tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77680516620369993332024-02-07T14:47:17.391-08:00A New PerspectiveElder Garett W. Smith
Philippines Angeles Mission,
1827 Gumain St, Redwood Villas
Clark Field, Angeles City
2009 Pampanga
PhilippinesLinda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-33886428552466699352022-09-20T07:48:00.001-07:002022-09-20T07:48:43.367-07:00LlLinda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-73818222648777061542012-01-23T10:35:00.000-08:002012-01-23T10:35:40.686-08:00Week 2 in the Philippines<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thanks for all of your support, I don't have time to respond to everyone individually right now but I am grateful for the e-mails. Things are getting better as time goes by. I'm learning to adjust to the difficult situations. I have so much to say but again feel like I don't have enough time and also I feel like I lack the words to express myself. Perhaps that's just something I've started to feel because of the language barrier here. Anyway, I feel bad for not commenting on your finger from last week. It looks very painful and I hope that it is able to heal alright. We managed to clean up our apartment a little more this week just in time for Cleaning Checks from the Senior Couple. They were really surprised with how clean it was compared to the other times they had been there... I just told them I couldn't live in a messy place. We also got some permethrin from Sister Martino and you can bet that I sprayed it everywhere. I know it's working because I'll wake up and find dead cockroaches and lizards around the house. I'd rather them dead than alive. I talked to President about our messy apartment and he said that President Tae (The Area President) would be coming in a few weeks and was going to tour some missionary homes--including ours. He expects it to be spotless, which is fine with me. It's difficult trying to get the others to help though without sounding bossy, but I'm really trying. We've made big improvements so I can't complain. The Filippino's don't focus on time the same as we do so it's hard to stress the value in scheduling things right and being where we need to be when we need to be. It's not uncommon to be out still past 9:30 or for them to sleep in. We haven't been able to teach a lot this last week because we were in a Tripanionship from an emergency transfer and so we worked in the Zone leader's area most of the time. We had a baptism for two of their investigators on Saturday, but our area really seems to be lacking. </div>
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The Language is still difficult. This week was especially tough since we were in a tripanionship most of the time with one of the Zone leaders we live with as well as one of the Prospective missionaries in the ward, Brother Edmar. The reason why this is tough is because they just start talking to eachother at full speed and seem to forget that I'm still there. It made me feel a little left out and I couldn't keep up. I get headaches trying to understand everything and usually just keep quiet for the most part. My companion and I can't communicate very well and so it's hard for me to explain things to him. There is also somewhat of an obedience problem in our house... which is difficult since I live with the District Leader and Zone Leaders. Oh well.<br />
Yesterday we had dinner at the same member's home that we ate at last week. She served us fried fish that was still intact head, scales, and bones. Luckily there were 4 other missionaries there so I let them eat it and said I had a bad reaction to fish. They also had sardines and other things.... I stuck to rice, some type of meat like Spam, and coke. All the meat we eat is usually cold when we eat it... rice is usually the only warm thing, but I appreciate all of the effort on the members part. They really are trying to help me feel at home. </div>
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Again, thanks for all the support. Give my love to everyone!<br />
Thanks for all the prayers, I love you.<br />
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Elder Smith</div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-4128093866346653362012-01-16T09:30:00.001-08:002012-01-16T09:32:57.915-08:00Finally Here This morning we started out with a Service project for a family in the ward here. We hauled sand from the riverbed to the backyard area for them to make cement with. I don't really understand how they do it. I didn't mind helping but my stomach really started hurting while we were working and I expect that it was the Pansnip breakfast a member made us. It's rude to leave food on the plate so I ate it all. I've decided that it's better for me not to see where food is kept or how it's prepared. I just say a prayer and swallow fast. After the service project we were fed by the members we helped. They think it's so funny that I can't speak Tagalog but I just laugh with them. The food was alright for the most part. We was some type of chicken, rice, and Mt. Dew. I'm learning that Poweraid and Soda is a blessing here because it is usually cleaner than the water and safe to drink. I question how clean the utensils are that we use... but I just don't think about it much. There are many flies and bugs here so who knows. Also, I've never seen so many dogs and cats in one place. It must rain cats and dogs here A LOT. My companion explained that they are very low class here. After that we went to the supermarket. I can't express how good it was to go the SM. It was like a mall back home. SO CLEAN. I bought a lot of things for our apartment and such and had to withdraw some personal money as well. So be expecting that charge.<br />
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So, there's nothing like your first week in a forgin country to make you homesick. I've been home sick plenty. But i'm trying. I feel like my opinion of this place is so bipolar. It flips and flops often. I'm doing my best to stay positive though. Let me now answer your questions while I can. </div>
