Elder Dallon Smith in Chile: Zone Leader

Monday, February 13, 2012

Zone Leader

Changes are here again and Dallon has been made a Zone Leader. He finds out tomorrow where his new area will be. He has some mixed emotions and would like to be training again, but he is going forward with faith. It is wonderful that he is able to leave Rinconada with another baptism.

"It's crazy that it's almost Valentine's Day. I didn't even realize it! haha The mission can really make you lose track of time. This week went by quickly and for that reason I am grateful."

"Yesterday we had Jacqueline's baptism. During the week things were a bit sketchy and I was thinking, I don't know how everything is going to work out. Yet somehow, the Lord just took it from our hands and walked her into the waters of baptism. She really loved her baptism. The best part is that she bought a new modest dress to wear and it was really cool to see that the gospel was truly changing her. She asked me to baptize her and it was awesome."

"I think you are right. I don't know what is happening with me but I realize that I have gotten skinnier. I've actually lost weight. I am eating way more than ever before and I am doing exercises every day. I weighed myself the other day and I have lost weight since my first area on the coast. I hope I don't have a worm or something! haha jk!"

"Yes, I have changes. President called me to be a Zone Leader. It's cool, but I was really hoping that I would be able to open up a new sector and train again. The idea of being a Zone Leader doesn't seem too appealing to me. I know the Lord has a divine purpose in all things and that he will use me where he needs me. I think it will be a good experience. I really learned a lot this change. I'm grateful that the Lord taught me how to get along with someone who is far different from me. It makes life interesting, right?"

"Anyways, that was basically my week. The familia Morales Gutierez came to visit. They wrote me a letter that was awesome and really made me feel good. I am so grateful for them. That whole ward has been such a blessing. They will always be special to me. I'm glad that I got to know a lot of great people here. I'm ready for what the Lord has in store for me in a different place. I hope he will help to guide me in all things and to enjoy these last months while I am here. I am ready for the next part of my mission. It's more than likely that I will end my mission in my next sector."

"You are all my greatest blessings. Thanks for all that you do. Stay strong, go to the temple, read your scriptures, and pray as a family. I love you very much!"

Elder Dallon Smith

Elder Smith and Jacqueline

Jacqueline's baptism day

The Morales Gutierez family's visit to Rinconada

Proof that he does eat!

Elders ??, Smith and Mackie at the Buin Zoo

Taking time to ponder?

The three amigos: Elder Silva, ?? and Smith

Alma 29: 1-3, 9

"Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.

But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.

I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."

ANSWERS by Elder Dallon Smith

The morning starts in a rush.
All I want to do is tell the alarm to shush!
I get out of bed and start my daily exercise.
Why is it so early when we have to arise?

I hurry to get ready
and then immediately start to study.
So many things that I need to learn.
Will I be able to answer a question when it's my turn?

Before I know it, my companion and I are off.
Our sector is so big, I hope we don't get lost!
Everyone is really busy running here and there.
Are you sure you don't have time for a two minute prayer?

Lunch time arrives and we're ready to eat.
We get to the table and quickly take a seat.
It's humbling to see how much they give us, though they are really poor.
Oh dear Sister, do you have to ask us if we want more?

The day then begins and we're ready to go.
We get to the first door and loudly yell, "Alo!"
A man answers and coldly tells us to go away!
If it was Jesus knocking, would you let him stay?

We continue to search 'til our voices grow thin.
Once in awhile, someone will actually let us in.
We start to teach about Joseph Smith and the things that he's seen.
When they ask us a question in Spanish, we think, "What does that mean?!"

The sun goes down and the night grows cold.
But we're still out walking, seeking for those of the Lord's fold.
We want to know where else to look.
Who else is waiting to receive the message from this book?

Finally, the time arrives to go back to our home.
We strategically run back, making sure to stay in our "safe" zone.
We silently travel in the light, our safety starts to become a doubt.
Are the Lord's angels really all about?

We reach the pension and start to plan.
We talk about everyone we teach, every woman and man.
We scramble to cook, eat and shower.
Are you sure it's already been an hour?

We crash on our beds, ready to relax in a dream.
Eight hours of rest sounds better than it may seem.
I remember to pray and offer up my humble supplication.
Oh Father, did I meet your expectation?

Sweetly and softly a response starts to echo in my head.
The words feel familiar as if I've already heard them said.
"My son," he begins in a voice that I know.
"Do you realize that I love you even more than I can show?"

"I'm aware of where you are and I know what's going on.
Always remember I've sent you right where you belong.
I have a plan, but you'll have to trust in me.
Do you have faith in the promise, My kindness shall not depart from thee?"

"Don't be nervous about the language, that will all come.
Just keep my spirit near to guide you and he will work your tongue.
Be strong and courageous, and teach with the authority you've been given.
Are you remembering, you represent he who was risen?"

"Reflect on his example and guard him in your heart.
His very words will give those you're teaching a brand new start.
Be obedient, follow in his footsteps, and don't go astray.
Can you feel his presence walking beside you day by day?"

"Go and rescue my children and fight with all your might.
Remember Christ said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light."
He loves his missionaries and knows all that you can be,
so how will you serve to answer your brothers' question, "Do you love me?"

My conversation with my Father ends and I am left in a state of peace.
So many feelings rush inside me, a joy that I can not release.
My attitude changes and my love overflows.
How can I not be happy with all of the blessings God bestows?

I will change and do my best to do as the Lord commands.
I want to place myself completely in his hands.
No matter how many questions we have or how inadequate we might feel.
We can always find our answers when we are willing to kneel.

St. John 14: 26 - 29

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I.

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe."

Moroni 9: 3 - 5

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."