Pics from this week

There’s 2 Elder Smiths in the branch now J

Noche de Hogar with Israel and his Family! I love that kid so much!

Us missionaries and Angel just being ourselves :)

Real Valladolid's Stadium :)

Another lookout of the city

The sun was bright ha ha

Highest point in Valladolid with my new Jersey :) I love it here

The Last Week in Valladolid :/

HOWDY :)

Happy Leap Year Day or whatever it is today haha! I cannot believe and
refuse to accept the fact that this is my last week in Valladolid!! To
be honest, I am not looking forward to a change but I know that it'll
be great. I have come to love this area and branch just like I'm in
Bountiful and the Val Verda 4th Ward! Elder Galvan has been a great
help to me and a wonderful companion, I've learned a lot from him in
these short 5 weeks that we've had together!! This week was better
than last, we didn't have to drop anyone and no one said anything
about not being a member anymore! So already you can tell it was a
better week than last :)

On Tuesday we had intercambios and I was with Elder Tree!! I love
Elder Tree :) he is such a good missionary, I have learned a lot from
his example in the 3 transfers that we have been here together. We had
a few appointments set up and they went well, but I wanted to focus on
contacting with him because he can get almost any person to stop and
talk to him. He taught me his ways and they have come in handy as I've
been walking the streets this past week. We visited Hermano Julio and
his wife Yailia for medio día (us 4 missionaries) and they made us
some amazing Colombian food! This soup they prepared for us had fish
in it and Elder Fletcher is allergic to fish but he ate it anyways. I
have never seen someone in so much pain in my whole life!! The poor
Elder was in the bathroom for hours just sick as a dog. This was only
funny because Elder Fletcher didn't want to tell Hermana Yailila to
make him something else hahaha. Other than that, I felt super bad for
the poor guy, but luckily now he looks back at it and laughs :)

Wednesday we had district meeting and then Hermana Fernandez has been
dying to take the missionaries to Burger King so we went with her. She
is such a good lady and is so eager to share the gospel with anyone at
any given moment. I have learned a lot about the importance of good
member support in my time in the mission field and would encourage all
of you at home to help the missionaries!! I can promise you that
blessings will come, this is the Lord's work and he is hastening it
right now! So if you get the chance, help the Elders and Sisters!
Later that night, we passed by Elsa who is Michael's grandma. I don't
know why but I just had a feeling to go by and see how she was doing.
When we got there, she let us right in and said "Oh Elders, I'm so
happy to see you! I've been waiting to talk to you!" She told us she
feels a little lonely now that Nichole and Stefany both have left for
their missions. Her husband José, sleeps all day and when he wakes up
he goes and smokes then goes back to sleep. She told us that one day
she wants to be baptized in a river just like Jesus was, so we will
have to see what happens with her! Even if she doesn't ever get
baptized, she's like a Grandma to me and is one of the coolest ladies
that I have ever met :) she calls us her sons hahaha.

Thursday and Friday were a blur, we had quite a few of appointments
fail us so we spent lots of time contacting. Friday we went up to
Palencia to see if we could visit the Familia Berrios from Honduras,
but they weren't home and neither were any of the members that live up
there. So, it was pouring rain and we ended up walking around all day
drenched and freezing cold with nobody wanting to talk to us at all.
But I was still happy and it was a day that I'll never forget.

Instead of English Class on Saturday, we taught one of our
investigators, Carmen, the Restoration! She lived in England for a
year or so and she speaks English, so we taught her in English which
was fun. She is still working on it but keeps up with us Americans as
we talk. She has a lot of questions about the gospel and that makes me
happy because she is actually thinking and praying about the things
that we are teaching her. The next step is to get her to church this
week, so hopefully all goes well there! For medio día, we ate Dominos
Pizza with Hermana Isabel León. She's a branch missionary here and
loves us Elders. She is a very cool lady and we enjoyed an afternoon
talking with her and sharing a thought. As we were leaving, Bon Jovi's
famous "Livin' on a Prayer" came on and us 4 Elders just broke out
singing super loud in the restaurant! We got lots of people to laugh
and then just apologized to everyone and said we needed an "American
Moment" hahaha :) good times.

