Montes Claros

5-07-12

Well hello there!

Happy Fourth of July everybody!!! I hope all of you are able to stuff yourselves with BBQ and Root beer! I will have to eat some Churrasco (BBQ) today as well. I will definitely miss the fireworks that we had in our neighborhood. Probably my favorite part about our neighborhood. I remember that about this time last year I was buying fireworks with Bryan and later that night Dad, Bryan, and me were shooting roman candles at each other. I love being an idiot.

Happy Birthday to Tiffany and Dad!!!! I will send out letters today for you guys. I totally forgot about you guy's birthdays, but yesterday when I unpacked my calendar, I was reminded. I'm sorry! Don't get too old while I'm gone!

By the way I got my fourth of July package and I loved it. I thought that it was funny that for the description you put "missionary supplies" on the package, but it was just filled with food. :) I guess in all reality, there is no better definition for missionary supplies than food. The beef jerky was to die for, and as for the Chicken crackers? I was on a plane of enlightenment.

My new companion is awesome! I was wrong, he doesn't have a year and a half, only a year. But it still makes it a little awkward for me to be senhor. I guess he and his companion made a mistake (probably watched a little TV in a members home) and they are both Junior companions now.

Montes Claros is good, but I liked Paraiso more, there was a lot more potential there. The LDS church has a horrible rap here in Montes Claros. Some people think that the missionaries have children's heads in our backpacks. It’s hard to find a person here that doesn't hate the church. I'm not sure what happened here to create such a bad atmosphere for the missionaries. But it will definitely be harder to find people to teach. Here in Montes Claros, it’s a LOT dryer than B.H. There are no hills. There is the city, the center of Montes Claros, then the outskirts. The city is nice, looks like a U.S. city, but the area outside of the city is soooooo poor. With the dusty roads and the old brick buildings, it looks like the setting in which Nacho Libre took place. I've seen a lot of weird things in the outskirts. Sunday when we went to pick up a recent convert, I saw someone on the sidewalk going number two, totally bare bottom, with no shame. Geeze.

Will batman really be released this month? I can’t believe it!!! That will be the first movie that I will watch after the mission. I’m including photos of my buzz cut for you guys. A family in Paraiso all buzzed their hair and I gave into temptation and buzzed my hair with them. My companion in those photos is Elder G. Almeida. I was not able to take a photo with Elder De Almeida during the time that we were together. 

By the way, you asked if my baptism with Ataidi was my second baptism? I'm sorry I haven't been talking more about my baptisms, but as of right now I have 13. If you want I will start mentioning them more, but I figure that every missionary talks about baptisms so I never really thought it to be of importance for you guys. I am a little frustrated with myself because I haven't had a baptism in over a month now. And it’s not like when the Zone Leader calls and I explain to him what’s going on that he just says "It’s alright Elder, the Lord knows you're trying and sooner or later he will bless you for your efforts." As much as I would like to hear things like that, what I really hear is "Where is your faith Elder!?!? It’s clear that miracles happen through faith, and this mission is full of miracles! Get to work and hope that the Lord will help your faith!" You may think I'm joking or exaggerating, but this happens. 

Well, that's about it for now. I love you all and hope that you have a good 4th of July. Tell John I'm still waiting for his letter! 

God Speed

Elder Smidt X

Craziest Week Yet...

27-06-12

      Well, I am really starting to get the hang of being Senhor now, it feels natural. I have been doing work here in Paraíso! The elders before us left this area a mess. The area books were totally out of order. It was a greater apostasy than that which proceeded after the death of Christ. (Well almost) But my companion, the leader of the work, and I re-enacted the story of Mormon and compiled all the books and papers into one. I received a list of all the members (active and less-active) and marked every member that was baptized alone, without their families. My purpose was to pass by every one of them and try to convert the families, because we all know that this Gospel is centered on families. I was also able to find, with the help of the Lord, 5 new investigators this past week. Everything seemed to be going well. But remember when I once mentioned that right when you start to feel comfortable, the Lord switches things up for you? Well, last Thursday I was thrown into a storm of events. Let me explain.

