August 22, 2011

Hey Family!
Everything has been going really well this week, except it's been smoking hot. Above 30 every day this week, and then I think every day next week too. This is a big change because like the first 5 weeks I think we maybe had 2 days where it didn't rain. Which I was okay with. So either way we were all wet by the time we get home, rain or sweat. I think I actually prefer rain. Haha!!

Elder B is awesome. He is super funny, and understands that things aren't so black and white and that people are real people. And very focused on people. Instead of just giving people a Pass-Along Card and then walking away, we stop and actually talk to people. We talk to everyone for longer times now, so sometimes we miss a person here or there because we are talking to people, but the people we do talk to it's much more meaningful and I think that we will have a lot more success. I am really excited. We are changing the way that we are sort of doing things and are going to be using what we have here. The Gs are awesome, and the JAE center is really great so we are going to be using those more and doing things that will help people more, not just get us numbers.

So I wrote on Tuesday, so not a whole lot has happened since then, but here goes.
Wednesday, was the big day! We had to get up at 5:45 so that Elder H could be ready to leave at 7:00. And so then we dropped him off at the Train Station and then I hung out with the Gs all day. It was good. They are really good people. So Wednesday, after we picked up Elder B we dropped our stuff off and went dooring, and then helped with the JAE activity. Since the summer is coming to a close there are going to be more and more people there which is exciting! It really is a great way to get people to come to the church, and the change is happening in the younger generation. It's so interesting. f

Thursday we got to know the area better because I don't really know it that well. For example, the bus routes and everything. I know what to do now, but those first two or three days were rough.

I need people to write me! Speaking of which, I got two more letters from you, and one from Janine. It was nice to get those letters. Thanks for the Motivational Sneaker. It made me think of Dad a lot. I am not going to lie.

On Friday we had our street display. Which is always fun. Especially when it is like 33 degrees outside. Who doesn't want to talk to two twenty year old boys in formal clothes who are gross and sweaty in the sun. I can't think of anyone. Haha! As much as I complain it wasn't too bad. Luckily I didn't get any burns on my head. That is a miracle considering the small amount of hair there. Haha! As I mentioned before, Elder B is helping me to be more focused on people so I felt like instead of just standing there and giving out cards we were able to have good conversations with people and set up a couple of appointments. It was good.

Saturday we had our planning and went dooring a lot.

Sunday was another really good day. We confirmed the C family and I was able to confirm T, the youngest. It was such a neat experience. With their family, I am averaging about 1 baptism a week. So maybe I should just quit while I am ahead? Actually, no I won't, but just fun to say. Elder B hasn't been here for a baptism, and he's been out just over a year, but we will have one this transfer! I know it! It was a really cool experience though! You just feel so good. I am so excited for the Cs. They are getting more integrated into the ward and their kids are great. They all want to serve missions, which is so exciting, and I know that they will really be able to help a lot of people on their missions, and even here with their examples.


As for our apartment. It's super tiny. Maybe would fit in your bedroom. For sure your bedroom and your ensuite. The next Zone Conference is the 1st which is exciting. I will get the mail then, and get to see the missionaries in our Zone. Two of the people who I reported with are in our Zone so I am excited to see them.

Say hi to everyone in the Ward for me. And Norton's too. I am really happy Ivy finally got a little Sister. Haha! I miss you guys a lot. And love you a lot!

Can you believe I have been here 2 months, that sounds like nothing, but sometimes it feels like it's been 2 years already. Haha! Things apparently speed up at about 3 or 4 months and then before you know it, the time is gone. Just something to think about. Spencer has been gone 9 months!

Sincerely,

Elder Connor J. Thompson