Monday, May 6, 2013

happy may!

Hey Family!!
 
Mom I wanted to let you know that I picked up a perscription this past week and the missionary insurance wouldn't work so I ended up using the regular card that you gave me so I only had to pay $10.  Just wanted to give you a heads up for that...so thank you!  Don't worry about me, I'm fine and doing well...just can't hear out of my ear but we'll get it taken care of.  I got a blessing last week and I'll let you know how things are going next sunday when I get to call y'all.  I wrote to Dad when I first got here and had him call Rich and he said the medicine I was given should make everything better.  So no worries, I just wanted to give you a head up! 
 
Also in answer to your questions about calling next sunday I have no idea about any of your questions.  President Wall didn't write to us telling anything so yeah.  But Sister LaPorte says on temple square they get to call a couple days in advance to let you know what time we will be calling...so that might be the case or possibly not.  I'll let you know about skyping or calling as well.  There's currently seven missionaries in our ward so most likely end up calling so y'all can actually hear me and I won't have to wait around forever to use a computer.  I'll let you know what time though as well and as far as a limit I don't think there is a limit, but maybe an hour will be good.  Sorry I really have no idea but I'll call you after y'all get out of church this coming sunday.  I'm excited to hear from y'all!  It will probably be right after you get home from church.     
 
It's been a sweet week here in Baton Rouge.  Tons of little tender mercies and I continually learn everyday.  We went on exchanges again this week because President asked us to go on at least two this transfer.  This was the first time that I left our area and went down to 2nd ward and let's just say I was homesick for our area the entire time.  I guess it's true that you don't realize how much you care about the people or the place until you're gone.  Transfers are coming up next week and I don't want to leave at all.  The Office Elders say there's a pretty good chance I'll stay here with Sister LaPorte and I sure hope it's true.  But as hard as it is to accept it, this statement has brought me peace and comfrot, "Not my will, but thine, be done."  Heavenly Father knows where I need to go and if I'm here in Baton Rouge for another transfer it means there's still more I need to learn before I go.  And if I go it means there's someone there that needs me, or I need.  Either way He knows me better than I know myself.  I'll be letting ya know next week what the news is though. 
 
Here's a couple miracles:
 
numero uno:  Sister Smith invited us over for dinner to say thank you for helping us move her into her new home.  I'm not sure if I told you about her before, but anyways she told us at dinner that when she first saw us she was in a super bad mood and wanted to be really mean to us.  We asked her if we could carry her clothes out and she kept saying no but we were persistant and kept trying. Eventually she let us in and she was so grateful.  Service is the key to opening anyones heart!
 
numero dos:  Pecan pie is the most delicious pie I have ever eaten.  We'll just leave it at that.  :)  
 
numero tres:  Sunday afternoon we were visiting Sister Givens when she got a call saying that another sister's grandson had just been beaten to death so she had to go over to see her.  She didn't want to tell us who it was but randomly she asked us if we knew Sister Evans and we said yes so we drove right over and to see if she was alright.  We called the Elders on the way because they texted us asking when the last time we saw Sister Evans was and they said they saw her earlier but she wouldn't let them in.  As soon as she saw it was us she let us in and gave us both big hugs.  (have in mind that Sister LaPorte had never met her and I'd only met her once before and it was way back in march.  We were able to bring her comfort in knowing that all will be right and she will see him again.  It was such a tender mercy!! 
 
President Wall has asked us to send him what we've learned through the Book of Mormon throughout the week so I figured I might as well send it to y'all as well.  Becuase let's face it...you can always learn new things through the Book of Mormon.  Something that really stood out to me this morning was in Mosiah 7:13 "...if ye had known me ye would not have suffered that I should have worn these bands."  This is Ammon speaking to the king, but I turned it around to us and Christ.  When we really come to know Christ and all that he has done for us how is it possible for us to keep on going in our sins?  The idea of an infinite atonement to me is that Christ still suffers for the things we do.  So as we are continually trying to come unto Christ, we must remember that it's our actions and choices that still affect Christ.  And then one more scripture in Mosiah 7:25 "For if this people had not fallen into transgression the Lord would not have suffered that this great evil should come upon them."  Because we are given our agency we get to choose everything we do.  Everything we go through is so that we can learn and grow, He loves us enough to hurt us so that we can become who He would have us be.   
 
SARAH!! two dates in two week...what is this?!  Thank you for your letter! I know, I know I've been slacking major at writing anyone back a letter and I'm so sorry for that.  It always makes my day when I see that y'all still care about me enough to send a letter when I haven't sent you one back.  I loved the pictures you sent.  Tell Dee I say hi and that y'all look gorgeous.  And Hannah is engaged?  holy cow!  I knew it was coming but tell her congrats for me.  Also you should send a picture of all these people you've been hanging out with.  :)  I'll try taking some more pictures as well. 
 
