Holy cow, what a week. Literally... there are a lot of God-fearing cows out here.
This week I experienced my first Thanksgiving away from family. It definitely wasn't the same, but it was good for what it was. I was hoping to be in Melbourne for Thanksgiving, but the ward welcomed me in.
As I mentioned before, I've been transferred up to the Sumterville Ward which is considerably bigger than Viera 1. We live in the city of Wildwood and cover roughly 600 square miles. When I first got to the Sumterville bungalow, the musty smell hit me harder than transfer calls. It was actually more humid inside the house than it was outside. It is literally a cottage in the woods and I feel like I am at a summer camp. It's pretty awesome. I am no longer living the cushioned coastal life.
Let's talk about a few things this interesting area in Sumter County, Florida has to offer.
We cover 95% of Sumter County and it has the oldest median age in the country. With my experiences at church and out proselyting, I can confirm that statement. There is a massive community established here called The Villages. It's hard to explain, you really have to experience it to understand, but it's basically where older folks go to retire. Yes, that stereotype about Florida is real, and I'm living that reality. There is plenty of entertainment, restaurants, clubs, and shopping. Everyone gets around by golf cart. There are golf cart specific paths. There are about 700 golf holes in the villages and it's free if you live there. I'm telling you, it's something else. Words can't describe The Villages. Most of our active members live there so we see a lot of it.
While walking around one of the town squares, we bumped into a guy who was visiting his mom for the week. After talking for a little bit, we found out he is the Miami Marlins mascot! He also works for the Florida Panthers and said he'd hook us up with free tickets anytime. He was super chill. It's not everyday that you get to meet a mascot for a professional baseball team. On Thanksgiving night, we went to one of the town squares to walk around and talk to people. No one was really interested in talking to us because they were too focused on the concert that was going on. This guy named Scooter the DJ was up on a stage getting everyone hyped. I've never seen 65+ year olds dance to "I'm Sexy and I Know It" quite like that. It was an sight to behold and Scooter the DJ lived up to his name of being the best entertainer in The Villages.
The other parts of the Sumterville Ward are ghetto areas and rural areas. There are some poorer areas in Wildwood that we went proselyting in. There were tons of people outside playing dominoes and listening to music. It was pretty fun. There are also a lot of cows and fields.
On Sunday, we drove to the chapel for ward council. When we got there, we realized that no one was there and that we probably weren't having it. We waited in the chapel and a few ward members showed up. I was introducing myself to people when the bishop came up to me. He had a guy with him and told me his name was Mark. The bishop walked away and I talked to the guy for a bit. It turns out that he is going through some rough times and was looking for peace. His fiancé is a member and told him that he could come to our church. He stayed for all three hours and even asked questions and talked in Elders Quorum. We struggled to find all week and then a new investigator fell into our laps. During sacrament meeting, Elder Adair leaned over and said "President is here." After a few seconds, it finally registered, and my first thought was, "What did I do?". Of course, the one time he shows up we are teaching gospel principles. President and Sister Clark were really helpful in answering questions and bringing the Spirit. They had other obligations in the surrounding area and decided to stop by. It was the most stressed I've ever been at church, but it ended up being really good.
Needless to say, it will be a very interesting time here. I'm excited for the next five weeks. My new companion's name is Elder Adair. He's from American Fork, Utah and has been out for twenty-three months. He finishes his mission this transfer so I will be killing him off and getting another companion when the new year rolls around. I can't believe it's already November 26th. I very distinctly remember that February day when I stepped into the MTC and had no idea what I was doing. I still don't know what I'm doing but, the experiences I've had have changed me and I am so grateful for them.
"...and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9)
Love y'all!
Elder Poulsen
My last night in Viera.
The Grover's and 1/2 of the Snavely's.
A Holy Cow
The Belleview District
Haven't fished since Apopka
New Address:
3220 County Road 511, Wildwood FL 34785
