Email Received Juy 12, 2006
Thanks for the great email. I really appreciate it. Well, first off I should tell you I have 2 great pieces of news. Well, 1, but it is two-fold. I got transferred to Middletown, and I have a new companion Elder Peterson. He was companions with Elder Georgeson last cycle, who I was companions with in the Bronx a while ago.
Leaving Scarsdale was bittersweet, as is every area. I love it, but you know it is time to go when it is your time. Elder Kunz and I had 2 really good days monday and tuesday, and we taught 11 discussions in those two days. That didn’t make up for a rough cycle, but it was nice to finish strong.
It is great to hear that you found Maggie, safe and sound. That is really good news. I was a little worried about her. Oh, about that package, I should get it soon. Hopefully in the next week or so. I’m not close to the mission office anymore, so I will give you the apartment address. 16 Liberty St., 2nd floor, Middletown NY 10940.
Oh, I got the letter on the UW stuff. Here is what I think I would like to do. I really wouldn’t like to do applied math, but if I need to pick a major and can’t get in to cs or bio-eng, I think I would do some other kind of engineering. What I would rather do is take a year to do the chem pre-requisites, and maybe retake some of the math I did, and re-apply to bio-eng in a year to two. I have done math 308 (diff-eq). I don’t remember my UW student ID, but I know that I entered UW the fall after I left BCC, so that must have been the fall of 03? Wow, that was a long time ago. Anyway, that is where I am at.
So, the Middletown area seems great. We live with the Spanish Elders, including Elder Cornelio, my former companion. It will be great. It is nice to have a change, and to start fresh, especially with a new missionary. He has been out only 6 weeks. I remember how my 2nd companion influenced me, and i am glad to have the chance to be in that position with him. We are going to do great. The most important thing is to get the 20 contacts that Elder Ballard challenged us to get. When we started doing that in White Plains, it made a huge difference in the work. It really shows the importance to obedience to Apostolic council.
So, my birthday will be great. I don’t know anyone here, but Grandma Debbie and Grandma Gloria sent me some money, and I got one last Italian sandwich with my roommates before I left Westchester. It was a great celebration. I took a picture that I will have to send you.
Well, I don’t know what else to tell you. This area is great. I haven’t seen too much of it yet, but from the description, it sounds really nice.
Dad, I hope you have fun at Mashup camp, and that you also had a good Birthday. Mom, that sounds great that you will be doing some house selling. I am sure that you will do great if you dedicate the proper time and energy to it. Andy, I’m not sure what you should do about the sleeping. I remember that it was hard for me to fall asleep if I was trying to fall asleep. So, read something, either a novel or your scriptures, and let sleep come naturally. Also if you are really tired, just pray for a good nights rest. I do that every night, and it has worked. You can always put on a movie if you have to. Also, send me some mail if you can. Tina, I am so glad that summer vacation is going well. I hope you find some good stuff at Nordstroms. Bianca, I am glad that the summer is going well. Enjoy those fresh berries. And say hi to the Rands for me. Did you meet the Boren’s too? Be careful in everything you do, especially on the lake. Always swim with someone nearby. Don’t get hurt, please. Grace, thanks for the email. It was funny hearing about Chase. And yes, I am so OLD. The hair that I have left is gray. Just kidding. I’m not bald yet. I’ll be home soon. Don’t worry. Things will go quick and then we will be having fun together again.
Alright, i should get going. We need to get some groceries. I love you so much and thank you for all that you do for me.
Love,
Elder Stehen J. Barr
P.S. - please forward me some of the Washington Mutual mail. THey are sending me a new pin.
Alright, I again, I love you all sooooooo much