Dear Family & Friends:
I've learned to control my eating. It's particularly difficult on a mission in the Spanish Program. We eat dinner every night at a members house and sometimes several times! They haven't heard of the term 'Self-serve' apparently either. They fill the plate and then insist on more and more food. I've hardly had to buy anything (with the exception of breakfast products, milk, etc...) from the store. I make myself a Egg, sausage, and cheese English Muffin in the mornings often. That's usually all I'll eat in the morning and most of the day until I eat my daily feast or two from the generous and insistent members of the Spanish Ward. Have to save room!
I love attending church at 1:00 now (the Spanish Ward and English Ward switched with the start of the New Year) but we've attended the English Ward here and there with our two English Elders and Sisters. I wish that I could record the meetings because of the New York accents that Bishop Rathgeber and the councilors have. They seem as if they should be in an old movie.
Interesting week we've had:
Our baptismal date/part-member-family was some of the most ripe fruit of our labors. We'd cooked dinner for them, perform object lessons for the children, played games, make smoothies for them, we're going to bring them homemade brownies this Saturday, etc.....fell apart last week when Elder Leal and I were driving to the church building in Bayshore from Huntington Station (he needed to attend a Leader's Meeting with the Zone Leaders). We met Elders Gootee and Gibbs there at the church building back in Bayshore. They told us that Rafael (the non-member boyfriend of Carmen-the family we're teaching) had arrived only a short while before to the church for help. Apparently, they'd gotten in a fight and he moved out. I can't say much because I am limited in my knowledge and to what I should say anyway. He hadn't ever seen Elders Gibbs or Gootee previously but they had opened the door for him at the church. They administered to him a blessing and talked a little to him. We had no idea that this had happened. Anyway, it was a miracle that he had even encountered those other missionaries at the church (particularly because we generally don't hang around the church on weekdays). Also, we contacted Bishop Romero who counselled them. Last night, he told us that he had received his answer according to precisely how Elder Gibbs and Elder Gootee had said in the blessing. He felt a blanket of warmth all around his body! I can't believe it! Two answers to two of our investigators in two weeks! We scheduled March 13th for his baptism and Bishop Romero is going to arrange the Marriage Date with them (it's easier now that they've moved themselves out).
Last week, Elder Gibbs and I went on Exchanges. He's brand new! Hardly four weeks here in New York and seven weeks in his entire mission. He doesn't speak any Spanish, obviously, and I led the entire day (because I'm a little older) and finally have taught the entire day soley myself in Spanish. It's improving a lot. I can understand basically everything. I'm still improving more and more gradually in the speaking. I can speak it, but I still speak rather slowly. Anyway, everybody here is really encouraging, you know.
Last Monday, we went to the beach....really windy but the snow was almost completely melted. It has snowed a bit today and last night.....looks like it's not yet going to be Spring. Elder Gibbs and I were going to go running early this morning to the Bayshore Marina and back but we changed our minds.
Grandma and Grandpa Mills, when we were driving, I spotted a business that read Gildersleeves.....and something. I swore that I saw the word 'Gildersleeves', however. I think that we were driving through Copiague or Babylon. I should have pulled over or something. Anyway, it sparked my curiosity again....do you know where in Long Island our family settled? I'm familiar enough with the area (think about it this way, I'm more familiar with Islip, Babylon, and Amittyville than I was with West Jordan, Utah); although, also, I'm familiar with the major areas here in Long Island. We've had to look all of our appointments' streets up in our map of Suffolk County because they're no darn mountains here. Some missionaries have GPS'. We don't but it's more cost efficient to look it up in the map. Instead of numbers, we go by major road names. Some of the streets here are screwed up!!! Many are more straight and aligned....but not with grid. No grid system here exists.
Anyway, love you guys soooo much!!!!!!!
Love you!
Bye!!
A Picture is worth a thousand words
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentines' Day and PDAY 2011
Dear Friends & Family,
This past week has been the busiest thus far in the mission! It had been a while since I'd felt so stressed. Yesterday was full of errands and ubiquitious demands.
I suppose that I'll start with earlier in the week. We visited Jasmin and Herman last Wednesday. It had been a long time primarily because they had been busy. The husband told us that he (who had been experiencing a lot of emotional stress with the trials that his wife, who has cancer, is going through) read some passages from the Book of Mormon and decided finally to challenge the promise that we gave him that IF one exercises faith, true intention-to act on the answer, and a sincere and OPEN heart that he would receive an answer precisely when the Lord knows you need the answer.
