Today I am typing this directly. I'm at my Dad's computer (mine having been understandably cannibalized in my 18-month absence) here to update my Blog personally.
I have a lot of mixed feelings that only someone who has gone through a Mission and has come home can understand perfectly. I am happy to be home with my parents again, but I am sad to have left behind so many wonderful friends that I've made. I am content with the service I have given, I worked very hard for a year and a half and the Lord recognizes that fact.
However I am far from done!
I will never stop being a Missionary, sharing what I know to be true and that will bless lives. But now I have other responsibilities as well. That of a College Student, Responsible Adults, and I will be preparing myself to one day become a Wife and also Mother. (For inquiring minds: NO I AM NOT ENGAGED YET. Not even close!)
My days are now spent in study of the scriptures, sleep, trying to reorganize my life, prayer, and puppy-sitting a five-pound miniature poodle named Mike. (He is currently sleeping on my lap)
I will probably at some point make another Blog to keep you all updated on my Post-Mission life, but for now look for all updates here.
Ciao!
~ Darcie Smart
Friday, August 12, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Well this is weird.
This is my last time typing out an Email on Preparation Day at a Computer Lab in Houston Texas.
Next time I have access to the internet it will be at my home, in Washington, on a personal computer, any day I feel like.
I can't help but feel weirded out.
But I'm also really excited! I'm so exhausted but I didn't go to sleep until after Midnight last night. So sorry if this email doesn't make sense, I'm runnin' off of fumes.
Crazy, I'll be a 'Normal' person again in roughly 56 hours (I was never really what you would call 'normal').
I'm sorry that I don't have more stuff to say. We had this really cool Activity planned by the Missionaries I'm serving with. A Book of Mormon Night with songs, Testimonies, Video Clips. It really rocked! We had a good Turn-out too. We want more Investigators of course, but the Ward plans to do one of these every six weeks so there will be another opportunity. I told people that I was leaving yesterday. I got a lot of hugs and invites. There's one woman that has a dear place in my heart that demands I go to Puebla Mexico to be present at her Temple Sealing to her Husband. I'm game! I want to come and visit again soon, but I don't know when I can. But I know that whenever I am able, there will be many open door and open arms waiting for me.
I'll miss my Mission.
Next time I have access to the internet it will be at my home, in Washington, on a personal computer, any day I feel like.
I can't help but feel weirded out.
But I'm also really excited! I'm so exhausted but I didn't go to sleep until after Midnight last night. So sorry if this email doesn't make sense, I'm runnin' off of fumes.
Crazy, I'll be a 'Normal' person again in roughly 56 hours (I was never really what you would call 'normal').
I'm sorry that I don't have more stuff to say. We had this really cool Activity planned by the Missionaries I'm serving with. A Book of Mormon Night with songs, Testimonies, Video Clips. It really rocked! We had a good Turn-out too. We want more Investigators of course, but the Ward plans to do one of these every six weeks so there will be another opportunity. I told people that I was leaving yesterday. I got a lot of hugs and invites. There's one woman that has a dear place in my heart that demands I go to Puebla Mexico to be present at her Temple Sealing to her Husband. I'm game! I want to come and visit again soon, but I don't know when I can. But I know that whenever I am able, there will be many open door and open arms waiting for me.
I'll miss my Mission.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Final Countdown
Dun nunuh nuuh, dun nun nuhnuhnuh! (*insert dramatic music from that one song here*)
Yeah, so I broke through to single digits. I only have nine days left! Me falta nueve dias! AHH!
I'm starting to lose all fear of coming home though. I'm sick and tired (caught a cold) and I'm just getting really excited to finish my Mission. In my view, I have had a successful mission. I have worked very hard, surprised myself with how devoted, diligent, and obedient I can be. And I have set a standard for the rest of my life. I have learned many new skills, acquired the use of another language, and I have made a mountain of new friends. AND of course most importantly of all, I have invited hundreds of people to come unto Christ and be saved through the steps of his Gospel and in the one and only True Church with the restored power of the Priesthood. I'm a Missionary for LIFE. I just won't be full time anymore.
I also want to thank everyone who has sent me Letters or other forms of Support on my Mission. It has been a real blessing to see how many people love and support me in my worthy goals. I have a few letters to respond to that I'm working on. Not all of them will be responded to while on my Mission (because of packing and such), BUT I will ANSWER EVERY ONE. After a day of sleep once I'm home I can write lovely letters at my leisure. So if anyone wants to send one last letter, or never sent me one and wants to squeak out a 'deathbed repentance' this is your last chance.
That's kind of all the news I have. Typing has tired me out.
