Hola Momma,

 

Thanks for getting in the water.. once. Twice for Adrienne.  Give her a high five.  Actually, give her a hug, she likes hugs.  Remy is so immodest, I can hardly believe you are sending me those pictures. Don't you guys remember that I'm a missionary?  I can't look at pictures of cute girls in bikinis. Gosh. (Use a Napoleon voice for the Gosh.)  Just kidding, I love the pictures and videos.  I can hardly believe that Remy is full on walking!  That is so insane!  She's going to be driving by the time I get home.  I bet Stockton loved Disneyland and Carsland this year.  I feel like he would appreciate the most this year.  We have a Thomas Land here, that I've been trying to get a picture of to send home, it's not too far away from where I live.  It's actually called Drayton Manor, but I guess there is some claim to fame with Thomas there as well.  Give it a look.  Just search Drayton Manor on google.  I almost went there for my birthday, but we decided that we're too stingy with our money.  That sucks about the alternator and traffic.  I like country music too, but it's not my first choice.  Elder Lewis loves it, so whenever we heard it, we'd usually stop and listen to the song.  It doesn't get played here much, because there really isn't "country" in England.  Yeah.  Adrienne deserves fourteen more hours.  Ask her if she wore her swan dress to the concert.  I'll be super disappointed if she didn't.

 

I'm glad Uncle Alan and Eric Shumway are doing okay, pneumonia scares me ever since JR, and there is so much complications with gall bladders over here that I've already heard of.  They are the most annoying of all the bladders.

 

I miss the ward party, I always enjoyed that, and I especially enjoyed all the sweets you'd buy for me there.  But most of all, I miss your apple pie.  Nobody on earth makes apple pie better than you.  I'm definitely a pie-guy, and I've gotta say.. You win.  Even if you don't win at the ward party (I think you will), you still win in my heart.

 

Speaking of... my heart did the crazy beat thing again the other day.  It happens every six ish months, and I'm scared of it.  Can we try and get that checked out again when I get home? 

 

Still speaking of my heart, Ange has still got a pretty good hold on it, and everytime I think about her being so close, I have to think about other things.  It'd be really nice to go up to Scotland and give her a hug.  When she gets back, will you give her one for me?  Don't kiss her though.  That's weird.

 

Also.. Snow cones. They don't exist in England.  I'm not really sure why.  I think it's because they don't believe in happiness, or sunshine.

 

Actually, I have to say, England has really been believing in sunshine the past couple weeks.  It has been HOT here.  I think somebody did the math for me and it was only like 85, but with the humidity and white shirt and tie, and bike riding... 85 turns into about 85000, and then I start sweating.. and I don't stop.  If I'm not wet here from the rain, I'll sure as heck be wet from my sweat.

 

Haha, I'll be sure to send some more mail to you Momma, post is about the most exciting thing there is.  It only costs 88p to send stuff, but I'm lazy and forget to buy stamps a lot of the time.  So, the letter-sending is a little slow.  I did get your package though!  Thank you so much! I said post is the most exciting thing there is, but I lied.  Getting packages is like winning the lottery.

 

Our two investigators are home again.  This week was super super slow, because the heat, and because everyone seemed like they decided to go on holiday, so we didn't really do much.  But, we did get to meet a really cool less-active couple that we didn't have any record of, that want to start coming back to church.  They seem way cool, their names are Paul and Michelle.  Paul was in the army, and apparently has a record for the most jumps from an airplane into Afghanistan during the war.  He has troubles with PTSD, so that's no good, but he seems really cool.  I've only met Paul so far, though, because Michelle was actually in the hospital for her gall bladder.  Yeah.  I know.  But they seem like amazing people and I can't wait to get to know them a bit better.

 

The baptism is still on for Saturday, and I think, (we haven't gotten everything figured out yet), but I think that I'll be in my whites again.  So that's pretty awesome.  Kirsty is really really excited about it, and can't wait to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion.  What a cool thing.  The priesthood is absolutely amazing.

