So great is my joy!!

Week before transfers (that happens on Tuesday June 28) is typically slow, especially toward the weekend.  Most of the missionaries are preparing for a possible transfer by doing a "deep" clean on their apartments and preparing to pack if necessary.  They are all too busy to be sick for the most part.  Did have a few calls, but it was medically slow.  I like that we don't have a lot of sickness this week.  We are fighting bedbugs and their bites again, 3 tick bites, couple of sinus infections, and a root canal.  And I still have reports and such but I am getting better at that so it doesn't take so long.

I took Sister Seo and Sister Fitt to lunch on Tuesday in Flushing.  Sister Seo leaves to go back home to Korea next Wednesday.  We celebrated the completion of her mission by going to The French Workshop Artisan Bakery for a Duke!  Couldn't resist.  I ate a modestly low calorie lunch though at a Thai restaurant.

Sister Seo and Sister Fitt

On Thursday I took Sister Batsuuri and Sister Bugingo to lunch in Brooklyn.  We ate at an Indian restaurant.  Love curry!  No dessert.  Sister Batsuuri returns to Mongolia on Wednesday.

Sister Bugingo

Sister Batsuuri

Friday, Elder and Sister Williams invited me to go to dinner with them.  Again it was Thai-massaman curry.  On Saturday, I took Sister Krause and Sister Dos Santos to a really exotic place for lunch:  Subway.  On the way back to my home, we passed a street vendor selling hats.  We had our own mini fashion show.  Then I felt guilty for taking pics of us with the hats so I bought each of the sisters a hat:  2 for $5.  Can't beat that!!

Now that I have given you the run-down on my diet for the week, I also want you to know that I have been trying to watch my caloric intake (I know that is hard to believe) and walk every morning.  I start off with these stairs and then a lot of hills-not too steep but keeps me panting a little.

The flowers and gardens are beautiful.  And I introduced you to Scooter a while ago but he was out and wanted to play ball this week.  Got to have my canine fix.

As I walked through a park near my home one morning, I saw a Boo Radley tree.  Made me fondly remember when Kay read To Kill a Mockingbird with the kids.  I firmly believe that reading that book with their father instilled a love for reading in each of them.  If you ask them what their favorite book is, I bet it will be To Kill a Mockingbird.  I know that the older ones at least could relate to Scout, Jem, and Dill.  I think that some of them have read and re-read this book.  I read it again myself just a couple of years ago.

Here in New York, recycling is BIG!!  I see many people rummaging through trash and picking up recyclables.  For some it is the way they make a living.  I am not sure how much money they get for the bottles and cans that they bring to the recycling machines but it must pay enough to make it worthwhile.  Many grocery stores have machines at their entrances or in the back.  This woman has her cart over loaded with cans and bottles.

I am happy that I live next door to the office.  I have had sisters and some elders dropping by all week.  It is a pleasure to visit with them and to get to know them better.  I try to have cookies or some kind of goody to give them.  I think that is why they like to come.  I wish I had pictures of each of them.

Sister Dos Santos

Sister Krause

Sister Rivera

I enjoy hearing of the work the missionaries are doing. I get to see how their faces light up when they are telling me about the people they are teaching and the miracles they see.  They share weekly emails with me also.

Sister Jenkins, who is going home next transfer (August), told me about a miracle in her mission:

"I've been reflecting a lot on my mission and how much I have learned so far, and I think the most important thing that I have learned is the love that God has for each of His children. I have seen countless times where God has led us to people who have been praying for help.  God truly listens to us and knows what we need and what we want.

I remember one time when Sister Forkus and I were doing some look ups and decided to go visit a less active, but turns out she didn't live in that house anymore but they who did were going through a hard time and needed to hear a message about the love of God. Later that night we found out a member knew the girl who we met and wanted missionaries to visit her.  God was trying to get the missionaries to this person two different ways.

