Awesomeness...is that a word?

May 12th

Hey Mom!

Not too much has happened since we last spoke. We went on an exchange on Monday with the ZL's. I went to Eatontown with Elder Bair, while Elder Tuaile(too-uh-ee-lay)(sp?) came to Barnegat with Elder Peña. In Eatontown we stopped by a referral and taught them up to the third principle of the restoration(prophets in every dispensation) but they had to leave in the middle of our discussion, so we set an appointment for when they'd be home. Then we tried a few more people who weren't home so we tracted for 30 minutes. Then we went to pick up the Longbranch SP Elders for a DA with 'Sis. G' . We shared a quick lesson with her after we ate and then we were off to another appointment with an investigator with a BD. It was good. When we were done, it was time to go back to the apartment. Yesterday we had Zone Conference. I received more training to help me fulfill my calling as a DL which is good because I don't know a whole lot about it. Then we had some training about poison ivy and bedbugs and then some training from PMG CH10(teaching skills). Then we had lunch. Hawaiian Haystacks! MMM! After lunch we played GC Bingo. Our zone won against the EBWest Zone. After the activity we got some more training about commitments. Then the AP's talked for a while then we had the testimonies of the new and departing missionaries. Followed by the closing remarks of President Winegar. We drove back to our area around 5pm and tried to see a few less-actives, but they were either busy or not home. Then we tracted for 30 min. and we ran into a catholic couple. They were very nice. They accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon, but then they wanted to give us a donation. We told them that we weren't looking for a donation and that it wasn't necessary, but they insisted. So I guess I'll just donate it as a fast offering. Then we went on spits with the Elders Quorum. Bro. Glen and I went and visited Sis. Madis and we taught about the first half of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Afterwards we switched back and went home. This morning I decided to cut my hair since it was getting a bit on the long side. I used the 3/4 in. tool on my buzzer. I had Elder Peña finish it up for me(the back and sides). Then we got ready to go. We stopped at Wawa to check our card balances. Then we went to the Post Office so I could buy some stamps. After we had accomplished our purpose there, we went to the library and here I sit, typing away. Did you get all of those acronyms?

That sounds like a pretty cool experience you had yesterday. I hope Edith finds her way.

Well that's pretty much all I have to say this time since I pretty much said everything else on Sunday.

Toodles.

Love,

Zack

Dear Toodles,

Let me see if I have it right…

ZL: zone leaders

SP: short practicing

DA: dangerous assignment

BD: bad disease

DL: district leader

PMG: Preach My Gospel

MMM: my mother’s marvelous!

GC: Good Church

EB: east bound

AP: Asst. to the Prez.

How’d I do?

May 19th

Dear Ma,

I think you have most of the acronyms correct.

ZL is zone leader

sp? is spelling?

DA is dinner appointment

BD is baptismal date

DL is istrict leader

PMG is preach my gospel

MMM is my mother's marvelous

GC is general onference

EB is East Brunswick

AP is assistant to the president

This week has been great! We found 6 new investigators! That's way exciting! We went from no investigators the first two weeks to 6 in one week! They all seem pretty interested and we set some return appointments. We invited them to church, but I guess something came up and they weren't able to make it. We'll see if we can get them to church this week. We've been tracting and trying to visit different people, potentials and formers as well as various members in the branch. I also conducted my first District meeting. I was kind of nervous that I wouldn't have enough material to last the whole 1 and a half hours, but we ended up not having enough time to do everything that I planned. Next week I'm going on an exchange with Lakewood with Elders Pfost and Elder Draper after district meeting. Both of whom are former companions. I'll be going with Elder Draper in Lakewood and Elder Pfost will come here to Barnegat with Elder Peña. Pres. and Sister Winegar are getting pretty trunky. I called Sis. Winegar to get more information about the fireside this weekend and after she gave me the information, she said something like, "You know, I was just thinking about something today. We only have 6 more Sundays left!" I had to do all that I could not to laugh. I told her to make the most of it. She's pretty funny. She has a very...'bubbly' personality. I guess it's because she was a pre-school teacher.

I have a question. Well maybe a few questions. Have you heard of the Perry Plan? I was wondering how the Perry Plan is working in the Cedar Hollow 4th ward?

Today we're going to the lighthouse to take some pics and then we'll go to Ron Johns Surf Shop. This weekend we might be going to a fireside at the mission home. We invited a less-active member to go there because she is having trouble knowing what is truth, so we're hoping that the fireside will help her to strengthen her testimony. We've got more appointments this week.

Is Grandma all settled in now? What does she do there? So if Grandma is getting rid of the stuff in her house is she going to sell the house? What all is left in Grandma's house? I don't remember what all is in there. It would be easier to know what I need if I know what I already have. I've got a bed and desk and dresser right? What will Spencer put in the room? Is there a mini-fridge? What about desk lamps? What books are there?

How's Uncle Jack doing? Is he still taking care of his farm?

Any updates on the Utah Bridge-job?

I'm working on your B-day card. I'll get it in the mail ASAP.

Well I think that just about does it.

Send my love to everyone.

Love,

Zack