Mon 3/25/2013 8:26 AM

It really isn't all that ghetto.  I don't think so any way, but there are some pretty ghetto places.

 

It is sad because a lot of the houses were once so beautiful, but they aren't taken care of.  There are usually 3 families living in one house, but sometimes there is 5-6, so the whole house is divided up.

 

The weather hasn't actually been to bad.  I like it.  It snowed once where it really stuck, but the next day most of it melted.

 

We have been eating pretty good.

 

A little too good, lol, but every Monday morning a member brings a huge thing of cooked rice, meat and juice, so we always have something for dinner or lunch if needed.

 

The families here feed us pretty often, so far any way, and they really stuff you!

 

I am keeping a journal.  I admit, not as often as I should, but every time I have a very awesome spiritual experience, I write it down.  I am trying to do better at it every night.

 

I love all the architecture out here.

 

Elder Salerno

3/18/2013 7:35 AM

Lol. I have actually had dates before (to everyone - the kind you eat!) and they are pretty good.

I will send the misson schedule to you next pday, but yes, this is still the email you write to and send everything else to my mission  office and then they send it to me. It is easier this way because then I dont have to worry about it. It jsut takes a little longer to get to me. And next pday I will send pics to you through email.

Could you let Nate and Paige know I can listen to music and everything out here. We are allowed to listend to Lord of the Rings stuff!  lol.....Really, just anything not too crazy, but I just want music to turn my thoughts to my Savior. Tell the Hainsworths and Anna I said CONGRATS!   Thanks for doing that on Facebook for me and I am proud of you to figure it out! lol

Ok, so for the good stuff.......I am serving in  Bridgeport, Conneticut, the very bottom of our mission area and everyone in the mission says it is the most ghetto of it all, but I love it!

I am in a full time spanish speaking area and I'm in a spanish branch.  They meet in a very different kind of building.  I will take a pic of it for you.

Anyway there are currently 14 Priesthood Holders who pay tithing and we need 1 more to pay tithing in order to become a ward.

As far as investigators, when I arrived it was halted a bit.  Now we have a lady named Maria ready to get baptized which will be very soon.  My companion is Elder Hawks and has been out for 21 months, so in missionary language I am his last son and am going to kill him.  He is a good Elder and speaks really good espanol.  Anyway we have been working as hard as possible and have been having a lot of pretty good success in finding people since we have been relying on the Lord and talking to EVERYONE we see!  However, there are a good number of those we have found that speak English.  When they are interested we have to pass them along to the English Elders.  But, anyway, it is amazing out here, so that is the background.

My Mission President, President Packard and his family are AMAZING. There are really no words to describe them.  They have been out for 8 months and have changed this mission so much for the better.  We have become a really successful mission under their guidance.  All we do here is focus on the members because it is through members that the work is really most successful.   President and his wife are both lawyers and very intelligent.  His counselors are very intelligent as well.  His counselor wrote a book about how to become successful ward missionaries ( members) and did it because M. Russell Ballard told him to write it because of his success in it. So we are using that as a tool to our advantage.

Cool experiences.......

The day after arriving to Boston we were staying at the mission home and they took us to Boston Commons ( a park ) to go contact people.  I was companioned with Elder Treseder who was in my District at the MTC.  Well, let's just say the people out here are different, they never even really talk to each other or say hello.  It is just different.  So anyway, before we started we prayed and asked God to help us find those whom he has been preparing for us (field is white) and after moving forward opening our mouths and getting completely ignored (which was not bad at all, but fun) we finally came to a guy who was pulling out his guitar and we started talking to him. Shortly after, he opened up to us and talked about how the people here aren't very welcoming and open and then he started telling us about his life.  He has had a hard life and addicted to many things. Because of his background he was praying to God for help and then we walked up, so he thought that maybe this was the help.  I know that as we move forward, not judging others, seeing them rather as they can become, the Lord will help us find those whom he has been preparing for us.

I arrived on Wed. to my mission area and my companion showed me where we go to church which is right across the street ( which is nice) and as we were walking around getting to work I was just filled with a great love and vision for this area, those in it and what we could do here.  Our mission theme is to Build Zion.  I know we can as we just give the Lord our all, relying on him, recognizing He is the one that makes all things possible. I can't explain fully how I felt, but I just got a vision of what this area could turn into and it is amazing!  We have a lot of work to do, but the success we have already had is because we are giving the Lord our all and constantly looking for ways to give even more and the Lord has blessed us.

As for the language...... Let's just say I have a lot of improvement. There are so many different forms of spanish here.   I pick up words, but for the most part I'm lost, but it's ok.  I love every second of it. I love the people and the Spirit guides me.  I don't know what I say half the time.  I just open my mouth and it is wonderful.  It is, however, a little harder to open my mouth when I have no idea what is going on, but I love it anyway.

I have to go replensih my computer time......I will continue in another message.


