No, I'm not apostate

Yes, I am emailing y'all on a day other an my normal p-day, but no, I'm not breaking any rules. There was a worldwide missionary broadcast yesterday, so our p-day was moved to Thursday this week. It was really good, except during the last speaker the fire alarms in our building went off and were super annoying and you couldn't really focus on the talk. There wasn't any danger, just the system was a bit busted.

The past week of working two areas in a trio has been super busy and fulfilling. We found and taught a lot, and I got to be on West Point a lot, which is a beautiful area. Yesterday, Elder L'Esperance finally got his new companion, and so Elder Arines (pronounced Ah-Ray-nez) and I are still together and can focus our full attention on Newburgh once more. A kid investigator that was baptized just before I came got confirmed this Sunday, but it was sad when he called us that night saying that his less-active mother won't allow him to come to church anymore. His ride was a little late dropping him at home, and she took offense, though I sense a larger problem behind it. We will try to get him back. We have another kid of a semi-active family we are preparing for baptism who is progressing well, and will be baptized on Jan 30. We also have a lot of people that have been recently found that we now need to follow up with and help come closer to Christ.

I love being back here in Newburgh, and the work is good. We don't have the sisters here anymore, so it's just the two of us covering all the English and ASL work in eastern Orange County. We live in the former sisters' pad in New Windsor and drive their car, a '13 Chevy Cruze. Though, the miles on it are high for a mission car, and we are getting a new vehicle at the end of February.

I've only had two areas on my mission, and I've now been in both twice. I know there is more waiting for me here that I might have missed the first time, so I am glad God has given me another chance to accomplish here.

Thanks to all of you,

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

Bonus: he sent this picture to his siblings, along with the message below.

Mission Wars VII - The Spirit Awakens: Not so long ago in a mission far, far away, a called missionary has arisen. With his sword of the Spirit, he goes forth to eliminate sin and upkeep righteousness throughout the mission. May the Spirit be with you!