SMILEY BAPTISM

Magandang Hapon po,

It's More Fun in the Philippines (Highlights):

• We're holding a competition this week between our roommates to see who gets more Lessons and Testifying Contacts (to new people). It's been absolutely crazy, and we're working extremely hard. Each night I come home completely wiped of energy, and I fall asleep so quick! On Monday, the first day of the competition, between both companionships we totaled to 30 lessons and 205 testifying contacts in one day. It was INSANE!

June 8 was the baptism of Anthony Fernandez. Anthony is quite an interesting situation. At 17 years old he lives on the street even though his family is not far from where he typically stays. A few years ago he stopped going to school, and now finds work wherever he can. Anthony tends to be a big joker and always puts a smile on my face because of his goofy attitude. At one point while teaching him I remember him playing with his finger nail which was obviously dead. He gently tugged it and all of a sudden his entire nail TORE OFF! We were all extremely surprised, but rather than being concerned, Anthony just began laughing super hard. Apparently it had fallen off earlier that day and he wanted to scare us so he shoved it back on his finger haha! See video of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seMCmduTPUg&feature=youtu.beAnthony has very little as far as temporal or worldly items go and yet he can still find reasons to smile. He has taught me that joy is found in the little things and not necessarily in clothing, cell phones, or money. Ultimately, he has hope for a better tomorrow, and that helps him smile today.

WEEKLY CHALLENGE: For each of us, Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made for us can give us hope for a better tomorrow. He suffered for our pains and knows how to lift and support us. He gives me hope that no matter what my trials are right now I can feel joy in that fact that everything is for my growth and benefit. That at the end of the day I can still smile because there is always hope for a better tomorrow. My challenge to you this week is to find reasons to smile. Smile in your pains and hardships with the hope that whatever comes next will only be better than what you are currently enduring. I want to remind you that you have a Father in Heaven that loves you, and as his child, He will support you in all that you do in righteousness.

Elder Hemmert