"God Be With You,Till We Meet Again"

President and Sister Bennion, Elder and Sister Conlin and Sister and Elder Hess

The Senior Missionaries met to bid farewell to Elder and Sister Conlin, from Soda Springs, Idaho, who have served so faithfully in the Mission Office for the last 22 months. Elder Conlin has managed the mission finances and Sister Conlin, as the President's Secretary. They have also taught an Institute class and served in the Hempstead Branch. We congratulate them on being valiant in their callings. We will really miss them. Elder Conlin, a CPA, and Sister Conlin, an inspired homemaker and manager, raised 9 children on his family's farm they bought. He told the missionaries he won his wife's heart by having, "daily contact!" We welcome Elder and Sister Hess, from Malad, Idaho, who will take their place. They have raised three children and run a very successful international business together, using pumas made from volcanic ash. I have lay awake at night trying to dream up something that brilliant! We are sure they will do a fine job in their new calling, and look forward to getting to know them well during their stay. They are terrific! (above) Sister Gayle Bangerter made a Brazilian Black Bean Stew, feijoada, that she served over rice. It was very tasty! We had a crisp green salad and an array of delish deserts. It was a delightful evening, and we are so glad we get to see all of our friends each month. What a treat!

OUR GREAT ESCAPE

Saturday, October 18, 2008
Bear Mountain New York

Imagine our surprise! While reading about the great State of New York, we discovered there is a Harriman State Park. We thought for sure it must be a mistake. For years we have enjoyed visits to Harriman State Park in Idaho, an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where we have seen Elk, Moose, Sandhill Cranes, and Trumpeter Swans. It is a beautiful and tranquil place, with breath-taking wildflower displays not far from our home. Harriman State Park in Idaho served as a cattle ranch and private retreat for Union Pacific Railroad investors, the Harriman and Guggenheim families from 1902 to 1977. For us it is a favorite place to pull our trailer to, with lots of hiking trails and great fishing on the Henry's Fork, in Summer and cross country skiing in Winter. New York's Harriman State Park is one of the largest parks in New York, 46,613 acres. It is about 30 miles north of New York City, about a 45 minute drive from our home here in Astoria. Amazingly our home in Rexburg is about 45 minutes south of Harriman Park. The New York State park boasts over 200 miles of hiking trails, 31 lakes, multiple streams, camping areas, and great vistas. On its northeastern edge, Harriman State Park borders the smaller Bear Mountain State Park. We think the history of the park is interesting. New York was going to build a prison at Bear Mountain. The Harrimans were very opposed to that proposal, and donated 10,000 acres of land from their Arden Estate along with $1 million for the creation of a new state park. As part of the deal, the state would do away with the plan to build the prison, appropriate an additional $2.5 million to acquire additional land and construct park facilities. It was established October 29, 1910.

Our first stop on Seven Lakes Drive, was at Lake Sebago, where we watched Black Ducks diving for fish. The Fall leaves were incredible, like nothing we've ever seen. It was a showstopping

scene, shades of wine, bright red, orange, gold, and green to bright yellow, against clear blue lakes and green pine trees revived our spirits. We must admit that at times, New York City closes in on us. After our Saturday morning correlation meeting, we spent a glorious afternoon, not too far from home, and had such a great time together. We, like Edward and Mary Harriman, share a love for the beauties that can only be found out and away in New York and Idaho. We celebrate their generosity to both states and are grateful recipients after enjoying their contributions through out the years.

New Woodside Elders...WELCOME!

Elder Werner and Elder Goodman are happy to be serving together. Elder Goodman has 6 weeks on Elder Werner, beginning their missions last May 21st and July 2nd. So they are both new missionaries in the last 6 months. Their enthusiasm for the work is palatable! We are excited to work with both of them and already love Elder Werner, here for his third transfer and Elder Goodman, from Centerville, VA, was transferred from Brooklyn. We learned that Elder Goodman will be 25 years old in November and on his 24th birthday, his father passed away after a struggle with cancer. It's been a difficult year for him, but he loves his family and their support has given him strength.