 

My companion is cool, my legs are huge, and I cook a bit.  I'm not good at it though.  But most of the time we get fed, so I don't get too many opportunities to practice, but I want to get good at cooking, especially breakfast.  A good cooked breakfast is about the happiest thing anyone can ever wake up to.  Elder Okuonghae said that he was disappointed that he got called so close to home, but that he loves it now.  So don't worry about him.

 

I've got about a million other emails to write, so I'm going to go ahead and do that now, but I love you and I miss you Mom.  I hope your legs got tan.  Pet Hank for me.

 

Love,

Elder Smart

 

PS I'm sorry.  I took a picture of us this morning before we left for the library, but I'm on a computer that doesn't believe in my camera, so I can't send it today.

Y'alright Mum.

 

I'm glad you made it to San Clemente!  I'm really jealous that you're there right now!  That sounds like heaven!  But, speaking of heaven, I'm a little busy in England.  Sucks about your car.  But I'm glad it wasn't in Beaver or the Moon.  Also sucks about Brooke, the Remslice, and Phil.  I would have been cross.  (A word they actually use here. Stockton might be from Tamworth.)  That's because mad means mentally insane, and pissed is a swear word meaning hammered drunk. So you have to say angry or cross, or ticked off.  Laura does California right.  Sounds like Aunt Marti's family and i are on the same wavelength when it comes to furniture.  It makes sense.  I miss movies.  A lot.  I am going to watch like 48 straight hours of them when I get home.  Birth fortnight is wonderful.

 

The name of the Sister is Sister Bertha.  She's got really long red hair and she's way cool.  She's serving in Lichfield right now, so she's in our zone, so I see her from time to time. 

 

I'm sad that Granddad is back in the hospital.  He needs to get out of there.  Nobody likes being in the hospital.  They say in hospital here.  Not the.  He/She is in hospital.  It's odd.  I'll definitely keep him, Uncle Alan and Brother Shumway in my prayers, and I've been meaning to send Granddad a letter, I'll get one sent this week.

 

School sucks.  I'm glad you're done.

 

I will be anxiously awaiting the package, cheers Mummy!

 

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures.. We're bad at pictures, Elder Okuonghae and I don't take many, and the ones we do take are generally not of the two of us.  I'll try to find an occasion to take one of us this week.

 

My baptism ladies.  Haha, well Kirsty and her little sister Lucy are on holiday in Wales this week, but unfortunately she's with her family.  That wouldn't be an unfortunate thing for many people, but I guess there's a lot of strife coming from her parents.  But Kirsty is absolutely solid, she's received her answer that the church is true and she's doing everything in her power to keep all the commandments and hold firm to the iron rod.  She's getting stressed out by her parents though.  I think Satan will let up a little after she gets baptized.  I hope so, for Kirsty's sake.  I don't have much to report on Lucy, she's heard lessons on the Restoration, and the Gospel of Christ, and also the Word of Wisdom.  She's fifteen in a not-so-morally great country, so she may have some trouble with never drinking or not getting a ton of tattoos and piercings.  I think she'll come around to it though.  She does have a great example (Kirsty) to look to.  This week we had a couple new investigators.  One being our neighbor Ivan, who we never thought would come around to the Gospel, and a former investigator called Frasier.  Ivan will take ages to come around to it though, and Frasier went out of town for four weeks today, so... I may never see him again.  That's a bummer.  Whatever.  I think he'll be baptized sometime.  I have a feeling that this will be my last transfer in Tamworth.  I don't know why, it just seems like everything is wrapping up here for me.  I hope I stay another transfer after this, but.. I wouldn't mind going either.  It's kind of exciting thinking about going to a new area.  I want to go to Merthyr Tydfil or Cwmbran.  One of my best mates from the MTC is in Cwmbran, his name is Elder Battles, and he's the man.  I want to serve with him for sure.  Other than that.. there really isn't much to report on this week.  Kind of a boring week.  A guy from my ward and stake presidency will be in Salt Lake this coming two weeks, so if you run into a Barry Jones that sounds like he's from England, and is bald, say hi.  He knows me.

 

The scripture of the week is Matthew 10:16.  It's a really cool one.  Look it up.

 

I love you all, and hope you have a great time in California!

 

Love,

Elder Smart

 

PS Angela is within a few hours of me right now.  It's pretty crazy, and I try not to think about it too hard, haha.