He had told us previously that he was still waiting for it. We commit all of our investigators to ask God. There are a myriad of promises of this in both the Bible and Book of Mormon-Mathew 7:7-11, John 14:26, Moroni 10:3-5, 1 Nephi 10:19, etc........ Many more (those are some ones that I have memorized...trust me....and you know, there are many, many more in Revelation, John, Mark, etc...). Anyway, he told us that he tested it...felt like he was in a mess....went into the other room where his kids weren't crying or screaming, and asked directly in prayer. He said that he felt peace....weird because he had been stressed exceedingly. He told us that he hadn't felt peace like that in a long time. Also, Jasmin mentioned that the two blessings that she had been given before were followed by slight recovery. She's still sick-but according to what Elder Griener felt to say in his blessing and what he said to me afterwards, that according to her faith and God's infinite love and Will-She will be healed from Cancer. Can't describe how disappointed and sad I had felt before when I thought that we were going to lose them. Last Wednesday turned out really well. We have another appointment with them soon.
The husband who had previously been a little doubtful of us in the first place has received his ANSWER. We explained subsequently that that was his answer but to freely ask God and his testimony will grow. . We're going to ask them to select a date (because they both now know it's true) for baptism.
Gonzales family: We discovered that they need to get married before they can be baptized (we didn't know before). Apart from that, they're doing really well. The husband and two children still want to be baptized....it'll have to be delayed a little because of the marriage, ha ha. Ooops.
Also last week, our investigator, Erlin had us over. His 16 years old now and is the only member of his family who listens to us. The others have NEVER participated in listening to our lessons (also to note...he was the very first person that I had visited in New York-on my first full-time-Missionary day). Another miracle: one of his sisters and his cousin have joined our pool of investigators and listen to the message. That's not all-Erlin wouldn't come to church before: we managed to find him a ride with a family who has a son his age and seemed similar in hobbies. He, his sister, and cousin all attended church yesterday. He made friends with the young men also!
The day before yesterday, we went (my companion and I) to open up a NEW area. Amittyville it's called. We only have one family in the Spanish Ward who are even active in that area (they have to drive like 25 minutes to church in Bayshore). The first house we visited belonged to a former investigator a few years ago. Apparently she moved away because the woman that we encountered said that she wasn't her. She invited us inside only after discovering us to be Mormons. She argued with us for a while....and my companion (because I can't argue in Spanish let alone try to speak without making many mistakes) countered her several times. She told us that what were doing was wrong and that only the Bible contained scripture. Obviously she doesn't understand any history or theology or what's in the book of Timothy (all scripture is INSPIRED of God). we didn't want to leave without a prayer. I said it...and cleverly added nice things about the family and how we can live together forever. It was a nice and decently sized prayer. She told me afterwards to learn how to pray better than 'that'.
Chalyse: You're the soooo kind, loving, and smart. I feel that we're twins or something. :) I remember the fun days before and the fun days that WILL be after I return. You're the coolest! All the missionaries here bother me about writing you (especially after seeing the awesome calendar I have pinned on the wall) and I tell them that they can't because you're my sister whom I love and protect. I love you. Don't ever sacrifice diligence. Work as hard as you possibly can, set goals, remember that you choose what to think and how to react, use time wisely, and plan. If you do this, I promise that you'll succeed.
I wish that I had more time. I was going to e-mail both dads. I hope that you both still love me. I'll try to send letters afterwards (I've got to write to President Nelson too-I do every week-perhaps that's why he's kept me here...he knows what I need). Love you! Bye.
This past week has been the busiest thus far in the mission! It had been a while since I'd felt so stressed. Yesterday was full of errands and ubiquitious demands.
I suppose that I'll start with earlier in the week. We visited Jasmin and Herman last Wednesday. It had been a long time primarily because they had been busy. The husband told us that he (who had been experiencing a lot of emotional stress with the trials that his wife, who has cancer, is going through) read some passages from the Book of Mormon and decided finally to challenge the promise that we gave him that IF one exercises faith, true intention-to act on the answer, and a sincere and OPEN heart that he would receive an answer precisely when the Lord knows you need the answer.
He had told us previously that he was still waiting for it. We commit all of our investigators to ask God. There are a myriad of promises of this in both the Bible and Book of Mormon-Mathew 7:7-11, John 14:26, Moroni 10:3-5, 1 Nephi 10:19, etc........ Many more (those are some ones that I have memorized...trust me....and you know, there are many, many more in Revelation, John, Mark, etc...). Anyway, he told us that he tested it...felt like he was in a mess....went into the other room where his kids weren't crying or screaming, and asked directly in prayer. He said that he felt peace....weird because he had been stressed exceedingly. He told us that he hadn't felt peace like that in a long time. Also, Jasmin mentioned that the two blessings that she had been given before were followed by slight recovery. She's still sick-but according to what Elder Griener felt to say in his blessing and what he said to me afterwards, that according to her faith and God's infinite love and Will-She will be healed from Cancer. Can't describe how disappointed and sad I had felt before when I thought that we were going to lose them. Last Wednesday turned out really well. We have another appointment with them soon.
