Close your eyes and drive like there is no tomorrow!

I think I’m getting the hang of driving in New York.  Three or four rules about covers it:  No right turns on a red light.  Don’t be bothered by people honking at you.  Don’t allow more than half a car length between you and the car in front of you or three cars will slip in.  Close your eyes and drive like there is no tomorrow.

I’ve been busy taking care of sick missionaries this week.  The stomach flu bug has made itself known in these regions.  After giving advice on what to do for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and then documenting it in the records about a dozen times, I made a sticky note that I could copy and paste and send out instructions via texts and copy and paste into the charting for the other seemingly endless calls.  I don’t know if I’m smart, lazy, or what but I got through the week.

Not complaining, but it is a little hard to sound compassionate when you’ve repeated yourself 35 times even though the information is new to the current caller/texter.  Texting is often the preferred method of communication here.  That is fine with me though because I have a hard time hearing and understanding the callers sometimes.  We have some missionaries who don’t speak English too well.

I actually love being here and talking to and trying to help these sweet missionaries.  They truly are good to me and so very appreciative every time I talk with or interact with them.  I went to two zone training meetings this week.  One was out about the middle of Long Island and the other was in Brooklyn. (I was to have gone to four more on Friday but had a medical emergency to take care of that day.  More about that later.)  It was fun going to these places. I’ll post some pictures. 

Fall on Long Island

Long Island Expressway.

Looking into Brooklyn.

Manhattan view across the river. Yes I was driving but we were "crawling" at 6 mph.

On Wednesday evening, I hosted a dinner for one of the senior missionary’s 70^th birthday. His wife asked if I would mind because my apt is close to the office and a central location and she would bring all of the food.  I convinced her that I would love to cook so we had a Mexican fiesta with chili verde, rice, and beans.  There were nine of us by the end of the evening.  It was really fun!  A lot of laughing and telling of stories.

Two of the guests hadn't arrived. They got lost in the subway.

The birthday man, Elder Palmer.

Friday I spent most of the day in a dr office with a sick missionary and then to an ultrasound. I didn’t feel the missionary in pain should have to ride the bus and subway for hours to get to the dr and radiology.  Then I helped with some shopping to get things for the diet the dr recommended.

Saturday, I went to a luncheon/meeting for the senior couples out at the end of Long Island.  I took grape salad for my part.  The mission president spoke and explained some things that he felt needed to be better understood and thanked all for the work they do.  About 3 couples will be leaving in the next 2 months.

Last night was the ward Fall Harvest Party.  There was pizza and trunk or treating for the kids.

Today, I went to conference out on the island again.  The building where the conference was held used to be at the site of the world fair. It is a modular building so it was movable. Pretty area.  The trees are so beautifully colored. Going out on the island is a bit like going home.  It is open and there is parking at stores.  There are Michaels, Walmart, and all the stores we see at home with parking lots.  Hope you don’t mind my expressing how much I love parking lots.  I’ve grown to value them.

Church in Plainview. Used to be at site of world fair.

Plainview. I wasn't quick enough to catch a pic of the squirrels playing on the lawn.

Site of world fair close to where I live.

Side story:  When I went to Brooklyn, which was in a beautiful tree lined street area, to zone training, I didn’t think about parking because the meeting was at a church.  Luckily I got there early because the church didn’t have a parking lot.  I drove through the neighborhoods for 15 minutes looking for a place to park.  I finally called the zone leaders to tell them I was there but I couldn’t find a place to park.  They told me I could park in a driveway next to the church because it was a bishop’s storehouse driveway.  The carpets in the church were being cleaned so we couldn’t go into the church.  Had the meeting in the back yard of the bishop’s storehouse which is literally a house. After the meeting, I started for home and knew I would be in rush hour traffic for over an hour so I decided that I had better find a bathroom before I got on the expressway (freeways are expressways here). 

I drove around for twenty minutes looking for a place with parking that might have a public bathroom.  Service stations seldom have them and stores don’t either. I was getting desperate!  Finally I saw a Dunkin Doughnuts with parking for three cars.  I squeezed in and low and blessedly behold, they had a public restroom.  Then of course, I had to buy a doughnut.

Now you might understand why I love parking lots.  I don’t even mind paying for the privilege of parking.  It cost me $17.00 to park while the missionary (medical emergency) had the ultrasound.  I won’t ever complain again about paying $3.00 to park while I shop at Costco.  Enough parking lot stories and praise.  Just don’t take parking lots for granted.

