Following Family and Friends: 27 October 2013

"No victory is worth the sacrifice of ideals."

"Sometimes we are healed. And sometimes we are given strength to endure."

"It doesn't seem fair that a tree that makes such a good place to hang your swing and gives shade to people on hot days and homes to birds and chipmunks could someday get to be a paper napkin." Bobbi Katz

Birthdays
29 EmmaLee Smith 1998

MISSIONARY. NEWS
Easton in Canada...long, nice story I'm including! We are currently working with the sweetest, nicest Less-Active woman. She is great. We were going through our lists and we found her name. There were no notes on her and little information. We called her up and instead of the usual "I'm not interested!" we got "Come on over! What do you want for supper?" I was completely surprised. So nice. We ate dinner there about 2 weeks ago and during the appointment she told us that she hadn't had contact from missionaries since 2006 and hadn't had any contact from the ward in "years." Once again. Shocked. So so nice. She has an adorable little son that absolutely loves us and she is always super willing to meet and to feed us. We met with her this past week and invited her to start reading the scriptures. The member we had with us tried to help her get the Gospel Library App on her phone but it wouldn't work so we left her with a commitment to get it and read a little bit everyday. The next day we got a call from her and she very excitedly explained that she was on break at work and tried to download it and it worked. She was really happy and just wanted to call to let us know that it had worked. We were really excited to hear from her and it has been sweet to see the changes she is making. We are seeing her again tonight and we hope to help to church soon.

Liam in Madagascar talked about loving General Conference. He shared thoughts about Elder Dube's message, He told a story of his childhood working in the fields with his mother and commenting to her about all the work that was done behind them. She gave the resounding answer, “Edward, never look back. Look ahead at what we still have to do.”
Our constant focus must be forward. If we dwell on what is behind us, whether good or bad, it distracts us from what is ahead. To become a champion we must look forward. We may feel unable, inadequate and unfit at times. We see our failures, our shortcomings, our immense tasks ahead that seem almost impossible to conquer. In these situations I would like to reemphasize President Uchtdorf's and Elder Dube's teachings. Our physical eyes cannot see nor can our mortal minds comprehend the glorious, immense potential we have. If we put our efforts in exact line with God's we will progress and reach our potential. What a glorious prospect that is!

Cameron in California, We are expecting cleaning checks soon so I have been cleaning a lot. Oh, and we are getting a new roommate tomorrow. The Spanish Elders are being put in a tri panionship with an English visa waiter so that will be fun. We get to be judges in a chili cookoff next week, so that should also be fun. We are hoping to get a lot of people we are working with to come.

Kieren in Brazil writes that she leaves the CTM for the field this week. She adds, I was reading this week from the Book of Mormon in First Nephi chapters 10 and 11. It is cool how Nephi, when he is asked what he wants by the angel, always knows exactly what to ask for and knows the desires of his heart. God is willing to give us personal revelation and answer our questions, we just have to come to him. Sometimes we have to be specific in order to get specific answers. If we ask for blessings, we will be blessed, but if we ask for specific blessings we will be able to be blessed in specific and meaningful ways. (I especially liked 1 Ne 10:17)

NEWS--

FIRST-- Katie recently put together a book on Snapfish for her family. It is a GREAT book, that talks about Paul growing up, Verna growing up, and their life together. She sent me info, offering it to any other Smith grandchildren (or anyone else) interested in purchasing one. You need a (free) Snapfish account to access the book. Here is the link. Smith grandparent book (FYI, you are buying this from Snapfish. Katie is not getting any profit from this. She just wanted others to have access to it.)

IMPORTANT INFO from Lola--I just got a call from Ray Thornley, David’s cousin, who lives in Smithfield, Utah. He said that his wife, Joy, passed away last night. He asked if I would let the Timmins family know of this. He is planning her funeral for next Saturday Nov. 2^nd in the Hyde Park Chapel. He says her obituary will be in the Logan Herald on Wednesday. The e-mail address I have for Ray is ThornleyR@juno.com

FAMILY UPDATES--

Lissa--Powell had surgery for his cleft lip. My mom came into town a few days before and stayed a few days after [to help]....The surgery was a success, but his recovery was hard. He could not breastfeed or use a pacifier for comfort either.

They had to keep him from touching his face or his bandages/glue/tape. It was a hard time for Lissa, Severin and Powell.

After a week, the stent was removed and he could nurse again. A week after that, the bandages came off. (I hope I got the time line right.) Powell has always been a happy baby, and after the hard recovery, he is back to his normal, happy self.

May 2013 - before surgery

July 17, 2013 - the day after surgery

October 18, 2013 - how it's looking today

________________________________________________________________________

Cara updated too. For many years, Barry has dreamed of learning to play the cello.

And now his dream is coming true. :) He is one happy camper!

and Amalie turned 6!

_______________________________________________________________________________

Katie-- The other day, Emmeline and I were outside in our backyard playing. I went inside to grab a hula hoop real quick, and when I walked back out, Emmeline looked at me with wide eyes and her hand over her heart. Then I realized that the base's daily afternoon music had started to play. (The base plays over loudspeakers the national anthem every day at 4:30.) You are supposed to stop what you're doing and put your hand over your heart if you are outside when the music plays, and it has happened to us a few times since we've lived here. Emmeline doesn't always do it, so I thought it was really cute that she did when I wasn't there with her at first.

random cute picture of Emmeline

_______________________________________________________________________________

George Will spoke at BYU's forum this week. The picture of him talking was in Deseret News, Church News, BYU's Daily Universe, etc. You might recognize the good looking guy behind George. FYI, Ole was wearing a baseball tie, which George Will complimented!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Last month, Rob drove to Utah with Robbie to help get Robbie set up for college. While Rob was in Utah, he remodeled two of Monta's bathrooms. He wasn't able to completely finish them before having to head home, but they look amazing! Here are some pictures of them nearly finished.

main bathroom sink

1- master bath, looking in the door at the sinks, shower, etc. 2-main bathroom shower and jacuzzi tub.

Also, Monta's news is that while I was visiting, she accidentally burned her right hand pretty badly...all fingers and the thumb on the hot metal cover that covers her stove burners. (Obviously we didnt know the cover was hot!)

______________________________________________________________________________

Bryce's presentation at the Sperry Symposium went well. We had lots of family come support him.

after the presentation...Smith family members.

We also had the family get together at Karen's while we were in Utah. Thanks to those who came! I never get to see relatives since we live so far away. So whenever I am in Utah, I LOVE to see my relatives. So thank you, those who came!!! Here are some pictures we took.