Dear Friends and Family,
If you really want a good view of what I walk through daily: Take the Google Maps Street View to 8th Avenue (next to us....9th) and 58th Street. Actually.....if you want to experience a walk from the Church building to our building or appointments (because the Church building is located outside of our area...we barely live in our Area....our area is farther North) type in 828 60th St. Brooklyn....that's the church. Start there but turn west towards 8th Avenue (not 9th-doesn't have bus and not very many people or shops-mostly residences) and start walking North (turn right traveling to 8th Ave from Church) from 60th Street up! Do that by clicking on the arrows. Notice all the Chinese people! That's your homework! :) You don't have to go all the way to my apartment, only to 55th Street (5 streets). Please do it and you'll be astonished! Every neighborhood is different. Farther closer to where we live (at the very farthest South of our area) there are a LOT of Jews! Everywhere! If you turn towards 10th Ave, there are only JEWS. They don't talk very much with us. It's their loss! If you go towards 5th Ave, there are only Hispanic people! If you turn farther North towards Park Slope, only white people; Red Hook-Hispanic and Black-PROJECTS (that's why it's dangerous-a lot of drugs, crime, people live on the Government's welfare in the Projects)...also, it's worth it to drop Street view within Red Hook and explore. Then you can see precisely what I've seen.
The Church building in Dyker Heights isn't as cool as some of the others in Brooklyn (like Bensonhurst with a second floor also or Bushwick...that reminds me of a hospital because of it's narrow corridors and tile floor). Dyker Heights Chapel is as typical a Church Building as one you could find in Brooklyn....but it's mine.
Also, any of those stores would be nice....however, something's happened that devastated me! They're transferring me! I didn't think that they would because Elder Figgat's concluding his mission here...but they're going to give him another 'dying' companion and temporarily close down this area when they leave (they're leaving in the middle of the transfer).
We didn't want to worry you but a young Jewish boy named Leiby Kletzy was kidnapped. We heard about it the next morning when NYPD asked us to keep an eye out for him and gave us some fliers (they knew that we walked around much). Last seen at 10th Ave and 47th (around literally the corner from our Apartment).We continued through our work...of course aware and hoping that they would find the 8 year old boy. It shocked us when they discovered most of him in a dumpster. It shocked us and I was so sad. I thought of my little sisters and it gave me bad feelings that the same could happen to them as they walk to school or play around. I wanted Sister Baum not to necessarily say what happened but communicate to you to not let them out of your sight. She was sleeping....so I called the next morning not so worried....and forgot exactly what I wanted her to say. President called and I explained everything to him that I was great now....not down....that I was only worried for you guys. I hope that you don't think that I'm 'down'....I was only worried that night after the news was told to us by a member.
I have to pack today. :( I despise packing and the sorrow that accompanies it! I've taken many photos with the ward members. They were astonished that I was leaving! They all want me to visit them today....I can't...I don't have time! We all have a place to stay whenever we want to visit Brooklyn after the Mission (they're probably be competition in it, haha). I've told them that I want them to meet my family after the Mission. They're so excited. Maybe I'll request to end my last Transfer here. :) If not, I'll be back!
Also, it's difficult to bid farewell to Sister McEwen....she's been in my District since the start of my mission (more than half of hers) and I followed her here to Dyker Heights. She's leaving this Tuesday and her parents have arrived!
P.S. I hope that my next area is sweet...and in the City; if not, after that one!
I'm perfectly fine with you mentioning the kidnapping. I'm not traumatized at all....it was only weird that we were looking....and then two days later, he was killed! I think it's awful and it doesn't matter what race did it! Helicopters hovered nearby our neighborhood for a while. It's strange to think that it was primarily 'an accident'. Don't let any of the girls walk home alone! Everywhere you walked, there were posters and fliers with the boy's photo on it.
I'm in Ridgewood which is a small, humble Branch (my first Branch; my previous areas both had good-sized wards) that covers a geographically small area in the Brooklyn North District (there's the Brooklyn Stake....and then the Brooklyn District-smaller than a Stake). Ridgewood is very CITY. It's similar to Sunset Park, however, it's located within the 'man zone' because there are no Sister Missionaries here. The area strattles the border of Brooklyn with Queens and it's not quite as dangerous, however, as Bushwick or East New York (the other areas in the 'Man Zone'). I'm safe! Our area is relatively safe!