These are some pictures that I've been sending Colton that he comments on. --Rosemary

This should be dated 7-1-13. This is out of order.  It wouldn't publish last week.

Hey Momma!

I'm glad I got to stay in Tamworth too.  I love it here.  The ward is so awesome and our investigators are too.  I do miss Elder Lewis, though.  He's so awesome.  We got along really well.

Elder Oukounghae, I think, I can't cheat this time.  He's awesome.  So his family moved to England, because his dad got some work in London.  He was born into the church.  His parents are members, but his mom passed away when he was a kid.  He has a step mom, but doesn't really get along with her.  His dad moved here first, but then brought the rest of his family over.  He's not really a gangster, but he knows a lot of them, and a bunch are his friends.  He said he didn't want to get involved with that stuff.  I'll take a picture of us this week.  I forgot my camera today, so I don't have any pictures for you, but I'll have some next time.  He's 5'7'' So I'm the tall guy now.  He talks in Londoner accent, but not cockney or whatever that word is.  He doesn't speak proper british.  So Brother Dowling will be getting after him as well.  He says Tuesday, not chooseday.  He's really cool, and I like him a lot, but we don't really have much in common.  But we do get along.  Uhh.. He's really into MMA (mixed martial arts) but hasn't done it himself.  He's a boxer, 12-0 with 7 KOs.  So he can fight.  Umm.. He's the oldest of five kids.  He's got two little brothers and two little sisters.  He wants to be a professional boxer, and if not, maybe a computer engineer.  Haha, those are two very different things.

That's super cool about getting Becky's work done so fast.  I really like that a lot.  But geez.  That's the weirdest thing.  I still can't believe it. Dane chose a good day to get married.  Does he realize all the similarities?  Peru, August 30, marrying a beautiful girl..

Mom.  That's not camping.  Sorry.

I am glad that everyone got on.  That's a miracle isn't it?  You're not allowed to be translated with them.  Sorry.  I need you.

Lexi is going to be an amazing missionary.  I hope the whole fiance thing didn't hurt her too much.  She's such an amazing girl, I bet she handled it like a champ.  Tell her to write me, and give her a hug for me, tell her good luck.  Missions are hard.  But they're the best.  Isn't it weird that she'll be home before me?  After this transfer and the next one, I'll finally have caught up to the she-greenies. 

I'm jealous about the beach.  That sounds so fun.  I love telling people about it.  A lot of people actually know San Clemente.  What road is the beach house on?  There's a new sister missionary in my zone from San Diego, and she said that her family had a beach house there too.  Hers is right on the beach I think.  It was called Beach Rd.  I think.

Anyways, this week has been really good.  Kirsty is the most elect investigator that has ever happened.  She's accepting the Gospel so well, and the ward absolutely loves her and her little boy Alfy.  She's getting baptized on July 27.  So that'll be good.  No word on who's doing the ordinances, but I have an inkling that I'll be involved.  She's also letting her sister move in with her, and we're going to start teaching her too.  Her sister is 15, and we haven't met her yet, but she's apparently pretty interested in the Church.  Booyah.  We also got a new investigator this week.  He's an interesting guy.  His name is Paul, and he's originally from Ghana, missionaries have taught him before, but he never got baptized.  He let us right in though.  So we'll see how that goes.  I think it'll go well.

We're having a Fourth of July dinner at the Southall's. (Bishop's family.)  They were really excited to celebrate it.  I thought that was funny, but it'll be really fun.  Sister Southall and her sister Maddie are crafty and got excited about making pinteresty Fourth of July stuff.  So I think it'll be a good time.

Well, that's about it this week.  I've offically shed my greenie skin.  That's good.  I really haven't felt like a greenie since about the first week.  Oh, I thought I would tell you about this.  Haha so there's this kid from my MTC group named Elder Packer and he was told that if he counted the days on his mission it would take forever.  He wants it to last, so he's counting.  Either way, on July 4th, I'll have been out for 100 days!  Woo!  That's a pretty long time!  Do you miss me yet? or has the going away party not even ended? 

Haha, I hope you miss me, cause I miss you.

