So... on Monday when I emailed all of you I immediately felt guilty and dumb for my letter plea. 1. How can I expect letters when I'm not writing any of you as often as I should? 2. I am the one that’s away, not all of you. I am the one off to a distant place, I should be reporting to you. 3. You are all very busy and some of you barely have time to sleep. I have set aside time every week where I could write.
Basically I feel bad for being whinny and want to say "Scratch that... replace it with: thank you so-o much for the emails and letters and prayers that I get especially because I know its hard to get letters out especially because most of you have multiple elders you are writing to."
The reason I am emailing today is because my companion had to apply for his scholarships since he will be ending his mission soon. I decided to take the opportunity to change what I said.
So, Some elders in our pad got sick with what we thought was food poisoning... but I don't think that is what it really was because... this morning I felt queasy, and just now I threw-up all over the sidewalk just outside the emailing place. The guy was very nice about it though, he gave me paper towels and asked if I was ok and let me clean up in his bathroom. I felt way better after I barfed... but I'm starting to feel bad a little bit again.
So here is an awesome story. There is this lady named Rosemarie in our branch. She is a convert since august. We go over to her house and help her out and teach her and encourage her to be a member missionary. Well our other recent convert Jean that I have mentioned before goes over and teaches and helps her too; sometimes on his own, ha-ha--just because he's cool like that. :) Any way, the other day Rosemarie's neighbor came over to ask rose for a favor or something, jean happened to be there and that’s when he asked "would you like to come to church some time?" then he ended up teaching kind of a restoration lesson! :) Yesterday, we asked Rosemarie when we were at her house about her neighbor Stacy. We ended up going over together and we taught an amazing lesson with the spirit and a member present! Woot! Before we even mentioned anything about praying Stacy said "I gotta pray, I gotta pray and see if this is right. It sounds good, it sounds true. I gotta pray." :D We set up an appointment to go back Saturday. I'll tell you how things pan out Monday.
-Love Elder Morris
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Me Llaman Flacito
Hi.
This morning I ate so much I held throwing it all up 3 or 4 times. I couldn't finish. The member thought I just didn't want it. That’s not the case.... me laman flacito (small skinny one); but I like that better than tranqulito (calm little one). There’s nothing wrong with tranquil vibes, that’s a complement... but it implies that I am the one that doesn't talk and is emotionless. :( You all know that’s not how I really am. I've been trying hard to be myself around these people, but it’s very hard for me. I know the lord called me here for a reason, I assume one of those reasons is because of my personality... but its hard to be myself... so... yeah. Ok moving on.
We are planning on committing Keaun next time we have a lesson with him. He is really cool. His family is awesome, I wish that they could be receptive like they were with Elder Lim in the past. Unfortunately there was drama with other missionaries after Lim left and before I came.
Wow, the guy next to me is watching movies and music videos and TV shows and it’s really distracting.
Our branch has around 320 members and our average every week is around 40. The Stake President came to church yesterday and told the members to get up and do something about it. They said things like "the missionaries [this and that]". But Pres Duffy said something along the lines of, stop abusing your missionaries, with a French fry analogy; I really appreciated it.
I gave a talk yesterday on hope. Let me tell you, I needed that. Wow, I never realized what hope really is. It’s not what we think. I studied all week about it and learned more from that than I ever feel like I could convey to others. I still don't even fully understand. But what I can tell you is that we really misuse the word hope. I want you all to read about hope in preach my gospel and in true to the faith. Also I challenge you all to stop using the word hope in place of the word wish. Because hope is not wishy-washy like we use it. It’s closer to "plan on" or "trust in".
Desire + obedience + prayer = stronger hope and faith. Hope is the anchor to our souls. Faith is the root of our hope. Faith and hope cannot be learned, they are rewarded to us as we do good works. God gives us a tiny seed and then expects us to nurture that seed. We nurture that seed with the equation I gave you. It’s really cool, you can pray for hope! It works! Ha-ha! Pray for hope, please!!!!! It will help us through our discouragement.
I would like you all to know that I am not home sick, but I am really missing you. If I could get just a few more letters I feel like that would really boost my spirit. I'm not hearing from those I love as much as I would like to, and the worst part about that is that there is a lot going on in all your lives that I want to be apart of. I promise I will try my best to write you all more in return.
