Nice, but also Wicked

 More visitors this week. It seems that NYC is a big draw for family and friends. Our daughter, Britta, and her family came with son, Calvin, at the end of July. This week their daughters Elsa and Abigail joined us. We were able to send them off on their own for some of their trip, which seemed to please them, and it allowed us to keep up with our work.

We did have to cancel our English class with the El Salvador Consulate staff because many weeks ago we purchased matinee tickets for the musical Wicked. Back then we were not aware that we would be teaching that class on that Wednesday.

It is still a popular show in NYC. The
large theater was packed with an
appreciative audience. People seemed
to love Elsa's Wicked t-shirt and Abby's
Glinda dress.

Though distant, we had a good view of the stage.
Notice the dragon above the proscenium arch.

Inside the theater before going up to our seats.

There was still a lot of daylight after the play, so we went to a couple of stores in Times Square. In the M&M store a young girl came up to Abby and timidly said, "Excuse me, I really like your outfit." It was so sweet and made us all smile, especially Abby.

On Thursday, we took them to the World Trade Center reflecting pools, Oculus, and then to Liberty Island ferry and left them for the day. While they toured the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, we conducted our business at the employment center in Union Square. We met them afterward and went to the Jewish Heritage Museum, before going home. 

In front of the new One World Trade Center

By one of the reflecting pools where a building 
once stood.

The mandatory picture on the multiped.

It was late and we were tired and hungry, but
they loved the museum. There is a lot to see
and learn, here.

On Friday, Abby wasn't feeling well, so Olivia stayed home with her and I took Elsa with me to the El Salvador Consulate as my companion. I introduced her in Spanish only to discover that I introduced her as my grandson. They weren't sure whether I was serious given today's culture, but one of them questioned me and I was able to correct my poor Spanish - she is now my granddaughter.

Saturday, they took off all on their own. They were attentive when we traveled the subway and bus systems, and downloaded the needed apps, so they felt prepared. Schedules are crazy on weekends, so I gave them last-minute instructions. They did it all exceptionally well and were quite proud of themselves. We were relieved that we had some time to do some reports, preparation and notices that we were behind on, so it went well for everyone.

On Sunday we got up early (very early for the girls who are still pretty much on Pacific Daylight Time) to attend the Plainview Ward on Long Island. We met some very nice people and encouraged the Self Reliance class that will soon be taught by the former bishop and his wife. Afterward, we were invited to go to one of the member's home that is on the beach, but declined because we didn't want to intrude and had plans to go out to the Fire Island lighthouse where there is a quiet beach because Abby wanted to go beach combing. We should have taken the offer. The traffic was the worst I've ever driven in with everyone in the entire state of New York lining up to go to the same beach as we. We could not get into the lighthouse parking lot, so we just ended up going home. I was beyond frazzled by that time. We did go to a closer beach today. It was cloudy and overcast, so the beach wasn't crowded and Abby found some nice shells.

I'll have more on our Monday next week.

Sunday evening was especially rewarding. We got home with plenty of time to prepare for our monthly correlation meeting with the representatives from each stake in the mission. So many are now starting several classes, and there is renewed enthusiasm in all the initiatives that are being started. At least three stakes want to use the video that we made for Lynbrook Stake. The Spanish and Mandarin versions are going to be completed in the next several days and we are excited to see how successful they are going to be. A couple of stakes are asking for time with the ward councils and using the PowerPoint we prepared to show the value of the classes for new members and those needing assistance.

The evening mission devotional was uplifting, as usual, but there was a sadness as President Holmes reported that his father is unable to do anything for himself. He quoted a Book of Mormon passage regarding the temporary status of death and the hope of eternal life in the resurrection. The Holmes are wonderful leaders.

A few random pictures from the week:

Olivia took our guests to our forest,
which is just through the wardrobe.

This week we saw a couple of Jewish
men on their way to synagogue with
a full prayer shawl around their shoulders 

Women and girls seem to walk to the synagogue
separate from the men. This was just too cute.

This reminded us of the dog walkers
in Sweden.

We sometimes feel that we are going in so many directions that we wonder whether we are really accomplishing anything. Then we have a Sunday evening like yesterday and realize that nothing worth achieving is ever easy. We love the Lord's work in our little garden(s), and find joy in our service. We hope you find the same. The current Come Follow Me lessons are so apropos.