Sunday was pretty normal, we taught Sunday School and then had Ward
Council meeting after priesthood. Our branch is super involved with
missionary work and that makes us so happy because apparently there
are other areas where they aren't as supportive as they are here.
That's definitely something that I'm going to miss about this place.
We had a Noche de Hogar with a sweet family from Bolivia later that
afternoon, they shared a short thought about humility and Ether 12:27.
We got a picture with them and then headed right to Preach My Gospel
classes. In the picture I put at the bottom, you can see that there is
a kid in a wheelchair. His name is Israel and he passes the sacrament
to us every single week! A different deacon takes a turn each week to
push him around and he passes it to the whole congregation :) I'm sad
I haven't gotten a picture sooner, but he is literally the coolest
person I've ever met in my life. He always gets super excited when he
sees me and gives me a huge hug! I am so glad to call Israel my best
buddy here :) I know I say that about everyone but I just have too
many best friends to pick only one. Sorry, I'm a people person ;)

Huge S/O to all those Seniors in High School who are starting to get
their mission calls, I'm so proud of all of you! And to anyone else
who is getting ready to serve, my Mom and sisters send me screenshots
of Instagram pictures with your calls and it makes me so happy :)
MISSIONARY WORK IS THE GREATEST!!

Today for P-Day we went to the highest point in Valladolid called
Plaza Parque Sol.  I bought the ceremonial Real Valladolid jersey as a
parting gift for myself. And then we took a trip to the Soccer stadium
where they play. We went with Angel again and he is the best tour
guide this city has ever seen! We took some good pics and I attached
them at the end.

That's the week from Elder Smith. I'm gonna be super emotional when I
have to leave this beautiful place :( I've been here for almost 6
months and I can' thank my Heavenly Father enough for the things I've
learned and the experiences he has provided me. The countdown is on to
my next area, companion, and adventure! I know the Lord has prepared
more people for me to find, and I have more future best friends and
long lasting relationships waiting for me :) thanks for your love and
support, I love you all more than you'll ever know.

CON AMOR,

ELDER SMITH

Pics from this week

My 6 MONTH TIE haha the smoke got in my
face so I captured the
picture like right when I was coughing.

And yes, the flame got bigger and the whole thing was burned.



Tennisssss todayyyyyy woooo hooooo!!!

Only one I missed today ha ha J
 

 

More tennis... I've got a gnarly back hand!!

 

The whole Zona de León at Zone Conference :)

 

Elder Galvan, Michael, and I just chilling
on Sunday night. Homies.

 

Ups, Downs and Tennis

HI ALL :)

Well I'll be completely honest, this week was extremely tough. We
didn't have a ton of appointments, people failed us a lot, nobody
wanted to talk, and other stuff that I will explain later. I was
feeling pretty down during the week. But somehow, while I am  writing
this summary of the week, I feel like it was successful. The small
good moments of the week outweigh the bad ones. I know that the hard
weeks come for a good reason, to test us and see what we are really
made of. Heavenly Father is proud of us for sticking through it and
keeping a positive attitude! Here's the week :)

Tuesday, we went over to the Tamayo's house to say bye to Nichole!!
Let me tell you, it was hard. It brought back so many memories of when
I was doing all the goodbyes! For the "last supper" (yep Susan cooked
for us again) with her and the whole family together, we all went
around the table sharing our favorite scripture and what it means to
us. I had specifically studied that morning to find something to share
with her, and I found D&C 31:3. It was a wonderful last meeting with
her, and Michael and Susan both made promises to Nichole that they
will read their scriptures every day and come to church every Sunday
because of Nichole's example to them to serve a mission. I was sooooo
happy!! So yes, they are the greatest family ever and Nichole is going
to be a very good missionary. I'm excited to hear about all the
success she has in England :)

On Wednesday we had Zone Conference in León which was super great. We
focused on how to use our time wisely as Missionaries (contacting,
visiting the members, etc.) and making our studies more efficient. And
it's always a plus to see your friends in the Zone :) I realized that
I am one of 3 people who has been in this zone for 4 transfers... I'm
old! When we got back from Zone Conference, we met up with Claudia,
the one who hasn't really been progressing anymore :( we had the drop
talk with her and she didn't take it too well. It has been sad to see
someone not keep their commitments with the Book of Mormon and the
other things we invite them to do. We were pretty bummed after all
that took place. Maybe something will change in the future with her
and she will be more inclined to keep going with the church.

