Week #31 March 2, 2015 ONWARD with the work!

Hello lovelies!  March 2, 2015

I dont have much time, but just know that I love you all.

This week was really quick (unlike the internet right now) and just lovely. We were able to find a lot more people and I feel so blessed. Even in those times when it feels like we can´t keep going, God always pours out miralces. He loves us so much. 

We were able to heare an expreience from Marcelo today that was so incredible. He told us that last night he was reading Alma and decided to pray. And we´ve always talked about a spiritual expreience that God would show to him. He decided to pray and he tolds us that he felt that presence of God and  couldn´t stop crying. He could see in his mind the face of God and was overwhelmed with the spirit. I didn´t even know what to say. He was left withouts doubts and with the spirit strongly rooted in his heart. It´s absulutley incredible to see a family progress in the gospel. I am so grateful for all the prayers that were made in their behalf and for all of your love. Thank you for all that you do. ONWARD with the work! 

MUCH love,

Hermana Smoot

PS Please send all of my love to the Gagan family. Everything is part of God´s plan and I know know that with the Savior we can all overcome the storms in life that seem unbearable. But he is always there. LOVE YOU ALL.

Note from mom:

Sister McClary, Ally's companion is so great! She took the time to write me a personal letter from Chile! But first, she sent me her weekly letter which i love to include because it's what happened in her perspective. I LOVE these darling missionaries!!

Well this week was good. We have had LOTS of wild fires here in Chile....well in the South of Chile. It has been horrible. Hermana Smoot and I have been working to find NEW people to teach. Since the Santana Family got baptized lots of our other investigators have lost interest or have been too busy for us to teach them. Yesterday we had lots of time and we were close to one of the families we met back in January. Each time we got visit them they aren't home. Well yesterday we were right by their house and Hermana Smoot and I had the feeling to go and see if they were home ONE LAS TIME. We went and knocked on the door and they were HOME!!! The lady's name is Ana and her boyfriend's name is Julio (or July in English. haha.) They have 2 REALLY cute girls! We taught them the Plan of Salvation. We sang them "I am a Child of God" and they were fastinated...mostly because Hermana Smoot's voice is like a voice of an angel! But it was AMAZING!! 

We also had stake conference yesterday. It was REALLY good!

One of the speakers shared a story from Elder Nelson. 

Elder Nelson's daughter came up to her father when she was 14 years old and said "Dad I want to smoke." Elder Nelson said that in that moment he had 3 options to tell his daughter. 

1.He could tell her NO! And tell her that if she lives in his house she has to obey his rules.

2. He could give her a diagram of a lung (since he is a doctor) and show her what would happen to her body if she were to smoke. 

3. He could give her a hug and tell her how much he loves her and share a scripture with her. 

Well he decided to show her love. Show her how much the gospel really helps and protects us! The next day his 14 year old daughter came to him and told her that she didn't want to smoke and that she wanted to do good and live the gospel. 

I was really thinking about how I LOVE this story. The Gospel really does protect us! In Ephesians 6:13

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand."

I knw that this armour will help us when we have hardships or trials. Reading the scriptures, saying our prayers and partaking in the sacrament really help build our armour. I love being a missionary!! Even though the food makes me sick and we all have bad days. Seeing the joy that the gospel brings into the life of others is WORTH IT!! 

Love you all 

Hermana McClary 

Dear Sister Kendra Smoot,

I just wanted to email you and tell you how much I love your daugther and how much she has helped me in  my mission. I am so grateful to have her as a companion! I know that she really is AMAZING! I know that you know that but I just wanted to email you and let you know that she is really an amazing missionary!! And she loves you so so so much!!! Thanks for the package too! It was fun to have on Valentine's day! I also got a package from my family so it was a good day! We keep your family in our prayers! Thanks for everything you do! 

With love, 

Hermana McClary :) 

Week # 30 ( Feb. 23, 2015) Que bella es la vida.

Companion: Hermana Bryce McClary
Place: Puerto Montt

Beach en metri

Hello dearest loved ones!

This week was absolutely crazy and probably the most beautiful of any week of my mission so far. First of all, Hna McClary and I are STAYING in Puerto Montt together for these cambios. That means that I will have 5 transfers here and will complete 8 months of the mission in one area. Wow. It´s actually really amazing becuase I know everyone and how to get everywhere and Pto Montt is basically my home now. And also, Hna McClary is the best, obviously. So basically this mission is just amazing and I love it. Still nice and hard...but just beautiful.

