The Things We Do for Christmas

We started this week in a meeting with people from Church headquarters at the Union Square Employment Center where computers are set up and the area is being upgraded to protect the property of the Center. We weren't really needed, but Elder and Sister Taylor wanted us to be there because we are more familiar with the building than they are. Our manager was in town preparing for another meeting and wanted to discuss some things with the Taylor's manager, so he also wanted to meet us there, as well. 

I was glad to point out to Brother Hall, the facilities
manager for Employment Services that this building
has had years of citations for having a non-
functioning fire alarm system. He got action 
right away.

L to R: Elder Taylor, Chris Petrick (Taylor's manager), Sean Hall, Doug Roberts (head of 
the Church's computer maintenance dept.), Chris
George, Sister Taylor at Max Brenners. Olivia is behind the camera.

The Taylors are happy to show off
one of three computers that are now
available to patrons. At the end of the
day, they are wheeled into a locked room.

You will notice that the Taylors are in their coats. The heating/AC hasn't worked for a long time, either. Brother Hall took care of that little issue as well. Nice to have a friend in the court.

The group picture is in the Max Brenner Restaurant, which features CHOCOLATE. There are a large variety of hot chocolate drinks. I chose one that was touted as being "thick."

It is made by melting a chunk of dark chocolate and adding cream and a little cinnamon. Sooo good. I have to admit, however, that it defeated my heartburn medication. Worth it, once, however.

Olivia got a white chocolate (bordering on blasphemy) drink that she claimed was every bit as good as mine. Hmm. Doubtful.

They also have excellent meals. Max Brenner never disappoints.

We finished the English Connect 1 course with our El Salvador Consulate friends. We prepared certificates and gave them out just before starting the English Connect 2 course. The first lesson really emphasizes the need to practice and study from many angles. They seem to understand and set some goals and set up a plan.

We and Chris George signed them. They seemed quite proud of them.

During the course of the lesson one of the women said, "We are wondering how long you have been married." It took some time to figure out the words they needed to use for that question, but when we told them 51 years, they were quite impressed. "We think you are cute people. Did you fall in love?" "Of course, por supuesto." "Oh, that is so sweet!" We are happy with their determination to learn the language. 

After our second lesson, on Friday, we had some time and Olivia wanted to walk to Bryant Park where there is a little Christmas market set up. It's mostly little food and hot chocolate shops, a few others, as will, but not as nice as Union Square. They do have a nice ice rink and, like most places in Manhattan, a great Christmas tree.

The kids had these little snowmen to keep their
balance. 

The tree.

They even had a carrousel. 

A typical isle. It reminds us of Sweden, but it 
doesn't really come close.

She can't get enough of the kids on
the carrousel.

We quickly made our way from the market to the NYC Library because we didn't see enough of it in November. We did see more of it, but were not allowed to get into the stacks because those areas are reserved for people who are doing research.

Typical hallway, they are really
much longer. Marble floors, walls and
ceiling.

Tree and candles in the reception area.

Many of the ceilings are painted like the castles 
and noble homes in Europe

Raoul Wallenberg who is credited for
saving thousands of Jews and placing
Jewish orphans into homes. He was
arrested by the Soviets in 1945,
immediately at the end of the War,
and executed by them in 1947.

One of dozens of pictures in this room. Here is
Milton, who has gone blind, dictating Paradise
Lost to his daughter. 

This little jaunt was interesting and entertaining, but it meant standing up most of the way home because the subway is standing room only at rush hour. It was worth it.

On Saturday we sent 21 boxes of chocolates, or Turkish delights to people who have been instrumental in helping us get Self Reliance into their stakes and wards/branches. We also sent out Jacquie Lawson Christmas cards to all of them. Several are now bearing the majority of the responsibilities without us, which is the goal. It has been rewarding as we have watched this happen.

That evening we joined the other senior couples for a meal with the mission leaders and then packed 220+ bags with goodies that the couples had purchased for them. We also had a gift exchange with each other. We purchased enough oatmeal packets to give each of the young missionaries two. To the senior couples, we gave tea towels and a poem I wrote depicting life as missionaries in New York City.

Three amazing cakes made by Sister Wyne. Spice
cake (gluten free) chocolate mint and a bunch of
other flavors, and a ginger log.

Sister Holmes speaks while Pres. Holmes listens
intently. He also spoke, but no picture.

A few of the 220+ bags preparing for transport. They
will be handed out this week in zone conferences.

                                                    The assembly line was fast and fun.

Stanley Dalamond was one of the first people we met when we arrived in the mission. He was a member of only five months and was facilitating a Self-reliance course. We were asked to sit in because he was so new to the Church. On Sunday, we went to his ward so we could hear his talk in Sacrament Meeting. I think it was his first time speaking. We were proud of his first attempt and he was pleased to see us there. The Barnes are assigned to this ward. so it is always fun to see them in action.

Stanley giving his talk. Olivia doesn't
mind breaking a few rules when the
occasion calls for it :-)

This young woman sat in front of us
and Olivia was intrigued by her hair.

She has been a member less than five months and
expressed some discouragement. We talked to her
quite a while, trying to bear testimony and bolster
her confidence in herself and her decision to 
accept baptism. 

Her name is Tatiani. The Barnes are
working with her to build her conversion.

 

We had our monthly coordinating council meeting with the representatives from five of the eight stakes in the mission. Given the season of the year, we were happy with that turnout. One stake president has told us several times over the past 15 months that he was going to call a SR specialist, but has never done so. A couple of weeks ago we heard from the stake RS president that a former bishop and his wife were called. We know them and they are anxious to get started. Our new people were a great addition to the conversation Sunday evening. We were happy to wish them all a merry Christmas.

We wish you each and all a happy Christmas week and a deeply fulfilling renewal of faith in our Savior and Redeemer.