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Travel was good. The airline was great and it was fun being with the other missionaries. We had a few time where we talked to curious travelers but nothing too big. When we got here we were sooo jet lagged. Add to that the travel on land once we got here. They drive so crazy here! I felt like I was in jepordy of my life as soon as we got in the car. However, I've adjusted to it now. New York has nothing on this place in that department. We ride in Jeepney's and Trycycles most of the time. Google what those are and you should find enough info. Jeepneys are like really cheap dirty buses and Trycycles are motorcycles with a side cart for passengers, which are more expensive. If the food, transportation, or unsanitary conditions here don't kill me, than I will be alright. But really, don't worry. Leave the worrying to me. The transportation is actually kinda fun. </div>
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The airplane was great. The food was good and I enjoyed the flight. </div>
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Soon after arriving to the mission home I realized that I didn't have my scriptures! ...yeah, let that one sink in. It is worse than losing my wallet because it was so personal. I had it so prepared with tabs and markings from the MTC study time, and also I had other things such as several photos as bookmarks. I thought I may have left them in the van that brought us to the mission home but nope. Maybe someone took them at the airport when I was exchanging my money. I don't know for sure. Anyways, the Sister from the Senior couple at the Mission home helped me place an order for a new set, so that's the charge for that.</div>
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My Mission President is great, but he runs a tight ship. He expects things to go as he sets them which is good. He is friendly but direct. I really like him though. I think he will be a great President. We have interviews with him tomorrow.</div>
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My home is... dirty. But it is a lot better than most other homes here. We actually share it with the Zone Leaders so it's larger than most. It has two levels to it. The only homes that I've been in that are nicer are the Bishopbricks homes. BUT it is a lot more filthy than my apartment in ST. George ever was. We are doing some deep cleaning soon. None of the other elders seem to care and I bet it's been over a year since it was cleaned. There are many spiders and cockroaches.... hopefully we will get some permetherine from Sister Martino tomorrow at interviews. The room I sleep in seems to be okay. I keep most of my things in my suitcases though. </div>
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Elder Pangan is my companion he is from a city here somewhere. I can't remember it. He has been out for 6 months and is also the District leader now. He is very patient and willing to work with me. For the most part, things are going well for us. He doesn't understand that some things here can make me sick because I am not immune to the germs but he is patient with me anyways.</div>
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As luck would have it, I found it today. I feel really stupid now... it was in my bookbag the whole time. It somehow slipped into the pocket with all my markers and pens and they all blocked it from view. I didn't know the pocket was that big. But I found it thats all that matters right? </div>
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I am in Tarlac City. Again, New York has nothing on this place in terms of filth and garbage. Very dirty. </div>
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I dont really understand the language but that was expected. I will keep trying. They people here treat me like a celebrity because I am white. It is a really weird thing. The kids love me and follow us everywhere. I really love them though.</div>
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The people here are like non other. New York has nothing on this place, again. Including the People. The people here are so friendly and humble. It's unreal. There are several things I don't like about this place but the people aren't one of them. They are so kind... I can't really explain it. It's so different from home. Even though I can hardly understand them. The ones that know English try to speak English to please me when we go out in public. In return I try to speak tagalog but sound like a fool. They don't laugh though. The members here really try to help me speak well. And in return they want me to help them with English. </div>
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Church is nice. I enjoyed yesterday other than the fact that I had to speak in sacrament. Also not many members attend church. We are focusing on that. It's not a big building, but it has air conditioning and it's CLEAN. So I love being there. I had to read scriptures twice in Sunday school but it was good. The Bishop is great and also fluent in English. However, he said that for my own good he is not going to speak it much. Also, he jokingly said that he is going to make me pay a peso for every English word I say. AH!! I really am trying to learn the language. i really want to communicate with the people here. </div>
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A lot is hard. My companion is Philippino so doesn't understand the importance of sanitary living conditions. The sink and everything is terrible. I took a broom and knocked out the webs in our room but the rest of the house needs work. I'm not dead yet though so that's a blessing. The filth is probably number one. Also, the language is tough. The heat isn't much of a problem though. Being out and about and seeing the people is worth it. Another thing that's been hard is the bathroom situation. However, I will adjust. My companion desperately wants be to become a Real Philippino and to embrace the culture here. I am little by little, but I still bought Toilet Paper at SM today.</div>