Thursday, we had a nice weekly planning session. Then, we went to
visit Hermana Gene and her family. They lived in Provo for a year and
a half, so they speak very good English! They don't live in a Piso
either like a lot of other members, their house reminded me of one
from Utah. It was a good 45 minute bus ride out to the pueblo where
they live called Tudela de Duero. Hermana Gene is the best, seriously
one of the nicest ladies on the planet. She knows the branch better
than a lot of people because she has lived here her whole life! It was
a good afternoon with her, then we got back to the Piso and burned my
6 MONTH TIE! It does not feel like I've been out for 6 months haha.
But burning that tie felt good, I just have to serve my Sister
Missionary mission then I'll be home ;) TIME FLIES

Friday we got failed on a lot. Like every single appointment. The one
appointment that we did have was with Mabel. It was the first time she
met Elder Galvan, and when we sat down to get started, she flat out
told us that she doesn't want to be a member anymore. It hurt. After
all the work that Elder Peña and I put in with her and all the
progress that I have seen her make, she told us that. It was the last
thing I expected to come out of her mouth. She said that she is having
trouble finding her spiritual side and for now she's going to go with
the Jehovah's Witnesses. There wasn't anything we could do or say in
that moment to change her mind. She asked me to take her scriptures
from the LDS church because if not she was just going to throw them
away. I was not a happy missionary but I took her scriptures and then
we left. I felt lost. Why did we just drop Claudia 2 days before and
then Mabel didn't want to be a member?! I called Elder Peña and asked
him for his advice because I was breaking down. He calmed me down and
told me to just take a deep breath, God knows why these things are
happening and for me not to worry anymore. It was a rough day :/

When we got to la capilla on Saturday for English class, someone had
graffitied the whole front garage thing. It doesn't matter what was on
it, but I was SO MAD! I spent the next 45 minutes scrubbing the crap
out of it and got pretty much all of it off. I can't believe the nerve
of some people. The highlight of Saturday was that we went to Palencia
to find a less active family from Honduras who put in a missionary
request on the Internet. So, we got up to Palencia and found them.
They are such strong members but don't have any money to come down to
church on Sunday's!! The oldest son, Jared, wants to serve a mission
but just needs to get his money saved up. He reads his scriptures
every day with his mom. The family was sealed in the Guatemala temple
and then some years after, the parents split up and the mom and 3 sons
moved here to Spain. The dad was a bishop in Honduras for 8 years and
he is still active there. When I started talking about Elder Cowley,
they got so excited and I showed them a picture of him on my iPad! We
shared a message with them and promised that if they pray and fast and
ask God for a way to come to church, they will have doors opened up to
them. The next day at church, one of the other members that lives in
Palencia told us that she can give them rides! The mom just needs to
get work off on Sunday's and then they will be ready to come :) it was
one of the coolest experiences I've had on my mission and not to
mention that Palencia is a really cool city!

On Sunday I gave another talk in sacrament, this time it was about the
Love of God. I shared my experience about Quest when President Terry
was dressed up as the Savior and walked through the room and touched
every single one of the kids. When it got to my turn, I couldn't even
look at him because I was crying so much. I had just a tiny idea, in
that very moment, how much God loved me as an individual. And if he
loves me that much, he loves everyone else that much too! The members
really liked that story :) the rest of Sunday, we had Preach My Gospel
classes and then went to the Tamayo's because Susan has been a little
sick! We talked about Nichole haha and then shared another message.

Today for P-Day we played tennis and it was the greatest thing of all
time! I'm basically a professional. The other elder's investigator
invited us to go play at a private tennis club and yeah. My new name
is Elder Nadal hahaha :)

So, that was the week. Sorry it's long, but I had some pretty good
moments and some pretty sad ones too. Needless to say, I'm learning a
lot. I love being a missionary more than anything else in the whole
world. Preaching the Gospel 24/7 is such a blessing, I feel my
relationship growing with my Heavenly Father more every day. I know
when we strive to do what is right, God realizes our efforts and will
fulfill his part and bless us. Thanks for being the greatest family
and friends in the whole world, I love every one of you to pieces :)
have a wonderful week everyone :)

Con Amor,

ELDER BRADY SMITH

Pics from this week

Elder Faustino (who looks like the people I talked about)
and Elder Galvan and I!



  Another BIRTHDAY GIRL shoutout... She wears my clothes better than
I do :) love you Ellie!!

Elder Galvan and I just being ourselves after studies haha



In honor of the BIRTHDAY GIRL!! Look how cute she was/is :):)

Valentine's Day and Another week!

