Week 8 July 5 - 11

The weeks fly by so quickly.  This week I was trying to decide whether to get a hair cut or let it grow.  The girls voted grow so we will see how it goes.

  

This week we had Brother & Sister Diane &     Powell stay with us for three days.  They were senior missionaries here in the Kingsbridge Ward.  It was a pleasure meeting them and seeing their great love for these people.  They made a huge impact on many lives.  Sunday when they came to Church they brought at least 30 people with them.  We have never seen the chapel so full.  It was wonderful. 

Elder & Sister Powell from Orem Utah MLS missionaries in Kingsbridge Ward, Bronx

 On Saturday Paul was a guide for members of this family.  A missionary son and father both received their endowment and then the family was sealed together.  The 14 year old boy got to spend most of the day (about six hours) with Elder Lewis.  He took him to the FH Center and then watched the Manhattan Temple dedication film and a few other temple films.  It was a glorious day for all of them.  What a privilege to be apart of such wonderful blessings.

 Sunday was a fantastic day.  It started with us leaving home at 8:45, getting to the Church in time for the 10 am Ward Council meeting, then Sacrament meeting which was excellent.  Sister Bartholemew, the FH consultant spoke on discipleship and then Brother Newsome, 1st Counselor, spoke on speaking sot and kind words and being respectful of each other.  I am sure this was in the wake of the Dallas police shootings.  Thank goodness we have the gospel in our lives to give us hope and a better perspective of life.  Elders Howard and Mafi are being transferred this week and Sister Spendlove is now going home.  They have been great missionaries.  We love them immensely.

Elder Howard, from Orem, Lewis, Mafi

Sister Lewis, Spendlove (from Roy, Utah)

 While moving from Sacrament meeting to Sunday School I ran into Sister Vargas.  She serves in the temple and on Saturday runs the baptism laundry.  She is a wonderful lady and I knew I would not get a picture of us at the temple so took advantage of today.

Sister Lewis, Sister Vargas

 Today in Temple Prep class we just had Jennifer but we talked about the blessings that come from receiving our temple blessings.  She is trying really hard to keep the covenants she has made.

During our missionary correlation meeting we had fajitas and talked about what was going on with the missionaries.  They all seemed to love being fed.  We also had a baptism planned for 5 pm when the Spanish Ward finished so we had a little time.  Elder Lewis went with the Elders to give the sacrament to Sister Ferguson and I went with Sister Spendlove and Green to visit Elizabeth.  She has fallen on hard times, lost her job, became ill.  She has four children.  Two twin girls who are turning 9 on Thursday and the Sisters have been teaching them.  We are all praying that the family will start coming to Church so they can receive God's blessings and inspiration in their lives.  It's always fun to be with the Sister Missionaries.  They are very powerful.

Elizabeth, Sister spendlove, Green

 Emmanuel was baptized today by Frank Bartholemey, a new member who is preparing to be sealed in the temple to Gina.

Elders Tobor Emmanuel Ehiakhamen, Elder Pulu ,and Elder Mafi

 This young man, Eric, is not a member but came to Church today.  He was invited to come back for the baptism and he did on his own.  Great potential here.

Just as we were getting on the train Sister Wilson, from Tetons, called to see if we would like to come over for pumpkin pie.  Who can say know to that.  We had a nice visit with her and Sister Thompson, from Taylorsville, and the Buchanans, from Alpine.

Eric 

Monday morning we left early for Queens where Paul got a hair cut after eight weeks.  Yes we had to go home and color.  We were in a part of Korea town.

We got off the subway at Times Square were out to find Rockefeller Center someone lead us astray and we ended up walking down 5th Avenue, which is something we wanted to do anyway.  We came across St. Patrick's church, really beautiful.

5th Avenue New York City

St. Patrick's Church 

Further down 5th close to Central Park we found another Trump building.

We ended up walking all the way home from 44th Street but we got to come thru the park and see some beautiful areas of Manhattan.  

After going home and resting from our long walk we scouted out Shake Shack which we have been hearing about.  They do have good hamburgers and we enjoyed the walk.

It has been a great week.  Family at home have been busy.  Kory and Tyler went to Island Park with the Priests.  This week Brayden (he turns 12 on the 13th of July), and Robbie are at Scout Camps, Kory, Katie and family are at Island Park, Riley is at Cub Camp, Rob is busy working on fires and other events.  Courtney is now is Hays, Kansas and in a new area and doing great.  We are so proud of each one of our family and know God is watching over and blessing them.  Have a great week.  Read scriptures, pray and give service.  We can do HARD things.