I love you Momma, you're always in my prayers, just like I know I'm in yours.

Your little boy,

Elder Smart

Hey Momma!

 

Dang! I really feel the love this week.  Everyone in the entire world decided to email me, so I'm sorry if I don't get around to emailing everyone back.  I do my best!  I'll definitely be sending Brooke a letter.  Although, it may not get to her until after her birthday, but I'll get it sent.

 

I was framed, somebody planted those keys in my pocket.  But how great are all the pockets in that thing?  I love that coat.  I have no idea where the keys to my car are.  Good luck, and do watch out.  The closet bites back.  You may be able to tame it.  You have like 85 ish weeks left before you can force me to do it.  You can wait if you want, but I doubt you will. Haha

 

Yeah, people totally like me.  You'd think that my mission would humble me right?  Well, spiritually it has, but I'm pretty convinced that my blazing red personality will never burn out.  Sorry if that dashes your hopes of a mild quiet return missionary come March 2015.  But.. I am a product of my parents, and especially I think of my namesake.  Name's sake? Granddad is who I'm talking about.  My dad and your dad are the men I hope to emulate most in my life.  Well, I mean, other than the Savior.  But I'm pretty sure that as I live my life in those two men's footsteps, I will also be following in Christ's. 

 

We do have an absolutely amazing ward back home.  But Tamworth Ward is a home away from home.  I love the people here.  I absolutely feel like I'm family.  They're amazing people.  It'll be hard to say good bye to them.  I have a feeling that this will be my last transfer here, but I sure hope that I get to stay one more after this. 

 

So it's been boiling hot this last week, and it's supposed to be even hotter this next week.  I'm not really sure how it converts but it was 35 degrees centigrade yesterday, and combined with the humidity, that converted to me sweating probably a gallon of sweat.  Oh well.  It's all good, people here are a lot happier when the sun's out.  That means that some of them will even stop and listen to what a couple of kids have to say about Jesus Christ.

 

We've been talking a lot about patriarchal blessings lately, because Elder O is getting his on the 21st, but holy cow Mom.  My patriarchal blessing almost scares me.  Not to be ungrateful or boastful, but the potential I have is incredible.  God has a pretty intense plan for me, I think.  So when I say a couple of kids.. I'm sorry.  I meant two men, called by God and set apart by His Priesthood here on the Earth, to do the most important work there is to do, preach the Word of God, and help people come unto Christ in any way we can.  Even that gives me the chills.  But it is hard.  We listen to this talk by Elder Holland that he gave to mission presidents about how we have to endure, because Salvation is not easy.  Read it yourself it's really really good. It's here https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/03/missionary-work-and-the-atonement?lang=eng  Go near the bottom and read under The Atonement and the Missionary.  It's wonderful.

 

My niece is the cutest little girl in all the world, and I have the best Dad that's ever lived, other than my other Father.  That picture of me and him pushing the lawnmower gets me.  I almost cried right here in the library with a million people around.  I like that one a lot.  I like the ones of me and Dad a lot.  If you could keep sending those I would love it.

 

Time's kind of running out, so let me pack a huge letter I want to send into a few words.

I'm super jealous that you guys are going to Cali. Although, I wouldn't be anywhere but here where the Lord needs me.

No Fireworks for me until Bonfire night.  I look forward to that holiday.

AirCon isn't really a thing in most houses here.

It is weird not having Elder Lewis around, but Elder O and I get along really well.

The Beechers are funny. Tell them I miss them, and tell Bishop I use the Plan of Salvation puzzle he gave me quite often.

I'm glad you found the trousers I'm wanting.  Pants are underwear.

I got the Peanut Butter and have been eating it with bananas ever since.  It's currently my favorite snack.  I need to find somewhere that sells American peanut butter or I might die when I run out of this.  Megan and Houston are the best.  And so are you.  Thanks!

 

I love you Mom, and I miss you a lot.  Same with the rest of the family.

Have a ton of fun in California.  And don't be lame.  Get in the water while you're there.  All of you.

 

Love,

Elder Smart

PS from Mom--I couldn't get this blog to accept last week's letter so I'll keep trying, therefore it will be out of sync.