La Masica…Round Two

La Ceiba

First of all, I just want to say the support I've received this week has been amazing. Thank you to all my friends and family that have sent me little reminders of why I’m here.

Okay, checké

This week has been so much better. 

We played soccer on P-day (because the basketball hoops had been stolen). It was kind of like cage I guess... Anyway it was a good way for me to relieve stress. Oh! Haircuts here are 15 Limps (75 cents) which is awesome. Oh and another thing... I ate Horse. It was really weird.  It’s like really tough steak.

Tuesday was district meeting, so we went to La Ceiba again. The ocean breeze is so nice there! When we got home it started to rain buckets. 4-5 inches in the streets. It rains every day pretty much now. I don’t even use an umbrella or raincoat because by the time I leave the casa, I’m pretty much as wet from sweat as I will be in the rain.

The next day we taught an English class to around 20 people. "Hello. My name is___, What is your name? My favorite sport is___".  It was weird teaching English when I need them to be teaching me Spanish!

The next day we did a service project for some members. We cleared a field and cut down huge trees with machetes. It was awesome, but my hands are so blistered now. I have a video of the biggest tree falling. It was massive. I never knew that you could cut grass or trees with a big knife so to speak. But I guess so.

Andy and his Companion

Oh we ran out of toilet paper this week. That was fun. Pieces of journal paper... (Note: Andy will be receiving a new journal for Christmas!)

We also went on a run this week. It was weird thinking that I was once the Cross Country captain at East, and now waking up to run is super strange. 

We then had lunch with Dan (a 70 year old American). He moved here and married a 19 year old. He now has two kids and his wife is still only like 23. He also doesn’t speak any Spanish. He doesn’t even try. He just reads all day, so I gave him the English Book of Mormon I accidentally bought in Mexico. I guess it was for a reason. He doesn’t believe in God, but is willing to read and pray, which is everything we ask. He made us fries and pulled pork sandwiches. So, so good.

Sunday was fast Sunday. Ultra vez. I actually really don’t mind fasting. I feel closer to God when I have a prayer in my stomach. Anyway, I blessed the sacrament with Elder Reese, and I bore my testimony in testimony meeting. Our church is a lean-to in a field. There were 20 members present (including us 6 missionaries) and I’m pretty sure there were more dogs and chickens present. But I could feel the spirit, so I know the catrachos (Hondurans) could too.

I found a really good scripture for me to apply here to the people of Masica. Its Mosiah 4:26.

26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.

It has been such a humbling experience just being here for two weeks and some change. I walk around every day and mope around, when I should be eternally grateful to have the life I have. Why do I need to worry about myself? The answer is, I don’t. I need to focus on the needs of the people I am called to serve and not on myself. Focusing on me is one of the most selfish things I could do. Especially here, on my mission, in Honduras. Fight for every inch.

I just had to put this quote my cousin (Elder Venn in Mexico) sent me...from a talk by Elder Jeffrey Holland.

"Anyone who does any kind of missionary work will have occasion to ask, Why is this so hard? Why doesn’t it go better? Why can’t our success be more rapid? Why aren’t there more people joining the Church? It is the truth. We believe in angels. We trust in miracles. Why don’t people just flock to the font? Why isn’t the only risk in missionary work that of pneumonia from being soaking wet all day and all night in the baptismal font?

You will have occasion to ask those questions. I have thought about this a great deal. I offer this as my personal feeling. I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary."

I hope that we can all be missionaries in some way, because it has blessed my life and I know it can bless yours.

Tomorrow is October the 14th. That’s weird. I would probably be going to a haunted house in a sweatshirt and jeans right about now. Where am I?

I miss you all, but I know that you all are hanging in there. Thanks again for the support. Please pray for Elder V. and me.  I love you all. Pray always...work hard...play hard.

Andy's back yard

Con Amor,

Elder Smart

My primero semana en La Masica, Honduras...

Last day in Mexico

Hello all, I don’t even know where to begin. 