The husband who had previously been a little doubtful of us in the first place has received his ANSWER. We explained subsequently that that was his answer but to freely ask God and his testimony will grow. . We're going to ask them to select a date (because they both now know it's true) for baptism.
Gonzales family: We discovered that they need to get married before they can be baptized (we didn't know before). Apart from that, they're doing really well. The husband and two children still want to be baptized....it'll have to be delayed a little because of the marriage, ha ha. Ooops.
Also last week, our investigator, Erlin had us over. His 16 years old now and is the only member of his family who listens to us. The others have NEVER participated in listening to our lessons (also to note...he was the very first person that I had visited in New York-on my first full-time-Missionary day). Another miracle: one of his sisters and his cousin have joined our pool of investigators and listen to the message. That's not all-Erlin wouldn't come to church before: we managed to find him a ride with a family who has a son his age and seemed similar in hobbies. He, his sister, and cousin all attended church yesterday. He made friends with the young men also!
The day before yesterday, we went (my companion and I) to open up a NEW area. Amittyville it's called. We only have one family in the Spanish Ward who are even active in that area (they have to drive like 25 minutes to church in Bayshore). The first house we visited belonged to a former investigator a few years ago. Apparently she moved away because the woman that we encountered said that she wasn't her. She invited us inside only after discovering us to be Mormons. She argued with us for a while....and my companion (because I can't argue in Spanish let alone try to speak without making many mistakes) countered her several times. She told us that what were doing was wrong and that only the Bible contained scripture. Obviously she doesn't understand any history or theology or what's in the book of Timothy (all scripture is INSPIRED of God). we didn't want to leave without a prayer. I said it...and cleverly added nice things about the family and how we can live together forever. It was a nice and decently sized prayer. She told me afterwards to learn how to pray better than 'that'.
Chalyse: You're the soooo kind, loving, and smart. I feel that we're twins or something. :) I remember the fun days before and the fun days that WILL be after I return. You're the coolest! All the missionaries here bother me about writing you (especially after seeing the awesome calendar I have pinned on the wall) and I tell them that they can't because you're my sister whom I love and protect. I love you. Don't ever sacrifice diligence. Work as hard as you possibly can, set goals, remember that you choose what to think and how to react, use time wisely, and plan. If you do this, I promise that you'll succeed.
I wish that I had more time. I was going to e-mail both dads. I hope that you both still love me. I'll try to send letters afterwards (I've got to write to President Nelson too-I do every week-perhaps that's why he's kept me here...he knows what I need). Love you! Bye.
Monday, February 7, 2011
PDay- February 7, 2011
Dear Friends and Family,
Greetings!
Apologies about the lack of letters, I'll make an effort to send one this week. Also, Carlos wrote me and mentioned that he has mailed me much and it's been returned with the stamp reading 'unclaimed'. I haven't received anything from him with the exception of the DearElder that he had sent last week after P-day informing me of the situation. I'll try to write him also.
To verify, I haven't yet been transferred from Brentwood/Bayshore. I am excited to continue working, however. My companion also remains. Sister Jewkes (the skinny, blond girl in some of the photos) was transferred to serve in Midwood, Brooklyn!! She's been replaced by Sister Delamare. Elder Casperson's also been transferred (to South Shore in Patchogue-only a little farther East on the Island from us).
Elder Gootee is training a new Elder straight from the MTC. He only remained there for three weeks because he's English speaking. He literally has approximately 23 months left in the mission! Also, the Spanish Sisters are in a Trio. The new Sister is Sister Heiner.
Apparently, I'm the best at directions and been here the longest (three transfers) only with the exception of two sisters-Sister McEwen and Sister Mamon!
Other missionaries who arrived with me have been transferred. I've heard that President Nelson prays to receive guidance as to who is transferred and where they're transferred to.
I highly doubt that I'll remain after this one. I think that I'll go to the city perhaps.
We drove to NYC twice last week (on Tuesday and Saturday). One was Transfer Meeting and the other was a Mission Conference where a member of the 70 spoke to us!!!! Elder Pierson (don't exactly know whether that was spelled correctly or not). We all have experienced added vigor and rejuvenation to bring souls. He's really cool!
Saw President and Sister Hardman yesterday. We discussed the package details. She said that she's going to meet Brittany in Florida and deliver a package to me directly. Thanks! I enjoy receiving packages.
Uuummm.....our new Elder (Elder Gibbs) is in awe, sort of like me last September, here in New York.
New York isn't that bad. It's the city in some parts (like where we moved the Lee family several weeks ago) that's dirty and destitute.
