Monday, October 28, 2019

Week 33 - Peace out Ashford



January 28, 2019

Well BIG NEWS!! Sister Ussery and I are both leaving Ashford and will be being replaced with elders.... I am headed to a new area, Madison CT and will be right on the coast! My new companion will be Sister Terry and we will be replacing elders as well down there which means we will be learning the area together. I am so excited for the new adventure that awaits but I do have to add a lot of tears have been shed saying goodbye to those I love most here in Ashford. 

This week was really rough, we both got sick and were out a few days which wasnt very fun but we are both kickin now and back to workin and stayin busy. One cool miralce we witnessed as we have been teaching Raymond, we were in a lesson teaching him the Restoration and he said, "when can i get baptized" it was so cool to witness someone so eager to follow Jesus Christs example of being baptized. 
Since its my last week in Ashford I just wanted to share a few of my favorite things i have been able to witness here/ things i have learned. 

1. John. John is my favorite human. Saying goodbye he said, "before I start turning into a bawl baby like my Utah sisters over here.. remember don't settle for nothing less than awesome sauce." 
2. Diane. Her love for the gospel is out of the world. I have never met someone so willing to follow God and she has been so blessed by doing so. This isnt goodbye, just a cya later. 
3. Brother Baer has made me realize that its okay to have fun and be yourself. Whether that be from giving bee stings to him or being at dinner this weekend and wiping sour cream on each-others faces. 
4. working at the soup kitchen has made me realize that you never know what someone is going through but what you can do to help is smile. YOU NEVER KNOW HOW FAR A SMILE CAN GO <3
5. Seeing someone change there life so much that they can enter the house of the Lord is so unremarkable. It is a feeling that you cant even explain. 
6. It is okay to laugh with each other and keep pushing forward even when you are struggling and don't wanna knock on the next door just to hear another "I'm all set" 
7. Sometimes the Lord will place specific people in your path, in the right time, at the right place, he is perfect. 

Overall I have learned that the Savior is aware of each and everyone of us. He knows us, he cares for us, and he truly came here and died for each and every one of us. The gospel does change peoples lives and i have loved  being able to see that here in Ashford.

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: 
Elder Holland said in a talk, " Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep Trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." Never feel like you are going through this life alone, because you aren't. This next chapter of my mission is for me to keep growing and I know there are people being prepared and waiting for Sister Terry and I to come along. Just like there are people waiting for YOU and for YOUR smile to help them. 

I love you all. Have a fantastic week. Keep on keepin on. 
XOXO. Sista Smoot 

ALSO!! here is my new address :) 
6 Harbor Parkway Clinton, CT 06413

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