This week has probably been the hardest week I've had to endure, ever.  La Masica is the poorest town in Honduras, it’s not even a town, it’s a pueblo. The people here live in sticks, and huts made out of steel.  Most of them are always half naked, and don’t wear shoes.  There are two groups of people that live here. The less than dirt poor, and the drug dealers who are dirt poor.  Over the past week:  I’ve sweat so much you can see through my shirt. I’ve been chased by dogs, bitten by hundreds of mosquitos and ants, in and out of my house.  I’ve split wood for 2 hours for a family.  I’ve pushed a bus we were taking for half a mile because it stopped working.  I’ve had the most insane diarrhea you can’t even imagine. I’ve heard gunshots in the distance, and right outside my own casa.  I am constantly being yelled at "Hey you! Gringo!"  Everyday.  I’ve tried to teach lessons with mothers nursing their children for the world to see.  I’ve caught tarantulas and Geckos by the dozen. I've had a drunk guy sing to me about how he loves young women.  And I’ve cut grass with a machete. 

Oh, and I got a haircut. That was good.

Through all this, the hardest thing has been the language. Here they don’t speak very correctly. It’s the equivalent of hick talk-- improper and inaccurate. I can’t understand anything that anyone says. It is like a different language to me. We teach lessons all the time and I don’t understand what’s going on. My companion is pretty nice though. Even though he has a weird Ecuadorian accent and says stuff I don’t understand. He is 6 foot 3 or 4, and towers over me. I feel so alone. I can’t express anything I am feeling, positive or negative.

I have never been so close to breaking down and giving up in my whole life.

Throughout all this bad and negativity, I do think the good outweighs the bad. First of all, Conference. There was an English room! We had to take a bus to La Ceiba (the one that broke down) and then when we rolled up to the church, we saw the Mission President standing there on the front lawn with sheep grazing all around him. This was the first of the good. We then went in and... Air conditioning! And then... Elder Beeston, Patterson, and a bunch of other guys I know. Conference was amazing! I loved it! English! Anyway, I’m running out of time here. We stayed in the Zone Leader’s house in Ceiba. I got to sleep in a hammock!  Like old times, man.  The next day was my favorite. My new favorite apostle gave my favorite talk also. (Elder Bednar- link to his talk). https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/10?lang=eng&vid=3822608486001&cid=10

A few more things... We make and eat pancakes every morning. Then for Lunch and Dinner every day, we eat at this church member’s house.  She cooks Beans, rice, amazing tortillas, meat, and platanos (plantains) for every meal.  Carb load, bro. 

Mom, I have a pic with Elder Dunford and I met Lauren Criddle’s brother here! He was at the stake center in Ceiba. (Lauren goes to Brighton HS) He was way stoked, she had told him about me. We got a picture with a Jesus painting.

I saw the ocean! In Ceiba.

I know that I am really struggling here, but the Lord sends the feeble and weak to thrash the nations with the word of God.  Pray for me and for all the otro (other) missionaries out and about that probably need more help than me.  I know this church is true, and I know that I am here in Honduras for the people. They are so humble, and they have less than nothing.  Hopefully I can give them something more worthwhile than earthly possessions, The True and Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Siempre Amor de me corazon
USU til death!
Elder Smart

La Ceiba 

The district (MTC)

The nose knows

La Masica

Hola loved ones!

I am now living in a jungle... (La Masica). 

The past few days have been really loco.   Life that's been subway sandwiches in San Salvador, humidity, Spanish and companions that don't speak English has been a real trip. (Andy had a layover in San Salvador) 

However, La Masica is so beautiful.  I am so excited to serve here with the elders, though I miss Elder Larsen a ton!

My new Comp is Elder V*, he is from Ecuador and doesn't speak any English. Everyone else got paired up with an English speaking elder but me.  I guess that's Gods way of saying I need to work on my Spanish more than anyone else from the CCM. 

Anyway, I am still really nervous about the language, but I know it will come. Everyone keeps telling me not to stress out about it, but I cant help worrying whenever someone comes up to me and asks me something in Spanish.   I need to pray.  I know that I need to be here and I'm in the right place.  So there's that.  Also my companion doesn't speak English, but I think he's pretty cool.  Other than that, nada. 

I  miss my family and my friends.  I think this is the Lord's influence in my life.

I know that this gospel is true, and I'm excited to forget myself and serve.