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The food is very different. We had some fruit at the Mission home and it was SO GOOD. The Mangoes, Bananas, and Pineapples here are a thousand times better than in America. I can't explain it. We don't have any food at our place though. We always eat this bread stuff for breakfast and usually find another meal during the day. For the first few days I only had Rice but I am trying more now. The food has upset my stomach more than once but I just say a prayer and eat anyways. My companion thinks I am very strange. The first time I saw corn beef I freaked out because it was red when we ate it and not brown like meat usually is? I guess that is normal. We bought some food for our home now. Hopefully we can save money. My companion doesn't know how to budget his money... He ran out of support for the month because he spotted his old companion who also couldn't budget. I had to give him some to help so that we can keep eating and traveling around. I can't wait for next month when we can get new support. I told him that we will start budgeting and also that we will go buy things for our 72 hour kits. I bought some things today which is why I had to get more money out. This month we only got about 4700 pesos. Next month we will get 7600. After we clean our apartment then I will buy more food for us to store at our place so that we can save money. It's hard for us to mesh our lifestyles. We have had meals at members homes too. I always feel bad when we eat there because they literally live in shacks and hardly have anything. They give us so much to eat. I almost can't stand it. I take food and eat then politely decline more so that they can eat it. Surprisingly, although I have been eating considerably less than I usually do, I don't ever really get "hungry" and I have enough energy to work. I know that it is only though God's grace. </div>
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I have so much more to say but we need to be going back to work soon. I guess these computers have USB ports so I will bring my camera cord next time to send pictures. Don't worry about me, I know I am being protected by your prayers and faith. I'd be lying if I told you that I haven't thought about calling it quits already. It is very difficult here, but I focus on the good and get by. I need to locate some medicine like TUMS and I'll be good to good with the food. The people here want to be like American's so badly it seems. They LOVE anything american. Any merchandise like sports logos etc, and the music for sure. They LOVE David Archulleta. He's a big hit here. The water has been difficult to adjust to as well. We have an old filter in our place and I just say a prayer when I fill up my water. Seems to work out fine. It's just tough when other try to offer me water and things. Hm... what else? We had a baptism on Saturday. Of course I didn't have much to do with it. I did give a small talk though and my companion baptized her. She is a 17 year old that they had been teaching. It was neat to witness. Last night we went to some shacks by the river and gave three blessings to a family that was sick. That was very neat as well. There is a member here, Brother Edmar who is preparing for his mission in February. He loves to help us out and came with us last night. I can tell my companion appreciates his help since he can speak Tagalog and help when we teach. Right now all I do is bear simple testimony. My Companion and him both understand English enough to understand me most of the time. I miss home a lot but I try not to think much about it. There is a reason that I am here so I am doing my best to lean what it is. Keep praying for me and know that I always pray for all of you. I love you so much. I am so thankful for all that You and Dad have done to raise us and make our lives easier. It's so hard to see what the people here have to endure. For example, my Companion hasn't seen his father for 18 years. He is in Canada working to earn enough money for them to hopefully join him after my Companion's mission. I can't even imagine that. That's just one example. </div>
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Anyways, it's time to get back to work. Give my love to everyone.</div>
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Smile! Mahal kita!<br />
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Elder Smith</div>
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</div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-49655557680395426702012-01-12T07:57:00.000-08:002012-01-12T07:57:40.252-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmf9hyphenhyphenBA9qUpsJSlI0Otaf3UCSi0zFGCHl_jCYTYMrsKvXe-vaR-cLluWlY0t1BGS92o5DQVrFe7u5v0jSo0Q3AF4sdY4v1B-MVsZUOEO0xSqCH3RLH3JrTXwmIFUwyYrmE7FEbsnyP8/s1600/Garett+arriving+Philippines1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmf9hyphenhyphenBA9qUpsJSlI0Otaf3UCSi0zFGCHl_jCYTYMrsKvXe-vaR-cLluWlY0t1BGS92o5DQVrFe7u5v0jSo0Q3AF4sdY4v1B-MVsZUOEO0xSqCH3RLH3JrTXwmIFUwyYrmE7FEbsnyP8/s320/Garett+arriving+Philippines1" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bcZxnTUkdZWkrbnLNsUSNMUzGb7nftXhihgh1mVbtjD-Z1znyeuQ9uD30SLxHERlT2fL2qxKPeV4Kw8HEWIyDKg3ix3rv0WBBrGoMMslXuhxm_sR04Qx2ay-fY66l4G3pIg85nKU3rk/s1600/arrival+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bcZxnTUkdZWkrbnLNsUSNMUzGb7nftXhihgh1mVbtjD-Z1znyeuQ9uD30SLxHERlT2fL2qxKPeV4Kw8HEWIyDKg3ix3rv0WBBrGoMMslXuhxm_sR04Qx2ay-fY66l4G3pIg85nKU3rk/s320/arrival+2" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLkLPgx3X1awiVVGfVExmF30ttyE2d4GpfcA6BB7w-SQomQKZ8fqt23m5-fbTpArIfv0VZvO-LVrAeGSnfCYL8-1PYvCgRsl0CYuxjNShGRZryShL7pnntDHOwj2qrfgUDRtzOabxMcI/s1600/arrival3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLkLPgx3X1awiVVGfVExmF30ttyE2d4GpfcA6BB7w-SQomQKZ8fqt23m5-fbTpArIfv0VZvO-LVrAeGSnfCYL8-1PYvCgRsl0CYuxjNShGRZryShL7pnntDHOwj2qrfgUDRtzOabxMcI/s320/arrival3" width="320" /></a>Look mom, I made it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp3hTukNl7YdKVcl07wfH-8CeTEtrGYMT35bUiRV5zgkpA0xTQC88_d_FdNQeiNHwZl_sEk0HEzdctm4KF9DqfaDTb9X5gdK1WpI4ahPQqwQ7VwUSJjDV76HcX0JCL7LM8_CDmB9_V4Q/s1600/goodbye+suit+coat" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp3hTukNl7YdKVcl07wfH-8CeTEtrGYMT35bUiRV5zgkpA0xTQC88_d_FdNQeiNHwZl_sEk0HEzdctm4KF9DqfaDTb9X5gdK1WpI4ahPQqwQ7VwUSJjDV76HcX0JCL7LM8_CDmB9_V4Q/s320/goodbye+suit+coat" width="320" /></a>Garetts says, "goodbye" to his suit coat for 2 years</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lU2pD8c3Z9WtJ7K5ued8Rzo8BHLV9-LpDfw2Lz-42IxPbJwjMjmvm1DeADXqqeGBWs8DSxYBtMU3s8YEE7q4j7Y3fgji8NSUYuHE2vwu8BCVfM7u8BQtNZafe9JFEQwvqLueWHGWpTo/s1600/food" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lU2pD8c3Z9WtJ7K5ued8Rzo8BHLV9-LpDfw2Lz-42IxPbJwjMjmvm1DeADXqqeGBWs8DSxYBtMU3s8YEE7q4j7Y3fgji8NSUYuHE2vwu8BCVfM7u8BQtNZafe9JFEQwvqLueWHGWpTo/s320/food" width="320" /></a>time to try the food....