Sorry everyone but it has been two week since we emailed last. The library was closed these past two pdays. So we had to email today and I did not get the chance to last week. so much has happened these last two weeks that I do not know where to begin. Christmas Eve was awesome. We Caroled at Hoods Lot (flea market) in Washington Park with the zone leaders and another pair of missionaries. We set up a table with Book of Mormons and Dvds next to one of our friends who has a tent there and sang. It was really cool because very many people heard us and came and talked to us. They were very confused when they saw 6 white boys caroling in the middle of a flea market in the Ghetto. Seeing people in there unbelief was a funny sight because we sounded pretty good because many of the other missionaries are awesome at singing who were with us. That night we went with the ZL's to there dinner appointment. We got there and one of the kids was wearing a byui sweater. He look familiar so I was thinking he must have been in one of my classes up there. So I got to talking to him and I found out that we were in the same Science class during the winter semester. It is pretty cool seeing people that you have seen before out here. It makes you feel better. But I was not expecting that but hey in the Mormon world it is small. It made my day though for sure.
Christmas day we had church at 10. Harldy anyone came though. But the spirit felt there was so strong there. It defiantly was very special. Just about everyone there had a part in the program. Then after that we went to the city hall here in East St. Louis to do service. They were feeding people and giving out gifts. We had to take down everything because the chairs and tables used came from one of our buildings to no surprise. After that we had dinner at our branch Presidents home with him and his wife. It was so very nice to spend Christmas with them because they are amazing people and are so funny. They are both over 70 years old but they act just like kids together. Then I got to call home. That was amazing!!! It was so nice to talk with my family and to hear there voices. It was very special. After that we saw one of our members in the branch who is in the Hospital. It was a perfect ending to the day being able to carol to her with Prez Oniel and his wife.
I went on a couple of exchanges in the past two weeks with my Comp being the new District leader. One I got to do with Elder Ditto who is a zone leader. I got to take him through our area. I love taking people through East St. Louis especially when they have never really been there before. We had a very awesome Lesson with Moneesha and TJ. He had never met them before but it was so special and sacred that lesson we taught them. It was a testimony builder to me.
New Years eve I was able to go on a exchange with Elder Woodbury one of my good friends out here who came out with me. It was so awesome to get the oppuritunity and do that while our comps were at dlzlc. That night we had to deep clean our apparment from 3-9 because we were not allowed to be out. New Years day again we had harldy anyone come to church. To many people partying up late. I was not able to fall asleep until after 12 that night because of fireworks and a ton of noise outside. We had a team up with our elders qourum president. We got to see many people because he was driving us around everywhere. We would not be able to do that unless if it was for him. Our Baptisms for New years eve fell through......... Moneesha is working on quiting smoking and TJ it is best for him to be baptized at the same time as his sister.
Yesterday for Pday was awesome. I got to see Samantha Gilbert and her family. She is one of my good friends from byui. They live in St. Louis so they called President Clark on recieved special permission to come pick my comp and I and take us to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. It was so awesome to see one of my good friends. It was funny because a few days ago we had a missed call and I listened to the voicemail and it was Sis. Gilbert saying Hey we got your number from president Clark and he said we can come take you out and hang out with you on Pday. The frozen custard was awesome but it was really cool to see them. Probably the best Pday I have had yet. It was weird because Sam told me of many people from school getting engaged and things. A lot has happened in the last 3 months since I have been out here. haha. The weirdest part was not being able to hug them but oh well. Enough people hug us here in East St. Louis. haha
But I am really grateful for all of you who have sent me Packages and Cards. It really means a lot to me and helped me in my own work i knowing that many people are cheering and supporting me in this great work. I love you all so much. Jesus is the Christ. Only through him we are saved.
Love, Elder Derek Turner
*Serving in Zion*
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