Our Spring Fling With Jennifer

Along with Spring, we welcomed our oldest daughter, Jennifer. She arrived at JFK early Easter morning after flying most of the night from California. We enjoyed a wonderful week together. Special thanks to Shane who took their three children camping during Spring Break and sent Jen to NYC to see us. We watched the sunrise as we drove to our home in Astoria. It was a sunny Sabbath Day, made extra special with a beautiful sacrament meeting with the Astoria Ward.

Later Sunday night, we took Jennifer for a tour of Manhattan in the car. The bridges and lights are so spectacular at night. It's about the only time that you can really get around the city without traffic. She'll probably never have another "Sunday drive" like this one!

On Monday we traveled to Sagamore Hill. It was not open to the public, but we drank in the beauty and peace of this extraordinary place.

Forsythia is in full bloom all over the city and everywhere on Long Island.

Spring wildflowers pop above green lush foliage.

Leaf green so fresh and new....just beginning at Sagamore Hill.

Massive trees flank this handsome home on a hill.


Chas and Jen pose at the side entrance of the home.

In the garden orchard this magnificent tree was in full-bloom.

These large pink blossoms smelled as inviting as they looked.

We made our first trip to the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, which is a little further east on Long Island. We hope for another day there before we leave.

Chas and Jen posed amongst massive decorative columns in the garden.

Enormous eagle statues guard the entrance.

The magnificent mansion overlooks a most inviting, soothing bay.

Canadian geese were nesting everywhere! This one dared me to take his photo not far from the nest.

Serene swans, at least 32 pair, filled the bay.

Tuesday we celebrated with our Jamaica Institute class our completion of the New Testament.
We enjoyed time to visit over roast chicken, potato salad, green salad, fruit salad, sourdough rolls, berry cheesecake, and I planned to serve it with ice water. I learned that the saints in Jamaica with the exception of a couple do not drink NYC water!

That's when our hero, Shelonda, showed up with enough ginger ale for all!

After dinner we watched, "Reflections of Christ," and shared our testimonies and what we have each learned about Jesus Christ and His gospel. It was a sweet experience and we are so glad Jennifer was with us to meet most of our dear friends who live in Jamaica.

Pictured, first row, (L to R) Moise, Gertrude, Vanessa, Nikita, Shamee, Florinda, Elsie and Lois.

second row: Shelonda, Marchita, Jennifer, Sister and Elder West, Kenneth, and Ishanti.

We were missing Anita, David, Andrewnay, Tony, and Necole, (who came in after we took the picture), sorry! We are so glad they are planning to continue institute class together after we are gone. We have so loved our students in Astoria, Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Little Neck, and Queens College.

Thursday we took Jennifer to Manhattan to the Macy's Flower Show at the largest Macy's in the world, at Herald Square. I've been to Macy's in Idaho Falls a lot and have never seen anything remotely like the flower show that is held each Spring in Manhattan.

Splendid Spring bulbs are blooming in pots all over Manhattan.

Our favorite flower girl, Jennifer, among Macy's blossoms!

Each day a different floral designer creates a masterpiece that if featured. This captivating ballgown arrayed in pinks and purples was unbelievable!

These majestic pink flamingo topiaries, the icons of the Macy's 35th Annual Flower Show are based not on the graceful and exotic birds of Phoenicopteridae family immortalized by James Audubon, but rather on the plastic American variety that has graced the lawns and gardens of suburbia for over half a century. We couldn't help but think of our fun friend T.L in Rexburg!

These vividly colored topiaries are all living, growing gardens. Their intricate wire and welded steel skeletons are first packed with many pounds of moss, then painstakingly planted with over 2,500 flowering kananchoe plants, a hearty succulent, and surely one of my favorites. Each specially cultivated kalanchoes was grown and cultivated in tiny 2" pots, then each plucked clean of its thick green leaves by hand, yielding a feathery soft pink surface.

The fabulous flamingos were standing in this flower surrounded pond at the entrance of the store. There were several pair of these beauties through out the store and in the many windows!

All the flowers were living, high and low, floor to ceiling, absolutely everywhere all through out the store.

Our favorite part of the day was attending the Manhattan Temple with our sweet daughter. We always love and appreciate the beautiful feeling that is there.

On our subway ride back to Astoria I took Jen's picture by this young man. One of the problems we have as missionaries is that so many people are "plugged in" and don't want to talk with us. Interestingly, when I took Jennifer's picture a young woman who was on the other side of Jen asked her who she was. Jen replied, "I'm my mother's celebrity," and she was right!

