Rain storms...

1-25-12

How is everyone doing today? Thank you to the Howard's for those drawings and letter. Those pictures are awesome. Once I leave here, I'm hanging them up in my room.

Mom, I would like it if you could send me a copy of that CD, also music from "Vocal point" or "Inside out Capella" is allowed, so if you have songs from them that you could send that would be awesome. I wish I had a bigger music collection on my ipod.

I don't really have much to write about, all the weeks here are almost exactly the same. One thing that I’ve been meaning to share for a while now is that for the past three weeks it has been rain and lightning storms here. But the storms can come and go so fast. One moment you will be studying in the sun then seriously, five minutes later, rain is pouring everywhere, sometimes these only last about 10 minutes but it’s crazy how heavy the rain is every time. But my absolute favorite part about these storms is the lightning. The lightning here is the most powerful lightning I have ever seen and heard, and it’s so close, it literally rattles all the windows of the MTC. One time during devotional a group of ten guys and ten girls were singing the EFY medley and a lightning storm was brewing up just as they started singing. By the time it got to the men's part, the loudness of the thunder was at its peak. And for the choir to be heard, they had to lift up their hearts and their voices to try to drown out the distracting noises of the sounds like a battle raging outside. But it sounded so good and powerful, to hear all the young men sing with all their souls. And that's exactly what missionaries are going to have to face every day. We will be fighting with Satan every day trying to bring people to the rod. He will try to distract us with all his might, but if we will lift up our hearts and lift up our voices and rejoice in the gospel, we can withstand anything that is thrown at us. And that goes for everybody.

I also heard that Brazil is just simply having a lot more rain than usual right now, and Belo Horizonte is experiencing floods. Hearing this actually made me excited to go there because even though I don’t know the language, service is a universal language, and that is something I can do.

Later today I will be listening to Elder Anderson and Elder Ballard; hopefully I will get the opportunity to shake their hands too. That would be pretty cool. I love you all!

Sincerely,

Elder Smidt X

Walking in the dark...

1-18-12

Dear Family and Friends,

How is everyone doing? Thank you so much for the Doritos, they were delicious. Also, thank you for sending me that news article and the picture of the Howard family. It was also good to see Jon Carrick again. Also, it was really nice to receive that letter from Brittany. That's awesome to hear that Lucy is doing so good and how much she is growing. I was also pretty surprised to read about how calm that bunny is. I wish I could see this in person! :) I hope all is well with the families in Colorado; also, my wishes go out to Arianne during her first week in Ghana. She'll do great things there! Somebody needs to tell J-Baum that I'm waiting for my monthly issue of "Jess-tice". By the way, mom, did you ever get my letter about the three pics I wanted? Could you also send me Elder Vanwagenen’s mailing address? Thanks!

So something very cool happened this week. Well I’ll first back up a little bit.

Boyd K. Packer once talked about how he didn't see a solution for a problem he was having. He asked about it and one of the other apostles told him that his problem was that he was trying to see the end from the beginning, and he mentioned a scripture from Ether 12:6 saying "... Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

When I first got here, I felt as if I was taking steps into darkness. I had no idea how I was going to learn Portuguese, how I was going to teach with the spirit and how I was even going to earn the trust of the Brazilians here. But I soon realized that I wanted to see the end from the beginning. From then on I learned to walk with faith, know that it’s always darkest just before dawn. As I have started walking in this dark path in faith, I’ve started to learn to enjoy the journey and I'm starting to see the light. I'm finally starting to testify with the spirit rather than just some memorized phrases. I got teary eyed last time I bore my testimony to a mock investigator and after my companion and I finished our lesson and prayed, the mock investigator was crying, the room was full of the spirit and it was such an awesome experience. 

Anytime you guys feel like there isn't any light in the direction you are going, but it’s the right choice, continue on with perseverance and faith. I know that you will start to see the light. "Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

I love you guys!

Sincerely,

Elder Smidt X

Letter home...

1-11-12

Hello Family and Friends,

So this week I definitely faced a personal trial. I accidentally deleted all of my photos off my camera. That was the angriest I have been in a long time. Some of you are probably thinking, "How could anyone possibly delete all their photos on their camera by accident?" Well, the answer is simple. All you have to do is let a curious idiot named Elder Smidt get his hands on a camera and, Walla! THEY'RE GONE! It’s better than magic! I hated myself for doing that. Luckily some other elders here have the same photos that I deleted, so I will at least kind of have something.

