Come What May and Love It

Well, I'm sure you all are quite curious as to what has happened to me. Honestly, I'm curious as well. I have no idea how it's happened, but I'll tell you everything that I know, so as to answer your unasked questions.

About 6 weeks ago, while still in Frauenfeld, I started having this weird pain in my hip. Odd. But I didn't really think much of it; I figured I had probably just slept in a funny position or something. Once I was transferred to Richterswil, the pain got worse and I suddenly had pain shooting down my left leg. I felt it a great deal in my calf, and as I went throughout the transfer, the pain rapidly grew worse and spread throughout my entire leg, over to my right leg and continued spreading up my back. It became so bad I couldn't even walk. It was frustrating because we couldn't even go out and work, the pain was so bad. Taking stairs or walking up and down hill, and honestly, just even walking, was incredibly painful. Pain medications weren't working and I was speaking with the area doctor and doctors in my area for weeks trying to figure all of this out.

Last week, I met with other doctors and they, after doing a couple of physical examinations, determined that the reason I had so much pain was due to a herniated disc. Another doctor thought it was possibly something to do with my Sciatic Nerve. All I knew was that I was in horrible pain and prayed I could get all of this resolved so that we could go out and work.

As I spoke with President Condie, he asked a couple of questions and said he would call me back later. I was hoping to work in the mission office for the rest of the transfer and the next one so I could heal. Unfortunately, when President Condie called me, the first thing he said to me was, "Sister NeSmith, are you sitting down?" My goodness, those are the worst words to start out any conversation with! He told me that, after praying about it, both he and Sister Condie feel it best to that I be sent home. He said that there's clearly something serious wrong and so he said they would try to take me to the mission office to work there and then send me home at the end of the transfer. 2 days later, President Condie called to tell me I would go to Munich on Monday the 6th and fly home on the 7th.

The past week has been extremely emotional for me. I don't know what Heavenly Father has planned for me. At this point, I'm just going with it. He has a plan for each and every one of us and so I figure I'll just follow his plan instead of trying to make up my own. President Condie said that after I've been treated, I need to allow at least a month after I've healed to make sure I don't have any pain whatsoever, should I try to go back out. I don't really know if I will. I would love to, naturally, but I don't know what Heavenly Father has planned for me. When the time comes, I'll make that decision very prayerfully.

It's such a blessing to know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each and every one of His children. Doesn't that provide so much comfort? Believe me, it has been a huge blessing of comfort for me throughout this whole process.

So, now I'm back home. I'm being released tonight by my stake president. And we'll just see what happens from there.

I'm sad to have left. I didn't want to, but I trust President Condie and I know that he wouldn't have sent me home unless it was the right thing to do. So here I am in Kansas, back much sooner than expected. But just as Elder Wirthlin said in his wonderful talk, "Come What May and Love It." That's my motto and that's what I'm going to do.

Guten Morgen!

There is much to tell you, but unfortunately, I don't have as much time as I would like. The life of a missionary, right?

Last week, Sister Watkins and I traveled to Munich (I love Munich!!) for a training session. It was great because we got to meet the sisters in the other parts of the mission and I was able to see friends I haven't talked to in such a long time. It was wonderful and we learned so much! It was so great to be able to be in Munich, learning how to help others better and see how the mission is changing. I mentioned a couple of times what we learned at last Zone Conference and how a lot of responsibility is moving from the mission president to the missionaries and it focuses a lot on how to better teach those seeking the gospel. As missionaries, we're teaching investigators how to receive revelation for themselves and how they can better come to know that our Savior loves them, specifically. It's all very exciting and I'm grateful for this chance to better help the people here.

I wish I could have posted pictures, but alas, I was unable to find my camera. Fear not, it is in the apartment...I just don't remember where...So...pictures of Munich will be attached next week.

It's been an interesting couple of weeks here in Richterswil. People have moved, investigators have dropped us...it's been a bit sad, but there are those that are out there seeking the Gospel and we get to bring it to them, so we can't get discouraged because then we'll fail to see those searching for the gospel.

For now, I bid you adieu. Until next week, my people!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

Finally, pictures!

Well, well, it's another extremely humid morning here in Richterswil. Expected, seeing as we're RIGHT by the water.It's a beautiful spot to be in and when our GML and his wife came over their first reaction was, "WHOA!! What a view!! People pay millions for this view!" It's pretty gorgeous, I can't complain.

Sadly this one will be quite short this week. We really don't have a lot of time because on Friday, President Condie called and said we're be having a Sisters Training meeting in Munich for 3 days. Remember me telling you last week about fewer Zone Conferences and more training meetings? Yep, well, this is the start of it all. So I'll be in Munich until Wednesday.

Not much has happened this past week, sadly. Sister Watkins and I have both been quite sick, so we've been doing a lot of studying. We seem to be doing a bit better today, which we're both extremely grateful for. Thank goodness! There's just so much work to do here, we can't afford to get sick!

I hope the pictures make up for the lack of email today.I'm sorry! This is the view from our apartment. Ah, it's quite splendid, wouldn't you say? Switzerland was greatly blessed with beautiful landscapes.

Love,

Sister NeSmith

just another rainy day in Switzerland

Hello, hello!

It is quite the rainy day here, which I greatly appreciate, because I'm tired of the summer heat and lack of air conditioning (and combine that with walking up mountains all day...it gets to be rather disgusting) so I'm very grateful for the rain.

Last week, we had Zone Conference which held some very interesting changes for our mission. I think this is what is being instituted throughout all missions, but I'm not entirely positive, so don't quote me on it....we're still going to have transfers every 6 weeks, but we now only have zone conference once a quarter, along with interviews. There will be more training sessions, but a lot of the stress the mission president has is now being put on the shoulders of the missionaries. Zone and District leaders will be in charge of training the missionaries in their zone and district and there's more emphasis on certain parts of Preach My Gospel. We're challenging investigators to meet with us more during the week, but for shorter periods of time and when we don't meet with them, they're suppose to study the Book of Mormon and pray about it to know for themselves if it's true. We call it the 3x4, or the 3x30 because we meet 3 times a week (including church) for 4 weeks, for only 30 minutes. It's interesting to see how investigators change during this time.