Another instance was when Sis Anderson and I got out of a lesson and felt like we needed to go to a less actives house, but it was clear across town.  We felt strongly that we needed to, so we did.  We almost missed the bus, we got off at the wrong stop, and we were on the wrong  street when we thought it was the right one. We met a random less active member who told us that she had prayed for help just a few minutes before, and when she said "amen" she looked out the window and saw us walking across the street.  God needed us in that area so we could find that less-active who needed help.  God knows us.  God wants to help us.  God sends people to help us, especially when we need them the most,  so rely on Him for help.Pray to Him. HE WILL HELP YOU!!!!"

Sisters Anderson (also going home next month) and Zambito had a miracle filled week.  I asked Sister Anderson if I could share part of the letter that she sent home to her family. 

"This week I feel like for the first time I had to concentrate my whole being on the missionary purpose. Which is: "To invite others to come into Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end." Let me tell you why.

Last Sunday we received a text message from Karina and Stephanie, our investigators with a baptismal date of June 26th - yesterday. I don't remember exactly what the text message said but it was along the lines of, "We're not coming to church. Thanks for all you've done. Do you think you can come over tomorrow so we can tell you why we've decided that this isn't for us?" The whole Sunday was filled with sadness. My companion and I were overwhelmed with nerves as we went to their house Monday evening to see as to why their feet had grown so cold.

The lesson with them on Monday seriously felt like a battle between us and the adversary. After last Friday night and the lesson we had with them on tithing Karina fell victim to anti-Mormon material. Monday, she held the Book of Mormon in her hands like she was trying to hold on to something that was trying to run away, and asked so sincerely, "How do you know this is true? How do you know Joseph Smith was a prophet?" I'm sure my mouth hit the floor. After all the bad she had read and watched online she wanted to believe so very badly. We did all we could that day to help her remember all the things that she had felt and all the growth she had made. By the end of our time with her that night both Karina & Stephanie agreed to keep working to be baptized this Sunday. 

We met with them every single day this week. Oh boy, do I have a testimony of the power of the spirit. It literally is something that is visible in the eyes of those who are seeking it. Every single day that we met with Karina & Stephanie the light that they had once had began to slowly pour back into their countenances. Saturday night after meeting with them they were glowing! I had no doubt that they were ready to make a very special promise with Heavenly Father.

Sunday was perfect. Stephanie's dad and brother came. Karina was overjoyed about that! Who wouldn't be happy to have their whole family be able to witness such an amazing thing? Everything went according to plan. Which is surprising. Even the baptismal font that has a leak didn't even drain too quickly! Really the tender mercies of the lord were so very prevalent.

If I had to pick a favorite moment of the day it had to have been that the first words out of Karina's mouth to us were, "thank you so much." She speaks English, so I think that that is exactly what she meant to say. The spirit was overwhelming as she bore her testimony of the healing and enabling powers of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Hey, you know what? I know that this is true. I think that is why my heart feels like it is going to burst when I think about how joyful I am that Karina and Stephanie have chosen to take this first step down the path of eternity. I know that the choice they made to covenant with God has made them eligible to live together with Him as a family for forever. I don't think that there is any other kind of happiness that can fill you up like the happiness I feel for them. It calls to my memory one of the scriptures I admire most from the Book of Mormon:

Alma 29

9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

13 Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full.

14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.

15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!

16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy.

17 And now may God grant unto these, my brethren, that they may sit down in the kingdom of God; yea, and also all those who are the fruit of their labors that they may go no more out, but that they may praise him forever. And may God grant that it may be done according to my words, even as I have spoken. Amen.

I, too, have been able to feel my testimony and gratitude for what the Lord does for me grow to inexplicable heights as I've watched Karina & Stephanie progress. That makes me happy. However, their testimonies and their happiness is what brings me the truest joy that I've ever felt. Such joy I never knew existed, but for which I am humbly grateful.

Sister Anderson"

I was able to attend the baptism.  Even though it was in Spanish, the language of the Spirit has no boundaries.

Sister Anderson Stephanie Karina Sister Zambito

I even felt the joy of an experience this week:  Ruma, the investigator I've mentioned before  wants to be baptized but her husband is against it.  She, I and others have been praying for her and for her family and that the hearts of her family will be softened. Ruma told me that this week her husband began praying with her. That is a monumental blessing and answer to prayers.

