New Year is Off and Running

 I finally figured out one of the main differences between our current mission in New York City and our prior mission in Sweden. In Sweden, almost everyone was fluent in speaking English. We attended the Rego Park 1st Ward yesterday. It is an English-speaking ward, but there are very few native English speakers. The same is true of almost all the wards we visit except in Manhattan. It is so interesting and thrilling, really, to see how people have overcome so many obstacles to become everything they are capable of becoming.

Hispanic, Indonesian, Indian, Creole, Chinese, and probably several other languages are represented in this ward, but the common languages are English and the love of the Gospel of Christ. It is always amazing to see how everything functions. For example, the entire priesthood meeting was taken up by role playing how the sacrament is blessed and passed. A couple of new members want to be available for the administration of the ordinance. There are so many new members in the ward, that it was good for everyone. There was also a new deacon, the son of the former bishop, who needed to know how things are done, as well. 

Sacrament followed priesthood meeting, because one hour is shared with the Rego Park 2nd Ward (Spanish), so YM, YW, and Primary are combined. Last year it was this ward's second hour; this year, it is the first hour, with Sacrament Meeting after. That worked out well, as the young deacon and a new member got to pass the sacrament and a relatively new member got to bless it. It looked like they had done it for years. 

Before the meeting, a young man was baptized, so he was confirmed during the meeting. It is a scene that is repeated multiple times in meetings throughout the mission. 

Binny Bagga knows it all. He met us a while ago not quite by accident. Really goes to show that losing your beanie in the mall brings miracles. After lots of study and lots of learning, and attending nearly every ward event since we met, today Bagga made the decision to be baptized!! One of the most intelligent people you'll ever meet!!

This is the missionaries' assessment posted on the mission's Facebook Messenger page. He has an Indian name, but is a US native and a former Marine. He has a long way to go, but the ward is open and friendly to him, so he has every chance of making all the changes he needs to make.

This is the second time in just a few months we have visited this ward. We went this time to take a member, Anna, to church. We visit her at least once a month, and she is usually not feeling well enough to go. This time she actually went and was greeted like an old friend by so many of the members. Hopefully, the new Relief Society President, who is a friend of hers, will see to it that she gets rides in the future. Anna is an Indonesian whose first language is Sudanese, her second language in Indonesian. She introduced us to a man in the ward who is also from the same island as she, but on the opposite side. His first language is Javanese, but because children are required to learn Indonesian, that is the language they use to communicate. Of course, they both spoke English to us.

This week was filled with training to qualify us to assist with the Employment Services missionaries. Most of the training consists of observing various workshops such as resumes, interviewing, job search techniques, etc. They are all on Zoom, as people from all over North America can join in. 

Accelerating your Job Search workshop is 
actually conducted by the Packers for people all
over North America

A typical afternoon meeting. This one was for better
interview success. 

We were able to meet with Elder and Sister Packer in a newly re-opened facility in Manhattan. The Church had determined some time ago, to tear the building down and rebuild there, but then decided to just rehabilitate the building. That opened up the opportunity to re-open the Employment Center there. The head of the department in Salt Lake City was anxious to do it, so he and several others flew down to inspect it. A lot of cleanup work was necessary, but it is functional now.

Elder Packer took multiple photos of
areas that are stained, have holes, and a
place with a wad of wires that seems to
go no where.

It is a very old building by US standards, but still
quite functional. The chapel area and classrooms
are modern and nice. 

Meeting with the Packers. We had just put my lap-
top away when we realized that we hadn't taken
a picture.

After our meeting, we took the subway to the temple where we met several other senior missionaries for a session, then had a late meal and fun activity. We were given 3X5 cards and on one side wrote something we had done before age 18 and on the other side, something we had done as an adult. They were supposed to be unique and we were supposed to guess who had done what. It was a good way to get acquainted with each other.

The couple who were in charge. The Humphries
are an MLS couple serving in a YSA ward

Nebekers (Connecticut), Littles (office), Driggs
(Family History), Engstroms (ASL)

Packers (Employment), Duncans (Brooklyn)

Sister and Elder Preece (office)

Saturday we were able to have time for a little shopping and a long walk through a section of the neighborhood where we had not been before. We try to get out for a walk every day. If we are in town, it is a given. Wherever you are, you have a long walk to wherever you want to go.

Earlier this week, the weather was very warm for this time of year.  During our walk on Wednesday, we were actually sorry we had worn coats. 

We were in the park and had taken off
our scarves and gloves. It was 64° here;
46° in Las Vegas.

The Self Reliance mission is starting to pick up dramatically. Brooklyn Stake asked us to conduct a facilitator training on Zoom, on Tuesday. We invited all the stakes who wanted that training to participate and five of the eight had at least one person involved. We were able to resolve some of the concerns that facilitators have and uncovered some areas that we are weak in, as well. Since that meeting, we have been getting emails and phone calls for assistance in all kinds of needs. It has been rewarding to see things moving so quickly. We have great expectations.

We hope your lives are filled with joy and that your new year's goals are becoming your expectations. Our best to each of you and your families. We know they are in God's care.