Kicking off the new transfer!

Driving in Boston is terrifying. Well, not really...okay it is, but just at first. I haven't driven in 6 months, and to be thrown into the middle of a place I've never driven in after not having driven in a while was stressful. Let's just say I missed several turns. The important thing is though, that I'm quickly improving and adapting to the driving circumstances here. We had to make a drive WAY out to Natick to the mission office, and then Needham to the mission home to pick up Elder Winegar. Doing all that on my first day of driving here was nerve-wracking, but we survived!

Speaking of Elder Winegar - what an awesome guy. It's great to have him here to offer his knowledge, wisdom, and experience in missionary work, the language, and in relationships with companions and others. I'm very grateful to have him here to help me adjust and become a better trainer. He leaves on the 16th, and after that it's just me and Elder Langford! I'm stoked to be here in the Revere 2nd ward for another couple months!

We have a new investigator named Jinge Wu - she's from Shanghai, and she and her family visited Salt Lake City and went to the temple/visitor's center there. We got her information from Church headquarters and stopped by and taught her about God and who He is and how much He loves us. She then requested to give the closing prayer - it was one of the most sincere prayers I've ever heard! She truly wants to come to know who God is and learn more of Him. After she closed her prayer, she asked us if she could come to church on Sunday. Of course we said yes and got her directions. She's great! She didn't make it to church, but that's okay, because her desire is sincere.

Darline and Hans were confirmed in sacrament meeting yesterday! They then took the sacrament and renewed their baptismal covenants for the first time. I'm so excited and happy for them - they're rock-solid new members. I was able to participate in both confirmation circles, as well as be the voice for Darline's confirmation. That was my first one ever, I was so nervous! Despite the nerves, I was grateful and beyond happy for the opportunity to do so. It's incredible to see people change their lives and truly progress in the gospel. Speaking of which, Frank had his baptismal interview yesterday, and he passed! He'll be getting baptized this upcoming Sunday. Hans should be getting the Aaronic Priesthood this Sunday as well. =D

Things are looking up for me, and we have a ton of potential investigators coming out of the woodwork. I'm excited to see what this transfer holds, and even more excited to be here in this area for it. Being a missionary is awesome! =]

Love,
Elder DeLong