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R7csLOBKy9QEOyH85E2uBTZV9p4wBQWxQZnm9ZtvMHYaNZXrSdEAAFNP_29PH0RZFo6WXv9f5JVKZwq6NaSvUgD105Y67YTlurm3qESfYBU_-aym8-jfiSH8gYsupMOyumvqd_xTV00/s1600/gasstation+in+philippines" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R7csLOBKy9QEOyH85E2uBTZV9p4wBQWxQZnm9ZtvMHYaNZXrSdEAAFNP_29PH0RZFo6WXv9f5JVKZwq6NaSvUgD105Y67YTlurm3qESfYBU_-aym8-jfiSH8gYsupMOyumvqd_xTV00/s320/gasstation+in+philippines" width="320" /></a>Gas station in the Philippines, the bottles hold different kinds of gasoline</div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-67368978291477754142012-01-10T04:32:00.000-08:002012-01-10T04:32:50.173-08:00DepartureLet me just tell you in a mother words what a crazy day I had with Garetts departure! <br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">It all starte with receiving a </span>short email </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">at 12:00 (noon) from Garett saying his wallet was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No drivers </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> license, no credit or debit cards, no cash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was leaving the MTC </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> on shuttle to airport at 1:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said in his email, "I don't want you to worry</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> just wanted you to know so you know what's going on. If there is anything you can do I could use some help, I've said several prayers, please add your prayers to mine". Don't worry???? </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I immediately stressed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can he travel with all the lay overs </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and transfers with no money for food or incidentals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a sincere </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> prayer I started making some phone calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully I work at our</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> financial institution...I knew it would take a miracle to get new </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> cards for him in less than an hour, but with the Lords help and some </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> connections I was able to get new cards for him in about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> was in touch with the MTC and was given permission to meet my son at </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> the airport to deliver new cards and some cash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was an emotional </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> wreck to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully I live only about an hour away</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">> from the Salt Lake City airport so I picked up his new cards and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> started my drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was about 15 miles from the airport I was on </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> a two lane road behind a large tow truck when it began swerving out of control in front of me, I had to slam on my breaks and swerve to miss it.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truck had a blow out and rubber was flying everywhere while he </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> tried to gain control of his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I somehow got out of his way and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> none of the debris hit my car, it flew over my car and then little pieces flew all around me but no damage to my car, but my heart was in my throat and I was </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> shaking like a leaf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived at the airport I was able to calm </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> down a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived about the same time the missionaries did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> a sight to see a big bus pull up and all these young men and women get </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just sat there and smiled at the sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon I could see my </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> son...I had mixed emotions, I wanted to see him but didn't want to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">> make it hard on him or myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said another prayer and then walked </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> right up to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The MTC branch president had thankfully gotten in </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> touch with him on the bus and he knew to expect me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't know if </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I could hug him or not so I just stood there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He set his bags down and gave me a big hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh how sweet it was!</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so grown up all ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took out my wallet and gave him the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> cash I had for him and then the cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just starred at the cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> He couldn't believe that I was able to get new ones for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> it was an answer to prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me another big hug and just squeezed me and thanked me again, then</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> we began walking to the check in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't want it to look like I </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> just ambushed my son at the airport so I told him to call when he got </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> through security and we parted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I headed up the escalators before I dared</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> look back, when I did the whole group of them were waving at me, I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> waved back and blew them all a kiss and received tons of kisses back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I wanted to just take the escalators right back down but knew it would </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> be better to just continue back to my car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I thought it would be </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">really hard to see him and then leave again but it wasnt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> bitter sweet blessing seeing him, and an opportunity I will treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I got a call from him about an hour later and again when he was in San Francisco wai</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ting to fly to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Hong Kong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all got to talk to him and hear all kinds of stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> It turned out to be an amazing day and a tender mercy from the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I think I aged 20 years today but in the end it was worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> can't wait to hear that he has arrived safely and all is well.