Want you to know that I feel so blessed to be having these experiences and I am blessed to be able to serve the Lord in this way. You my family and friends are some of my greatest blessings.

My love to you from New York.

Sunrise while walking.

I miss Zupas.

It's been a quiet week here in Rego Park.

To borrow from Garrison Keillor, It's been a quiet week here in Rego Park. 

Actually it has been a good week. Thursday I couldn't seem to get one call/problem finished before two more were calling/texting in, but I love it. I can't believe it's been two whole weeks since I arrived. 

I've dealt with depression, dislocated finger, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, colds, knee/foot pains, rashes.... Need I go on. It is interesting and I very much enjoy the interaction with the missionaries. They are so grateful for anything I do or say. 

I am trying to get out to each zone, there are 11 of them, with handouts about self care for colds and instructions to go get flu vaccine. There are 6 zones meeting next Friday so I'm afraid I won't make it to all of them in person. I'll have to send the handouts to the zone leaders to distribute. 

I want to introduce myself and give them a little talk. I want them to appreciate what miracles our bodies are and maybe take better care of themselves. 

Here is an excerpt:

"We hang out with our own bodies all the time - so we tend to take them for granted. But if you stop and think about everything your body does, you just might consider how great it is (and you are). All the time your body’s doing a million things that you’re not even aware of.

Think of a large symphony orchestra producing the works of Mozart or Beethoven. It all begins with the individual playing his part. This is much like how our body operates with its 11 systems working in concert. Like digesting breakfast, growing new skin, and carrying oxygen to cells from head to toe and ear to ear!  Consider our eye construction, our skeleton, our ability to hear the faintest sound, our brain’s amazing circuitry. The human body is a gift and a testament to our Creator’s love and intelligence."

I walk every morning still. It has been nice weather here. There is a crisp, chilly wind today. Even had to wear a jacket when I went out this afternoon to get milk. I love fall! 

Last rose of summer just outside my front door.

The walking everywhere is nice too!

Park I walk in sometimes.

Streets I cross.

House for sale/rent across the street.

 The clouds were especially nice tonight at dusk. 

Dusk

I even took time for a pedicure. They have you put your toes under a fan and lights to dry the polish.

My attempt at fall decorating.

I am so blessed to be here. I miss my family and friends but I know that I am here on this mission for a purpose. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. This church is the true church on earth today. Our prophet guides us. Our Savior loves us and provides a way for us to return to our Heavenly Father. 

I love you all who read this.

I'm Official!

Ok. I'm official!  I've had the mission nurse phone since last Thursday. 

Perhaps I should explain in a little more in detail what I'm doing. If a missionary is sick or in pain or has an accident etc. they can call me. I triage the problem and then offer advice for treatment. If it is more serious, I work with an area seventy who is a physician (mine is in Boston) over several missions who prescribes or advises further treatment. If the missionary needs to see a dr, then I find a provider who accepts the insurance and assist the missionary to get care. 

I keep records on each call or personal visit.  Mission Medical in SLC has access to these records and can chart on them too. They also advise and help me and authorize dr visits or any other care that is needed. 

I have weekly and quarterly reports. Yikes!!  Hate that part. 

The missionaries are so nice and welcoming. Wonderful young people!!

On Friday I was able to make dinner for the two sisters who live upstairs. Saturday evening I cooked for the two Spanish speaking sisters in my district. (Eight languages are spoken in this mission.) So I'm enjoying that aspect of my days. Problem is that I only know how to cook for larger groups.

I made a pan of brownies and shared them with the four sisters and four elders. That was nice because the brownies were gone and I didn't have to use will power not to eat the whole pan myself. 

Today was my first Sacrament meeting here in Rego Park 1st Ward. It was fast and testimony meeting. Many of the members are recent converts. It was a beautiful meeting. Their testimonies are simple but heartfelt. I was made to feel welcome. A couple of women told me that I didn't seem like a new comer. Told them that no one is a new comer. We're just all brothers and sisters in the Gospel. 

I went to Costco this week, I wanted to buy some Rhodes frozen bread rolls for my dinners. They don't have frozen rolls/bread of any kind. Guess I'll have to make my own. 