I love you guys.
To all you missionaries,
Don't give up. I want to be like the sons of Mosiah were. When we see each other in 2011, I expect us to all still be brethren in the Lord. I love you guys! If any of you are in contact with Erik please forward that message, cause he is the only one of our friends I don't have info for.
Love Elder Morris
This morning I ate so much I held throwing it all up 3 or 4 times. I couldn't finish. The member thought I just didn't want it. That’s not the case.... me laman flacito (small skinny one); but I like that better than tranqulito (calm little one). There’s nothing wrong with tranquil vibes, that’s a complement... but it implies that I am the one that doesn't talk and is emotionless. :( You all know that’s not how I really am. I've been trying hard to be myself around these people, but it’s very hard for me. I know the lord called me here for a reason, I assume one of those reasons is because of my personality... but its hard to be myself... so... yeah. Ok moving on.
We are planning on committing Keaun next time we have a lesson with him. He is really cool. His family is awesome, I wish that they could be receptive like they were with Elder Lim in the past. Unfortunately there was drama with other missionaries after Lim left and before I came.
Wow, the guy next to me is watching movies and music videos and TV shows and it’s really distracting.
Our branch has around 320 members and our average every week is around 40. The Stake President came to church yesterday and told the members to get up and do something about it. They said things like "the missionaries [this and that]". But Pres Duffy said something along the lines of, stop abusing your missionaries, with a French fry analogy; I really appreciated it.
I gave a talk yesterday on hope. Let me tell you, I needed that. Wow, I never realized what hope really is. It’s not what we think. I studied all week about it and learned more from that than I ever feel like I could convey to others. I still don't even fully understand. But what I can tell you is that we really misuse the word hope. I want you all to read about hope in preach my gospel and in true to the faith. Also I challenge you all to stop using the word hope in place of the word wish. Because hope is not wishy-washy like we use it. It’s closer to "plan on" or "trust in".
Desire + obedience + prayer = stronger hope and faith. Hope is the anchor to our souls. Faith is the root of our hope. Faith and hope cannot be learned, they are rewarded to us as we do good works. God gives us a tiny seed and then expects us to nurture that seed. We nurture that seed with the equation I gave you. It’s really cool, you can pray for hope! It works! Ha-ha! Pray for hope, please!!!!! It will help us through our discouragement.
I would like you all to know that I am not home sick, but I am really missing you. If I could get just a few more letters I feel like that would really boost my spirit. I'm not hearing from those I love as much as I would like to, and the worst part about that is that there is a lot going on in all your lives that I want to be apart of. I promise I will try my best to write you all more in return.
I love you guys.
To all you missionaries,
Don't give up. I want to be like the sons of Mosiah were. When we see each other in 2011, I expect us to all still be brethren in the Lord. I love you guys! If any of you are in contact with Erik please forward that message, cause he is the only one of our friends I don't have info for.
Love Elder Morris
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Good News Everyone
So, the transfer calls came and "Good News Everyone!" I am staying in Richmond Hill another transfer with Elder Lim. :) Sweet. Our Pad mates are staying the same with the acceptation of Elder Hatch who is leaving. We will miss him. :( Hopefully the new Spanish Elder is cool and has a good sense of humor. I need to laugh more (like sis Chev said). Life was real easy when I was crazy with Elder Ledbetter in the pad. Fortunately things are lightening up in the pad even though there is drama out side the pad.
Culture Clash. Basically, everything that we learn in Utah about being polite is exactly opposite for Dominicans and various other Hispanics. Just a good tip I'd like you all to know.
Well, the Kitchen and the Living room were (and are) being remolded. So for a few days we couldn't cook or go to the bathroom in our own apartment. ha-ha. and all our stuff from the family room was crammed into the rest of the apartment, eliminating space for working out in the morning and taking showers and making breakfast. So our whole schedule has been... off the last week.
When they tore up the carpet there was 5 other floors underneath! LOL and in between the original flooring and the oldest replacement floor there was............ PILES OF NEWS PAPERS FROM THE 50'S! 1953 to be specific. Crazy huh! I took lots of pics. It’s really funny how all the ads are basically the same. The stories were about the Yankees winning and a 12 year old having a kid and a lady lighting herself on fire, and the Korean War. It was pretty crazy. We also found out this week that our house was built in 1898! That explains why the paint layers are an half an inch thick! lol.
