First Two Weeks in the México CCM/MTC.

Hello it is Elder Smart.  I tried calling my family via Google Hangouts these past couple of weeks
but could not get through. Here is a short email to keep everyone up on how things are.
Hope everything and everyone is good. México is crazy! There is graffiti everywhere
and you can hear what sounds like gunshots, haha - yet it is fireworks since September 16th is Independence Day, a national holiday here. I’ve really liked it here. It’s
been a really awesome experience! I’ve already memorized the First
Vision and My Missionary Purpose. Spanish has been really easy for me -
the Gift of Tongues is real and i’ve learned a lot already. However, haha, the food
is really not my favorite here at the CCM/MTC - I will get used to it. I’ve heard there are a lot of missionaries that are going to the México Villahermosa Mission. I have met several. The weather is "hit and miss" but it’s not to bad. I've met a lot of cool elders and the missionary life is
pretty cool. I don’t really get that much sleep which makes it kinda
hard to focus throughout the day. My companion is pretty "chill" we get
along pretty well. I missed talking with my family which I was looking forward to - that’s alright I guess; I will try again this coming Thursday which is my preparation or p-day.
One of the elders I met here gave me this bracelet and it says on it "never give up" so I’m going to wear it until I can teach someone and when they need a little encouragement, I will give it to them. Anyway hope all is good. I will talk to my family this coming week on Thursday.

(© Copyright 2019 - Facebook - Mexico MTC / CCM Mexico @mexicomtc)

México City CCM/MTC arrival photo - Elder Smart, far upper right, second row from the back, on the end.

 

Image by Yloma from Pixabay

Arrival in México!

On September 24th, 2019, I left the United States and my home state on an early flight departure of 7:00 a.m. to serve the people of México.  My family and I had to get up very early to be able to get to the airport and do all that airport stuff. It has been a busy several weeks to get prepared for serving a mission. It will be an awesome experience! Also, I am grateful for many of my friends and family that were able to be in attendance to hear me talk at my mission farewell; each has and will have supported me in many ways. I am thankful for the love and support. Also, it was very awesome to have my sister's homecoming talk that same day as we were both able to talk together in sacrament meeting! She arrived home from the Brazil São Paulo South Mission on September 11, 2019. It was great to spend some time - just short of two weeks with her before I left on my mission.

Elder Smart and former Sister Smart - México and Brazil proud!

After arriving in México City, I was able to send my family short email to let them know that I had arrived noted below as follows:

Sent: Tue, Sep 24, 2019 at 5:49 PM

Subject: MTC/CCM - México City

hey hey familia and friends i made it safely to the Mexico MTC just wanted to let you know. i will email you guys next week. love you guys

Below are some photos taken early in the morning at the airport prior to my flight to México.

(Left to Right) Elder Smart, Mom, my sister Marissa, Dad

I will miss my family, yet I am excited to serve my Savior and the people of México! Thank you for all the love and support!

Mission Call!

Our son, Elder Zach Smart received his mission call via electronic delivery (approx. May 2019 opened it on June 2, 2019) to serve as a full-time missionary in the México Villahermosa Mission! After an early flight at 7:00 a.m. on September 24th, 2019 he will arrive in México City, México. He will spend a few weeks at the México City, México Missionary Training Center  - MTC/CCM learning the Spanish language prior to serving.

"Dear Elder Smart,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the México Villahermosa Mission. It is [...]."

[The text below is from a social media post dated June 19, 2019] 

Our son recently got called to the México Villahermosa Mission and will report to the México City MTC/CCM on September 24, 2019. We understand that a new mission president will be there as of July 2019, Pres. Clark Whitworth, and Sister Jennifer Whitworth and will succeed President Kasey N. Haws and Sister Julia W. Haws. Any tips and words of advice as we prepare for his mission is greatly appreciated. He is excited to serve the Lord in Mexico! His mom, dad and family is excited to be a part of this mission family!

Elder Smart reading his mission call.

Image by DavidRockDesign from Pixabay

México Villahermosa Mission map.