Millennials, Philly People, and the Independence Ward

So Philadelphia is made up of essentially 3 types of people. The millennials who are too cool for school and spend the day riding their bikes and writing slam poetry at weird outdoor bars. The Philly People who sit on their steps, cook fried chicken, and tell the skinny white girls (us) to be safe and don't go walking around at night. The Independence Ward is fantastic. There are a lot of philly people who are so funny but there are what Sister Garner calls "Utah transplants". It is the most fun mix of people I have ever met. 

Okay so I guess I should back up a little. Tuesday I was transfered to the Independence South area in the Independence Ward. My new companion is Sister Garner who was actually MTC companions with Sister Crane. But we are not the only missionaries in the Independence Ward. There are not one, not two, but THREE sets of missionaries in this ward! It's crazy and Sister Garner and I are right in Center City so we are literally 2 blocks from the temple. It's crazy. Since we are in Center City we get a take SEPTA! Which is the public transportation in Philadelphia. It's exciting to ride and try and talk to people. I sat down next to this one lady last night and said hi and then I asked her what her name was and she just turned and looked out the window. I was like... okay... Saturday night the trolley was struggling real bad (it never came) so we had to walk home like 20 blocks but it was cool. 

I don't really know what else to tell all yous because I have no clue what's going on half the time. Sister Garner is really good at talking to people, I am not. But I will get better! There are so many people to talk to here. Crazy story: We met a lady named D at the bus stop. We started talking to her but before we could ask to met with her our bus came and we had to go! But later that day we saw her again which was a miracle because you never see to same person twice in Philly. But she told us she would give us a call (she wouldn't give us her number) but she seemed like a really cool lady. A few guys asked us on dates and one guy asked if we were married. But other than that it's just normal missionary work! 

I love you all and I hope you have a great week! I am SO grateful for this opportunity I have to bear testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ in this great city of Philadelphia. I hope you all take the chance to bear your testimony whenever you get the opportunity.

Lots of Love!
Sister Van Buskirk

                                                              My cute new companion, Sister Garner.

                                                  This is the top of our parking garage and there's the temple...