Mon 3/18/2013 8:05 AM

 

So, as I have mentioned, we have been busy.  We share a van with the other missionaries in our apartment. There is one other companionship.  What we have been doing is instead of riding bikes when we dont have the van or for the days we don't need it, we just walk. That way we can contact every single person we see on our way to places.  It is going very well.

Since we went right to work when I first got here, I haven't gotten groceries at all, so I have been living off of rice and really just the snacks I had from the MTC and what the other missionaries have been letting me eat.  I don't eat much cuz I don't want to eat all their food.  But, it will all change today lol!

The weahter has been below 30 the past few days and its really the wind chill that gets you more than anything.

On Sunday I met the members of the Branch.  I was, for the most part, lost during the whole thing, but they called me up to introduce myself and bear my testimony. It seemed like I was up there for only a second and it was really cool. That was probably one of the times that I did pretty good at speaking it.

So, since I have been out here, with everything going on, Wed. I had no language study.  Thursday no language study because we had an appointment in the morning, and then the same with Friday. Saturday I didn't either because M. Russell Ballard came to speak to our mission and since we were too far away it was broadcast to us, but it was really good (Sorry I'm all over the place and my grammar and everything is not good. Just too much to say.)

To say in simplified terms. This place is amazing!  I love everything about it.  I love the area, people, and the buildings.

I am able to go forth and share this message to ALL people no matter the circumstance because I know that this church is true.  I know that because it is true, if the individuals that we share it with will accept the challenge to put our testimonies to the test along with the words of the Book of Mormon they WILL receive a witness that it is true.  That God loves them, knows them, and has restored his church in its fullness yet again on the earth.  With this knowledge and by following this they will then come to know who they are, what the purpose of life is and be able to obtain a level of peace, joy and happiness that they would not otherwise be able to obtain. I know this will happen because I put it to the test.  I have experienced this for myself and know from God that this is true.

This is a promise for all. Those of you reading this, please put my words to the test.  What do you have to lose?  If anything at all you have so much more to gain than you can yet comprehend at this time.  I leave you with my testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church fully restored on earth again.  That we have a living prophet today as in times of old who receives guidance from Jesus Christ himself because this is Christ's church.  I know with all my heart that this is true and that Jesus Christ lives. I leave this testimony and invitation to you in his sacred name, even the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Salerno

Mon 3/11/2013 1:42 PM

Thank you for the goodies!  By the way, I loved them =D.  Also, I mailed home my temple bag with my temple shoes because I dont need them I can just use clothes from the temple, but I had to keep my pants, tie and socks. Yes, it will probably be better off sending stuff to the mission home because my address changes and they can mail to me whereever I am.

 

 

Fri 3/8/2013 6:28 AM

I don't know if I already said this, but please make sure you get on my facebook and let everyone know.  Also post my Boston address on there and on my blog so people will  know how to write me and whatever. Thanks. Love ya. Also write Garrett, Petey and Gavin on facebook and let them know about it.  Anyway thanks again love ya.

On Fri, Mar 8, 2013 at 5:52 AM

By the way, some of my pics, the quality, was not the greatest.... like it was too bright because my camera is new and I am still trying to figure out settings, but I'm told they can easily be fixed, so you can ask someone how to make them better or do it yourself.  But they are all good. Some are just kind of random, lol.

 

3/8/2013 5:44 AM

Thank you for letting me know about my taxes.  Yes, Rosette did send me a pic of her name tage too!  lol.  

Any way, I love ya and sorry I didn't get to write as much as last time.

Be sure to tell me how everyone is doing and let everyone know I love them.

Also please email the website address for my blog and once a week if you would get on my facebook and post the website to the blog and get on and post little tidbits of my experiences, testimony, or whatever you feel like.....Please?

I love ya mom and thank you again for all you have done and continue to do for me.

Elder Salerno

Fri 3/8/2013 5:41 AM

Thanks mom for sending me a package. I haven't gotten it yet.

I have been taking pictures, but I'm not the best at taking them, so it's a good thing my companion is a real picture kinda Elder!

It's so crazy that I go out in the field on Tuesday!  I can't wait!   A little nervous but really excited.   Before I started sharing some things I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me as a mother. I am very grateful for EVERYTHING so thank you very much. I have been studying my patriachal blessing and every time I love when it says that I chose the family I came into.  Looking at it at that perspective I know why I chose you as a mother. So thank you again.  I love you very much.

I want you to know I am leaving for the airport on tuesday around 6ish and my flight leaves around 930 945. So I might be able to call you (they allow it), so just have your phone on you just in case.

By the way, I really would like my water bottle and if you could find time to go through my old scriptures and look around on the table where they are to collect all of the little notecards that I have been using and maybe if you can print out a talk for me and send it to the mission field in Boston. The talk is by Elder Jeffery Holland in conference 2012.  The one about the apostles turned again to Galilean fisherman.  I think it's titled if you love me  or something like that.
Anyway, before I go I just wanted to let you know that,    
I know that with all my heart that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church fully restored on the earth today.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God.