     Thursday night I received a call from the president that I needed to head on over to the mission office as fast as I could. I would be making a division with an Elder there because his companion was sick. I quickly took my companion and headed over to the mission office, picked up new temporary companion, left Elder G. Almeida at the Office and headed back to my area to try to teach more people before the night was over. We arrived back in our area just in time to teach a few lessons and receive a new investigator. This temporary elder (Elder Lustosa) was awesome, he teaches like a boss. I learned so much in just a few hours of teaching with him. He then slept in my companion’s bed that night and the next morning we headed back to the Office. When we arrived at the office I received news that my companion (Elder G. Almeida) was not supposed to be with me. There was a mix-up when assigning companions. My companion was supposed to be Elder De Almeida (remember "De" in Portuguese sounds like "Gee"). So we quickly headed back to our house, picked up all the baggage for my companion, and headed back to the office. Once there I picked up my companion, Elder De Almeida, and we headed back to Paraíso. Once we were able to understand each other’s teaching tactics we worked with each other well, finding 4 more investigators this week. BUT, last night I received a call that there would be an emergency transfer again, but this time with me. My mission president told me that I would be serving in Montes Claros (about 9 hours away by bus) and my new companion would be Elder Szpikula. He has one year and a half on the mission but I will be senhor again. It’s weird, I hope that this doesn't raise conflicts, me being senhor and him having 3 times the amount of time than me on the mission. I am not sure exactly how my area will be. I heard that it is hot there. But I will miss Paraiso. It’s awesome here, the perfect combination of city and favelas. And the people are awesome! This ward is strong and it reminds me of an American ward . Definitely nicer than my last area. And the food is actually REALLY good here. Not just rice, beans and chicken every day. Still rice and beans but there are other dishes here that are really good. I will miss it here.

      Happy birthday Nana Raine!!!! I hope you have a fantastic birthday and that you will be able to water ski as well. That picture of Pops and dad was awesome. I am glad that they had a good trip. But nobody said anything about if they caught a Great White or not. I wouldn’t be surprised if the other thing they were able to catch was a gold fish.

      I don’t know how different it will be in Montes Claros but I hope that there will be a post office close by so that I can continue to send letters home. I finally received the tapes!!! I’m so glad because I don’t know when will be the next time I will receive mail, since I will live so far away from the office. 

      Well, a miracle happened this week. I ate at McDonald's this week. Walking in the city I saw the golden Arches and just couldn't resist its beauty. I bought myself a Quarter pounder and a McChicken. The food is a bit more pricey here than in the states. A dollar menu doesn't exist. I had my doubts that the burger would be as good, but those doubts vanished and I was in HEAVEN while eating it. I wrote a poem for you guys about my experience. 

                          Quarterão

Feeling the warmth of you in my hands

is just like before, but in different lands.

As you are brought to my lips,

I can only hope one thing.

Though while on the grill you did some flips,

I desire that my taste buds may still ring.

As quickly as my fears here came, 

taking that first bite they quickly vanished.

Even though you have a different name,

Your degree of Glory shall never be banished.

Quarterão, I have three words for you,

"I love you"

I do

I do

God Speed!

Elder Smidt X

Paraíso

20-06-12

Hello family!!

     Teriks email was awesome! I would really like to receive his weekly emails every week if possible. It’s awesome to see the progress that he is making. Well, my camera started working again miraculously. I don't know how long though it may be until it really breaks down for sure though. Are you sure you couldn't send a camera through the mail? I heard of a missionary who received an iPod though the mail. And are all packages sent though a machine? Because this missionary that received his iPod though the mail, said his mom hid it in a macaroni box. It was also good to see that picture of myself, I had forgotten how awesome I am. Haha, just kidding, but seriously...

     Mom, could you do me a favor and ask Diana if Craig has gotten any of my letters? I have sent two now but have not gotten a response. Also, if you ever pass one of those LDS book stores, (I forgot what they are called) Could you buy another temple recommend case for me? If it’s cheap of course. I promised Elder Severo, my last companion that I would ask you if you could send one for him. He said to ask for one with a really awesome Scripture on it. If that's too much to ask for though, don't worry about it.

     Well, we are in the latter days... with our mission president, only ten days left in his mission. I will pass by the Mission office today to pick up more materials and see if I have any letters there. While there, I want to give him one last hug. By the way, I am very sad because during the transfer last week I picked up a letter that was from mission-ties, but while arriving at our new house in Paraíso, I lost the letter somewhere! Maybe you guys can figure out which letter it was, The last letters that I received before that letter were from Dad and Coley, sent on May 29.

