Mass Email from Sam September 21, 2009
Ok fools! jk. I love you. This is mine own mass message to all concerning the things of the week I just concluded.
I am sorry. I didn't get out the pictures like I said I would this last week. But I did end up making prints. some of them turned out dumb... I’m sorry, but I will be sending them this week sometime. I won't be sending Nate’s or Mclean’s pictures however until I receive a letter from them first. heh heh.
So... September 11th in Bushwick was weak status. If I had no idea what the significance of that day was, then I would have thought that it was just a regular day, because I saw no special memorials or events going on. No tee-shirts, no flags, no parades, no singing. people just did what they do everyday. pee in elevators, cuss and yell at each-other about race, and ride public transportation with their ipod in. so Alpine, Utah, 2000 miles away, did more to remember September 11th in a patriotic way than the people I saw in Brooklyn. The sad part is, a lot of people from Brooklyn had lots of connections to that event. the only two things I saw concerning 911 was a mural on a wall (that was here before I got here) and an add for an insurance company that helps people claim compensation for ailments still apparent in people that are supposedly caused from the 11th. For example wheezing and stomach aches could entitle you to compensation.
wow. I am sick of racism. Someone has either yelled to me that I was a racist or a cracker, brought up race in the middle of a lesson, or come up to talk to me about stuff in a drunken anger expelling frustrations based on color, every day this last week. It really sucks. the people who care so much about race are the racists. I don't care at all until they bring it up, and then it just makes me sad that they are limiting their success and their relationship with God based on some ridiculous thing. It’s so sad.
I saw something in big white letters this week on a fence, "Obama's Fed tax is killing our businesses!" it made me laugh a little bit. The reason why is because most of the people here voted for him because he was black. They all have pictures of him in their business windows... yet, he is making it harder for them to succeed in their businesses. Sad huh.
This week I met with a 47 year old man named Kelvin Sintron. He was born and raised and still lives in the same apartment his whole life. He left Brooklyn once to visit family in Puerto Rico with his mother when he was 19. He collects action figures and dolls and other similar memorabilia. Religion is a "new thing" to him. He studied with Catholics and Jehovah's witnesses in bible studies in his life a couple times though. he has a hard time praying, but he is working on it. He has learning disabilities, and I think he has Slight autism. Yet! he understands and comprehends better the lessons taught him and the things he reads in the book of Mormon better than any investigator I have taught yet. He came with us to both the Saturday and Sunday session of District conference and was "very impressed". I am excited for him. It’s going well.
This week Shakora Wood told us not to give up on her. She came to church finally!!!!!! It was the Sunday district conference! she was excited beyond belief and loved it. She told me she is so excited to get baptized. she cannot wait. I told her about how relief society is the largest women's organization and she was astounded! I hope this will motivate her to get married soon. I don't get how people can be doing everything a married couple is doing and not get married. It’s stupid. They could be saving money at least by claiming the benefits of a legal state marriage. Geez. I’m so excited for her though! :) she met Liz a member going to school in Manhattan who moved here from Nevada (who went on a mission to upstate New York) and they got along really well. Liz chastened us later for not inviting her to lessons with her. She was right; especially because they live on the same street.
Brittany Arner has been seeming to ignore us. She told us last night we could come over if she woke up in time to call us before she went to work. (shake head, no) we ended up having a media referral right next to her house. We debated and prayed weather or not to go over to see her (since she was supposedly sleeping). We walked that way asking the lord to give us a sign. We ran into her brother David shortly after passing her house and seeing her light was on. He told us she was out! we felt like "well that’s our answer, she is just trying to avoid us" about 2 min later we saw her walking toward us. She gave us an awkward hug and began excusing why she was not sleeping. We talked, goofed around; I did the jerk (a dumb dance move to a popular rap). Then we told her it was required that she get work off for general conference. Then this guy came up who smelled drunk, demanding we tell him about the definitions or words such as equality and justice. Then he told us how he had the full armor on. He kept asking if we had the full armor, while he pointed out that his full armor was a red shirt and hat. LOL. What a punk. He has blood armor on.... wow that is trusting in the arm of flesh for sure. I know I have armor. It’s the full armor of God. Brittany surprisingly stood up for us. Eventually he left. We have an appointment with Brittany tonight. I hope it works out.
Funny things that happened this week:
I saw many bearded women.
I learned about how my favorite cartoon when I was little was called "Wacky Races"! I was glad to hear it.
