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!