A New Assistant and New MTC Missionaries

Mission Assistants, Elder Warr, Elder Smith and Elder McLean

It's official! Today at the 12:00 Transfer Meeting, Elder McLean was introduced as a new Assistant to President Bennion. Elder Warr who has served the past 2 transfers, will serve as a trainer to a new missionary. That "greenie" is a lucky guy! Elder Smith has served for 1 transfer and Elder McLean who has served most of his mission with us in Zone 4, (as our District and Zone Leader), will probably serve as an "AP" till we complete our mission. We can testify of what a fine leader and missionary he is. It will be a treat for us to learn more from him, as each of these assistants are outstanding leaders. After picking the missionaries up at JFK Airport, they took them to Jamaica for a street sweep. That is one of the areas where Elder McLean is a star! He actually taught us how to approach people,"Watch Elder and Sister West, this is easy!" It was also great to see the "APs" organizing a meeting for after dinner, taking pictures, and in general assisting these new missionaries and President and Sister Bennion. Elder and Sister Bulloch who arrived to serve in the Mission Office also were invited. It was a very choice group.

We had the opportunity of serving a lovely ham dinner (Sister Bennion had ready in the oven), to the new missionaries that arrived at the Mission Home. What tired, sweet, wonderful missionaries, 9 elders and 2 sisters. It was such a pleasure to meet them. They were each so appreciative of a "home cooked meal." After flying all day, many of them offered to help us in the kitchen. We visited while working together. They must know our secret, the best party is always serving and cleaning up in the kitchen before slipping out the backdoor! Thanks Bennions, for having us there.

Welcome ALL!!!!!

Elders Serving In Brooklyn

Monday we had CES Training in the morning and then we met Elders Wiggins and Patton at the Mission Office. They were delivering some things and picking up others for their zone. We were able to take them for Fish 'n Chips at one of our favorite little places in Maspeth, The Cornerstone. It's a Irish cafe, with great atmosphere and delicious food. It was 2 PM, and we almost had the place to ourselves which made for pleasant conversation. Both have served as Office Elders, Elder Wiggins when we arrived in NY and Elder Patton "was born" in Astoria and then served in the Mission office. It was good to catch up and hear about their work in Brooklyn and how they were each doing. Elder Patton just celebrated the completion of his first year in the mission, and Elder Wiggins will finish his mission in September. They have had a good companionship and both love serving as missionaries.

The Brooklyn Zone had a photo activity together with their famous bridge as their backdrop!

Afterward they enjoyed a lunch date together.

Elder Patton and Elder Wiggins

Today was Transfer Tuesday and we learned that Elder Patton was transferred to Riverhead, out on the very end of Long Island. It's the most incredible place, so beautiful and much more peaceful than the city. The best part, his new companion is Elder Werner, who was also born in Astoria, and they will serve with Elder and Sister Roush, a huge bonus. He will love the branch there and if we could have picked a place for him to go, it would have been Riverhead!

YSAs "Giving Is Living"

(L to R) Nephi, Eddie, Kat, Veronica, and Jiyoung. Behind, the "Old, Not Single Adults," who love serving with this remarkable group of Young Single Adults!

Since before Christmas, the Astoria Young Single Adults have been trying to complete their "Giving to Others" service project! It was canceled for one reason or another each month. Finally, a fifth Sunday presented itself and even though all could not stay and help with the delivery, they have been collected canned goods and food staples for the last 4 months. We were astounded at all the food these young singles donated to help a special family in need from our ward. The food was collected, bagged, boxed, and wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper and delivered to the most grateful family. They had a wonderful visit and it was a blessing to all, those who gave and those who received. Afterwards they came to our home for Sunday dinner.

"Go give to the needy sweet charity's bread.
For giving is living," the angel said.
"And must I be giving again and again?"
My peevish, petulant answer ran.
"Oh, no," said the angel, piercing me through,
"just give till the Master stops giving to you."

At Queens College "Anything Goes"

Our first CES assignment during the Winter Semester 2008, was teaching The Old Testament at Queens College. Each Wednesday we crossed the beautiful campus and met our students by the clock tower. We held our class in the Rosenthal Library and had the opportunity of meeting wonderful Young Single Adults there. Even though our class was small, we met a few non-member students who were interested in knowing more about The Old Testament. One memorable experience occurred when we met a Jewish young man named Gabe. He checked out a Book of Mormon at the university library. He told us he was interested in "filling some holes," and felt that "Mormonism was possibly the religion that could answer his questions." Gabe recognized the name of the church from Elder West's name tag, and asked Chas some questions about our church. Chas invited him to join our class and he attended a few weeks before we began studying Isaiah, a book the Jews do not recognize. We were able to share the message of the Restoration with him, answer his questions, and hopefully "plant some seeds."

We found Queens College students were very respectful and kind to us. We also have been impressed with how many Broadway actors graduated from Queens College. We jumped at the chance to see Cole Porter's outrageous musical, Anything Goes at the Goldstein Theater. It was produced by their Department of Drama, Theater and Dance and was extremely well done. Anything Goes opened at the Alvin Theatre on November 21, 1934 and turned out to be the fourth longest running musical of the 30s. In 1987, it was revived at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, on Broadway, with Patti LuPone in the leading role. The 1936 screen version starred Ethel Merman and Bing Crosby.