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn still teases me the Garett and I plotted the whole thing so I could see him off. Not true! But I was able to see how easy it would be to just happen to show up at the airport when they leave....hmmm I still have 2 more sons to serve......</span></div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-36267566829500287482012-01-07T08:59:00.000-08:002012-01-07T08:59:05.330-08:00Pictures from MTC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1qnluN42s3UALr3YCgl89KHIqpDpZxCJn5C1yFhs2A5eRtdaviHXhlTz0NL9wBVzey6msOBOFNvR-36YSjobtssBnXmMO0BoLllNp-p-rrIl9W1vI197gwsv1vw3iGohY7c_fh8gSq0/s1600/Garett+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1qnluN42s3UALr3YCgl89KHIqpDpZxCJn5C1yFhs2A5eRtdaviHXhlTz0NL9wBVzey6msOBOFNvR-36YSjobtssBnXmMO0BoLllNp-p-rrIl9W1vI197gwsv1vw3iGohY7c_fh8gSq0/s320/Garett+052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AuhqwYyJ0EPxvx-GEZT9zJy4M9915PY-nsJFCYDZp-eZ6SHvXDNxqZPSAWBya3DJPl39PvXWQkj_IcI4yYcjGxy5Ux026-srDBFTKKlN1IPA2DW-JQ0O-42b3fap7uJs9Fut-aXJKlc/s1600/Garett+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AuhqwYyJ0EPxvx-GEZT9zJy4M9915PY-nsJFCYDZp-eZ6SHvXDNxqZPSAWBya3DJPl39PvXWQkj_IcI4yYcjGxy5Ux026-srDBFTKKlN1IPA2DW-JQ0O-42b3fap7uJs9Fut-aXJKlc/s320/Garett+053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm4PHBtVB-u_u13YiuHIamFu1DpulVFeue3HjXOMfGWtj8vBQ14aBk3ZJKuomQgTzp0Ad7l70S2bCtGxKV4FZmCmeiD9lGjn7ypn7QZBAxmAUa2g-i2ccFqJMOJHPWGIUES16SaF1QWY/s1600/Garett+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm4PHBtVB-u_u13YiuHIamFu1DpulVFeue3HjXOMfGWtj8vBQ14aBk3ZJKuomQgTzp0Ad7l70S2bCtGxKV4FZmCmeiD9lGjn7ypn7QZBAxmAUa2g-i2ccFqJMOJHPWGIUES16SaF1QWY/s320/Garett+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiiKjhCPLEHnBav2_1udkrfllQMwHWHyGMutfYxqz2Lqb9zMDK7dNKXNPPjg245pAkadqr9Y4O3vh4acCxWhvMqPHSIaRcV4DmnN-J5XxVN_tiytpynktDUGHTeVIydf3O7q8UAV_j94/s1600/Garett+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiiKjhCPLEHnBav2_1udkrfllQMwHWHyGMutfYxqz2Lqb9zMDK7dNKXNPPjg245pAkadqr9Y4O3vh4acCxWhvMqPHSIaRcV4DmnN-J5XxVN_tiytpynktDUGHTeVIydf3O7q8UAV_j94/s320/Garett+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-66499029273862613272012-01-07T08:52:00.001-08:002012-01-07T08:52:55.102-08:00Happy Travels<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hey Nanay!</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">They suggested we send out e-mails today in between our Infield Orientations so that is what I am now doing. We have an entire P-day tomorrow as well so I might be able to get on then. So, yeah. We had our "Infield Orientation" today... we still have one more session to go. It's basically a lot of workshops where they talk about specific things not taught in our classroom instruction. The classroom was focused on learning how to teach. So in these workshops they focused on the Importance of Baptism, how to set goals and then make plans according to those goals, and the importance of our own faith in helping the investigators. The last session will be after this dinner time, but I'm not sure what the topic will be. They showed us a lot of object lessons that really helped get the messages across, so it's been pretty fun! I've seen Sister Gullo a lot recently. She kept telling me to sit by her at the Devotionals but my district or comp never wanted to. Eventually I was able to sit by her this last Tuesday. She told me about her mission and I told her about mine. I asked about her parents and she told me all about how they came to the MTC. She also told me that the MTC President got her father to commit to investigating the Church. I thought that was pretty neat. She was really excited about it. I saw her again today, and her and her companions sat by us during one of the Orientation sessions. She seems very happy and eager to get out there. We share that excitement. I told her it's a good thing I'm not going where she's going because I would die in the cold. My Heavenly Father knows me well. Speaking about that... so last night, wait... let me back up. On Wednesday we got two new Elders in our room. FINALLY! However, they are going to the Madrid, Spain mission. They'll be here 3 weeks and then there 3 weeks if there Visa's come in time. They're pretty friendly and have made our room less quiet. I'm fine with this. One is from Ohio and the other is from central Utah. Ok, so last night, there Zone leaders pulled my companion and I out into the hall to ask for a favor. I guess that an Elder from their zone was without a companion (because he's international and hasn't gotten to the states yet) so they stuck this solo Elder with the two that share a room with us. Because of this, there Branch President wants them to all sleep in the same room... so they asked us if Elder Johnson and I wouldn't mind moving into their room down the hall for these last few days. My first thought was "Why can't they just wait 3 more days. We'll be gone by then..." but then I realized that it wasn't about me. I later found out that this Solo elder was also a recent convert, so that may also be a reason for the Branch President's decision. Also, I suppose this is God's friendly push for me to start packing up. You know how I like to leave my packing to the last minute! So, that is what I am now in the process of doing. I've packed most of my things, and we'll be moving down the hallway later tonight. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mahal kita! I'll try to write a little something more tomorrow.</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Elder Garett Smith, anak ninyo. =)</div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-19431918924598900832011-12-30T08:41:00.000-08:002012-01-07T08:51:26.572-08:00Flight Plans!<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">WE FINALLY GOT OUR FLIGHT PLANS!! We got them yesterday in our mailbox. I am beyond excited! I'll try to tell you a little bit about them right now, and I'll be back on later around 4. So, we get to leave the MTC on Monday, January 9th at 1:30pm! Our flight out of Salt Lake is at 4:50 pm and will connect to the San Francisco Airport around 6 california time. We then have a 6 HOUR layover in California until we catch out flight to Hong Kong at 12:05 am. Once we get to Hong Kong, we will be meeting up with all the other Philippines bound missionaries from here (They split us into 3 groups) and we'll have a 3 hour layover before be catch our flight to Manilla. From there we will travel by ground to the Angeles mission home. </span><br />
