Har's turn at FSY

This week Harlee got her turn to go to FSY.  She went to the University of Utah with Miah.  I was so excited for her to have a do over.  Last time she went with Ari and Ari left her once they got there to go hang out with other friends. So this time is going to be much better.  They ended up having a good time.  They were for sure some of the oldest ones there but they did manage to meet a few cute boys including a guy named Matt who is 6'6.  She did say that there was also one great teacher so they enjoyed going to his classes.  And even though they felt old, they had the best time together.  So grateful for their friendship.  It has really been such a blessing for Har.

Missionary Monday

Here is Elder Childs rundown of his week:

As another week comes to an end, I find myself recollecting and remembering the great week I had & how much I don't feel like writing about it. 

The creative spark, the Elder Childs special zest... maybe not that, but the fanciful flare I used to have is dwindling. Instead, I'll leave you guys yet again with a rundown!

Now, this may be devastating to you 2 avid email readers, but to the majority that skim or skip to the photos, this will come as a wonderful surprise. 

The Rundown:

• Elder Betancourth joined me and Elder Galindo here in Irvington for a day. Absolutely insane. We taught all day, which days like that have helped my creole a ton. Elder Betancourth helped make it fun too, love that guy.

• We taught so much, this area is crazy. It's seriously just lesson after lesson.

• Had service at this pantry which took 3 million years, and some lady was yelling at everyone in the line because someone "cut in front of her". Good times.

• Was able to teach our friends Dieudonise & Rosedaline with Frè Labbé (one of the coolest members I've met).

• Went on a mini exchange with Elder Berroa, a missionary from the Dominican Republic. He is hilarious, and works hard. We street contacted in East Orange for a while which was fun, however maybe it's because I have "Hai-dar" now (Haitian radar, I don't know... humor me), but there were so many Haitians compared to last year.

• We taught some more, including our friend Fabiola, who is super elect & working hard on being baptized in the future!

• Got a parking ticket

• Caught a mouse in our apartment (hence the title, I don't know)

• Met with a cool homie in his backyard, only at the cost of getting eaten alive by mosquitos

• Had a dinner as a Zone

John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

This week I studied a lot about the spirit and the peace it has brought me on my mission. I have found a lot of peace and comfort, even in difficult times, because of Jesus Christ & the Spirit. I know that this church is true & we have the authority to make binding covenants with God. I know that because I have felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost through my baptismal covenant. I know He lives, and I'm grateful to be serving and preaching His gospel every day.

Until next time, Elder Childs out

Nash's turn for FSY

This week was Nash's turn to go to FSY.  He went to the University of Utah with Gabriel and Luke.  Nash and Gabriel were roomies and Luke was supposed to room with Costa but he forgot to sign up.  So Luke had a random roommate.  They were able to spend almost all the time together though which was good.  It was especially a blessing when Tuesday night Gabriel slept walked.  He got locked out of the room and kept trying to call Nash.  He was too asleep to answer, so Gabriel called his parents and they came and picked him up.  I was a little bugged.  This left Nash without a roommate.  Thank goodness Luke was there so he had someone to hang out with.  He did not love his group but his counselors were fun.  He did have some cute ladies in his group but they were all 17.  He ended up having a great time and I love that he gets to have these experiences.

The night where dreams came true

Anyone that knows me well knows that one of my favorite singer/songwriters is Lori McKenna.  I have loved her music since Joey and I were first married.  We also have a lot in common and I feel like she writes songs about motherhood, marriage, and life that speak to me.  She is just amazing!  When I found out that she was coming to the Bluebird Songwriter Series I knew this was my opportunity to make my dream of seeing her live come true.  And who better to enjoy the night with than my best friend!  We went and grabbed some sandwiches before heading to Sundance.  It was the most amazing venue surrounded by mountains.  Beautiful!  I was so excited when Lori walked out.  It was her, Lee Bryce, and Liz Rose.  They all took turns singing and tell stories about their songs.  Minus Liz having one of the worst singing voices, it was perfect.  Lori told a story about how her oldest son just moved to India for 7 months and she wrote a song called "Tied to You".  I for sure got choked up as she sang.  So touching and her voice is just so amazing.  Lori did not disappoint and I really hope that I get the chance to see her in concert again.

