Another Week

So this week was tough. We only had one of our investigators at church and Shannon is just struggling now. We set a date with her and she was super excited. Then we came back the next day and she said she wanted to put it off. We were in shock. We didn't know what to say. Then she didn't come to church and we can't get a hold of her. I am so tired of things like this. Jeepers Creepers! Then we had to just drop Jeanette again yesterday for good. She just doesn't get it! Oh my heavens! This area has been a little bit rough lately...

I don't have much to say this week other than Granny is doing better but she just still isn't Granny. Her health has struggled and so unfortunately we just don't know what is going to happen. O'Brian is doing so good! I am so proud of him! He is almost halfway through Alma and just started reading a couple weeks before he got baptized. And he is not a fast reader at all! That guy is my hero. I am so happy that I got to teach and baptize him! 

We did have a little success with O'Brian's Brother's Girlfriend. Ha that is kind of a long chain. Her name is Evelle and she is super cool and pretty prepared. She was the one that came to church yesterday and really enjoyed it. I wish you could have seen Dorothy escorting her everywhere around the church. You could just tell that she was so happy that she was doing missionary work. I love that family! They tell us all the time that Dave and Evelle will be joining the church just now because they are working on them. I love it!

This week I have been reflecting a lot on Hope. Because to be honest that is what we are holding onto right now. You know in the game of monopoly how there is the free parking space in one of the corners? Well we play that game a lot and Elder Glade lands on that spot every time. So he gets all the money that is in the middle that we have had to pay for fees and such. But Elder Glade will run out of money and be in debt and then he will just be like "Free parking is right there I'll just roll a 7 and land on it and pay you then. That work?" Then he lands on it! Now this isn't necessarily about monopoly but Elder Glade has what Nephi refers to as a "Perfect brightness of hope." He knows that there are better times ahead. No matter what is going on now he knows that free parking is just around the corner. And so whatever it is that you are facing right know just know that there are good things to come. Whether it is a hard time for you or a loved one there is help and happiness ahead. And always remember that free parking is just around the corner.

Love,

Elder Smith

Often the deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can’t see the Lord’s hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and happiness.

-Dieter F Uchtdorf