Also, I'm a Step-pops because it's my companion's 2nd transfer and I'm his 2nd companion. He's an extraordinary missionary and we're both really enthusiastic for this area. The other missionaries were blinded in (both missionaries were ejected and two brand new missionaries were introduced into the area with us last week) so we're a very 'new' District to the area. There are only 4 of us here. The Branch is small and many members attend other Branches because they prefer it to this Branch.
The people here are more talkative with us, however, and we have appointments with two separate individuals tomorrow! We're going to bring members.
The Branch President is really kind and has been a convert for two years now.
A Picture is worth a thousand words
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
PDay July 12, 2011
Dear family and friends,
That reminds me....if you want to read some scriptures that mentions 'Gods' even in the Bible, they are: John Chapter 10, Psalms 82, and the other I can't recall-but I have it memorized in Spanish....it's in Romans....I think Chapter 8. That's what I love! Also, there's a scripture in the Bible that says: "And this be the third time I come unto you; by two or three witnesses will I decide all word".
Anyhow, this past week has been a bit of a slump until yesterday! We had an appointment finally with Luis...ran out of time....we were going to commit him to baptism! We're going to do it soon! If he accepts, that's awesome! If he rejects, furgetaboutit! Nah, just kidding....if he declines, then we'll know what to work with and incorporate our teachings to solve his doubts, fears, etc...He works a lot!
That's how missionary work is....the Gospel is literally for everybody....however, not everyone is willing to work for it! They accept less!
Also, Hermano Armilla (an ex-Missionary... converted to the Church when he was 18) fortuitously brought a special 'friend' to Erik's Baptism this past Saturday night! She lives in our area! She's already learned much about us and is very intrigued by our message. Her name is Lucia. She and Hermano Armilla came from the same general area in Mexico and I 'think' that they're in love. Also, Hermano Armilla is the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric.
I was beginning to think that our area had nobody....it is, after all, one of the hardest areas in the Mission.
Also, we received a referral to teach somebody yesterday! This area in two days has seemed to hit the jackpot! I've been trying to organize our Area Organization Planner....many people have moved away, become apostate, changed numbers, not interested....et cetera.
We've looked up many members....and made notes of the Area and then add them to the computer to update it.
Anyhow, Lucia attended church yesterday!
Last P-Day we visited Coney Island! Johnny Chestnut consumed 62 Famous Nathan's Hot Dogs! The woman champion consumed forty-something Hot Dogs. I didn't know that humans had the capability to eat that much. It was sort of gross! They had to consume loads of water with the Hot Dogs to expand their stomachs! Near the end, the competetors appeared as if they were going to die!
Loads of people were there...we met lots of other Missionaries even from the other Zone!
There were also lots of members who talked to us there! It was nice and cloudy at first...however, the sun emerged and the humidity was unbearable! Towards the end of the competition, somebody behind us fainted from dehydration in the midst of the thousands of people there. Fortunately paramedics arrived and gave him water and ice.
We're visiting a Less-Active who's having some issues with worthiness....he loves the Church with all his heart and if you saw him, you wouldn't even guess it! He's so cool and the kindest man ever to the missionaries. He wants to return to the Church and seal himself with his wife and son. He has to change a lot, however, he believes with all his heart. However, if he wants all the blessings of Exaltation, he needs to desire it and then do it.
Can you do me a favor? Can you send me the list of Birthdays in our immediate family, Kelly's Family, and Lisa's? Perhaps also the recipe for German Pancakes? I miss them a lot! :) Done - except still need Zach's and Pauline's kids and husband's birthdays... Help from anyone appreciated!
Also, I might need a cheaper but sturdy pair of brown shoes. The soles are almost completely gone....also the black pair, however, not as severely. Don't send the package with the shoes yet, however, until I send you the package of stuff, including photos! The Birthdays List can be sent in an e-mail or a letter. Thanks soooo much! You're a great Mother! I've looked up shoe repair places close to where Steven is living to see if he can get his shoes re-soled. I don't know that a cheaper pair would last. We got the Mr. Mac shoes. I think they were $60 something each. Any other ideas?
The 4th of July was incredible. We invited Elder Tyrell and Elder Davis to come to our rooftop after the end of the day....We had Pizza, and while the cake was cooking in the oven, we watched the fireworks from our rooftop which had an excellent view of the city and even Manhattan! It was awesome! The Fireworks were exploding all around the City! Manhattan looked as if it was caught in the middle of the Fireworks. We would look one direction which could be Queens, for example, and we'd see fireworks! You'd turn towards, Coney and Bay Ridge direction, and then up towards Downtown Brooklyn (closer) and Manhattan! Wow!
Anyhow, enjoy your week!
Love,
Elder Steven Roberts.