     Well, this week I went for a jog for the first time in 6 months. NOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! (Oh my!) It felt quite strange. But luckily it didn't take me long to get my running form back. But geeze, the first ten minutes it felt so foreign to me. It was also the first time that I went out in public in just shorts, tennis shoes, and a t-shirt in 6 months. I almost felt normal. The only thing that kept me from feeling normal was the fact that my legs were whiter that Snow White’s legs. But man, how I missed that burning feeling in the lungs.

Things are actually going pretty well as Senior companion. I'm finally starting to feel relaxed. I never really understood how much easier it is to be the Junior companion until now. 

There are so many hills here, I sweat buckets. The other day we decided to climb to the top of the highest hill here and then started making our way down the hill knocking on doors. But while at the top, I took a picture for you guys :)

Well, I gotta go and do churchy stuff. but I love you guys!! 

God Speed!

Elder Smidt X

Happy Father's Day!

Fathers Day!!!!!

13-06-2012

Dear Family!

This past week has been crazy! I have been transferred to "Paraíso" (Paradise). My new companion is Elder J. Almeida. He is from Curitiba and he seems really friendly, and I have been called as a Senior companion!! I am extremely nervous right now because I am not even fluent yet and now I am in charge of all the people in my area and my companion. This will be that part in my mission that will make me bald. It’s also weird because usually Americans on this mission aren't called as Seniors until they have at least 6 months in the field; I'm just arriving at 4. Anyways, I don't know the Area yet and neither does my companion. This should be an adventure. "Just give it your best and the Lord will do the rest."

Well, I got two packages yesterday! One from you guys and one from the Howard's. I loved every part of both packages. Right now I'm wearing the Tie that was given to me and I look GOOOOOD! Thank you for all the treats, foot powder, toys, and notes. As much as I love packages, I started to think that I would rather that the money be kept for yourselves. I really love the treats that I receive but it’s not worth it for you guys to spend all that money just to send me some candy. Or if you feel that you must share your generousity with me with presents, maybe you can put the money towards something for my Chest back home. For example, a real life Batman suit. If that's too much to ask for, a few Twinkies will suffice.

Also, thank you for the letters from Coley, Britt, Jayden, Spencer, Bradley and you guys (Mom and Dad). I loved hearing from every one of you! Now that I am relatively close to a post office I will try to send more letters by mail. Also, I won’t be able to send more pictures home until I resolve this problem that I have with the camera. 

Mom, could you do me a big favor? It would be awesome if you could write a lady in my last area in Justinopolis (Lourdes). She became like a second mom to me. I feel like this is my first transfer because I became attached to all the members in my area in Justinopolis. It was hard to say good-bye. But anyways, this lady is the one that gave me a tie for my birthday and she gave me another tie right before I left, which was probably not easy for her. Anyways, it would be awesome if you could type a letter, thanking her for everything, then copy and paste it in google Translator. Then print it out and send it to her. But if you do that, don't include words like: it's, couldn't, haven't, I'm, or you're because google wont translate it. Every word has to be separated, not combined. Her address is: 

  

     Lourdes Dos Santos (Her name)

     Avenida Prefeito

     José Ramos Gomes # 73

     B: São Miguel

     CEP: 33900-506

     Ribeirão Das Neves - MG

Also, I would like to give a shout out to you dad! Happy Fathers Day!!!

I have many good memories from my childhood, but the best memories are from you dad. And many of the memories that I have may seem insignificant to you but each and every one has played a huge role in my life. Remember that one time in the Brick house when you moved a mattress into my room to sleep next to me? I don't remember why you did it, I just remember thinking how cool it was to have a Dad that wanted to have a sleep over in my room. I also remember one weekend mom went out of town, and that Friday night we went to Hastings, rented a bunch of action movies (primarily Jackie Chan) then we watched the movies from your bed while eating popcorn. I still remember you saying: "Mom said we're not allowed to eat in the bed, so don't spill the popcorn." It’s these types of events that may seem insignificant to others but I cherish those memories, because clearly I have an awesome dad. But our relationship goes far beyond that of just "Father and Son". We are best friends. All of my best memories include you dad. I only hope that someday I can be the same kind of father and friend for my children. I took a picture of a journal entry I wrote back in March that I will include in this email.

