ECUADOR!

Buenas Dias! It's your daughter Taylor. I am safe and in my first area
here in Ecuador. My companion's name Hermana Parrales and she is from
the north part of Guayaquil. Our area is called Huancavilca. From my
understanding, because I literally have no idea where I am, we're in
south Guayaquil...so it's REALLY hot! Last night I was dripping sweat
just sitting in our apartment while we were planning for the day. We
have 2 fans in our apartment and so at night I had my fan blowing on
me. All I have to really say is that it's just super hot and I need
to get used to it. Hahaha

Today we got up at 6:30 and did some execises in our apartment. We
went to a small store next to our apartment and I bought some cereal
and milk for breakfast. Then we had personal study and I finished the
Book of Mormon :) Now, I'm going to read it in just Spanish. There is
no doubt in my mind that the book is the word of God. We had
companion study and then language study for 30 minutes. We read a
long chapter in the Book of Mormon and then I helped Hermana Parrales
learn English. Now we're at this mall that is like 5 minutes from our
apartment, it's super nice and I feel more at home here. Hahaha. We're
going to do some shopping and then at 1 we have lunch and then we're
going out teaching the rest of the day! I'm super nervous my stomach
hurts. We have 2 baptisms set for the 19th of March for Sandra and
Javier (I haven't met them yet), so I'm really excited for that.

So this last week has been great! It was sad to leave the Peru CCM.
I made some great friends and had such amazing experiences! I am
so greatful I had the opportunity to go there and learn. I am going
to miss being able to talk in English, but I know this immersion here
in Ecuador will help me learn the language so much faster.

Yesterday, we left the CCM at 6am. The CCM ended up paying for my
execessive weight in my bags, so I didn't have to use my card. On
the flight I had the middle seat between 2 people. The girl´s name
was Nataly, she's 17 and was moving to Ecuador to go to school. Freddy
is 26 and lives in Guayaquil, he has two kids and is recently
divorced. Both of them spoke English pretty well. So I talked to
them about the gospel. I gave Nataly a pamphlet about the Plan of
Salvation and asked her to pray about it. I taught Freddy about the
whole restoration. I gave him a Book of Mormon, asked him to read 3
Nephi 11, and to pray about it. It was seriously an amazing
experience. They are both so ready to hear the gospel, especially
Freddy. I got their information so the missionaries in their areas
can teach them. Now, I just need to learn Spanish so I can teach the
same thing to the people here in Ecuador.

We landed around 1 and we were greeted by President Montalti and the
APs. They drove us to a church building where we met our new
companions, had an orientation with President, the nurses, and
missionaries who help in the office. I met a girl named Hermana
Salmon from Mesa. Her cousin is friends with Mackenzie Daniels, so it
was great to meet someone from the same place as me. We had dinner and
our interviews and then Hermana Parrales and I headed off with all my
stuff to our apartment. It was so sad to say goodbye to all the
sisters I have been with for the last 9 weeks. We drove in a taxi for
20 minutes to get to our area. People drive SO crazy here, oh my gosh!
That's enough about that... haha

Well, my preparation days will be on Mondays. Information I
received about packages is to send ones with a green sticker (meaning
that it's already paid for me to receive that package). If it's a
white sticker, the Elder who is over letters/packages cannot receive
it. It means I have to go downtown to pick it up and pay a fee.

Ok, I can't think of what else to say. I have so many emotions and
feelings that I can't put them into words. I miss you all
tremendously and know I have a huge support system back home. I know
that all your prayers are helping me. I am so happy to be serving the
Lord and am so excited to experience these next 16 months. Please
continue to keep me in your prayers. I love you and will hear from you
Monday :)

Love,
Hermana Smith