Navidad en el Bario and The Big Move

That's right. We have officially said "goodbye" to the slums of 288 Park Street and moved to what i like to refer to as "an island oasis of prosperity in a sea of poverty. I will be doing another video tour of the new apartment as soon as we get all of our furniture but until then, if you would like a sneak peak at the amenities, you can visit, www.parkplacect.com. We split up the foursome so Elder Prusse and I are together on the 19th floor with great views of the city and Elder Dowdy and Elder Russell are on the 12th floor with great views of trees and power lines. My new address is:

Elder Cody Jardine

2 Park Place Apt 19J

Hartford, CT 06106

Please use it often. Our first day here, the lady in the lobby was telling us that missionaries lived here years ago and got lots of letters and packages from home. Don't disappoint me :)

The move itself was pretty hectic. First of all, all of our furniture is basically worthless so lots of it fell apart and we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies carrying couches with holes and dressers from the 60's through the swankified lobby but WHAT 'ER! Also, it lacked organization like none other. Again, WHAT 'ER! I'm in a better place so it all worked out in the end.

Now an update on Christmas and New Year's.

Christmas was good. But then again how could it not have been when I got to talk to almost everyone I love for a very long time?! I told the other missionaries that I didn't care where I was or what I was doing as long as I had a phone in my hand all day, and that was truth. We went to some members of the Spanish branch for the day because it wasn't our day to drive the mini van but it was fun. I got a new watch that I love but will have to exchange because it was too big, some really pretty ties and a sweet set of cuff links, cologne, amazing pillow case from Melanie, :) and lots of candy.

New Year's, on the other hand was not so awesome. Back when we were living in the ghetto, we had these neighbors that always played loud music. It got about a trillion times worse for New Year's and lasted until 7 in the morning for two nights in a row.

As far as missionary work goes, things have been really slow from the holidays and moving but we are ready to hit the ground running again and things are going really well. We taught Malicia last week and if she and her boyfriend can keep the law of chastity, she'll be good for baptism! Please pray for her!

I love you all so much and want you to know I'm doing well. Peace and blessins, Ya'll!

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.

Surprise!

What a week! I guess for starters, I’ll break the news that I’m leaving Trumbull. It’s been real. It’s been fun. But just like the OC, Prison Break and LOST, all good things must come to an end. I’m going to Central Hartford. It will be a big change to go from the wealthy countryside to the inner-city, but I’m excited for the change and the opportunity to hopefully interact with more people every day. My companion will be Elder Prusse, who shared my room in the MTC and we’ll be sharing the apartment with 2 Spanish-speaking Elders. Here’s the new address:

Elder Cody Jardine

288 Park St Apt 2W

Hartford, CT 06106

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was great. Being with the English’s nearly made up for not being at home. We had tons of fun and lots of great food and virtually no arguments. That morning, we played a Turkey Bowl game with our ward and the other missionaries in our district. It was way fun and I made a touchdown and a couple interceptions. Not to brag or anything.

That’s all, folks. Hopefully I won’t get stabbed in the streets of Hartford between now and next week so I can tell you all about my continuing adventures! Have a blessed week. Thanks for everything. I love you all!

6 Months

This week I will be hitting my 6 month mark! CRAZY! If you haven’t sent your packages and congratulatory letters yet, don’t worry. You still have a couple of days to send them to make sure I get them in time.

What’s that smell in the air? NEW INVESTIGATORS, of course! Well, technically, we don’t have any new investigators YET. But we do have some great potential. There is a girl that has been coming to church for about a month with her friend, Kylie English (who we’re eating with for Thanksgiving) named Nina and yesterday at church, we explained the priesthood and Sister English is going to set up a dinner with the family to introduce everyone. There is also Sarah Gonzalez. We have had problems getting a hold of her family but hopefully soon we will be able to teach her.

Julian’s baptism is postponed til further notice. With his mom, we decided we just need to keep teaching him and take it slow so we’ll see how that goes.

Sorry this one is so short but I am pretty sure that’s all I’ve got. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy those red velvet cupcakes you’ll be eating in honor of my six-month mark! Love you all!