Hey Momma!

So transfers happened and I came back to Tamworth with Elder Osadolor Okuonghae.  (I cheated and looked at his computer for his full name, and how to spell it.)  He's pretty rad.  We don't have a ton in common, he's from inner-city London, and he's pretty much a gangster.  It's been an awkward ish day, but I think we'll get along well soon.  I think it's just getting to be comfortable with each other.  He and Elder Lewis are extremely different, though.  But... It'll be good.  He's a lot easier to have around when we talk to people though, cause when we start talking, some people just say "Oh, you're from America. Typical."  But now, Elder Okuonghae speaks up and is like, well, I'm from London actually.  I think everything is going to be good.  I have a lot to learn. Again. But things are going to be good, the ward is still way cool either way, so nothing to worry about!  I love you Momma!  I hope you have fun at camp.  Although, I feel like I remember that one of your favorite things in this life is not camping.  Must've been some one else.  Have fun with the mozzies! (English for mosquitos.) (Which don't really bother England, much.)

Love,

Elder Smart

Dear Mom,

 

That completely kills me.  I can't believe that at all.  I love Becky, it's super unreal.  Give their family a hug for me, and be sure to tell them that I love Becky and can hardly stand that.  I'm glad she's with her Dad, and mine, though.  I bet she's laughing her head off.  That's what I remember her most for.  She was always smiling and happy, and we always texted each other.  Dang.  I hate death.

I'm okay though.  I'm glad you told me.  I do wish you could've told me over the phone or something though.  But.. I'm a missionary.  And like it says in my Patriarchal Blessing, if I serve well, I'll come back to find that everything is well.

Man.

Be sure to tell me what happened.  As soon as you find out, cause I'll be emailing again on thursday, and I'd like to know what happened.

Be sure to give Dane a hug from me.

 

 

On a happier note, if you can find one.  My teaching pool is really solid right now, Kirsti is sooo golden.  She's almost definitely going to get baptized next transfer.  Who will be here to do it.. we find out tonight.  But she is totally solid.  Wendy is doing good too.  Not as excited as Kirsti, but I bet she'll end up getting baptized too.  The work is taking off here in Tamworth.  Right in time for one of us to leave.

I'm sad about that.  Elder Lewis and I are always going to be friends.  You're right about that.  He and I get along so well, and it's going to be weird serving with some one else.  He taught me to be myself out here.  If there's one thing that I can say I learned from him, it's that.  I told you this earlier, but he's taught me that there's a reason that the badge says Elder and Smart.  Because the people here don't need another Elder Lewis, they don't need an Elder who ever.  I was called to serve here, and I have the right attributes and upbringing and specific knowledge and character that the people here need.  So that's what I wont ever forget.

He's awesome, and a great missionary.

Anyways.. I'll try to send some pictures.  I'm sorry I'm not super story telly today.  I'm a little bit anxious about what's going on tonight.  (we find out what's happening at transfers.)  But I love you! The Church is true, and The Plan of Salvation is one of God's greatest gifts to us.  I'm so so so thankful for the knowledge that we have.  Can you imagine going through all of what Sheryl's had to go through without the Church?  I definitely can't. 

I love you!

~Elder Smart

Note from Mom:  Colton's cousin, Becky Smart, died in her sleep and her mom, Sheryl found her Friday morning.  Colton and Becky loved to be together.  Becky was a year older than Colton.  Becky's dad, Stan, Gordon's brother, died 12 years ago after surgery from blood clots.  He put off the surgery a week so that he could baptize Becky.  We are all devastated.

Hey Mum!

Yeah. The baptism was crazy.  But she's good! We have been teaching this week! In fact, we have three (sort of four) investigators at the moment.  I'll tell you about that in a second.  The water was knee high... cause.. I don't know. I really don't. Policy? Something stupid.  I definitely think it should've been higher, and have told the correct people that.  P Days are the best! We have like a little crew that we go and play all kinds of sports with. Uncle Rick's emails were awesome! I've already replied to them. I've been to most of those areas.  Not Leicester or Tipton, but I have been to Walsall and Aldridge. Did you know that I've spent a lot of time in England?  Like two months and a week or so now.  I'm approaching my three month mark in the mission though.  Nuts.  It feels like yesterday that I said goodbye to everyone.  But I think about everything that's happened and that's a ton of stuff, too.