That reminds me....if you want to read some scriptures that mentions 'Gods' even in the Bible, they are: John Chapter 10, Psalms 82, and the other I can't recall-but I have it memorized in Spanish....it's in Romans....I think Chapter 8. That's what I love! Also, there's a scripture in the Bible that says: "And this be the third time I come unto you; by two or three witnesses will I decide all word".
Anyhow, this past week has been a bit of a slump until yesterday! We had an appointment finally with Luis...ran out of time....we were going to commit him to baptism! We're going to do it soon! If he accepts, that's awesome! If he rejects, furgetaboutit! Nah, just kidding....if he declines, then we'll know what to work with and incorporate our teachings to solve his doubts, fears, etc...He works a lot!
That's how missionary work is....the Gospel is literally for everybody....however, not everyone is willing to work for it! They accept less!
Also, Hermano Armilla (an ex-Missionary... converted to the Church when he was 18) fortuitously brought a special 'friend' to Erik's Baptism this past Saturday night! She lives in our area! She's already learned much about us and is very intrigued by our message. Her name is Lucia. She and Hermano Armilla came from the same general area in Mexico and I 'think' that they're in love. Also, Hermano Armilla is the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric.
I was beginning to think that our area had nobody....it is, after all, one of the hardest areas in the Mission.
Also, we received a referral to teach somebody yesterday! This area in two days has seemed to hit the jackpot! I've been trying to organize our Area Organization Planner....many people have moved away, become apostate, changed numbers, not interested....et cetera.
We've looked up many members....and made notes of the Area and then add them to the computer to update it.
Anyhow, Lucia attended church yesterday!
Last P-Day we visited Coney Island! Johnny Chestnut consumed 62 Famous Nathan's Hot Dogs! The woman champion consumed forty-something Hot Dogs. I didn't know that humans had the capability to eat that much. It was sort of gross! They had to consume loads of water with the Hot Dogs to expand their stomachs! Near the end, the competetors appeared as if they were going to die!
Loads of people were there...we met lots of other Missionaries even from the other Zone!
There were also lots of members who talked to us there! It was nice and cloudy at first...however, the sun emerged and the humidity was unbearable! Towards the end of the competition, somebody behind us fainted from dehydration in the midst of the thousands of people there. Fortunately paramedics arrived and gave him water and ice.
We're visiting a Less-Active who's having some issues with worthiness....he loves the Church with all his heart and if you saw him, you wouldn't even guess it! He's so cool and the kindest man ever to the missionaries. He wants to return to the Church and seal himself with his wife and son. He has to change a lot, however, he believes with all his heart. However, if he wants all the blessings of Exaltation, he needs to desire it and then do it.
Can you do me a favor? Can you send me the list of Birthdays in our immediate family, Kelly's Family, and Lisa's? Perhaps also the recipe for German Pancakes? I miss them a lot! :) Done - except still need Zach's and Pauline's kids and husband's birthdays... Help from anyone appreciated!
Also, I might need a cheaper but sturdy pair of brown shoes. The soles are almost completely gone....also the black pair, however, not as severely. Don't send the package with the shoes yet, however, until I send you the package of stuff, including photos! The Birthdays List can be sent in an e-mail or a letter. Thanks soooo much! You're a great Mother! I've looked up shoe repair places close to where Steven is living to see if he can get his shoes re-soled. I don't know that a cheaper pair would last. We got the Mr. Mac shoes. I think they were $60 something each. Any other ideas?
The 4th of July was incredible. We invited Elder Tyrell and Elder Davis to come to our rooftop after the end of the day....We had Pizza, and while the cake was cooking in the oven, we watched the fireworks from our rooftop which had an excellent view of the city and even Manhattan! It was awesome! The Fireworks were exploding all around the City! Manhattan looked as if it was caught in the middle of the Fireworks. We would look one direction which could be Queens, for example, and we'd see fireworks! You'd turn towards, Coney and Bay Ridge direction, and then up towards Downtown Brooklyn (closer) and Manhattan! Wow!
Anyhow, enjoy your week!
Love,
Elder Steven Roberts.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Steven PDay July11, 2011
Dear Mom and family,
That reminds me....if you want to read some scriptures that mentions 'Gods' even in the Bible, they are: John Chapter 10, Psalms 82, and the other I can't recall-but I have it memorized in Spanish....it's in Romans....I think Chapter 8. That's what I love! Also, there's a scripture in the Bible that says: "And this be the third time I come unto you; by two or three witnesses will I decide all word".
