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.

"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!