Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wow - see you in a few days‏

Dear Family,


I don't really know what to say - I'll see you in two days.


The most memorable thing about my mission? Definitely not the tracting hours. The people are definitely what I am going to hold in my memory as most precious. It's amazing to see changes in peoples' lives and countenances that come from living the gospel. The relationships I have built up with other missionaries are very valuable to me also.


Yes, Bro. Horn was baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday! It was great - I was especially impressed with the ward for having such a good showing at the baptism to support him - they've really done a great job of welcoming him into the ward.


He was baptized by Elder Kesweder (Elder and Sister Kesweder are church service missionaries serving from their home here in Akron. They are in charge of the cannery and storehouse in Brecksville.). Elder and Sister Kesweder have been his ride to church every week, and Elder Kesweder is one of his hometeachers. The baptism had to be done 3 times (4 if you count having to repeat the prayer once) because of legs coming out of the water. Finally the last time we had them start out on their knees and it worked out much better. Bro. Horn was confirmed the next day by Bro. Packer, our ward mission leader. Bro. Packer has come with us to most of our teaching appointments with Bro. Horn, in conjunction with other ward missionaries and fellowshippers.


Through both the baptism and confirmation, the Spirit was strong and peaceful, and these are days never to be forgotten.


Pretty much everybody I talk to now talks to me about coming home. It's really weird. Despite the constant reminders, I'm not sure if it has really hit me yet - I don't think I really understand that I am coming home yet.

The Book of Mormon journey sounds great! I'll bet that was a fun and spiritual experience for all involved.

I'll be fine without cafe rio on Thursday - I figure if I've waited two years, one more day probably won't hurt. Too badly.


Any requests for food? Ummm...Watermelon?

School stuff sounds good.


Yeah I got a printout from church travel with my flight itinerary and saw that your email address is down as an msm.com address instead of msn.com. Your information is correct: I take CO 871 from Cleveland to Denver (9:00 am - 10:21 am) then a layover at Denver then CO 7902 from Denver to SLC (12:57 - 2:24). Yes I remember your phone numbers.

Well, it's been a great two years - probably the best. I can't wait to tell you all about it on Thursday.

LYMNB!!!
Elder Matthew Smith