First E-mail From Chipley!!

I like what you said about Skins and Bubbas (BBQ), I might have to convince Elder Blanchard to go there! Well, I'm glad that Jameson found his stuff and that he likes my shirt, I do still want it back so keep an eye on him. Also, tell him not to be bugged about the letters, it is hard to write letters down here, the only days we can is on Monday, and even then you don't want to spend all your day writing letters. And Lauren is a cute girl (he's referring to a girl that Jameson liked who never wrote to him), she probably had many people to write back to. But he should still send them every once in a while, because we do appreciate them!

Thanks for telling me about Megan (a girl he has written to but has not written back), that's what I thought was happening (because) she was always busy and tired when I was home, so why not now? I'm not stressing too much over the letters, I'm involved with the work! I absolutely love Chipley! I've already met all the members, and been to most of their houses. They are the nicest people I have ever met! I have many names down, and I already feel I am a part of the ward family! (which I really am:) ) And I have already Bible bashed, but in a nice way.

Mr. Wilson goes to a Baptist church, and he invited us over for lunch. There he explained what he believed and why, and showed us many scriptures that "prove" he is right. He told us to go home and search the Bible for the answers, which I did. Now I can't wait to go back and show him all the scriptures I found that will help him understand. Elder B already told me that if he doesn't agree, or doesn't try to listen, that I shouldn't worry about him anymore. The man was super polite and nice about it, and he genuinely cared for us, so that is why I want to help him.

The hardest part about the mission is wanting to make the work go faster. Elder B says I shouldn't and that I will offend people. This place is definitely slower than MTC life. I really have to be patient, and it's hard I'll admit. I need to take my time, especially with the people who don't understand, mainly all the investigators, but it's all in the Lord's time. The biggest problem is Word of Wisdom: coffee, tea, alcohol, and smoking. We also mainly deal with part member families and less-actives, but all are really kind and everyone LOVES the missionaries! It's so strange because in Utah, we say hi but never invite them over for dinner... Here we visit, and they invite us to dinner almost always, and we have even had dinner, and then right after they invite us again for the next week! And everything is delicious, you can't even believe. I haven't had that much fried stuff yet.

You were right about the cleaning thing. When I got here, the apartment was a mess. My comp and I cleaned the day after I arrived because I started and he felt guilty, but we got a lot cleaned. He wasn't the one that made the mess, the missionaries before him and Elder North (also from Centerville, Utah) whitewashed the area, left the place a mess, and they never really had the urge to clean. The place looks tons better now.

I'm happy to hear from you guys! And I hope that everyone is doing alright, and tell the bros that all the info they gave me I barely use. It's a different world out here and we really have to hunt for our investigators! Also the bike is mostly white with red and black strips, and looks totally awesome. I will have to send you the pictures. I love you Mom, and the rest of the family too! I will send you pictures either next week or the week after, it isn't right to take pictures of everyone when I barely know them!

LOVE, Elder Smith