Marcelo and Karina got baptized!!! It´s incredible and still can´t believe it. They are really an example of how the lord prepares his children to recieve the gospel. We found Marcelo with his son riding bikes in the street only 3 months ago and now the are members of the church and ready to endure to the end.

During the baptism they were able to bear their testismoies of their experience and Marcelo talked about his goal of going to the temple so that he can live with his family for eternity. And Karina, whose spirit just radiates joy and beauty, started to cry as she talked of her change that really started about 2 years ago. And she knew that God had put the missionaries in her path and that this really was the true church. I was so touched to be able to see their immense growth and realize how much the spirit really works in people. And I realized too that we as missionaries hardly do anything at all with respect to their conversion. We try to be obedient and teach the doctrine and do what we can, but the spirit converts people. They are an amazing family and my heart is so full of gratitude to have been able to help them in the process. And really their journey has just begun. 

I love this work. All of us have such a key role in helping with missionary work. Pray for experiences to find people...or to help those that might be a little lost. I love you all so much. I know that this chruch is true. I know that the doctrine of Jesus Christ changes lives for the better. I love this gospel and am so grateful to be here experiencing all the ups and downs of missionary work. Thank you for all your support!!!

Love

Hermana Smoot

PS Mother! I got your package and about died. THANK YOU SO MUCH. It was like pinterest gorgeous X12 plus peanut butter. LOVE. And thank you sisters for the letters. ;) (Kenna....flumpy....about died)

Mas del bautismo!

El bautismo!

Volcan Calbuco!

 

Week # 29 ( Feb 16, 2015) Happy Valentines day-Marcelo and Karina

Hello world!

There isn´t a lot of time to write today becuase we went to Volcan Calbuco. (i´ll send pictures someday.) BUT miracles are happening and the work is progressing in the lovely city of Puerto Montt.

Earlier this week, we had another lesson with the Santana Family and talked about the Word of Wisdom. Marcelo had an infinity of questions and doubts, mainly about tea (which he is fanatic of) we again, arrived at the conclusion that he had to know that the book of mormon was true. And feel it. As we talked about baptism, he told us that he would tell us on sunday....We have been working so much with their family and we really wanted them to be ready for their date on the 22nd of february. So we continued praying. I was studying as well what a person really needs to be baptized, and converted. And the real key is change in your heart. Real repentence and a desire to follow the lord for the rest of your life. 

So valentines day came and we miraculously set another appointment with the family. We talked about their baptism and went over all of the baptismal interview questions. Marcelo started talking about experiences that he had had and mentioned that he was going to make a decision one day, but felt something really strong, something burning inside him, that he shouldn´t do it. He also talked about how he feels closer to the lord and that he really believes that the gospel has helped him. And is going to help his family. I was almost speechless. Marcelo is always the one with the doubts and the questions and problems. And he said he would continue praying to resolve everything.As all of us should in this life-long process of conversion. But during that lesson, he agreed to stop drinking tea, and made the decision to be baptized with his wife THIS SUNDAY!! These people have been incredibly prepared by the lord. We have seen a beautiful change in the lives of Marcelo and Karina and I know that they are going to be faithful members. Best Valentines day ever. Filled with the pure love of christ and his atonement. 

I love the mission. Every week isn´t as happy as this one, but it really is beautiful. I love you all. Thank you for the never ending support. Remember to enjoy this life and every precious moment here.

Have a beautiful week!

Love,

Hermana Smoot

Week # 28 (Feb. 9, 2015) Lots of photos-Beautiful Metri beach...

Hello lovely family and loved ones alike,

LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL CHILE IS! 

This is the beach in Metri. 

Missionary work is the best. This week was full of progress here in our area. There are so many things to do and I am learning more and more to accept that we are putting forth our effort that I´m not perfect and have lots of weaknesses. 

Our golden Family has been progressing a TON this week. We had a family night with the bishop, which was basically the coolest thing ever. And they were talking and talking and we left without them. We also had a last minute soccer activity for their son becuase he loves futbal. 

And they went to church on Sunday and were talking to all of the members and almost everyone knows them and I was almost crying with Joy. It´s amazing when we really work hard with the members to make missionary work happen. Because it´s impossible without them. So go and do missionary work people!  The dad, Marcelo still has his doubts and hasn´t really received a sure answer, but he is on the way. Pray for him that he can open his heart a little more and that the fear of change can be replaced with faith and peace.