I heard a guy pushing a cart and it sounded just like the wood bin from stage crew! lol.
I saw the 60 year old black version of Ange. That was funny.
I saw a lady with such big dreads she looked like the Star Wars aliens that hang out with Jaba the Hut in the metal bikinis!
President Bangetter talked at conference and it made me feel at home!
I love you all
-Elder Morris
Monday, September 21, 2009
Labor Day and 911 in Brooklyn
Email from Sam Sept 13th, 2009
So there it is, my first transfer is over. (a transfer is 6 weeks. at the end of each transfer you may or may not move and change companions) I will be staying with my new companion, we will probably be moving into that new pad I told you all about on Thursday the soonest. I would love to say that I finished off my first transfer strong, but I can't. :( It was a very rough week. between no one being out on Labor Day, me going on exchanges with the Spanish elders Tuesday, p-day being in the middle of the week, Thursday being planning and having no appointments, Friday being combined district meeting and having no appointments (besides a dinner appointment), and the ridiculous "p-dub"ness in the pad this week, nothing was accomplished. I was the only elder in the pad that got up before 7 everyday this week. I was the only one who tried to make it to bed on time the whole week. It’s really hard to focus and do what you are supposed to when you are basically the only one doing it. On Saturday I kinda just fell asleep on the floor because I was the only one up and it was hard to read scriptures when I was so tired from everyone staying up late making noise. Elder Black compared me to Nephi of old because I’m trying to do what’s right but my older brothers (elders) are being bad examples. Don’t get me wrong, I have learned a lot from these elders, I love them! But this week truly was embracing. Orr said we are starting off this transfer strong. I am going to hold him to it.
Our investigator Shakora has been making up excuses why she can't see us or come to church. We are thinking we have to just drop her and wait for her to attempt to come to us... because we are wasting our time trying to go over all the time just to have her not answer the door or not answer her phone. It makes me really sad because she was so solid; she had a baptism date and everything.
Brittany is still really solid... however she is not committed now. She is gonna need more time than we thought before she gets baptized. So we went from 3 baptism dates to 0.
Thanks for the underwear stretching instructions.
No, I didn't go to the US Open. My comp went with another companion. We made exchanges that day. The reason why is because my comp and Elder Haggered bought tickets. Elder black and I did not. So for that day we switched companions. Yeah... the tickets were $140 each. Plus they got souvenirs. That made me feel a little better about getting something that will last me a long time for 100. The violin is really nice! I was surprised! It came with a really nice case, rosin, a bow, and a tuner. They said if you spent $100 it would be free shipping, other wise it was almost $30 for shipping, so I got nice (replacement) strings. Basically I got really nice $28 strings for $8 if you pretend that I prayed for shipping. So that’s what I did. I actually picked it up faster than I thought I would... I played a hymn sight reading yesterday on it. I'm not good though. I really hope the Lord qualifies me so that I can be useful to his plan for me with this (basically heaven gifted) violin. Otherwise I will feel selfish. Cause the plan was for SammyTells to pay for the mission! Not souvenirs. I don't want to waste precious donations that I really don't deserve in the first place.
Thanks for the advice on the violin. (Advise from mom: Sometimes we are prompted to do things and it isn't until later we really realize why the prompting was so important. The violin is a good example. Listen to your promptings and don't second guess them.)
Anyway, I named the violin Bushwick Baby. It really is very nice. It will be great to learn on. I really did get an unheard of deal. It feels like the Lord answered my prayer. I just feel almost though like I didn't want him to answer my prayer though. anyway. :)
I have a lot of cool and funny pictures to send you all! I will probably send them today. There is this awesome picture of me wearing Violeta's leather jacket (a Spanish member who is very small!) and I'm wet so my hair looks all greased and 50's sexy. That was Friday night. Friday night we went to Geraldo's house (A Spanish member who served a mission in Salt Lake City north) for a dinner appointment. Violeta is his little sister (she is 20... so not little in age just size... and she younger than him). We had amazingly yummy food. They are pretty much the nicest strongest members in Bushwick! They really treated us. When we were ending the DA we told them we were going to go to the Williamsburg Bridge to see the September 11th lights. so they said we will get a van! And they paid for us all to go together! it was super fun even though there were so many clouds that you couldn't see the tower lights. The city looked amazing! The clouds were along the top of all of Manhattan. It was very misty! Really it was Beautiful. For the first time being here I actually thought "I could live here" however it was with the accompanying thought "I would have to live in Williamsburg or Manhattan though. And I would have to be with my wife." I love the mountains and open space too much though to settle down in NY. I could only be here temporarily. It would be fun to visit. :)
ON the way home I put on Violeta's jacket and posed for the camera! I liked the look. Everyone was surprised as to how comfortable and good/natural I looked in it! Ha ha. They were like "Whoa, that’s probably the kind of stuff Morris wore at home!"