Pam Jusino (Reno Sweeney) and Max Roll (Billy Crocker)

The S.S. American, sailing from New York to London, carries an unusual group of passengers. Included amongst them are a gangster (Moonface Martin), a wealthy debutante and her mother (Hope and Evangeline Harcourt), a nightclub singer (Reno Sweeny), and a wealthy New York businessman and his stowaway assistant (Elisha Witney and Billy Crocker). It turns out that Hope is Billy's long-lost love. Unfortunately, she is now engaged to a wealthy Englishman, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. After a series of comedic happenings, Billy manages to win back Hope. Meanwhile, Billy's friend, Reno, manages to seduce and win Lord Evelyn. All this happens while Moonface Martin attempts to escape the law and Hope's mother strives to maintain her social status.

The Golstein Theater is the main venue for the college theatrical productions and has 476 seats for audience members. Overall, our experience at Queens College, the campus, students, and this production have all been positive. We had forgotten how hilarious and mad-cap the story is. We "got a kick" out of our trip on the S.S. American, Friday night. Way to go, Queens College!

"Our Good Fortune"

Fortunately for us, after a busy day last Friday, filled with district meetings, and Young Single Adult visits, we joined the dePaulas for a fabulous dinner at the Imperial Palace in Flushing New York. Last year while we were teaching at Queens College, we had several opportunities to explore Flushing. Each time we are there we have to remind ourselves that we were not in China. We also travel to Flushing to inspect one of the mission pads, and often attend activities at the Flushing Chapel. We have searched for really good Chinese food, and we believe we found it. The Imperial Palace is highly rated and was packed with many Asian people. There were no forks or knives in sight, only chopsticks, and if they served herbal tea, it would be perfect. Next time we'll have to provide our own! The large dining room room was a regal red, there were all varieties of fish posing in a huge tank the cook dipped into for specialty dishes, and I absolutely fell in love with this little Chinese cherub. Her parents were very pleased when I asked if I could take her picture. Her gracious father stood and bowed!
We dined on Hot and Sour Soup, Steak Kew, Pork with Peking sauce, and Shrimp with broccoli and walnuts. It was a delightful evening and we plan to return again for another adventure.

"Welcome, Sister and Elder Bulloch"

Mission miles, mail, and mattresses, are a few of the responsibilities Elder and Sister Bulloch from Cedar City, Utah, will oversee in our mission for the next 18 months. Elder and Sister Burt returned to Logan, the end of February. For almost a full transfer Elder Swift (L), has handled all the mail, and Elder Rencher (R), the mission vehicles. This was in addition to all of the regular service they provide to the mission; checking all the cars at zone conferences, moving furniture in and out of pads, proselyting, and we have found they know almost everything about this mission! Elder Rencher has served in the office for the past six months, as well as two transfers in Astoria. We are fairly sure he will be leaving our area on Tuesday. These two elders have been training the Bullochs and they are doing amazingly well. Office work involves long hours and lots of follow up. We understand from the Conlins that Elder and Sister Burt reported their mission last Sunday in Logan and it was a mini-mission reunion. The had fun telling colorful stories about NY cockroaches, bed bugs, and other problems they made a continual effort to solve. Sister Burt compiled all of the Mission Miracle stories for the book we each received for Christmas. We will always treasure it and appreciate all that the Burts did to support all of the missionaries here. We know after meeting Elder and Sister Bulloch that they will be a strength as well and look forward to getting to know them. We are so thankful that the Bullochs and Burts chose to serve. Congratulations to all!

"Magnifying Her Calling"

As we have studied the New Testament this year, we have looked forward to seeing Marchita, our Jamaica Institute President each week. She was baptized September 21, 2008, and came from Panama to Jamaica several years ago. She works as a home health aide and hurries straight from her job every Tuesday night to make sure the classroom is beautifully clean and neatly set up. Marchita has been serving faithfully since January. She also plans and conducts a meaningful devotion to begin our class each week. Elder West enjoys hearing Marchita read the scriptures with such feeling. It is truly beautiful and inspires us. One of my favorite memories of Marchita is as we were teaching that the Jewish Christians had great difficulty in giving up their traditions and the law of Moses in particular, we used the analogy of a child learning to ride a bicycle. At first they need training wheels, but after the wheels are removed and a child learns to balance the bike, it would be silly to put the training wheels back on. Marchita had a "light bulb moment," raised her hand and shared that as a former Catholic, she was used to crossing herself when the bus passed a Catholic church. She told us she was going to work hard to give up this tradition and "just sit on her hands!" We love and appreciate Marchita and all of our students at the Jamaica Institute. Thanks for blessing our lives each week as we learn together. The apostle Paul promised, "...Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." Each week as Marchita magnifies her calling she demonstrates her love for the Lord.

