Elder Ammon Smith, Sun, 8 Jan 2012

Well, I see that you enjoyed my letter from last week. I'm sorry for that, it was a busy week working with computers and by the end of the week I never wanted to use one again. For the new year we had to update a few systems that we use her in the office. That was definitely the bane of my week.

As for good news, we are having another baptism this coming weekend. Her name is Andi. She is 40 years old and she was referred to us by a member. She is a very nice lady, and we are so excited for her! We have seen an enormous change in her these past few months as she has been obedient in prayer, reading the scriptures, and keeping commitments. It truly is a blessing to be able to witness one of Heavenly Fathers children returning to Him.

My companion and I have both taken on fairly hard assignments this past week. We will be reopening an area. It was closed down because missionaries about 3 to 4 years ago said that their work had died out there. This area is located north of Budapest. My companion and I have been working out there a little bit recently and have found success. So, we spoke with the Mission President and made it official. We are moving out to this area, which is called Óbuda, and will begin working there as hard as we can. The President has given us 6 month to make something out of this city. If not enough success is found after this allotted time the area will be closed.
President has also informed me that this will be my last transfer as his assistant. Next transfer I will be receiving a new missionary and will also be working in Óbuda. We have spent some time looking for an apartment and for a meeting house that we can use to teach and hold programs. We have already found both! So, now that I know what my last assignment is. I feel that I will be able to concentrate all my attention to this. Like I said in the past, I would like to finish my mission with alacrity. I don't want to get distracted by the fact that I'm going home (as exciting as it sounds). I still have the last words of what my wonderful mother whispered to me, while holding me in her arms at the airport, echoing in my mind, "Don't waste one second". I don't know if I have lived up to these words in full but I still have some time left on the clock. I would like to play hard until the clock runs out. I have been given an amazing opportunity to do so!

Sok Szeretettel,
Smith Elder