Hello,
How are you doing? I've written a letter earlier today. Hadn't had access to a computer earlier because all the libraries are closed for Martin Luther King's Day. We've received permission to utilize the computers of members! Hmm...I've delayed a little because I haven't yet established a list of items to send. I need to make the package worthwile. Especially since there are pre-printed photos, a DVD-Slideshow, and perhaps others. I will send them tomorrow. Today's been busy.
Last Saturday, I attended a meeting for the companions of leaders and newer missionaries in Rego Park, Queens, NYC. Its duration lasted from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm with a meager 20 minute break! Afterwards, I was excessively tired. Elder Clement (we were on exchanges) and I left after a little while for home. I hardly noticed anything wrong apart from the lack of familiarity with the buildings we were passing. We had taken the Interstate 495 as usual, however especially by now, I would recognize the buildings, projects and skyscrapers of Queens. What was unusual, in fact, was that I couldn't. I didn't worry and dismissed it. Elder Clement asked me to send text messages to the Huntington Elders and, therefore, proceeded to do such. After between 10 and 15 minutes later, I looked up and noticed that Manhattan was hovering in front of us on the horizon really close, closer than I had seen it before!!!!! I have no idea to this moment why Elder Clement didn't notice but we instantly both agreed that we were in the wrong direction. We took the exit immediately before the toll for the bridge! After that, we turned around and traveled EAST on the 495. :)
Anyway, we taught after 6:00 two investigators. One named Erlin, the other named Pedro. Prior to 6:00, a family gave us a barbeque (indoors because it's cold and there's snow everywhere) for all the eight of us missionaries here.
I went on exchanges with the English Elders also and met a wonderful young couple who barely moved into the English Ward in Bayshore. They're from Utah (with 'normal' accents too) and they have a baby girl on the way. That's probably something you see all the time, but in New York, it's a reminder of home. I have yet to see a Utah License plate here in New York. I have seen: License plates from all over the East Coast and South; also even Texas, California, and Arizona.
We've had to 'drop' some investigators a little while ago. Did I tell you? Oh well, it's sad. Fortunately, we've replaced them with a new man named Orlando. He lives in a farther part of our area called Wyandanch. Wyandanch consists of only Blacks and Hispanics in some parts, nothing much else. Very different than Bayshore, Babylon, Copiague, and Lindenhurst on the coast or in wealthier neighborhoods (which, by the way, none of our investigators come from despite being part of our area-the English Missionaries usually teach a lot there). Farther inland, it's totally different.
Yesterday, we delivered a talk-each of the four of us Spanish Missionaries during Sacrament Meeting. The Bishop Romero was overjoyed. We ate at his house and shared a message with his family. They're so awesome for serving us so willingly.
I must inform you that I was very worried earlier today. They had been wrestling in another room nearby when, all of a sudden, I hear that Erik is badly hurt. He was crying, complained that he could not move his legs, and laying sprawled on the floor. My companion informed me that I needed to grab some ice. He seemed extremely worried and concerned about his back because it was in severe pain.
I couldn't find a zip-lock bag, so I folded ice into a few paper towels, ran as fast as I could back. After a few moments of suspense, Erik started laughing. Wow! I must admit that I was angry but laughed along a little. They fooled both Elder Gootee and I. Not nice, but there are soooo many things that happen.
Anyway, I must say though, to be a missionary in New York, one must have a sense of humor. On one occasion, a younger man, perhaps our age, who worked at the store in Bayshore complimented us on our dress and asked whether he could join the club (in front of people) we laughed along with him and talked to him a little. Another man, a big, Black guy with long-braided hair, asked us what we were doing in such 'fine' clothes. We told him, "why, we're shopping, of course".
P.S. We're improving our member work so that we can obtain more referrals, etc... Progress is happening!
Love,
Elder Steven Roberts.
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