Sister Watkins and I have 2 new investigators we're working with. I'm still trying to learn and meet everyone here, which is so easy task, mind you. So many people have been on vacation (in fact, there's a family in my ward that's going on a year long vacation. An entire year! All around the world. It's crazy.), so it's been really difficult to meet with everyone. Hopefully, with Ferien now over and school back in session, we can meet with our investigators and also the ward members. But yes, we have 2 new investigators, which is very exciting. One we met while waiting for our train and we started talking to him and teaching (Teach to Find) him and he was really interested and wanted to meet with us, and our lesson yesterday was so awesome! I love teaching about the Restoration of the Gospel because I love the special spirit it brings into the room. So great!

Sadly, I'll have to close here, but there's so much to tell you! I'll try to write more next week. Be Safe! I love and miss you all!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

Goodbye Frauenfeld...hello Richterswil

Guten Morgen, Meine Familie!

I hope to find you all well. I have indeed been transferred to Richterswil. It was hard to leaving the people of Frauenfeld, but I know I'm suppose to be here in Richterswil. It's been an interesting experience, the past couple of days. I've learned a lot and have experienced so many miracles and witnesses that I am supposed to be here in Richterswil. My companion, Sister Watkins, was actually trained by my trainer, Sister Russon. Crazy, no? Sister Watkins is from Salt Lake and has been out a year, this Wednesday.

The work here is booming and I'm so excited to be a part of it! It's great! The ward here is wonderful and so inviting and our GML (Gemeinde Missions Leiter, aka Ward Mission Leader) totally rocks and helps us out a ton.

I haven't met many of the investigators, but the ones I have met are incredible! It's amazing to see the change the Gospel brings about in the lives of everyone. The Gospel truly means, "Good News," and it certainly brings peace and joy to our lives!

I believe I have one of the prettiest areas of Switzerland. Every morning, I study by the window that overlooks the Zuri-See and I get to see all the sailboats and ferries pass by. We live up on a hill, so our view is really spectacular. The only downside (at the moment) is that we live up on a hill. It's not really that bad, to be hones...I suppose hiking a mountain everyday is healthy, right? At least it's a great view. "Come What May and Love It", right?

That talk has been something on my mind as of late. I'll admit, I didn't want to leave Frauenfeld. I loved the ward, the people...everything. I grew a ton there. I was a witness to so many miracles and had numerous blessings poured upon me, I didn't want to leave. However, when I got to Richterswil, unpacked and had a moment in the evening to think about everything, I thought about Elder Wirthlin's talk, "Come What May and Love It." Things are going to happen that we don't plan or intend for ourselves, but we have to find joy in the journey. Why take time for school/mission/whatever to only be miserable? Be happy. That's why we're here. It's the Great Plan of Salvation and Happiness! I decided to just be optimistic, delve into the work here, get to know everything as fast as possible and "[planned] to be surprised" because I know things are different here and I can learn so much. I already have and I've only been here a few days!

My companion is amazing. She has so much motivation and we've experienced some amazing miracles already. We've found a couple of people on our train the other day. It was awesome! We taught this guy, Lukas, about the restoration and it was amazing. He recognized the spirit right away and told us that he felt really good about what we were saying. Ah! I love this work! It's a privilege to be involved in this process with everyone.

When you leave and come to a new ward, they ask you to bear your testimony. After Sacrament meeting yesterday, a ward member came up to me, introduced himself and said, "du sprichst gut Deutsch. Kannst du ubersetzen?" Uh.....I'll try?? The ward members are far too generous. Thank goodness I had Sister Watkins to help with the translating, because I may have just started making up what the person was teaching.

In other news: Elder Ballard is coming next month!! I think I mentioned that awhile ago, but I'm really excited. It'll be wonderful to hear from an apostle. Exciting things are happening in Switzerland, my people. Exciting things. Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

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Morgen, everyone! I do hope to find you all doing well. Just doing emails here in Zürich. Yesterday, at about 6:40 am, the APs called and told me I'm being transferred this Wednesday to Richterswil. I know I'm suppose to be there, but that doesn't necessarily make it that much easier to say goodbye. I'll miss Frauenfeld, the people, the ward, etc...it was an incredible experience to be here and I was blessed beyond measure. I'm sad because I didn't get to say goodbye to everyone because so many people are on vacation. I suppose that's the life of a missionary though, right? Doesn't make it any easier, though.

Richterswil....it'll be interesting. It's on the water, and the view from our apartment is spectacular. I was there an on exchange 2 transfers ago. It's a really beautiful area. I'm excited to work with the people and the ward. I'll be working with Sister Watkins. She was actually trained by my trainer, Sister Russon. Cool, no? It'll be fun to work with her and experience the joys of another area and the people. It'll be different, but I know I'll love it and the people.


Leider, muss ich gehen. I hope you all are doing great! I pray for you all daily! Love you!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

Guten Morgen!

This week has been fairly exciting--we have 3 new investigators! Isn't that wonderful?? Sister Dittli and I have been praying that we would find more people to teach. We've been somewhat frustrated here lately because so many people are on vacation right now and it's been impossible to set up appointments with people, it seems. So, we're very excited to be able to teach more people. 2 of our new investigators are actually a mother and son. We streeted into Simon, her son, a few weeks ago and so we stopped by their house and were able to teach them a lesson. Simon's mom asked if she could keep the Book of Mormon to read and study. Of course, you may!! When her husband got home, she was really excited, stood up, pointed to us and said, "Look. Mormons!!" Yes, indeed. Our other new investigator is someone we came across when looking through our area book. He had been taught a lesson and that was it, evidently. The missionaries never went by again. Never followed up. Sad. But we're teaching him now, which is was cool. He's a very spiritual man and excited to learn more. It's such a wonderful calling to be involved in this process with people. It's a very humbling experience.

I hope you all are doing well. Life continues on in Frauenfeld. We find out this Sunday if we'll be staying or getting transferred. I wouldn't be surprised, honestly, if I'm transferred. Sisters have been in Frauenfeld for a couple of years and so I wouldn't be surprised if President Condie gave the area to elders. We'll find out Sunday, so stay tuned!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

come what may and love it

Guten Morgen, everyone!

