Monday, June 25, 2012

Recent Letter and Picture

Dear Madre!

Things went really, really well this week.  I can't believe how fast it went too... I was on exchange with my favorite Elder in the mission for the first half of the week.   Twas nice!

The baptism was on Saturday!  I had the chance to baptize and confirm the Holy Ghost to a less-active family that is starting to come back to church.  I really wanted the father to be the one who baptized him, but he didn't feel ready to.  But I was completely humbled when they asked me to do it though!!   I completely forgot my camera at the apartment, so I will be sure to come back today and send some pictures via email.  I have a handful of printed copies, so I will be sure to send those in a letter today as well.  The baptism went really well.  Not going to lie, it was something special to be able to get into the waters of baptism and have the privilege of doing that for some other individual.  I didn't know it at the time, but they also wanted me to confirm Elijah.  That was also pretty neat. 

So this week we reaped a benefit from Mitt Romney (and the Book of Mormon musical) this week.  We got a referral from a 19 year old kid who wanted to know more about Mormons.  He had seen a lot in the news about Mormons and he figured he would like to learn more.  He hopped on mormon.org and asked for a Book of Mormon.  We went over to his house on Friday and had a good answer question session.  All of his questions of course were: "Do Mormons practice polygamy?  You believe that God lives on a planet called Kolob? Etc..."  Basically every stereotype that you can imagine for a Mormon we had to answer.  Lucky for us the spirit is pretty good at answering those questions.  We answered them for him, and then spoke of our true purpose and how those silly things really don't account for much.  It was a great lesson.  We have a fourth of July pancake breakfast next week and he will be coming to that.  I can't imagine a more comfortable setting for him to experience the ward and the church. 

Things are going well with my companion.  Though, I have noticed a HUGE growth in charity and patience since I have started to really own the situation.  After I received that answer to my question, I really have noticed an influence that is not of my own.  It's pretty cool. 

IT WAS SO HOT THIS WEEK!  We experienced the same weather, and let me tell you that walking all day in a white shirt and slacks sucks!!!!!  I am always sweating like a beast, its gross.  In the picture you will notice how tan I am.  I am becoming MEGA TAN!!  It's funny how much I contrast with the white shirt and white slacks at the baptism! 

New York sounded like a blast!  I was pretty darn jealous this week.  Every time anyone would ask how my family was, I would just say "There in New York... I think they are doing just fine." 

I will be looking forward to the package!  I will be sure to let you know if I got it next week in my email!  Thank you for the letter and have an awesome day!  I love you! 

love,

Elder Darren


Saturday, March 24, 2012

Burwick, ME

View of Elder Novakovich's appartment - right on the border between Maine and New Hampshire.

Transfer

Elder Novakovich's new address (he didn't go to Portsmouth as he thought):

Elder Darren Novakovich
10c Cedar Lane
Burwick, ME 03901

Apparently this assignment covers the Somersworth, NH area where he served prior to going to Gardiner. 

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Transfer

We don't have his new address yet, but Elder Novakovich is being transferred this week to Portsmouth, NH.  He is busy saying his good-byes.  The Esterline's, who have all but adopted Darren in Maine, sent us this picture from the farewell on Monday.  They have fed him and cared for him more than we could have ever hoped - "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."