.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:32 AM (12 days ago)

Okay. Will you see us?

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:32 AM (12 days ago)

Probably

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:32 AM (12 days ago)

Uh oh. We're still in bed. Haha.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:32 AM (12 days ago)

Let me know when you are ready.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:32 AM (12 days ago)

Or I can start with Josh.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 7:33 AM (12 days ago)

We're ready, but you can start with Josh. ️

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:00 AM (12 days ago)

We'll see if I can focus this week.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:01 AM (12 days ago)

This is the test run.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:01 AM (12 days ago)

Sounds good, Sam. We love you!

Joshua Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:01 AM (12 days ago)

If it is really difficult we will stick to texting.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:01 AM (12 days ago)

Not too difficult

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:02 AM (12 days ago)

I actually really like it.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:02 AM (12 days ago)

We'll see what kind of effects it has in the long term

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:03 AM (12 days ago)

You'll know the best way to use this new policy. We're happy to support you in whatever way is most effective.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:03 AM (12 days ago)

Maybe it's better to have weekly small interations instead of bi-yearly long interactions

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:05 AM (12 days ago)

It might be more effective in the long run, yes.

Joshua Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:06 AM (12 days ago)

Well the purpose of these calls is to inspire greater missionary work in us as your family and you as a missionary, and to counsel together the best way to do t

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:07 AM (12 days ago)

Well. it was sure nice to see all of you.

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:08 AM (12 days ago)

I just saw all your pictures. What do you think of the 16 cube Rubix?

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:09 AM (12 days ago)

It's really hard. The other elder is figuring it out on his own.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:09 AM (12 days ago)

So I'm going to get him to teach me.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:25 AM (12 days ago)

It was really nice to "talk" with Ben

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:27 AM (12 days ago)

Yes, you are lucky to have brothers who love you, Sam. The best thing about Josh is he had experience you can learn from and the best thing about Ben is he is j

Jen Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:27 AM (12 days ago)

They love you. We love you. ️ Have a fantastic week!

Stephanie Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:28 AM (12 days ago)

Love you, Sam!

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:29 AM (12 days ago)

I love you too.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:29 AM (12 days ago)

Any news on the baby bump?

Stephanie Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:29 AM (12 days ago)

Baby girl is moving a ton! So that's fun for me to feel. Also, she likes pancakes. :P

In two weeks we get to see an ultrasound, so we'll have updated pictures of her. I can't wait!

Samuel Bruce Smith

Any Idea's for a name?

Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:31 AM (12 days ago)

Not yet!

Stephanie Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:32 AM (12 days ago)

(turns out naming a human is hard)

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:32 AM (12 days ago)

What to the Girls say?

Stephanie Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:32 AM (12 days ago)

We'll probably be going to the hospital with a. Fee names we like and seeing what fits the best.

Stephanie Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:32 AM (12 days ago)

I'm not sure what they think of names, I'll have to ask them.

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:35 AM (12 days ago)

What do you all think of the drawing I sent in my email?

Benjamin Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:37 AM (12 days ago)

Holy Jumpin’ that’s a super epic picture.

Benjamin Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:37 AM (12 days ago)

Love it

Samuel Bruce Smith

Mon, Feb 18, 8:46 AM (12 days ago)

I got to go now, I love you all.

February 18, 2019

From Mom - Baby, It's Cold

Dear Sam,

This has been the coldest February weather on record. Steph was here last week during a cold snap ... and it's still going on! I've taken to wearing fleece tights and Merino wool sweaters as an under layer to stay warm. We try not to leave the house unless we absolutely have to. Luckily, Dad can work from home. Unluckily, Josh is doing snow removal and has to leave early on most days. Happily though, our vehicles are working! Ha!

Steph left is with a new way of making hot lemon and honey from Tyler's arsenol of cold fighting remedies. Simple ... we use fresh lemons instead of bottled ... and it's amazing. A very comforting drink while cold fighting ... which we are doing. Especially poor Abby, who's nose is chapped from all the nose-blowing.

The other weird thing that happened recently was someone broke into the green mailboxes three different times. They took bolt cutters and snipped all the locks and scattered the mail. We're they looking for something? Or was it just vandalism? We don't know, but the only thing we could think of that might've got taken from our box was Abby's birthday cards. Yet on Friday, (three weeks after her birthday), weirdly, she got a super late card from Benson. A small happy maker and a tender mercy. Who doesn't like to get stuff in the mail?

Josh and I have been mudding the stairwell. My goal is to have the stairs finished by the end of the month. Slowly, slowly, our house is getting completed. It's teaching me patience, which is something I need a little more of. Mudding, sanding, priming, painting, then sanding and staining the wooden stairs tops and painting the risers. A little work every day will get it done, right?

The Bonnell's are also learning patience getting their house done but soon they will be in the neighbourhood. Ben and Dad went over Saturday to help put together their kitchen cupboards. 

So this is a week of big news! Last week it was the announcement of Steph and Tyler's baby being a GIRL (whoop!) and this week, the church's announcement that we can talk to you every week if you want to (what? what? what?)! Details, please.

Also, another change in our home Ward yesterday was Graham Lambert being released as Bishop and Tim Purnell being called. His counselors are George Pomerleau and John Olsen. I like change. Change is good. You taught us this in your last email. How is YOUR change going? New area, new language, new companion. What else is different? And how is everything going?

Dad and I have been focusing on Joy lately and I learned something important this week. Joy is something deeper than happiness or fun. This is something that David Bednar said in a recent devotional...

"Joy primarily is spiritual; fun primarily is temporal,” he said. “Joy primarily is enduring; fun primarily is temporary. Joy primarily is deep and rich; fun primarily is shallow. Joy primarily is whole and complete; fun primarily is partial. Joy primarily pertains to mortality and eternity; fun pertains only to mortality."

Russell M. Nelson says that joy is a spiritual gift. Spiritual, enduring, deep, rich, whole, complete and eternal. I decided I want more of it. But how? Hebrews 12:2 says:

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

So, if I'm understanding this right, the Savior was able to endure the pain of the atonement by focusing on the "joy that was set before him." I suppose that joy was knowing His sacrifice would save all of humanity and also knowing He was doing the will of the Father. It makes me wonder if focusing on joy helps us to endure hard things now? Like a mother in labour, enduring the pain of it because she knows a baby is coming. It's something to think about anyway and I like where this train of thought is leading me. I love the Gospel and all the trains of thoughts I get on because of it. It certainly adds a dimension of light I couldn't get in any other way. 

Sure love you, Sam. Sometimes when I'm really missing you, I think about all the life experiences you are having and what it will be like when you are home, telling us all about the details. That joy helps me to endure your absence. So maybe there is something to this joy thing after all. 

Have a fantastic week! And maybe we will talk to you? Keep us updated. 

Mom

P.S. Here is a picture of Sunday afternoon Dutch Blitz. Oh, and Gary and Sheilah Boyd came for supper last night. It was a good visit.

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

-Goodbye Malawi and Hello Zambia(Cobberbelt)

-MLC Pictures

-Me getting my Christmas package

-Me and my mission brother Elder Botuli(He was the first missionary to be trained by Elder Blanchard, the missinoary who trained me)

Videos:

Mada's Birthday

 MVI_0113.MOV

Stuck in the rain

 MVI_0105.MOV

Stuck in the rain

 MVI_0104.MOV

Trapped in the rain

 MVI_0028.MOV

Oh, how I miss swimming

 MVI_0165.MOV