<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> I know that I know over 200 vocab words... but I'm not really sure on the real number</strong><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">? </span><strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I think that I've felt the biggest change in my perspective. I'm trying to follow Elder Bednar's council and turn outwards more like Christ.</strong> <br />
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<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Ingot, Mahal kita!<br />
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-Elder Garett Smith</span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-37877034779971587682011-12-23T16:23:00.000-08:002011-12-25T14:12:19.500-08:00Almost Christmas<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hey Mom!<br />
<br />
I didn't forget about e-mail today! I got on this morning, pretty early and there wasn't an email from you yet so I decided I would wait until later. Sorry for making you wait. When I write letter's to Kelsey, we have a designated "Urgent Q's & A's" section where we list all the things we want to be sure the other person responds to! Maybe you could try something like that. I've also heard that there have been a lack of post to my Mission blog lately... maybe you could look into that for me? =) Anyways, all is well here. Another week down, and only a few more to go! I get more and more excited the closer it gets. I have more excitement for departure than I do for Christmas! You asked about travel plans... we haven't gotten any word on that yet. It seems like most of the previous districts got theirs the week before the left. Don't worry, I'll let you know when I know. I spent most of the morning writing letters back to everyone that has sent me things this week. I received some letters from Sarah, Karlee, The Packers, and Jamie, along with a care package from Grandma, Tara/The Jackson family, and you. I was surprised to see a package in the mail from "Tara Jackson." Inside was a stocking stuffed with candy, as well as there family Christmas card. I'm not sure if the stocking came from Tara or her whole family so I send Thanks to all of them. I wrote a quick note to Dad, Hunter, and Jamie that should be coming soon. I figured you could have the e-mail, but I'll probably write you another letter this week telling you about Christmas and what not. We will be having a GA on Sunday, they just haven't told us who yet. They like to keep everything under wraps here. I'm looking forward to having a few days that aren't the usual routine. They have things planned for Christmas Eve as well. I feel like I type and type but don't get much down on the page. I'm sorry for that!!.<br />
<br />
What else did you write about...<br />
<br />
Oh, we did recieve 20 new elders into our Branch this week. We haven't seen them much yet though because they haven't finished their first 3 days, and they all live on the 4th floor of our residence halls. We all live on the bottom floor (thankfully). One of the new Elders is actually my old district leader's brother (my district leader was adopted into their family). I think that's pretty cool that they'll both be going to the Philippines!<br />
<br />
One more cool thing I want to share before I go is an experience from last night. Last night we had TRC which is where we teach volunteer members that know Tagalog. They are usually just BYU students. That's what we expected going in, but to our surprise we had a Filipino Mother and her two daughters. They live here in Oram. Anyways, it was a really cool lesson! She asked us where we were serving and we told her Angeles. She got really excited and told us that they had family there that weren't members. She asked us to try and find them, and teach them if we could. We told her we would try our best to help her! Anyways, we went on with out lesson and gave an overview of the Restoration (Ang Pananumbalik) and then shared a quick Christmas message with them. We had to translate our lesson into English for the daughters which was fine by us!! It was a neat experience and they Spirit was really strong as we talked about Christ being the "Pure love of God" as talked about in 1 Nephi 11:16-23. When Nephi is shown the baby Jesus in Mary's arms, he can FEEL that pure love, and instantly knows the meaning of the Tree of live. The Angel didn't have to tell him. What a cool insight!!</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm glad to hear that everything is going well at home. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I'll be thinking about you a lot on Christmas eve and day! One of the things I'll miss is staying up late and playing Wii with my brothers. Staying up playing Mario is a tradition almost as old as building the fort itself! If I really wanted to, I could make the bottom bunk a fort for myself since my companion sleeps on the other bunk. We still don't have roommates. Our old Zone Leader left a few weeks ago with Elder Fisher and Elder Hubble, and they called another one after, Elder Shaw and Elder Frishnick. Elder Shaw actually came out on a mission earlier and went to the Philippines but had to return home because of some issues. He's back now, and also pretty fluent in Tagalog, so that helps our branch. He's in one of the other branches that came in at the same time as me. There's three of our districts that came in together.<br />
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I love you all, and can't wait to hear more from you soon! I'll try to quickly check my email later tonight!<br />