No mucho tiempo, catch you all on P-day

Siempre Con Amor

-Elder Smart

*Note: We have been asked not to publish names without permission, especially people who are from Central America... hence Elder "V"

ultimos dia, ultimos minute

So I leave for Honduras tomorrow at 2:30 in the morning... I get to email today because it’s my last day in the CCM.

I´m in a different world right now.

Yesterday was one of the most spiritual days of my life.  It was fast and testimony meeting, where my whole district (15A) bore our testimonies in Spanish.  I finally realized how far each of us has truly come, from when we first met.  The testimonies gained, hardships endured together, the happy times shared.  I love my districto, and am so grateful for the progress we have made.

Yesterday, we also had the opportunity to hear a devotional given on Christmas day by David A. Bednar.  It was titled "The Character of Christ".  I hope it is available to you all.  It is the most powerful talk I have ever heard, and is now my favorite also.
"The Character of Christ" video
"The Character of Christ" text

He talks about how Christ is the perfect example of "turning out", as opposed to "turning in" (the natural man).   He goes on to explain that if you look to yourself, you will never find it.  You need to follow the example of Christ and become completely selfless, forget yourself in the work, and find humility in order to truly find yourself.

This was a huge reality check for me, as I am about to get out into the field and preach the true doctrine of Christ to real people.  Elder Larsen and I fasted for an extra meal this week to find comfort in what we are about to do, and that we would be able to receive an answer to what we need to do “now”.  I know that Elder Bednars devotional was an answer to our prayers.

After the devotional, we watched "Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration".  This is an amazing movie about the life of Joseph Smith and all he, his family, and the members lost and sacrificed for the church.  It reminded me of the first time I saw it.  My family and I went to Nauvoo, and while we were there, we took a tour of some of the church sites, and one activity was watching this movie, as it was new.  I remember I had just finished reading the Book of Mormon, cover to cover for the first time.  Afterwards, I was thinking to myself that no mere man could have translated this book alone. It was a testament to me that through the power and authority of Dios, all things are possible.

As I am about to journey into a jungle for two years, I know that if I keep the faith, and endure to the end, I will be able to see the hand of God in my life, and in the lives of those I serve.

I know I need to strive to “turn out”, as Christ, our redeemer, did.  I know that the day will come where all people will hear the word of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their own tongues.  I know this is why I am speaking Spanish.  To bring the gospel to all those humble souls in Honduras that are prepared for me. I know that I am just a body for the Holy Ghost to speak through, because The Holy Spirit is the real teacher for all.

I love this gospel and ask for you to pray for those in Honduras that are in the most need.  Pray for their hearts to be softened and opened unto the Lord.

Todas día, Cada día.

Siempre con amor,

Elder Andrew Jefferson Smart

Elders Larsen, Young and Smart

Can´t Stop, Won´t Stop

This week has been completely loco.

Elder Larsen got sick this week, which made teaching 2-3 investigators a day really hard.  However, we did get to take a little nap when he was at the worst of it, so I let my brain take a snoozer.   I seriously pray all the time.  Here, if you’re going to do something, anything, you pray- "please bless us with a safe game of soccer", "please help us to have success as we check the mail room".  Bromeando (means just kidding), bromeando. 

Anyway, the scripture of the week is definitely Mosiah 2:21-24.

21.  I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.

 22.  And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

 23.  And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.

 24.  And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?

Pretty sure I sprained my toe in some cage soccer.  I decided to throw some prayer on it.  It feels almost better now. 

Elder Young has been a real homie this week.  We are getting closer and closer. I was feeling really discouraged one night as we were walking back to our casa.   felt like my Spanish just decided to take a few days off with pay.  It was frustrating.  Young then proceeded to tell me that he looked up to me.   He then said that he knew that my Spanish was not at the level I wanted it to be, and that it may "seem" like all the other hijos in our district are 100% better at the language than me, but they are just going through the motions like a regular student.   He said that he admired how I rely on the spirit to guide me as I learn and study, and how he liked how my testimony of prayer guided him to do the same.  This probably was the start of the complete 180 degree change in my week.