At Costco I did see something you won't find in Utah: hanging halves of lamb and ducks in the freezer. 

My frequent sound byte. 

On some buildings there are big water tanks. I was told that there are times when the water pressure might be low. If the building catches fire, the tank of water can be used to put out the fire. Interesting. 

 

In the picture of the Manhattan skyline there is an extremely tall building just to the right of center. 

It is 1,396 feet tall. 432 Park is the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere. 

Cicilee (granddaughter) and I stood on Top of the ROC when we were here early last month and had to look up to see it. The building has two penthouses, one on the 96th floor that sold for $95 million and another on the 95th, currently priced at $85 million. (I looked that up on Google.)

Here is a picture I saw on FB for us older folks that I thought was cute. Even wrinkled, someone loves us. 

 

My washer and dryer are in the basement. The stairs are dark and I was worried I would miss one and fall so I scrubbed the stairs and after they were dry, I applied hunter orange duct tape. I can't wait to hear what the sister missionaries living upstairs think when they go down to do their laundry next time.








 

Every morning when I wake up and the last thing I see before I turn off my light at night are the pillow cases hanging on my wall that my family made for me. What a joy to be an eternal family and to know that even though I'm 2,000 miles away, we are united in every way.

I know that because our Savior lives and has made it possible for us to return to His presence and that of our Heavenly Father we can enjoy the blessings of this world and the world to come. 

I love you my family and friends.

Loving New York!

I'm loving New York. My apartment here is coming together and I am enjoying the fact that I can walk most places. 

I enjoyed conference at the chapel next door to my home this weekend. I loved all of the talks but really liked the talks that used analogies: the tunnel, the mud, the car seat, etc. I also appreciated Elder Holland, Elder Nelson and Elder Bednar. 

Yesterday I spent the entire day training with Elder and Sister Eckert who are the current nurses here. 

Today I got up early and walked with another senior sister. I took some pictures of the train that runs right beside the church. When you are in church, the benches vibrate when the train rolls by. I also took pictures of the Long Island Expressway that is practically in my front yard. From the bridge crossing the train tracks you can see Manhattan. LaGuardia is about 5 miles away. 

Long Island Expressway

I worked in the office for a time this morning and met several missionaries. I love them!

Then when the mall opened I walked to Time Warner to order my internet. They are coming to install it in the morning. 

Interesting story that happened while ordering my internet service:

The sales woman looked at my name tag and said:  "Oh sister. Do you want your name to be Marie on the account."

I said yes.  After a few more question she said, "I won't charge you a deposit. We usually charge at least $100 but I'm writing that off."

I thanked her for her kindness and then she told me she was waiving the installation fee as well. I really professed my deepest appreciation. We concluded our business and as I walked away she asked me if I was able to see the pope when he was here. I was too flustered to explain that I am not that kind of "sister."

I just told her no. I had been traveling when he was here. That was the truth. 

My name tag brings lots of looks. I think many people think I'm a Catholic sister. 

On the other hand, in Target today, a  man behind me in line asked if I was a missionary. I said yes and he said I'm a member too. He whipped out his wallet and showed me his temple recommend to prove it. I love it here!!!

This afternoon I drove to Costco. It is underground under a mall. They charge you $3.00 to park there to shop at Costco. I didn't crash either. Google maps is my new bestest friend!!

I worked and studied some more in the office before I had dinner at one of the other senior couple's apartment. We had Peruvian chicken takeout. Really good. 

Got to get to bed so I can get up early to walk again tomorrow.

New York! Here I am!!!

October 2

New York! Here I am!!!

Driving through New York State

Unbelievable colors

Coming into the city

George Washington Bridge

Arrived about 2:00 this afternoon. Met with my mission president and his wife. Met some the the senior missionaries and was shown my home. It is next door to a chapel where the mission office is located. My car is in the church parking lot and it is secured at night.

Sister Eckert whom I will be replacing on the left.
Sister Reynolds, mission president's wife on the right

Mission map

It has been windy and raining from the hurricane off shore but I am moved in thanks to John and Peggy and most things are even put away.

My apartment is clean and the furniture is new as are the cooking and eating utensils. They have gone to a lot of effort to make my home nice. There is a washer and dryer downstairs so I don't have to go to a laundry.

Looking to the northeast from my front door

Directly across the street from my apt

My front door. The red building in the back right corner is the chapel.