Andrew thank you, thank you, thank you for the cd's you burned off!!  I must admit, there's some pretty great ones from you.  My personal favorite is the nashville contribute or whatever it's called.  So how was Europe?  Did you get to see lots of people from your mission and all?  I've decided that once I return home from my mission I'm gonna move back to BR 1st ward and buy a huge van and drive around picking up everyone for church on sunday.  Seriously it will be the greatest, and our ward is like a big giant family!!  Y'all will have to come back and visit with me. 
 
Emily!  What are your plans for summer...ya know it's just around the corner!  Go get a job or something and do something with all that extra time.  Don't be some lazy bum that sits on the couch all day.  :)  oh and hey you could call up the missionaries and go out teaching with them...they'd love it!  I promise missionary work is nothing like you'd ever expect, but it's so awesome.  Write to me you little stinker...in a couple weeks you'll have no excuse of homework and what not. 
 
Happy Mother's Day Mom!!  I know I'm early when I can just tell you next week on the phone but I just want to let you know how much I love you.  Last night we were sitting at the Wleh's home.  She's the single mom with six daughters and the oldest two were just laughing up a storm with their mom.  It made me think of you and Sarah and Emily.  I miss y'all so much and everything we'd do together.  Thank you for being the greatest mom I could ask for and always putting others before yourself.  You're the greatest!! 
 
And Dad I hope you're getting busy out there planting flowers for mom!  As tradition calls I would be out there with ya...if only circumstances would allow.  Holy cow and I just have to say, there's this dog down here that some members own that's part wolf/german sheperd.  It's the hugest thing I have ever seen and also just like Annie, always wanting to be scratched.  I love you so much Dad and thanks for your constant example. 
 
Well I'm off to go clean our apartment for inspections.  Can't wait to hear from y'all on Sunday!!  Think of any questions you have for me and yeah.  I might possibly call Mom's cell phone incase Andrew and Sarah can't be there so we can all conference call in.  We'll see what happens. 
 
Love y'all!!
 
Sister Schmutz

Monday, April 29, 2013

ALEXIS!!

Hey Family!!
 
First exciting news is that Alexis was baptized this past Friday!!! It was such an awesome day and holy cow she's such an awesome girl. Her grandpa was able to baptize her and the tenderest moment was when she came out after she was dressed again. Sister LaPorte and I were standing by the door because we were showing some mormon messages and her grandpa came and stood by us. She came and stood between me and Brother McCartney and put her arm around both of us and she whispered, "I feel so clean." Pretty sure I was the only one that heard it, seriously the tenderest moment ever. I love Alexis and her family so much. Haha and then another tender/funny moment. At church yesterday I was sitting back by a less active lady we've been working with and Sister LaPorte was sitting up by someone that needed her. (long story short you're supposed to sit by your companion but we split for the meeting because we were needed by two different ladies) Alexis came and sat by me and we kinda forgot to tell her what was gonna happen when she got confirmed. So the bishop called her to come up and she was so surprised and didn't want to go up. So I quickly said you're gonna get the holy ghost! go go. I guess you're always learning something new everyday, right. It was just a funny moment looking back on it afterwards but she was so excited. In every lesson she always mentioned how excited she was to receive the gift of the holy ghost. Man, to say the least Alexis is awesome. :) so the baptism and everything was so awesome and meant so much to her whole family. The pictures attached are of Alexis and her sister Alasia. 
 
 
Here's a couple miracles before I forget (besides Alexis, of course:):
 
numero uno: Church yesterday was packed! Even in Relief Society there was only one seat left empty. It means so much when you spend all your time loving these people and trying to help them progress. Sundays are either the best day of the week because everyone shows up to church or they're the worst day of the week because no one shows up. And this past sunday was one of the best ones yet. It's just a little reminder that the effort we put in actually has results and means something. The people here are progressing!! And just like I like to say, you're either progressing or digressing, you can never stand still. 
 
 
numero dos: We possibly have three solid progressing investigators this coming week! The saying that the Lord will provide when you're doing what is right is so true. I'll explain more about each of them next week but they're all golden and want to learn more for themselves. 
 
numero tres: Saturday was our stake day of service way out in Lafayette about an hour away. We got to drive in the van with the Elders and it seriously hit me that I'm not in Utah anymore. There were trees and water everywhere, down here in the real bayou. I'll have to bring y'all down sometime soon to experience the real south. :) we got to help clean up a school though and it was awesome to see the difference after we were done. 
 
 
numero cuatro: A couple weeks ago we tried stopping by to see Sister Casselberry (less active lady) the first time she wasn't home and the second time her daughter said she was sick. We kinda took it as in she's avoiding us so we decided to give her some time before trying to come back. The other night we got a call from a Georgia phone numer and it turned out to be her mother! Turns out missionaries haven't been by in years and she was talking to her mom and wished so bad that we would have left our phone number because she wants us to come by (we usually leave our phone number but not very many call back). She's been going to a catholic church because her husband is anti and doesn't want to fight with him. Anyways her mom hearing this decided to track down the local missionaries and that's how she got our number and told us how we really should stop by again and it's an answer to her prayers. I hope that all made sense! It was such a cool experience and it's neat seeing that the Lord has a hand in everything. 
 