We also met a person of a religion that I don´t want to point out the other day....but not the respectful kind. The kind that stops you in the street and tries to prove that everything you believe is false and asks you questions about where the Garden of eden is and what was the shape of Noah´s ark and in which chapters of the bible it is. But WE don´t know becuase we study the book of mormon. And yes, by the way, those facts are improtant for our salvation. I asked. BUT even though I was a little discouraged after, I know it´s part of the work and what Joseph smith said is true. "persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, columny may defame, but the truth of god will GO FORTH..." Oh the joys of missionary work.

Miracles are real and this is the work of the lord. I am so grateful to be able to experience this. To be able to change and improve and love so fully. I hope that you all stay true to what you know. And if you have a doubt remember what Elder anderson said: "why does the lord allow evil speaking to chase after the good? One reason is that opposition against the things of good sends seekers of truth to their knees for answer"

Heavenly father answers our prayers, the church is true and I love you all!!!!

All my love,

Hermana Smoot

Sister McClary and Sister Smoot
(They are having such a great companionship right now) 

Beautiful trees in port Montt

Soccer Activity. Us girls on the sideline. (susan, karina-the mom of our golden family- Hna McClary and Me)

BFF

Note from Kendra--This photo was taken by a Dante Gabriel Roig a member missionary who was visiting this member family , who in 1986-88 served his mission here and baptized this family! Here is Hna Smoot and Hna McClary teaching in their home i assume. He sent this to my email!

Here is his note:

"Hi, I was a missionary in Osorno since 1986-88 I'm visiting my converts here with my Family. 

We atended to Pichi Pilluco ward yesterday where your dougther sung a beatifull himn

Then we shared a big lunch with Valderas's Family who I baptisted during my Mission

We moved to Villarrica today, my wife took a video of your dougther , when we have a good conextion we will send you.

Have a nice day" 

Enviado desde mi iPhone

                                                           As a mom I can't wait to hear that hymn!! 

Ok-This is Peyton Moss (2nd one in) Brother and Sister Garnder in our home ward is out with him in NY NY north mission and they sent this to me and he says HI to ALLY!!




NOTE from MOM:
Ally's companion is so darling Hna Bryce McClary. She writes the sweetest things about Ally in her letters and since she has a blog too i stole a few things off of it to share on Ally's blog because they are comments about her and photos!!

Here is a tid bit more detail of this week from Hna McClary!

I love being a missionary!!

This week was good, we had lots of opportunities to serve! It is summer here so there are lots of people preparing for WINTER.Everyone is buying wood for the winter months so we have to help load lots of wood and help members put their wood in their sheds. It is very interesting how people live on wood here. haha. I have gained lots of muscle in my arms from hauling wood...and it is just the beginning! But I really love giving service. 

WE also helped Hermana Santana-Reyes with her wood creations she makes. She is very talented. We painted these wooden boards and then she fed us lunch. I LOVE getting to know our investigators and reallying seeing how the gospel really has changed them! 

We had a soccer activity this week and it was amazing! The family Santana-Reyes came and Susan came too. It is easier to get people to come play soccer than it is to get people to come to CHURCH! hahaha. But it was great! The bishop came too and we all had a great time. It was a great way for the families to feel more comfortable in the ward. I love it! 

Also in Relief Society yesterday Hermana Karina Santana was so much more comfortable with the sisters she was offering to say the prayer! Everyone introduced themselves to her and it was good because she was able to really meet all the sisters. I love this ward! 

Hermana Smoot and I started to think of 2 things that we did good in the day and 1 thing that we can change each day. It is awesome because we are really trying just everyday to become better! I love her so much. I know that I say that every week but she is truly the best! 

I don't have much time today because we are headed to the beach today! WE have a member that has a house on the beach and we are going to hangout with them for a couple of hours. Puerto Montt is INCREDIBLE!!! I love you all.

Happy Valentine's Day this week! Remember that Jesus Christ died for our sins and for our faults...that was the true action of LOVE. 

The family Santana-Reyes are going to be baptized this month! I cannot wait!! 

Love,

Hermana McClary

I cant wait to meet sister McClary!! 

Week # 27 (Jan 2, 2015) Life is Beautiful!

Hello Grand World!

I feel like weeks just keep passing and passing and everything is going by way to fast. If I could sleep more, I would seriously want to be missionary forever.