The next day was Domingo.  I helped my district teach about priesthood ordinances and blessing in priesthood meeting Sunday (all in Spanish).   We also watched a video devotional from David A. Bednar.  It was really good.  His most inspirational quotes to all the missionaries were- "you can do this, you can do this" and "God requires us to be clean, not perfect." 

Elders Young and Smart

There is nothing extra you can give than your best, so strive to do just that.  You can do no more, nada.

Cool thing, I met some people that know of me.  One was an Elder Matt Monson who went to Alta, and the other is an Elder Sperry who went to Brighton.  Both are pretty cool guys. I can’t lie.  We chatted about our mutual friends and what not, and I am way excited for them to go out and serve the lord.

On a sad note, district 15D left on the 22nd for Chile and Belize.  They had all become really close to Elder Larsen and I, I dare say just as close as our district.  I miss every single one of them (for the most part).  We used to play cage soccer with them every day.

District 15

Oh!  Timboy Parkin left the same day they did!  Dang B2 rep’n it in Chile now!  I'm gonna miss seeing Sam all over campus, but I know he is out there and I’ll see him in LESS than 2 years.  Ike is doing great too.  I see him all the time, and we throw jokes at each other a ton.

 

Larsen got destroyed in cage soccer on the 22nd (bloody nose, bruised back, cut-up hands and arms).  We play on cement.   Some go-hard laid him out,  I'm talking horizontal.  Larsen played in high school, so he knows how to flop, but this didn't look to floppy to me.  Again, we prayed, and he was fine, despite some bruising, the next day.

Another way good scripture is D&C 9:14 btw.

 14. Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen.

On Tuesday (Pizza and Devotional day), M. Russell Ballard gave a TV broadcast to all the MTCs.  He said "You are a servant of Jesus Christ, serve him, bring souls unto him", and it hit me really hard that I will be doing just that in a few days in actual Honduras.

The best day so far on my mission had to be yesterday (Wednesday the 24).  I was feeling real down and depressed the first couple of hours.  I knew that I needed to pray for a better mood.  While I was praying, I was impressed to pray for mail (what missionary doesn't want mail).  Later, I was feeling a little better, but not much had changed. Elder Shepherd then came in to our casa and told me that I had received a package!  The power of prayer, I'm telling you right now it is the realest thing ever.  It’s like the missionary "force" or something.  I don’t know, it’s like something from Harry Potter, magic magic.  Seriously, I know my father in heaven is looking out for me while I am out here.  He truly does love each and every one of us.

The package was so dope.  I love you all, the crobatas (ties), y pictures were amazing.  I was just feeling like I should have brought some pics with me, and then BAM!  There it was.  Oracion! (prayer)  I almost cried, but I didn't because I need to keep my street cred here in Mexico- bromeando.

After the package, was TRC.  This was our final TRC, so we had to teach REAL investigators.  Our first guy was pretty cool, he was an active member, and served a mission, so it went pretty smoothly, kind of like a home teaching appointment.   Anyway, the next lady we taught didn't know anything about the church, had 2 kids, and no husband.  She wanted to know what we were all about, going around 2 by 2 and smiling for 2 years.  We then taught her about the restoration.  I have a hard time understanding the native people speak in Spanish,  because it is really fast and they use advanced vocab.  However, I could almost understand this lady completely.  She was so sweet and when I talked, it was like I wasn't the one speaking, I don’t event know what I said, but she liked it. She loved hearing about José Smith, so I recited the whole First Vision.  Which is really hard for me to do in Spanish?  But  I felt the spirit so strong, and I know that my companion and Hermana Lopez did as well.   I loved it. 

After the lesson all I could think to myself was, I can do this.  Just focus on the pinnacle moments like this and you will be fine.

I also scored 3 goals in cage that day too, FYI.

AND, I've gained 6 pounds.   Elder Larsen and I both weigh the same, and when we weighed ourselves again, after 3 weeks, we had both gained the same amount of weight.

My main message for this week is PRAY! It works every time with 100% efficiency, period.

Grandma-forever and always in my prayers. 

Just Pray It - LDSnike #lesgo #neversaydie

Siempre Con Amor 

Elder Smart

Andy's District

Todas bomba

Hola loved ones.
This past week has blown past. 

