A Special Sunday In Queens NY

Elder L. Tom Perry and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, were in New York City this past weekend for Saturday Meetings with Priesthood Leaders. Elder Holland spoke in Manhattan Sunday, and after 23 years, an Apostle, Elder L. Tom Perry, visited the Queens Stake, for a special Stake Conference. Our regular conference was held just three weeks ago. The Woodside Stake Center has a huge gym that was packed with excited saints, with overflow in the Primary and Relief Society rooms as well as the chapel. Elder Perry spoke of moving his young family back East and being called to serve as a branch president in Queens. He also helped to obtain the property that the Rego Park Building is on. He told the members that it was a miracle to see how much the Church has grown here. He spoke from his heart and it was warm and so nostalgic. He shared several stories and my favorite was a memory from when he was 8 years old.

Elder Perry's father was a bishop who helped to raise the funds for a new building. He invited President Grant to come dedicate the building on a whim, and the Prophet accepted. He remembered President Grant pulling up in front of his home, and his mother told him that he and his younger brother's manners where not refined enough for them to eat with the Prophet, so they ate in the kitchen! After dinner Sister Perry knew that President Grant was tired from traveling and offered him a guestroom so he could have a nap. Bishop Perry also tired, lay down in his room for a rest. Sister Perry sent her two young sons down to the Church to save her a seat. She busily cleaned up her kitchen and headed for the Church arriving just before the dedication was to begin. When she saw that her husband and President Grant weren't there, she quietly asked Tom to run home and get them. Elder Perry said he quickly woke his father, and when his father saw what time it was he told him to hurry and waken President Grant. He said he had great respect for the Prophet and was scared to wake him. He gently shook his arm and he said President Grant quickly sat up on the side of the bed and tucked him under his arm. He can't remember what President Grant said to him, but he remembered the love in his eyes and the kindness of his face.

Elder Perry testified that our living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson is the most loving and kind prophet we have ever had in the Church. He said if he has time on a Sunday, he visits a rest home and reaches out to the residents there. Elder Perry bore a powerful testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel here on earth. Joseph Smith, Restored the gospel and translated the Book of Mormon, here in upstate New York. How thankful we are to have been here and to have seen the saints prepare for this memorable visit. This is sure to be one of our top ten experiences. Pictured above, Queens Stake President David Duffy and Elder L. Tom Perry, as they greet Conference visitors. Our Institute students were surprised Elder Perry was so tall and Anita Maharaj said, "He shook my hand, and said he was glad to be with me." She was so thrilled and happy!

The bittersweet part of Sunday for us was saying goodbye to Elder Jemmett, one of our zone leaders. He and Elder McLean paid us a special visit and enjoyed Sunday dinner at our pad. Notice their Fall ties. The Spanish speaking, Woodside Ward, sang Faith in Every Footstep, at the Conference and all the men wore matching ties! These two elders have spent considerable time in Woodside and we think they are the best. I neglected to get a picture of Elder Jemmett and Sister Cunliffe with President and Sister Bennion at Zone Conference, my tradition. However, we enjoyed their testimonies and have watched both of them serve so valiantly here. Sister Cunliffe, has grown in so many ways. We always appreciated her welcoming hugs and helpful spirit in our district. Along the way she amazed me with her American Sign Language abilities. Elder Jemmett is one who is so easy to know, happy and he represents the best of Idaho for sure. President Bennion said he never heard any thing that was not 100% positive from each of Elder Jemmett's companions. As I'm writing today, Elder Jemmett and Sister Cunliffe are flying home to Idaho and Utah. They were both pretty excited for Thanksgiving Day with their families. Elder Jemmett will attend BYU-I in January, and be there when we get home. We look forward to that reunion. Thanks for serving with us. How blessed we have been by your leadership and direction, and most of all your example of goodness. We love you and will miss you here.

Marvelous Monday Astoria FHE

We invited Elder Wiggington, a missionary in our zone to share with the Astoria YSAs his conversion and testimony. This fine elder, a Jew, was studying to become an Orthodox Rabbi when he helped his new LDS neighbors in Georgia move into their new home. He learned they were the parents of five daughters and offered to help the husband. The next morning two Mormon missionaries were there helping when he arrived. They asked him two questions. Why was Malachi the last prophet here on earth? Why aren't there prophets today, and also, where was he obtaining his authority to become a Rabbi? He couldn't answer their questions and so he called his university teacher and put him on speakerphone so he could answer their questions. Elder Wiggington's teacher could not answer their questions either. The elders handed him a Book of Mormon and said, "Read this!" At first he just glanced through it and then he found some names that made him curious. As he read the book, he asked God if the book was true. He had a powerful witness that it was, "A feeling like he'd never experienced before." He joined the Church almost 3 years ago and will complete his mission in May. He hopes to attend a Church University and become a Seminary or Institute Teacher. We enjoyed what he shared with all of us. I received two wonderful emails the next day about the Spirit that was felt there. Pictured above (L to R) first row: Shara, Annikki, Judy and Kat. second row: Elder Wheelwright, Elder Wiggington, Vanya, Robert and Elder West, and in the far back, Caleb.