We had some great progress with Keaun this week. we will probably hang out with him today as well (cause he has school off today).
So, my mom told me people are wondering if I got packages for Christmas. I got one from Grandma and the Chevrier’s a few weeks before Christmas and one from my mom. I also got a package from The Barnett family which was a nice surprise. Then I got an awesome package from the Swenson’s just after Christmas that was super fun to open. Elder Lim and I took lots of pics. That’s the packages that I have received so if there are more, maybe I’ll get them today....
All right. Thank you all for your love and prayers and updates and letters and packages and good vibes, etc.
I love you all!
-Elder Morris
Culture Clash. Basically, everything that we learn in Utah about being polite is exactly opposite for Dominicans and various other Hispanics. Just a good tip I'd like you all to know.
Well, the Kitchen and the Living room were (and are) being remolded. So for a few days we couldn't cook or go to the bathroom in our own apartment. ha-ha. and all our stuff from the family room was crammed into the rest of the apartment, eliminating space for working out in the morning and taking showers and making breakfast. So our whole schedule has been... off the last week.
When they tore up the carpet there was 5 other floors underneath! LOL and in between the original flooring and the oldest replacement floor there was............ PILES OF NEWS PAPERS FROM THE 50'S! 1953 to be specific. Crazy huh! I took lots of pics. It’s really funny how all the ads are basically the same. The stories were about the Yankees winning and a 12 year old having a kid and a lady lighting herself on fire, and the Korean War. It was pretty crazy. We also found out this week that our house was built in 1898! That explains why the paint layers are an half an inch thick! lol.
We had some great progress with Keaun this week. we will probably hang out with him today as well (cause he has school off today).
So, my mom told me people are wondering if I got packages for Christmas. I got one from Grandma and the Chevrier’s a few weeks before Christmas and one from my mom. I also got a package from The Barnett family which was a nice surprise. Then I got an awesome package from the Swenson’s just after Christmas that was super fun to open. Elder Lim and I took lots of pics. That’s the packages that I have received so if there are more, maybe I’ll get them today....
All right. Thank you all for your love and prayers and updates and letters and packages and good vibes, etc.
I love you all!
-Elder Morris
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Suddenly Nothing Really Matters
This email is in reply to Sam finding out about his sister Rachel having a preemie baby that passed away at 10 days old.
I don't know what to talk about. I can't even remember much about what I was going to say home today. Suddenly nothing really matters much but my love for the family and my testimony. Sometimes I find myself saying in my mind. Why does our life happen the way it does. All I can answer is in scripture form.
First what Nephi says, that he does not know the answers to all things but that he does know that God loveth his children.
Second, what Jacob says in 2nd Nephi ch 2, that all things are done in the wisdom of he who knoweth all. and that Men are that they might have Joy.
To answer you question mom, the Christmas call didn't make me homesick. I have Just realized things about myself that I can Improve. I didn't like it at first but Its funny how quick you see the benefit of certain realizations.
This week some amazing things happened that were possibly ironic but not at all coincidences. I love the Lord. He truly does know what he is doing at all times, and his hand is very active in our lives. I experienced all degrees of standing towards the church this week. We had an investigator prove our suspicions of his studies of anti-Mormon literature. We were told not to follow or use faith or the Holy Ghost, but to trust in the bible.
We also met an awesome guy named Patrick ("a less active") who fed us awesome food. We used principals learned from our CDM and by now coincidence he came to church the next day and one of the speakers was a high councilman who was at his baptism in Rigo park. We experienced the support of members and their love and strength. We had a lesson with a recent convert with Brother Meldrom. Being around him was so refreshing. I know that=his radiance is not personality based but spiritually based.
To top off this layered cake we had amazing discussions and lessons and good times with Keaun a former. He has the desire to learn from the spirit and to have the spirit. He feels the spirit when he does what's right and when he comes to church. I think we will have a baptism in order soon. :) I know he is on the right path. I know his example will strengthen his family.
I know I am far far away. But anything I can do to help any of you (family & friends), please let me know. Meanwhile know that I am starting my mission year with new resolve and hope that I can become the missionary God wants=me to be and you all think I am.
Ha ha.