"Empty-nest Syndrome," Every Six Weeks

Sister Grover's farewell "Death Cake" from her district!

Elder's Close and McLean exchange information just before transfers.

When we were "expecting our children," we counted the months! Today's moms count the weeks, and with missionaries, the 18 or two year term of service is marked by transfers. We sent three sons on missions, umpteen students and friends, and were never aware that each mission runs on a six week calendar.

This coming week begins a new transfer. We are emotionally ramping up, because we are the only missionaries in our district and zone that for sure won't be transferred. We signed an 18 month lease and stay in the same place, with each other for 18 months. Generally, our ASL sisters aren't moved much either. Each time we loose and gain missionaries we suffer a little empty-nest syndrome...yes it is a true syndrome!

The last week of each transfer, (this past Wednesday) the departing missionaries attended the Manhattan Temple with the Bennions. This is a very special occassion each missionary looks forward to.

Our mission-mom, Sister Bennion, was heading out for Costco this morning to purchase vats of food for, "Transfer Week!" President and Sister Bennion will spend the weekend getting ready for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Here's how it goes:

1. On Monday morning the Mission Home in Westbury, (on Long Island,) is readied for the new missionaries that will arrive that afternoon. The Bennions, know how to run, "a bed and breakfast." They have been doing just that since well before we met them! Well, they still are, but with many more beds and mouths to fill! President and Sister Bennion, are accompanied by the Assistants and the Office Elders, to LaGuardia Airport to pick up fresh from the MTC missionaries. We remember being exhausted after our MTC alarm went off at 4 AM. We caught the shuttle to the Salt Lake Airport, flew all day, and were full of mixed emotions. Each new sister or elder reports they are tired, excited and nervous. Once their luggage is collected, they are taken to a busy area of Queens and experience their first street sweep! Now, this is a great way to begin the work, "fearlessing" New Yorkers! Most find this very exciting and we know it is a great learning exercise with the Assistants as examples to follow. Then they are taken to the Mission Home for a lovely dinner. President Bennion always has a personal interview with each one and they fill out paper work for the office missionaries. They have time to visit and relax, are introduced and instructed about the mission, and get to bed fairly early. We volunteered to help serve and clean up this coming Monday and are excited to meet the missionaries heading our way!
2. Tuesday is "Transfer Day." After breakfast, the missionaries pack up and head to the Rego Park Church/Mission Office. At 10 AM Trainers and new missionaries are matched up. At 12 PM, a special meeting is held for all those being transferred. It is traditionally a suspense-filled presentation as new companionships are announced. What I never realized (and our sons were too kind to tell me), was that when I sent them gifts, they had to haul them around or send them home! Please know that no one picks up each missionary to drive them to their new pads. They travel by foot, bus, or train, with all of their belongings! Don't send big quilts, stuffed animals, or "additional baggage," all the things I sent. Actually, you are all probably smarter than I was! Anyway, back to Tuesdays, that afternoon, the elders and sisters resume their daily work schedule while they get to know one another. We are often amazed at how many ward members they visit and meet that first week of transfers. President Bennion is busy giving final interviews to the departing missionaries. At the Mission Home, Sister Bennion, has the beds changed, and a gourmet meal is waiting for the departing missionaries. That evening after dinner they have a most memorable testimony meeting that parents are invited to. What's been fun to see is how many of the missionaries whose parents are picking them up, opt to spend their last night at the Mission Home. Sister Bennion says the visiting and reminiscing can go into the late hours!
3. Wednesday morning comes early. The Assistants, elders and sisters, grab a quick breakfast, all of their belongings, and head to the airport to catch their flights. Sister Bennion's washing machine, dryer and dishwasher are working over time as she busily puts "His house in order!" What a blessing the Bennions are to our mission.

We have learned how important Trainers are to the mission. The role of trainer is one of the most important and influential assignments in any mission. It's fair to say a trainer determines the future of the mission. We loved our district leader and zone leader, Elder McLean. We had the privilege of serving with him for several months. I remember when I told President Bennion how much I missed serving with him. President Bennion said, "Elder McLean is training one of our great new missionaries!" I then realized the importance of this assignment. They have baptized 13 new members in that district this transfer. We are called to serve the Lord. He is with us and knows where each missionary needs to be. Like Nephi, we have been asked to "go and do." It's a magnificent thing to be a part of.

Usually on Thursday we have a meeting with our district to meet and get to know the new missionaries. By then, we know who has been transfered and where they are. We have said our goodbyes. We so miss all the missionaries, (old and young) that have gone home and love the ones that have replaced them. Elder and Sister dePaula leave in just 40 days! We met in the MTC and can't imagine the mission without them here. We look forward to what we envision to be like a family reunion, when we will (we hope) attend a New York New York South Mission Reunion next October. We send our love to all our departed missionaries!

Elsie's Loved

Half of Elsie's Fan Club

Elsie's other grandparents, Nan and Steve, were with her last weekend for a snuggle fest! We thank them for their thoughtfulness in sending us pictures each day. It was fun to check our e-mail messages. Hey kiddies, if you send them, we will post them!