Some of the young single adults are packing up now and leaving to go off to school. We have really enjoyed getting to know and work with some of those that came out here to New Jersey to sell pest control for the summer. We had our last Institute class at one of their apartments on Monday, Aug. 18th. Throughout the summer I have brought something to eat for these hard workers. As the summer progressed, I started bringing in full breakfasts: pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs and sausage, breakfast casseroles etc. It has been rewarding to cook for them. They not only eat a lot but they are very appreciative. We will miss them!
From Left to Right: Tom Christensen, Mike Marcasciano, Ryker Schirner, Travis Bogdan, Evan Bogdan, Will Miller, Jeremy Avery, Jeffrey Leavitt, and Dillon Hollander.
On Friday, August 22, we met with the New Brunswick young single adults. One of the girls is leaving for BYU soon. After class last week they decided that we would kidnap Josheline and then all go out for dinner. I purchased a card and a balloon bouquet and we surprised her. Most of these girls have been together in Young Women's for years.
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| Issamar, Liby, Romina, Joslin, and Citlali |
As the evening progressed, we ended up having dinner with some Elders in the area also.
After dinner the young single adults wanted to have a bon fire and make s'mores. We went to Hector's home (the YM's leader in their ward) and used his backyard. It was a great setting. On the way there, at the suggestion of some of the young women, Elder Hancock invited some boys from another Institute group to join us, knowing this was their last weekend in New Jersey (plus we needed more boys.) We ended up staying until after midnight. We enjoyed eating and sharing stories around the fire.
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| Elder Hancock shared some spiritual experiences |
Left to Right: Jeremy Avery, Travis Bogdan, Will Miller, Gabe Champion and the New Brunswick Institute group.
Where Are We???
Ever since we came, we have been trying to figure out which community we reside in. Our mailing address goes to Monmouth Junction. Our GPS says that we are in Deans. Just outside our apartment complex there is a sign that says "Welcome to North Brunswick Township." All around us are little communities with there own names. I did some research today and found out that Monmouth Junction and Deans are unincorporated communities that are located within the South Brunswick Township. So, it looks like we are just on the border of North and South Brunswick, between Deans and Monmouth Junction. This may not mean much to the reader of this blog, but I feel better.
We reside in Middlesex County which is in central New Jersey. Middlesex County is the second most populous county in the state.
New Jersey is the fourth smallest state but the eleventh most populated. In fact, New Jersey is the most densely populated state of the 50 US states. As we drive the busy roads here, I can feel my blood pressure rising. Elder Hancock tells me to just close my eyes. That's easier said than done!
Wildlife
All summer long we have enjoyed watching the squirrels and geese. When we walk in the mornings we count how many squirrels we see that morning. It is fun to watch them and like we have said before, it feels like we are camping.
We have watched the Canadian geese grow from goslings to teenagers over the summer. They usually reside in areas near water. They seem to stay together as a family. Just a couple of weeks ago we saw a group flying overhead in a V formation.
Last weekend when we arrived at the church for our Friday Institute class, we found a small deer in the wooded area behind the church. There are homes in housing developments all around the church area. We can't figure out how the deer was able to get here without going down some roads.
FHE in Eatontown
A week ago Monday, August 11th, we started our first family home evening group down in Eatontown. Eatontown is an hour drive from our apartment. It is on the coast near Long Branch.
For our first FHE we made guacamole then ate it with chips while we made plans for future family nights. When we attend family night activities, the young single adults are in charge of the lesson or activity and we always bring the treats.
Left to Right: Violeta and Dalia Mendez, Mary Swindler, and Attorious Renee Augustin
Edison Tour
On Saturday, August 23rd the Senior Missionaries in the mission had a planned activity. We spent the day together touring Thomas Edison's home and labs in West Orange, New Jersey. It was a step back into time. The home was beautiful inside and out. We wish we were allowed to take pictures inside. The woodwork and furnishings were beautiful. The home was built in the 1880s.
Standing in front of the Edison mansion L to R: Hancocks, Shaws, Pittsons, Vauses, Baileys, Gilchrists, Strouds, Sisters Toy and Young, Roses, Taggerts, and Dunns.
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| The potting shed and greenhouse |
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| Elder Hancock was having fun in the tour of the Edison lab, being an engineer at heart |
We are having way too much fun! There is a lot of work and we are busy and at times exhausted, but we love the Young Adults, New Jersey, and our mission experiences. We miss our family and friends, but enjoy the work here.
P.S. There is a great need for more Sr. missionaries! If so inspired, please submit your papers... You'll work hard but love it.
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