Monday, January 27, 2014
We pet a HIPPO at the zoo. And fed it lettuce. It was awesome!

Exchanges were good with Sister Speed here in Lake Shawnee. But I was definitely inspired/motivated to do better with exchanges after MLC this week. Brother Gonzalez and Brother Jackman from the missionary department came to our mission and on Thursday met with all of the zone leaders, STL's, and some district leaders. They gave very inspired trainings and we did some roleplays and practiced teaching a lot. It was very refreshing and much needed. We were asked to use the pamphlets basically always and we studied in 1 Nephi together when the angel is "showing" Nephi and teaching him. We talked about the importance of visuals and "showing" when we teach to help our investigators truly be invested in the lesson and progress. It is amazing to step back and realize how simple and easy missionary work can be if we just let it. We are here to invite others to come unto Christ and we simply need to testify and invite. 

President Bell compared the parable of the talents to us leaders being entrusted with missionaries. I was truly inspired to have a greater impact on our sisters and to help them reach their full potential. Also, another big change that might be implemented this next transfer is splitting up all of the STL's. President and the AP's met with all of us and shared that they feel we need to split all of us up to each be with struggling sisters or to train new missionaries. I feel like it is super inspired and will allow us to make that much more of a difference. But pray that I won't be transferred because I seriously love Lake Shawnee! And feel so strongly that I am specifically here for certain people. And Sister M is totally okay with that haha, she says she wouldn't mind being transferred. So let's hope it's the Lord's will as well :)

Yesterday Angela came to church!! With her two friends that are now living with her. (Nicki and Daniel) That was awesome! All of our other investigators sadly bailed again but we did have some less actives come, that we had invited. Karaissa and her kids are going through a ROUGH time. But we have still been in frequent contact with them and Sister Jackson has been an amazing friend to them. 

Last night Bro. Scerbo organized a missionary fireside and it was a blast. We did roleplays with the youth and some adults and watched some missionary clips. Also, the missionaries bore their testimonies. It was super great and we can't wait for another! 

"True Christianity is love in action. There's no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men. This is the spirit of missionary work." 

I LOVE MY MISSION!!!! And I love all of you!

xoxoxo,

Sister Smartt

PS I had this realization that I am in Kansas when we witnessed this huge dead beaver at some member's home. Seriously though, it was HUGE.