Week 3&4 [August 21, 2017]

Week Three: This week was mostly pretty basic but there were a few exciting things. I got to host the new missionaries coming to the MTC. It was fun but also strange being on the other side of things. It feels like not that long ago that I was in their shoes. I also had a in-field orientation that helped me to see more what life is like in the field. During that I got to meet and talk with Justine Smith's husband (for those of you that don't know she's someone who I basically grew up with). The big thing of course is leaving the MTC. In a way I'm sort of sad to go. I'm really going to miss my teachers and of course my amazing district. During one of our class periods we went around and said nice things about each other and I just started crying like a baby. I started crying even worse at the little testimony/goodbye that we had (I couldn't even sing the song...how embarrassing)

Note to district 32A: You are all so amazing! I really feel that I could't have made it through the MTC without you! Even though I didn't talk with you a whole lot, please know that I have grown to love each and every one of you! I want to hear from all of you weekly and for those who are in California with me I hope we get to see each other a lot! Your in my prayers.

Week Four: I got to ride in an airplane for the first time, which was awesome. They did take my shaving cream though so that was less awesome. My mission president and his wife are super nice! They took us to lunch at the beach and we got to stay at their house overnight. The next day we got our new companions. Mine is Elder Hansen who is also from Murray Utah. It's a little weird yet cool that we can talk about someone and know who they are. He was even on a group date with my sister Jenna, but not as her date. I'm in a town called Simi Valley. The people here are great! I haven't met anyone I don't like. Most of the people here are really into the Bible so I might have to brush up on that. I have to say, I thought that I would have a hard time being in the field but so far things have been pretty nice. This week has gone by so fast it's hard to believe. Thank you for all the love and support and sorry if I can't respond to you.  

Elder Jason Riches