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One of the highlights of our work this week was a street sweep Elder McLean asked us to plan along with Elder Low and Elder Werner. We generally don't receive these kinds of assignments, but because we are not teaching classes this month we gladly accepted the opportunity to serve with these fantastic young missionaries. We have focused on finding a family to strengthen the Astoria Ward, so our theme was, "Families Can Be Together Forever." We chose a high traffic area, 31st and Ditmars, where the N train ends, and we were blessed with perfect weather. These Elders and Sisters are pros at this work and we were well taught as we watched and then joined in with their "fearlessing." We had some incredible experiences and met many people, gleaning about 33 new contacts to teach and deliver Family Forever DVDs to. We served free, cold lemonade, (yes it was a big hit) and talked about living prophets and gave out copies of The Family, A Proclamation to the World. I watched Sister Folsom as she walked quickly beside a woman and then she handed her a folded Proclamation. The woman turned around the corner, and Sister Folsom introduced herself to someone else. A few minutes later, the woman returned to our table and said to me, "I didn't realize this was about the Mormons. My husband is a member of your church and we have been meaning to find a church to attend. Can you give me the address where you meet?" I gladly wrote down the address along with meeting times and assured her we would love to see her again on Sunday with her husband. Also, Elder Low met Iris, who was taught by the missionaries about 15 years ago, and then decided to "strike out on her own in finding a church." She has since decided that what the missionaries taught her was true and she needs to return to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are hoping Iris will also join us at church on Sunday. Elder Low introduced her to me "because she was older!" Iris asked me to call her Saturday night, "just to remind her." Pictured above is our Woodside District, (L to R) Elder McLean, Sister Brown, Elder West, Elder Jemmett, Elder Low, Elder Werner, Sister Shiley, with Elder Bell behind her, and a friend who stayed all afternoon. (Missing are Sisters Folsom and Grover who I'm sure were making friends very near by.) They all stopped long enough to sip a lemonade and smile for me. In the picture below, Sister Folsom, visited with this couple who are getting married this coming Saturday. They were very interested in being sealed for time and all eternity and invited the missionaries to teach them after they return from their honeymoon. We met so many nice people, and hope to have planted many seeds for future work. It was a most rewarding and fruitful day. We can hardly wait for the next one!
Our YSA/SA Family Home Evening on Sunday was a huge success. Poochie's pasta and Crytal's FHE lesson were enjoyed by all. We always seem to have a great number who attend FHE and we are amazed at how far the food stretches. We have seen some miracles happen! Crystal Perez from Richmond Hill Branch taught from Matthew on the Beatitudes. She discussed with us how our Savior taught blessed are the poor, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst, and those who are persecuted, and how the success-oriented world teaches us the opposite. We talked about the importance of being humble, submissive, peacemakers who witness to all of the world that Jesus is the Christ. Steve, (standing above, is much more "soft-hearted" than he appears) and charming Gabriel, (who was brought to his knees) congratulated and thanked Crystal for a most meaningful lesson. Elder West and I so appreciate faithful Grace, the Queens Stake Single Adult Leader who serves so well, time after time. She gives a great deal of energy contacting all the YSAs/SAs to keep them informed about upcoming activities and then is there to set up, organize, serve, and clean up with a smile. We are so glad that our calling allows us to serve with and help her. We hope she will have other single adults to help her. Tony Moustakas was sustained as a committee member from the Astoria Ward this past week ... a good thing for all. Time for another BBQ Tony!
Elder Jacob Cosojay and Elder Tyler Low gave beautiful departing testimonies at our Zone Conference yesterday. Elder Cosojay "feels like a loving parent must about the wonderful people he has been able to teach and serve" during his two years in New York. Elder Low is so thankful for all he has learned and for his opportunity to serve. He realizes this experience will bless him for the rest of his life. He's had a goal to baptize a family and that has not been achieved. We assured him that we have three more weeks before he leaves Astoria, and we have all been praying to find a family here. We are preparing for a street sweep for our district together next Tuesday at noon. Please unite your faith and prayers with ours that we will find a family to strengthen the Astoria Ward. Sister Bennion assures me that she loves to see these incredible missionaries come and hates to see them go. They love her as she serves so valiantly as their mission mother. President Bennion is the best of the best and these elders know they are lucky to have served under his divinely inspired direction.