Also so many loco things have happened too, so keep reading.
Every P-day, me, E. Larsen and the Hondurans play soccer and basketball all day. I feel so sore the next day its not even worth going into detail.
The food still sucks, but read D & C 19:36-39 and 1 Nephi 13:37. Bueno.

D&C 19: 

36 Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see thy family;37 And speak freely to all; yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound of rejoicing, crying—Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.39 Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness? 

1 Nephi 13:37 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.

The Quote of the week is "God will never put anything upon us that we cannot bear".
There was a couple of really good devotionals on Sunday. One was given by Presidente Ontario, and the other by Sean Kates. Both ensured us of the blessings of the priesthood and serving a mission.

Oh! Also on the 15th was Mexican Independence dia. We sang the Mexican national anthem so many times everyone was constantly whistling the tune all over campus. It was so annoying, but then there was a way cool assembly with a ton of traditional dances and music. After the dances, we all sang the national anthem, then did some chant thing and then some huge cannon went off on the stage and everyone cheered. Then they rang a weird bell hanging from the ceiling. All in all it was way cool.

Mexico Independence Day 

Max Monson left for Nicaragua that day, and he was stoked. The East boys got a pic with him and then he was off.  I'm gonna miss sloth boy, he was a good support here. However I know that he is doing bigger and better things out there on the daily. Also I heard word of Noah Kirk seeing some dude get shot between the ojos in Costa Rica! loco

East High Boys

B2 (ward) Boys

Soccer got really heated on the 16th. Everyone was way angry, and really mad at the opposing teams. People were punching walls at their casas, and getting way mad. Cage soccer is not for children, but sometimes i feel like their are children playing.

Pizza Night was Tuesday and so was Devotional night. The devotional was a live broadcast from Provo and Elder Scott spoke. I'm pretty sure i saw Nat Hagen in the choir there! Countries apart and we are hearing the same message. I think that is way awesome. Speaking of Provo, I got word of Ethan taking the big step and following the lords commandment! Really leaving is the hardest part. Once you are out here, you don´t want to go back at all. Sure you miss your loved ones, but the spirit is always with you and you feel like you wouldn't trade it for anything.
Also speaking of leaving, the date for me leaving the Mexican CCM is quickly approaching. I think I´m more scared to be in Honduras than i was for here. Not because Honduras is a sketchy place, but because of the language barrier. I still really struggle with understanding what people say. I can piece together sentences to answer, but i need to know what people are saying first before I can do that. Please keep me in your prayers for this reason.

Oh on a way freaky side of things: Mi companeros friend back home got into a fight with a drug-dealer dude. The drugger stomped him way bad, but then my companions friend got up and stabbed the kid in the stomach. They are both in jail, and don't know whats going to happen to them.   Please pray for these two young men, and their familias also. I know they screwed up really bad, but they probably will be in jail for a long time, and they are just kids.
We underestimate the power of prayer sometimes.  It is literally a way for us to talk to God. God The almighty! Always have a prayer in your hearts for whatever you are going through. 

He understands, even if no one else does.
Grandma is forever and always in my Prayers.

I almost forgot. Elder Patterson is in my zone, he is going to Honduras with me and is the son of Head Coach Patterson at TCU. I met him in the airport on the way to Mexico. He's Pretty cool.

"Fight for every inch and rise up"
Con Todas Amor
Elder Smart

dinero manas

Werd...

Hola mi familia y amigos.

Time has been flying by. Its amazing to see all the verdes come in every

Wednesday and to think "oh sucks to be them". ha. Anyway, this week has
definitely been the best week so far. I got a package! and mail! physical
mail! (package came on 9-8-14 and mail on 9-10-14(all 3 letters)). It was
amazing to see that vida is still moving back in The states.
We are teaching 2 new investigators (edgar and keren). They are way cool.
Also we had our first TRC with a real person. Oh and Elder Larsen and I
taught one of the most espiritu santo oriented lessons i have ever been
apart of. We went in without a lesson plan really (usually you teach on one
of the 5 lessons) and we just talked to her about how her life was going
and how she felt about religion in her life. We then shared a couple of
scriptures and then bore our testimonies. Then Elder Young (our "member"
that came with us) bore his testimony on the truth of mine and Elder
Larsens testimonies. We then asked her what she felt and she completely
opened up. It was amazing. I actually had a glimpse of what i am going to
be able to do out in the field. This kinda scares me because my Spanish is
so off. I can give complete lessons in espanol, but anything not gospel
related... I don't know.
We are getting haircut today and im kinda nervous. The hair Hermanas are
probably way nice and all, but i dont know about them touching my golden
locks. whatever just gotta send it.