Anyhow, this past week has been a bit of a slump until yesterday! We had an appointment finally with Luis...ran out of time....we were going to commit him to baptism! We're going to do it soon! If he accepts, that's awesome! If he rejects, furgetaboutit! Nah, just kidding....if he declines, then we'll know what to work with and incorporate our teachings to solve his doubts, fears, etc...He works a lot!
That's how missionary work is....the Gospel is literally for everybody....however, not everyone is willing to work for it! They accept less!
Also, Hermano Armilla (an ex-Missionary... converted to the Church when he was 18) fortuitously brought a special 'friend' to Erik's Baptism this past Saturday night! She lives in our area! She's already learned much about us and is very intrigued by our message. Her name is Lucia. She and Hermano Armilla came from the same general area in Mexico and I 'think' that they're in love. Also, Hermano Armilla is the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric.
I was beginning to think that our area had nobody....it is, after all, one of the hardest areas in the Mission.
Also, we received a referral to teach somebody yesterday! This area in two days has seemed to hit the jackpot! I've been trying to organize our Area Organization Planner....many people have moved away, become apostate, changed numbers, not interested....et cetera.
We've looked up many members....and made notes of the Area and then add them to the computer to update it.
Anyhow, Lucia attended church yesterday!
Last P-Day we visited Coney Island! Johnny Chestnut consumed 62 Famous Nathan's Hot Dogs! The woman champion consumed forty-something Hot Dogs. I didn't know that humans had the capability to eat that much. It was sort of gross! They had to consume loads of water with the Hot Dogs to expand their stomachs! Near the end, the competetors appeared as if they were going to die!
Loads of people were there...we met lots of other Missionaries even from the other Zone!
There were also lots of members who talked to us there! It was nice and cloudy at first...however, the sun emerged and the humidity was unbearable! Towards the end of the competition, somebody behind us fainted from dehydration in the midst of the thousands of people there. Fortunately paramedics arrived and gave him water and ice.
How's the family doing? How are my little sisters? I miss you all very much! How are grandma and grandpa Mills/Hunt doing?
Love,
Elder Roberts
That reminds me....if you want to read some scriptures that mentions 'Gods' even in the Bible, they are: John Chapter 10, Psalms 82, and the other I can't recall-but I have it memorized in Spanish....it's in Romans....I think Chapter 8. That's what I love! Also, there's a scripture in the Bible that says: "And this be the third time I come unto you; by two or three witnesses will I decide all word".
Anyhow, this past week has been a bit of a slump until yesterday! We had an appointment finally with Luis...ran out of time....we were going to commit him to baptism! We're going to do it soon! If he accepts, that's awesome! If he rejects, furgetaboutit! Nah, just kidding....if he declines, then we'll know what to work with and incorporate our teachings to solve his doubts, fears, etc...He works a lot!
That's how missionary work is....the Gospel is literally for everybody....however, not everyone is willing to work for it! They accept less!
Also, Hermano Armilla (an ex-Missionary... converted to the Church when he was 18) fortuitously brought a special 'friend' to Erik's Baptism this past Saturday night! She lives in our area! She's already learned much about us and is very intrigued by our message. Her name is Lucia. She and Hermano Armilla came from the same general area in Mexico and I 'think' that they're in love. Also, Hermano Armilla is the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric.
I was beginning to think that our area had nobody....it is, after all, one of the hardest areas in the Mission.
Also, we received a referral to teach somebody yesterday! This area in two days has seemed to hit the jackpot! I've been trying to organize our Area Organization Planner....many people have moved away, become apostate, changed numbers, not interested....et cetera.
We've looked up many members....and made notes of the Area and then add them to the computer to update it.
Anyhow, Lucia attended church yesterday!
Last P-Day we visited Coney Island! Johnny Chestnut consumed 62 Famous Nathan's Hot Dogs! The woman champion consumed forty-something Hot Dogs. I didn't know that humans had the capability to eat that much. It was sort of gross! They had to consume loads of water with the Hot Dogs to expand their stomachs! Near the end, the competetors appeared as if they were going to die!
Loads of people were there...we met lots of other Missionaries even from the other Zone!
There were also lots of members who talked to us there! It was nice and cloudy at first...however, the sun emerged and the humidity was unbearable! Towards the end of the competition, somebody behind us fainted from dehydration in the midst of the thousands of people there. Fortunately paramedics arrived and gave him water and ice.
How's the family doing? How are my little sisters? I miss you all very much! How are grandma and grandpa Mills/Hunt doing?
Love,
Elder Roberts
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