August 21, 2018

**Note from Mom - Sorry everyone that this is a week late.  I was out of the country and couldn't upload her email without Wifi.  Thank you for your love and prayers on Shelby's behalf.  love you all. :)

Tears, a Font, and a Fountain of Knowledge!

WHAT A WEEK!!!!

BAPTISM

John got BAPTISED!!!!! YAY! This was one of the coolest experiences, after he was baptized he got up and bore his testimony and he was completely glowing. He said "My problem box is now empty and I am filled with pure joy!" It was such a happy moment. I love being a missionary and having the opportunity to see peoples lives change through Jesus Christ. The knowledge that christ gives us is life changing. 

Sad but Spiritual

Pappa Smith's funeral was this week and It was a wonderful service! Current missionaries and past missionaries that served here were all able to come to the funeral. And mamma Smith asked if we would sing a musical number, so we had 15 missionaries sing "Have I Done Any Good In The World Today" It was super powerful, and really helped bring the spirit into a room. Afterwards people were asking why we do what we do, and told us they could tell there was something different about us. It opened up so many opportunities to talk about the plan of salvation. WHAT A BLESSING!!

Elder Ringwood

Elder Ringwood came to our mission!! And COOL fact.... His wife is President Nelsons daughter. So that was really cool. She did a women's conference with all the sisters and it was so powerful. Sister Grant and I got to sing in 2 different musical numbers for them, and we loved it!

Elder Ringwood talked alot about missionary work and how God puts us where he needs us, and he will never put us in a place to fail. "SO go forward with faith and fear not!!!" He also talked a lot about agency. Sometimes people use their free agency in a way that negatively affects those around them, and that is not apart of Gods plan. But because God is so good, He will consecrate our afflictions for our gain. (2 Nephi 2:2) I had never really thought of agency in this way, but its so true. Just because something bad happens doesn't mean God wanted it to happen, But he will help us through it.

The Beach

Our zone conference was in Monterey, and after we got to go to the BEACH!!!! I was so excited the beaches are beautiful.. a little cold, but so pretty!! God Created such a beautiful earth!

I hope you all have a wonderful week. I love this Gospel I love my savior Jesus Christ, and I know that the only way to find true joy and happiness is through him! Love Y'all!!

Sister Wiser

John Before the baptism

John's Baptism!

The Beach

Mamma Smith with all the missionaries. The gentleman without
the suit jacket was an elder that served here 10 years ago

Mamma Smith at the Funeral 

The Sisters