Short Hills - OUT ONE YEAR!!

Hola Familia!

This week was super good and uplifting. We have been tearing it up out here and now we are seeing some people start to change. Its been a rewarding week. We have been doing all we can to start getting a few more new investigators. Lots of work and lots of prayer. We have been working with our members a little more too. I just love the branch here.

I went on exchange this past week with Elder Beard, our zone leader, from Alta high school. Nice kid. We get along very well. He came out a transfer after me and is a true leader. He is super obedient and just always having fun and laughing. We always have the same ideas about stuff and how missionaries are pretty up-tight about themselves at times. Missionaries need to learn to relax and have fun. Be obedient of course, but make your mission enjoyable. Its been a big blessing to serve around him and Elder Augustine, our other zone leader. We have had some good conversations that have really changed my perspective on things about a mission.

We got to help out with a primary/missionary activity in Scotch Plains last week. It was all the primary kids of the lower part of the stake. It was a big Saturday event. All the primary kids did a couple of skits. Then us missionaries each did our own skits with our districts. Our district invited up kids to come knock a door and be a missionary and see who was on the other side. It was pretty funny. These kids were pretty adorable. Ha they did so well though. Then we helped them make little name tags and helped them all tie ties. It was super successful.

Teaching the Primary kids how to tie a tie
Hugo on the left is who Elder Sumsion baptized first

We taught Vi---  again this past week. He works quite a bit so he still hasn't been able to come to church. He is doing good though. We have been teaching a less active man from Mexico, named Serafin. He is a stud. He has a strong testimony and real desires to come back. He just works a lot too. Never seen people work so hard in my entire life. He also fed us so wicked good Mexican food.

We contacted a lady on the street in West Orange a few weeks ago named Carmen. She is pretty old. Like 82. But she let us in and her husband wasn't too interested but she listened up. We have a return appointment to see her this next week.

We had interviews today with President and Sister Taggart. Ha they are awesome. President Taggart was super serious and focused in the interview. He gave some great advice to help the area. But in the interview with sister Taggart I swear we were just talking and laughing. We talked about everything. Home. The old Snyderville ward. She is the best. Its nice to be so close to them both. Its so easy to talk to them and just be friends with them. I love it.

New Mission President's wife (and our dear friend) Sister Jane Taggart

Things are good. Thanks for the package. I hit my halfway point this week! Pretty nuts. Time is flying by cant believe it. BTW I don't know if that July 8th date is 100% set. It should be that week or the next.

Have fun in Idaho! Ha

Nice job Sam on the Eagle Project! Way to finish it up. you have a few days to spare before you hit the big 16!! Love you bro.

Love you all,

Elder Sumsion