Love, Elder Sam Morris
I don't know what to talk about. I can't even remember much about what I was going to say home today. Suddenly nothing really matters much but my love for the family and my testimony. Sometimes I find myself saying in my mind. Why does our life happen the way it does. All I can answer is in scripture form.
First what Nephi says, that he does not know the answers to all things but that he does know that God loveth his children.
Second, what Jacob says in 2nd Nephi ch 2, that all things are done in the wisdom of he who knoweth all. and that Men are that they might have Joy.
To answer you question mom, the Christmas call didn't make me homesick. I have Just realized things about myself that I can Improve. I didn't like it at first but Its funny how quick you see the benefit of certain realizations.
This week some amazing things happened that were possibly ironic but not at all coincidences. I love the Lord. He truly does know what he is doing at all times, and his hand is very active in our lives. I experienced all degrees of standing towards the church this week. We had an investigator prove our suspicions of his studies of anti-Mormon literature. We were told not to follow or use faith or the Holy Ghost, but to trust in the bible.
We also met an awesome guy named Patrick ("a less active") who fed us awesome food. We used principals learned from our CDM and by now coincidence he came to church the next day and one of the speakers was a high councilman who was at his baptism in Rigo park. We experienced the support of members and their love and strength. We had a lesson with a recent convert with Brother Meldrom. Being around him was so refreshing. I know that=his radiance is not personality based but spiritually based.
To top off this layered cake we had amazing discussions and lessons and good times with Keaun a former. He has the desire to learn from the spirit and to have the spirit. He feels the spirit when he does what's right and when he comes to church. I think we will have a baptism in order soon. :) I know he is on the right path. I know his example will strengthen his family.
I know I am far far away. But anything I can do to help any of you (family & friends), please let me know. Meanwhile know that I am starting my mission year with new resolve and hope that I can become the missionary God wants=me to be and you all think I am.
Ha ha.
Love, Elder Sam Morris
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Depressing Poem
Well, I wrote a poem this week. I was going to send it to you all... but
1. I left it back at the pad on accident. and
2. It wouldn't make any of you very happy.
You see I have been very contemplative this past week. I don't think that it is a coincidence that I have received an attitude change just as the New Year started. It is ironic though. In Church yesterday I bore my testimony about how before my mission a bunch of people came up to me and told me how excited they were for me to change. I thought to myself "What, you don't like me how I am now???!!!" For the last almost 6 months of my mission I have been afraid of change. I didn't want to change because I was afraid that if I did... none of my friends of family would like me when I came back. Because of this fear I have had, I have not only hurt myself but others. What I didn't realize is that I will still be the same person (like BJ said in his last letter). Also, any change that is going to happen to me will be positive change. The lord is trying to shape me into a worthy man and future Father. I didn't want to be an adult. I also didn't want to be stuck doing things the rest of my life that I didn't want to do. But like I was saying I had quite the week.
It started with Lim getting mad at me for what I thought at the time was a very small thing. A little while later he came to me and told me to look at things from his perspective, and then he described the situation. I realized and experienced something I thought I knew all along... but really I didn't. My decisions affect other people. I have been very, very selfish; not only before my mission, but on my mission. I am looking back at my life now, with my new perspective on change and a realization of my past selfish hypocrisy. I have been embarrassed of many things I have done and said to many of you. I am so sorry. I hope as I use the atonement to fix these things, that you can all use the atonement to fully forgive me. I realize that I don't deserve it, but I can't imagine my life without any of you.
Yesterday in church Zorina Zamir got the Holy Ghost. It was a fast meeting and there was a great spirit. Then in class, Brother Meldrom (1st councilor) was in class and he said some things in the lesson that really helped change my perspective too. The timing was probably the key element, but he seemed to say exactly what I was feeling. The Lesson was on Heavenly Father, I made a comment about how heavenly father receives his Joy by helping us to progress and grow. Bro Meldrom’s comment was something to add on to what I said. It was something along the lines of how when he was younger he wanted to be an astronaut and he refused to have a desk job. But now that he is married he would be happy to get any job, because what really makes him happy (or have joy) is his family and helping them progress and live well. Just like our heavenly father.
I realized, if I have any job to support my family that is awesome. That won't change my interests or who I am. I can still jam with friends and play music for fun. I’m realizing now that the world does not revolve around me. I'm not any more special than anyone else. God loves us all. This life is temporary.
