I'm baaaaack!

Oh hi! I'm baaaaack! (Remember that movie? For any of you that don't, google it--it'll probably explain a bit about my love for dinosaurs.)


Like I was saying, I'm back! But unfortunately not left with much time for today. Hard, like I mentioned, was hitting me in the face, but I gave it a good 1, 2 and came out on top. Yes...

Well, transfers are tomorrow, but I will be staying another six weeks in Benedito Bentes with Sister Viana... what?! Same area? Same companion?

YES! And I am happy to be here. Its a difficult area but I know we can get this working going how it should. This week we had a meeting with the stake president about our goals for stake conference. We read together the story in Luke of the paralyzed man who was lowered into the home to be brought unto Jesus. Remember that one? Well with three-versed stories in the bible you've got to use a lot of imagination, and we imagined together the people that brought this man to be healed and how the situation must've been. They could have carried the bed all the way to this home, seen the huge multitude and said, "well we did our part, we exercised our faith and carried him all the way here, and now the Lord will do his part," BUT they didn't. They found away ONTO the roof, a way to lower the man INTO the room, they SEARCHED, they PLANNED, the ACTED, and they didn't give up. They truly went the extra mile, and because of their faith he was cured.

I loved that. It really hit me and got me excited to WORK and find ways to go the extra mile. I want to be the person that goes the extra mile, that climbs up onto rooftops. Faith brings power, faith works miracles. I need to have a lot more of it! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to always evaluate, improve and grow, I know its only possible because of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I truly know that this is His gospel. I really do! I prayed to know and I keep praying. And that knowledge brings me such happiness!! I can't imagine where I would be without this wonderful opportunity the Lord has permitted me, its brought a lot of great change. :)

I hope you are happy! and well and taking advantage of all that good snow on the front lawn. Build a quarter-finished igloo for me, its tradition :).

Love you lots!
--Sister Smith