Church sounds like it was good!  Those are fun speakers.  I'm happy for the Ogdens too.  That'll be a huge blessing.  It's nuts that Lexi will still get home before me. Haha.  Oh well.  It's going to be hard to believe that she even went for me!  Except that she'll know like Tagalog or Cebuano haha, I guess that'll be a good giveaway.

A bunch of people asked if we could call our dads yesterday. Nope! It would be pretty hard to get him.  He usually kept his cell phone turned off anyways.  Haha, luckily, I've got a direct line, straight from my knees.

Did you see Eli in the N Mass? He leaves for Canada on Tuesday, probably.  That'll be way cool.  He'll probably start writing me again, cause he'll be all alone in the arctic tundra.  Haha. Nerd.

I love hearing about the fam, they all seem to be doing well.  I don't put any names in the temples, but I pray for everyone every night and every morning, and I hear missionaries have some pretty good sway with the Lord. I'll put in a good word.

The car keys are gone. Forever. I don't know at all where they are.

I'll try to send some more pictures today.

Okay, so on to my week.  One of these times, I'll just be able to get on and say Hey Mom! Everything is going well, you already know everything about England! Love you, I'll talk to you next week. 

On second thought, I think I'd probably get a call from President if I did that.  You'd be calling him giving him all sorts of grief.  Which would be passed on to me in a timely manner.

Right.  My week.

So Monday we came to Lichfield and played a ton of basketball. I wish I had my planner with me, but we're already in Lichfield again.  So I can't give you a good play-by-play of this week.  But Tuesday we did a lot of good stuff, and ended the day going out with the Kings, because Brother King goes out of town for business and we might be gone when he gets back.  So they took us out.  We love them.  they're awesome.  Then Wednesday, we did an exchange, so Elder Shepherd came over to Tamworth and Elder Lewis went to Walsall.  That'll be our last exchange with those two elders.  It was good, but Elder Shepdawg is kind of an awkward kid, and even though he's been out for over a year, I kind of felt like the Senior Comp... oh well. We went and got three potentials.  Not super solid ones, but potentials nonetheless.  We taught Wendy though! Wendy is one of our new investigators and she is AWESOME.  She was taught a while ago. Like a year and a half ago.  By Elder Boehme (Bay-Me) and that's Elder Lewis's trainer, so they're in contact, and I guess Wendy was in contact with Boehme and told him, to tell us, that she was ready to learn again.  And she IS! Woooo! So we introduced the BOM again to her and talked about the promised blessings in the Introduction and Moroni.  And we teach her again on Wednesday, where we'll be teaching the Restoration.  I honestly think she'll get baptized sometime next transfer.  She's probably about thirty five.  She's got a sixteen year old daughter that doesn't care about the gospel, and that's okay.  we'll get her eventually, but Wendy is solid.

Then Thursday was uneventful.  We have district meetings at the mission home (cause it's in our district. Before you ask, only our district has meetings there, everyone else does it in a chapel in their district.)  D. Mtg. was good.  Elder Lewis is a good leader, and a cool companion.  We ate at the Robbins' that night, and I think sister Robbins reminds me a lot of you, Mom.  She's awesome, you'd like her a lot. 

Then Friday.

Bleh.