This week has actually somewhat of a bummer for us, to be blunt. It´s summer, which means everyone is on vacation, so it´s been really difficult for us to meet and find people. Appointments have cancelled, doors have been slammed...it can be difficult at times to not get frustrated. Sister Dittli and I hold strong though. We´ve able to just remind ourselves of something funny the other has said or an experience we had together and then we´re good. It keeps us trucking along. We did have some really great lessons last week. I mentioned Alex in my last email, so I´ll mention someone else today. Sister Dittli and I met the sweetest lady from Greece about a month and a half ago and so we´ve been visiting her. Her faith is so strong! It´s remarkable and she´s so sweet to us. She loves having us come over and she just always brings a smile to our faces. The people here are so wonderful. Yes, times may be hard, door may be slammed in our faces (or windows, since everyone generally leans out of their window to see who we are before they buzz us in), and people may reject hearing the message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, but then you meet someone that just makes it all worth it. The worth of one soul is indeed great in the sight of the Lord! (read Doctrine and Covenants section 18. Marvelous!)

I´ll be sending more photos soon. It´s a beautiful time of the year and we´ll be celebrating some holidays quite soon. It´ll be wonderful!

I hope you all are doing well. Stay strong and, as Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "Come what may and love it."

Love,

Sister NeSmith

Guten Morgen! I write you today from Konstanz, Germany. We decided to check out other places in our district, so we came here.I promised you all pictures, so I hope these will do. I´m bummed because I have a ton I want to show you all, but I´m having problems with the computer here, soo....I´m afraid I´ll have to print them off and send them home. I may be able to scan some...not sure. We´ll find out.

There is some exciting news here: our investigator, Alex, is getting really close to baptism. Yesterday, he talked to us about setting up a baptismal date! Woo! He said he just isn´t ready for baptism and would decide at some point whether or not to get baptized. And yesterday, he talked about setting up a baptismal date. The ward here is amazing. They´ve helped us so much with Alex, as well as all of our other investigators.
Let me explain the photos before I forget: We got together with some other missionaries and we decided to go on a boat ride in Biel and so the first 3 photos are from that. I´m sad I´m unable to send you more, it was beautiful (and ridiculously hot) that day. The last photo is from our apartment window. Not the most exciting view, but the sunsets here are really pretty.
Unfortunately, I must bid you adieu, so my time is up. I hope you all are doing well. Help out the missionaries in your area. It´s greatly appreciated, believe me!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

Happy belated 4th!

Guten Morgen!

I hope to find you fairing well. We're here in Zürich to play soccer with the other missionaries in celebration of July 4. Sadly, no one here celebrates it. However, I heard fireworks around our area Saturday evening, which made me happy. Here, the big celebration is August 1, so I'm excited to see all the fireworks and displays then. It'll be cool.

Please don't be mad....I even brought my camera and cable, but alas...there's no USB port that is accessible for the users of this internet cafe. Dang. Sorry about that. I even have some really awesome photos for you! Next week. We'll be in either Frauenfeld or Konstanz, Germany for Pday, and I know I'll be able to send them then. Be excited, family and friends. Switzerland is gorgeous!

The work here continues. President Condie, our new mission president, has different ways of doing things (naturally), so we'll see how things change. It's kind of strange, honestly, that our mission is now huge. Southern Germany, majority of Switzerland, and all of Austria...crazy! I'm not going to lie, I'm serving in the most beautiful mission in the world. And the people here are so great!

I've got to tell you...give the missionaries referrals!! I love them! The ward here is amazing, they're really focused on missionary work. We have a couple of members that have given us referrals, others that have been working with their friends and want to turn the teaching over to us...man, it rocks! We now have a new investigator, Jacqueline, that has been going to church for a number of years on her own. She didn't grow up religious, but she recognized the importance of it a number of years ago and so she's been going around to different churches because she just wants the truth. And not just a little bit of the truth, but the entire thing. I think we can help her out there. She's way awesome and she's so sweet! I'm really lucky that I get to teach her.

Alex, one of our other investigators, is doing great. He asked some of his member friends about earrings and men the other day and when they told him that men don't wear earrings in our church and that the women only wear one earring in each ear, he called us right away and asked us. So we explained that the prophet has asked us to maintain a clean appearance and that the men refrain from wearing earrings. So...he took them out! Alex is awesome, everyone. He really is. He keeps commitments and he loves to learn more. So awesome! I love this work!

Leider, I must bid you all farewell. I hope you have a splendid day and that you were able to enjoy the 4th of July. Much love!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

Guten Abend!So, I was originally going to include pictures from today in this email, but...we had planned to push off emails until tomorrow because we were spending the day with an investigator, but then we ended up with time and so now I find myself in an internet shop without my camera cable. Tis a shame, really...I took so many photos from our trip today with my good camera. I'm afraid that the pictures will have to wait until next week. Today Sister Dittli, Fiona, and I went to Biel and hopped on a boat around a sea/lake/large mass of water, and then just hung out, really, with other missionaries in Biel and such. It was a relaxing Pday, which was needed, honestly. Some elders want to put together a huge game of Soccer next week to celebrate the 4 and we'll grill and just have a jolly old time. We're just trying to figure out where we'll have it--Zürich or Pfyn (which is in my area, and not as easily accessible to other missionaries, so I'm not entirely sure how that'll work).I can't lie...this past week was really difficult. We weren't really able to meet with many of our investigators, and so we have been cleaning out the area book and going back on former and potential investigators, as well as a Greek lady that we met at a bus stop that invited us over. Unfortunately, there weren't that many people there, so we'll have to go by on them again. Cleaning out the area book is a long process and our area is quite large, so there's a lot of traveling to include as well. This past Friday was an excellent day because not only did I receive 2 letters and a postcard and a package (what an amazing day!), but we were able to meet with 2 investigators, a wonderful member in the ward, have an appointment for a former investigator, now have a new investigator (I LOVE member referrals!!), and man...yeah, we've just been doing a lot. It's been great!This Wednesday, we'll officially have a new mission president, President Condie. It´s sad that President Matern is going home, but I guess he couldn´t stay our mission president forever...We also have Zone Conference this Friday and I just found out that my assignment is to put together a gift basket of baked goods for the people that help us out. At least this gives me a reason to bake. Woo hoo!