Woodside is WHITE, ready to Harvest

(Pictured L to R): Hermano Pellerano, Sister Cunliffe, Hermana Osorio, Sister Thomas, Elder Froerer, Elder Jemmett, Hermano Chavez, Elder Imlay, Hermano Martinez and ElderMcLean.

Last Sunday, November 9th we didn't understand much of what was said, but the Spirit was so strong as three new Woodside Ward members were baptized. Sister Cunliffe and Sister Thomas taught Hermana Maria Teresa Osorio who was baptized by her friend from Chilie and Woodside Ward member, Gregorio Pellerano. They also taught Hermano Miguel Angel Martinez, who came to the states to live with his Mom who is a Woodside Ward member. He was baptized by Elder McLean. Our newest Elder Froerer was brand new in the mission three weeks ago and was "fearlessing" out on the street where he met Hermano Martin Mendoza Chavez.
After his baptizm Hermano Chavez, testified that he'd been looking for this gospel all of his life. He referred to his four angels, Elders Froerer, Imlay, Jemmett and McLean. To witness the hugs between these two brothers was a sweet experience. Both of their lives changed that day and we were blessed to be there. We attend our meetings at the Woodside Building and attend the Astoria Ward which is English speaking. The Woodside Ward is the Spanish speaking ward we share the building with. We are often invited to their activities and love the members there. Below our incredibly giving leaders, President and Sister Bennion offer congratulations to all. We see them often at baptisms all over the Queens Stake. Bless them for all they do to serve in countless ways.

MORE "TRICK 'r TREAT" FUN

How glad we are that handsome Shane and good witch, Jen, our oldest daughter, sent Halloween pictures! Our grandson, Jake was the Mad Hatter, Shelby, the mermaid, Arielle, and blond Lizzie was Snow White! They along with some of their ward friends visited my parents for some treats. My Dad is not costumed, but he is the energizer bunny who just won't give up. He has suffered from renal cell carcinoma for over 12 years. My Mom is an angel who has cared so lovingly for him, especially since last summer. When we were called to serve, my parents and our children helped us decide it was the right time for all of us. My parents served in the New York City Mission in '92-'93, (before it was divided) with Elder and Sister Child. Because of that we have been thankful to follow in their footsteps. We celebrated Christmas with them before said our good-byes and entered the MTC last December. Jen and Shane have been there to help and serve Mom and Dad and we are so thankful to each of them for all their support. We are grateful Dad has been able to bless our children as a patriarch, and seal them to their husbands and wives. He served in the temple as a sealer till the end of August and as a patriarch till September, a tender mercy for all our family. Now for a shout-out..."Happy Birthday, Craig!" My older brother, who I love with all my heart, turned 57, celebrated with my parents and they all went out for lunch together along with my father's hospice care giver. Dad you're amazing, and we love you tons. He's always up for a party!!! Craig and Mom know how to throw one too.

Our Astoria Family

We miss being with our family, but have adopted the Astoria Ward Young Single Adults who join us for Monday night dinner and Family Home Evening. Because of their work schedules, school, and active social lives, our numbers vary from week to week. It's fair to say that Sarah, Judy, Robert and Tony, are our core group! Often we have our Astoria Elders and a YSA age investigator join with us too. This week in light of the backlash from Proposition 8 passing in California, we studied from Luke19:45-48, about Christ cleansing the temple, not once but twice in his life. A protest was planned at the Manhattan Temple on Wednesday night. We talked about the Lord's house being a target and the need for Christian Courage from Elder Hales General Conference talk. We have thought often since the election, how we felt when "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was first given in 1995. The first paragraph reads,

"We the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

I remember thinking, "That's wonderful and it surely is what I believe." About fifteen years later it became clear why our leaders issued The Family Proclamation. How thankful we are to have a living prophet and apostles leading our church today. At FHE and all of our institute classes, we were able to bear testimony that God speaks to His prophets and how blessed we are to have holy temples blessing our lives here on earth.

Queensboro "Jedi-Warrior" Zone Activity

Most of the time these elders and sisters "look the part" and work so hard together to accomplish their goals. Monday, November 10th, we saw a different side, as we watched them play as hard as they usually work at our zone activity. They played, "Jedi-Warrior," fast and furiously. It was a blur and our goal was to get a few pictures and stay out of their way! Below, Elder Mc Lean was his team's Jedi, with songbook in hand, he had the power to tap one of his warriors after they were hit and bring them back to life! Elder Goodman, in the foreground, was Elder Newey and Sister Marshall's target, both with powerful throws. Amazingly, one of our ASL sisters, Sister Marshall who is deaf, was the winning warrior! She has 4 heightened senses and is fast on her feet. It was great fun to watch her jump and duck as all the guys tried to hit her with a ball. She made it very hard for them and was the one to beat!