We had an appointment to go teach Joe, (the college-kid) and we went over and talked to him for a minute, but he had work, so we didn't get to teach him.  He's reading the BOM though, and says it makes sense, but it hasn't converted him yet, haha.  We're going to try and teach him this week.  But he didn't know when he was going to be off work.  So he gave us the "I'll call you." I hope he really does.  If not, he's too good to just forget about, so we'll call him and get a teaching appointment.  Sometimes, we have to be annoying. But anyways, after that, we didn't have much to do, cause we had planned on teaching him for a while, and then contacting in the area.  So we rode around to some less actives in the area.  In the rain. Not just pitter patter, or mist-rain.  Chuckin-it-down rain.  But the crappy part was that it was on and off.  Sunshine, and torrential downpour.  So we would take off our waterproof stuff when it was sunny, so that we didn't get soaked from sweat.  Cause that happens.  You are NEVER dry in England. Ever. Anyways, I got caught in the crossfire while we were talking to a less active.  We were talking and didn't have our rain clothes on, and then it started coming down in buckets, so we moved under her patio-roof thing. There wasn't much room though, but Elder Lewis and her got all the way under. And.. the front of me got under.  I was soaked. Through the garments.  We literally have to put all the stuff in our backpacks in plastic bags so it doesn't get ruined by rain.  Anyways.  We got our rain stuff back on, and I swear... I've never really known why people say "it was uphill both ways" because in my head that's impossible.  Not impossible.  We found it.  And rode uphill, in the rain, the rest of the dang day.  But we ended up getting a bunch of appointments with less-actives and dry mormons.  (Dry mormons -- Long time investigators. Dry, or not baptized. Get it? Haaaa.)

Then Saturday was good. It took a lot of effort, cause everything was against us that day, but it was good. That's all I have to say about that.

Sunday was sweeeeeet! We got to church, and then were introduced to a member's neighbor, who apparently feels the need to start coming to church.  Thank you Heavenly Father.  Her name is Kirsti, and I think she's about our age, but she has a four year old son.  She's way cool, and the ward totally just completely welcomed her in.  She left her son at her Mom's house this week, but she's excited to bring him next week.  We've got an appointment to teach her the restoration on Wednesday.  And.. she's absolutely Golden.  It's so awesome.  So awesome. She'll get baptized next transfer.  It'll be the best thing ever. So that happened.  We had some dessert with the Kings, and then half way through call ins last night, we got a call from President.  We told him about our miracles that week, and he was excited, then he asked if he could talk to E. Lewis alone, and so they did, and Elder Lewis is going to be training another greenie his next two transfers.  He was okay with that! He just doesn't want to go Zone Leader.  So I'll get another brother.  But that does mean that we'll be seperated a week from wednesday when transfers happen.  That's sad, but I'm also excited to see who I serve with next! And now, I don't even know if I'll be staying in Tamworth or not, President said he hasn't decided who's going to stay and who's going to go.  So, I'll find out next Monday, probably after I email you, but I'll be able to email wednesday or thursday next week as well, to tell you what happened with transfers.  So that'll be good.  Tell everyone that if they're going to send me post, that they should send it to the mission home, cause I don't know if I'll be in Tamworth  in the coming weeks.

Okay.  So the funny story of the week.

I think this was on Tuesday, we went and met with Allen.  Our sort of investigator.  He's... well.. nuts.  Every time we've gotten in to his house, he tells us about himself the whole time, and then cuts the meeting short saying that he wants to hear about us one of these times.  This was that time.. almost.  So we got there, and he let us in, cause he's nice to us.  Then immediately had me go sit in this chair and stare at some of his art, and he told me to just forget everything that had happened this week, and clear my mind.  I just sat there, not really knowing what was happening. Then.. he told me to get up, and go sit back down in his living room.  Elder Lewis, I guess, didn't get the privelage. (sp.?) Then he actually let us talk about us! Elder Lewis went first and told him all about his life, then he turned to me and I told him a lot about me, too, and then at one point he said STOP!

I..  Just want... to let you know... that you two.. are soo... Christlike.  With the pauses being like ten seconds each.  And then he went on to warn us about how people were going to try and control us, and take advantage of us.  So of course after he was done, I started to say, Wow, that's a huge compliment to us, cause we try to be representatives of Christ himself.  and I was about to say something else, but right then, he stood up and said, Well! I'm going to bed! And walked out of the room and.. I guess, to his bed. So we saw ourselves out.  Hahahaha what a weirdo.  Allen is nuts.  This was at 4:30 in the afternoon, he doesn't work night shifts or anything.  He's just crazy. 

