Sunburn, Snow and Surprise!

With getting a sunburn on Monday playing golf, to 4 inches of snow this morning, being hampered with a cold and a never ending cough, and bug bites, it has been a good week.  Then, to top it off, it is transfer week.  I thought I would be staying in Elmira for my last transfer, but NOPE!  I'm going to a small town called Greenville, which is just south of Albany. (not to get confused with Greene or Greenwich).

President called Friday night and we talked for about 20 minutes about some of the needs for the upcoming transfer.  He felt prompted to explore the idea of me being released as Zone Leader and see what I could do to spark Greenville my last transfer.  We even talked the next morning for about 10 minutes and he felt prompted it do it.  He has done a similar thing with past Zone Leaders, and it seems to really give the areas a boost.

I love being a Zone Leader, working with everyone, and especially ZLC.  But, this is going to be a great last transfer!  The district is going to be awesome (I was called to be the district leader).  It is going to be with The Albany Zone Leaders, Albany downtown elders, and Hudson Elders.  Elder Bowles was also released as a Zone Leader and is going to downtown Albany to serve with Elder Gnesatoto, who is from Samoa, and is the only missionary in the mission learning English as a second language.  My companion is going to be Elder King, who came out with Elder Simmonds (last Elder I trained in Carthage).

President Bulloch likes the posters we have made, and will even look into financing them if we need to.  I hope to get them going in Greenville.  With investigators in Elmira it has been going slow.  We had none at church yesterday. :(  but, Elder Duffin and Elder Erdman will whip the area into shape.

To answer Renae's question: Chocolate is an awesome black guy who converted to the gospel a few years ago.  He lives in the Ghetto of Elmira, but everyone knows him and that he is a Mormon, and they love him.  He is kind of the heart for all those who live in a bad situation.

We had an awesome lesson with the Meachams on Tuesday with our ward mission leader, Brother Scott.  We had the kids teach us the Plan of Salvation.  What a stellar family!  I am going to miss them!

We also went on an exchange in Trumansburg, which is mainly dirt roads (Greenville is smaller).  I worked with Elder Burton, who is a new missionary.  We had a good time, and got a lot of work done.  He was a little discouraged, but I hope he will continue to keep working.  He has a lot of potential.

Well, I better pack and get going.  Love you all, and hope you have a
great week!

Love,
Elder Shurtz