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Mahal kita!!</div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-42024406900050662462011-12-16T16:21:00.000-08:002011-12-23T16:22:38.862-08:00Christmas Party<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hello again! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Thanks for the picture of the Christmas tree. I was going to ask you for one anyways, so you read my mind! Grandma mentioned your "Ugly Sweater" contest in her last letter to me. She confided in me that she wasn't really sure what an "Ugly Sweater" contest was, but that her and Grandpa went to the D.I and found some sweaters to decorate. You should definetly take some pictures of everyone and send them to me! It should be pretty funny. What else are you doing for the family party? Let me know in your next DearElder. Also, Grandma asked me a question in her last letter about how we teach our lessons to the "investegators." She was assuming that we taught in English. NOT at all. I don't think we've been allowed to teach a single lesson in English so far! Last night, we had TRC which is where BYU students come and we teach them as the members they really are. We were lucky enough to get a student that was actually Filipino, which was really cool. He spoke very fast and it was hard to understand him at times but still a good experience. After the lesson, he also told us more about the country and gave us a few pointers. That's all I can think of for now! I hope everyone has a great time at the party, and I look forward to hearing from everyone SOON! =)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If anyone asks what to send me for Christmas just tell them that I want cards and letters. That's all I need. You're right about all the food. First of all, they feed us plenty here... secondly, all of us have more sweets than we know what to do with. We try to share with eachother but none of us are ever hungry! Please let Grandma know that I did recieve her package she sent a few days ago. She was wondering how it worked.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In other news, earlier this week I left my hoodie in the gym. I went back later to get it from the Lost and Found but it wasn't there. Someone must have taken it. Hopefully they needed it more than me! Anyways, I am now without a jacket to wear and it's getting a little chilly here! So, if you get around to it, could you send me one of my hoodies or jackets? You could send it through MTCdelivery if you hurry. The mailroom will stop accepting mail from third parties on Dec. 23rd!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I better be going for now, but I hope everyone is doing well. Like usual, I'll be back on later this afternoon around 4 so be expecting that. Feel free to send me any questions or anything for me to answer at that time! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mahal Kayo! (I love you all)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">-Elder Garett Smith</span>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-67946899637109339902011-12-04T13:50:00.000-08:002011-12-04T13:51:30.841-08:00It's DecemberDear Nanay, <br />
<br />
I got your christmas box yesterday which was perfect timing. The cinnimon pinecones have made our room smell 200x's better than it did before. You can even smell it down the hallway, but no one complains. My District has named my room "The Christmas Room." Last night everyone came into our room around 10 and we read the first Christmas mission story from that book you sent. We plan on doing that everynight until Christmas. Everyone loves the lights and mini tree as well--especially the train that goes around it! Thanks so much. It made me happy. The almonds you sent are amazing as well, so good job on picking those! <br />
<br />
The language is definetly coming along a lot better than it was before. Things are making more sence now that we have some basics under our feet. You asked me about Elder Hubble in one of your letters. I didn't see him all the time since he wasn't in our branch, but we did talk on and off. Everyone loved having him around. He knows how to lighten the mood and has a good sense of humor. He left on Tuesday and left beind some stuff for me and the other Elders. I got a few packages of gum and poprocks, which was great. We did get new Elders on Wednesday for our zone, but none of them moved into our room. It's just me and my kasama for now. It's interesting seeing the new eleders adjust and realizing that I was them only 24 days ago! A lot has changed since then. They have a lot of questions, and it's fun to help them out. <br />
<br />
Unfortunatley, no I won't be able to call on Christmas. At least, they haven't told us otherwise. It's good to know that I'll be able to call you soon after though. I like the idea of a disposable phone, so if it'll work, go ahead and do that! Whatever I don't answer in this e-mail, I will try to answer in a letter today. I've written back Hunter, Jamie, Dad, and Grandma so let them know that I'll send that out today. It's hard to reply to your email in a new body because I forget what was said. <br />
<br />
I heard about those crazy winds yesterday from the guy we have to report to for service!! Sounds so crazy. I'm glad to hear it didn't affect anything at home. I'm going to get off now, but I will try to write more later. I have a few more minutes so I can log on this afternoon. I don't know if I'll have time to write Logan back in an email so could you get me his address?? Thank you.<br />
<br />
I can't think of much that I need right now. I do need some new waterproof shoelaces though because mine have frayed for some reason. I've thought of other things but I can't remember! I'm going to try to send my memory card home with this next letter so be looking out for that. I'll try to write a litte more later today. <br />
<br />
Hope you have a great day, and everything is A-ok! <br />
<br />
Mahal Kita,<br />
<br />