Everyone is friendly and welcoming. Sister Reynolds, the presidents wife, had a beautiful bouquet of flowers in my apt. There are two sister missionaries living upstairs. One is from Mongolia and the other is from California. They "heart attacked" my door.

Bouquet to welcome me

Heart attack on my front door

Entry way

Living room

Kitchen

Bedroom

We are off to a deli to find some dinner. One of the seniors brought some soup and muffins but we'll save them for tomorrow.

It has been a great week spending time with John and Peggy. Memories created that will always be dear to me.

I love you.

Horses, Candy & Church History

Good morning October 1, 2015

Every year when we go to Denver for the National Western States Stock Show in January, I fall madly in love with the big gorgeous horses. Our first stop today was Windemere Farms. The Percherons they bring to the show are magnificent.

Unfortunately, no one was around except for 2 friendly cats, 2 horses in a corral, and horses in a distant field. The website tells us there is a show in Harrisburg this week so we missed the champions.

My cat friends

Couple of beauties

Denver stock show last January. This big guy stole my heart! (Windermere Percheron)

As consolation we went to Hersey PA. The cost of the museum was exorbitant and we decided we could go to Walmart and buy a Hersey bar for a fraction of the cost so now you know our ancestors came from Scotland. Bah humbug!!

We did stop at a Cracker Barrel for lunch where I bought 2 candy bars in honor of my children who like to try new and unusual chocolates. The sea salt is not unusual but I've never tried a bacon with potato chips. Now I have. Not my go to flavor.

We wanted to visit some Amish country but our goal for today is Susquehanna where the priesthood was restored. It is north east and not convenient for the most Amish populated areas. We think we saw some Amish homes and the sign warning of carriage traffic in the Windemere Farms area.
 

Country side

Amish farm. See the laundry on the clothes lines?

Covered bridge

Two days ago in Ohio we passed a horse drawn Amish carriage but we couldn't get a good pic and there was no way to stop because of traffic. It was not really a rural area.

I received an email from my mission office warning the missionaries to be prepared for possible power outages and danger.

Here is a portion of that email:

"Weather reports are indicating that our area may be impacted by Hurricane Joaquin over the weekend and into Monday. This could include coastal flooding, heavy rains and local flooding, and high winds."

We were admonished to have a three day supply of food and water and to stay indoors if the storm hits.

Don't worry. I will stay in touch with them and stay inland if it is bad. John's plane may be delayed. He is scheduled to fly out Saturday morning.

The trees are beginning to turn. In a week or so the colors will be spectacular. The more north we go the more color we see on the hill sides.

Trees changing colors

Highway scenery

Gas across the country is more economical than I thought it would be. The average is about 2.39 but in Mentor we saw the cheapest at 2.11.

The last church historic site we'll visit is the newly dedicated Priesthood Restoration Center in Susquehanna PA.

Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Harmony in December 1827 to escape persecution for their religious beliefs. They lived with Emma’s parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Hale, until they purchased a nearby home with 13½ acres from Emma’s brother Jesse

Tn early April 1829, schoolteacher Oliver Cowdery came to meet Joseph and soon became his scribe. During the translation of the Book of Mormon, Joseph and Oliver went into the woods and prayed for guidance on the subject of baptism. In reply, the resurrected John the Baptist visited them on May 15, 1829, and ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood. He then commanded Joseph and Oliver to baptize each other in the nearby Susquehanna River. A little later in a nearby area, the two men received the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James, and John, three of Jesus Christ’s original Apostles.

This plaque was placed in 1960 prior to recent research.

We toured the re-created homes of The Hales and Joseph and Emma and walked the paths in the maple sugar grove where the Priesthood is now believed to have been restored.

The Isaac and Elizabeth Hale home

Finally can look John in the eye!

Store room

Parlor

Great room

Joseph and Emma's home

Kitchen

Store room

Summer kitchen

Maple sugar grove. It was once thought the place the priesthood was restored was by the river
but recent research suggests it was in a grove similar to this.

This has been a week of fun but also a time of testimony and spiritual growth. To have been in areas where the church grew, revelations were given, and the prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon has inspired me. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ our Savior. I am grateful for this knowledge.

As I arrive in my mission tomorrow, I am blessed to have the opportunity to share this knowledge to whomever will listen and to serve in any capacity that I can.

I love you.