Seeya in 2 days!!!

Dearest family,

I don't want to tell you much so we'll have stuff to talk about when i get back, but I just wanted to share some thoughts that I've had over the past few days as I've been reflecting over my mission. I've had a lot of time to think these past few days since i've been traveling a lot (8 hours on Saturday and 3 hours yesterday).

On Saturday, I had two interesting conversations: one with a leader from a Baptist church and another with a young man studying to be a Catholic priest. It was sad to see how twisted or ignorant their views were about the gospel of Christ. They had no idea what grace really is. We are so blessed as members of this church to have the restored gospel of Christ. We know that we are saved by faith and works through grace. We can of our own selves do nothing. This gospel is simple. It is no secret or mystery. Rather, we have a living prophet who helps us discern truth from darkness. There is only one truth. There is only one lifestyle that can lead to a Godlike life. And Christ has already walked that path and given us commandments so we cannot go astray. We cannot just pick and choose what we think is applicable to us---what is comfortable for us to live. This life is about stretching to reach our potential by applying the atoning blood of Christ.

Also, while I was traveling by myself on the van to Tacloban, I was talking to a few of the passengers beside me, introducing the Restoration. Then someone in the back of the van asked if I was a Latter-day Saint. I said yes and asked him if he was. Turns out he was the Branch President of Guiuan! (the south-eastern tip of Samar, the south part of Borongan zone) He was impressed that I was still sharing the message even though I was going home. It made me think that no matter what calling I have, I should always share our unique message. And I never know who is watching me, haha.

This morning we ate breakfast in the mission home and they had us mark our favorite scripture in their giant Book of Mormon. I chose 1 Nephi 19:9 about Christ's pure love:

9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

This scripture has been a big theme throughout my mission: the enduring and enabling power of charity. In other words, the character of Christ. "Perhaps the greatest indicator of character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward. If such a capacity is indeed the ultimate criterion of moral character, then the Savior of the world is the perfect example of such a consistent and charitable character." ~David A. Bednar

I've also been studying about the lives of the apostles and saints in the book of Acts. It's amazing to see the testimonies of Peter and Stephen after the Resurrection of Christ, as compared to beforehand. I feel like a similar change has happened in myself. Before my mission, I had a strong testimony, but I didn't really take up opportunities to share. But serving as a full-time missionary has helped me open my mouth to everyone and anyone that I come into contact with. I know that this gospel is both a blessing and a responsibility.

Last night, we had a devotional at the mission home and we each had the opportunity to bear our testimonies. I shared about how I've come to realize that God is always in charge. He has a perfect plan. And He is actively involved in our lives, not just watching His plan unfold. The greatest miracles to me actually haven't been the dramatic ones like the Typhoon Yolanda or sudden conversions, but rather the tender mercies of the Lord. In my journal everyday I have been keeping track of the small, unnoticed things that slip my attention during the busy schedule of the day. And I am continually amazed by how God is in the very details of my life. He has everything worked out to the tiniest or most insignificant part. It brings great reassurance and comfort to know that God cares and will continue to provide for me.

"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world;for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." ~2 Nephi 26:24

I don't feel worried at all to go home. I feel peace and I'm excited for the future. :)

LOVE YOU ALLL!!!!

Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith