Madi's first week in the field.
"1 week down, lots more to go!"
"Wow, this week has been crazy! I really have no clue where to even start. I guess I will start with my companion. Crazy story her and I. We were both on this sister missionary facebook page and she ended up adding me about two days before she reported. I messaged her and asked her a few questions. While we were chatting back and forth I thought "watch we will be companions at one point." Little did I know. So fast forward to first day in the field. We had an interview with the mission president and he told me that my trainer was a really great missionary and that she hadn't been out for very long. My thoughts immediately went to Sister Arndt. I asked him how long she had been out and he said about two transfers. I thought it would be her but I didn't want to get my hopes up. The next day all of the trainers walked in to the meeting room and she was with them. They called out each new Elder or Sister and their trainer. I was the last one of course because I was a "W" so as each sister got assigned to someone I was more and more sure that she would be my trainer. And guess what! I was totally right! Not a big deal. I can just see the future...ok maybe not. So she has been so great! We have a lot of fun together and she is super good at encouraging me. It makes it a lot easier to have someone who has been through all of this recently.
As for the work out here. I got so lucky! I am in the Ventura 4th ward and we cover some of Ventura city and Saticoy city. Holy cow. Saticoy is a pretty poor area and we aren't allowed to be there at night. Sketchy! It's ok though because most of those people we have to refer to the hermanas. I walked into this mission and started with 3 amazing investigators! They are so ready for the gospel and I wish they would all just commit to baptism already! Two of them had dates but they had to be pushed back due to some issues and they other one does not want to commit until she is 100% positive this is right. The cool this is that you can tell they are all really trying to find out if this is the true church. I love watching them change and seeing how much they really want to follow Jesus Christ.
The funny thing about this work is that all of the people you would think are nice and want to hear the gospel are the most rude and the most tatooed and rougher looking people are usually the nicest and most easy to teach. Makes sense right?...Not really. However it makes for some incredible miracle and stories!
Also guess what. I got sick. Yep, already! So far it hasn't been keeping me from doing the work. The scale says I have gained 10 lbs but I am pretty sure that, that is all mucus in my throat and nose. I know, that is what you all wanted to hear. haha Anyway, I survive on Ibuprofen and there is a ton of pressure on my face right now so I think I might call Sister Castro (presidents wife and medical lady) and let her know what's up. Other than that I am doing really well! I love it here and can't wait until I am not brand new. ha funny story about that!
Our mission president told us to tell people when they ask how long we have been out to tell them that we are "in the middle" of our mission. This is true because we are all in the middle. So this is where the awkward comes in. You say that and people start asking what other areas you have been in. I usually just say that I have only served in Ventura (they don't need to know they are my first ward) and some of the time that works. However! Most of the time they get more specific and ask what other wards you have been in. At first I didn't care about people knowing I was knew, but poor Sister Arndt has been trying so hard to keep that a secret. So she is usually there trying to get people to stop asking questions and we both just end up awkwardly laughing. Saying you're "in the middle" does NOT work! oh well!
So some of you may be asking why it would be bad to tell people you are brand new. The other reason is so that they respect you and what you say. You don't want them thinking that you are new so you don't know anything. That is one of the things I love about our mission. Here there are no such thing as "greenies". We are all called to the same work and responsibilities. We all have that power and authority no matter how new you are. It makes it so much more enjoyable when the older missionaries treat you the same way they treat the ones that are going home.
Oh man! The other day we ate THE most spicy salsa ever!! We have this mexican woman in the ward and she makes real mexican food with A LOT of spice. This stuff had 5 different kinds of habaneros (sp?) which included ghost peppers. It was SO yummy but I could only have tiny bits at a time because my mouth was on fire! I need to tell Elder Woods about that so he can be jealous!
Also I have a question for you all. What is it with Mexicans and chihuahuas and pitbulls!? EVERY single person we find has one. I hate dogs.
Ok I think that is all for now! Oh! For those of you wanting to write me! All of our mail goes to the mission office and all packages have to bee sent first class/priority if you want it to get to me. Here is the address for you!
Sister Madison Woods (yep you have to put my full name.)
3301 W Gonzales Rd.
Oxnard California 93036
I love you all and miss you!
Love,
Sister Skeeter"
Also pictures to come later!
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