Speaking of Pioneers- My love and appreciation for them grows stronger and stronger everyday that I tract in humid, hot weather. I'm grateful I was born when I was.
My new companion's name is Sister Shiobara. She's only been out on her mission for two transfers- so she just got finished with training. She is Chinese, but raised in Japan, and came out on her mission from San Diego. She's super cute and loves to work hard and be obedient. We get along pretty good- so I can't complain. Haha she is super Asian, and I still stand by my statement that I would never want to serve a mission in Asia!
We won't be together for too long though because on Friday President Reynolds called us and extended a call to her to serve in Bermuda. She flys out in October and isn't allowed to tell anyone- I'm not sure why, maybe to help her stay focused or something- but when missionaries get called to Bermuda it is this big secret from the rest of the mission. She's lucky though because she's going to completely avoid New York's winter. Bless the souls who will be here. P.S. Thanksgiving is in four months, see you then. 
The day Sister Shiobara and I became companions we received a referral from a woman named Shabana asking for a copy of the Book of Mormon. We called her and set up an appointment to meet her at the church on Friday. Shabana is from Pakistan and she's only been in the country for about a year- so there's a bit of a language barrier. Her native tongue is Urdu. But the lesson we had with her was so powerful! We testified of the restoration of the gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith, and I know she felt the spirit. She even came to church yesterday for the entire three hours and we are meeting with her again this Friday. Please keep her in your prayers, especially to understand what we say and teach. Her full name is Shabana Sahir. :)
Yesterday morning I was reading in Alma Chapter 24 when the Anti-Nephi-Lehies are attacked by the Lamanites, Amulonites, and Amalekites. They came up against them but the Anti-Nephi-Lehies wouldn't take up arms to defend themselves nor run away. More than a thousand were slain- but because they wouldn't fight back, the Lamanites realized what they had done, killing innocent people, and started to worship God as well, being converted to the Lord.
28 Now the greatest number of those of the Lamanites who slew so many of their brethren were Amalekites and Amulonites, the greatest number of whom were after the order of the Nehors.
29 Now, among those who joined the people of the Lord, there were none who were Amalekites or Amulonites, or who were of the order of Nehor, but they were actual descendants of Laman and Lemuel.
30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things.
The Amulonites and Amalekites were "less active" haha. (More like apostate.. But there's not much difference) I've seen members of the church who have gone on missions, been endowed, sealed in the temple, had callings such as a bishop, stake president, etc.. Fall away from the church and be more 'hard-hearted' than people that aren't members. I've seen it a lot in New York, but I know it happens in Utah as well. I just don't understand at what point you forget, or break the covenants you have made with God.
I try to understand why/how this happens, honestly I don't really get it. But I do know that it's a gradual thing- once you stop doing the little things it's easier and easier to not do the bigger things in the gospel. So for myself, I'm going to continue to do the little things for the rest of my life- like reading my scriptures, praying, going to church, smiling.. And I know all the big things will take care of themselves.
Time is flying by and I want to make the most of it. Seriously, I have a huge sense of urgency to bring forth the restored gospel to all of Richmond Hill. I probably only have five more weeks here- so I'm talking to everyone who will hear me.
I love you all. Keep on keepin' on. Hym #152
Love, Sister Samantha Tenney aka Sammy 
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Here's some quick pictures for you all:
1. My Sister Missionary tan line. Haha, over the past few days it's gotten drastically worse.
2-4. Sister Shiobara and I's selfies we took for you all yesterday.
5. Hahahaha it explains itself.
6-7. Sister Snow and I's farewell pictures.
8. All my Sisters.
9. OH ya! In the hood kids don't have anywhere to go to play in the sprinklers, or pool or whatever so they just crack open fire hydrants and play in them. Haha it's the craziest thing ever because the streets are so dirty- but the people love it when it's hot out.
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