Anyways, I´m afraid I must close here. Don´t forget Alma 7:23!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

Hopp Schwiiz!!

Oh man, there's no time to tell you all the craziness that's been going on with the World Cup. It's crazy!! I can't believe Switzerland beat Spain. Spain!! It was crazy. Oh my goodness, it was crazy.

I'm happy to hear that people actually read this. Amazing!! Hello, world!

Well, not too much is going on in Frauenfeld. Lot's of finding...lots and lots of finding. Some people are receptive, but the majority of them aren't, sadly. Man. But I get to stay in Frauenfeld for another transfer, which rocks! Way stoked. The people here are so awesome and helpful. I wish I could introduce everyone here to people back home. Or...you all could come here from the States, experience the joy of Switzerland and I can introduce you then. Wonderful!

Yesterday, we spent the day with one of my favorite families here: The Gaggias. We went to Bischofszell with them and walked around the city. Every year, the decorate the town in roses and have a festival, so we went with them for the opening day. It was beautiful. And then, we went back to their place and learned how to bake some amazing Zopf, we have Duel of the Fates as our new ringtone and we all just had a merry time together.

Ahh, no time today, I'm afraid. We're going on a tour of Zurich with some other missionaries. I'll do a better update next week. Sorry! I love you all and pray for you constantly. Hopp Schwiiz!

Love,

Sister NeSmith

Johannes Brahms?!

Guten TAG!!!

Sorry about the lack of email yesterday--things were a bit crazy. We went to Singen, Germany for pday so we could meet up with the sisters in the mission. We didn´t do a ton, honestly, but it was great just getting together to chill by the Bodensee (we met up in Singen and then went to Radolfzell...something like that?).

I have some rather depressing news: The baptism was cancelled. Very sad and unfortunate situation. I hope that wherever he ends up, he´ll find the Gospel again. He loves it and was truly sincere in his desire to learn more and be baptized.

I know we´re only suppose to write home about the really exciting things and never mention anything discouraging that´s happened to us, but...that´s not how it truly is, so I can´t do that.

This week has been really frustrating, I must say. We had all but 1 appointment cancel on us or stand us up, we lost half of our investigators because they said the gospel was "too much work," or that they just weren´t interested anymore. That means that we´ve been dooring a lot more. (There are some hilarious stories from that, by the way. Remind me to tell you when I get back.) Fortunately, we´ve received a couple of referrals (love the members here!), so we´ve been trying to set up appointments with them.

Sister Dittli and I are working really hard in our area, working with the ward members and finding people here. Yes, last week was frustrating. Very frustrating, but the work must go forward. It will go forward--nothing can or will stop it! And I´m lucky that I get to be a part of it and be involved in the process of people coming to Christ. How special! How wonderful! We may have been frustrated, but our spirits are high and if you´re not moving forward, you´re only moving backwards, so press on!

I do hope all is well with you all. I love you!

Love,

Rachel/Sister NeSmith

P.S. The mission merges July 1, so here´s the new mission address:

Alpine German-Speaking Mission, MunichLommelstrasse 7D-81479 MunichGermany

P.P.S And transfers are next Thursday. I´ll find out this Thursday whether or not I stay here in Frauenfeld or if I´ll be going somewhere else. Tune in next week to find out!

WOOO!!!

Hello, hello! Greetings from a very warm Switzerland. It's warming up, which I'm not particularly thrilled about....but it's lovely weather, I can't deny that. I'm afraid today will be quite short, but I hope the ridiculously exciting news makes up for it.

"Friederich" is getting baptized! It's a "for sure" thing now. Our stake president talked to him over the phone and then talked with President Matern and they gave him the okay! He's way stoked and can't wait! Ah, we're all so excited! We're thinking we can set the date for June 6, right after church. Woo!!

Other exciting news: The Frauenfeld Branch will become a ward this next Sunday! Woo hoo! We really are too big for our building and by the time the addition is added, it'll be too small, still.

Man, I'm so excited about our baptism! He was truly a golden investigator. It just goes to show that the Lord still speaks to us today and people are searching and when they hear it, they recognize it right away. It's so rad! I love it!!!

I'm afraid that'll be it for today since we don't have time. I'll send you pictures soon!

Liebe,

Sister NeSmith

P.S. yes, Jonathan, my district LOVES my baking. And I've been baking a ton, so they're very, VERY happy.

The work continues here in Frauenfeld

Mein-e Gut-e!!! Crazy things are happening here in Frauenfeld, my family! The work is certainly progressing--people certainly recogniye the voice of the Lord when they seek Him!

I believe I mentioned one of our investigators that just so happens to be from Iran. Friederich (name changed for protection), is from Iran and fled the country due to political and religious disagreements and randomly came to church with a friend of his a couple of weeks ago. He became very interested in the church because he saw how good the people were and so he was curious to find out more. We were able to get him a Book of Mormon in Persian and within a few days, he had finished all of 1Nephi! Not only that, he could recall it in perfect clarity, using names and situations. It was amazing! Now, a few weeks later, he's almost done with the Book of Mormon and in our lesson last Thursday, we talked about the blessings of baptism and he told us that he wants to be baptized! He's so excited about the gospel, he's brought some of his other friends and asked us if we could get him a Book of Mormon in Persian and if there wer missionaries in his friend's area and if there was a church building close to him. It's amazing! He's already an awesome missionary and he's not even baptized yet! It just goes to show that people recognize the voice of the Shepherd. I love this work!

We're doing a lot of work with the ward over the next few weeks. Sister Dittli and I are meeting with everyone and getting to know the less actives in the area so we know how to best help everyone. We're staying VERY busy.

We're so stoked about "Friederich." Unfortunately, there have been some problems that need to be sorted out. We're worried that since there's a chance he could go back to Iran (doesn't want to), he can't be baptized. He told us that he doesn't care, though, what happens; he's just so excited about the Gospel! It's so amazing and makes everything worth it. So awesome!

Sister Dittli and I are spending our Pday today just organizing everything in the apartment. Not exactly the Pday I had in mind, but it will help to have everything organized. We've found some way old brochures and pamphlets that the Church used to hand out. Way awesome looking...too bad we don't use them anymore. I'll send you pictures of them. They're about 50 years old-ish.