Anyway, I can't think of much else right now. I love you all. Thanks Scott and Jen for the pics of your cute baby! Thanks mom for keeping the blog updated.
As far as care packages... just send me anything that’s like homemade. I don't really need other stuff. I would love other stuff, probably not Jell-o unless its already made. lol. I just want mamma's cooking; things taste better when someone else made it with love.
-Love Elder Morris
So there it is, my first transfer is over. (a transfer is 6 weeks. at the end of each transfer you may or may not move and change companions) I will be staying with my new companion, we will probably be moving into that new pad I told you all about on Thursday the soonest. I would love to say that I finished off my first transfer strong, but I can't. :( It was a very rough week. between no one being out on Labor Day, me going on exchanges with the Spanish elders Tuesday, p-day being in the middle of the week, Thursday being planning and having no appointments, Friday being combined district meeting and having no appointments (besides a dinner appointment), and the ridiculous "p-dub"ness in the pad this week, nothing was accomplished. I was the only elder in the pad that got up before 7 everyday this week. I was the only one who tried to make it to bed on time the whole week. It’s really hard to focus and do what you are supposed to when you are basically the only one doing it. On Saturday I kinda just fell asleep on the floor because I was the only one up and it was hard to read scriptures when I was so tired from everyone staying up late making noise. Elder Black compared me to Nephi of old because I’m trying to do what’s right but my older brothers (elders) are being bad examples. Don’t get me wrong, I have learned a lot from these elders, I love them! But this week truly was embracing. Orr said we are starting off this transfer strong. I am going to hold him to it.
Our investigator Shakora has been making up excuses why she can't see us or come to church. We are thinking we have to just drop her and wait for her to attempt to come to us... because we are wasting our time trying to go over all the time just to have her not answer the door or not answer her phone. It makes me really sad because she was so solid; she had a baptism date and everything.
Brittany is still really solid... however she is not committed now. She is gonna need more time than we thought before she gets baptized. So we went from 3 baptism dates to 0.
Thanks for the underwear stretching instructions.
No, I didn't go to the US Open. My comp went with another companion. We made exchanges that day. The reason why is because my comp and Elder Haggered bought tickets. Elder black and I did not. So for that day we switched companions. Yeah... the tickets were $140 each. Plus they got souvenirs. That made me feel a little better about getting something that will last me a long time for 100. The violin is really nice! I was surprised! It came with a really nice case, rosin, a bow, and a tuner. They said if you spent $100 it would be free shipping, other wise it was almost $30 for shipping, so I got nice (replacement) strings. Basically I got really nice $28 strings for $8 if you pretend that I prayed for shipping. So that’s what I did. I actually picked it up faster than I thought I would... I played a hymn sight reading yesterday on it. I'm not good though. I really hope the Lord qualifies me so that I can be useful to his plan for me with this (basically heaven gifted) violin. Otherwise I will feel selfish. Cause the plan was for SammyTells to pay for the mission! Not souvenirs. I don't want to waste precious donations that I really don't deserve in the first place.
Thanks for the advice on the violin. (Advise from mom: Sometimes we are prompted to do things and it isn't until later we really realize why the prompting was so important. The violin is a good example. Listen to your promptings and don't second guess them.)
Anyway, I named the violin Bushwick Baby. It really is very nice. It will be great to learn on. I really did get an unheard of deal. It feels like the Lord answered my prayer. I just feel almost though like I didn't want him to answer my prayer though. anyway. :)
I have a lot of cool and funny pictures to send you all! I will probably send them today. There is this awesome picture of me wearing Violeta's leather jacket (a Spanish member who is very small!) and I'm wet so my hair looks all greased and 50's sexy. That was Friday night. Friday night we went to Geraldo's house (A Spanish member who served a mission in Salt Lake City north) for a dinner appointment. Violeta is his little sister (she is 20... so not little in age just size... and she younger than him). We had amazingly yummy food. They are pretty much the nicest strongest members in Bushwick! They really treated us. When we were ending the DA we told them we were going to go to the Williamsburg Bridge to see the September 11th lights. so they said we will get a van! And they paid for us all to go together! it was super fun even though there were so many clouds that you couldn't see the tower lights. The city looked amazing! The clouds were along the top of all of Manhattan. It was very misty! Really it was Beautiful. For the first time being here I actually thought "I could live here" however it was with the accompanying thought "I would have to live in Williamsburg or Manhattan though. And I would have to be with my wife." I love the mountains and open space too much though to settle down in NY. I could only be here temporarily. It would be fun to visit. :)
ON the way home I put on Violeta's jacket and posed for the camera! I liked the look. Everyone was surprised as to how comfortable and good/natural I looked in it! Ha ha. They were like "Whoa, that’s probably the kind of stuff Morris wore at home!"