I feel like I´m learning so much every day. I have been able to feel the spirit more and more as I really have to rely on it every minute of every day. Even if it´s just an impression to knock on a door and we find awesome super prepared people. Or if it´s just to answer people´s questions during a lesson, or bear testimony of the truth when someone needs to hear it. It´s just amazing to be able to be so close to the spirit. 

We are teaching the Santana family (family night last week) And they are just fabulous. We had Zone Conference this week and again learned a ton about working with members and we are seeing a a huge difference when we do it. This family has a ton of support from the ward now and we are planning on another family night with the bishop (MIRACLE) The father of the family this week, as we talked about the law of chastity, had a lot of questions about Joseph smith and polygamy. And after a lot of discussion, we came to the conclusion that he needed to know with certainty if the book of mormon is true. So we are in the process. But they really are so prepared and we are just trying to help them understand the atonement and help them progres toward real conversion.

I know that the book of mormon is true. Like with Marcelo, all of us have questions and doubts. Even if you are a  faithful, amazing human being. Even if you are a missionary and it´s your life. The doubts come, but I know that they can be resolved through the book of mormon and prayer to know that its true. Read it and ask, even if you already have, and your testimony of all things will grow. 

This church is true and I love you all so much. Keep going and keep enjoying the life that god gave you. Because it´s BEAUTIFUL!

ALL MY LOVE
Hermana Smoot

Sister McClary and I ordered Pizza because we didn't have a dinner appointment. We miss USA pizza! 

Week # 26 (Jan 26, 2015) Planner miracle and more photos.

My comp Hermana McClary is adorable. Plus, cows. 

Photos of the week - Puerto Montt

So hipster. I live in the prettiest place in the world. 

NOCHE de hogar. Con la familia Santana-Reyes

Family NIGHT! We brought rice crispy treats and played My ten comandments game that we made. And of course jenga. 

Look where I live! PUERTO MONTT!

Hola, 

This week has been long and lovely and I just love the mission! We found lots of new people this week and have been talking to a lot of people who don´t have a lot of faith in god. I think it´s one of my favorite things to teach about god and teach that we have a heavenly father who loves us more than we can comprehend. Lot of Ammon and king lamoni moments.(without the chopping off of arms and such.) ;) 

Also, fasting brings so many miracle. Like, ridiculous amounts. I would like to share two:

If anyone has been or is a missionary, you will know that our planner is quite possible the most important thing in the entire world. It has everything that a missionary needs, all of our goals, contacts, appointments, EVERYTHING. And Hermana smoot left it in a collectivo. (like a taxi, but for a lot of people.) And she freaked out a bit. BUT, we were about to start a fast for an investigator and so we decided to fast for my planner as well. I reluctantly started using an extra empty planner and went out to talk to the people. A few hours later we were in a neighborhood and suddenly in the connecting street in front of us, a collectivo stopped. And the driver held up my planner. I could literally not believe my eyes. Hundreds of people go in and out of collectivos and they drive all over the place and there was the same driver and the same car and he somehow knew that it was mine and somehow found us. And still can´t believe it. But all I know is that Heavenly Father is so ready to give us miracles. And when we do our part and have faith in him, he WILL provide. It was quite incredible.

Also, we are teaching an investigator who is just incredible. Her name is susan and we found her during my training a long time ago. But she is progressing a ton. And she is almost ready for her baptism and really wants to be baptized, but she lacks one commandment. The law of chastity. She doesnt live with anyone or anything, just her kids, but she has a boyfriend and sheis 36 and successful and beautiful and wants to enjoy her life. Well, us missionaries, being 19 and 21 year olds without life experience, had no idea what to say or do. So we decided to pray. And we prayed and fasted and talked to a lot of people like our ward mission leader and District leader. We were hoping to recieve some sort of revelation so that we could help her progress toward conversion. And this morning, we saw another miracle. During personal study, we got a call from our ward mission leader. He told us that he had a thought-a revelation- that woke him up and he had to call us. He told us that he had recieved revelation that susan was missing the understanding of true repentance. And true understanding of the atonement of Jesus Christ. And although it was so simple, we felt as well that this really was what she needed. She always feels the spirit, but it´s the true doctrine of Jesus Christ that changes attitudes and behavior. We are going to study and strenghten our testimonies and help her to understand what really is the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

I know this church is true. Even as a missionary I still have doubts and I still have fears, but in those moments of peace as I read the scriptures and pray to my heavenly father that I can feel the spirit telling me that it´s true, telling me that I can, telling me that everything is going to be ok and that Jesus Christ is my savior. 