Anyways, I best be going...so much to do! The work is going strong here, hopefully I can keep up with everything!

I love you all!

Liebe,

Rachel/Sister NeSmith

Another week in Frauenfeld

Just a quick shout out to Brother Slocum--Thanks for the letter! I just got it the other day. I can't lie...I love getting mail. Now I understand why missionaries always tell their friends to write them.

First off, I must say that I'm concerned with what is happening here in Switzerland...I have seen more mullets this past week that I think ever occured in the 80s. What is going on here?? Just because you live in Europe does not mean the mullet is cool. Meine gute....what is happening? I have seen so many different mullets...it's sick. Just don't do it. Remember Nancy Reagan, my friends: Just say no!

Ah, I'm glad I could get that off my chest. It's been bothering me all week.

Anyways...

Last week I said we were going to the Matterhorn today. We decided to push that back to next Monday so more people can come and decided instead to go to Luzern. Yeah....we woke up and it was POURING outside. However, we decided to still go and when we got to Zürich to pick up our train to Luzern, the elders there called and suggested we come another day since it was cloudy and you couldn't really see anything. Schade. That's okay. Now we're not in a rush for tonight. Sister Russon and I decided to challenge ourselves more and set up a committment with a family in our ward and did a "Set a Date." We challenged them to share the gospel with their friends and neighbors and have someone that we can teach with them within two weeks. Our part was to also find someone to bring and, I can't deny it...it was hard! Sister Russon and I really struggled. Whenever we doored, people close the door on us or interruped us, telling us they weren't interested and then closed the door on us.

We decided, yesterday, to check on one of our neighbors below us to see how she was doing and such. A few weeks ago, we made some cookies and took them to our neighbors so we could get to know them better. So we dropped by again and she invited us in before we really said anything. We talked with her for awhile and she told us everything that's been going on in her life and when we invited her to the Fuhrer household tonight, she said that she would be there, for sure!! I was getting really worried and trying to figure out what I was doing wrong as a missionary. Fortunately, the Lord reminded me and now we can introduce her to a wonderful family in the ward. I was reminded that the most important thing to do as a missionary is to love the people and make sure they know it. That's the basis of our religion: Christ and his love for us and everyone. I love the gospel!! And I love sharing it with people.

I've been met with frustration this past week...and some things have been really difficult, but the Lord is mindful of all of us and I know that he's watching over me as I do His work. I've been so greatly blessed, it's important to constantly remind yourself of the blessings in your life. They're all around you. Don't forget the tender mercies you experience each day!

Let me tell you about one of our investigators, Nelson. He's 22 and from Nigeria. He's had a hard life, you can tell, yet he's always happy to see us. When we talk to him about the Gospel, you can see his understanding of it deepen. He knows it's true and has told us that he knows it to be true the past few times we've met with him. I love telling people about the power of prayer: through it and the power of the Holy Ghost, we can know the truth of all things. Heavenly Father wants us to have the truth in our lives, but we first must show him that we truly desire it. We have to have a "broken heart and a contrite spirit," meaning that we must sincerely pray. We must truly want the answer and then, when we have it, be willing to follow what we're told.

I love being here, even if it can be frustrating and at times discouraging. The truth has been restored on the earth and I love it! We can all have that joy that the gospel brings to our lives--isn't that such a great blessing?? We can all have it!

Yesterday, I played in church with Sister Russon and an older man in the ward, Kuno. We played Brother Beebe's arrangment of "How Great Thou Art" (In German, "Wie Gross Bist Du") and I must say, I love sharing my testimony through song! I'm especially grateful for the experience because I still can't understand everything people say to me, nor can I communicate as well as I would like, but through music, I can share my testimony and I know they can feel it, I know that they can understand what I am unable to say. What a blessing!

I hope everyone is well. I would love to hear from you all! I recommend sending letters to the mission home since I don't know what's going on with transfers. I think I'll find out next Thursday. If it's better, you can email and I'll just write back or email, if I can. I love and pray for you all!

Alle Liebe,

Sister NeSmith

In other news...

Marlene cancelled.

However, we have 2, possibly 4, new investigators! I'm excited about that. One of our investigators brought his friend to church and he wants a Book of Mormon, so he's coming next Sunday to church and we'll be able to teach them another lesson there. Hopefully we'll be able to meet with them outside of church as well.

The chances are pretty high that I'll be transferred from Frauenfeld at the end of the transfer. No idea where I'll go. I'd love to stay, but we don't have any sisters coming in this transfer and 2 are leaving, so there's a good chance I'll go to Ulm (Germany) or another place that's in my zone, but I can't remember the name...I wonder where the Lord needs me next?

One of our investigators took us out to dinner (insisted going to the most expensive place in his town) and guess what we had? A US steak! Although it was amazing, it was weird because they cooked it with cheese and herbs on top. Good, but kind of weird....

I'm afraid this is the mass email that will have to do for today. Sorry! These next few Mondays we'll have little time because Sister Russon has a few places she wants to see before she leaves and I want her to be able to go her last few weeks here.

Today, we're going to Stein am Rhein...I have no idea what's really there, but I heard it's cool and it's close, so we're going. Woo! I realllly hope you and dad are able to come next summer to pick me up (I understand if you can't. It's okay) because I want to take you all everywhere! Next week, we're tackling the Matterhorn. YEAH!! So stoked. We'll have to leave at about 5 am since it's a 3-4 hour train ride just to get there, but it'll totally be worth it. Woo!

As for pictures, I think I may just print them out and then send them home through the mail because, 1. I keep forgetting about the cable, and 2. It may take up too much time and we have to pay for our internet use here. Agh. We'll see. I will certainly send photos home soon. Promise!

I love you all!

Liebe,

Rachel/Sister NeSmith

Guten Morgen!!

Mensch, there is just so much to tell you all--I have no idea where to start! I do, however, have some very interesting stories that just tesitfy to me that this is the Lord's work!

