9/19/2011

Hey Dad!

Yeah, I was sad I didn't get to talk to you, and then I got a letter from everyone else that night except you. I guess you did email though haha. I don't even know where to start. I am serving in the New Castle area, which is actually the only area in my mission in Pennsylvania. Pretty much they sent me as far east as they could. There is a little branch that covers quite a large area, and most of the members are less actives. There is a lot of work to do, and I'm excited. 

Now for your questions.
How is Ohio?

 

I haven't spent a lot of time in Ohio, there are a few people we meet with who do live in Ohio, but we have to drive an hour to get there.

 Where did you end up at?

 

New Castle, a small little town on the west end of Pennsylvania. Kinda weird to think I'm serving in the same state as you.
How was Kirtland? Awesome, there is no other way to describe it. I was able to sit in the room where Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ manifested themselves at least four recorded times. I took some pictures of the temple, and then the whole group got one in front of the Newell K. Whitney store. Next week I'll try to figure out how to send all the pictures I've taken. In the School of the Prophets President (who is a great man by the way) had us commit to the Lord what kind of missionary I will be.

 How was your flight?

About how you described it to me. I actually had two flights. The first one was fine, I was even able to read a little bit. Then we started descending into Detroit, but I made it to ground ok, a little queasy but ok. Then we had to run the length of the airport to make our next flight. They were loading up as I got there. This plane was a lot smaller, I couldn't stand up straight. The A/C was out, so that was fun. The flight was only about half an hour though, the plane didn't even level out. Sadly I wasn't able to get a good look at the lake, but it was huge. 

What did you end up doing with your huge bag?

I just had them check the one anyway. I could have put some in a cardboard box but decided it wasn't worth it. I had to pay 115, but thats not too bad, I barely fit under the mark to pay 150.
 

How is your companion and where is he from?

Elder P is from Lehi, Utah. It's a little funny, my "father" is from Lehi, while I'm from Nephi. Haha. ok, but yeah he is really cool. He has only been out for three months. He just finished this new 12 week program for new missionaries that makes you ready to train at the end. We have fun, he's a great guy. Someday I'll send pictures. There is even one of my "lineage" that goes back to my great grandpa.

How is your mission president?

President Sorenson is great. He is definitely taller than I expected. His heart is completely in the work, and he knows what he expects from his missionaries. He is strict but at the same time can be a lot of fun and has a great sense of humor.

How has your first week been?

The week has been great. Unfortunately I'm almost out of time so I can't write any stories, but I will next week. I haven't even had time to write them down at all. It's been fun and a challenge. I love it. We found a couple new investigators and visited lots of less actives. There is a great guy in the ward who helps out a lot. and Guess what his name is? Uncle Dale. ok i've only heard a few people call him that, and he really is related to most of the people here, but he's great, he's probably met with us every day so far and has brought over lots of food and always has a story to share.

Well I'm out of time. I love you so much. I wasn't able to write Mom back, so tell her I love her too. gotta go

Elder NEwey