Elder Dallon Smith in Chile: Eternal Path

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Eternal Path

Dallon is being told that he "smells like death" because he only has a month before he dies in the mission. The anxiety of coming home is becoming more present with each passing week. There is a feeling of urgency to finish all loose ends.

"Everyone is starting to get ready to have me leave. haha It's distracting, so I am glad that we still have a lot of work and I don't have time to even think about being trunkie. The mission is having me start writing about my mission and my future goals. It's hard to think about what I want in life. I haven't thought about those things for the past two years and now it just feels weird. A lot of the members want to talk to me about marriage. Most of them tell me not to get married fast and that I'll be throwing away the best part of my life if I get married quickly. haha It's hard to know or decide what I am suppose to do after the mission. At the same time, I feel like after everything I have learned on the mission, I am probably more prepared than I think I am. I am on the path to eternal life. The spirit will help me to know what I should do. At least we have that promise, so I'm not too nervous. I guess I'm more sad than anxious. I wonder what the Lord has in store for me?"

"This week we really don't have much to report. We worked hard and have been teaching a lot of people. We have 5 people that could potentially be baptized before I leave, but at this point, I feel like only 2 for sure are going to be baptized. I've been so grateful and amazed by the converts here. They are active and faithful members of the branch. The other day I was watching them do their family history and I just had a peaceful comforting spirit come over me. It was incredible to see them be active members of the gospel. They all know how to fulfill their callings and they have their own testimonies. I am excited for Thursday. I'll be in the temple with a lot of my converts and all of their ancestors. I think that will truly be the last hurrah of my mission. I love them all so much!"

"Manuel asked me to participate in the circle when he received the priesthood. He's doing so well. I wish you could see how much this grandpa has changed. It's inspiring to me. Change is possible in all people. We also have been teaching a lot of younger kids. One girl is about Tori's age. She drinks, smokes, has piercings, and lives a loose lifestyle. She is popular because those things are cool here. It has been hard to teach her because how do you break someone away from a world that is constantly being shoved at them? I realize how lucky we are to have the gospel at a younger age. Utah is so sheltered compared to this place. There really is not a childhood here and it makes me sad."

"We had a special capacitation this week. I went to Maipu and saw a lot of my buddies again. Elder Rubert gave me a tie and had me sign a whole bunch of stuff. He is set on getting together after the mission. He is really funny. I saw some other missionaries that are going home and we are all freaking out! haha I'm glad I'm not doing this alone!"

"Yesterday we gave a blessing to a pregnant lady in the hospital. Priesthood blessings in an emergency room are intense! I think a lot of people look at us and think that Mormons are crazy, but we have the power of God, baby! So it's not so weird for those of us that know that."

"My testimony of the church has grown so much. I've been marking up those little scriptures, that you sent me, with all of my missionary scriptures. I'm going to use them after the mission. I know that I'll be able to have more opportunities to bring others to the knowledge of this absolutely incredible gospel. I have learned so much! I never would have been able to learn the things that I know if I didn't serve a mission. I wish that every young man would serve a mission and feel what I have felt. I don't want this happiness to end."

"Well I love you all very much. I'm so proud to be a missionary of this church. I'm so happy to have the gospel in my life and I am grateful for the family that I have. Thanks for everything. I'll be talking to you sooner than it feels. haha"

Elder Dallon Smith

Bus ride to the Santiago Temple

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."