Sister Jeppson in front of a graffiti (New Jersey Morristown Mission 4 Lyfe!)
Classy ladies! Sister Galuvao (who'll be returning to her main mission in Temple Square), Sister Jeppson, and I.
Sister Hallstien and I after cleaning her fireplace.
The Russian Teardop, a gift from the Russians to us after 9-11.
The departing missionaries at a memorial of some sort, and I can't do a serious face, it just turned out awkward.
My last missionary meeting:(
The Kings! One of my top 10 families out here, I just love them (and they love our Bev and Gertie videos).
My district leaders, Elder Disney Smith and Elder Silva
Two of my favorite Sisters, Rittenhouse and Swann
Family Dearest!
Well, this could possibly be my last email to yous guys before I sees you again. How strange! Well, this week has been a good one. We taught a less-active member and she invited her sort-of-daughter. The daughter, Kirsten, said she wanted to have her baby baptized into the Catholic Church, but couldn't because her husband wasn't baptized, and they couldn't find godparents who fit the requirements. So her kid can't be baptized. She asked us if we knew anyone eligible to be godparents, who'd been through CCD and were active in the church, and such. No, we don't. But we told her about baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ and how children don't need to be baptized until they're accountable. And their baptism doesn't rely upon other people's worthiness, but it's between them and God. Her interest was piqued, and she said that it all made sense. She told us her info so we could send missionaries to her home in New York. I hope everything works out! She was also quite interested in the Book of Mormon, so we gave her one. And this got the less-active member excited, so she was suggesting good chapters for Kirsten to read, and she bore her testimony of the Book. It was neat!
Well, this could possibly be my last email to yous guys before I sees you again. How strange! Well, this week has been a good one. We taught a less-active member and she invited her sort-of-daughter. The daughter, Kirsten, said she wanted to have her baby baptized into the Catholic Church, but couldn't because her husband wasn't baptized, and they couldn't find godparents who fit the requirements. So her kid can't be baptized. She asked us if we knew anyone eligible to be godparents, who'd been through CCD and were active in the church, and such. No, we don't. But we told her about baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ and how children don't need to be baptized until they're accountable. And their baptism doesn't rely upon other people's worthiness, but it's between them and God. Her interest was piqued, and she said that it all made sense. She told us her info so we could send missionaries to her home in New York. I hope everything works out! She was also quite interested in the Book of Mormon, so we gave her one. And this got the less-active member excited, so she was suggesting good chapters for Kirsten to read, and she bore her testimony of the Book. It was neat!
Bill has been under the weather, so we can't teach him again for a bit. He has been listening to the scriptures though, and has been watching mormonchannel.org videos like crazy! I'm so excited! They are such a special family.
Brother Robertozzi, who isn't a member, but has been coming here for years to support his wife, is more sincere now in his reading and praying. We committed him to live the word of wisdom, law of chastity, and law of tithing WHEN he's baptized, and he said yes! And then he mentioned baptism later on, and his wife has never heard him talk about it. I see great things on the horizon for this family!
On Friday we were out of things to do as all our main plans and back-ups for the evening had fallen through. We were looking down the ward list and decided to visit Sister Hallstein. It was 8:30, and usually people are grumpy by that time. She opened the door, and said into her phone, "Oh! You wouldn't believe who's here, the sister missionaries!" She hung up, let us in, and told us of a dilemma she was in. We turned to the scriptures, and helped her find some guidance. She pondered a bit, and told us that this was an answer to her prayer. She didn't know what to do, then we showed up in a timely manner and helped her resolve her concerns. I'm so grateful when Heavenly Father lets us be instruments in His Hands. There is no better feeling than letting Him guide you. You have absolutely nothing to do with it--you just have to be obedient and worthy of the Spirit, and He will place you where you're needed. I love it!
Little Peter is doing well, just being cute as ever and remembering the things he's been taught. Kevin passed the sacrament this week, and bore his testimony again! Dawn and Judy have been reading and praying. We read Alma 14 with them, and it's a real tearjerker, and before we could even ask them a question, Dawn said, "This totally answers my questions about Ashley! Every time I don't know what to do, or I need answers I can open the Book and I always find my answer!" Agh! The Book of Mormon is the word of God! I love it!
Lastly, I went on my departing missionary trip. Since Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are closed, we went to Washington's Headquarters in Morristown. Then we went to Liberty State Park, the Russian Teardrop monument, and another 9-11 monument (and on the monuments I found the names "Machael Healey" and "Peter Klein." Then we Went to Newark to a huge wall of graffiti that lasts for miles, and ate at Rio Rodizio. Mmmm. It was a lot of fun.
Well, I love you kids, and I can't wait to hug all of you in a week's time. Everyone be safe, and don't cause too much trouble now ya hear!
Sister Mister
