New Investigators

So this one is going to be short but sweet, which is, in my opinion, the best kind of update to get. It was a really good week as far as missionary work goes. We found three new investigators in one day while I was on an exchange with Elder Russell which was awesome! We also had dinner appointments every night this week which was good to get to know members of the ward and the food certainly didn't hurt the situation. I feel like my teaching skills are improving and I'm getting more comfortable teaching.
On the downside, it has been really hard to be away for the holidays. Each day that we draw closer to Christmas gets a little more difficult and for the first time in my life, I'm a little bit excited for Christmas to be over. I love you all and I miss you so much. I'm sorry this one is so short but for many of you, I'll be able to catch you up on the phone this week! Lots of love!!

Just a Couple Pics From Hartford

Time for a Tour!

This was a pretty busy week. We had our mission conference Christmas Party on Wednesday and that was a lot of fun. It was good to get together with everyone and play catch-up. We had lots of good music and spoken word, great food, and an outpouring of the Spirit. It was great to refocus on the true meaning of Christmas.

We were able to meet with Malicia again and taught a great lesson on the Word of Wisdom. She said she'd been thinking a lot about getting baptized and wondered if she'd have to give up a big part of the lifestyle she enjoys. Initially, she wasn't too excited about it but by the end, we helped her understand that it is not to restrict us, but to bless us. It was a great lesson.

We took some pictures in the park near our house that turned out pretty cool so I might try to get Christmas cards printed and sent out if I have time but no promises. Last night, we ate dinner with the Young Single Adults in the stake and while we were introducing ourselves, one girl named Jenifer said to me, "Are you the one with the blog?" I said, "Yeah", and she said, "That's why you look so familiar!" That's right! It turns out I have fans!! She even has my blog saved to her phone. So, Jenifer, this is a shout-out to you. Thanks for your faithful reading.

Other than that, not too much else has gone on. I hope you enjoy this video tour of Hartford. Luckily, it turns out we will be moving soon to a nicer place. I'll give more details on that when they come. I love you all. Have a great week!

I'll Be Home For Christmas, If Only In My Dreams

I knew it would be hard to be away for the holidays, but I didn't think it would be THIS hard. Everywhere we go, music is playing and lights are flashing and I wish I could be with the ones I love most. Luckily, I'm in an apartment with 3 other missionaries so that is like a little family and should make it better than being just with one companion. Plus, if I make it through Christmas away from home, I think I can make it through anything. I had a list written of all the things I wanted to talk about but left it at home so I hope I can remember everything because for once, a lot happened in one week. For starters, right before transfer meeting on Tuesday, we were headed out to lunch. I was starving and we got a little lost so Elder Thomas had to make a U turn. He hit a curb and our tire went flat in about 10 seconds. We were with 2 other missionaries and had the hardest time changing the tire. Not because we didn't know how (at least, not ALL of us didn't know how) but because the nuts were on so tight that we stripped the wrench trying to get the thing off. In the end, it all worked out fine.

When we first got to our apartment that night, it was really hard for me. We are right in the middle of the ghetto. After I got settled, I was writing in my journal when on the other side of the wall I heard our neighbor dealing drugs. It kinda freaked me out but I tried to just block it out. A couple hours later, like 8 cop cars showed up and busted them. It was kinda sweet.

We have 1 REAL investigator, whatever that means. Her name is Malicia and we were able to meet with her this week. It was mostly just a "get to know you" type meeting rather than a lesson but it went really well. She is nice and I'm excited about teaching her.

We raked leaves for the Donat's, an elderly couple in the ward. They reminded me so much of Grandma and Grandpa Davis. It was great to be able to help them and it reminded me of raking leaves with Grandma Betty.

Church yesterday was so much fun. There are so many nice people in this ward and I really enjoyed myself. I love the members here already. They were very helpful to Elder Prusse and I and are so willing to help. I'm sorry that this email is so dry. I'll try to put more spice in the others but I'm just not used to having so much to talk about. I love you all and pray for you always. Have a great week.