Prayers are direct communication with our loving Heavenly Father.  I testify that my prayers have been answered many times.  It is not always in my time frame nor in the ways I might ask for or expect, but in retrospect, I see that my communications have not been unheard.  I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior.  I am grateful for my membership in the church and for the ordinances and covenants that I have made that make it possible for me to be an eternal family and member of God's kingdom.

I love you my family and friends

When I see these wading pools I think of my cute grandchildren
playing on the grass in the summer in my back yard.

PERFECTION

Note to self:  Do not park under a tree like this.

Elder Law asked me to teach him how to sew a button on his suit.
I really like that he wanted to learn. He didn't ask me to do it for him.

Brooklyn Bridge at night. Freedom Tower in far left.

Darkness cowers at the presence of LIGHT

WOW!!  It's been a busy time since I last reported.  In caring for some of the missionaries, I have been to Staten Island, The Rockaways, Flatbush, Jamaica, and Flushing (you can click each city to learn more about them).  I love, love, LOVE going to the areas of the city.  Each area is unique even though it is one city.

The area of Flatbush where I was had nice homes on tree-lined streets.

Homes

The top is the chapel. Bottom white building is the bishop's storehouse.

While I was waiting for the sisters, I dipped my toes in the Atlantic at Averne in the Rockaways.

Surfers

Rock barriers. I talked to two men who were preparing to fish off the rocks.
They told me they catch striped bass and right now the king fish are running.

The board (cement) walk, high rise apartment buildings, and the sea grass plantings on the beach.

Staten Island Geese

Staten Island Hen turkey and chicks

"Historic Richmond Town is an authentic town and farm museum complex in the neighborhood of Richmondtown, Staten Island, in New York City. It is located near the geographical center of the island, at the junction of Richmond Road and Arthur Kill Road. 

It was formerly a county seat and commercial center, including the former courthouse of Richmond County, and is coterminous with the borough of Staten Island. People who lived in Richmond Town were mostly of Dutch, English, or French descent, and the most common jobs were those of blacksmiths, shoemakers, and other craftsman types. British troops were stationed in Richmond Town during the American Revolution.

The town consists of more than 30 historic buildings and sites dating from the late 17th to the early 20th centuries. Decker Farm, located about one mile from the center of Historic Richmond Town, features a farm stand and seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking. The site also contains other former commercial and government buildings, as well as farm buildings and homes, some of which were relocated from other parts of Staten Island."

One of the churches there caught my attention. I really enjoy walking through cemeteries and looking at the stones and memorials.

While on the island, we couldn't pass up the opportunity for Korean food at MaDang Korean BBQ.  The two sisters had boiling soup again but I like to try new things so I had a sweet and sour type of pork.

Sisters Fitt and Seo

Close-up of sweet and sour pork. Fancy carrot cutting!

Korean pancake. Tasty!!  The sisters took me to a Korean market and bought
the mix to make these pancakes at home.

When we went to the Korean market the sisters bought bean cakes. They are very good.
The outside rice mixture is the consistency of gummy bears. Inside is a paste of red beans and nuts.

The sisters also told me how delicious Korean melons are. They're right!
 A bit like honeydew melons but sweeter.

On the way to Staten Island, Sister Fitt told me about a meal she had been served and how she almost
couldn't eat it. She managed a couple of spoonfuls of bundegi. She wrote it in Korean for me.

Beondegi (Korean: 번데기) is a snack food in Korean cuisine. Literally meaning "chrysalis" or "pupa" in Korean, Beondegi are steamed or boiled silkworm pupae which are seasoned and eaten as a snack. Beondegi are often served by street vendors, as well as in restaurants and drinking establishments. They are also sold in cans in grocery stores and convenience stores, but they must be boiled in water before serving. Beondegi is not always sold in the market and is usually sold from street vendors, although it is possible to buy the live variant for personal preparation.

Chicken noodle Karjebi.  Hand made, thick noodles. I think this might become one of my favorites.
Reminded me of my grandmothers homemade chicken noodle soup.

