Well, you'll be surprised to hear that I've been transferred!!!! I had barely been with Elder Clement in Brentwood for a week when President Nelson arrived in Plainview for interviews. He asked how everything had been faring and I replied that so much progress was happening in Brentwood and in the past 2 weeks we had baptized 7 converts into the church in that area-which comprises of 2 families. I continued to explain to him my love for the area when he sighed and said...."well, I'd better just tell you....you may be transferred within the next few days". I laughed because I initially presumed that he was joking. Nope....he explained that I was going to be 'midnighted' (when a companionship's midnighted....it usually means that one of the companions is being sent away because of issues; anywhere from fighting in the companionship, getting beat up-as Elder Casperson was sent away after he was punched in the face in Brownsville, East New York-etc...). He informed me that he would notify as to whether it would be certain that I would. Well, last Wednesday night, he called and informed me that I would be switched with Elder Lund and be companions with Elder Simkins in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. I was to be picked up by the AP's on Friday. I had, therfore, limited time to bid farewell to the families and to Anthony, Jonathan, and their family. I didn't think that I would but I cried on the way out of Brentwood-Bayshore. The AP's tried to console me.I'm also am going to miss my old companion much.
I don't know where to start. I've been in Brooklyn since Friday. Not just any part of Brooklyn. Dyker Heights comprises of (it would be much more convenient to show you on a map than to describe exclusively by words alone) the area on the opposite side of Manhattan across the East River from 'Red Hook' (across from the southern end of Manhattan and Governor's Is.) to the western half of Coney Island in the South, all along the coast. We've also ridden on the Subway every day except for my first day so far. We walk everywhere and my legs right now could fall off.
Anyhow, we talk more to people because there are so many. On Saturday morning, we set up a stand with some of the other missionaries and with signs announcing 'peliculas gratis' and mensajes de jesucristo! So many people pass by all the time! Hundreds, thousands, on one avenue here in Brooklyn.
There aren't hardly any white people here. Depends which area you're in (and even those are foreign-Eastern Europeans-the majority are Russians, Ukrainians). For example, the area near our apartment is around the corner from a Jewish Synogague and Jewish Girls' School. Everywhere, there are Jews (and posters/signs in Hebrew) with long beards, long sideburns, and dark clothing. Also, in the area of our apartment, there are a lot of Asians.
There are a lot of Chinese Speaking Missionaries here also. Elder Graham (in our stake) is here and we've talked. He was totally surprised to see me arrive all of a sudden (everyone seemed to be-after all, only a week and a half in the transfer). I've talked to Elder Graham at Transfer Meetings in Rego Park but never served in any of the Asian Areas before (there are only two Mandarin Chinese Speaking areas-Dyker Heights, Brooklyn/Flushing, Queens). Well, also....I still only know 'Hi, how are you?' and 'good' in Chinese but I also learned how to say 'goodbye' in Mandarin (I don't know how to spell it) and learned to say 'hi' in Cantonese.
I'm excited. The Spanish Ward is also very strong. It has a lot of potential for growth!
Also, at Zone Meeting, we were planning what our two Zone Activities should be this transfer. One is: Coney Island and the other: Visiting the Statue of Liberty! Also, Brooklyn Bride isn't really that far from us. We can go and visit that (we can visit anywhere in Brooklyn and Staten Island).
Also, some of the streets here are crowded with hundreds and even thousands of Chinese people!
Anyway, I need to give you my new address:
Elder Steven Roberts
4600 9th Avenue Apt. 606
Brooklyn, New York 11220
Also, very funny. My apartment (on the sixth floor) is more spacious than the little Bayshore home that I lived in with four missionaries. There's more space for my companion and I and we're the only inhabitants. Also, Sister McEwen was extremely excited to have me in her district again for the FOURTH transfer in a row (she was transferred out of Brentwood-Bayshore)!!!!!!!!
Also, I'm still completely overwhelmed with jealousy because I really want to visit Cali. It's soooo cold over here!! (Valerie & daughters spent the 23rd through 29th in California for Cheer Nationals with Chalyse and the Copper Hills High Cheerleaders).
I wish that I could photograph everything; can't, however....because I would appear very strange. :( Subway's sooooo cool....not the one with sandwiches! I also have a Metro Card for unlimited Bus and Subway use. We've been down near Coney Is. in the South too....for a meeting though....but I can't wait to visit on P-day. I don't know if we're doing much today because our money's almost depleted on our cards and we don't receive next month's money until Friday. We are going to go eat some dumplings and Asian food after e-mailing and possibly visit Prospect Park which is super close!
You can see New Jersey and Staten Is. as well as the Statue of Liberty from here.
Bye. Until next Monday!
Elder Roberts
No comments:
Post a Comment