Hello,
Well, it feels like just the other day I emailed you all. How have things gone these past few days? Things are going well here in Puli and its getting better and better. With not much else let’s get on in with the rest of last week. Well . . .
Thursday we were able to visit with a few less actives. In one of those lessons we particularly shared from 4 Nephi. The first time we visited with him about a month ago we didn't receive a very welcoming visit. However, this time it all changed. We talked about how all the Nephites and Lamanites were converted unto the Lord and about how "there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God." We talked about his life as he began to learn from the missionaries and then after he joined the church. We talked about how through this process he was similar to the Nephites and Lamanites, walking after the things of God and receiving a joy from doing so. When we're happy, God's happy, and he has provided a way for us to obtain an everlasting joy and happiness, and that path is the gospel of Christ. He not only accepted our help in helping him, but he actually told us in what ways we can help him. It was interesting to compare the first visit with the second visit and I'm still wondering what changed his attitude between the two visits, but I know as he realized the joy and happiness the gospel brought to him in the past, he was willing to work towards it again. Just another testimony builder on how the gospel really does bring true happiness into our lives.
Yesterday afternoon my companion and I had a strange experience. After we ate lunch we left our apartment and went down to where our bikes were. While there we heard some whimpering behind some weed-wacker machines and found this cute, little dog who was obviously a stray. I felt bad for this dog and wished I could help it in some way, and so the first thing I thought of was to whistle (the extremely recognizable way that dad always does at our sports games). It immediately sat up and ran over to me and just chilled by my leg. Right at that moment the 管理員(sorry I don't know how to say it in English) came over and told us to take it out because someone would kill it and eat it. Well, we did what he said and actually placed it in my companion’s basket on the front of his bike. He immediately got comfortable in the basket and feel asleep and we took him to a better place to live. It made me think a lot. We are all the sometimes like this cute, little, homeless dog. Through life we sometimes have wandered into some strange places, and feel alone to the point where we don't know what to do. However, we have a loving Heavenly Father who is there with outstretched hands. As we follow His "whistle", his teachings, his commandments, we will be guided to a better, happier place. I know that Heavenly Father lives and that He does love each and everyone of us. I know He is mindful of our needs and concerns and is willing to answer the cry for help. I know that because He loves us He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to set the example on how we can receive a fullness of joy in this life and in the life to come.
I love you all and hope that each of you can continue to experience the joy and love our Heavenly Father has for you.
‘Til next time!
Elder Nick Smith
司馬長老
