Hey, I'm back,

Back to my investigators.

Laura, the thirteen year old, was the only investigator the Elders had when we got here.  She's only an investigator because her parents won't allow her to be baptized.  We're not really sure why, but apparently they have some very negative feelings toward the church.  It's really unfortunate.  Our Branch President told us it probably wasn't even worth going over to talk to them.  So that's a shame.  But she's just a dry member.

We found Michele in the park, she was just enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon, when we swooped in and taught her the a little about the Restoration.  She liked it, so we scheduled a little conversation in the park about a week later, where we taught her the whole Restoration, then she came to church, and the day after, we taught her the Plan of Salvation at a member's house, and it went really well.  She was in London this last weekend, so she didn't come to church, but we're going to call her and see if we can teach her tomorrow night.  She's also been to a weird relief society activity that she liked too!  How do I know that she's going to get baptized? ..Priesthood Power?  Nah, I guess I just really hope so, and she seems like she enjoys everything, she just needs a confirmation from the Holy Ghost that this is Christ's church.

Patrick.  We found him just walking along a street near town centre.  That's where we usually talk to people, if you haven't guessed that already.  He ended up telling us his whole life story on the street.  I think I told you about him.  He's really down on his luck with no job, and his almost-wife passing away a few years ago.  He's just in a really dark place right now, and he doesn't think it can get better.  But we've introduced him to some way awesome members that are totally perfect for him.  And he came to church yesterday, and even though he was sarcastically telling us that it was super long, we know he actually really enjoyed it.  A high-councilman taught priesthood and did an excellent job, and after Patrick came over to me and said, "You know the difference between that man and a catholic priest?  That man actually believed what he was teaching, it really meant something to him."  Patrick acts tough, but he's a total softy.  I like him. But he's a whiner.  He LOVES to whine about his life to us.  It's okay though.  We'll just have to make his life awesome. He'll probably still whine after we do that.

And Rahjeev with a V not a B.  He's... I don't really know.  He came to church last week, but I don't really think he liked it, and then he made an appointment with us, and didn't show up, and actually, in between my last email to you and now, we saw him and I said Hi, but he just like waved and kept walking.  I don't know if he actually wanted to investigate the church.  Oh well.  We're going to try and see him sometime this week anyways.

Hound Dog. This week he was better.  Just.. really boring.  Which isn't good, because then I stop talking, and when I stop talking, all I do is start thinking, and that usually leads me home.  So, I was a little bit trunky this week.  I missed you, and I missed my siblings, and Ange, and my stupid dog.  But. I'm here. And this is where I should be.  Even Adrienne told me so, so it must be true.  It does kind of hurt, and I'm not saying I know anything of what Brooke is going through, but on my desk there's a picture of our family, and Phil is in it.. and he's not family anymore. He's not even Phil anymore.  It's just weird.  I can't really swallow that.  I hope Brooke does better this week.  But let's not talk about that.  I was a little bit trunky, but that happens.  I like where I am.  I even kind of don't mind the rain today, it feels a lot better than the hot hot sun.  I also miss walking slowly.  That doesn't happen anymore.  You'd never be able to keep up with me.  Even your fast mom-walk that I've always imagined you doing in the mornings.

But enough of that.

People aren't rude to Mormons in Utah. Well. They are. But in comparison, not even a little.  The gay pride thing was a concert, not a parade. Thank heavens.  Although, we have run into what seems like way too many naked people answering their doors.  Why do people even answer if they're naked? Or at least why don't they throw something on real fast before they answer?  But no.  They just hide behind the door like you don't know they're in their skivvies. "Oh, it's a... bad time."  Duh, you nasty nast.

Oh noooo, heaven forbid the missionaries have to ride bikes in Salt Lake.  What a travesty.  I've heard rumors that they do "Faith Shopping." That's where they go grocery shopping, and don't bring any money, and when they go to check out, some one pays for them.  Haaaaa. Sorry.  I have about zero empathy for the missionaries in Salt Lake.  I'm somewhat blunt today.  Would you like me to continue?  The only advice I have for you and Rose, is to just do it, and not to feel weird or awkward about it.  The one second awkwardness of asking Rose could mean that she and her husband sealed and live in exaltation in the next life.  That's not really something rude or wrong to offer some one, right?  I know, I know, it really is awkward.  Just don't think of it that way though.  Think Gordon Smart.  Think disappearing for hours just to talk to some one.  Dad did it right.  It wasn't awkward, because we know it's true. It's not awkward because the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored again to the Earth.  Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ really did talk to Joseph Smith, and he really did translate the Book of Mormon by the power of God.  Now, let's remember who taught me that.  You.  If you taught me well enough that I can come to foreign country and get doors slammed in my face, and people swearing at me, and I still want to stay out here, in case there is a door that they let us in, or a seed to be planted, by all means, Mom, I know that the greatest woman I know can ask her neighbor out for a quick lunch date to talk about the gospel.  You underestimate yourself Momma.  You are amazing, and Heavenly Father can and will use you as a vessel to share His gospel.

Sorry. Now I'll get off my soap box.

I'll be honest.  I don't remember Hannah Nelson.  I might if I saw her face, but I can't place her in my mind. 

I'm excited for Taylor and Devon to get out on their missions, they're both going to be awesome missionaries. Thanks for sharing that talk with me.  It does help.  I'm trying to be the fourth kind of missionary.  It's hard though.  It's hard to just let all your wants go.  Right now, I'll be completely honest, I'm somewhere between three and four.  I want to be a four, but I'm also a bit stubborn, and a bit stupid, and sometimes that gets in the way.  But this is the work I should be doing, and the work I want to be doing.  Sometimes it just sucks though.  So. Yeah.  Send some Momma-Prayer-Power my way.  That usually tends to help.  I don't think there's any other way that I played eleven years of american football and never had a serious injury.  Haha, don't worry about me.  And don't worry about the Hound Dog.  He's a good kid.  He's helping me a lot too.  We'll see what happens next transfer though.  Transfers are a week from Wednesday. So.. yeah. Next Monday is Dodge Day, which means I'll find out what's happening next Monday night.  Crazy that it's been almost a whole transfer since I called you.  Weird.

You and Brooke worked a miracle with that basement.

Remy is cute.

Elders quorums are great.

And I love you.

I'll talk to you next week!  God be with you!

Love,

Elder Smart