Elder Garett SmithLinda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-18359993911832938792011-11-25T13:12:00.000-08:002011-11-25T13:12:36.541-08:00Pictures from the drop off day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd4_zuJvKbp-LeY3khJEUAPtWPGjMvvxz6gJVxufvsQiPEzLVLBwo-2iHPgApgADgobHP2A0YWrwXIK9GYkZ-82ZpfhorP5q7bjQ7V_AETirEKhP-LrXUEj8kYLa2N4q5LD4CXiHCNw4/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd4_zuJvKbp-LeY3khJEUAPtWPGjMvvxz6gJVxufvsQiPEzLVLBwo-2iHPgApgADgobHP2A0YWrwXIK9GYkZ-82ZpfhorP5q7bjQ7V_AETirEKhP-LrXUEj8kYLa2N4q5LD4CXiHCNw4/s320/IMG_1237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwTIDLfDu0L7T5m3fLyKZLKrdyWc3Ja8PTDm4mYfa_5W35BEENuNNEVVcHyX40jG_1jU_goE41euwVOLoPeSIAWvjmxwWvObVNjIjAVrJX3B1oQVhr-kACnhxo23wpLY1dzEMkdqGW0s/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwTIDLfDu0L7T5m3fLyKZLKrdyWc3Ja8PTDm4mYfa_5W35BEENuNNEVVcHyX40jG_1jU_goE41euwVOLoPeSIAWvjmxwWvObVNjIjAVrJX3B1oQVhr-kACnhxo23wpLY1dzEMkdqGW0s/s320/IMG_1279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-37880469780277679702011-11-25T12:57:00.001-08:002011-11-25T12:57:56.802-08:00Happy Thanksgiving<div class="gmail_quote"><div>Kumusta Nanay! </div> <div> </div> <div>Thanksgiving was a lot better than I thought it would be. The morning started off with a devotional by Elder Russell M. Nelson, which was great. Did you know that he remarried after his wife died? I didn't. I wonder how it would be to date as an Apostle... Also, I learned that Elder Nelson was President Kimball's doctor before he was called as an apostle. Interesting fact. Anyways, he and his wife talked to us about Gratitude and Thanksgiving and the spirit was so strong. We sat pretty close and it was great. Oh, and the day before, we had the chance to hear from Elder Christofferson as well. Two Apostles in two days. I guess being at the MTC is a blessing. We had our "Thanksgiving Feast" for lunch so that the workers could go home to their families for the evening. It wasn't the greatest food ever, but Thanksgiving has never really been about the food for me anyways. The Pumpkin Pie was great though! I had two slices. After our feast, we put together sack dinners to eat back at our Residence halls. We then had another fireside with the MTC President. After that, we participated in a service project where we put together humanitarian packages to be sent to Somalia. My job was to pass empty boxes along a "Human conveyor belt" towards the supply tables. It wasn't difficult and we finished pretty quickly. We then had dinner in our rooms, and we all thought about what our families were doing at the moment. I guessed that you all would probably be in a movie or eating Pie. Later on, we returned to the gym for a movie. We watched "17 Miracles" which was just as good as the last time I watched it. It was nice to have time to relax!<br> <br>It's only been about three weeks but it feels like I've been here for an eternity. The language is still difficult, but I'm adjusting to it finally. I'll try to recorded myself saying some things in Tagalog for you. I don't know if I ever told you, but our "investigator" Niko turned out to be our second teacher for class. I didn't think he was a real investigator, but we were shocked to learn he was our teacher. It was a weird transition, but Brother Pearce is a pretty cool teacher now. <br> <br>Well, I better be going now. I'm basically out of time! I look forward to reading more letters from all of you... and more packages.=)<br><br>Miss ya, but I'm doing well. <br>Mahal ko Kayo!<br><br>Elder G. Smith</div> </div> Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-27084772298655464182011-11-21T12:46:00.000-08:002011-11-21T12:47:16.463-08:00One week downTime is a really weird thing here at the MTC. Day's start meshing together<br />
and it's hard to remember what happened when. It's all a blur. I know it's<br />
only been a little over a week since I got here but it feels like I've been<br />
here forever. The language is progressivly, but slowly, getting better.<br />
Yesterday we leaned abuout a thing called MAG verbs, which just added to<br />
the confusion of everything, but it will hopefully all work out for the<br />
best.<br />
We went to the Temple this morning which was great, although it was a<br />
little weird going without you and Dad since you've been there bothe times<br />
before. It was a neat experience with my district though, and the Temple<br />
Cafateria food is to die for. It's nice to have something fresh and out of<br />
the ordinary once and a while. We loaded up, so I'll be skiping lunch<br />
today. My companion, Elder Johnson, is alright. He has a dry sense of humor<br />
and isn't very outgoing, but I'll manage. He's from Kansas, and you can<br />
tell. But all in all, he's a good person, and smart with<br />
the language. He really helps when we are teaching our Investegator Niko in<br />
Tagalog. It's basically all a simulation, but it's great practice. Our last<br />
lesson, we invited Niko to be baptized. He was reluctant because of his<br />
Smoking habits but we promied he could do it with our help and with God. He<br />
accepted the commitment and I was suprised by how excited I was for him!<br />
It's a reallty great learning experience. =)<br />
Mahal ko Kayo! (I love You)<br />
Elder Garett SmithLinda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7768051662036999333.post-18832614282925321012011-11-21T12:44:00.001-08:002011-11-21T12:44:13.547-08:00First LetterI feel like the last few days have been an information overload, especially with all the time we have spent studying Tagalog. They have a new program that has only been in effect since June. Yesterday, on only our second full day, we had to teach an "Investegator" in Tagalog. It was a very real situation and my companion and I were pretty stressed about it. All we have learned so far is how to bear a simple testimony and give a simple prayer. So... that's pretty much all we did. We tried to discuss his family and talk about The Fall, but we had to idea how to respond to what he said to us. It's so frustrating becase I want to know what he is saying and I want to communicate so badly. For once, I have to actually think about what I am saying. Most of the time I get it wrong, but I am learning. We have another appointment with Niko (our investegator) this afternoon. It's probably going to be just as rough as the first time, but I guess it's a good experience. It gives me more motivation to learn the language. I think that's what they're aiming for. Well, it's working!! My companion is smart and learns the language fast so he helps me out a lot. The other Elders we share a room with have been here for about 7 weeks so they are able to help and give us advice as well. Our teacher doesn't speak to us in English at all. It's been Tagalog from day one. It's kinda like a guessing game trying to understand what he is trying to teach us. Although I still don't know very much, I am suprised by how much I have already learned. A lot more than I thought I would! Anyways, things are going well here at the MTC.Linda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17408733506758700314noreply@blogger.com0