Anyway, I can't think of much else right now. I love you all. Thanks Scott and Jen for the pics of your cute baby! Thanks mom for keeping the blog updated.
As far as care packages... just send me anything that’s like homemade. I don't really need other stuff. I would love other stuff, probably not Jell-o unless its already made. lol. I just want mamma's cooking; things taste better when someone else made it with love.
-Love Elder Morris
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Keeping up on the Slang
juked (jew-kt) It means stood up. They weren't there, or avoided you. It's actually a football and basket ball term. When someone fakes you out like they are going one direction so you try to stop them and they go another way. Its a trick to get past someone.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Going into 6 Weeks Ya All
Hi Everyone,
That’s funny that the leaves are changing by the house but not in the mountains... ha ha. How is Ditto?
This week has been a roller coaster. We haven't had very good luck with finding people and we haven't had much luck with getting our investigators to church. But, Brittany got committed for baptism! she didn't come to church so we will have to push the date one week, but that just means we get more of a chance of committing her brother David for the same Day, which would rock! They are so cool. I could see the whole family being baptized.
So there is only one more week until my 1st transfer is over! Crazy. There are 17 transfers total me thinks for English missionaries.
This week we got junked a lot! We only had our appointments go through on some of them. All most all of them were like "um... Who are you?" and We were all like "wtf mate! We taught you the whole first lesson and you were very interested and now you don't know who we are?” other people were just like "umm... I don't know why I told you to come over today ‘cause I'm at work".
The people here are always working. Most people have 12 hr days every day which makes it weird that there are so many people out on the streets.
Fast Sunday was awesome; for some reason I just soaked everything up! To my surprise our small branch full of funny people had a great meeting. There were no breaks. The testimonies were much longer than at home, but they were good. I learned something good from each of them.
I have felt all sorts of weird ways this week in ways I can't explain. I haven't had much excitement or happiness. But I have experienced peace, and comfort.
Last night was my first bad night’s rest I have had. Its been a miracle that I have slept so well. Most of you know that I am a really light sleeper who needs the perfect circumstances to fall asleep. but not since I have been on my mission. The lord really has blessed me in this way. The other thing he has done for me is my dreams. I have had normal dreams! I have only had two nightmares on my mission so far. its refreshing to have dreams that don't weird me out or freak me out or gross me out! Surprisingly, even though last night was rough, I have plenty of energy to do the work today anyway.
That reminds me, today is not my p-day this week....... My companion bought tickets to the US Open on Wednesday (he got permission don't worry) so we had to move our p-day to Wednesday. Today has been a normal work day, only instead of personal study this morning we did laundry, and instead of 3 to 5, I am emailing. :) so I will have lots of time on p-day to have fun. Unfortunately today I will have less time to make dinner. But it is worth it. I feel a connection to you all when I write. It feels as though I am talking to you, but no one is replying.... lol…but then I get replies later! Its weird my memory likes to remember things that have been written to me as if you all have said them to me;its weird.
I think I’m starting to get used to all the trash and smells and grime. it doesn't bug me anymore to lean up against walls or use hand rails (don't worry I have Purell).
Some thing I discovered this week is that racism only exists because of people. That sounds like a dumb statement but 1. God is not racist 2. I don't even care about someone’s race until they point it out to me 3. Some people like to have justifications to act certain ways, they also want to blame their problems on something. 4. It only takes a hand full of people to perpetuate certain mentalities.
I don't know about you... but I don't want to be known for my race but for my actions. I don't want any special privileges because of my race. The only way we can all be equal is if we stop pointing out each others differences.
I really don't understand how race has anything to do with authority or the fact that God is our loving heavenly father or that Jesus Christ has bridged the gap of both spiritual and physical death for us.
