June 4-It smells great here!

Holy Cow! I can't believe I'm finally in California! This is where I'm meant to be!

My first area is the Newport Beach 1st ward. It's right on the coast, but I haven't seen the ocean yet, just a harbor, which apparently is where they shot the intro to Gilligan's island.

It is so beautiful here, and everything smells amazing! The weather is perfect and I dread wearing a suit because it feels so good to wear a short sleeve shirt.

My first night was awesome, we got into Orange County super late and had dinner at the Clarks, it was awesome. I also met my trainers Elder Lichtenberg (pronounced Lishtenberg) and Elder Kema, couldn't have asked for better companions.

My first full day was nuts! I sat in a ton of Zone meetings with my companions who are the zone leaders, I didn't understand anything that was being said in the meetings, but it was interesting to learn about what was going on in the mission. Also sat through a few hours of orientation and learned a lot. On our way home from the meetings, we heard a car pop a tire behind us, and we got out to help them. The couple in the car was very confused and dazed. We tried pushing it, but it wouldn't move, and the couple was getting kind of mad at us for that. eventually when we told them that we would go to the auto shop to get a car jack, when we turned around, the car was gone. We have no idea how. It was wild. Later that day, me and Elder Kema got to witness a baptism, It really got me excited to start teaching people! After that my companions had more paper work to do so we stayed at the building for a long time. Just as we were about to go home we got a call telling us that we had to give a blessing to a sick elderly convert. It was an amazing experience. I got to give the anointing and I was so thrilled to see someone like that. It was a crazy first day but it got me pumped to serve others!

The rest of the week has been a blur. I got to go on a quick exchange while my companions were in another meeting. During that time I went tracting for an hour and a half. No one was interested but they were all super kind. Also smelled TONS of weed! It was a great learning experience.

Yesterday was my first fast Sunday, and I went to bear my testimony in church with elder Kema since we were new to the area. It was awesome! I got to see the Johns family (from my home stake) and it was so crazy to see them sitting in church, but also a little comforting. 

I love being on a mission and have loved my experience so far! Nothing has been too difficult yet but I'm looking forward to some challenging times and more opportunities to serve others!