Nothing of spectacular note this week, as the work is still a bit slow. We did go two days ago to a building in Northeast Bronx that is teeming with deaf people, doing less-active and former investigator lookups. It is an hour-and-a-half subway/bus trip from our apartment, and we crossed pretty much the entire length of the Bronx to do so. Didn't have a lot of success, but don't they say that one must find "joy in the journey"?
For July 4th, the branch didn't do anything, but we had a Hawaii party this most recent Saturday. We even got a less-active member to go to that and then to church on Sunday! Those branch parties are really the only deaf events we go to, though we may consider asking for approval to go to more, as we now have a deaf elder. There are more in the NY South mission, as they have a fairly prominent deaf school.
Elder Shepherd and I have had a few small quarrels, but we are doing well together for the most part. The other two ASL elders have been struggling a lot with one another, which has added a unique feel to the program. They have been slowly progressing, which is a good sign. I hope that the two of us don't get like that.
One thing I learned upstate in Newburgh that I am still applying here and teaching my companion is how to be persistent. While tracting or doing lookups, missionaries often get shut down when people say things like "I'm Catholic", "I'm too busy", or any other number of subpar excuses. I have been learning to not accept that, but to continue to ask questions and share our message. I have seen hearts soften as we continue to teach and testify at the doorstep. Especially with less-active members, it is important to express your concern for them and for the Lord's desire to come back into the fold they chose to join before. They don't always accept, but at least we have fulfilled our purpose.
Love you all!
Elder Ryan Turner
New York New York Mission
American Sign Language
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