Brooklyn Bridge

Justin is on the Brooklyn Bridge with a little of that famous New York skyline in the background.

Justin is on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge. That's Manhattan you can see in the distance. Manhattan is not part of his mission; therefore, the missionary's aren't allowed to go into Manhattan without permisison. This bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in the world. It opened May 24, 1883 and took 13 years to build. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and crosses the East River.

Staten Island

5) Justin gettin' some grub at the Chili's on Staten Island, YUM!

4) The district at Chili's on Staten Island

3) View from Staten Island Ferry

2) Leaving Ferry Terminal

1) Catching the Ferry to Staten Island

Brooklyn Museum

Here's Justin with the "original" George W. and Honest Abe!

Finally~More Pictures

Back at the beginning of April, Justin had the chance to go to the Brooklyn Museum. This past Friday, May 9th, we finally got pictures. This is Justin and his group at the museum. His companion is the one closest to the green wall.

Baptism

Elder Maughan had his first baptism the past Sunday, April 20th. Harold has been taking the discussions for quite a while, but finally committed to baptism. Harolds' sister has been a member for a year and they walk nearly 50 blocks to get to church each week. Now THAT'S faith.

Here is a little part of Justin's letter home, "Harold has come along way since we met the first weekend in Brooklyn. That first night he wasn't involved in the discussion. He wouldn't make eye contact, he wasn't paying attention and he wasn't retaining anything. He came to church but didn't talk to anyone and he was always really nervous about everything. But now, he's beaming, talking to people at church, telling us stories. He and his sister are pretty dedicated. They walk close to forty or fifty blocks to get to the church every week. It takes a good hour-and-a-half. Isn't that amazing? The gospel has truly blessed his life! You can see the light that has come into him."

(Still waiting for pictures)

Elder Maughan and Brother and Sister dePaula

Back in February, I was snooping around on the internet trying to find out some information about Justin's mission. I did a search for the New York New York South Mission and I happend upon a blog set up by a missionary couple serving in this mission. When I opened up their blog, I saw two of the friendliest faces I'd ever seen. I was immediately drawn to them. So much so that I decided to write them a little note telling them about Justin and to have them keep a look out for him. I would check in occassionally, hoping to see Justin, but mostly curious as to what the dePaula's were up to and to maybe see some of the beautiful sights of New York. Today, however, I got more than I bargained for! A picture of Justin and this lovely couple I'd come to know through their blog. They are doing wonderful things in New York and if you'd like to see for yourself, go to http://www.depaulamission.blogspot.com/. Who knows, maybe we'll see more of Justin! Thanks Brother and Sister dePaula, you've made my day! A very smiley missionary mom-- Jamie

Haven't gotten any pictures lately, but we have gotten a few letters. Elder Maughan and Elder Swift have a baptism scheduled for April 20th with a man named Harold. Their district didn't go to the Guggenheim last week on their P-day, they went to the Brooklyn Museum and then took a ferry to Staten Island and ate dinner at Chili's. Transfers are on April 27th, but he doesn't think he'll be transfered. The missionaries got to go to the temple and Justin said that was great. The temple is right across the street from the Lincoln Center. When we get more pictures, I'll be sure to share.