-cleaned the bathrooms for a service project.
-pizza night was bomb
-our casa got fumigated.
-fast sunday i almost died (no food duh) but i bore my testimony in espanol
-everyone loves my tartan wool ties. trading is the thing around these
parts, and everyone asks me to trade. NOPE.

I now have a second pump up scripture 2nd Nephi 1:23. Read it and weep yall.
Oh on another note: a dude came up to me today and said "Hey, Ive seen you
before!" I had never seen this guy in my life. However, he said his name
was Elder Hansen, and that he has seen me on some of the Brighton girls
instagrams... ha. Bengals... Anyway that was kinda cool. Also Zach Wallace
is here (also went to Brighton) along with some of Laxfishes friends from
Oly and skyline. I realize this doesn't make sense to most of you but it
will to a few.
On the ninth was Devotional night. It was a video broadcast, but it was
Elder Holland! Oh my Dinero is all i can say. One Quote for you all from
him "Look, Go out and Amaze Someone" J.Holl. PUMP UP...

I got power like an X-man. I still destroy in soccer. Elder Larsen and I
tear it up with a mean Tag-team.

El holy ghost can and will guide you. All you have to do is invite it. I
have personally felt it in lessons and in devotionals. It is the key to
missionary work and conversion.

Im sorry my Email this week was all over the place, but it has been a loco
one this week.
A couple more things:
Momma: please send all the ties i didnt bring. All of them.
Dad: have fun on your motorcycle trip. Go kick some asphalt.
Anna: keep it classy.

Con Amour
Elder Smart

El Tigre

This week has been so awesome. 

My district and I went to the Mexico City Temple today!  Bought a escritura case and knit backpack.  Super swerve.  Although the temple was closed, we still got pics and toured the visitor’s center.  Such a cool temple. 

But anyway, my comp and I have been teaching P.I. every day for 2 weeks. (they are just actors, but they don't cut you any slack). We finally got Giovanny to commit to baptism, and we moved on to Karen y Edgar. Espanol es very hard.  I am beginning to understand what people are saying to me, but I have to put it all together in my head for a second, and then I think of an answer, but it’s in English, then I have to translate it in my head, then try to say it out loud. This whole process takes a long time.  I just can’t wait to be able to think in Spanish so I can talk to all the amazing people I meet every day!

Anyway, the food still sucks, but I never thought I would be this excited every day to see beans, rice, and tortillas.  On the bright side: the Sea-hawks play today!!!  My boy Bobby-Wags better reel it in for me against the packers!

Still review D&C 35:13-14 every night.  It is the most powerful scriptures I've ever read.

Also I've memorized the mission objective, first vision, and Santiago (esp) 1:5 en espanol.

I got dads letter, the one that mentions tai-chi... lol.   I really approve of the name you RE-named my scooter with (the black widow).  It is very appropriate given the circumstances. 

Cage soccer is what gets me through tough days.  Basketball is good too, but I don't go as hard in the paint.  Also I was playing b ball and some Gringo grabbed the collar of my shirt when I was going up for a layup and snapped my necklace (dads).

-______-

gonna buy a chain for it at el tienda.

Cool thing real quick: The Elder in the casa next to us that's in our district (Elder Young) is the 4th great grandson, or something, of Brigham Young and is related to Steve Young.  In all the church sponsored movies we watch on Sundays, he always points out family members of his in them. He is a good friend.

Wrapping this up, the days have been going a lot faster lately, and I’m amazed that I've been here this long! (It really hasn't been that long) 

Anyway, you can email me through missionarypackagemx.com for like 1$, and I receive the letter the next day, physically in paper.

I love you all and miss all the Homis, friends, chicas, family and perro.

Be back in a week:

Con Amor 

Elder Smart