Noah Kahan with my favorite girl

Months ago we bought tickets to Noah Kahan for Har and I to go.  In order to be Har's concert date, she told me that I needed to learn all of the words to his songs.  So she sent me his set list and I went to work.  I really do love his music and I would give myself a 95 on my lyric learning!  It was seriously the funnest night!  We went to Goodwood for dinner and then made our way to meet my siblings.  We did not have tickets by them but they were nice enough to let us drive with them since they bought the gold parking.  It was so nice to have great parking.  We got there right as the opening act invited Noah out for one song.  It was perfect timing!  Noah came out about 30 minutes later and sang for almost 2 hours.  We stood, danced, and sang along for the whole show.  It was seriously the best!  I am so grateful for Har.  She is truly a blessing and I am so thankful that she likes to spend time with me.  It was an amazing night!

Another P Day

Transfer week!  He started his email by saying his exchange in Irvington with Elder Galindo must have been a test run.  He was transferred to Irvington or "Dirty Irvie" as Luke refers to it.  He is a little apprehensive about the area just because it is so close to East Orange which gives him a little bit of PTSD.  But he is super excited to serve with Elder Galindo.  They have a super nice workout set up along with some mice and bed bugs!  Not fun.  Also, Elder Everton is now an AP and Luke loves him.  The amazing thing about this area is the work.  He said that they are teaching non stop.  This is really helping him to continue his language learning journey.  He also said that they had 10 friends show up at church.  Just amazing!  How great to been thrown into so much work and I am sure that he will see so much success for the last little bit of his mission.  Can't wait to hear more next week.

Favorite Tradition

Happy 4th of July!  We really had the best day.  We went to Chili's for lunch and minus Tag being in pain from getting his mara on, poor guy, it was so nice.  I love being with my family.  That night we went over to Jamie and Mindi's for dinner and swimming.  We brought our pizza oven and everyone did their own pizza.  It was so fun.  We packed up the treats and made our way to the baseball field.  It was so fun to sit and visit before watching the very impressive fireworks.  I love this tradition.  The fireworks are amazing but after five minutes I think we all would be good to go.  When the show was over after 30 minutes Tag yelled "Finally"!  He always seems to say what we are all thinking.  Regardless of the fireworks being a little long, it really is one of my favorite traditions.  I love Joey's family and it is so nice to be with them.

Starting his last July in NJ

Our missionary had another great week on the mission.  He got to go on a transfer to Irvington with Elder Galindo.  He said it was crazy how much teaching they did.  Plus he said that Elder Galindo pushed him with his Creole which was scary but good.  So grateful for great examples!  He also got to do an exchange with Elder Christopherson, one of his favs, and Elder Larsen.  Busy week.  I thought for this post I would share the last part of his email for the week.  He just amazes me!

That's it this week folks, and we are at the end of another transfer! Time is flying, and I hate it. This week, during MLC we talked about Elder Renlund's talk from the most recent General Conference. It was a good reminder as to the importance of momentum & helping everyone build positive spiritual momentum. Not to trunk out, but that's been one thing on my mind concerning going home. I don't want to lose the momentum I've built out here. However, one thing mentioned during MLC is that there is always a guide helping us along the path. I am so glad to have Jesus Christ with me as I walk this Covenant path. I have seen His hand in my life and I know He'll continue to guide as long as I keep following Him. I know Jesus is the Christ, and through Him we can have true happiness here on earth and Eternal happiness in the life to come.

Love you Elder C!

Three seasons in the making...

When growing raspberries it typically takes 3 seasons to see the fruit.  We have been anxiously waiting and this year we have fruit!  We actually have way more than I ever thought that we would and they are delicious.  I cannot wait to make fresh raspberry syrup to put on homemade vanilla ice cream.  So yummy!

Gray goes to FSY

This week Gray had FSY at BYU!  His roommate is Luke Bullough.  They also went with Bridger Eden and with Cole Bullough.  They were in different groups but were able to go to all of the classes together and were able to hang out a ton.  Gray loved his experience and even got up and shared his testimony.  He talked about how he learned in one of the classes to study the Book of Mormon better and he said he felt the spirit of it's truthfulness.  They took away slow dancing this year but Gray said that everyone had fun moshing at the dances.  I am 

Back like he never left

This was what Luke titled his email this week.  This is because he got to go back to East Orange for Tanasia's baptism.  I love that they let them go back to to see all of the work come to fruition.  Besides the baptism, he had another busy week.  He had an exchange with Elder Taggart and Elder Lopez.  He went down with Elder Taggart to a walking area in Perth Amboy.  They got to walk to the beach but did not break any mission rules.  They also had an amazing lesson that night.  He also had interviews this week which means as a zone leader, he spends the whole day at the church.  He also had an interview with President Durrant and said it was great.  He just loves his mission president which is such a blessing.  So another great week for the books.  Can't believe how quickly the weeks are going...