Newburgh and NYC

Greetings from Grand Central!

So far, these have still been my only two areas, and that is likely how it will stay for the rest of my mission. I am still in Newburgh now, and transfers are in four weeks. However, my companion, the three Spanish elders that we work with, and I are currently taking a trip down to Manhattan for the afternoon. We are going to eat half-pound cookies, walk through Central Park, see Grand Central and the Empire State Building, and anything else we choose to do. So much nostalgia as we enter the subway. 

This weekend, Elder Richards and I had a baptism! I had the privilege of personally baptizing Richard Perkowski, a gentleman in his fifties. He found the church through his girlfriend who is in the New Paltz Branch, and has come a long way in the eight weeks we have been teaching him. This is especially cool because the two of us were here from the first lesson to the baptism and confirmation. He has been a joy to work with, and we are super close with him now.

Otherwise, things have been going good. It is getting more and more humid out, which makes tracting all the more difficult. We spent a total of around three hours or so on Monday doing this, and I felt the layer of sweat sticking to me even as we got home for the night. This summer should be fun, enjoy your dry heat!

As always, I love being here in New York. This mission has both the fast-paced excitement of Manhattan and the quiet serenity of rural Orange County, where I currently serve. A little bit of both is good for me. I know that there is yet much more to come.

Elder Ryan Turner
New York New York North Mission
American Sign Language

So long!

The last two weeks have been hectic and full of preparation day activities, so I figure I should make an effort to write!

Transfers went well, and Elder Richards and I are staying together for his last cycle. This means that I am sending home two consecutive companions. All of their going-home related activities have been a bit time-consuming on certain days, but I am not complaining. When those end-of-mission things happen -- like going to the Statue of Liberty, a Broadway play, and a temple trip with the mission president -- I typically go with other companions of missionaries going home.

Tracting has continued at its increased rate, and we have been seeing some good stuff. Now, if only we could get back with those people ... some of them give us fake phone numbers or are never there when we drop by. Even some of our specific appointments have ditched us for whatever lame reason. Nevertheless, we continue knocking and teaching.

Now that things are warmer, we have been doing more outdoor service and activities. On Saturday, we helped two member families with yard work, and today we are going hiking near the Hudson river. We blaze trails every Thursday morning and have some other fun things planned for the coming weeks. We just have to make sure we aren't getting mosquitoes or ticks.

Love you all!

Elder Ryan Turner

New York New York North Mission

American Sign Language

Short one, redux

Due to transfers, time is exceedingly short right now! I just saw you Sunday, and hopefully next week I will have more time to answer questions. Also, because of time, I'm not sending the general email this week. Thanks for understanding!

Love,
Elder Ryan Turner
New York New York North Mission
American Sign Language

You can read Vikki's personal blog about what we talked about with him on Mother's Day.

Finally, more pictures!

Pictures Ryan sent home, covering March and April 2015

Oh deer, it's snowing!

Wherever you go, there you are (in Harriman, NY)

Elder Filoso, just before returning home (I like that they are wearing the coordinated ties they picked out last fall in the city with the other ASL missionaries)

Elder Richards and Ryan with Aiden, the 10-year-old who was baptized in April

Ryan's caption: "This would be great for AZ!"

Happy Easter from your favorite egghead/missionary!

One of Ryan's friends got ahold of his camera

Ryan's district in Newburgh (his companion is second from the left in the red tie)

Short one!

I don't have a whole lot to say today, nor time to do so! We are soon headed on a tour of West Point Army Academy, which should be cool. We aren't allowed to wear our name tags though ...

Transfers are next week, so I'll tell you what is happening with us next Wednesday. As always, I appreciate your correspondences! 

Elder Ryan Turner

New York New York North Mission

American Sign Language