Oh well. :) Some people frustrate me so much, yet I love everybody. I think I have been blessed with a certain amount of charity. Thankfully, otherwise some people here would have nice shiners. haha. Jk.
But seriously.
That’s all for now me thinks. I’m sorry if I didn't answer all your questions or tell many stories. :S
The church is true! No doubt about it! there is no denying it.
Love Elder S.A.M.
PS
things are really slow today, I think everyone left town or is sleeping so they can party hard tonight; also... I think a lot of people are over at the parade. Yeah weird huh! The islanders for some reason have adopted Labor Day as Heritage Day, so there are a lot of flags flying
That’s funny that the leaves are changing by the house but not in the mountains... ha ha. How is Ditto?
This week has been a roller coaster. We haven't had very good luck with finding people and we haven't had much luck with getting our investigators to church. But, Brittany got committed for baptism! she didn't come to church so we will have to push the date one week, but that just means we get more of a chance of committing her brother David for the same Day, which would rock! They are so cool. I could see the whole family being baptized.
So there is only one more week until my 1st transfer is over! Crazy. There are 17 transfers total me thinks for English missionaries.
This week we got junked a lot! We only had our appointments go through on some of them. All most all of them were like "um... Who are you?" and We were all like "wtf mate! We taught you the whole first lesson and you were very interested and now you don't know who we are?” other people were just like "umm... I don't know why I told you to come over today ‘cause I'm at work".
The people here are always working. Most people have 12 hr days every day which makes it weird that there are so many people out on the streets.
Fast Sunday was awesome; for some reason I just soaked everything up! To my surprise our small branch full of funny people had a great meeting. There were no breaks. The testimonies were much longer than at home, but they were good. I learned something good from each of them.
I have felt all sorts of weird ways this week in ways I can't explain. I haven't had much excitement or happiness. But I have experienced peace, and comfort.
Last night was my first bad night’s rest I have had. Its been a miracle that I have slept so well. Most of you know that I am a really light sleeper who needs the perfect circumstances to fall asleep. but not since I have been on my mission. The lord really has blessed me in this way. The other thing he has done for me is my dreams. I have had normal dreams! I have only had two nightmares on my mission so far. its refreshing to have dreams that don't weird me out or freak me out or gross me out! Surprisingly, even though last night was rough, I have plenty of energy to do the work today anyway.
That reminds me, today is not my p-day this week....... My companion bought tickets to the US Open on Wednesday (he got permission don't worry) so we had to move our p-day to Wednesday. Today has been a normal work day, only instead of personal study this morning we did laundry, and instead of 3 to 5, I am emailing. :) so I will have lots of time on p-day to have fun. Unfortunately today I will have less time to make dinner. But it is worth it. I feel a connection to you all when I write. It feels as though I am talking to you, but no one is replying.... lol…but then I get replies later! Its weird my memory likes to remember things that have been written to me as if you all have said them to me;its weird.
I think I’m starting to get used to all the trash and smells and grime. it doesn't bug me anymore to lean up against walls or use hand rails (don't worry I have Purell).
Some thing I discovered this week is that racism only exists because of people. That sounds like a dumb statement but 1. God is not racist 2. I don't even care about someone’s race until they point it out to me 3. Some people like to have justifications to act certain ways, they also want to blame their problems on something. 4. It only takes a hand full of people to perpetuate certain mentalities.
I don't know about you... but I don't want to be known for my race but for my actions. I don't want any special privileges because of my race. The only way we can all be equal is if we stop pointing out each others differences.
I really don't understand how race has anything to do with authority or the fact that God is our loving heavenly father or that Jesus Christ has bridged the gap of both spiritual and physical death for us.
Oh well. :) Some people frustrate me so much, yet I love everybody. I think I have been blessed with a certain amount of charity. Thankfully, otherwise some people here would have nice shiners. haha. Jk.
But seriously.
That’s all for now me thinks. I’m sorry if I didn't answer all your questions or tell many stories. :S
The church is true! No doubt about it! there is no denying it.
Love Elder S.A.M.
PS
things are really slow today, I think everyone left town or is sleeping so they can party hard tonight; also... I think a lot of people are over at the parade. Yeah weird huh! The islanders for some reason have adopted Labor Day as Heritage Day, so there are a lot of flags flying
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Missionary Terminology
Trunkie- missing something or homesick
P-dub- Peace of work-nice way of saying a missionary is content with the work they are doing. The connotation is bad, you use it for lazy missionaries or missionaries who break rules.