Kimchi - fermented side dish of seasoned vegetables. Top one is radish. Bottom one is cabbages

Seafood Karjebi - noodle soup

Four days later we had to return to Staten Island for a follow-up but we didn't eat until we returned to Flushing.  I think I am becoming Korean.  I like the food.

My name in Korean

This week I also had the opportunity to visit with Ruma.  She wanted me to come to meet her mother who is visiting from India.  What a pleasant afternoon I have been getting to know the family better.  I took Ruma  a family history booklet and suggested that while she has her mother here, that she take advantage and find out all she can about her ancestors and then write their stories in her booklet.  Her oldest son was most interested in looking at familysearch.org to see if he could find out anything about his ancestors.  Fun afternoon!

Ruma, the Indian investigator, and her mother

A handbag brought to me from India

A money roll given to me by Ruma. This type of roll is used to give gifts of money, particularly at weddings.
If the giver and recipients are wealthy, the gold on the roll is real.

I had a conversation the other day with Sister Anderson who lives in the apartment above me.  She was discussing light and dark or good and bad.  She told me a story that I liked.

"There once was a father who was nearing the end of his life. Having three sons, he was confronted with the difficult decision of which of his sons was the most deserving of his home. After struggling with his three boys he realized that the only way to resolve the issue was to give the three boys a challenge.

He gave them a certain amount of money and said that whoever could buy something with that money that could fill up the entire house would be the one to inherit it. And so it began. The first son returned quickly, followed by truckloads of straw. He had used every penny given to him by his father to buy as much straw has he could, however it was not even close to filling the house up top to bottom.

The second son did something similar, this time with water. He was confident that the gallons upon gallons that he purchased with the allowance given by his father would be enough to fill up the whole house. However, just like his brother and the straw, the water didn't even come close.

When the third son came to the home just after dark had fallen with only a small box in hand his brothers mocked him. They ridiculed saying that there was no way that a box that fits inside of a house would ever be able to fill that house from top to bottom. The youngest brother kept walking. He entered into the living room and turned off the light. His father and two older brothers watched curiously but could see nothing for they were surrounded by darkness. Within a few moments they heard the strike of a match and saw a flame that illuminated their brother just enough to realize that he was lighting a candle.

This youngest brother proceeded from room to room lighting candles. His father stood in pride, and his brothers in shame as all came to realize that the illuminating light from the candles had completely filled the home. The home that now belonged to the third son."

We talked about the choices that we make in life and that most of the choices are between light and darkness. Do I serve a mission, do I not serve a mission? Do I smack this person, do I not smack said person? Do I react in kindness, do I react in malice. Do I cut this guy off, do I wait for my turn in line? Do I tell my hungry little brother I have a granola bar in my bag, do I wait and save it for myself? All of these sometimes seemingly menial examples really show that synonyms for light and darkness are good and bad respectively. 

This world is full of darkness and is starving for light. This can be discouraging and daunting.  Sister Anderson remembered something someone said to her: "The concept of darkness is overwhelming because there is so much of it. Sometimes the light looks like it's going to lose. But that is where hope comes in, because we are on the right side. We are on the side that will never lose." What we learn from that is that we should take courage because darkness cowers at the presence of light. Luckily for us, we have Jesus Christ to serve as our everlasting and never dimming source of light. As we follow Him we will be able to actually receive more light into our lives.  This reminded her of a scripture:

D&C 50:

23 And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

25 And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;

When we stand on the light side, we stand with Christ and with Him we cannot lose. We can have that hope.  We can have our path illuminated by that light that is Him.

I love visiting and sharing with the missionaries.  They are full of the Spirit and always inspire and teach me.

I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that it has been restored in it's fullness.

I love you my family and friends.

One has to eat when traveling about so I invite lovely sisters to join me. Dallas BBQ with
Sisters Taylor and Fouts in the Flatbush area

BBQ pulled pork. Quite a mouth full!

Sisters Krause and Anderson in Belle Harbor Rockaways

Can't pass this bridge and skyline without a picture.

Flowers along the expressway.