We love the crazies.

Haha well, I love you! I hope you have a great week this week! If you want to draw me another picture, it would probably make my day.  Your drawing of Hank did.  I had a feeling that all the drawings would make my days.  OH! So saturday I got another package in the mail from Houston and Megan.  They sent me some more cheetohs and some other american food, and said happy birthday and Houston sent me a drawing he did of a WWII Algerian soldier.  It's reeeeeally cool looking.  I love those two.  They're quickly pulling ahead for favorite cousin awards.

Alright! I love you!

-Elder Smart 

Hey Momma!

 

So this week was pretty awesome.  Starting last Monday after I wrote you.  We ended up playing football and football with about ten elders, and it was seriously the most fun thing ever, and then after, Elder Lewis and I went bowling with the elders serving in Lichfield.  They're kind of our best-mission-friends at the moment.  We love seeing them.  They're Elder Barker, from Hurricane, and Elder Chantry from Sacramento.  They're a pair of awesome guys.  Then we ended up going to our Bishop's house for a barbecue that night.  Which was delicious.

Then Tuesday we went to the doctor and got Elder Lewis checked out and he got a referral to a dermatologist. (sp.?) Then we did some service for the Dowlings, and for Sue. And then taught Sue a little about what was going to happen at her baptism, and told her about the confirmation as well.  She didn't love the idea of getting confirmed in front of everybody, but we assured her that a few big guys would be standing all around her and that everyone should have their eyes closed anyways cause it's a prayer.

Wednesday we did an exchange with Walsall, so I went to Walsall, and Elder Shepherd came to Tamworth.  I was with Elder Eldredge again, because he's in my district now, which is always kind of fun.  He's awesome, we taught one of their investigators, and she's sooo solid.  She'll be getting baptized as soon as she turns eighteen, because her parents want to make her wait, cause.. well, they're evil.  They tried to kick her out, but her Grandma wouldn't have it. But then we found for the rest of the day, which was boring, and uneventful.  But back in Tamworth, miracles were happening.  Elder Shepherd and Elder Lewis contacted the guy that referred himself like a month ago (but he was at Uni, I'm pretty sure I told you about him.) And he's solid.  His name is Joe, and we're going to go by and teach the restoration to him on Friday.  They also contacted another referral given by an Elder that's home now, but was still in contact with an investigator around here.  She wasn't ready when they taught her, but apparently she is now! How amazing is that?  So they went by her, and we have a return appointment on Wednesday, I think we're teaching her the Restoration as well.  So a lot of studying about that this week.

Then Thursday, we had zone meeting in Wylde Green (the mission home), and it went really well.  I really like our new zone leaders.  So we met back up with our companions, and after, I had a package from Laura and Ben, and they're the best!! They sent me a bunch of American stuff, including a way nice flag, some fishing stuff and a really funny picture of Stockton.  It probably cost them a bundle.  I also got a letter with letters from Brooke and Phil.  Their letters were soo dang funny.  Phil decided that I was too busy to read a whole letter, so he condensed his letter into a series of Haikus.  Brooke's letter was longer, but just as funny.  They're awesome, and they sent me some model shots of Remy. 

Then Friday, we ran by Sue, and made sure she was feeling good about her baptism still, and she was, but she was really nervous.  Classic Sue.  She was worried about how cold the water would be, and that I'd drop her.  We told her that neither of those things were going to happen.  Then we went over to Alek and Karen's, and I really meant to get a picture of their horse-dog, but I keep on forgetting.  They're hilarious.

The next day.  Saturday. Was nuts. I got all worried about the baptism in the morning, cause I'm a spaz. So we got to the church really early, and made sure that the water would be hot, like Sue requested.  Everything was going well, Sue got there with the Robbins, and we took some pictures, and we got changed.  Me, into my whites, and Sue into the baggiest white dress of all time. We went down into the water.

Let me just take this time to tell you how ridiculous my life is.  Heavenly Father was rolling laughing while he let this one happen. Dad, too.