Ciao,
~ Hermana Smart
Yeah, so I broke through to single digits. I only have nine days left! Me falta nueve dias! AHH!
I'm starting to lose all fear of coming home though. I'm sick and tired (caught a cold) and I'm just getting really excited to finish my Mission. In my view, I have had a successful mission. I have worked very hard, surprised myself with how devoted, diligent, and obedient I can be. And I have set a standard for the rest of my life. I have learned many new skills, acquired the use of another language, and I have made a mountain of new friends. AND of course most importantly of all, I have invited hundreds of people to come unto Christ and be saved through the steps of his Gospel and in the one and only True Church with the restored power of the Priesthood. I'm a Missionary for LIFE. I just won't be full time anymore.
I also want to thank everyone who has sent me Letters or other forms of Support on my Mission. It has been a real blessing to see how many people love and support me in my worthy goals. I have a few letters to respond to that I'm working on. Not all of them will be responded to while on my Mission (because of packing and such), BUT I will ANSWER EVERY ONE. After a day of sleep once I'm home I can write lovely letters at my leisure. So if anyone wants to send one last letter, or never sent me one and wants to squeak out a 'deathbed repentance' this is your last chance.
That's kind of all the news I have. Typing has tired me out.
Ciao,
~ Hermana Smart
It came in the mail!
A day last week I got an envelope from the Mission Office. I looked at it then at my companion Hermana Barton and asked "Do you know what this is?" She glanced at it then replied, "Death?" She was pretty close. (note: in Missionary Lingo we refer to 'ending your mission' as 'dying')
So I got my Travel Itinerary. I know what time I've going to get on a plane here, and what time I will be stepping off the plane in Washington sweet Washington. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was freaking out in the apartment a bit. There was a bit of half-way kidding screaming going on.
I'm just really, really tired and trying really, really hard to not slack as much as I feel like doing. We are getting more total lessons and new investigators each week so we are doing better. But I just feel so out of it a lot. Hermana Barton is really great at keeping me going, and she is doing so well! I personally think that she could probably train once I leave, but she gets mad at me each time I mention it.
I'm trying hard to remember some big news this week but nothing is coming. We're starting to do more contacting in the evening hours, and actually it has born good results. We talked to a lot of cool people yesterday. Most of them were on their way somewhere but still took the time to talk to us (good sign) and we have a few return appointments to come back and teach them with their families. Yay!
I've been doing a lot of baking lately, it's like my therapy. We end up giving most of the cupcakes away and eat a couple ourselves. There was one Lady who told was so impressed that I had actually made cupcakes myself. I explained that they were from a box but she told me I should sell them for like a dollar each. I have discovered that Hispanics (most anyway) have no idea how to bake and think that it is a huge complicated affair. So they get SO impressed when you bring them baked goods. We have improved a lot of relations by way of delicious little cupcakes decorated with sprinkles.
That's really all I can come up with.
Ciao ~ Hermana Smart
So I got my Travel Itinerary. I know what time I've going to get on a plane here, and what time I will be stepping off the plane in Washington sweet Washington. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was freaking out in the apartment a bit. There was a bit of half-way kidding screaming going on.
I'm just really, really tired and trying really, really hard to not slack as much as I feel like doing. We are getting more total lessons and new investigators each week so we are doing better. But I just feel so out of it a lot. Hermana Barton is really great at keeping me going, and she is doing so well! I personally think that she could probably train once I leave, but she gets mad at me each time I mention it.
I'm trying hard to remember some big news this week but nothing is coming. We're starting to do more contacting in the evening hours, and actually it has born good results. We talked to a lot of cool people yesterday. Most of them were on their way somewhere but still took the time to talk to us (good sign) and we have a few return appointments to come back and teach them with their families. Yay!
I've been doing a lot of baking lately, it's like my therapy. We end up giving most of the cupcakes away and eat a couple ourselves. There was one Lady who told was so impressed that I had actually made cupcakes myself. I explained that they were from a box but she told me I should sell them for like a dollar each. I have discovered that Hispanics (most anyway) have no idea how to bake and think that it is a huge complicated affair. So they get SO impressed when you bring them baked goods. We have improved a lot of relations by way of delicious little cupcakes decorated with sprinkles.
That's really all I can come up with.
Ciao ~ Hermana Smart
Really?
Okay, so some of you will have noticed my mentioning that I feel really tired. Well long story short I went to a Doctor's Office with the intent to have blood drawn and tests run to see if there was some serious or treatable cause for my extreme fatigue (such as anemia). They asked me all sorts of questions and have me fill out two mood tests because they decided I showed signs of depression. Was I experiencing high levels of stress? Yes. Did I sleep all through the night without waking? Yes. But I'm still tired? Yes. Did I fall asleep inappropriately? No.