This small person, Michael Jackson impersonator, had drawn quite the crowd as he danced to the music in the subway. Jen was amazed!

We finished our day with an incredible Italian dinner at Trattoria L'incontro on Ditmars in Astoria. It is rated #3 in all of NYC for award winning food, an overwhelming selection of daily specials, fabulous service, and a lovely atmosphere.

Saturday morning before Jen flew out, we took her to see Doma at Pema Nails for the ultimate in pampering! She was salt scrubbed, messaged, polished and relaxed, before her long plane ride home. Thanks Jen and Shane for our great week together. It is truly our favorite perk for senior missionaries...having our family members come for a visit. We will remember it always!

"2009 Easter Greeting Cards"

Spring is absolutely extraordinary here in NYC. Daffodils in our flowerbeds are in full bloom and bountiful. We have bask in the warmer temperatures and sunlight streaming through the windows. Everywhere we turn we see the renewal of life. We give special thanks this year for the joy we have felt through our CES calling. It has required intense daily study and teaching of the New Testament. This year more than ever before we understood and appreciated the life of example, (particularly the final week) of our Savior, Jesus Christ's mission on this earth.
After General Conference so many of our students shared how Elder Holland's talk about Christ's last week affected them. Florinda said, "I felt that Elder Holland walked me through the Atonement." We give thanks for Jesus Christ and know that his mortal ministry ended on the cross, but the empty tomb testified of His divinity and gave hope of a Resurrection for all of us.

Because of our Savior's love for us, we will all be Resurrected and live again. As we rode trains and buses this past month it was easy to share pass-along cards with a beautiful illustration of Jesus Christ on the front and this message on the back:

Faith in Christ can help you resolve personal and family challenges.
Please accept this free DVD, Finding Faith in Christ.

Call 1.800.443.9911

THE CHURCH OF
J E S U S C H R I S T

OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

http://www.mormon.org/

We put an address label with our names, telephone numbers, and The Astoria Ward meeting time, and address. We hand them out, offering a free movie to all. We pray after meeting our YSA, Oscar, that someone who is searching for the truth will accept our invitation and call for a free DVD. Imagine the happiness we can share if just one person makes a call and chooses Jesus Christ again. It's so easy and anyone can do it....we challenge you to try!

Queens YSA's Easter Dinner PARTY

Nadyia, our hostess, Janie, the cat, and her friend, Davey

Naydia, (our Richmond Hill Institute President), invited the Queens FHE/Activity group for an Easter Dinner Potluck on Saturday, April 11th. We are so happy that they have started holding FHE each Monday night and are planning activities together. They are hoping more YSAs will have a desire to join in. We are so glad they invite us and we love each of them. We savored Spring rolls and meatballs with sweet and sour sauce, baked and fried chicken, chips and salsas, carrots, fresh strawberries, cheesecake, and pie! It was not a traditional Easter dinner, but it was enjoyed by all. We played games and celebrated Elder West's birthday....the party continues! Thanks all for an outstanding evening together.

(front) Erika, Claudia, Nadyia, Davey, Janie (the party animal) and Alvin. (back) Caleb, The Wests, Jason, Oscar, Robert, and Kwacey

Happy, Happy, Birthday, Elder West!

3 to 5...So Happy Together

Friday after zone meetings and regular proselytizing hours, the Woodside district joined together for an early dinner. We welcome Elder Oliverson, (second on the left). He has been serving in Bay Shore, and now joins Elders Pickett and Pickering in a trio for the Astoria Ward. We provided the sandwiches from Charlie, "the sandwich king," at our favorite little Astoria deli. They were a big hit with the elders and sisters, and we knew they would be!

Elder West made assignments and Sisters Heinenge and Montano brought these delicious veggies. Others brought soda, fruit, chips, cookies and muffins. It was a Easter feast!

Elder Nehmer (and new to Woodside), Elder Oliverson, dive in!

Sister Heinenge and Elder Norris smile and catch their breath!


Elder Rowley, Elder Pickering, and Elder Pickett, were all amazing grape tossers and catchers! Every once in a while they would stop to chew, and the game began again. What fun we have with our district. It's nice to see them play even during mealtime once in a while!

"Kid-richment...Astoria Egg-stravaganza!"

