December 13, 2021

From Ben - Three Missionaries Walk Into a Bar...

I can't say I've seen this much snow in the entirety of my 20 years of existence. I've seen it come down for sure, but Timmins is quite the remarkable situation.I even saw a post that said something like 80 cm of snow had accumulated over the past couple weeks, so we just have these MASSIVE snow banks lining all the streets. 80% of all trucks in Timmins have their own plows on the front because the city can't keep up with the amount of snow removal that needs to be done. We even had to help shovel out an older member couple that were completely snowed in and couldn't leave. Kind of a fun arctic adventure though. 

On Friday, we got to help our friend Robin and her dad move some things into their new house. I played the pivotal moral support role and cheered on Elder Heggie as he lifted the giant wooden desk with Robin's dad. That thing was big. But, luckily for us, so was Elder Heggie. 

We finished the off task with a bit of pizza (I ate 4 slices to be precise), and had a cool conversation with the dad.

There are few things more validating than being listened to by someone who has chosen to be curious and sincerely interested. Robin's dad was an exceptional listener. 

I had another experience with this quality of listening with a guy we taught named Alan. Alan is a very unique individual.  He's kind of unassuming, balding on the top with the classic comb over hair, a bit thin, and honestly doesn't have very well tuned social graces.  

Doesn't matter. 

Though he doesn't have the classic 'charm' we attribute to charismatic individuals, he listens. He looks at you straight in the eye and listens with the intent to understand, learn, and love. And you feel like one of the smartest people on earth when talking to him. 

We came to find out that he's a genius and is remarkably rich. I'm not sure what it's called as a job. But he's a specialized accountant who's on hire by any company that needs specialized accountant aid. (Anyone remember that one Studio C skit called 'How'd You Get That?' same kind of situation )

Once again, kind of an awkward guy, but unmatched in curiosity, and listening ability. He's catholic and asked amazing questions about our theology in comparison to his. It was quite the remarkable lesson. We're currently trying to help him come to understand the Book of Mormon and decide for himself if it's true or not. 

One of the absolute highlights of the week was during a lesson with Robin. We've really been trying to keep the ball in her court. She had been pressured by missionaries in the past and found that she didn't really appreciate it. So we've tried to keep it quite chill using more soft than hard invites. During this particular lesson again, we were talking about Baptism, and finally she said:

"So, I guess we should set a date then"

Absolute joy. 

January 1st is the day. A new year, a new Robin. It's so exciting. 

I put up another Book of Mormon ad. Holy driftin Moses. People can be absolutely BRUTAL to each other. 

I don't mind getting lambasted on the ads. In fact, I kind of enjoy when people go after me, it's fun, and I love trying to improve people's negative opinions about the Church and any misunderstood doctrines. However, when two people in the comment section get into a war with each other, it's so sad and unfortunate. 

All of a sudden I looked at the listing I had put out, and there was a 60 comment chain between this man and women who were just tearing each other apart. I tried to step in and diffuse it a bit but got attacked for trying to help them see each others sides. In the end the whole conversation got taken down. 

Wild. 

However! We got a couple people wanting a Book of Mormon! 

This one lady, because of her busy schedule, said that she'd be down to get one but that we'd have to deliver it to her while she was working. She was a waitress at a restaurant, and come to find out, a Bar

Us three missionaries walked in real smooth like (me in my astronaut looking winter boots) and the classic Western scene played out. 

We walked in, conversation dimmed, and eyes turned in our direction; we just kinda stood there and smiled. Three missionaries in our white shirt and ties in a bar filled with some grizzled looking guys with some cool beards, and a couple of companion women. 

Unfortunately no bar fight ensued. (Not sure how well I would have fared, but I like to imagine I could've knocked a couple of dudes out...) 

But everybody gave us the wildest look. It was so awesome. We were only in there for a minute or two. We found the lady and gave her a Book of Mormon then left, dreaming about what could have been, if somebody had only thrown the first punch. 

