Je vous aime!

Bonjour Tout le Monde,

This week has been great. I sent off Elder Jones and recieved Elder Gibbons, Mulford and Rigby!

I felt so much love from home, A package from the Poulsens, Mom, and Jen! You all are too good to me. Thank you soooo much! On Wednesday we got 63 new missionaries. Prior to their coming I had thought If I was any different than when I entered the MTC, as I thought about it, I felt the same. But when we got our addition to the herd, I could see how much the MTC has blessed my life in only the 6 weeks that I've been here. My Lord has already began to mold me into the missionary that he wants me to be. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve and the opportunity I had of observing such great examples, Dad, Tres, Ben, Tim, Aaron, and Ky! Also to all my nephews, especially you Jens and Garrett, You will love your missions, even though they may be far off, it is never to early to begin to foster a testimony in the Lord Jesus Christ. Enjoy primary, help your Moms and Dads and you'll be ready before you know it.

On Tuesday we had a devotional from Elder Gene R. Cook. It was awesome and I really really enjoyed my experience.
We arrived early and sang the prelude music as usual, and I couldn't help but feel SO happy! It was strange, I knew I was feeling the Spirit, but typically when I am in a setting with the spirit my mind grabs hold of something and I learn a specific lesson that I can apply to my studies and such. But as I sat there my mind was wondering and I was SO happy but I didn't know what the spirit was trying to teach me. As Elder Cook began he addressed us and titled his talk " How to Discourage Discouragment" He listed and discussed these points
1. Pray
2. Use the Scriptures
3. Testify
4. Use Music
5. Express love and Gratitude to God and Man
6. Share spiritual experiences where appropriate
7. Provide Priesthood Blessings
It was fantastic! As he discussed #5 he shared a story of a Mother (his wife) and how her pray was answer on her Elder on a lonely Christmas Night. As he began to tell this story. I realized what the spirit had been preparing me for. I had the very strong impression of the love of the Lord in my life. I realized that I had never had family struggles. All of you have always been there to support me. As I sat there I began to feel the love of all your prayers, especially the prayers of all the grandchildren. I am so grateful for the love that I feel for all of you and the love, support and prayers you Mom and Dad. I love you all and this experience filled me with excitement to bring families together in france. I am Stoked! It is hard for my to express the value of the Family and Friend Relationships I've had in my life, they are the most precious things I can possess and because of the sacrafice of Jesus Chirst and the Temple I never have to lose them. I realized how much my dear friends from high school(Trent, Jake, Charlie, Jen etc) and my dear familiy (All my siblings, Parents, nephews, nieces, In-laws and grandma) ment to me and I became very excited for france.

I love you Mom, Dad, Lish, Aaron, baby pack, Sara, Tim, Jens, Ellie, Tate, Drew, Tres, Elizabeth, Garrett, Charlie, Morgan, Ben, Tanelle, Addie, Nathan, Carson, Jeanell, Ky, Annaka, Porter, Skyler, Mia, Jodi, Grandma Sanders and I'm so grateful for the influence of the gospel in all of our lifes.

PS. Lonely Charlie As well and JEN
PPS. All the Aunts and Uncles TOO!
PPPS. Thank you Brian and Shelly for Taylor's Email and your Letters :)
PPPPS. I will probably be calling from the Airport at like 6 in the morning on the 16th, I'll let you know for sure when I find out.

Love Elder Smith

PPPPPS. Sad to hear that me car is gone, but at least is has gone to the a good cause and a loving home :) thanks mom and dad love you