 
I hope y'all are having a great week back home. Most of the schools here get out in two or so weeks so summer really is on it's way. You're gonna be a senior Emily!!! Sorry I've been so terrible at writing you guys back. I think it's been nearly four weeks since I've written an actual letter to anyone but hopefully today I'll find time. Plus we're out of miles so we can't really go anywhere but home today anyways. But please keep sending letters! Haha Sarah it sounds like your semester is already packed full of fun. Who are these people you're hanging out with a ton? And are there tons less people there with the mission age change? Haha and I knew hardly anyone on the second floor...strange. Oh my and guess what? We did exchanges this week with the Praireville sisters and I found out that Julia and Sister Wheeler knew each other in the MTC, I think they might have even been roommates. Such a small world! I saw a picture of both of them on the wall and was so surprised!
 
 
Oh yeah and before I forget...mothers day is coming up and I believe we can skype if y'all want to. I'm not entirely sure how it works yet but the elders said for christmas they went over to our ward mission leaders office and got to use his computers, but that was when there were only four of them so I'm not sure how it will work for all six missionaries. Plus could we possibly use google hangout or something since I have no idea what my skype info is. Hopefully President will let us know more info next week. But if we do get the option to skype or phone call which one would y'all want to do? And will Sarah and Andrew be home for the weekend? 
 
Thank you for all you do! I love you guys so much. Mom and Dad thank you for all your continual support and love. You're the greatest! :) 
 
Love Always, Sister Schmutz

Monday, April 22, 2013

beauty

Hey Family!!
 
While driving through Louisiana the other day I came to the realization that Utah will never be as green as this state.  Maybe I'm just crazy but I LOVE all the trees here and how everything is ridiculously green.  I'm not sure when exactly everything started turning green but I noticed it the other day and it's seriously the greatest thing ever.  In Baton Rouge you don't really realize it because it's a big city, but occasionally there will be random roads that lead into the forest and it's really like a wall of trees everywhere outside of the city.  Imagine trying to cut all that down to build a house...killer.  The beauty of the earth really gets you thinking though, Heavenly Father definitely has a hand in everything here on earth.  If y'all haven't seen it you should watch the Earthly Father, Heavenly Father mormon message.  I may or may not watch it every morning while I'm eating breakfast...it's my favorite one!!  It's got me thinking about the gospel though and how every single thing Heavenly Father has given us which is unbelievably crazy and so awesome.  The least we can do is obey and serve Him!
 
As tradition calls, here's a couple miracles from this week:
 
numero uno:  We were heart attacking some single ladies in our ward late monday night.  After we got home we got a call from Tania calling us saying that no one has ever done anything so nice for her and that she'll never forget it.  She kept going on and on and was basically crying she was so happy.  Seriously it was the sweetest little miracle seeing how little things change people so much.  Haha she's from Brazil and is still working on her english and she said she can't put into english how she feels, it was so sweet.  
 
numero dos:  We were able to attend the temple this past tuesday night as well.  At the end someone from our ward took us into the sealing room which was beautiful.  I love the Baton Rouge temple because it's so small and feels just like home.  Man the temple is awesome, isn't it.   
 
numero tres:  We're (Heavenly Father) converting all the eleven year olds in Baton Rouge! It's a long story but we're teaching a lot of eleven year old girls and they're all so cute and have a great desire to follow Christ.  Not to mention...Alexis is getting baptized this Saturday!!  She is so unbelievably excited and we're all excited for her.  I'll send pictures soon.  :)
 
numero quatro?:  We've been trying to meet this less active lady Sister Smith for a couple weeks now but she hasn't been home whenever we stopped by.  On Friday we stopped by again and right when we were leaving she pulled up.  Long story short we found out she was moving over by Denham Springs and we helped her move her clothes into her car.  We asked if we could help with the move and she said no but eventually she said yes so we showed up with the elders saturday morning and helped her move two giant truck fulls.  She was so grateful too and it would've taken hours without all of us. 
 
It was a really great week here in Louisiana and we've been keeping busy doing the Lord's work.  Oh yeah and we had our first crawfish boil last night!  Let's just say this morning I still smelled like crawfish and there was so unbelievably much it was ridiculous, but oh so good.  Y'all will have to come down sometime after I'm home and get the full effect of the south.  :)   The work here is slowly progressing but we're constantly working on it.  Our ward just needs the support from one another but everyone is focused on themselves. 
 
Anyways I love y'all so much.  Thank you for all you continually do for me and the Lord. 
 
Sarah good luck with school starting this upcoming week, you'll do awesome!  Just remember with hard classes that Heavenly Father pushes you out of your comfort zone so that you can learn from it.  And trust me, He knows us all better than we know ourselves.  How's it being back in good old Rexburg?  And just think, after this semester you'll be halfway done.  Woot woot!!
 
Emily you looked gorgeous for prom!!  Who was your date and what did ya do for your activities?  Details woman, details!  
 
Andrew enjoy Europe this coming week!
 
Mom and Dad I love you guys.  Thank you for sending a new package!!  Y'all are the best.  Hey and is there anything I can do for ya?  
 
Love Always,  Sister Schmutz