Happy to be in California

So my first week has actually gone by super fast! I have loved every second of it since I landed in Santa Barbara. We had lunch on the beach in a place called Goleta with the mission president and the senior missionaries. And then we drove to Oxnard to meet our new companions and find out our first areas. 

My companion's name is Elder Anderson, he is from Syracuse Utah and he's a really cool guy. He is the district leader of my first district in my first area, Newbury Park, which is about 30 minutes from Oxnard. It's not too hot and its been really fun. I think my favorite scripture would have to be D&C 100:1. Its when Joseph and Sidney Rigdon are away from their families and God tells them how he is watching over them and keeping them safe.

This first week me and my trainer both whitewashed into the area, meaning neither of us have been in the area before. So we met a lot of the members in the ward here. We also talked with some of the former investigators in this area and they are all kinda interesting people haha. I have had so much fun talking to people and eating dinner at member's homes.

My apartment is actually really nice we keep it around 60 degrees because me and my companion both like it really cold haha. We have our own washing machine and dryer so that's pretty nice.

We sort of saw the eclipse but not really. This morning we all went on a hike as a district and that was pretty cool. I will send pictures soon.

Anyway I love you all and I am so happy to be out here.

Hey dad, its been a crazy week but its gone quick and I love it so much. I think that’s hilarious that you bought a Big Foot, its perfect haha. How is Beau doing? Is he getting bigger? The food is really good and the people are too they just are a little crazy haha. 

Give Addi a big hug for me and pet Bart and Beau for me. Love ya dad-Elder Smith

First Companion and Trainer Elder Anderson