Elder Steven Kelly Roberts: Half-Way Mark PDay 10-3-2011

Dear Friends and Family,

Hello! Good morning! We cleaned our laundry and now we're here in the process of communicating with our families. I really enjoyed General Conference a lot. My favorite session had to have been the Sunday Morning Session of Conference. The chapel here in Ridgewood had Conference transmitted, however, only could display it in Spanish so, as a result, my companion and I went to the other Chapel in Marcy Ave. in Williamsburg to view it in English. The last session, we remained in Ridgewood and watched it in Spanish (mostly because we missed the Subway and didn't want to be late for Conference). I enjoyed Elder Callister's talk on the Book of Mormon a lot. I also really like the talk delivered by Robert D. Hales. It astonished me how old he is now. Lilia attended every session of General Conference yet, she still believes that (although she believes the Book of Mormon to be true) it doesn't matter which church is true....that Salvation is personal. We have another appointment with her later this week on Friday.

Wanda, a less-active member, attended one of the sessions. It was bewildering. This is the first Sunday that I've witnessed her attend Church in all my time that I've served in Ridgewood. We've visited her. Our four month goal is approaching its conclusion at the end of this month. The Mission has met record breaking baptisms and more success has been attained ever since the Mission reduced the time and started to really calculate which factors effected the baptismal statistics (such as for example, teaching with a member present, increased 'fearlessing', etc..).

Here in Ridgewood, we're still striving for success.

Oh, I completely neglected to mention that my "half-way" temple trip to the Manhattan Temple is scheduled for this Wednesday. I'm excited!

My mission is amazing and I've learned so many truths. I've already received a witness that this work is true and I'm trying my best to ALWAYS obey the Lord. I've also tried to never be idle, to always be FAST, FAST, FAST...because that's precisely what New York City's about, is it not?

My companion has been learning....he's frustrated with his Spanish. I've attempted to help him. He's doing better...I make him answer and call using the cell phone EVERY other day with the exception of planning days-Thursdays-many calls on that day. He agreed to the idea....however, he's starting to regret it (we started this three weeks ago-at first...he only answered twice a week). He's been frustrated, however, gratuitous. He's an excellent missionary. I anticipate this following transfer also with him. :) I love you! Enjoy your week...

Until next week!

Love,

your son, brother, and friend,

Elder Steven Roberts.