Tuesday afternoon after shopping for the Wednesday Zone Conference Lunch we took all the food to the church. I prepared chocolate and lemon sheet pies, fry sauce and honey mustard dressing and Chas grilled chicken breast for the next day. We found our district preparing the greatest fliers to hang on the doors of all the deaf members and investigators telling of upcoming activities and inviting all to participate. They are also planning to use some in a street sweep where they hope to meet people who know other deaf individuals who would enjoy spending time together. We so appreciate how these wonderful young missionaries support eachother and us. They were so quick to help us unload our car and do anything that needs to be done. Two of the sisters, Sister Folsom and Sister Grover are American Sign Language Missionaries and so often we all do things to further their work. Just like our Savior, Jesus Christ, each one of these missionaries are working to help find people they can help. We are so proud of them!
Earlier this summer our Senior Social organized by Elder and Sister Roush took us clear to the end of the (Long) Island. We met Norm and Lynda Edwards who shared their history of Amagansett, family whaling and true tall fishing tales with us. We had such a delightful time with them and they invited us back for an unofficial social at their home, a traditional East Coast LOBSTER BOIL on our P-day. It was a beautiful day and we had a great visit with all. Along with lots of delicious fresh lobster, we dined on potatoes, onions, corn on the cob, salads, and summer pies. Last time we went the Bennions were too busy to join us. This time they were able to come along and Sister Bennion took this photo. Thanks to Norm and Lynda for a very fun lobster filled day..... a dinner to remember!
(L to R) Elder Werner, Sunir Pokharel, Karna Ghale, and Elder Low (pictured above) shared a most incredible day with us yesterday. Elder Werner baptized Karna, and Elder Low baptized Sunir. It was a most meaningful service and we thank Brother Nieman for his leadership in making all go so well. Brother Gabe Kane spoke about the ordinance of baptism. Sister Emily Thornock taught about the gift of the Holy Ghost, likening it to help needed on a mountain trek of Mt. Everest. Next new members shared their testimonies, Julius Ngeskebei, Bill Bradley and Melissa Soto. Each bore beautiful testimonies, Julius about feeling the power of the Spirit in his life. Bill told about how much he appreciated the fellowship and acceptance he felt from the ward. Melissa said when she heard the gospel "she felt like she was home." Sunir and Karna were welcomed to the ward by Bishop Glass and Elders Quorum by Brother Eastman. There was such a marvelous spirit there and such support. Next we usually serve some refreshments and celebrate the occassion, but because it was Fast Sunday we had the Elders, Sunir and Karna and our friend, Nephi Mata to our home for dinner. We learned more about Sunir and Karna, who are from Katmandu, Nepal. Both will be leaving Astoria soon to attend BYU. Karna told us that the gospel of Jesus Christ helped him to solve a lot of the mysteries of life. It has taught him the reasons behind our birth and our missions in life. He feels really blessed to be a part of this wonderful community. Sunir has "cherished his time in the Astoria Ward." He said he's learned many things as he had been introduced to the words of God that he was not aware of. He's eager to use the path that has been shown to him and excel at BYU. What a wonderful blessing the gospel is for all of us...we get to witness their new found joy and love for the Lord. 
Meet the extra-special Lariego Family. We have so enjoyed our association with each of them. Lenzci, affectionately called LJ, was baptized by her father, Jose on July, 27th. She is such a sweetheart and the greatest joy in her parents life. The whole ward just loves her! We have attended several convert baptisms, but Lenzci was the first child in the Astoria Ward, (8 years old,) to be baptised since we arrived. Jose is the High Priest Group Leader Chas serves with, and Ellen serves as the Primary President. They contribute a great deal to the ward in their service. Jose is very kind and always willing to help going on splits with the Elders. Ellen shows a tender heart, perfect for a leader with children. Lenzci's told me she was so happy there were so many ward members and family members there to join in her special day! The program was beautiful and Lenzci accompanied the Primary children and leaders, at the piano as they sang, I Am a Child of God. After her baprism Lenzci was also given the gift of the Holy Ghost when she was confirmed by her father. Elder West was so pleased to be invited to join in that special circle. Afterwards there was a delicious dinner for all and fun balloons that said, "It's great to be 8!" Everyone wrote notes to LJ for her memory book and it was a great day. Congratulations to Lenzci and all the Lariegos! We're so glad we were there.