Let me tell you, first, about Paradise. Ahh...I visited paradise last Tuesday, so I had to wait a week to tell you about it. Schade! Sister Russon and I went to the home of the Gaggia family for dinner last Tuesday. Mrs. Gaggia is a professional caterer, and let me tell you...the food was divine! We had a traditional Swiss food. If I could remember what is was, I'd tell you...just know that it was amazing. We ate outside on her patio and it was so wonderful! Ah! Their backyard opens up to a field and then there are some old buildings (some storks built their nest on the top of the factory's chimney) and then it's just completely open after that. The grass is such a vibrant green here and it's all just so gorgeous! Good food, wonderful company, and such a picturesque view made last Tuesday a paradise and certainly something I'll never forget. I wish I could describe it better for you, but honestly, words really can't describe things here, it's so gorgeous!

Later on in the week, we visited Don in his shop in Wil. I was really excited for this because, well...Don, meine familie, is from Kansas. KANSAS! And guess where? Overland Park. He visits Olathe every September though because his best friend lives there (really close to us, too. Crazy!). It was interesting talking with him because he couldn't get over the fact that I was also from Kansas and kept saying what a crazy coincidence it was and asked my companion, Sister Russon, if I was sent here because he was from Kansas. Nope! When he said what a coincidence it was, I was filled with the spirit and was able to testify to him that it was no coincidence that I was sent to Frauenfeld at this time. (I must say that I was a bit surprised by the words that came out of my mouth, my friends, and I know that the spirit took over to speak to him, because the words I spoke to Don were very direct and bold....not how I normally speak)

I told Don that nothing is a coincidence and that everything happens on the Lord's time. I was sent to Frauenfeld for a reason and that I was sent to speak to him for a reason. It was no coincidence. Noone but my trainer knew that he was from Kansas and that I, her new trainee, was also from Kansas. Präsident Matern simply knew that I was suppose to go to Frauenfeld; he didn't know why.

Isn't that amazing?? Everything happens for a reason. I was sent here at this time to speak to certain people. There are people here that need the gospel and each day here testifies to me that I was called to this mission to speak with these people. It's amazing!

Other exciting news:

We have an appointment this Thursday with the first person I met when we did a Tür-zu-Tür approach. Stoked!

People have a difficult time pronouncing my name. Is it bad that I kind of find it funny? I helpt them out...people just seem really confused about how to pronounce my name. There's a boy in the ward that looked at my name and said, "Hey, it's like Joseph Smith, but with N-e in front of it!" Precisely, young man...precisely.

I've been trying to find a cello to rent here, but it's so expensive! Everything here is ridiculously expensive. I was beginning to become discouraged, sadly...but then, on Sunday, there's a couple in my ward (they work at the mission home, too) that said that they've had a cello in storage for about 20 years and that I'm more than welcome to borrow it. So I tried it out and it's actually pretty decent! The Lord is mindful of everyone, my friends. He is. Anything that's a concern to us is a concern to Him. He knows each and everyone of us and He knows how we're feeling! AND they said I can use it my entire mission! What a blessing!! I'm playing in church in 2 Sundays (if I get the cello back, that is...it's in the shop getting the fingerboard reattached. Yikes...), otherwise Sister Russon is playing a piano solo.

O, Mensch...there's so much more to tell you all! I wish I had more time...and also my camera cable. I'm sorry that I forgot it. I meant to send you pictures this week. I'll do my best to send them next week.

I love you all! And I would love you even more if you wrote! I know you're busy...I understand!! I didn't think I would be so busy. I still have so many people to write back. I'm sorry to those who have yet to hear a response from me. I promise to send them out in the next week.

Liebe,

Rachel

If you love me, feed my mailbox in Frauenfeld!

Guten Abend, Familie! Though, I believe it will be the morning when you read this...so Guten Morgen! I have been assigned to Frauenfeld and to my trainer, Sister Russon. She's insanely nice and patient with me in my "Golden" ways (instead of "greenies," we're called "goldens" because we have this strange power or something, I guess. More on that later). Things have been a bit unusual since she was singing in an Ostern Chor and so we had rehearsals for awhile each day. So it hasn't been the most normal of days yet...but this week it'll pick up, I'm sure since the holiday is over.

Oh man, there's so much to tell you--I don't even know where to start! I was able to teach the man sitting next to me on the flight to Atlanta the first lesson and I gave him a Book of MormonBook of Mormon. He really wanted to talk more with us so he gave us his contact info right away and started asking us when we were going to meet with him. Unfortunately, Zürich was none of our areas and so we couldn't really give him an answer, so he asked if we could email and gave us his email address also! So awesome!
and a pamphlet on the Restoration. It was AWESOME! And then, when we got into Zürich and arrived at the mission home, we dropped our stuff off, met with the President and were told our areas and companions, and then we left! Time to contact on the streets of Zürich. There weren't any sisters to go with the three of us that had just arrived, so we were on our own. There was an elder (from Liberty!) that was with one of the elders from my distrikt at the MTC on the other side of the street. It was pretty difficult, I'm not gonna lie. We didn't understand Swiss-German (and we still don't), but we were able to talk to someone and give him a
You're probably wondering about the language, yes? Well...it's interesting. It's DEFINITELY different than hoch deutsch and it's pretty difficult to understand, but I have improved a great deal in the few days I've been here. I can't lie...I don't really believe the other missionaries and people that tell me I have good German--they're just trying to be nice...but I was told that the people here can understand me really well, which is certainly a blessing.

We have a couple of investigators here (woo!) and one even came to the 3 sessions of General Conference that we watched! Because of the time difference, we won't watch the last session for a week or two and we'll actually watch it in Sacrament meeting right after we take the Sacrament.

Everyone here is so incredibly nice! Especially the members--they're so sweet! But really, everyone here is just incredibly nice and very polite.

I haven't really looked around Frauenfeld yet. It's an interesting little town. Okay, it's not small compared to American cities, but compared to Wien, it's like a village. It's a quaint area, and I look forward to getting to know the members and the people and culture of Frauenfeld. If you're wondering: No, there are no mountains. We can see the mountains a little bit if we take a train about 15 minutes outside of Frauenfeld. I'm hoping we'll be able to see more of the city throughout this transfer, especially since I'll be taking over this area! This is Sister Russon's last area, so I'll most likely stay here and another sister will come in.