Any way.....
ig2g Love Sam
1. I left it back at the pad on accident. and
2. It wouldn't make any of you very happy.
You see I have been very contemplative this past week. I don't think that it is a coincidence that I have received an attitude change just as the New Year started. It is ironic though. In Church yesterday I bore my testimony about how before my mission a bunch of people came up to me and told me how excited they were for me to change. I thought to myself "What, you don't like me how I am now???!!!" For the last almost 6 months of my mission I have been afraid of change. I didn't want to change because I was afraid that if I did... none of my friends of family would like me when I came back. Because of this fear I have had, I have not only hurt myself but others. What I didn't realize is that I will still be the same person (like BJ said in his last letter). Also, any change that is going to happen to me will be positive change. The lord is trying to shape me into a worthy man and future Father. I didn't want to be an adult. I also didn't want to be stuck doing things the rest of my life that I didn't want to do. But like I was saying I had quite the week.
It started with Lim getting mad at me for what I thought at the time was a very small thing. A little while later he came to me and told me to look at things from his perspective, and then he described the situation. I realized and experienced something I thought I knew all along... but really I didn't. My decisions affect other people. I have been very, very selfish; not only before my mission, but on my mission. I am looking back at my life now, with my new perspective on change and a realization of my past selfish hypocrisy. I have been embarrassed of many things I have done and said to many of you. I am so sorry. I hope as I use the atonement to fix these things, that you can all use the atonement to fully forgive me. I realize that I don't deserve it, but I can't imagine my life without any of you.
Yesterday in church Zorina Zamir got the Holy Ghost. It was a fast meeting and there was a great spirit. Then in class, Brother Meldrom (1st councilor) was in class and he said some things in the lesson that really helped change my perspective too. The timing was probably the key element, but he seemed to say exactly what I was feeling. The Lesson was on Heavenly Father, I made a comment about how heavenly father receives his Joy by helping us to progress and grow. Bro Meldrom’s comment was something to add on to what I said. It was something along the lines of how when he was younger he wanted to be an astronaut and he refused to have a desk job. But now that he is married he would be happy to get any job, because what really makes him happy (or have joy) is his family and helping them progress and live well. Just like our heavenly father.
I realized, if I have any job to support my family that is awesome. That won't change my interests or who I am. I can still jam with friends and play music for fun. I’m realizing now that the world does not revolve around me. I'm not any more special than anyone else. God loves us all. This life is temporary.
Any way.....
ig2g Love Sam
No Creative Time
So, this last week was a long week. Here are the upsides to the week:
1. I got to talk to My sisters, mom, dad, and brothers (but not Taber or Chris). Also I got to say hi to the Chevriers! That made me very happy. I felt like I got cut short though. :( Oh well. :)
2. Zorina Zamir the 60year old Guyanese lady got baptized on Sunday! wooot! :) It turned out very well. I gave a talk on baptism and Lim on the Holy Ghost. There was a nice spirit. Unfortunately the water was too cold for Zorina... so that was a little bit of a struggle, but it all worked out fine. Jean baptized her! It was great! I think members should always do it. I think I was hard on Zorina in past emails. She is a very sweet spiritual and intellectual person. She is an actual soul, who has actually taken the first step to salvation! I love that! I wish everyone would follow that example of faith. The best Part is that I could tell that Zorina really understood that what she was doing was what God wanted and that she really was baptized by the proper authority. She was so brave because the water was cold and she is scared of the water because her brother died in a river. She is very excited for next week when she will get the Holy Ghost.
3. Christmas night sister Skalka read us this amazingly detailed and historically accurate version of the Christmas story. It was written by someone who cited Joseph smith translation, Jesus the Christ, and Holy Messiah (I think that’s what it’s called...). Anyway it really made it real. I have always known it was real, but... hearing it in a historical way with so many details and how it is just so.... planned, really brought it alive for me. So many little details have so much meaning; lots of symbolism. MY testimony of the Savior’s birth and the actual importance of his birth have really increased. I know that it is true.