I love you all! Happy Fathers Day! Pray for me!

Love,

Elder Smidt

MMMMM.....pizza

6-6-12

Hello Family!

      It’s so crazy to think that Elder Smidt IX will be John again tomorrow. But I just hope that as he moves on in life to make big bucks and win all the hearts of those many fillies in CDA, that he won’t forget to keep writing me. I have I feeling that throughout my mission I will continue to have many questions for him. Besides, his letters never fail to make me laugh. This month I would like to pay homage to Bryan. This month on my calendar is filled with pictures of the man that changed my life by showing me the many miracles of Horkley's, lacrosse, green bandannas, and Crazy pizzas from little Ceasar's. Thank you Bryan, you are an example to those that have no life. Also, happy birthday to Pops Ralph! I'm sorry I forgot! I hope your day was filled much happiness!

      We had a stake conference this last week, but it was a different kind of stake conference that I have ever seen before. Every stake in Brazil received a transmission straight from the Church Headquarters and was specifically just for Brazil. This broadcast included the talks of President Monson, Elder Anderson (who spoke in Portuguese), an Elder from the 70 (also spoke in Portuguese), and the General Relief Society President. It was really neat and a huge boost for the members. Also, this Sunday there will be a temple dedication in Manãos, which is about 4 hours away from here, but that is a huge blessing for the people in Belo Horizonte! Many members will now have the opportunity to visit a temple for the first time in their lives!

      I'm happy to hear that Dan and Tiffy are doing well and that the family finally arrived in Boise. Que Bênção!! This past week I saw my first Monkey!!! It was pretty small (about the size of my forearm) but it was really close, maybe only ten feet away before it jumped away to a different tree. I wasn't able to get a picture of it. Shucks. Also I forgot to say thank you to Coley for the Birthday card and the stickers. I now walk with the ducks touching my heart, as I put a sticker on the back of my name plate. I'm also very excited about that pizza promise you made for me, but you might regret it! Last night I had a dream that I was surrounded by an endless amount of American Pizza and as I was reaching for yet another piece, I woke up and my hand was lifted in the air above me. Then I wept realizing it was just a dream. You might regret making that promise, because I will be craving pizza a lot when I get back. But I try not to think about things like that. They say that an excellent missionary doesn’t count how much time he has left in the mission. It’s a good thing I'm not counting that I have  18 months, 8 days, 11 hours, 46 minutes, and 44, 43, 42, 41 seconds left in my mission.

       Well, this might be my last week here in Justinopolis. Next P-Day will be transfers. The President always calls the Monday before transfers and tells you where you are going. I love it here and the members of this ward. I've spent 4 months with the people of this ward. I have grown close to many of them! But at the same time, I feel like I need to change playing grounds; it might not make sense, but I feel stale here. I need to start new. I really hope I get transferred.

       I don't really have anything exciting to share. I have included a picture of My kingdom (or a very small part of it), Eating an Avocado with sugar (that's the only way Brazilians eat Avocados) and a picture from the Zone Conference. I hope all is well with the family! Have fun in Spain mom and dad!!

Love you all! God Speed!

Elder Smidt X

Congratulations!

    I gotta say, I'm a little surprised right now. This is the first time in 6 months that I haven't received an email from you guys (and I’m a little bummed). But this week I received an awesome card from Britt! I can’t believe it; another baby is on its way! Our family will be twice as big by the time I get home! By the way Britt, transfers are every six weeks, always on a Wednesday. And usually every area has a ward, only a few have branches. And there are no beaches in my area.

    Two days ago we had a Zone Conference and it was awesome! We got to see a video of our new president and his wife. He seems really nice but he said he wouldn't be changing any rules. I also got to see some good friends there. Remember when I talked about the Brazilians in the MTC that taught me different ways to say "gay" in Portuguese? Well I saw a lot of them again at this Zone Conference; it feels like it’s only been a few weeks since I've seen them, not 4 months. It’s crazy! It was also cool to be able to talk to them for the first time in Portuguese. I felt like I was meeting them for the first time. I also realized this conference how grateful I should be about how much of the language I know. I saw an Elder there that had 1 year and 2 months out, and I was able to talk better than him. I don't say that to sound prideful, it just helped me realize that I am doing fine and I need not worry. This past week I also did a two day fast. We aren't allowed to fast for more than 24 hours at a time, so I started fasting after lunch at a members home one day, until the next lunch and then started again until the next lunch. It was extremely hard, especially with all the walking and running that we do in the sun, but I felt so many blessings during that time as well.

