August 26, 2024 

Well a lot happened this week and I'm so pumped for the next 2 years! When I arrived at the airport we were greeted by the A.P.'s and our Mission Presidents. We then walked over to the metro from Charles de Gaulle Airport where we were given a Livre De Mormon and started to do contacting. Talk about trial by fire! The next day we got to meet our trainers and find out where we are going. 


The town that I got assigned to is called Chartes. It's in the bottom middle of the France Paris mission. Southwest of Paris about 60 miles. It has the biggest and most beautiful cathedral I've ever seen. Look it up if you have a chance (Lady of Chartres Cathedral). My trainer's name is Elder Rowley. I absolutely love him, he is so cool and very funny. We also have a car in our area. We are one of a few that have a car which is cool. I found out Tuesday that I am the D.D (designated driver) my comp has been out 17 months so he would need a french licence. So that was also a trial by fire experience, getting put into the driver's seat of a 2019 Toyota Yarus within the first 4 hours of meeting my trainer. I love being in France. So far it is so different, the buildings and the culture make it so unique and beautiful in its own right. 

Before I met my trainer and was told I'd be driving the car, Sister Munns  and our mission President challenged us to read the Book of Mormon and mark every spot it refers to Jesus Christ. One passage I found while doing this is 1st Nephi 13:37 which says:

And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.

I love this verse because it shows us that we should always seek to be building up the kingdom of Zion and that his work will never be stopped.

I'm only 6 days in and have so many stories. These are going to be the Best two years!
Elder Smith











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