Spring has sprung here in Astoria! Yesterday we celebrated with the Astoria Ward children; ages 2 to 12. Amber organized an eggs-tra special breakfast of muffins, juice, and fresh fruit and then we joined together in the Primary room for a short lesson about this beautiful time of the year. Heidi taught that bunnies, eggs, flowers, and baby birds are all signs of newness and Spring.

Easter is about Jesus Christ, how he died for our sins on the cross and was Resurrected from the tomb three days later. Heidi shared her testimony and said how thankful she is for Jesus and that because of Him we will all live again.

We were pleased to see how many of the children participated and understood the most important reason we celebrate Easter.

Chas and I were asked to help with "the craft." We talked about how we plant seeds in the Spring with faith. If we water, weed, and feed them we will harvest flowers, fruits and vegetables. Then we helped each child make a Spring treat, with crushed Oreo dirt, chocolate pudding, where we planted M&M seeds, more pudding, gummi worms and flowers!

Ronin was pretty serious about picking just the right worm for his treat!

Happiness!

More happiness!

We had as much fun as the kids, watching their Moms and Dads. Kristy knows how to get attention! She is a pro with children.

Everyone helped, visited and had a wonderful time.

There were relay races....hopping bunnies....

and more hoppers!

Fishing in the Spring was a big hit. The first time Ronin cast his line, he pulled out and old shoe. He and all watching hooted!

He was so delighted when he recast and scored BUBBLES, the perfect Springtime treat!

Kristy directed the Bunny Bean Bag Toss.

They each had 8 bean bags to throw!

Gavin was pretty egg-sited!

Another relay with teams...Deliver the egg Race...on your mark, get set, go!

Steady....

Hurry...you're almost there!

Ada did not want to smile for me, but I love her Springtime-doo!

We all had lots of fun!

Friends, non-member friends, all kinds of new faces were at the party. We missed the finale, the Easter egg hunt, because we had our zone meeting. Thanks to all the Astoria Ward parents who did such a great job of providing a sweet memory for all!

"Bible, a Bible... I Need a Bible!"

Sister and Elder West, Kwacey, Alvin, Amelia, Caleb, Oscar, and Robert

Monday night we had a delightful Family Home Evening hosted by Amelia at her home in Forest Hills. Robert gave the lesson and shared President Uchdorf''s, "always high flying" talk from the Priesthood Session. He talked about a plane that crashed because the landing gear light bulb was burned out and the flight crew was distracted. Robert researched the crash and gave us all the facts and Alvin, an American Eagle pilot, added that since this accident, one pilot flies the plane while the other troubleshoots, and deals with distractions. This led to a discussion about the distractions we face. These YSAs are busy and even though each face challenges and distractions, their focus is on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Oscar joined the Church in Hemstead NY, on Long Island, about a month ago. As we snacked and visited together, we asked him to share his conversion story with us. He was raised in another faith where he never really practiced his religion. Several years ago he had many questions about God. He studied several different religions and was disappointed as they each believed only parts of the Bible and couldn't answer his questions. Oscar told us,"He was so frustrated that he threw his Bible away and decided not to believe in God any longer." Shortly after making his decision, late one evening he was watching television. He saw a commercial inviting him to call and order, "a free Bible." Oscar realized he needed a Bible and made the call! He told of his wonderful conversation with "someone who understood what he was talking about." Thank you, "someone!" That individual explained that two representatives of Jesus Christ would bring a Bible to his home and teach him the gospel. Oscar was so excited and happy. Elder Douglass and Elder Yeanoplos received that media referral, and met Oscar shortly thereafter. They were able to answer all of his questions. He knew that the gospel of Jesus Christ was what he had been searching for. Elder Douglass was transferred and Elder Furlong had the opportunity to teach Oscar as well. Oscar feels so "new since his baptism." He is thrilled to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so glad we met Oscar and that he shared his testimony with us. God is preparing people for membership in His church. How grateful we are for our calling to help strengthen them and teach them.

A Glorious Weekend

We look forward to General Conference like most people look forward to Christmas. It's always such a feast. In Rexburg we watch it on the big screen in our home. Here in NYC we have a choice between our 17" computer screen or the Woodside chapel. Most of the members watch conference in their homes that have cable or satellite networks. Saturday our group was very small, the Woodside District and a few members and investigators joined us.