So, I baptize Sue.  No problem, right? Wrong. The first time, Sue cranks a leg into the air when she goes back and comes up coughing like she tried to inhale as much water as possible when she went under.  Cool.

The second time I baptize her, her dress billows up near her stomach, I don't see, and Brother Robbins says she went all the way under, so I give her a hand shake and tell her good job.  Wrong.  The two real witnesses, Brother Maughan (bishopric) and Elder Lewis told me that, no. She had to go again.

Third times the charm? Nope. The dress acts up again, even with it tucked into her legs.  At this point, however, Sue had calmed down, and acted like it wasn't even a problem.

So number four.  We decide that the easiest way to baptize her, with out any more mistakes is that she straight up sits on the font floor (the water was like knee-high, that didn't help at first, but it did in the end), so she sits, and I kneel.  And that one was a success.  She's baptized.  All the way.

So my first baptism?  Pretty hilarious.  The good news was that Sue felt really good about it, and the other good news was that we bought eclairs from a bakery before-hand and got to chow on those after.

We ended up eating at the Bishop's again that night (cause they rock!) and it was delicious.  We had some Thai food, and they let us borrow a very small book that we've heard really good things about, Elder Lewis is reading it now, but I'm going to read it this week sometime.  Even without reading it, I'd highly recommend it.  It's called As a Man Thinketh.  Go get it as soon as possible.  It'll take an hour to read, and it will change the way you think.

Anyways, the confirmation went well, and Elder Lewis gave a very good blessing.  Today we're playing basketball in Lichfield.  It should be a blast. 

I'm sorry I don't have time to answer all the questions. I'll do it really fast.

Ange told me about Lexi. Cool.

I haven't gotten a letter from Aaron, he didn't tell me about Produce Manager.  But cool!

Ange is in town.

Don't go on Trek. or do. Whatever you want.

Don't make the babies cry.

Tell everyone I love them.

 

Love, Elder Smart

Oi Mum!

First off, thanks for birthing me.  Y'done good, Ma.  Y'done good.

Alright, all of your questions.

I'm glad Bob Dowling called, but I had birthday dinner at Bishop's house.  They're kind of the family that we're closest too.  Honestly, Elder Lewis and I fit right into their family.  (The Southall/King Family) They've even told us we can be part of their family.  So that's where we went on Sunday night, and we had burritos and apple pie(: yummm. I did bear my testimony, and I had to wear this plate-sized pin that said IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY! that the Youngs gave me.  The whole ward made me keep it on.  I got your package on Thursday!! Holy cow! That came fast!! and your letter! I got to impatient and opened it at the Mission Home. Haha thank you so much for all those pictures! And I really like the tie you got me! It's rad.  Apparently there's another package at the mission home for me, so I'll be getting it on Thursday.  The Southalls gave me some socks with the Union Jack on them, and they're way sweet.  I'll try to send a picture of them.  Noah helped me open my present, cause the kids were like more excited than I was that it was my birthday.  They're awesome.  But I really did have a great birthday! I hope everything went well at home.

 

Send me all the videos of Remslice!

 

I'm glad Nebraska sucks less for Adrienne.  Tell her to eat some corn for me, cause corn is pretty expensive here.  But, they put it in everything.  Including their subway sandwiches.

 

Well, today we're going bowling with a bunch of elders from around our area, and then we're going to play a bunch of football (soccer) and that'll be way fun.  I bought myself a rugby shirt and some shorts today for my birthday, and I think we're going to go eat in Birmingham next P Day with the birthday money you gave me.

 

Man, I love our ward.  Sue got anti-ed on saturday apparently, but she came to church and all the members totally took her under their wings and told her she'd still be able to see her family after she was baptized and that she didn't have to wear garments.  Haha crazy Sue.  I love her.  Oh. I'm baptizing her.  So that's pretty awesome! That'll be happening this Saturday, and I'm way excited!  So is she, now that we resolved her concerns.  Haha

 

Well, not much more to say this week, I'll try to send some pictures!

 

I love you Mommasita!

Thanks for expelling me from your womb.

 

PS Who is that child?  I hardly even recognize Remy.