For some reason that just confused the heck out of them. They could not seem to understand that the life I'm living right now is not normal. When I did get to talk to the actual doctor the first thing he says is: "So this medication I'm going to put you on is..." And I was confused. I asked if I was going to get my blood test still and he said yes, and then explained to me that he needed to find something that would not relax me too much but would help me sleep and stay alert. I got two week's worth of free samples of something I can't remember the name of. But the thing is that he gave me Narcolepsy medicine. Excuse me, I haven't actually fallen asleep anywhere except my bed! I often feel so sleepy that I could put my head on the table and just nap if I gave myself the chance, but as of yet that hasn't happened.
The culmination of this tale is that I flushed the medicine and the blood tests came out negative to anything. They wanted me to make a return appointment and I declined, I don't' think they can help me. Probably the best cure will be to sleep two days in my own bed back home breathing crisp and clean Washington air.
That was probably the most exciting event to happen in my life last week. The other would be going to this place called Kolache Factory that has many delicious things. Imagine if you will a very tasty dinner roll. Now place inside this roll other scrumptious items such as Philly cheese steak, diced ham, and a combination of scrambled eggs, potato and cheese. My mouth is watering just remembering it! (doesn't help I'm super hungry!)
So yes.
I believe that is all for now.
For some reason that just confused the heck out of them. They could not seem to understand that the life I'm living right now is not normal. When I did get to talk to the actual doctor the first thing he says is: "So this medication I'm going to put you on is..." And I was confused. I asked if I was going to get my blood test still and he said yes, and then explained to me that he needed to find something that would not relax me too much but would help me sleep and stay alert. I got two week's worth of free samples of something I can't remember the name of. But the thing is that he gave me Narcolepsy medicine. Excuse me, I haven't actually fallen asleep anywhere except my bed! I often feel so sleepy that I could put my head on the table and just nap if I gave myself the chance, but as of yet that hasn't happened.
The culmination of this tale is that I flushed the medicine and the blood tests came out negative to anything. They wanted me to make a return appointment and I declined, I don't' think they can help me. Probably the best cure will be to sleep two days in my own bed back home breathing crisp and clean Washington air.
That was probably the most exciting event to happen in my life last week. The other would be going to this place called Kolache Factory that has many delicious things. Imagine if you will a very tasty dinner roll. Now place inside this roll other scrumptious items such as Philly cheese steak, diced ham, and a combination of scrambled eggs, potato and cheese. My mouth is watering just remembering it! (doesn't help I'm super hungry!)
So yes.
I believe that is all for now.
Monday, July 11, 2011
I realized something this weekend....
I have four weeks left.
dun. Dun. DUUUUUN.
And it's a really weird realization let me tell you! I've gotten into the mental habit of being on the mission and the thought of not being on my mission soon is honestly kind of disconcerting...
I'm trying not to think about it.
Changing the subject: We had Ward Conference yesterday and it was really good. I took notes just like I do for General Conference and I got a couple pages of goodness. One story that was told I really liked. The speaker related the time where to save money the missionaries were given Tandem Bikes instead of two bikes per companionship. One pair of Elders had an appointment at the very top of a tall hill, almost a mountain. They started up and the one in front was putting in all his effort, it was getting harder and harder but the Elder put all he had into it and in the end they made it to the top. Exhausted he looks at his companion behind and said, "We made it! I almost thought we wouldn't!" And his companion replied, "Me neither! I was afraid that we would fall back down so after half way I was putting on the brakes!"
Which one of these two are we? Are we the kind of person that puts all their strength into going forward and going higher? Or are we the kind that is too afraid to lose what we already have and puts on the brakes? The speaker was relating this to Missionary Work. He said that Missionaries are putting all their time and effort into helping people come unto Christ and be Baptized in his True Church. But that sometimes the Members are too afraid of losing what they have, of putting a friendship at risk to reach out and offer a Missionary Visit to their friends and family. But also I think that story could be related to any part in our lives. I know that I put on the brakes sometimes in my own life out of fear. My Mission is helping me a lot to try and get over that. I'm still far from perfect, but I'm closer than I was a year and a half ago. And I'm content with that amount of progress. I'll be working on this project (myself) for as long as I live.
And a Funny Anecdote: Apparently at 4:30am this morning I woke up my companion Hermana Barton because I jerked up out of bed and cried "We Gotta Go!", then I looked at the clock and make a grumpy sigh and fell back to sleep. Now, what makes this even funnier is that I have ABSOLUTELY no recollection of having done such a thing. I totally believe her, but I can't remember it for the life of me. And think that's the closest I've ever gotten to sleep walking.
