December 19, 2022

From Ben - From Castle to Cave

Abby and Mia!! Congratulations on Mamma Mia, eh?
Few things make my soul blaze as much as hearing my little sisters absolutely conquer.

It's bonkers how quickly things change around. 

I'll miss Elder Surdu. 
I'm not sure humor is a spiritual gift, but if anyone can claim they possess it, Elder Surdu is the one. 
He's getting a legendary character named Elder Evans, so they'll conquer in the North. 

I'm now blessed to be the companion of Elder Mercado. 
Oh man, he's epic. 
He's plays guitar, loves singing and writing music, and has this incredible way of loving people. 
It's legit an honor to serve alongside him. 

When I get comfortable, I sometimes forget to what depth I can learn things from a single person. 
Sometimes after spending a solid amount of time with a companion I feel like I know them pretty well, however, that's usually because I've lost the initial curiosity a new relationship often inspires. 
When that curiosity is reclaimed, usually by the help of the Spirit, I always find out that there is just so much colour, character and personality to find in other people. 
If at any time I'm bored, or feel there is just nothing to talk about, it's because I've lost perspective. 
People are so cool! 

We got to have a Zone Council the second day into the new transfer, and, different from Sudbury, the Hamilton Zone has ten companionships. 
As I looked into the eyes of these other nineteen missionaries, I realized that I'd been given an unbelievable opportunity to try to be of service to these souls. 
Kind of daunting the more I think about it. 
But, that's why God gives strength to the "weak and simple things" 
I have to believe that I myself can accomplish everything my Savior asks me if I am to inspire that same faith in those around me. 

Being in a YSA ward feels so funky. 
Kids my age. 
My brain hasn't yet figured out that it's not in Sudbury, so I'm still digesting the whole shift. 

The house we live in holds six Elders. 
Elders Perhson and Halls in the family ward. 
Elder Pendleton and Shay doing Mandarin work.
Then Elder Mercado and I covering the Niagra YSA. 
It's called the 'BatCave' because, turns out Batman the Dark Knight had some scenes recorded in the streets of Hamilton. 

The next adventure begins. 
It'll hold some uncomfortable growth and some tense moments (thank goodness) 
Just looking forward to that "far more exceeding weight of glory" eh? 

Love you each!! 

- Elder Smith

1) Zone Council Brainstorming about the mission's Standards of Excellence



2) Farewell to the man, the myth, the legend, Elder Surdu


3) Bristol England is where this Elder, Elder Day, is from


4) The start of the great Hamilton adventure


5) The Mandarin Elders and us share the Niagra YSA


6) The view of the study desk without the blinds as I've broke them.
 


7) Volleyball. Lots of volleyball. 



From Mom - Open Windows

Dear Elder Smith,

 I honestly didn’t realize how absolutely gorgeous Abby is. I mean, she’s a pretty girl but when the spotlight shone on her with her wearing stage makeup in her opening scene… I was agape. Seriously … and I’m her mother. The girls did absolutely amazing. Mia opened the play with her pure voice and they both hit all the notes. I can’t wait for them to tell you all about it. The best night was Friday when Dad and I stayed home with Bowie. Steph, Josh and Sam took the girls out for dinner then went to watch Mama Mia after and I knew they were going to see you too! S and N played their 25th Anniversary tribute and your blurb was included! All six of my kids under the same roof. I was so happy just thinking about it. 



Oh! And we sat by Amber. She seriously brought flowers for Abby and Mia on your behalf because she knew you couldn’t be there! (Sniff)


So, obviously the big highlight of the week was Mama Mia but other highlights included Grandma Smith staying with us, Steph and Bowie hanging out and my Mom and Dad coming and spending some time mudding the basement (my mom is unbelievable).  



We feel so grateful for so many things. Overwhelmed even. Malachi describes it as opening the windows of heaven. And I believe it! We have those days where so many good things happen that there’s not room enough to receive it. 

It can’t all be peaches and cream all the time though. There’s always those weird things that keep our feet on the ground, like our sunroof smashing out on Hwy 2 or Hawk being somehow locked in our closet and tearing up all the carpet.


You know … life. But we love it. And we love you!
Talk to you soon!

Mom

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

December 20, 2021

Image
From Ben: Tears That Never Fell  Christmas is a wild time as a missionary.  It becomes more challenging to meet with members and a bit more difficult to find people to teach. Everyone's busy with Christmas shopping, family plans, and a multitude of festivities.  But I guess it also provides a cool opportunity to get creative in the ways we usually try to find people, meet with members, and contribute to the season instead of being nagging missionaries.  Tis' the season, eh?  We had a lesson with one of our recent converts in our ward. She's a young woman in Grade 9 (I think). So it's been an interesting time to try to figure out ways to connect with her in a way that's not awkward, cringy, or ineffective (I've never been a 14 year old girl in Junior high, so while it's been fun to try to empathize with some of her struggles, I straight up don't know what it's like)  We taught the 10 commandments and got to the 9th. Not bearing false witness.  Or, for...
Read more

January 16, 2023

Image
From Ben - Anti-Automation Our morning schedule is as follows...  6:30 - 7:00: Wake up and daily plan 7:00 - 7:30ish: Work out  7:30ish - 9:00: Eat breakfast, have conversations with the dear Elders, eat some breakfast (hopefully healthy), shower and prepare.  Then 9:00-10:00: Personal Study What it truly feels like however, is...  6:30-7:00 Wrestle for dear life to snuff out the morning grumps as we look at our day and plan our activities (the only thing that really works is a prayer honestly)  7:00-7:30ish: Hype myself up to walk up the stairs. (Pause) Hype myself up to lift a single weight. (Pause) Do some... necessary stretching... to stall a little bit, then, when Elder Mercado comes up to motivate me more, do the actual work out.  7:30ish-8:30ish: Go ponder what breakfast to eat, and decide for a couple minutes between my three regular options, and usually go for the breakfast burrito.  Go pray again, because my first morning prayer didn't cut it...
Read more

May 23, 2023

Image
From Ben: The Unexpected Need for Courage For the last time, President looked at me with his discerning, piercing, and experienced eyes.  The final interview.  He told me to not artificially delay the making of my final covanent (getting married)  He explained how crucial it was to maintain habits of prayer and study. He explained and made me commit to attending the temple at a bare minimum of once a month.  He explained that if I ever left the behind these truths, that he would hunt me down.  I accepted these conditions happily.  I asked what books he'd recommend, he gave me some.  I asked what thoughts he had about planning and goal setting, he gave me some. Then it ended.  I don't know why it takes me so much courage to believe and accept the fact that someone truly, and deeply cares about me.  Maybe it's because I have an incorrect perception about "losing myself" in the service of others. I don't want to be selfish. Maybe it's because I ...
Read more