Our outstanding District Leader, Elder Imlay is a "new Dad" training brand new Elder Froerer, from South Jordan, UT.. This new elder is the oldest of 3 sons, and when he was asked why he was serving a mission, he answered," I've been so blessed it's time to pay back." We thought of our son Jeff, and how important his mission was to our whole family, especially his two younger brothers. Like Jeff, Elder Froerer is here serving the Lord and setting an important example for his younger brothers. He has a great attitude and a warm smile! He will do well. Elder Imlay asked our district to bring family pictures for a sharing and getting to know you activity. It was really memorable to hear about each elder and sister's family. We have a much better understanding of where each is from and what helps their world go round!

Serenity of a Fall New England Day

Wednesday was a pristine New York day and our Institute lesson was prepared for our evening class. President and Sister Bennion spent last weekend in Palmyra, NY, at a Mission President's Conference with Elder and Sister Bednar and Elder and Sister Jensen. They arrived home Tuesday evening just in time for the departing missionaries dinner, testimony meeting, and stayed up late visiting with their guests. We knew they needed help for a group of 19 new arriving missionaries and others at a dinner for 30 at their home that night. We headed for Long Island, destination, Port Washington with plans to serve, making up beds and preparing food for that evening. Well organized as always, there was little for us to help with. We shopped for a few incidentals and set the tables. Before we started home we wanted to explore Port Washington and savor a little peace and quiet before heading back to the city. Above, the Port Washington Duck Pond with brilliant trees and flocks of geese is a favorite Fall foliage sight. Next, we drove to Port Washington Harbor, drinking in the sailboats and clear blue sky along with noisy seagulls made a nice memory. Below, we loved this charming church. The Reformed Community Church of Manhasset, (with a small graveyard next to it), is of Dutch origin. We hope we can return to see the inside as there were large stained glass windows we think require an insider's closer view.

Planting Seeds...and the law of the Harvest

Last Friday the Woodside District participated together in yet another street sweep in Astoria. They are such a meaningful way to plant gospel seeds. Elder Teerlink, undoubtedly one of the finest missionaries in the whole Church, is pictured above visiting with two men about the happiness that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings. One young man was interested in Elder Teerlink's message and one was not. Elder Teerlink found a place to visit with and teach this young man about the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. About an hour later as we were leaving for another appointment, I took this picture of Elder Teerlink and his new friend. We learned Monday that Elder Teerlink was transfered to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.

As we taught our Institute Classes this week, Mark 4:26-29, The Parable of the Growing Seed, we were able to testify of the importance of Elder Teerlink's faith as he was planting seeds of the gospel. This young man will be taught by Elders Imlay and his brand new companion who arrived from Bountiful, Utah, yesterday. Hopefully they will reap the harvest. This parable was only recorded in Mark, and we are grateful for James E. Talmage's interpretation from his book, Jesus the Christ. "The sower in this story is the authorized preacher of the word of God; he implants the seed of the gospel in the hearts of men, knowing not what the issue shall be. Passing on to similar or other ministry elsewhere, attending to his appointed duties in other fields, he, with faith and hope, leaves with God the result of his planting. In the harvest of souls converted through his labor, he is enriched and made to rejoice...Let the seed be sown, even though the sower be straightway called to other fields or other duties; in the gladsome harvest, he shall find his recompense." Today our Woodside District changed. We have loved this group and say good-bye for now to Elder Warner who is home in Orem, Utah, Sister Brown, who was transferred to Richmond Hill, Elder Rencher, who joins Elder Patton as a new Office Elder, and dear Elder Teerlink. What a joy it has been to serve with each of you and we look forward to meeting those that have been assigned to "plug holes," in our district and meet the new companionships tomorrow at our district meeting.

