October 7, 2024

France is sweet and a lot has happened this week! So I'll try and run you guys through all of it. We had transfer calls last week and my original trainer Elder Rowley is now a Zone Leader in Paris. So I got a new second half trainer Elder Wilstead who is so cool. Bishop Hiatt used this analogy that's always stuck with me (It's like somebody gave me a cookie then they just took it away)! That was a good description of when I saw the transfer board. But it's ok because I was given another cookie with Elder Wilstead!

After transfers the whole group being transferred went to this burger restaurant which was delicious. After we ate we decided to go to the Eiffel tower and walk by the Louve Museum. While at the Louvre we got stopped by this LDS influencer who was soo cool. He and his wife were doing a world tour and visiting all the Temples so we filmed a quick video with them then went on our way to the Eiffel tower. Parts of Paris are beautiful. When we got to the Eiffel tower Elder Palmer and Elder Wilstead had the brilliant idea to walk up the Eiffel tower so that's what we did and it was actually super fun and tiring but definitely a moment I won't forget. 

Chartres has some of the best members in France! We are consistently being fed and loved. Every friend that we bring to sacrament gets mobed after with every member trying to introduce themselves to our friends. Chratres is an awesome place to be serving! 

One of the biggest things I noticed while serving a mission is how fast the church is growing. As a mission we have the goal for 276 baptisms per year. We on average have 5 baptisms a week and we can see the Lord playing a big roll in the people we are teaching. We are starting to find the people who are very ready to receive the gospel. One of Christ's teachings that rings true for everyone on the earth today is this: Jesus taught “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” And one of the missionary objectives is to bring others to Christ. It can be a little discouraging sometimes when a friend or family member stops coming to church but if we keep giving love and compassion the Lord will use us to touch the hearts of our Family and friends.

 I love you guys and I can testify that our Heavenly Father loves you too. 
 Sincerely, Elder Smith 




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