Short and Powerful

The zone leaders asked for volunteers. Being the earger missionary that he is, Elder Maughan gladly volunteered. Then the zone leaders had each missionary eat a HOT PEPPER. This is how the missionarys are expected to keep their lessons, short and powerful, just like the peppers! Justin probably won't be so eager next time! He said he felt like his mouth was literally on fire!

(FYI: Justin takes his salsa MILD, not HOT!)

Atleast he's still smiling!

Bball with the Zone at the Dryker Heights Chapel

Salt Marsh Nature Center

Before Elder Maughan was transfered to Staten Island, he spent a pday at the Brooklyn Salt Marsh Nature Center. This looks like anywhere along the bank of the Snake River and he said it made him quite homesick! Can you believe this is in New York City? Upstate, maybe, but not the City!

Update after nearly 2 months, sorry!

It's been nearly 2 months since I've posted anything on this. Two reasons, 1) slow computer, 2) no pictures to post. I'm waiting for Elder Maughan's memory card to come in the mail. In his last email, he said he was going to lable it this week and then get it in the mail, we'll see! Anyway, for those of you who do check this, Justin is doing great. His letters are so positive and upbeat. He's serving with Elder Rencher from Provo, Utah and they are on/in Staten Island. Their ward is working really hard to do missionary work. Here is a quote from a recent letter. "On Sunday we had a huge turnout for church. The ward council made a huge push for the members to bring friends and potential investigators. There were about FIFTY more people at church yesterday than usual. Most of them were non-members but there were some inactives as well. Now we have to coordinate with the members so that we can begin teaching their friends. One of our investigators came to church yesterday too, which was great. It was the first one we've been able to get to church in the last two months. All the talks yesterday were about the basic principles of the gospel: the restoration, families, and the atonement. It was a really good meeting and everyone enjoyed it." As soon as I get more pictures, I'll get them on here.

A long way from home!

This picture was taken a few months ago, but I just wanted to share it with everyone.

Staten Island, here he comes!

Justin was transfered to Staten Island. He found out Sunday, June 8th and spent Monday, his p-day, packing. On Tuesday, he travelled to the Mission Office in Queens to meet up with his new companion, Elder Rencher. On Justin's first day in NYC, he was paired up with Elder Rencher to do some "street" teaching so he's already a little familiar with him. He's sad to be leaving Bensonhurst and some of the people in the ward, ie; the ward mission leader, Brother Johnson and his family, the Guerrerros, Bishop Motzing and Brother Carrion, who introduced Elder Maughan and Elder Swift to Harold. (see earlier post) He's excited for a new ward, but sad to see the old one go.

Staten Island is about the size of Brooklyn with half the population. Of all the New York City boroughs, it is the most rural.

Manhattan Temple and the Lincoln Center

Back in April, Justin was able to attend the temple. The missionaries get to go into Manhattan to attend the temple usually only twice while on their mission; once when they are out a year and then again right before they come home. Soon after Justin arrived in NYC, there was a special occassion and he was able to go with his zone. The temple is located right across from the Lincoln Center which is the home to The Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Ballet, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra and several other resident performing arts companies. I know the temple was the highlight of this trip into Manhattan, but the Lincoln Center was a close second!