Tuesdays in Jamaica

Our Jamaica Institute Class has become one of our greatest joys while serving here in NYC. We can't help but think of this choice group of friends as we prepare lessons of our Savior's life each week. We have learned so much from each of them. We see many Christlike attributes and strengths in this group collectively and individually. (Pictured 1st row L to R) Gertrude Vately, Gretta Strider, and Anita Maharaj. (2nd row) Necole White, Andrewnay Carty, Jennifer Jamison, Nikita Chotoo, and Elsie Rivas. (3rd row) Shelonda Griffin, Kenneth Craig, Curtis Brandy, and Sister West. In this photo we are missing Ishanti Ba, Vanessa Love, David Nervil, Leda Delao, Kwacey Coggins and Alvin Patt, and will try to get a "make-up shot" soon. Most of our students have been members of the Church for four years or less. We marvel at their strong testimonies and committment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are so anxious to learn and grown in their knowledge and faith in our Savior. We thank Elder and Sister Goodson from Idaho Falls, the missionary couple we replaced in Jamaica. We had some big shoes to fill when we began teaching last January. OUR students refer to you often!

Conference Blessings

We were able to catch Elders Werner, McLean and Rencher before they hurried off to pick up their investigators. Elder Werner and Elder Rencher had three investigators at Conference; William a 26 year old YSA, 42 year old, Ricardo, and Thiago who is 16. It was a wonderful thing to all enjoy watching Conference together, and visiting about it after. It brings to mind how much we have enjoyed General Conference in past years, but how much more of a blessing it is when we can share it with someone else.

These sisters, Hermana Thomas and Hermana Brown are as dear as any you will ever meet. Sister Thomas was asked to share what she'd learned during her study of 3 Nephi at our Zone Conference. She told us she was raised on a farm in Utah. She remembered asking her father, "Dad, how do you keep the rows so straight?" He explained that he always picked a landmark and that you just go from there. That makes it easy. Sister Thomas suggested that we look to 3 Nephi 19:35-36 as a landmark to assist us in our missionary work. She asked us to imagine the Savior saying, "So great faith have I never seen in my servant." Faith is our landmark and it makes the work easy. It was a profound sermon from a young servant. At our street sweep I wish all of you could have heard Sister Brown singing our incredibly, beautiful hymns with her soprano voice. People were stopping to listen to her and I was very inspired by her strength and confidence. Sharing this talent and giving to others is easy for her to do...it makes our work easy.

The Saturday morning session begins here in the east at 12:00 PM. We were spiritually fed by our leaders and their wonderful messages. Then at 2:00 PM sharp the starving Woodside District gathered to enjoy angel hair pasta and meat sauce, french bread, (eight loaves) salad and baby cakes. We had a great time discussing the marvelous messages and what we learned from our leaders. Soon it was time to pick up investigators and the afternoon (4:00 PM) session. We are living in times of great trial and tribulation. The gospel of Jesus Christ prepares and helps us to deal with them. We were uplifted as we learned from our leaders. Our family has been had some difficult trials lately. We know that we will all be alright because of our faith in Jesus Christ. We are thankful for all that we learn from these fine young missionaries we serve with. They teach us each time we're with them. They are so helpful and appreciative of all that we do. We love them. Full and ready to work again are Elder Jemmett, Elder Teerlink, Elder Imlay, Sister Cunliffe and last but certainly not least, my senior companion, Elder West.