President Monson opened the conference welcoming 21,000 people seated in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, UT, as well as hundreds of thousands more watching the broadcast throughout the world. We were very happy to sustain Elder Neil L. Andersen as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We first met Elder Anderson in Rome, Italy, in 1997, while touring with the BYU-Idaho Folk Dancers. Elder and Sister Andersen were with us through out the weekend for the Faith In Every Footstep Parade through out Rome. We remember how warm and enthusiastic he was with all the dancers and how supportive he was in the Rome Italy Mission President's quest, "to bring the Church out of obscurity." Since that time we have appreciated his insightful talks and example of faithful service in all he's asked to do. We were impressed with his humble words, "The Lord has deeply blessed me...I have felt soberness in this calling...I am not what I must become, but I will hope for the promise that President Monson gave in priesthood meeting--that the Lord will shape the back to fit the burden...For much of my life, I've been trying to become what my wife already thought I was."

Between the Saturday sessions we treated our friend Charles to lunch at a legendary Astoria neighborhood deli,
Sal, Kris and Charlie Deli...sandwich king of Astoria!

The deli was jam packed floor to ceiling with sandwich makings, drinks, and people! In a very small space there's a lot to choose from.

We'd never heard of Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses before moving to NY...they are primo!

The selection of meat, cheese, salads, and puddings is immense!

Chas ordered their specialty, "The BomB", coleslaw, egg salad (by mistake), and salami on bread, for Charles, who dislikes mayo, vinegar, any dressings or sauce.

Bakery Boys makes their bread...it's both plentiful and beautiful!

Here it is...THE BomB...where is Sam Berry when we need him?

Meet Charlie, (on the left) He told us Sal died, Kris is his wife and so he is the sandwich king! The guy wrapping our BomB was so happy I was taking his picture....a pretty nice New Yorker.

Loved the wrapping!

Chas tackled the BomB! He could only eat half of it. It was huge.

Charles was proud of how well he peeled his tangelo..so I snapped his pic!

50 years ago President David O McKay admonished, "every member a missionary." Elder Perry reminded all of us that members need to be finding and full time missionaries need to be teaching. Many ward members joined us in the chapel for conference on Sunday. It was great!

Darling Melissa, serves on the activities committee and helped organize the traditional Astoria Ward Potluck that is held between the Sunday sessions. I just love her.

Sunday was absolutely beautiful, about 65 degree in NY and the choir sang, You Can Make the Pathway Bright. Elder Pickering and Elder Pickett make any pathway bright. They are the Astoria Elders and traditionally they have been outstanding. These two are easy to love.

New York New York South missionaries were so excited when Elder Jose A. Teixeira of the Quorum of the Seventy spoke. His son is an outstanding missionary serving in Brooklyn. All good things must come to an end. We loved conference and will write more about it in the coming days. We will cherish the three we've experienced here in New York.

"Be Constant as the North Star"

President Gordon B. Hinckley

At our district meeting last Friday we committed to attaining 6 goals during this transfer. We all agree that being CONSTANT in our work is what really makes the difference. Elder Pickett asked for suggestions for a district theme for this transfer. I remembered a lesson I learned while serving in the Rolling Hills Primary in Rexburg. When I think of a constant example, President Gordon B. Hinckley comes to my mind. His wonderful story about the North Star and challenges in the mission field, inspired my good friend and neighbor, Sister Cheryl Boyer Hansen, to write a song for the Primary children of our stake. She wanted to teach the lessons he learned. It has always been one of our favorite songs, and we had an incredible experience when the children of the Rolling Hills Primary sang this song to President Hinckley. He was in Rexburg for a conference at BYU Idaho. President and Sister Bennion hosted him at their home for dinner. It just happened to be across the street from our meeting house and during our Primary Sharing Time. He loved the song and took it back to Salt Lake and asked The Friend Magazine to publish it.

The President Hinckley Song

1. When President Hinckley was a boy, he slept outside for fun. He noticed all the stars would move, except for one.


2. Discouraged while in the mission field, he read these words from home: "Forget yourself and go to work." His heart was stirred to


3. So if you're discouraged or confused, just think of that bright star. Remember what our prophet said and who you are.

Chorus:
Be constant as the North Star that shines for you and me. Anchored in the gospel with pure integrity, Steadfast in your service to God and fellowman. President Hinckley has shown us that we can.

