Farewell Astoria and Beloved Dads

Father's Day, June 21st was a special day as we were able to honor our wonderful fathers and bid farewell to the Astoria Ward.

Elder West talked about his love of the Book of Mormon. As a young man he used to join his father who traveled world-wide sharing his experience of putting the Book of Mormon on trial for his final project in a law school class. His budding testimony grew as he learned from his father about the authenticity of this powerful book. Our children also learned from Grandpa Jack about the witnesses, internal and external evidence, and from his slides of trips to South America.

The Wests, Theresa and Craig in front of the Woodside Building

My older brother, Craig and our sister-in-law, Theresa, visited the Astoria Ward. They were spending time with friends in Manhattan and came to spend Sunday afternoon with us. In thinking of our Dad, while serving his mission in '92-'93, he used to jog by the Boliva School for Watchmakers. He heard that it was being sold and felt it would make a wonderful building for the Church. Much later the Church did purchase the building and Dad was right! It's a wonderful building for the saints to meet in. It's probably the most unique building we've ever attended with nice wide halls and ramps, designed for the disabled. It has been a great blessing to see some of the fruits of Dad and Mom's mission. How thankful we are for our missionary fathers and their examples of faithfulness to us and our family.

We took Craig and Theresa home to Steinway Street for a little Father's Day dinner celebration, Greek style! Craig is the father of six great kids and grandpa to 3, as of last Monday. Our five kiddies and their 13 think Grandpa Chas is the best in the West! Thanks Craig and Theresa for a memorable visit and to our kids. Your phone calls made Dad's Day.

As for the Astoria Ward, we have grown to love and appreciate the faithful members here. Shortly after we arrived our Stake President, David Duffy asked us, "How do like living in the resort ward of the Church?" We weren't sure what he meant. He told us, "People stay for a little while and then they leave!" We have found that he's right. Amazingly, it's sad when someone moves away and joyful as incredible new ones arrive. It's a blessed ward for sure, and we are so grateful President Bennion assigned us to serve there.

For Father's Day the Primary children sang, paid tribute to all their fathers and Bishop Glass, and passed out Hershey Bars to all the guys....what a treat! We will miss all of you so much.