For P-Day today, we climbed a mountain in Chur! We had to wake up at 5 to get ready and make the morning trains, but it was so worth it! I love the Alps--they're gorgeous! Unfortunately, I don't have pictures today since we're at an internet cafe in Zürich and didn't decide to come here until we were leaving Chur. I'll post pictures soon. Promise!

Wish I could write more, but I'm afraid that will have to wait a week, since PDay is just about over. Love you all!

Sister NeSmith

die Schweiz rockt!

Guten Abend, Familie! Though, I believe it will be the morning when you read this...so Guten Morgen! I have been assigned to Frauenfeld and to my trainer, Sister Russon. She's insanely nice and patient with me in my "Golden" ways (instead of "greenies," we're called "goldens" because we have this strange power or something, I guess. More on that later). Things have been a bit unusual since she was singing in an Ostern Chor and so we had rehearsals for awhile each day. So it hasn't been the most normal of days yet...but this week it'll pick up, I'm sure since the holiday is over.

Oh man, there's so much to tell you--I don't even know where to start! I was able to teach the man sitting next to me on the flight to Atlanta the first lesson and I gave him a Book of Mormon and a pamphlet on the Restoration. It was AWESOME! And then, when we got into Zürich and arrived at the mission home, we dropped our stuff off, met with the President and were told our areas and companions, and then we left! Time to contact on the streets of Zürich. There weren't any sisters to go with the three of us that had just arrived, so we were on our own. There was an elder (from Liberty!) that was with one of the elders from my distrikt at the MTC on the other side of the street. It was pretty difficult, I'm not gonna lie. We didn't understand Swiss-German (and we still don't), but we were able to talk to someone and give him a Book of Mormon. He really wanted to talk more with us so he gave us his contact info right away and started asking us when we were going to meet with him. Unfortunately, Zürich was none of our areas and so we couldn't really give him an answer, so he asked if we could email and gave us his email address also! So awesome!

You're probably wondering about the language, yes? Well...it's interesting. It's DEFINITELY different than hoch deutsch and it's pretty difficult to understand, but I have improved a great deal in the few days I've been here. I can't lie...I don't really believe the other missionaries and people that tell me I have good German--they're just trying to be nice...but I was told that the people here can understand me really well, which is certainly a blessing.

We have a couple of investigators here (woo!) and one even came to the 3 sessions of General Conference that we watched! Because of the time difference, we won't watch the last session for a week or two and we'll actually watch it in Sacrament meeting right after we take the Sacrament.

Everyone here is so incredibly nice! Especially the members--they're so sweet! But really, everyone here is just incredibly nice and very polite.

I haven't really looked around Frauenfeld yet. It's an interesting little town. Okay, it's not small compared to American cities, but compared to Wien, it's like a village. It's a quaint area, and I look forward to getting to know the members and the people and culture of Frauenfeld. If you're wondering: No, there are no mountains. We can see the mountains a little bit if we take a train about 15 minutes outside of Frauenfeld. I'm hoping we'll be able to see more of the city throughout this transfer, especially since I'll be taking over this area! This is Sister Russon's last area, so I'll most likely stay here and another sister will come in.

For P-Day today, we climbed a mountain in Chur! We had to wake up at 5 to get ready and make the morning trains, but it was so worth it! I love the Alps--they're gorgeous! Unfortunately, I don't have pictures today since we're at an internet cafe in Zürich and didn't decide to come here until we were leaving Chur. I'll post pictures soon. Promise!

Wish I could write more, but I'm afraid that will have to wait a week, since PDay is just about over. Love you all!

Sister NeSmith

The Latest from the MTC

FAMILIE!

Yes, all caps. Sorry. I'm just really excited! I leave in less than a week. Crazy! I leave the MTC at 5 am...ugh. You know how I am in the morning. Thank goodness we just have personal study when we get to our classroom at 7 am. But yes, I leave incredibly early next Tuesday. I leave SLC at 8:30, touch down in Atlanta and then I'm off to Zurich! Can you believe 9 weeks has already flown by? It's insane how fast time goes by!

There's not too much to update you about besides packing and such, which is boring, so I'll tell you what I've been studying lately...I've focused a lot on Alma lately (love!) and as you know, I put my favorite verses from the Book of Mormon on my missionary plaque, which just so happen to be from Alma. Alma chapter 26, to be exact. I must say, I love that chapter even more now that I am a missionary! Ammon rocks! I love that chapter because that's how I feel. I LOVE the gospel and I love sharing it with others! (Wow, lot of exclamation marks. Sorry...I'm just excited about all of this)

As I studied this chapter, I realized what a privilege it is for me to share the gospel with the people of Switzerland (or Germany...or Austria...or even Lichtenstein...who knows where I'll end up! I'll find out next week though. Woo!) I'm going to give all of you (anyone who reads this!) a small homework assignment. Study Alma 26 and send me your thoughts on it. Pray before you read it, that your mind will be enlightened and you will learn of its truths and that you will gain a testimony of it. Then, send me your thoughts (if you'd like. I suppose you don't have to. It would just be nice to know how you feel about it)


I wish I could copy and paste the verses that have been on my mind lately, but there's something wrong with this computer, so...tut mir leid.

Oh! As for German...I'm a bit nervous. I feel like I've been getting worse. You certainly don't need to hear about the bouts of discouragement that I've had...I'm a bit nervous for next week, though. We get in Wednesday morning, drop our stuff off at the mission home, meet with the president and then go contacting on the busiest street in Zurich. Ah, snap....That'll be interesting. Beten Sie sich fuer mich, bitte! My vocab has expanded, considering I didn't know much of the gospel vocabulary in German before I got here. I just wish I were fluent now. Oh well. It will come in time. I love you all and I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me!

Liebe,

Rachel


P.S. Did you hear that the Vienna Phil appointed a female to the role of concert master? Dang. First time that's ever happened. Crazy, no?

"If ye love me, feed my mailbox"

Preface: Rachel sent me both of these emails in the same night. She sent the first one to the wrong email. So it's double the pleasure this week! Joy!

Guten Tag!