Old Culture- referring to how the mission used to be. The mission used to be full of P-dub missionaries. They were basically apostate.
Paups- your trainer (first companion)
Step Paups- your second companion
Born- where you started your mission
Died- where you ended your mission
Brother- a missionary your Paups trained before or after training you
Fearless- a verb; to contact someone on the street or in a public place. ex. "I fearlessed a lady who came to church" or "Yesterday we went fearlessing" or Hey Elder, go fearless him/her."
HeeBeeGeeBee- Black guys who think they are the real tribe of Israel. They are the real Jews and they will kill everyone who is not one of them with swards (that they carry around) when the Savior comes. They believe God is black and that the Savior will be black and that Christ didn't exist. They really don't like Mormons.
P-dub- Peace of work-nice way of saying a missionary is content with the work they are doing. The connotation is bad, you use it for lazy missionaries or missionaries who break rules.
Old Culture- referring to how the mission used to be. The mission used to be full of P-dub missionaries. They were basically apostate.
Paups- your trainer (first companion)
Step Paups- your second companion
Born- where you started your mission
Died- where you ended your mission
Brother- a missionary your Paups trained before or after training you
Fearless- a verb; to contact someone on the street or in a public place. ex. "I fearlessed a lady who came to church" or "Yesterday we went fearlessing" or Hey Elder, go fearless him/her."
HeeBeeGeeBee- Black guys who think they are the real tribe of Israel. They are the real Jews and they will kill everyone who is not one of them with swards (that they carry around) when the Savior comes. They believe God is black and that the Savior will be black and that Christ didn't exist. They really don't like Mormons.
Hi Fam, Friends, and others interested :)
August 31, 2009
I'm glad you are taking notes in church, Taking notes truly does help you stay up, and you get way more out of the meetings when you do that; also, if the lord gives you an impression or revelation and you don't write it down.... you are basically telling him you don't care, and then you forget it. That’s why it’s so important to write journals and take notes. The Lord will see we care about the information he is giving us, and then he will be more likely to give us more. I know personally that I need all the help from the lord I can get.
That’s soooo awesome to hear about my cds! It makes me feel good to hear they are selling. Thank you mom for being a great manager for my business while I'm gone! Thanks to everyone who has promoted my cds too. You know who you are; and I know most of you who know who you are.....
So this week I was told that if you have a guitar on your mission then you are pretty much apostate... and that guitars are very "old culture". I decided that I would find myself a violin then! because they are allowed. :) So I prayed a couple times I said "Lord, if it be thy will help me to find a violin/viola to buy or get"; then mid week I realized.... Why do I need an instrument... the lord is trying to use me as an instrument, it will only happen if I do what he has asked. So I have not been very aggressive at all about finding one. But I figure that if the lord wants me to have one then I will find one. As for now, being desperate for an instrument to play, I have created one from a drinking straw. It’s kind of a double reed off tune flute. It makes me explode with laughter every time I play it! It would be amazing if I could find a cheap recorder or something. Then I might modify the recorder into a ghetto oboe that plays only in one key, by replacing the mouthpiece with my double reed straw. (That probably made no sense to any one. I will send a picture if it ever happens.)
This week I went on exchanges with Elder Alder (another elder from the pad) it was interesting and we didn't achieve anything.
I ran out of pens (I used them all up! Ha ha!) So I bought some new ones.
This week we told Shakora to get married and come to church so she could get baptized. So far she hasn't come to church, but it’s because she has had things come up to prevent her from doing so. She is really solid, but we cannot baptize her until she gets married! so we have been trying to help her realize the importance of getting married if she wants to be baptized.
Rufino is an awesome hot dog stand guy who lost both of his children (one to suicide and one to murder) while he was in prison. He has really turned his life around and when he came to church, his answers and spiritually was above a lot of the priesthood holders'. Ha ha. we told him that he is ready for baptism but he said he needs to think about it. we haven't been able to get a hold of him because he is out of town until like tomorrow or Wednesday.
We did a deep clean this week! Wow. lol. Wow. lol. I moped by the door.... oh man; I really do not think it has ever been moped. I will send pictures. It feels much brighter, lighter, and happier in the apartment now. But, sadly, it doesn't matter much because after this transfer the lease is up on our pad. So we will be moving. Woot! the new place will probably be one of Elder Oliverson’s investigators. :) He is an awesome guy! The people in that hood love the missionaries already. It is only two blocks from where we live now, but it is a much cleaner better area. There won't be a problem there as far as druggies and violence go. (its really funny how every block here is a different universe) Its by a block garden (that the missionaries beautified) and two schools, and a park, and a firestaion, and a church (not LDS, but still a big church). So it will be better. It’s got its own washer and dryer and a huge new fridge that has an ice maker!