This Primary song taught us that President Hinckley wanted to be a young man that others and the Lord could count on. As a discouraged missionary he learned a powerful lesson from his father. President Hinckley said of that moment, "I pondered his response and then the next morning in our scripture class we read that great statement of the Lord: 'For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.' " (Mark 8:35) 'That simple statement, that promise touched me. I got on my knees and made a covenant with the Lord that I would try to forget myself and go to work. I count that as the day of decision in my life. Everything good that has happened to me since then I can trace back to the decision I made at that time.' "

Our district was inspired by President Hinckley's experience and the fact that he was serving his mission when he made a decision that affected the rest of his life. We will be constant too in our service. We set goals that will further the Lord's work. We will be constant as the North Star. It's going to be a great transfer!

"Wondrous Woodside"...Now and Then

Elder Pickering and Elder Pickett, our District Leader, are happily still serving together. We are so proud of them. They achieved the mission goal of 21 investigator/member lessons in a week. They are a great match. We actually taught Claudia and Todd, (our neighbors) the Restoration this past week. Claudia is excited to read the Book of Mormon. Elder Rowley and (new to Woodside) Elder Nehmer are our Zone Leaders. Elder Rowley is training Elder Nehmer in this calling. They bring a wonderful spirit to our meetings as humble leaders. We welcome Sister Heininge, who began her mission last August. She and Sister Montano are a special duo, and are teaching and serving in the Woodside Spanish Ward. Lastly, Elder Norris is a new Trainer, to Elder Flores, a brand new MTC missionary. He is from El Paso, Texas, loves Mexican food, electronics, tennis, basketball, and football. We are sure he is in "NYC shock"... always smiling!

Our American Sign Language Sisters, Marshall and Fields, serve in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Long Island, generally in several areas of the mission with deaf investigators and members. We are just lucky that they share a pad with the Woodside Spanish Sisters and are considered part of the Woodside District.

Wondrous Woodside District..... how we were last week!

Elder Froerer, a rising star, is a new Trainer, (that means teaching a brand new missionary) in the Freeport Branch, Lynbrook District. His zone leaders are Elders Imlay and Wrigley and they are all good friends who lived at the same pad in Woodside. Our devoted Sister Thomas is serving in the Jamaica 1st Ward, Jamaica Zone, where we teach each Tuesday. The saints in Jamaica will be so happy to have her there with all of her talents. She is a fabulous piano player, and they need that blessing, and we will see her, hooray! Our Zone Leader, Elder Heiner was sent back to Brooklyn, where he left his heart! He leaves the mission in June, the week before we do and we know there is a great work for him to do there, because he truly gives his all wherever he serves. It's amazing to see our Woodside missionaries go out as leaders all over the mission. We are always very grateful to have known them well. We learn much having served with them.

Virtue is Purity

We were thrilled by the magnificent General Young Women's Meeting, broadcast from Salt Lake City last Saturday evening. A choir of young women sang so divinely, and looked as beautiful as they sang. I experienced fleeting feelings of almost wanting to go back in time and begin at age 12 again!
This past year we were cheering as YW General President, Elaine Dalton called for a, "return to virtue." Virtue has been added to the list of YW Values, symbolically represented by the color gold. She explained, "Gold is pure. It shines. It is soft, not harsh or brash. It is precious. Gold must be refined. As you live a pure and virtuous life, you will be refined by your life's experiences, and as you trust in the Lord and draw closer to Him, He will make your hearts as gold."
Sister Dalton took me "down memory lane," when she showed her bandalo from YW. She told how we were asked to choose a symbol of purity and sew it on our bandalo. She chose a white rose because roses become more beautiful as they grow and blossom, and she chose the color white for purity. I remember choosing a white orchid because they were extremely rare and delicate.
A wonderful story was shared of a summer hike in the Tetons, with counsel to following markers, lift and hoist each other up and stay high on the mountain, remembering Jesus Christ,"who marked the path and led the way."
Sister Dalton also told of her call last year to serve as the YW President from our prophet, President Monson. As she was leaving he took a single white rose from a bouquet of white roses in his office and handed it to her. It brought to her remembrance the white rose of purity on her YW bandalo. She testified that one virtuous YW can change the world.
Before Sister Dalton spoke to the YW a segment titled, "Virtue," was shared. After her talk we found ourselves cheering again and we have been so excited about this coming weekend's General Conference. We look forward to meeting with all of our district missionaries and those that would like to join us, "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice."

Click the You Tube link below to watch the Virtue segment from the meeting.

YouTube - Virtue