     Also this week I saw something that I've only seen in movies before. Me and my companion were walking on a skinny street in a Favela, and we saw a police car starting to turn a corner at the same time a motorcyclist was turning the same corner from the opposite side. But once they were both in view of each other, all of a sudden the police car hit the gas trying to pin the motorcyclist against the cement wall. The motorcyclist yanked the throttle barely escaping the police car, and started to speed away. As the Police car peeled backwards with screeching wheels, the other police man in the passenger side of the car jumped out of the car and tried to chase the motorcyclist on foot, stopped after about ten feet, pulled out his pistol and right when he was aiming at the motorcyclist, the motorcyclist turned a corner, escaping death. But the police car hauled off after him with its sirens blasting. My companion said if the police man had a second more, he would have shot. Which is weird because there were people around and I thought police didn't shoot in public, but obviously things are different here.

    That's all I have for now, I will add pictures in my next email. I forgot my flash drive. I hope all goes well for Elder Smidt IX as he makes his good-byes.

Love you! God Speed

Elder Smidt X

People CAN change...

23-05-12

Dear family,

Thank you for all the letters. I just received a bunch of letters from mission ties, some dating back to the 29 of April. I don't know why it takes so long sometimes for mission ties when other times I receive mail fairly fast. Thank you for my Line of Authority and the patriarchal blessing. Also the sweet picture of batman. Thank you Heidi, Nana and Pops, Coley, and Britt for the Birthday cards and the pictures. I can NOT believe how long Russell's hair is. In the picture where he is sitting with pops, his sideburns make him look like Joe Dirt. Thank you Jason for the comic. It was really good; a laugher for sure. Also, yes, Brazil is cool. I can’t believe I forgot this in my last email, but happy birthday to Lucy! Thank you Tiffany for your letter. I sent a letter to your family a few days ago, not thinking about you guys moving. I hope you get it before you officially move. Also, I cannot WAIT to see the Avengers. I was so excited when I first found out about it but also sad knowing that it would come out during my mission... Batman too. Shucks. Thank you for the emails too. I will include some pictures of our house, the yard, and our bathroom and study area for you. Maybe later I will try to find a cool plant to take a picture of. Our neighbor’s yard is filled with banana trees and right now there are a good couple of bunches of delicious looking bananas hanging over onto our side of the property. I want so bad to take them. By the way, I'm still waiting on those tapes, and did you ever send back my tape with President Holland’s address? I would really like that as well as the Conference talks.

Anyways, the Investigator I talked about earlier was baptized this past Sunday. His name is Ataidi (Ah-tah-Ee-gee) and he is an older man and had a little bit of fear of the water. I had to do a "Double Dunk" because the first time he kicked his legs up. But he is so animated and excited about the work; so willing to grow. One of the coolest things to view during the mission is seeing people’s lives change, and it’s always for the better and it’s always purely through faith and hope for what’s to come. After his baptism, his daughter who is in her thirties and lives with him, was robbed coming back from the Grocery store. She asked Ataidi for more money to buy more groceries, but firmly he said that he would not allow his money to be spent on the Sabbath day. He would not allow his daughter to make someone else work on the Lords day. Hearing that made me so happy, because just a week earlier he was buying his groceries on Sunday.

I also had an interview with the President today and I spent about 4 and a half hours of my p-day today on a bus. Looks like I won’t be able to get in my weekly nap today. During the interview I was filled with the Spirit. I left with a song in my heart. He was much happier this time, maybe since he only has a little over a month left he is trying to be nicer. But it was a great experience and now I will be sad to see him leave.

