England Here We Come...maybe!

 

Hi Everyone!

Just want to fill everyone in on what's going on. 

Joe was able to retire when another company bought his company. We both were amazed at the great blessing that was for us. I remember thinking that our life was cleared and wondered what the Lord had in store for us. Several days later, Joe told me that he thought he knew the answer. He had gotten a call from the directors of Farmland Reserves for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  (the Marasticas) informing us that we had the opportunity to go to England to serve as missionaries there for a year. We have been preparing ever since.

As most of you know, the Church booked plane tickets to England, however, Gloria received her passport and visa stamp from England but we are still waiting for Joe's. We had no idea why Joe's visa didn't come at the same time. However, we did feel like the Lord was in charge and we tried to have faith in that.

Meanwhile, our Prophet, Russell M Nelson, asked us as members of our Church to pray for a miracle. We did. Most of you will also know that our son Dan is in prison. He has a release date of July 19th. 3 weeks after we would have been in England. We got word that he got out early and we had a chance to meet up with him. 

The miracle we prayed for was that he would have a change of heart and he would see the Lord's hand in his life. I believe this is a miracle. 

Miracle #2 was that while sitting in church, Joe's tooth started to crumble. He showed me a piece that fell off! He was able to get an appointment the very next day with our amazing dentist and friend, Aaron Jones (Jones Dental- a little plug). He expedited the process and is getting a crown within 4 days! Woah!

Emailing the couple that we are going to be serving with gave us reason to believe that Joe's tooth wouldn't have been taken care of for a long time in England! Whew!

Miracle #3 was that Joe was able to help Bruce and Carma Bean a little bit more on their house that they are building. We felt really badly that we couldn't help, so the Lord is giving us another chance!

We are so grateful for the great blessings that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is in our lives!

Meanwhile, our house is being rented so, we are staying at the Geroli's home (so grateful for their hospitality!) 

Lest you think we are just sitting around twiddling our thumbs, we  are spending precious time with our amazing children and grands, who we adore. 

It looks like Joe's visa and passport are coming Wednesday, right when we are supposed to be set apart at full-time missionaries! The Church booked new plane tickets for this coming Friday at 9 pm.

Maybe you could pray for a miracle in your life. I'd love to hear it. Until we get to England, we will be Visa waiters.

All our love,

Joe and Gloria Smith