Tuesday, Nov. 4th "Come As You Are Party!"

New Yorkers Are Very Proud People. Tuesday we were thrilled to join with them as proud Americans...

PS 84Q...a grand old school, currently under renovation!

This was historic for us, California/Idahoans voting in New York City for what was reported as the most important presidential election, without any incumbents since 1952! We knew our votes would make no difference in Idaho and hoped our votes would count in New York!

The polls opened at 6 AM and we walked to PS 84, located at 22-45 41 Street, LIC, NY. There we waited in line for about one hour. It's crazy here...we used a voting machine, one at a time. We were excited to vote for our first and probably last time, (one never knows) here in NYC!


Notice the sign, VOTE HERE printed in 4 different languages!
Let freedom ring...we are having a real adventure here and are glad we voted as New Yorkers on Tuesday!

Singles Mix and Mingle Before CES Fireside

Last Sunday we had a good time with the singles of the Queens Stake before the CES Fireside. We played scripture password which has been a well-received activity with our institute classes and our FHE group. Above, Nellie and Ralph oppose Ben and Caleb. The word was "watchman" and all were winners! We played three rounds with 5 different teams. Grace and Elder West moderated! Below, the crowd supported and encouraged their friends and enjoyed snacks and treats, while socializing. Bishop Burton spoke at the Fireside and afterward we served a pumpkin cake dessert. It was a nice evening and the best part was being with so many of our dear friends.

THIS HAS BEEN SPOOKY...downright SCARY

We've seen a lot of Elders Rencher and Patton, lately. They are two of our all-time-favorite Astoria Elders who are now serving together at the mission office. About three weeks ago, Elder Patton (who's Dad is a Salt Lake surgeon and Mom is an RN) was over-confident and encouraged by his caring companion, to perform self-surgery on a wart he had on his hand with a pocket knife they had at their pad. They sterilized the knife with a gas flame and he cut the wart out and then he developed a bad infection. We will never know if his hand and foot conditions were related, but after taking an antibiotic, he developed a baffling problem on his feet. He was suffering from several oozing, weepy new sores each day. It became horribly painful and we were all very worried about him. He saw six different specialists here in Queens and yet the problem was escalating hourly.


Friday night, yes Halloween, the Bennions were "putting out fires" with other missionaries and asked us to take Elder Patton to the hospital. We headed out to Long Island Jewish, North Shore Medical Center. It's the best facility we have found..clean, well staffed and stocked, ready for major emergencies. They took enough blood for all the tests they needed to run, and he experienced his first IV. All three doctors agreed that they thought it was a severe fungal infection and he needed to see their dermatologist the following Monday. His ER doctor, Thomas Caggiano, a future anesthesiologist, was "cool" and did a great job of reassuring Elder Patton he would be OK, cleaning his sores, and bandaging them and then he put him in comfy, snugly socks so we could get him home. After we filled his medications and took them to Rego Park, we got home at 2 AM. On the way home we did see some frightening party goers and lots of NYC Cops on Steinway Street outside the Eternity Lounge. So much for being in early Halloween night!

This week we are happy to report that Elder Patton is on the mend. A Flushing dermatologist was most impressive in helping to treat his fungus. Sister Bennion has been pushing yogurt to replace the good bacteria his drugs have been killing to help balance his system and he's healing. We are hopeful he'll be back to work this next week. It's been a real learning experience for all of us. Elder Rencher will be an incredibly caring father someday. We have been so impressed with him and know that Elder Patton has been very blessed to benefit from his TLC.

Our Steinway Scarecrow...a Fun Friend

We had a hoot creating and wearing our scarecrow costume for the annual Astoria Ward Halloween Party. The festivities included a Chili-Cook-Off, Trunk-or-Treating, and awards for costumes. The costumes were amazing and we were thrilled to win the award for the most original costume with our "scarecrow investigator." Just before the trunk-or-treating began we had to leave to take Elder Patton to the hospital. It was well attended and we were able to taste a multitude of delicious chili and cornbread, before heading out. All in all it was a Spook-tacular evening we won't forget!!!

Love Affair Continues...More of Sagamore Hill

I have a warm memory of visiting Sagamore Hill with my parents in 1993 while they were here in New York City serving their mission and living in Jackson Heights. We collected some small pods that I still have and use in arrangements at our home in Rexburg. I wanted more and to be honest, I love this place! It's not too far from Hofstra University where we had to be that evening and were able to stay for a short time. On this trip we visited the day before Roosevelt's 150 birthday celebration and discovered the Old Orchard Home. For 50 years the look of Sagamore Hill changed little. Then in 1938, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., the President's oldest son, built the Georgian home on four acres of the farm's old apple orchard. The house is now open to visitors as a museum of President Theodore Roosevelt's life and family.


Along this roadway cows were led to the nearby fenced pasture. We could only imagine what fun the six Roosevelt children had working and playing on their farm. It's such a serene place and we love what we feel here.