New Companion

Whats up family??

This has been an interesting week since I have a new companion (Elder Althouse) and a new zoneleader (Elder Christopher) living with us. It was very hard at first because I love Elder Larsen and Elder Taylor a lot. I didn't even realize it all that much until they were gone. The feeling in the apartment isn't the same and I didn't like it at first, but am starting to get used to it. I know it will take a little time but I will learn to love these missionaries as well.

Elder Althouse was serving in Newark before now. I don't think I ever told this story because I didn't want to worry you, but he was one of the Elders who got mugged in Newark. He was hit across the head with a lead pipe and had all his stuff stolen. He has like 6 staples in the back of his head and lost 20% of his hearing in one ear. His companion got pretty beat up too, and had to have a plastic surgeon fix his lip which was busted completely open. The Bloods protect the missionaries in the city, so for the next couple of weeks after that happened Red Dawg (their leader) had some of his gang members follow the missionaries all day for protection. We're pretty sure the kids who attacked he and his companion are dead now. No this is not a joke. I'm not exactly sure why the protect us, but I think it's because some missionary taught Red Dawg once upon a time. They call us the God Squad.

Anyway, just thought I would leave you with that fun fact about my companion. He talks too much (especially in the morning), but I can already see that I will learn many things from him. Elder Christopher is a convert to the church and used to be Jewish. I think he was only a member for a year before his mission, but he is an amazing missionary. We just got a new Assistant and everyone thought it was going to be either him or Elder Taylor (my former zone leader). It ended up being Elder Litzenberger, who was my zone leader with Elder Taylor my first transfer.

Things are going well with the work here, it's been hard to find new investigators lately but we keep working hard looking for prepared people. It's weird being the one in the companionship who knows everything about the area.

Oh by the way, I got a tick raking leaves the other day. I didn't think it was a big deal, but apparently it is. Everyone is freaking out about how I could get Lymes disease (I don't know if that's how it's spelled). I guess only time will tell. I love you all so very much.

Love Elder Tilley

- Poor Ryan, it really isn't his fault. His lack of desire to hear people talking early in the morning in an inherited trait. He is a Johnson after all and we are not morning people. He got it from me, and I got it from my Dad. Not really sure who my Dad got it from. Maybe this companionship will help him get over that! :)