During the Bus ride home, I realized something. When I feel the spirit, I can speak the language without error. But in other situations, I will often struggle to speak my mind or understand others. Don't get me wrong, I have grown so much and can speak the language, but I just don't feel fluent. During the bus ride, I became a little frustrated wondering why I wasn't fluent yet like many other missionaries are at my stage. "Why can’t I speak the way I do during lessons all the time? Why is my ability to speak not like what I would like it to be?" Then I came to the conclusion that I should be grateful for what I know, but more importantly, I should be grateful for that help that I receive from the spirit when it is really needed. I now know that if it were not for the spirit, I would struggle during the lessons too. How grateful I am now for that help that I have received. Also, I feel that the Lord has his own time for everything. One of the hardest things to learn in life can be one of the greatest blessings in our lives; Patience.

I am so grateful for this mission and everything it teaches me every day, and I am also grateful for the Infinite Love of the Lord.

I love you all and my wishes go out to Elder Smidt IX. God Speed!

Elder Smidt X

Re-Focusing

16-05-12

       First of all, I just want to say "thank you" for making me look like a baby in front of my companion this Mother’s Day. I wasn’t expecting to cry at all… I was expecting a happy conversation filled with laughter, but when I first heard everyone’s voice, something weird happened. My eyes just started leaking. Sorry if it was awkward at first, especially for Coley and Jason. I was just trying to control my emotions.

       I forgot to thank you all over the phone for the birthday wishes and gifts. Sorry! It took hours to stop thinking about that call and refocus, but late that night, while at an investigators house, I accidentally knocked over a glass of chocolate milk and the liquid just happened to fall right where my rear end was placed. Let’s just say my underwear looked like I had an accident; a really big one. This helped me forget the call a little better, but I am so grateful for that call. It was SO awesome to hear everyone’s voices. It was also awesome to talk in English. Man, I love that language.

      

       Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Thank you both Nana's and Pop's for the Birthday money this week. I had a great birthday. I got one new investigator and I got a new tie from a recent convert. I also got to listen to my birthday tape which may have been the best part of the day. I received a call from the President and his family and they all wished me a happy birthday and sang to me the "happy birthday" song in Portuguese. Then immediately afterwards the president shouted, "Ok Elder Smidt, who are you baptizing this Sunday!"... oops... Then later that night, Ademir, the member that lives on the same lot as us, made us ham sandwiches. I have a picture of him with me in my new "GALO" jersey I bought using my birthday money. (Attached to this email). Also I decided to include a picture of the face I give to people that decide to reject our message.

      By the way, that A.1. Jerky was soooo good, honestly probably the best beef jerky I’ve ever had, no joke. Thank you for sending that book to me. Next time you send a package, I have one more thing that I would like to have. More Cold-Fever multi-symptom medicine. I gave the rest to my companion who has been suffering this week with a cold and fever. I will try to add more pictures in the future, but honestly, I don’t get that many opportunities to take pictures. We can’t take pictures while proselyting, and nobody wants to see a picture of someone being taught a lesson, which is what we do all day and all week. Sorry :(

       Thank you again for the call and the good advice. I love my family so much! I am so glad for the awesome relationship that I have with each and every one of you. DONT CHANGE! Or if you do, only change for the better!

LOVE YOU!!!!

Elder Smidt X

Can't wait!

9-05-2012

Hello Family!

That’s extremely strange that I received a letter in Portuguese from Brittany if she said she didn’t send me one in Portuguese. That most likely means that mission-ties translated it into Portuguese. That’s very strange. Brittany did send me a letter about a new dog named Ruby, right? Weird, but now that I know it’s an error, please don’t write me in Portuguese! I have to deal with enough of it every day of the week. I look forward to English letters.

By the way, I forgot to say thank you for the movie in my chest. I can’t wait to see it in 19 months. Also thank you so much Coley, Jason, and Heidi, Bret for the birthday money. I’ll be sure to buy something ‘real nice like’. I also received my birthday package! Extremely fast! I laughed at the stickers of the Virgin Mary. I saw a package for Elder Pray in the mission office with a giant sticker of Jesus and "Sempre com Deus" written several times on the package, which means "always with God". Obviously his family is following the same method. I’m sorry but I forgot at the time to wait until my birthday to open it. I also wish I could say that I enjoyed the package, but after I opened it, I blacked out and the next thing I remember was waking up in the Jungle surrounded by wrappers, my hand stuck in a peanut butter jar, and only traces of milk duds and beef jerky lining my lips. Thank you so much! But I have a bit of bad news because it will require another package... My president has very strongly encouraged every missionary to get the book "The miracle of forgiveness". I know I won’t be able to find it in Brazil but if you don’t want to send me that book, I totally understand. But if you do decide to send it to me, I lost my triple anti-biotic ointment. Also, when I wrote about sending my green tie, I meant my other green tie - the solid green tie, with very small checkered stitching. Sorry for not being more clear, I thought you would know which tie I was talking about when I said the one from "Homecoming". Also, one more thing. I would love a small Oregon Sticker that I can place behind my name tag.