HOLA :)

First thing I gotta say this week... HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIZABETH FAYE!!!
I seriously can't believe a how much you have grown up while I
have been gone. It's insane and it'd be nice if you slowed down a
bit!! Haha anyways, I love you a lot sis. Everyone who is reading this
knows just how alike we are!! I was seriously blessed with the best 2
sisters in the world!! Also, happy late Valentine's Day everybody :)
Anyways the week was good, I am freaking exhausted!! We worked and
worked and worked and then worked some more. Thanks for all the love
and prayers, we can feel them every day!! Here's the summary :)

Tuesday we had intercambios and I was with Elder Fletcher. I freaking
love that guy. We always have so much fun and we teach super well
together too. Anyways I hope someday I can be his companion! We went
to visit Michael and helped him write a church talk about faith. We're
still working on his testimony but it's coming along! I love that kid
so much. Another kinda sad thing that's happening this week is his
sister Nichole is leaving on her mission!! I'm super happy for her but
she has helped me so much and loves to be with the missionaries. She
will be an incredible missionary :) we had a district meeting on
Wednesday then ended up back at the Tamayo's house on Wednesday to
finalize the talk. Of course the mom Susan cooks for us too like
always, and it was yummy as usual. We eat so much rice and eggs here
in Spain and one thing I've really come to love is Chorizo... This
meat that is so wonderful. It's to die for!

So Claudia our investigator has kinda fallen off the deep end. We
still continue to meet with her occasionally but she isn't reading the
Book of Mormon and it shows in her testimony and I get sad. We will
have to see what we can do to help her but it has just strengthened my
testimony so much on the power that the Book of Mormon contains. If
you don't have a testimony, read it! It's super simple! Ask Heavenly
Father and he's going to let you know it's true! So keep her in your
prayers please.

Sunday we had Elder Faustino Lopez come and speak to us! He is a
member of the seventy I think but doesn't have an assigned area
anymore, so he travels around Spain and talks to the areas. He looks
exactly like Dad from the side and from the front, he is like my
Uncles Gary, Gordon, and Tad R. Callister mixed. I attached a picture
haha but yeah it was good stuff. He taught us about living a Celestial
Lifestyle. Because ultimately if that's where we want to end up, why
wouldn't we live that way in the first place? I absolutely loved it.
The guy was so awesome and it was the perfect motivation for me. I
taught Sunday school about the fall of Adam and Eve, that was a riot!
Super fun though, I'm just loving every single second here in Spain :)

This week we passed by an investigator named Rosa who has been
investigating the church for ages. Anyways, somehow and somewhere in
the lesson she got offended and started to say that Joseph Smith was a
racist. Then she called me a racist too because I'm white and my last
name is Smith! I was like holy cow! How sad. This lady has no clue!!
She just kept telling us that she can't accept that the Book of Mormon
is another book of scripture. Well, back to what I was saying earlier,
READ IT! So that was the first time we passed by Rosa and more than
likely the last time as well. We also passed by a girl named Melany
from Bolivia who is a less active. We got in the house and soon found
out that everyone in the family are members!! It was like winning the
lottery!! Anyways, in Preach My Gospel there is a section about asking
inspired questions, which I had just happened to be reading that same
morning. We followed the spirit with Melany and ended up asking the
right questions and committed her to come to church!! I was so pumped
out of my mind and we are going to get back and teach the whole family
now! However, she didn't come to church. So that's the problem. She
sent us a text Sunday morning saying she forgot she had to work... It
was a sucker punch but I tried to not take it personally. Anyways, We
will help her realize that she needs church back in her life and get
her and the family to come again!!

The work here is INCREDIBLE. I love being a missionary. My companion
Elder Galvan and I get along so well, he is a great example, teacher,
and missionary!! For sure we will be lifelong friends. I'm trying
super hard to enjoy these likely last few weeks in Valladolid because
I'm gonna miss it like crazy. I love you all a lot, that will never
change :) thanks for everything!! Have a great week :)

Con Amor,

Elder Brady Smith

PICS FROM THIS WEEK

A Coruna and Zumba

One more of THE BEACH :) y EL LIBRO DE MORMÓN

Elder Müller and I at our midnight birthday selfie hahaha!

Elder Galvan and I chilling at THE BEACH :):)

Elder Gearig, like one of my best friends from the MTC!
(This one is for the Kilgore family)