All is going well here at the MTC. German is a bit slow still since it's just a review for me, but it'll be quite nice to have things solidified before I get over there. I've got a map that I'll be sending you of my new mission boundaries, which starts July 1 of this year. We have Bavaria (Black Forest, woo hoo!), the majority of Switzerland and all of Austria. My new mission is massive, but I'm quite excited. I talked with a member of our branch presidency on Sunday and I told him that I was a bit nervous since I have friends in Wien and was afraid that perhaps I may get distracted by them and also the music. I was told to embrace the culture (easily done!) and ask my friends to help us with the missionary work. I'll be sent where I'm needed, I'll teach those that need to be taught, and I pray that I will do so by the spirit.

You know I'm against disclaimers, but I need to go ahead and say it: Please do not judge my typing errors. Not only do we have only 30 minutes a week (ridiculous!) for reading/replying to emails, but since I've been getting back into German, I'm starting to spell things the German way .For example, when I'm writing, I'm writing everything that has "sh" in the English language as "sch." Ah, I love German, so please realize that I do indeed know how to spell in the English language; I'm just immersing myself in German. =]

Not a whole lot has changed since last week, I'm afraid. We've had some wonderful spiritual experiences here with learing German and more about the Gospel. I have the best teachers here! I'm pretty sure I already said that, but it's true. I do!

The TRC is a bit intense. Fortunately we only contact in German right now and are not teaching the lessons in German--that starts week 6 or 7. We'll see how that goes...I imagine it will be a very quiet lesson.

I'm sorry this is shorter than probably expected, but not too much has changed since last week. Thanks to those who sent letters and packages--you're wonderful and you light up my life! I'd love to hear from you all, so please write! There's dearelder.com for while I'm in the MTC, so please write! Bitte!

Liebe,

Sister NeSmith

RACHEL'S FIRST EMAIL HOME!

Guten Tag, meine Familie und Freunden!
I'm finally at my first PDay and I can say that so much has happened in just a week that I hardly know where to start! As I mentioned in the email on my first evening here, I met President Uchtdorf, which was AWESOME! Seriously, it was so cool. After we got our name tags and put our stuff in our bedroom, we were told to go to our classroom. Once we got there, we saw teachers rushing around, talking quickly (in Deutsch, nonetheless) and they finally told us that President Uchtdorf was coming to speak to us. Ah!! I'm sure you can imagine my reaction. =] After about 30 minutes of waiting in our classroom, he just walks right in and as we stand, he shakes all of our hands. All we can muster to say through our plastered and incredibly ecstactic smiles was, "Guten Tag!" He talked to us for a few minutes and then asked us if we have any questions. We seriously could have asked him anything, but all we could do was smile and say, "Guten Tag!" Let me tell you, it was such a tender mercy! You all know how excited I was to come, but I was still nervous, and once he walked in, those feelings of anxiety and doubt left me instantly. It was amazing! I've witnessed so many tender mercies, miracles, and answers to my prayers in just 1 week! In case you were wondering, President Uchtdorf is much more tan in person than he appears in his photos. Heh. But it's true. I won't go into all the things that have happened here, but I can tell you that my companion is such a blessing to me! She actually lived in Olathe for a couple of years. Crazy!! Mom, Dad, does the name of "Burnell" ring a bell? I love my companion so much! She's great, really. We keep one another going and I'm able to help her a lot with German, which, in turn, helps me solidify it in my memory. You probably haven't heard, and Iactually just found out Tuesday evening after devotional with Elder Hinckley (he looks/sounds so much like President Hinckley!) that, come this Summer, I will no longer be serving in the Switzerland Zurich mission--we will now be serving in the Muenchen (Munich)/Oesterreich mission. Switzerland has been having too many issues with visas and the Church has decided to just merge the Zurich and Munich missions. It's bittersweet. Our mission now covers the southern half of Germany, the majority of Switzerland, and all of Austria. I fear that the work in Switzerland will slow down because we won't be there long enough to really connect with investigators. However, the Lord knows all and things will work out. I'm excited and saddened by the idea of serving in Wien. I love it there, but I'm afraid that with the music and my friends being there, I'll get too distracted and it'll be difficult. We'll see where I'm needed. However, all of this won't be happening until this Summer, so much could change. I'll at least go to Switzerland for the next couple of months, so that will be nice. You now know all that I do. I'll certainly keep you updated. I need letters! Please use "DearElder.com" since I don't have much time right now to read emails. I get them the same day you type them with "dearelder" and that way all I have to do is type on Thursdays. You can email, if that's best...I just can't guarantee that I'll respond right away. Sorry! We have the best teachers here! They're so nice! I can't deny that when it comes to our grammar lessons, I'm a bit bored. Like I said though, I can help my companion and roommates, so that's great. Our teachers are so great and incredibly helpful. By the way, Sister Christenson (Ali--roommate in Vienna, german class, etc, etc) and I are in the same bedroom and zone! It's weird calling her "Sister" now, but it's all good! The food here is awful. Truly. I run into elders all the time here that rave about the food and I cry a little on the inside. To think what they must have grown up with...I've been living off of salads, wraps, and cereal. Pray for me friends. Pray I won't die. I'm kidding, naturally. But seriously, the food is nasty. I do love the MTC. I'm suffering from a case of malnourishment and cabin fever, I'm afraid. My companion and I had to go to the podiatrist yesterday and I couldn't believe that there was life outside of the MTC! AIR! Real air! Not stifled classroom air that we breathe for hours everyday. My teachers are great though. I know I mentioned that above, but I've got to say it again. They're such a blessing! I'm afraid this next story will have to wait since my time is up, but I want you to know that, despite the food, I love it here! I love my companion, I LOVE German, and I love you! So please write. Schreibt mich, bitte! Actual letters are nice, but if all you can do is dearelder.com, it's still all good!
Liebe, Sister NeSmith

It hasn't entirely hit me yet that I'm reporting to the MTC this Wednesday. In fact, I haven't even started packing. I've thought about it. Does that count?? Packing honestly doesn't take that long, in my opinion. However, I may just be lying to myself. I found out that I'll be in the MTC for 8-9 weeks. I can't lie, it's somewhat of a relief. However, I'm anxious to get out there. When I was a little kid, I just wanted to go on a mission so I could get the awesome name tag. =] Of course, that's changed, and I'm going because the world needs the full Gospel of Jesus Christ and I want to invite others to come unto Him. However, I'm still pretty excited to wear the name tag.