As a New Yorkian, I [truly] Stand All Amazed.

Me and Lisa! (See random #4) 

Aloha family a me friends!

I. Am. Amazed. I truly am. Last week a close friend told me that if I were to open my mouth, be more uncomfortable, and talk to YSA people that I would be amazed. I held to the simple words he told me: "You will be amazed". And here I am telling you, I am.

Selfies on selfies on selfies. :) 

Amazement #1

Sometimes when I open up my mouth, I am able to look straight into peoples' souls (aka eyes) and tell them our purpose boldly and get their contact information. 

And sometimes...just sometimes...I just start telling people who have lived here that they are "New Yorkians". Hahah yes. I am obviously not from here. It's ok, nine out of ten times I won't ever see these people again. I literally have nothing to loose. Head up, shoulders back, eyebrows as bold as my attitude and just keep going. I truly am amazed at the words that come out of my mouth. Truly am haha. 

Amazement #2

On a more serious note. I've learned that the spirit works quick. In other words we got to react quick too. There's no time to second guess the promptings. Doubt and faith can not coexist. If someone on the street or on the subway catches my eye, thats the spirit. I just gotta talk to them. President has told us that we have to stop judging people and saying "oh they won't accept the gospel". Everyone's intent depends on us, the missionaries and we just need to go out and do and let the spirit work through us.

Last Sunday night, some guy told us "Nice smiles". Yeah. Two white girls walking around, we get called out quite a bit. Then Tuesday night, after an appointment fell through we were on the street and some guy says something about our eyes. About 90% of the time we wouldnt stop and talk to groups of guys on the side of the street at 8:30pm. But I turned around and told Sister Lowe: "Let's go talk to them". Turns out to be the same guy from Sunday night. We explained our purpose and read in the Book of Mormon. We weren't too sure how serious he was taking us. But we got his number and scheduled an appointment. Flashforward to a few days later. We actually meet with him and find out that that scripture really spoke to him and he's been thinking about it for awhile. He also got some email from a horoscope website the same night we talked to him and it talked about him finding more direction AKA what we focused on with him that night. He truly has a good heart and wants God in his life right now and knows there was no coincidence he saw us twice. 

Sister Lowe and I are now friends with this crew. Straight up Harlem Natives who chill out at night, ball during the day, and wear durags all around. We pass by them often now and just chat. Lol. I'm so proud of us and I am truly amazed at quickness of the spirit.  

Our lovely friend Shawn :)

Policemen on horses. Had to take a pic

Amazement #3

We are perfectly placed in God's plan. Theres a reason to every season. There are people of all countries and languages ready to hear of the gospel. These past weeks our Zone has been having a #DEAFyingGravity initiative to help our ASL missionaries find people (speaking of which I'm picking up some ASL). We were early to a dinner appointment we were on the street. Saw a lady. We walked by. I turned around and was like no I gotta talk to her. Went up asked if she knew any deaf people and turns out her aunt and uncle are deaf! What are the odds. None at all actually haha 

A less active was late to an appointment so we were on the streets once more. There was literally no one of the street (weird I know). So we decided to cross the street and turn around. We cross and see this lady chilling on the ground eating her dinner. Turns out she's Haitian and told us she speaks French and Creole. Guess what? A few weeks ago we just got a Haitian Elder. God's perfect plan I tell you. Best part was when Sister Lowe started to try speak Spanish to her LOL (Also if I've learned one thing, it is this: Haitians are some crazy people but I love them so much. hahaha.) The Lord's work is hastening at a pace that amazes me so much. It is all in His plan. 

Jesus the light and THE way.
Apollo Theater the light we use to guide us home at night lol

"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me

...

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

...

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

...

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, 

wonderful to me!"

(Hymn 193 "I Stand All Amazed")

Randoms:

1) One of the guys in the crew that we are boiz with says to us "If I come to church will I get a hug". I say: "Yeah! A hug from God". White handbook rules. Gotta love them. 

2) We went train hopping one day. Started talking to a girl. Asked her her name she said "Hennessy". I flipped out. She was like "I know I know..." and I was like "No! Thats my name too!!". We are now teaching a Hennessy. I am so happy haha 

3) A big thank you for all those who kept me updated on Hurricane Lane. Even to our friends in the projects that we see everyday. Several of which would update me as I walked through in the morning. Such kind souls. And I am glad everyone home is safe :) 

4) A month ago I talked to this Spanish lady on the bus. I told her I liked her headband. She told me: "I don't know you but I'm going to make you one for free. Give me your number". Flash forward to last week. We finally found a time to meet! I got a headband and she got a Spanish Book of Mormon. A win-win all around! Thanks Lisa!

5) One day we were walking around Columbia and we met three Atheist people. Same day we were walking more around Harlem and we found three solid people to teach!

6) Sitting in the lobby of the church (which is locked). This lady/guy (idk) stood outside and yelled at me. I couldnt hear what she was saying. I just smiled and waved. She got a little more fired up lol. Kill them with kindness right? 

7) Another one of my SOAR counselors was visiting the Harlem YSA Ward. She came up to me and told me that I looked like my cousin Kai lol Kai youre so famous 

8) While contacting on a park bench, a car blasting hip hop was trying to parallel park. They hit the car behind them. The girl got out of the car started dancing a bit. Got back in and drove away. Why? I do not even know lol. 

9) Talked to a girl chilling on a stoop at night. As we were bearing witness of the reality of Christ's matchless love for her...we witnessed a drug deal between her and a guy. Hahaha. Ok. 

10) Walking down the street. Then I felt prompted to turn around. Looked and there was this 20 year old looking guy. Like what the heck where did you come from dude. I just straight up was like "Hi I'm Sister Ellis, whats your name?" Turns out he has such a good heart. Came to church. Loved it. Asked when we are going to teach him. So so great. I am amazed ;) 

Me ke aloha,

Sister Ellis 

Believe Believe Believe