Again, sorry I can’t read the emails from this past week, but I did read the emails from last time, and I loved all of them. I really liked all that info you gave me about the "yoke" mom. I was able to also read the first paragraph of an email from dad from this week. I couldn't stop laughing. Let’s just say, I see good things coming in the future. Thank you so much for your letters mom and dad. When all you do is work and feel stress all the time, it’s so nice to hear from my parents. Also, thank you Heidi, Spencer and Jayden for the letters. I started using the jump rope Coley and Jason gave me, and I love it. It’s a lot harder than I remember, but it’s really nice to work out with. Thank you for sending me those emails from Elders Smidt, Jacobson, and Van Wagenen.

We did our first T.R.C. this last weekend, and it went really good (We’ve been lucky because our district got out of T.R.C. for three weeks due to various reasons). But recently my companion and I have been trying to teach what the investigator needs to hear, and it’s kinda hard to teach that way when your Portuguese knowledge is very little; but we try regardless.

It was awesome to hear that the Ducks won the Rose Bowl. I love my ducks.

Right before I came in the computer room to send my email, I picked up my three "mission ties" letters from Nana and Pops, Mom, and Dad. I haven't gotten the opportunity to read them yet, but thank you for those. I did actually read the last sentence in dads, and I agree, I do like the way this is going.

So, I've been craving some Raffi music, do think that is church appropriate? I almost just need some change around here. I cannot WAIT to get out to the field. Elder Smidt IX was right; being in the MTC is like really rich cake, it is SO good, but I can only handle so much. At least I'm just now getting over the hill, which is nice.

I'm sorry I don’t have more to write about, not much really changes around here, so it’s hard to find new things to write about. Anyways, I love you all!

Love,

Elder Smidt X

Happy New Year!

1-4-12

Hello family and friends,

      I want to let you all know that since I’m short on time, I won’t be reading my emails during my emailing time. I will be taking pictures of every email and them reading them later on my free time. So for every email I get, it will be a week until I respond. I’m sorry, but this way I have more time to email.

      Happy Birthday Coley!!! Sorry I’m late in saying that. I’ve been so preoccupied I totally forgot, but I still love you :) 

New Years was very good here, way crazy and a little wicked, but still fun. The whole city was lit up with fireworks, it was insane. We also saw from our room window, a fight break out in the street. It was pretty funny because it was two girls kicking one man’s trash... so yeah, I had a good new years. It’s been kind of a sad week though, because the Brazilians on our floor that we all loved, left for the field. I hope I get the chance to be companions with some of them.

    

      On a happier note though, our district probably had the coolest idea ever. Let’s just say, people refer to us as the avengers now,(even though I’m batman and he has nothing to do with the avengers). Each person in our district took a role of a super hero for a night and we battled the Brazilians who each took on super villain names. It was probably the coolest thing I’ve done since I’ve been here. I made myself a pretty nifty little bat-a-rang thingy... who knows when I’ll need to use it on these Lamanites. For those of you who may have thought I was being serious, I was totally joking. I wouldn’t ever do that, and I don’t refer to the Brazilians here as Lamanites.... sometimes.

      Thank you so much, Tiffany, KJ, Britt, and Mom for your letters, they mean a lot to me. I sent each of you a more detailed letter as far as thanking goes, but I forgot to say to Brittany, that the noise putty she sent me was probably one of the best and worst gifts ever. Its great because of how funny it is and endless joy it brings our entire district; bad because we can’t stop playing with it, even when we use the restrooms.... But thank you again everyone, I love getting stuff from you all!

      We got some new roommates that are actually Brazilian and they are really nice. Hopefully they will help me learn the language better.

     I’m starting to get the hang of teaching lessons but I feel like I’ve hit another barrier in the language. It can be really frustrating at times. Thank you all so much for your prayers. I keep saying this, and I will keep saying this forever, I have the best family and friends EVER! 

    I’m glad to see that I have some emails in my inbox from missionaries. Those Elders are Spiritual giants in my life. I often think to myself what they would do in certain situations I am in. So thank you for forwarding those emails to me.

     I think my body has finally adjusted to the humidity here. I didn’t even realize it, but some new missionaries came today, and they were all sweating and I felt totally normal, so that’s good I guess.

     Ok! That’s it! I love you all! And remember, if you ever think to yourself, "I wonder how Elder Smidt is doing?" please write me! If you want to...

      Sincerely,

          Elder Smidt X

número dois (doh-eez)...