A guy started talking to me when Elder Orr and I were singing hymns in the subway. Ha ha. :) he was Russian and his name was atone!
I talked to a guy in Spanish.
I was headed to a media with when we heard a young girl say to a guy she was with "you don't call god Jehovah because that’s like calling a king by his first name, so we shouldn't call God by his first name". Before during and after I heard this I felt impressed to talk to her so I stopped walking a turned around. Elder Orr told me later he felt very prompted to talk to her too. We turned around and so did she. Then she said "get over here!..." so we did. Then we had an amazing conversation with her and the guy with her who ended up being the brother. (We talked 2 hrs) and by the end we were best friends pretty much. Since then we have met on Thursday, Saturday, and she came to church Sunday! She is solid and understands everything we talk about. She wants to be a missionary! lol. We have given her a blessing ‘cause she was sick and she felt better right away. She cares about us too which is cool! She told us to call her when we got home so that she would know if we made it home safely! It turns out; she said all that stuff about Jehovah to get our attention so we would share our opinions on the matter. What she got was much bigger than the fact that Jehovah is Christ not Heavenly Father. She has received a lot of understanding and knowledge and faith. we will commit her and her brother for baptism next time we see them. Also, funny thing... the guy who got shot next door to me was one of her friends. small world huh.... especially in Brooklyn cause there are more people in this city than in Utah and its only like the size of Provo. lol.
Today was cool so far ‘cause I got to go to BJ's (its basically like Costco) I will be hungry no more!!!!! I have been feeling like kitty lately... I eat and eat and don't feel satisfied! It really is a horror show. I ran out of everything! lol. Yesterday I ate a fourth of a lasagna in one sitting and didn't feel stuffed. Ha ha.
I love and miss you. I hope my other missionary friends are doing well. If someone could give me an update on Erik, Todd, Kyle, Mclean and BJ that would be cool. I'm already getting updates on Nate and Josh (which I appreciate greatly)
thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for your support and prayers, hugs and kisses, good vibrations, and letters/packages. They help more than I ever would have predicted. Letters and personal study are the only things that I have kept me sane. Besides seeing the atonement in others lives.
Peace out!
PS
why does race matter so much to people? and why does Gods color and people on other planets even matter? God is our loving heavenly father and he has provided a simple strait forward way back to him. It’s right infront of so many people and they just don't see how important it is. All we need to do is have faith in the lord Jesus Christ and in his atonement, repent, be baptized by the correct authority, and then endure to the end. Those of us who have testimonies and our families have been unified by these truths (or will be) are sooooo blessed. The difference is clear, large, and specific. I know this Is The true church! I love the knowledge I have. I wish very much that my whole family could realize this, so that we could all be together forever.
-Elder Morris
I'm glad you are taking notes in church, Taking notes truly does help you stay up, and you get way more out of the meetings when you do that; also, if the lord gives you an impression or revelation and you don't write it down.... you are basically telling him you don't care, and then you forget it. That’s why it’s so important to write journals and take notes. The Lord will see we care about the information he is giving us, and then he will be more likely to give us more. I know personally that I need all the help from the lord I can get.
That’s soooo awesome to hear about my cds! It makes me feel good to hear they are selling. Thank you mom for being a great manager for my business while I'm gone! Thanks to everyone who has promoted my cds too. You know who you are; and I know most of you who know who you are.....
So this week I was told that if you have a guitar on your mission then you are pretty much apostate... and that guitars are very "old culture". I decided that I would find myself a violin then! because they are allowed. :) So I prayed a couple times I said "Lord, if it be thy will help me to find a violin/viola to buy or get"; then mid week I realized.... Why do I need an instrument... the lord is trying to use me as an instrument, it will only happen if I do what he has asked. So I have not been very aggressive at all about finding one. But I figure that if the lord wants me to have one then I will find one. As for now, being desperate for an instrument to play, I have created one from a drinking straw. It’s kind of a double reed off tune flute. It makes me explode with laughter every time I play it! It would be amazing if I could find a cheap recorder or something. Then I might modify the recorder into a ghetto oboe that plays only in one key, by replacing the mouthpiece with my double reed straw. (That probably made no sense to any one. I will send a picture if it ever happens.)