I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and with the bible together they testify of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I know that those who sincerely seek to know if this church is true, and who pray and ask God WILL receive an answer of it's truthfulness.

I know that God knows each and every one of us perfectly and exactly what we stand in need of and is ready to help us if we just turn to him.

I know with all my heart and soul that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Savior and that he lives!

I leave this testimony, this knowledge, with you, in His name, even the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

If there are any of those who are reading this who are struggling with their testimonies, who have none, or those who don't have a clue to what I am testifying about, I invite you to find a Book of Mormon, read it, ponder it, and ask God if it is true. I promise you that as you do so with real intent wanting to know, He will answer you and when He does you can come to know a peace, joy and happiness that you never thought was possible!  A peace, joy and happiness that can only come from God.

So once again, I CHALLENGE you to put my words to the TEST.

Elder Salerno

PS:  For a free copy of the Book of Mormon, go to www.lds.org to request a copy.

 

Fri 3/1/2013 5:46 AM

That is so true! (see below).  Thank you again for everything!  I love you and am grateful for your letter. I got a bit preachy in my last letter.

Btw, when I go to the airport they allow us to call home before the flight, so make sure you have your phone on you all the time and loud because I leave the 12th! ttyl

 

On Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 1:52 PM, Nancy Salerno wrote:

Hi Son,

Just returned from Sunday Session of Stake Conference and it was absolutely wonderful!  Elder Bowen stated that as the world grows darker and darker and darker, we have a greater opportunity to receive more and more personal revelation than ever.  That we should always be asking questions and writing them down and praying for answers, so that as we go through our days, we will recognize when someone does answer one because our Heavenly Father uses others to sometimes answer our prayers.  The more we are aware of our questions, rather than just when we ask them while praying, the more likely we are to know when one has been answered, either while reading the scriptures or while visiting with someone or while sitting in a meeting.  He really emphasized the need for all of us to seek after more and more personal revelation on a daily basis.

Pres. Polly talked about how everyone is seeking happiness and
that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy, but that so many in the world define happiness as "If only I could.....have more money, live in a bigger house, have more friends, etc., etc.," when really we should be saying, "If only I could be more like my Savior."  He then went on to say that we need to bind ourselves to "ACT" in all righteousness."  Glory shall be added to the kingdom you shall receive, but if we don't bind ourselves to ACT, then it is taken away.  In other words, most feel they are doing good just by not doing bad, but we need to step it up and not just decide between doing bad or good, but between good and better.

As for your blog....I will go through and clean up any spelling or formatting issues, but the rest is up to you! :-)

Love you Son,
Mom

Fri 3/1/2013 5:44 AM

Awesome, thank you mom for sharing about your Stake Conference with Elder Bowen!

 I am going to buy another sd card and send some pics home that way or if I have time upload them through an email( but more than likely won't have enough time)

Everything is going really really well! I got my travel arrangements the other day.  It's so weird to think that I have already been here 4 weeks!

We have got 2 new districts in our zone and now the elders are outnumbered by all the Hermanas (sis.) by one in our zone.

On Sunday we had M. Russell Ballard come to give the devotional and it was amazing! He walked in and when he did everyone felt the Spirit so strongly! It was an amazing talk!

So, an awesome experience I have had (just one of the many) is about a hermana who was new and struggling a lot. I prayed and prayed for the pure love of Christ and the Spirit so I could know how to help this struggling hermana. By and By the Spirit gave me, in the very moment, what she needed. It was an amazig experience and I will have to go into more detail another time when I have time.  I will just share the last part of it.  After following the Spirit I felt prompted to ask if she wanted a blessing. She said yes and so we ( my companion, her comp. and coordinating sisters) all went into a quiet room and she asked me to give it. This was truly an amazing experience as I know with all my heart that what I said was not from me. The Spirit was so strong and I literally felt Christ in that room telling me what to say. There were things that were said that I had no idea she needed to be said and promises I gave that only the Spirit could have given her. After the blessing, this once struggling Hermana was filled with such peace, joy and happiness that she could'nt contain herself. When she was able to get hold of herself she later told us that as she was receiving the blessing she felt more than just the Spirit very strongly, but she felt an actual presence by her side with arms around her.

I just want you to know mom, and those reading this, that I know with all my heart and soul that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints IS Christ's church fully restored on the earth today. I know that because Christ's church has been restored, we have the same Priesthood that the prophets of old had, the same power by which the sea was parted, by which the dead was raised, sick and afflicted healed. and last but truly not least I know with every ounce of being that Christ lives. I have felt his presence and love so many times during the past two years and especially while I have been here at the MTC.

For those of you who may be struggling in or out of the Church, those who are not members of the church and have no idea what I am talking about, I want you to know that I love you, and that Christ loves you more than you can ever comprehend. Start reading the Book of Mormon which truly is another testament of Jesus Christ and pray to know if it is true. Once you receive that answer (which I know you will) you can then come to know a peace and joy in life that you never thought was possible to have. I leave this testimony and witness to you in the sacred name of our Lord, our Savior, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Salerno