What a time we've had since January with our New York Neighbors! Our landlord, Sal, told us about a nice Italian couple who owned the house next-door; the other half of our rowhouse. We met them out in front of our house shortly after we moved in and asked them if we could come visit the following Monday at their home. Maria said, "Sure." Jack didn't seem so sure. Later that evening, Sal, called to tell us we had "crossed the line." He explained to us that NY isn't like Idaho, and that he grew up next to Jack and Maria, and had been to their house twice in his life! Slowly we have become aquainted with them. Maria always says,"Hello" and enjoys sharing tales of her three wonderful children and four grandchildren. She is a good Catholic and seems to like her life. She likes to hack at our bushes over the fence and enjoys her grill. Jack hates air-conditioning, shares a cold bottle of water with the garbage men each week as they are collecting, and sits in the garage with the door up to stay cool. Our downstairs neighbor, Zenya, was Greek and lived with a guy and they smoked pot all winter! The YSAs that visited our home on Monday nights for FHE, told us what the horrible smell was that permeated our house. We were on "a trip" pretty much for the first 6 months in Astoria. We could not have been more pleased to hear Zenya was accepted to a masters program and had to move! Our new neighbors this past month are the sweetest couple from Albania. Gentian and Aereola, are here to obtain medical help to have a baby. She speaks English well and works in a cosmetic factory and he is a plumber. Our Israli guys, Eric, Michael and David, ran a half-way house upstairs all winter and Eric had to return to Israel. They moved out and sublent the apartment to two girls for the summer. We had a miserable couple of months with 12 living upstairs in a small 2 bedroom place. They partied 24/7...finally Sal kicked them out and then discovered how they had trashed his apartment. Last Thursday our shower ceiling fell in..."the sky was literally falling" with water and plaster everywhere. Now we have two Turks, Civan and Okan, upstairs. They are here to learn English. (We will know if the brothers from Israel will return in September.) Until the plumbing is repaired we are sharing our shower with the Turks, and all are so amazed! Sal has told us that we don't have to do this. We just think of all of our good neighbors at home and think of how easy it's always been to live the golden rule. They have always been so easy to love and serve. How our neighbors have and are serving us! We thank the Kellers who are caring for our home. Mary Brown reports, "It looks like we're home!" That doesn't just happen. Thanks Nate for hours of mowing and house checks! Just yesterday Ross and Jean called to say "hello" and give us an update...all of our cherries are ripe! Can they pick them and give them to families? That's the kind of service we have taken for granted! Now we are sharing a house and getting to know our neighbors here. It has been easy to have them come in, take a quick shower and have a great day! We've learned they are nice guys and they are quiet, thoughtful and polite. We can bear a firm testimony that loving your neighbor as yourself will take you a long ways. We have decided we prefer being single home dwellers, being responsible for our own messes, water damage, etc.. Still, what an adventure we're having! We send our love and best to all our neighbors.
One of the highlights of our work this week was a street sweep Elder McLean asked us to plan along with Elder Low and Elder Werner. We generally don't receive these kinds of assignments, but because we are not teaching classes this month we gladly accepted the opportunity to serve with these fantastic young missionaries. We have focused on finding a family to strengthen the Astoria Ward, so our theme was, "Families Can Be Together Forever." We chose a high traffic area, 31st and Ditmars, where the N train ends, and we were blessed with perfect weather. These Elders and Sisters are pros at this work and we were well taught as we watched and then joined in with their "fearlessing." We had some incredible experiences and met many people, gleaning about 33 new contacts to teach and deliver Family Forever DVDs to. We served free, cold lemonade, (yes it was a big hit) and talked about living prophets and gave out copies of The Family, A Proclamation to the World. I watched Sister Folsom as she walked quickly beside a woman and then she handed her a folded Proclamation. The woman turned around the corner, and Sister Folsom introduced herself to someone else. A few minutes later, the woman returned to our table and said to me, "I didn't realize this was about the Mormons. My husband is a member of your church and we have been meaning to find a church to attend. Can you give me the address where you meet?" I gladly wrote down the address along with meeting times and assured her we would love to see her again on Sunday with her husband. Also, Elder Low met Iris, who was taught by the missionaries about 15 years ago, and then decided to "strike out on her own in finding a church." She has since decided that what the missionaries taught her was true and she needs to return to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are hoping Iris will also join us at church on Sunday. Elder Low introduced her to me "because she was older!" Iris asked me to call her Saturday night, "just to remind her." Pictured above is our Woodside District, (L to R) Elder McLean, Sister Brown, Elder West, Elder Jemmett, Elder Low, Elder Werner, Sister Shiley, with Elder Bell behind her, and a friend who stayed all afternoon. (Missing are Sisters Folsom and Grover who I'm sure were making friends very near by.) They all stopped long enough to sip a lemonade and smile for me. In the picture below, Sister Folsom, visited with this couple who are getting married this coming Saturday. They were very interested in being sealed for time and all eternity and invited the missionaries to teach them after they return from their honeymoon. We met so many nice people, and hope to have planted many seeds for future work. It was a most rewarding and fruitful day. We can hardly wait for the next one!
