The General Epistle of Samuel (Ipswich)‏

Hello everyone!

I am alive and well here in Ipswich. The transition has been a bit rocky. Apparently I was pretty attached to Ely and the Cambridge ward. No matter, I am still doing well. My new companion Elder Martinez is a great guy. I have had to pretty much follow him around these past few days since I know nothing about the area. It has been good though. 

I have had to set an example of obedience for Elder Martinez. He neglects to do the little things so I'll ensure he is tuned up by the end of the transfer. Since Elder Martinez is from Spain he is learning English. He speaks quite well but still can't think of some words in English. I just make sure I talk a lot to him so he can hear how to speak and pick up words from me. I can already tell he is improving. The other tuning up I needed to do when I got here was to clean the flat. I don't think they had washed the pots on the stove for quite a while since there was some nice mold colonies. When I got there I spent some time cleaning the kitchen and the bathroom. Now the place looks brand new :) Mold is an issue in this country so you have to be on top of things otherwise it can get out of hand. Bleach is your best friend here. 

The ward here is great. There are about 220 active members and half of them are Portuguese. I have a feeling I will be known in the ward as "O Americano" haha. That was how I was introduced quite a bit. It's all good though. The ward is excited to have an American Elder. They haven't had one for over a year now. There is one Portuguese member named Fernando that is amazing. He loves missionaries and loves to help in the work. He will call us and chew us out if he finds out we had an appointment that he wasn't at haha. He is also an amazing cook. We had dinner with him Sunday and I about died because of how much food I ate haha. I am excited to work here. We have an investigator that is pretty much committed to baptism he just needs a date now so that is exciting. 

I am still not sure if this transfer will be extended a week to go through Christmas or shortened a week but I'll let you all know when I do. Thanks for all the love and support and I wish you all the best this week! I love all of you!!!

Love, 

Elder Dalton