I´m so grateful for the year of 2017 and for every single one of the experiences that I had this year. I spent the entire year of 2017 here in the mission and I can say with all of my heart that I would not have traded this time for anything. It´s weird to be away from friends and family, it´s true. But, I feel like I´m getting to know new friends and family that I never would have met any other way. And most importantly, I feel like I´m getting to know better the two most important members of my (and our) family, which is my Father in Heaven and, His son, Jesus Christ. I couldn't be more grateful for these two perfect beings that have changed my life completely (and that can change anyone´s life if they let them). I don{t feel like I´m closer to them now just because I´m here in the mission. But rather, I feel like I´m closer to them now for what the mission has taught me. It doesn't matter who we are or where we are, the only thing that matters is what we do each and every day to feel closer and draw nearer unto them. They love us SO much and have done and will do everything and anything for us. The only thing that stops us from being close to them is ourselves... If we want to be close to them, we can be! They´re always there, but we just don't always do what we should to be there next to them. It´s easier said than done, but no one ever said that the road to salvation would be easy. In fact, they said it would be the straight and narrow path that leads to the Kingdom of God. And what is the Kingdom of God? Just the place where God and Jesus Christ live and reside always in a state of perfect peace, love, and joy beyond what we have and can imagine. And it´s where we can live and reside forever too. If we choose to. As we´re starting a new year, I invite all of you to make new year´s resolutions about what you can do to enter and follow this path better. What can you do to better your and your family´s relationship with your Heavenly Father? And what can you do to better enter and follow this pathway that leads to your eternal salvation? If you need help with ideas, look to the scriptures and/or the counsel of your Father in Heaven. That´s what I´m going to do and I invite you all to join me! I´m so grateful for every single one of you who reads these things each week and I hope I was able to say at least one thing that helped you during this past year. If not... well I still have 6 months to go haha! But I love and miss you all and hope you have a fantastic week and a great new year!
Elder Smith
P.s. Bryan will be getting baptized on Saturday!!!
Pics: Reunited with my beloved mac & cheese, still can't take pics with my eyes open in case you were wondering, zone activity that we had today :)
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