THE HEART OF IQUITOS

  ok yes i got transfered.  Im now here in the heart of iquitos, iquitos.  My area is called 28 de junio.  My comps name is Elder Portocarrero from Argentina.  Hes awesome and wants to work hard.  Its a huge difference from my old area.  Seriously there are some RICH people here who simply say i dont want to when we try to talk to them.  In my old area everything was dirt and nobody had floor in there house. and everyone was humble and let us talk with them.  But here not so much.  everything is cement and asfault.   Not very nice, like its all pretty beat up (i dunno kinda like a really tiny crowded LA)  But we also have a little part of our area called Belen.  ITS THE HOUSES ON STILTS.  Its so cool.  we literally walk on two by fours over the amazon river to get to peoples houses.  Were not aloud to go on boats as missionaries so we cant get to a lot of people right now because the waters really high.  But it is so cool.  I dont know you have to look up belen in iquitos peru.  The amazon is unreal.  The work is awesome.  We found some really awesome families who are going to get baptized in the next month.  And guess what they live in Belen haha.  the missions the best.  I love it hear. All is good mom.
Always

Elder Smith

FAMILY PRAYER: BETTER THAN MONEY AND A BIG HOUSE

This week we had the opportunity to teach La Familia: Una proclamacion para el mundo (The Family: A Proclamation to the World) a few times.  In the proclamation it talks about how to achieve a successful family.  I asked everyone of the families what they want for their families or what it means to be a successful family.  Not one person mentioned money, a big house, or even a family life without problems.  Only a family that puts the Lord first.  A family who supports eachother in their responsibilities.  Almost all them mentioned family prayer.  And i know it is very true.  A family that prays together stays together. (i think thats how the saying goes)  I truly believe that honest earnest prayer is what keeps us humble.  Sí o sí you have to pray.  Anyways we taught a few families that and got the opportunity to teach it in a Noche de Hogar (Family Home Evening) with 5 different families who all have very real very different trials in their families.  But all of them understood the Gospel of Jesus Christ is how we overcome those trials.  And it starts with family prayer.  Theres nothing better.

Also finally figured out that all the really tall bamboo looking stuff that everyone calls caña is sugar cain.  So ya been munchin on that all this week. haha its stinking awesome.  Hope all is well at home 

Always 

Elder Smith

TEACHING FAMILIES IN PULCALPOS

HEALTH UPDATE

Ya were gonna find out if i get transfered today.  I dont want to leave but i have to.  Hna Gomez called me and said because ive gotten sick twice from food i have to change my pension.  And i live with my pensionista.  Hes gonna cry if i have to change pensions.  ayaya i just need to leave and this problem goes away.  But i dont know.  if im supposed to be in primavera still im just gonna have to deal with it and find out why im still hear.  Anyways yes i had giardias but i took metronidozol (i think) it said flagyl 500 on the front too.  But ya i took that for ten days (apparently its super strong) and then got another poop analysis and it said i only have escasos de giardias.  which means traces.  So ya the pills worked.  Now im taking the probiotic 10 again and i think thats gonna strengthen my stomache and ill be fine.  But ya im good dont worry about me.  I love you mama

GO THE EXTRA MILE

Wahoo! i got to see my family yesterday!! well some of them. anyways i love family. Grandpa!!!  Your 90 years old!! youve outlived every peruvian ive met!  (87 is the oldest) haha  I love you grandpa hope you have an amazing day.   I wanted to share an experience i witnessed this week.  Our relief society president is the bomb.  She made a bunch of little rose choclates for everyone who came to relief society this sunday for mothers day.  After church she gave us the rest and a bunch of names of the women (who didnt come to church) that she wasnt gonna be able to visit and give a chocolate to later that day.  She walked and delivered to all the women close to her house but we were in charge of the far ones.  I cant tell you how many women cry and greatly appreciate a little act of kindness even though they didnt come to church this Sunday.  I am certain these women who missed church are going to come next week because they truly felt loved and missed by their relief society president.  It was so cool.  Members who magnify their callings are the best.  Go the extra mile.  Love your neighbor and Serve the Lord! Hope all is well with everyone

Always 

Elder Smith