Funny things:
1. Zorina likes to talk a lot. Here is the proof: her baptismal interview was 2 hours long. They are normally like 10.
2. Elder Lim didn't get a Christmas package so Elder hatch and I wrapped up a bunch of random things from the pad and also some of his own things and some candy and a hat for him. He laughed a lot, he really enjoyed/appreciated it. I'm glad I played Santa; I got just as much joy from that as I did from getting my own gifts. :)
3. A girl named Natel in our branch (a 16 year old Punjabi), talks about how I am such a "cutie pie" to Jean all the time. For Christmas she bought me a cashmere scarf! Then she told me she had more things that she wanted to give me, but hinted that I wouldn't get them unless I came to get them from her at her house. Now, I can't go to her house to teach her non member parents without leading her on. Wow. So pray, she looses interest. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
OK;that’s about it.I love you all! Thank you for everyone who sent me things like letters packages love and prayers. Trunkie time is over, its time to get back to business.
Love Elder Morris
1. I got to talk to My sisters, mom, dad, and brothers (but not Taber or Chris). Also I got to say hi to the Chevriers! That made me very happy. I felt like I got cut short though. :( Oh well. :)
2. Zorina Zamir the 60year old Guyanese lady got baptized on Sunday! wooot! :) It turned out very well. I gave a talk on baptism and Lim on the Holy Ghost. There was a nice spirit. Unfortunately the water was too cold for Zorina... so that was a little bit of a struggle, but it all worked out fine. Jean baptized her! It was great! I think members should always do it. I think I was hard on Zorina in past emails. She is a very sweet spiritual and intellectual person. She is an actual soul, who has actually taken the first step to salvation! I love that! I wish everyone would follow that example of faith. The best Part is that I could tell that Zorina really understood that what she was doing was what God wanted and that she really was baptized by the proper authority. She was so brave because the water was cold and she is scared of the water because her brother died in a river. She is very excited for next week when she will get the Holy Ghost.
3. Christmas night sister Skalka read us this amazingly detailed and historically accurate version of the Christmas story. It was written by someone who cited Joseph smith translation, Jesus the Christ, and Holy Messiah (I think that’s what it’s called...). Anyway it really made it real. I have always known it was real, but... hearing it in a historical way with so many details and how it is just so.... planned, really brought it alive for me. So many little details have so much meaning; lots of symbolism. MY testimony of the Savior’s birth and the actual importance of his birth have really increased. I know that it is true.
Funny things:
1. Zorina likes to talk a lot. Here is the proof: her baptismal interview was 2 hours long. They are normally like 10.
2. Elder Lim didn't get a Christmas package so Elder hatch and I wrapped up a bunch of random things from the pad and also some of his own things and some candy and a hat for him. He laughed a lot, he really enjoyed/appreciated it. I'm glad I played Santa; I got just as much joy from that as I did from getting my own gifts. :)
3. A girl named Natel in our branch (a 16 year old Punjabi), talks about how I am such a "cutie pie" to Jean all the time. For Christmas she bought me a cashmere scarf! Then she told me she had more things that she wanted to give me, but hinted that I wouldn't get them unless I came to get them from her at her house. Now, I can't go to her house to teach her non member parents without leading her on. Wow. So pray, she looses interest. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
OK;that’s about it.I love you all! Thank you for everyone who sent me things like letters packages love and prayers. Trunkie time is over, its time to get back to business.
Love Elder Morris
New York Crazy
I believe I have said it before, but I'll say it again. Everyone in New York is just a little bit... crazy. I'm realizing that I am kinda included it that general statement; especially if you look at me from a worldly perspective. Sometimes we just have to get into someone else’s skin and walk around a bit. (to kill a mockingbird)
Now that I have made a disclaimer that disclaims itself, I feel I am safe to move on.