The updates of Missionary Work:
We're still working with Jasmin but her husband isn't as sensitive to the Spirit as she is. We have an appointment with them on Wednesday. She's doing fine. When we knocked her door a while ago, she had hair. She has literally lost all of it from the Chemotherapy. She regularly wears a cap. They need to attend church and haven't. For that, we've canceled their date for baptism. It's been a little difficult for me. We haven't given up though. She knows that it's true.
We are teaching another family (from Nicaragua). The wife's been a member....became inactive for 13 years...and has returned with her husband and three children who haven't been baptized yet! They have a baptismal date in exactly one week! They will be my first baptism (Sister Jewkes and Sister Mamon had one last transfer). They're committed and attending church every week for four weeks! The wife had experienced an answer to the veracity of the Book of Mormon and the husband feels the spirit. They've been excited for temple sealing (however, they have to wait a year subsequent to baptism).
However, we might post-pone only ONE week because we have need to address several more lessons prior to baptism.
Also, the members are taking good care of us. We've even shown some families how to make smoothies! Interesting, huh?
Before I go, I must tell you that the Bishop of the English Ward (Bishop Rathgeber) has a daughter serving her mission in Temple Square in SLC. Maybe you might see her. I haven't met her but I thought that it was really neat because she's from HERE, where I'm serving!!!!
Anyway, I love you guys lots!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Elder Roberts.
Greetings!
Apologies about the lack of letters, I'll make an effort to send one this week. Also, Carlos wrote me and mentioned that he has mailed me much and it's been returned with the stamp reading 'unclaimed'. I haven't received anything from him with the exception of the DearElder that he had sent last week after P-day informing me of the situation. I'll try to write him also.
To verify, I haven't yet been transferred from Brentwood/Bayshore. I am excited to continue working, however. My companion also remains. Sister Jewkes (the skinny, blond girl in some of the photos) was transferred to serve in Midwood, Brooklyn!! She's been replaced by Sister Delamare. Elder Casperson's also been transferred (to South Shore in Patchogue-only a little farther East on the Island from us).
Elder Gootee is training a new Elder straight from the MTC. He only remained there for three weeks because he's English speaking. He literally has approximately 23 months left in the mission! Also, the Spanish Sisters are in a Trio. The new Sister is Sister Heiner.
Apparently, I'm the best at directions and been here the longest (three transfers) only with the exception of two sisters-Sister McEwen and Sister Mamon!
Other missionaries who arrived with me have been transferred. I've heard that President Nelson prays to receive guidance as to who is transferred and where they're transferred to.
I highly doubt that I'll remain after this one. I think that I'll go to the city perhaps.
We drove to NYC twice last week (on Tuesday and Saturday). One was Transfer Meeting and the other was a Mission Conference where a member of the 70 spoke to us!!!! Elder Pierson (don't exactly know whether that was spelled correctly or not). We all have experienced added vigor and rejuvenation to bring souls. He's really cool!
Saw President and Sister Hardman yesterday. We discussed the package details. She said that she's going to meet Brittany in Florida and deliver a package to me directly. Thanks! I enjoy receiving packages.
Uuummm.....our new Elder (Elder Gibbs) is in awe, sort of like me last September, here in New York.
New York isn't that bad. It's the city in some parts (like where we moved the Lee family several weeks ago) that's dirty and destitute.
The updates of Missionary Work:
We're still working with Jasmin but her husband isn't as sensitive to the Spirit as she is. We have an appointment with them on Wednesday. She's doing fine. When we knocked her door a while ago, she had hair. She has literally lost all of it from the Chemotherapy. She regularly wears a cap. They need to attend church and haven't. For that, we've canceled their date for baptism. It's been a little difficult for me. We haven't given up though. She knows that it's true.
We are teaching another family (from Nicaragua). The wife's been a member....became inactive for 13 years...and has returned with her husband and three children who haven't been baptized yet! They have a baptismal date in exactly one week! They will be my first baptism (Sister Jewkes and Sister Mamon had one last transfer). They're committed and attending church every week for four weeks! The wife had experienced an answer to the veracity of the Book of Mormon and the husband feels the spirit. They've been excited for temple sealing (however, they have to wait a year subsequent to baptism).
However, we might post-pone only ONE week because we have need to address several more lessons prior to baptism.
Also, the members are taking good care of us. We've even shown some families how to make smoothies! Interesting, huh?
Before I go, I must tell you that the Bishop of the English Ward (Bishop Rathgeber) has a daughter serving her mission in Temple Square in SLC. Maybe you might see her. I haven't met her but I thought that it was really neat because she's from HERE, where I'm serving!!!!
Anyway, I love you guys lots!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Elder Roberts.
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