12-28-11

      Hello Everyone! I hope everyone had a good Christmas this year. I know I did. I am a little disappointed I couldn’t be Santa this year though, that’s my favorite part of Christmas morning. Fortunately I received Tiffany and Dan’s and Heidi and Bret’s packages. I didn’t receive the Baumgartner’s package or mom and dad’s package until a couple days later, but it was still great to get them none the less. I love every bit of mail I got. Thank you so much everybody for your love. I have the best family! But Christmas was actually very good here, one of the better Christmas' I have ever had just because of how much I felt the spirit. We did not have any general authorities come talk to us, but the talks were still very good and very comforting. Thank you again for all the snacks you have sent me. I actually have more joy sharing my treats with the Brazilian students here because of how interesting they find the American treats that I have. They don’t handle spicy things at all which is kinda funny, and they found it almost impossible to believe at first that the slim Jims were actual packaged meat. After trying to figure it out forever, one Brazilian finally said "Oh! Salami!" and then they all started saying "Oh!" and were laughing it up. They also found the sour belts that I brought from home to be the most interesting, the faces that they were making while eating them was so funny.

      Today we got to go to the temple (we get to go every P-Day, except for last week) and it was such a neat experience. The temple here is beautiful. I bought a big picture of it at the church distribution center. But it was really just neat to be able to go to the temple, when you are on a spiritual high. Really cool experience. On the way though, I was able to see some very interesting things I have not seen since I’ve been here. I finally saw a bunch of those stacked houses that you see in the opening scene of the Incredible Hulk, and piles of what looked like garbage under bridges, but they were actual houses just made out of trash, literally. It was a little bit of a cultural shock for me, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of it when I actually get out to the field.

      Well all is good over here, two weeks down and I am definitely starting to pick up the language a lot more, thank you so much for your prayers. I really do appreciate them and I most definitely felt their affect. Last week I progressed so much in the language it’s nothing short of a miracle. I can pray, bear my testimony, teach lessons, and even have basic conversations in Portuguese. I’m loving it. So thank you so much for your help. I know I wouldn’t be able to do it if it weren’t for you and the spirit. I only have 7 more weeks at this C.T.M.!!!! I love it here but I’m already starting to get restless. Darn it.

      One last thing, could you continue to send me Elder VanWagenen’s and Elder Smidt IX 's letters, but to this email account? That would be great. And my box number is 35, sorry I put 34. I love you guys and miss you all!

Love,

Elder Smidt X

A Missionary Christmas...

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn’t there.

No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has little flair.

His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks…not very fun.

I’ve bought him all white clothes because…

This year I’m giving Christ my son.

I’ve spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred.

I’ve re-read Novembers Ensign…felt strength come from His words.

Our family prays for frequently. My tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because…

This year I’m giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war,

Or how the pioneers chose Zion – their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be his presence…I’ll miss his smile a ton.

For two years we will pray for him…

I’m giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he’s not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine.

He’s always hungered for the part of him that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard, his choice and mine are one.

I’ll put my faith in God’s hand. This year,

I’m giving Christ my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter. I think I finally understand:

Christ’s birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.

It’s because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing is done.

My gift has taken years to make, this year…

I’m giving Christ my son.

I know there’s One who understands the sacrifice I’m making….

Who knows the gift I willingly give – the toll it will be taking.

For He has done it all before – greater love, there could be none.

For years ago God gave to me…

His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray…

Now knock on doors to find the ones who will listen to what he’ll say.

Because I know Christ needs him until all the gathering’s done

My gift has taken years to make...

This year…I’m giving Christ my son.

(author unknown)

Elder Smidt's first letter home...