Love keeps me alive, but snow makes me Happy. Something I noticed here, way back in September is that New Yorkers in general don't respond well to "bad weather". We would have 20 people come to church when It was kinda rainy... well we had a great party planned for the branch on Saturday, and Elder Lim and I had invited lots of investigators and committed a few "unlikely" less actives to come. But Friday night we get a call from president Erazo and he said that the party was canceled because it was going to snow on Saturday. Well he was right it did snow Saturday (not enough to cancel a party... but that’s how things go). It was a constant snow and by the time we went in for the night there was like a foot in the drifts (its windy here, so there are lots of drifts). The snow made me pretty happy. So instead of going to the party we took Jean (my favorite 16 year old in New York) out with us to look up less-actives. We got into a house and things went pretty well. Jean told me I had the gift of tongues, because apparently I sounded just like a Punjabi. (Which is weird cause I just remember speaking normally)
Well at one point we ran into the Spanish Elders and had a snowball fight it was great fun!.... until.... I heard yelling and crying. We looked over and saw a guy trying to get a girl to "just come back inside". She was screaming at him to go away, and I could tell it was going to go south. He grabbed her wrists and made some motion (I think a head butt), and suddenly she had blood all over the bottom side of her face. I started walking over instinctively and the other elders stopped me, I said "we cant just sit here!" so I called emergency and reported domestic violence on the street we were on, but the lady on the phone acted like she didn't even care or know what I was trying to tell her, and she took forever. I got off the line, but by this time to big guys had noticed what the guy had done so they walked up. The mad who had head-butted the girl said "What’s the problem" and put his hands in the air. That’s when the other guy punched him in the face and then kneed him in the stomach. Then the other guy held him while the man who leveled the abuser wound up for a field goal kick to the head. :S
Afterward Elder Torrez (Hatch's native comp from Puerto Rico)was really effected and cried cause of what that guy did to the girl. Luckily she ran away when the two big guys defended her.
From this story I learned a few things. 1. I am probably to brave for my own good 2. That Puerto Ricans are really soft hearted and respectful 3. 911 isn't very helpful in New York and 4. I felt guilty for not doing more... but there was nothing more I could have done or should have done. Also 5. I’m really glad there are people that defend womanhood still.
OK well, I got to go. But just know that I am doing well and looking forward to calling you all soon! Also, we have a baptism commit for next week. She has been committed before, but she is for sure now. When we committed her she said "what do I wear? Should I bring a towel!?" ha-ha-ha.
I love you all! Bye!
Sam
Now that I have made a disclaimer that disclaims itself, I feel I am safe to move on.
Love keeps me alive, but snow makes me Happy. Something I noticed here, way back in September is that New Yorkers in general don't respond well to "bad weather". We would have 20 people come to church when It was kinda rainy... well we had a great party planned for the branch on Saturday, and Elder Lim and I had invited lots of investigators and committed a few "unlikely" less actives to come. But Friday night we get a call from president Erazo and he said that the party was canceled because it was going to snow on Saturday. Well he was right it did snow Saturday (not enough to cancel a party... but that’s how things go). It was a constant snow and by the time we went in for the night there was like a foot in the drifts (its windy here, so there are lots of drifts). The snow made me pretty happy. So instead of going to the party we took Jean (my favorite 16 year old in New York) out with us to look up less-actives. We got into a house and things went pretty well. Jean told me I had the gift of tongues, because apparently I sounded just like a Punjabi. (Which is weird cause I just remember speaking normally)
Well at one point we ran into the Spanish Elders and had a snowball fight it was great fun!.... until.... I heard yelling and crying. We looked over and saw a guy trying to get a girl to "just come back inside". She was screaming at him to go away, and I could tell it was going to go south. He grabbed her wrists and made some motion (I think a head butt), and suddenly she had blood all over the bottom side of her face. I started walking over instinctively and the other elders stopped me, I said "we cant just sit here!" so I called emergency and reported domestic violence on the street we were on, but the lady on the phone acted like she didn't even care or know what I was trying to tell her, and she took forever. I got off the line, but by this time to big guys had noticed what the guy had done so they walked up. The mad who had head-butted the girl said "What’s the problem" and put his hands in the air. That’s when the other guy punched him in the face and then kneed him in the stomach. Then the other guy held him while the man who leveled the abuser wound up for a field goal kick to the head. :S
Afterward Elder Torrez (Hatch's native comp from Puerto Rico)was really effected and cried cause of what that guy did to the girl. Luckily she ran away when the two big guys defended her.
From this story I learned a few things. 1. I am probably to brave for my own good 2. That Puerto Ricans are really soft hearted and respectful 3. 911 isn't very helpful in New York and 4. I felt guilty for not doing more... but there was nothing more I could have done or should have done. Also 5. I’m really glad there are people that defend womanhood still.
OK well, I got to go. But just know that I am doing well and looking forward to calling you all soon! Also, we have a baptism commit for next week. She has been committed before, but she is for sure now. When we committed her she said "what do I wear? Should I bring a towel!?" ha-ha-ha.
I love you all! Bye!
Sam
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