Week 3

Hola Familia! How is everyone doing? I am doing so well :) On our preparation days we get to go to the temple in the mornings. Last week we did an endowment session, so this week my companion and I did initiatories. Both times have been so great. When we were finished, one of the temple workers asked me if I was a missionary. It's usually a 50/50 chance because the Provo Temple is always full of missionaries. I responded yes and she said "Great! I could tell just by looking at your face." That was so great to hear that someone could tell that I am a missionary without a name tag.

On our way back from the temple, Hermana Cochran and I stopped by the Travel Office to check about our Visas because we hadn't heard anything. It is official, they have our visas and passports and we leave Wednesday for the airport!! I'll buy a calling card from the bookstore, so expect a call from me during my layover :) I can't believe Wednesday will be my first time in a country other than America!!!!! Just some info on the Peru-MTC, I don't have the address yet, but they said written letters should only be sent within the first 2 weeks I am there because after I may not get them in time. They suggest using Dear Elder (it won't be free anymore though unfortunately, just the cost of postage).

I've been feeling so much love from Dear Elder. They print the letters sent everyday in the evening, except they don't do them on Fridays because they close early (and they are closed Saturday and Sundays too). They were also closed on Monday for the MLK holiday. So on Tuesday evening I walked into class and the Elders said "Sister Smith, you got 10 Dear Elder letters", I felt so loved! It was so fun to read them :) Thank you to everyone that wrote me them and have throughout this week! I will do my best to write you back (at some point in time)!!!!

Here's some other updates: I am still feeling sick and coughing at night, but I am feeling SO much better! I'm just sick of coughing. I've been visiting Ren Noorda almost everyday! She's been amazing making us banana bread, updating us on the world, and bringing me the things I need. I am going to miss her!!! I've seen some more people I know here at the MTC. Hermana Ali Royal's room is 3 doors down from mine, a kid named Spencer Frame from my mission prep class is here and I've seen him at lunch/dinner. Whitnie Henrie from my church history trip is here going to Slovenia. And another girl that was in 5th ward with me freshman year is here too. I still haven't seen Ben Little's sister. Aunt Lori told me Dan Hall works here too. If she or anyone can tell me if he teaches and what room number, I'll make sure to stop by and say hi/meet him before I leave.

Another update is that I've lost 3 pounds. Thanks to our classroom being on the 5th floor (and we have to walk up and down those stairs 3+ times a day) and the food not being so appetizing...

Hermana Cochran and I have started to connect better too! We are to the point where we are comfortable and open to share how we're feeling and concerns, and able to laugh a lot. We had a companionship inventory last night and there was only one concern from her to me, which was that my kindness to the Elders can sometimes come off as flirting.... OOOPS :/ hahahaha. I guess some things are hard to change? But that is something I am working on this week :)

Now for the highlights of this week:

Saturday morning I woke up feeling MISERABLE! I was coughing so hard that I felt like I was going to throw up my lungs. Hermana Kendell suggested I sleep for a little. I said I'd sleep until class at 8:45 and that I'd ask for a blessing for the Elders. The sisters left and then came back shortly. Hermana Kendell woke me up and said "The Elders are down stairs to give you a blessing now, they didn't want to wait". I quickly made myself presentable and went down to the room where all 7 Elders from our district were waiting. Elder Anderson anointed the oil and all the Elders came together for the blessing. Elder Marchant gave the blessing and it was so great. I was told the Lord was proud of me and my desire to serve and for working hard, but that he wanted me to rest from missionary work. I was also told and reminded of the Savior's love for me. It was seriously amazing and I was in tears. I shook all the Elders hands, went upstairs, and immediately stopped coughing and was able to sleep all morning. I woke up for lunch and felt good enough to go to class. The priesthood is truly the authority to act in the name of Christ and when you have faith in Christ, you can be healed :)

In the evening, I had a one-on-one interview with Hermano Avila. It was great to talk to him and talk about why I decided to go on a mission, how I was doing, my fears for Ecuador, etc. Turns out his sister lives in Phoenix. He's my age. Served his mission in Mongolia and served with this guy who was in my EFY group who lives in Chandler. (His parents speak Spanish, so he's fluent in 3 languages) Anyway, he said some great things that helped me with my fears.

There's so much more I want to share, but I only have time for one more story :/

On Wednesday, Hermana Cochran and I had to teach Hermano Avila in front of the whole class and in Spanish. I was so nervous!!!!! I was truly prayerful and seriously felt the Lord bless me to speak Spanish (as much as I could). Hermano Avila acted like one of his inverstigators from his mission. Both my companion and I were prompted by the spirit of what to say. Our lesson plan went in a different direction than we had planned. And I could tell by the smile on Hermano Avila's face that we were saying the right things. I've had MANY other teaching oppurtunities/practices and it's amazing how much the spirit will guide you in what to say. I am SO ready to be able to speak Spanish, be comfortable in Ecuador and teach people :)

Well, it is time for me to go :( I miss you all!!!! Have a great week and I will let you know how life is in South America!

I love you tons!

Love Always,
Hermana Taylor Smith