An Amazing Street-Sweep and Double the Fun

President Bennion challenged us to: (1) invite our investigators and (2) prepare ourselves for General Conference. Not only did we invite our investigators, we decided to take the opportunity to invite ALL at our street sweep. Friday, October 3rd, was the day before General Conference. We made fliers announcing the 178th General Conference of the Church. We invited all to view Prophets and Apostles and hear the word of God, listed the dates, times, address and train info and a map, so anyone who wanted to could join us. After our District Meeting we traveled to Steinway and Broadway, a busy cross street in Astoria. We shared our message with hundreds of people and passed out all of our fliers. We met wonderful people and planted some seeds hoping we would have a few join us Saturday and Sunday, the 4th and 5th. It proved successful as we did have some investigators join us at the Woodside Building who spoke both English and Spanish. Later that evening we joined our friend, Charles Amador, from the Astoria Ward. Three months ago he met Carol Keddington, from Salt Lake City, online. After considerable correspondence, they decided to meet and enjoy getting to know each other in NYC. Charles had never been on a "double date" and asked us if we'd join them for his first one. We were happy to be included and enjoyed a delicious dinner together at Pio Pio in Jackson Heights, and then came back to our home afterward for herbal tea and dessert. Carol is delightful and she and Charles have so much in common, the gospel, loving the arts and NYC. Carol teaches voice and piano in Salt Lake and tells a great story. They joined us Sunday for General Conference for the Astoria Ward Potluck between sessions, and were having a glorious time together. Carol told us, "Charles is the kindest man I have ever met." They had a full week planned and celebrated Carol's birthday yesterday and Carol flew home today. They will meet again, this time in Salt Lake City for Thanksgiving together. It's been a fun friendship to watch through Charles's eyes, and Carol is all that he said and more!

September 28th...a Special Surprise!

"One year older and wiser too...Happy Birthday to you...love Elder West!" I have missed our family and friends a lot, a few comforts of home, (especially our dishwasher and garbage disposal), but what I missed too, is all of our Rexburg birds and squirrels that regularly visit our little garden on the west side of our home. We left enough seed asking Nate to fill our feeder weekly to support our little flock of friends. I was so thrilled to look out our bedroom window here on Steinway Street to see a full feeder with hungry little sparrows, fighting for a little seed. We have also had some very bushy, gray squirrels visit along with doves, red cardinals, and bluebirds so far. Our biggest surprise is that like New Yorkers here, the bird population is huge! We have to fill the feeder every other day and they're really noisy and messy. Hugs to so many who gave and sent lovely remembrances. It was such fun opening pictures and letters from our grandchildren. I appreciated all the cards, notes and feel extra loved and supported. It should keep me going for another year. Thank you one and all!

Always a Treat, Zone Conference

Elder Warner, a fine missionary who served (this past Spring), as our district leader shared his farewell testimony at our Zone Conference, Wednesday, September 24th. We will always remember the great object lessons he would share in our meetings. Along with learning Spanish, he shared a love for the Hispanic people he was able to teach. He will return to Orem, Utah this next week with a continued resolve to serve others. President Bangerter talked about retention in our missionary work, teaching new members, "line upon line, precept upon precept." Prior to the conference we were asked to prepare by studying 3 Nephi from the Book of Mormon. Sister Bennion taught from 3 Nephi 27:27, asking, "What manner of men ought ye to be?" Then answering..."even as I am." We're examples of all we are teaching and in 3 Nephi, chapters 12, 13, and 14 Jesus teaches us how we should live. We had just taught our Institute lesson on Matthew 5, 6,and 7, known as the "Sermon on the Mount," which many Christians consider a series of desirable ethical behaviors. In Third Nephi, the righteous behaviors taught by our Savior to the Nephites is basically the Sermon on the Mount, addressed to baptized members of the Church, and is a series of instructions for continuing after baptism to the point of qualifying for celestial glory. She led a thought provoking discussion and we gained additional insight after our study in Matthew. President Bennion gave us a progress report on the mission, encouraging us to stretch and he reminded us that goals are representative of our faith. He also taught us that 3 Nephi, "Is the centerpiece of the Book of Mormon," everyday is precious, and the people were ready for the Savior to teach them. We need to seek the Spirit in our work. Others feel the Spirit from the missionaries and when we're in tune the Lord will bless us with His Spirit. It was another great day in the NYNYS Mission! Also, I joined with the young Elders and Sisters with September and October birthdays and we were sung to and given a birthday surprise, a new toothbrush and toothpaste It was delightful!