21-12-2011

Dear Family and Friends,

I miss you so much! I only have 25 minutes to write my email so I will try to fit in as many details as I can. It has been a hectic week here at the C.T.M. (what they call the M.T.C.) in Brazil. There are beautiful plants everywhere on the property of the C.T.M. I will take pictures to show you guys. I really do love it here. Before I talk about that though, i want to talk about everything since i got here. the plane ride was long but surprising comfortable, luckily i was able to sleep for most of it. (im sorry for not capitalizing my i´s, the shift button is totally off on these keyboards, so im done trying to do proper capitalizations) but we made it to brazil with no problems. when i stepped out of the airport, i was just slammed with a wall of heat and humidity. i couldn’t breathe without gurgling water, but i am almost used to it now. everything is so different here, the cars, the way people drive, everyones mannerisms; but i love it. i know i already said this in my letter back home, but i want to say it again to all the people who are reading this. I get to exercise and study in paradise, i study next to beautiful flowers and ivory walls, and i run under large palm trees. the brazilian students are so nice here, i absolutely love them. they don’t have to learn english at all for their missions, but they try their hardest just so that they can talk to us. they have taught me though three ways to say gay in portuguese, and my absolute favorite one is "Justin Bieber" im being serious; their direct translation for gay is "Justin Beiber" so when they are walking down the halls calling each other Justin Bieber and laughing it is so funny. But they are extremely nice. MOM, THEY HAVE PASSION FRUIT JUICE HERE AT THE C.T.M.! and guanara. its all good stuff here, not as good as provo C.T.M., because its kinda bland food and a lot of rice and beans but its good. I have felt the spirit so much here it’s almost too weird, but it’s so nice. im sorry if this letter makes no sense, i'm just trying to put down all the details my mom asked for, and random ones keep popping into my head. i was made district leader over our district of 10 Elders and one Sister. But i am struggling a little bit with the language thing, so if you wouldn’t mind praying that i may have the gift of tongues, i would really appreciate it. alright, time is almost up so i will have to cut this one short, but i just want to say that even though i have felt the spirit so much here and have made some great friends and doing great, there is just one thing missing that would make this perfect, and it’s my family. with that being said though, I am SO grateful that we are able to be sealed for all time and eternity, because Heaven would not be heaven to me, if my family wasn't with me. I love and miss you guys so much.

Love,

Elder Smidt X

27 hours later....

He landed safe and sound in Brazil!!!  What a relief to all of us to know he made it safely and was in good hands.  What a good looking group of 'greenies'!  

Here is the email we received the day Elder Smidt arrived at the MTC.  (Missionary Training Center)

Dear Parents,

We are happy to send the good news that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil MTC.  What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they come through the front door of the MTC for the first time. We promise to take good care of your missionary.

They now have companions and are settled into their rooms.  They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study.  The branch presidents and their wives, will soon give them a second greeting.  These couples are rewarded in their callings through the love they always develop as they embrace and watch over the missionaries.

The MTC has a full time live-in physician to care for their health needs.  He is assisted by his able wife. We are also happy to report that the Cafeteria food is abundant and very good.

Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple.  This will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on individual assignments.

Your very important young person is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.  We hope you will be encouraged and comforted by this quote by President Lorenzo Snow: “There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder [sister] when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord’s children.”

Please accept our love,

President Donald L Clark and Sister Zaza Clark

Tchau...

When the Brazilian people say "Bye" to each other, they say "Tchau" (sounds like chow).  Saying "good-bye" to Elder Smidt was full of mixed emotions.  We all knew this day was coming, as Jess has wanted to serve a mission his whole life, but saying good-bye to someone you love so dearly is never easy.  So we say, "Tchau" and "Boa Sorte" (good luck) to Elder Smidt as he leaves the only life he's ever known and dedicates himself completely to serving the Lord for two years.  Brazil is sure lucky to have him.  He will be amazing.  I am sure he will love the Brazilian people as much as they love him!

This picture speaks 1,000 words.

A mother saying 'good-bye' to her only son and sending him to a foreign country.  This, right here, is why if you EVER run in to a missionary, give him 5 minutes of your time.  That's all. And be kind.  They are sacrificing a lot to serve.  There is great honor in that.

KJ and Jess saying their good-byes.  A lot will have changed in these little one's lives when Jess comes home, but we will pray for him every day and will be waiting for those letters and pictures to come in the mail!  What a good example he is setting to those he leaves behind.

 His passport and name tag.  It's official!!!

 Most of us had to say our last good-bye's over skype!  We LOVE YOU ELDER SMIDT!!!

 Blurry, but good shot of his last wave to Mom and Dad as he boards his plane. 

RETURN WITH HONOR!!!!

Elder Smidt X...

Today was the day Jess was set apart as a Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!  The day he officially goes from being known as Jess to Elder Smidt.  President Firmage is the Stake President who gave him his blessing.  Elder Smidt sat in the 'famous' Smidt family chair.  All missionaries in the Smidt family who have served missions have sat in this special chair and have all signed the bottom of it.  What a special chair to have traveled far and wide to be sure to get every missionary in the family is set apart in it.  Jesse is the 10th Smidt missionary!