I’m also still waiting for Teriks address and Jocelynns! They are going to think that I’m ignoring them, please get those to me soon!

Anyways, I've grown so much this week, but it didn’t come without difficulty. This week I was hit with a giant wave of home sickness, out of nowhere, and it hit hard. Maybe it was caused by my upcoming birthday (first one away from home) or maybe because I know that summer is coming up in the States and that’s my favorite time to be with the family. The lake, parks, running, playing with the dogs outside, playing ultimate Frisbee in our back yard, and other fun things. I had a rough time concentrating. But then the thought came to me that the best way to lose that longing for my family in the states, is to love the family I have here. This week I have been trying to love everyone here with all my capacity... It has made a huge difference! I'm back to being happy. And I’m back to loving the work. I love hearing every Brazilian call me "Elder Smich" or "Smichy".  I would be lying if I tried to convince everyone that I’m the perfect missionary who never thinks about home, only about the work; but I can say that I’m trying. And trying is helping a lot!

I love you all and hope that you all have a wonderful mother’s day. I can’t wait to talk to you guys!!!!!!!! Also, my birthday will land on the same day as my 5th month in the mission! I can’t believe it! Time is flying by! Love you guys so much and this mission and this gospel!

Elder Smidt X

Thank you for all the news and Help!

2-05-14

Dear Family,

     First of all, yes dad, I did get your email. Sorry I forgot to mention it in my last email, but it was awesome. Thank you for the medical advice mom, my feet have gotten better and the spots are going away. I don’t have foot powder and I don’t know where to buy any, not sure if there is foot powder here. I am already trying to dry out my feet as much as possible. Thank you again to everyone that gave me advice!

    Thank you for the letter Birt. I never expected a letter from you in Portuguese! I’m pretty jealous to hear you have a dog! I have been missing having a dog sooooo bad! And I always love hearing about Lucy, I can’t believe she is almost one year old! Crazy. I’m happy for you. Thank you also Coley for the letter, I can’t wait to listen to awesome songs with you again. Keep strong! I love you! Heather, it was good to hear from you! I hope the family is well. I can’t believe how old everyone is now in your family. Time sure does fly by. And thank you mom, I know that the news that you tell me seems old, but for me it’s all very new. I had no idea that there was even a new Mission Impossible movie! Eu Quero!

   

    Well, today was transfers! I had no idea until just this past Monday. Transfers should have been in two weeks, but they moved it forward two weeks so that the next transfer would land right on the same day the Mission President is being transferred. My new companion is Elder Severo, he seems really cool, but I don’t really know him yet. We’ve only spent a couple hours together. I will really miss Elder Pezzi. He is someone that I can really call my friend. Sometimes it wasn’t good though because we couldn’t stop laughing, seriously. At one door that we knocked, when the lady answered, I introduced us, then I heard elder Pezzi laugh, then I started laughing, and we just had to ask if we could visit her another day, and left. It was just one of those times where you can’t stop laughing. Really bad I know, but something that I will never forget. Anyways, I’m still in Justinopolis, the same ward for three transfers. That’s ok though because I really like my ward here.

   

    So remember how I used to love power rangers? Well I figured out a way I can realize my dream and actually be a power ranger! That’s right Nana Smidt; I’ll be needing some more power ranger haircuts! Here, the police men that have motorcycles, have gear that makes them look like a power ranger, all the way from the helmets to the boots. After my mission, I will just enlist in this battalion, and I will have a Mega Zord in no time.

     Mom and Dad, could you do me a favor? Could you figure out my line of Priesthood Authority? I would really like to know which path it’s taken to get to me.

I love the mission. It takes time, faith, hope and a lot of prayers, but the reward is so awesome, because you find a testimony you never knew you had, and it is that testimony that gives me strength.

     Love you all!!

Elder Smidt X