August 11

August 11, 2010

Hello home!!

Another week has come and flown- it amazes me how quickly time seems to move! It's almost unfair!! Because of some strange circumstances, this cycle has been cut short- to 4 weeks instead of the usual 6! I'm probably leaving this coming cycle- I've been here in my greenie area for over 6 months and I've heard from some fairly reliable sources that my time here in Olmstead has come to a close! :( I feel very mixed about leaving!! I have come to love so much the people here- the Members and my investigators and my recent converts- and the Missionaries too! I'm confident, though, that wherever the Lord sends me I will love and grow just as much as I have my dear Olmstead. I'm NOT sure, however, what the Primary is going to do without me! Hahahaha! Kidding...kidding... I just might need to teach some members how to play piano so the kids can SING! ;)

I have discovered the reason for the fire hydrants always being opened and blasting into the street all day long during the summer! It's for the Missionaries! Hooray! Seriously though- It gets SO hot and humid during the day! Luckily we can soak our arms and faces in the fire hydrants and that helps us stay a little cooler!

We had a great week, Elder Torres and I! One of our families we are teaching is just so incredible! Every time we go and see them they have loads of questions and are so excited to see us. They are from the Dominican Republic- I feel my love for the Dominican culture growing with every person from there that I meet. They are all so happy and friendly! Not to mention that apparently my Spanish is becoming more and more Dominican every day! Que lo que muchacho?

Let's see... highlights of the week...

- One of the baptismal dates that Elder Torres and I have was set on last Thursday for this coming Sunday! It was so funny when it happened- we are teaching a family and the 9 year old came up and said to us- "Guys, I'm going to church on Sunday. And I'm getting baptized, okay?" Hahaha they are all very excited!

- There's a new Target coming to New York City! And a bunch of the buses and trains are all decked out painted red and white decorated to celebrate it! Hooray!

- We have officially kicked off our new English teaching program for native Spanish speakers! It's called "Daily Dose!" Elder Torres and I ran around our area talking to everyone we saw and inviting them to come and learn English with us!

- Sister Passantino got locked out on her balcony in her apartment! Bahaha!!

- We had a mega-soccer/volleyball tournament last P-day!

- The District is having a contacting contest this week- the companionship with the most street contacts gets breakfast from the Sister Missionaries- unless THEY win- then all the Elders have to make THEM breakfast!

I feel my faith growing with each passing day. I love the Gospel- and love this opportunity to share it with others! I feel humbled and grateful for all the miracles and blessings that I am receiving out here and the ones my family is receiving at home! You guys! I just love you! Please know how much I love you!! Sending my prayers your way!

B safe! B Happy! B Dominican?

Always,

Elder Hellberg