The basics are the most important. Do all you can to understand the atonement as you read, pray and go to church. That really changes people. 

I love you all so very much. Miracles are real. You just have to look for them and have faith. His church. This church of Jesus Christ is true. 

HAVE THE BEST WEEK EVER!!!!!!!

All my love,

Hermana Smoot

Week #25 (Jan. 19, 2014) Hermana McClary is my companion.

Companion: Hermana McClary 
Place: Port Montt, Chile


Hello World!

How is everyone. I just want to take a moment to say that I love my mission. It´s incredible.  I´m still tired in the morning...and other times during the day....and there is still a lot of stress and so much to do, BUT I´M ON A MISSION!  I´m in Chile, I get to bear my testimony every day, I can speak spanish....what? when did that happen...and heavenly father is helping us every day to talk to people through the spirit and to help people come unto Christ. AND IT¨S AMAZING. I´m serious. 

Also, I´m so incredibly blessed to be here with Hermana McClary who is amazing. She is from Las Vegas, but went to went to my Highschool for a year and we are basically the same person. She only has one more transfer than me in the mission and so we are both learning together how to really do missionary work with success. We are trying super hard to work with the members of the ward and I have a lot of hope for our area. UG. Estoy tan feliz. :) (I'm so happy)

We are teaching a family, (mom father and son) right now and they are incredible. They have come to church twice as a family and are progressing more and more toward baptism. But the spirit is so strong with them and we are working hard to recieve revelation for them. It´s so crazy that two young girls from the United States have the responsiblity for the souls of these people. But what I also know is that really we are only instruments. We are here as a mouth piece for God trying our hardest and letting the grace of our heavenly father make up the difference.

I challenge all of you to love with all your heart and DO the will of the lord in everything that you´ve got. Sometimes we feel like we make the same mistakes over and over and even when we are tired with all we are doing, we still feel like we aren´t doing enough. But we can´t forget the enabling power of the atonement. Heavenly Father knows us and he knows our hearts. And we can work miracles with him. 

I love you ALL so much. There really is so much love in my heart for all of you. Thank you for all the people in the ward who sent cards for christmas (Primary -scouts) And the Atwood fam for the package!!  I feel way too loved. :) Have a beautiful week!!!!!!!

LOVE,

Hermana Smoot

Here is what sister McClary said that week: 

It's so fun to see two perspectives and to know how blessed they feel to be with each other right now.

Wow, what a crazy week! 

I just want to start off and say how much I LOVE my mission! I love being able to really feel like I am making a difference in peoples' lives. I love being able to talk about the gospel with everyone. Hermana Smoot is my new companion and she is AMAZING! She really knows what is means to be a missionary. She understands her purpose and why she really wants to serve a mission. I love her. She is from Highland, UT. She went to Lone Peak and she is friends with Madison Reese. We have LOTS to talk about since we both went to Lone Peak!

The missionary work here in Pichipelluco is progressing lots and we are having lots of families to teach! I am in a VERY rich area. My area is right by the OCEAN. The area I am in is breath-taking! It is a cruise port stop town. I wish I had a better camera to show you just how beautiful it is! Oh and they have a McDonald's here!! Everyone has cars too! It is a miracle! People don't have the excuse of not being able to get to church because they all have cars to drive! 

We are teaching 2 families right now that are really progressing. We have 2 family home evenings tonight! One of the families came to church yesterday, it was their second time at church! The dad has an iphone 6 and let me just hold it. I was so amazed! haha. His name is Marcelo, he is really awesome. He has one friend that is LDS and the whole time he has been investigating the church he has been super skeptical but his friend sent him a text message about the church and about how much it has really blessed his life and how families can really be together forever. It was amazing. The lesson was so spiritual and it was awesome to really be able to see that his opinion of the church has changed so much. I am so grateful for the testimony of his friend. I know that this work cannot move forward without the members. WE NEED YOUR TESTIMONIES!! I love this gospel! 

I am so happy because I am in a new area with an AMAZING companion and we are just so happy. 

Hermana Smoot's voice is beautiful, she loves to sing! She is really a blessing to the missionary work here in Puerto Montt.I am so grateful to be her companion! 

I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers because He has answered my prayers. Have a great week! 

Hermana McClary