Alright, lets do this.

First week here in Cali!! It has been so awesome! I recieved my first
rejection when I was in the SLC airport waiting for the flight to
board but then sat next to this awesome guy and we were able to talk
to whole time.
It has been really interesting being out here in the world. And being
a missionary in the states. I have learned so..... much after just
being here a week. I thought that after being in the MTC for two
months and changing was fast... no way. One week and I already feel
like there is so much that I have changed in. My english is still not
that great because I have been in a trio with another Sister form Utah
and then a Sister from... Yep! The Philippines!!! And to make it even
more crazy, she is from the area I will be serving in! Needless to
say, we have been talking in Tagalog a lot! our other companion sister
Fulgham knows some pretty good words in Tagalog now :)

I have learned that Americans are pretty dang rude. Every now and then
we will get people who kindly say no, which is really nice. But it's
usually people swearing, throwing water bottles, or other things. All
is well though.
My prayers have been answered though. You all know that I have this
crazy passion about the spanish culture. Well, it has been so much fun
being here in California because we find so many people who are
spanish! California is a huge mixing pot. There are lots a vietnamese
Ryan. Just come over to Cali :) But seriously. I love going in the
back ways of the spanish neighborhoods and talking to the little kids
and singing songs with them. Of course when people are interested, we
have to refer them to the spanish elders but thats ok. I just love
being around them!
I have learned that God answers prayers and provides ways like crazy!
If we are willing. There have been lots of little prayers answered
where we will litterally open our eyes and it will be there right
before us. I want to let you know about opening our mouths. I honestly
LOVE going out and talking with litterally everyone I see. It is my
favorite thing because I get to go out and get to know everyone! Plus
we have a few investigators because we have been able to just have
that passion to go and speak with everyone we see.

I want to tell you all how much I love being a missionary. And how
excited I am to go and serve in the Philippines. I hear all of the
stories that sister Manzon has (Pilipino Companion) and it just is so
humbling. I walk down the streets and see poverty here in the US and I
can only imagine what awaits for me in the Philippines. I am so
excited to go and serve those humble people and to be here serving
these people I meet everyday. I love this work and I am so grateful
for the guidence that our saviour gives us if we are willing to listen
and to act. I love you all so much!
Spencer. I hope you got my letter from back in the MTC and are doing
what it said ;)
I love you all! I am glad to hear that everyone is doing well and staying safe.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

the mission address is 6500 E Atherton Street Longbeach California 90815
I will be transfered to the Longbeach east mission on tuesday!! More
spanish people to teach there!! :)

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill