A blessing because of a bad situation

A view of half my area in Las Villas de Ancón

Happy Halloween! The truth is that I forgot about the holiday until a certain church was marching in protest against Halloween. It's not that celebrated here but people know what it is.

So I normally am super good at keeping track of things, but this last week we were coming back from a baptism in our ward and in the bumpy taxi ride I lost the cell phone. After backtracking, we asked around to try to get to know where the taxi driver lives (that's the interesting thing here is everyone somehow knows everyone, but not necessarily by name). It turned out that we didn't find the exact same guy, but we found another family that are super friendly that we wouldn't have found otherwise! The Lord certainly works in mysterious ways.

I was reading a talk by Elder Bednar last night from general conference a couple years ago about the blessings we receive from paying our tithing, whether they be subtle or noticable. I was thinking about how the blessings I pray for may be conceded to me. For example sometimes when I ask for help, I may wish my duties or responsabilities to be made easier or taken away, but in reality I may be blessed with the ability to press forward and keep going a little longer.

I testify of the blessings and tender mercies of the Lord. Many times if we are not quick to observe them they may go unnoticed but I also testify of the peace it brings to learn to be humble enough to count my blessings and be grateful for what the Lord has given me.

When the going gets rough, count your blessings!

Que tengan una buena semana!!

Elder Evan Smith

One Year Mark

Well it's been a year. It went by too fast but I am pumped for this year to come!

So my first week in the area, a new family just moved into the area that are already members. It has been great to get to know them because one of the sons was less active and with the move began going to church with his family! This week, we went to visit them and they introduced us to a relative that also recently moved to Villas and is building their house. When we asked to share a message, the mother-in-law invited a neighbor to come listen too. It was such a great experience. It was funny that we didn't even have to ask them for these references, it all just happened!

A spiritual thought for the week in Alma 7:23

And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Sometimes I think that my will is or should be God's will. But I know that God knows everything and the best way to do everything, and I don't always see how it will work out right away, and sometimes I won't see the end result. What really matters is that I submit myself to Him and His will.

I testify that He lives and He knows us.

Have a great week!!

Elder Evan Smith

Feeling happy

This week went by super fast. I'm getting the area down a little better. It is a way different learning experience for sure.

I don't have a lot of time today because we got on internet late.

I love you guys a lot. Looking back on what I've done so far, I feel so happy, I feel a lot of joy for being able to serve the Lord. I have a lot to learn, but I know that the Lord is there for me.

Have a great week.

Elder Evan Smith

Transferred to Villas de Ancon!

Adiós a Paramonga, bienvenidos a Miramar! Now I'm in las Villas de Ancon. My new companion is Elder Ponce, and he's from Chile. From the part way north that the peruanos jokingly call him peruano. Anyways it's been a great week. It's been hard for me to come to a new area because I don't know where anything is, but my companion and I have been doing pretty well.

View of Villas de Ancon, about 1 hr 20 mins north of Lima.

A street in the city

There are four areas that cover this ward, and our district also includes another ward of 2 companionships. So we spent almost all of Saturday travelling to the different baptisms, which is an awesome experience in itself.

But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; (Alma 13:28)

Testifico que nuestro Padre Celestial nos conoce individualmente y nos ha puesto en estas días para poder ayudar a apresurar Su obra. Testifico que las pruebas que tenemos son para que aprendamos como ser mas como Él. Yo sé gue el Señor Jesucristo vive y es nuestro Salvador.

Les amo a cada uno bastante.

Que tengan una buena semana!