Two months in

I had my two-month mark yesterday, meaning that I've been away from home for two months now. It seems so fast, and I know it will get even faster. My companions tell me that the rate at which a mission passes continues to increase every transfer.

Teaching is still going, which is a mixture of actual contacts, people not home when we have an appointment, and not being able to reach people. But, such is the work. On Saturday, one of our promising investigators broke the news that she felt she couldn't continue meeting with us right now. She has a lot of pressures and stress right now, and doesn't think she can handle us as well. But, she did tell us that she would continue to read the Book of Mormon and pray, and possible come to church every once in a while. She is also open to meeting with us again once things settle down, so we continue to pray for her.

We helped a bishop (church leader) from another ward move apartments yesterday. He is on the 6th floor, but was had an elevator to ourselves. He showed us his thanks by getting the five of us pizza. New York-style pizza has become a regular part of my diet, as it is fast and cheap, and we get it two or three times each week. Both of my trainers have been eating it consistently throughout their entire missions and still love it.

Still learning the subways and the buses as we use them every day and everywhere in both Manhattan and the Bronx. It's very vital for us to use to go everywhere we need, but can often make us late. It is still a very impressive and useful system.

I walked by the World Trade Center yesterday as we went to go move. Freedom Tower is huge and majestic, which is the tallest building in the city. Most of that site is under construction as they build other buildings to add to the WTC area. We are thinking about going to Times Square this afternoon for a brief time after our zone activity.

I love you all and wish you all the best. Hope to hear from you soon!

-Elder Ryan Turner