Things are going well in Timmins We're still figuring out the trio dynamic and have had some good conversations. Still swallowing my pride and learning to communicate, but definitely learning here a little and there a little. 

Love you all! The adventure of life is definitely an interesting one but I love it. 

- Elder Smith

1) My Book of Mormon ad. Thanks for the blanket again mum :)

2) Us going to the Lord's kitchen at 6:00 am and being nearly dead inside

3) Elder Hartman going beast mode on the snowbank that we said we'd shovel for a lady

4) Elder Heggie just going ham on the heavy wooden desk

5) After successfully shoveling out the snowed in members

6) In the process of shoveling the members out. 

7) Just casually driving beside snowmobiles, the better vehicle to drive in Timmins

8) We helped the youth set up their Christmas tree in the church and stole the credit. 

From Mom - One Proud Mama

Dear Elder Smith,

I think the news of highest importance in a week full of events is the peaceful passing of Great Grandma Roberta Smith. She was admitted into the hospital early in the week because her leg wouldn’t work and a few days later (Friday), she died. We’re honestly so relieved for her and know she’s happy to be together with Great Grandpa again. At times like these I’m grateful for our belief system and the comfort of hope that there is life and families after death.

And speaking of families, the news of next highest importance is that Stephanie and Bowie are here!  Bowie’s happy little chatter is the cutest thing on this planet. I want Steph to send you a little video where Abby blew some snow towards Bowie. She smiled happily then said, “don’t do that anymore!” Hahaha. I want to squeeze her every chance I can get, but she’s very clear about boundaries. We’re loving every moment in a week of busy, busy, busy. 

Dad babysat on Friday while me, Steph, Gma and Gpa Bruce went to the play. Bowie refused to go to bed to Dad stayed up until Steph got home at 11 p.m. Dad says Bowie talked for an hour straight! Lol! (She outlasted him.)

And, of course, the news that permeated our lives of the last two weeks was Sister Act. The girls will tell you all about it but the moments when I was the proudest was when Abby led the group in prayer before their first performance, and when Mia shared her roses with a girl who didn’t get any, and when Steph said, “I think I’m going to cry!” when she saw the girls on stage. 

Or this, from the costume Coordinator …

These were all of the costume changes Abby had to make …

She was almost in every scene and did so good.

And Mia too! She just rolled with the punches. Apparently, they ordered a wig for her that just wasn’t going to work so we called Wendy who did an emergency hair dye worthy of a 70’s night club singer. 

Miss Carla contacted me after her viewing of the Saturday performance with a “witches brew” for singers. Take note:

Hot Water

Lemon

Honey

Cayenne Pepper

Apparently cayenne pepper reduces inflammation and is also good for sore throats. Mia woke up Sunday morning after two performances and said, “my throat feels better!”

I’m one proud Mama.

Kitt McKenney made a surprise cameo appearance in the play as a drag queen. Lol! He distracted the thugs while the nuns got away. Also, Amber came to Friday’s performance and coincidentally sat right in front of me. We noticed each other and started chatting. She says she misses you. She brought some flowers, not knowing your sisters were in the play, and gave them to Mia afterwards. Dad went on Saturday night along with half the ward, the Bectells and Mark, Shannon and Autumn. 

So it was a bit of a whirlwind!

The girls are recovering from their performance high and the depressing reality of catching up on their school work. But they can eat sugar again, so maybe that will help. 

And now we are planning on enjoying every moment we can get before Steph and Bowie leave!

(Also, Nahrebeski says that he keeps up with you on your mission … I’m assuming on Facebook.) So keep your positive messages flowing! Kenny McKenney asked after you and hopes you are doing well. 

As always, we love you. 

We pray for you.

We talk about you and miss you.

Keep noticing those tender mercies.

And continue being your best self.

Forever,

Mom

From Dad - Pictures snuck during the Sunday performance