Hasta la Vista, and Back Again

 We  have been without our district for a few weeks because of the previous transfer. We had two companionships in the district until one of the new elders who came out then, had to return home where he will serve a service mission. That left only one companionship of three, so we were absorbed into the Rego Park District. They meet on Wednesday mornings which was always a conflict for us because we have a standing meeting then. They did meet on Tuesday this week, so we were able to attend just before major transfers.

Elder Harris is found on the street by
Sister Ristine.

Sister Hoskins explains their accountability while
Sister Ristine writes the names of the people ready
for baptism in their area.

Elder Farmer stayed, but this was the
last time we will likely see Elders
Tanner and Wilkins who were transferred.

We inspected our last apartment for this quarter this week, which is always a good experience. It takes us back to when we served in Sweden and inspected so many apartments. This one is being vacated by the elders, and will receive sisters. 

Missionaries have been living in this apartment
for about 15 years, but these elders had it looking
pretty good. They have an unauthorized chin-up
bar in the doorway that needs to go away. Sisters
won't need it. Elders Vea and Ahlstrom.

We weren't needed to take luggage to the transfer meeting, but took a lot out, afterward. There were about 30 new missionaries arriving and only 10 leaving, which meant that we got our district back with all new elders, except Elder Farmer, who will stay. 

Sister Blood had been an STL in our
zone, she was exceptionally skilled at training
and helping new missionaries. We got to
know her well. She will be missed here.

Our new district: Elders Kendrick, Farmer, Padilla
(DL) and Elder Reynolds. Elder Wilkins was giving
them some good departing counsel.

We got to pick up my brother Rudy and his wife Karen from JFK late Friday night and spend Saturday with them. On Sunday morning our friends Lynne and Lanette Pettit arrived just before Rudy and Karen left, so we were able to have them together to share breakfast. Rudy and Karen have two sons who live in Brooklyn and a third flew in with his family, so they had arranged to stay there for the rest of the week. The Pettits were supposed to leave on Monday, but their cruise was postponed a day, probably because of the Hurricane, so we got to spend the day with them. That is my excuse for not being timely with this post.

Rudy and Karen in front of the Roosevelt
home on Sagamore Hill,
Oyster Bay, NY

After months of trying to work the complicated
system, we finally got to tour the home. It was an
enlightening experience that could be repeated
several times to catch everything that could be
learned.

This clock has been working 
continuously for about 135 years.

With the exception of just a few items, everything
in the home is original, owned by TR's family.

The docent asked if we could see
anything unusual in the bathroom. It
turns out that hot and cold running
water and a flushing toilet were 
exceptionally modern for that day.

Roosevelt having a friendly chat with
Speaker Cannon who often opposed
him.

We met the boys and Gregan's family
in Central Park where Enzo and 
Grandma bonded.

Mafe, Enzo, and Gregan

Karen with son Jaron.

 

 Rudy, son Kryn, Olivia, Karen, son Gregan,
son Jaron, Enzo

On Sunday, we went to church in the Rego Park 1st Ward, because it started late enough for the Pettits to change and get ready for the meetings. We love this ward and were especially pleased to see one of our stake self-reliance specialists, Sister Salazar, give the lesson about Paul and his letter to the Corinthians. We were all quite impressed and she appreciated our being there. We have had many opportunities to be with her.

Sister Salazar was quite confident with
her English and taught with skill

We missed the baptism, but were in sacrament
meeting when Raysean was confirmed. There
was a good turnout from the ward and he bore
his testimony in the sacrament meeting.

We were able to take the Pettits to a few places that we have visited, but where not many go when coming to NYC. They left the next morning to catch their ship.

At the Oculus with the Barnes, who joined us for
most of the morning.

A flower placed there by someone related
to one who perished on 9/11

Trinity Parish Church where many of
the prominent people of the past are
interred.

Inside St. Paul's Church where Washington
worshiped following his first inauguration.
Look closely, you will see it is a turkey, not
an eagle.

Don't know who he was, but if he was
like Enoch and walked with God, I like him.

At Federal Hall there is a free museum, inside of it
is this slab where Washington stood when taking
the first oath of office.

The balcony had a great clock.

These marble columns are studied by
architects as part of the unique structure
of this building.

Just for the experience, we took the 
Staten Island ferry in and back.

Outside is the heroic statue of Washington near
the place where he would have been sworn in.

And then some random pictures:

I usually try to ignore the "entertainment" on the subways and in the stations, but these were good. I didn't get them at their best, but they deserve a place here.

We went to Fraunces Tavern, again. I am always
inspired by something there. I know this looks
lengthy, but blow it up and read it. You'll be
glad you took the time.

 The Pettits were Self-Reliance missionaries in Scandinavia and lived in an apartment that we had refurbished and provided for them. We discussed how our missions were similar and how they varied. One thing we have experienced and have seen is the value of these courses for new and returning members, especially those who are not used to the level of commitment expected in the Gospel of the Savior. When that is learned and practiced, not only are they more successful in life, but in serving. They learn that when they serve others, they serve God and rise to a level beyond what they thought they could. We are inspired by our responsibilities and intimidated at the same time.

We love this work, we love each of you and appreciate those who comment, and we love our Maker.