Over and out,
~ Hermana Smart
dun. Dun. DUUUUUN.
And it's a really weird realization let me tell you! I've gotten into the mental habit of being on the mission and the thought of not being on my mission soon is honestly kind of disconcerting...
I'm trying not to think about it.
Changing the subject: We had Ward Conference yesterday and it was really good. I took notes just like I do for General Conference and I got a couple pages of goodness. One story that was told I really liked. The speaker related the time where to save money the missionaries were given Tandem Bikes instead of two bikes per companionship. One pair of Elders had an appointment at the very top of a tall hill, almost a mountain. They started up and the one in front was putting in all his effort, it was getting harder and harder but the Elder put all he had into it and in the end they made it to the top. Exhausted he looks at his companion behind and said, "We made it! I almost thought we wouldn't!" And his companion replied, "Me neither! I was afraid that we would fall back down so after half way I was putting on the brakes!"
Which one of these two are we? Are we the kind of person that puts all their strength into going forward and going higher? Or are we the kind that is too afraid to lose what we already have and puts on the brakes? The speaker was relating this to Missionary Work. He said that Missionaries are putting all their time and effort into helping people come unto Christ and be Baptized in his True Church. But that sometimes the Members are too afraid of losing what they have, of putting a friendship at risk to reach out and offer a Missionary Visit to their friends and family. But also I think that story could be related to any part in our lives. I know that I put on the brakes sometimes in my own life out of fear. My Mission is helping me a lot to try and get over that. I'm still far from perfect, but I'm closer than I was a year and a half ago. And I'm content with that amount of progress. I'll be working on this project (myself) for as long as I live.
And a Funny Anecdote: Apparently at 4:30am this morning I woke up my companion Hermana Barton because I jerked up out of bed and cried "We Gotta Go!", then I looked at the clock and make a grumpy sigh and fell back to sleep. Now, what makes this even funnier is that I have ABSOLUTELY no recollection of having done such a thing. I totally believe her, but I can't remember it for the life of me. And think that's the closest I've ever gotten to sleep walking.
Over and out,
~ Hermana Smart
Monday, June 27, 2011
A change in leadership
This week President Hansen and his wife, who have been serving in the Texas Houston Mission for three years, will return to their home in Arizona and leave the 'keys of the kingdom' in the hands of President Pingree and his wife.
I'm a little sad, because I might not see them again for a while and also I've had the same Mission President for my entire mission. But I am excited to get to know President Pingree in my last six weeks here. He and his wife sound very sweet, and they are bringing their five children with them so that will be different. And I know that they have been prepared by the Lord to serve with us at this time in Houston Texas. I know my mission will be in good hands.
In other news: it's really hot! (Okay not new news) The humidity has spiked even though we haven't gotten a lot of rain, that's what makes July even worse. I'm hoping for a few epic storms before I head out though. And next week is the 4th of July, so I'll be emailing on Tuesday instead. I hope you all have fun plans in mind! So far our Zone has another BBQ planned, the last one was pretty fun so I'm excited!
Other than that there's not a whole lot of new information, just that we should have a baptism this next weekend. Yay! We're trying to think of a gift for him, because he is always going back and forth because of work and that he said he's sick of eating pure hamburgers we're thinking of buying a couple little microwave-able meals. He lives in a hotel because of work, so can't really cook for himself. Hopefully he likes that!!
Everyone have a fun and safe 4th!
~ Hermana Smart
I'm a little sad, because I might not see them again for a while and also I've had the same Mission President for my entire mission. But I am excited to get to know President Pingree in my last six weeks here. He and his wife sound very sweet, and they are bringing their five children with them so that will be different. And I know that they have been prepared by the Lord to serve with us at this time in Houston Texas. I know my mission will be in good hands.
In other news: it's really hot! (Okay not new news) The humidity has spiked even though we haven't gotten a lot of rain, that's what makes July even worse. I'm hoping for a few epic storms before I head out though. And next week is the 4th of July, so I'll be emailing on Tuesday instead. I hope you all have fun plans in mind! So far our Zone has another BBQ planned, the last one was pretty fun so I'm excited!
Other than that there's not a whole lot of new information, just that we should have a baptism this next weekend. Yay! We're trying to think of a gift for him, because he is always going back and forth because of work and that he said he's sick of eating pure hamburgers we're thinking of buying a couple little microwave-able meals. He lives in a hotel because of work, so can't really cook for himself. Hopefully he likes that!!
Everyone have a fun and safe 4th!
~ Hermana Smart
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