don't worry i've only seen two shootings so far (jkjkjkjkjk)

hello. WOW. So much to say hahahaha

Well, let's update you a little bit.

I got to New York on Monday, and spent the night at the mission president's home- and I LOVE them!!!! They are so wonderful!! President kinda reminds me of Beeson hahaha

I was dying becuase upstate ny is literally the prettiest place (besides havasupai) on EARTH. I am already planning to move here when I get back because it is just adorable- especially the city of white plains oh hannnah I was dying. Honestly, at this point I would be fine if I never made it to Jamaica. Serious.

(also side note: luggage + subways is probably the most exciting thing i've ever experienced hahaha)

Anyway, wednesday morning we had an interview with president and met our trainers and sister atkinson is literally just the cutest person ever!!! I adore her!

Oh, and guess where I am?

THE 

BRONX

Yeah....I actually love it!!!! Like a lot!! And it was funny because the day before Sister Smith just kind of mentioned that there were sisters in the bronx and immediately I knew that I would be serving there. Like idk how but she just said it and I was like yeppp that's where I'm going. And now I'm here!!! 

This letter is so scattered but so is my brain because every 5 seconds i'm like wait I'm in New York???? And I live in the Bronx????? WHAT?????? It's great but definitely a shock!

Let me tell you a little bit about the Bronx. Yes, it's ghetto. Very ghetto. I've seen about four white people so far, and they're not actually white, they're just a very light hispanic. Basically every conversation you hear on the street sounds just like the lady on the news interview that's like, "I've got bronchitis!" There's trash, weird smells, pigeons, and 'bronx juice' everywhere (everyone in the mission just puts 'bronx' in place of the word ghetto and it all works out). 

BUT the people are SO kind! for the most part! And I just love the city atmosphere! We have walked sooooo much and my feet are dying hahahah but we ate some coco helado yesterday so I'm feeling pretty good about life hahaha

Me and sister atkinson live on Sevridge avenue in a cute little apartment (it's nice mom don't worry) with two other sisters who share the kingsbridge area, Sisters Spendlove and Green. They're so fun and we eat lots of ice cream together so I think we're all going to be pretty good friends!

I just want to let you guys know that the power and authority of our calling is REAL!! There is no way that I could walk around with another 19 year old girl in the Bronx and feel 100% safe like I do now if I didn't have this name tag on. The Lord is so so mindful of His children! Speaking of which, we are teaching a total GOLDEN investigator named Joanna who just loves everything about the church and what we teach her! The only reason she hasn't been baptized yet (she's on date though) is because she wants to be go so in-depth with the repentance process that she thinks it will take some more time. Also cuz she's got a psycho ex-boyfriend that she can' let go of, but that's a different story. 

Wow. The Lord loves us so much though. We are so blessed to be His children!

ora et labora,

Sister Swindle

 

 

 

Me and Sister Atkinson (I guess there's a height restriction on all sister missionaries now because I have been at least four inches taller than every sister I've met hahaha) ft THE BRONX

Sorry I don't have more pics! I can't figure my camera out today, but I'll be getting my ipad on friday so it will be a lot easier after that! Which means that you can email me whenever and I'll see it anytime.

Also p-days are on wednesdays because president and sister smith are basically the coolest and want us to visit the city when all the museums are free or discounted on wednesdays. gosh I love them.

June 1, 2016, 2:51 PM