This week I went on exchanges with Elder Alder (another elder from the pad) it was interesting and we didn't achieve anything.
I ran out of pens (I used them all up! Ha ha!) So I bought some new ones.
This week we told Shakora to get married and come to church so she could get baptized. So far she hasn't come to church, but it’s because she has had things come up to prevent her from doing so. She is really solid, but we cannot baptize her until she gets married! so we have been trying to help her realize the importance of getting married if she wants to be baptized.
Rufino is an awesome hot dog stand guy who lost both of his children (one to suicide and one to murder) while he was in prison. He has really turned his life around and when he came to church, his answers and spiritually was above a lot of the priesthood holders'. Ha ha. we told him that he is ready for baptism but he said he needs to think about it. we haven't been able to get a hold of him because he is out of town until like tomorrow or Wednesday.
We did a deep clean this week! Wow. lol. Wow. lol. I moped by the door.... oh man; I really do not think it has ever been moped. I will send pictures. It feels much brighter, lighter, and happier in the apartment now. But, sadly, it doesn't matter much because after this transfer the lease is up on our pad. So we will be moving. Woot! the new place will probably be one of Elder Oliverson’s investigators. :) He is an awesome guy! The people in that hood love the missionaries already. It is only two blocks from where we live now, but it is a much cleaner better area. There won't be a problem there as far as druggies and violence go. (its really funny how every block here is a different universe) Its by a block garden (that the missionaries beautified) and two schools, and a park, and a firestaion, and a church (not LDS, but still a big church). So it will be better. It’s got its own washer and dryer and a huge new fridge that has an ice maker!
A guy started talking to me when Elder Orr and I were singing hymns in the subway. Ha ha. :) he was Russian and his name was atone!
I talked to a guy in Spanish.
I was headed to a media with when we heard a young girl say to a guy she was with "you don't call god Jehovah because that’s like calling a king by his first name, so we shouldn't call God by his first name". Before during and after I heard this I felt impressed to talk to her so I stopped walking a turned around. Elder Orr told me later he felt very prompted to talk to her too. We turned around and so did she. Then she said "get over here!..." so we did. Then we had an amazing conversation with her and the guy with her who ended up being the brother. (We talked 2 hrs) and by the end we were best friends pretty much. Since then we have met on Thursday, Saturday, and she came to church Sunday! She is solid and understands everything we talk about. She wants to be a missionary! lol. We have given her a blessing ‘cause she was sick and she felt better right away. She cares about us too which is cool! She told us to call her when we got home so that she would know if we made it home safely! It turns out; she said all that stuff about Jehovah to get our attention so we would share our opinions on the matter. What she got was much bigger than the fact that Jehovah is Christ not Heavenly Father. She has received a lot of understanding and knowledge and faith. we will commit her and her brother for baptism next time we see them. Also, funny thing... the guy who got shot next door to me was one of her friends. small world huh.... especially in Brooklyn cause there are more people in this city than in Utah and its only like the size of Provo. lol.
Today was cool so far ‘cause I got to go to BJ's (its basically like Costco) I will be hungry no more!!!!! I have been feeling like kitty lately... I eat and eat and don't feel satisfied! It really is a horror show. I ran out of everything! lol. Yesterday I ate a fourth of a lasagna in one sitting and didn't feel stuffed. Ha ha.
I love and miss you. I hope my other missionary friends are doing well. If someone could give me an update on Erik, Todd, Kyle, Mclean and BJ that would be cool. I'm already getting updates on Nate and Josh (which I appreciate greatly)
thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for your support and prayers, hugs and kisses, good vibrations, and letters/packages. They help more than I ever would have predicted. Letters and personal study are the only things that I have kept me sane. Besides seeing the atonement in others lives.
Peace out!
PS
why does race matter so much to people? and why does Gods color and people on other planets even matter? God is our loving heavenly father and he has provided a simple strait forward way back to him. It’s right infront of so many people and they just don't see how important it is. All we need to do is have faith in the lord Jesus Christ and in his atonement, repent, be baptized by the correct authority, and then endure to the end. Those of us who have testimonies and our families have been unified by these truths (or will be) are sooooo blessed. The difference is clear, large, and specific. I know this Is The true church! I love the knowledge I have. I wish very much that my whole family could realize this, so that we could all be together forever.
-Elder Morris
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