First Week Down

It has been about a week in the California Mission field and I can say that it is not easy, but I love it. No matter what you do in life, there are pros and cons. California is greatly different then Ohio and it is a whole different culture. I am adjusting to the life style here as well as the missionary life style. It is a very strict mission. Every morning as soon as we wake up at 6:15 we have to run twenty minutes, plank for two, and exercise for ten. They want us to be able to run two miles in twenty minutes, it used to be three miles though. Another fun fact, since California is in a drought, our mission is very water cautious so yay for five minute showers! I have learned that my mission is literally one of the highest baptizing missions in the country. Last year there were over a thousand baptisms. Our goal for the year is *drumroll* 1,342. Crazy, right? Anything is possible though if you give it your best.

I absolutely love my companion Sister West. She is super sweet and constantly cheery. I adore her and she helps me a ton. The members in our area are fantastic. Oh, did I mention that I am in two wards? It is a joint ward, just like Beavercreek and Xenia back home. I am in the Woodward Park and Alluvial Wards. There are incredible people in this town and I am so grateful for them all. I do not have to many stories or pictures to share for the fact that I am more busy than ever. I am just amazed by the testimonies that I have heard. I feel the strongest are from the recent converts and the investigators. They are my favorite people to talk to honestly. I love everyone though and miss home sometimes. Just know that Heavenly Father loves all of us and He sacrificed so much for us. I can promise that if you walk by faith, He will guide you. There are no coincidences. He has a plan for all of us, but it is our decision to follow it or not. I know that no matter what choice or path someone picks, God will always love us. I know that for a fact and I say these things in the name of the son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Smith