Week 35 January 24 - 30

Monday after cleaning we returned to our apartment and changed clothes and met the Holloways down in the lobby.  They went with us for three days.  They are from Rexburg and we love them.  Off we were to Connecticut.  First to the subway 1 to Times Square then the shuttle S to Grand Central where we bought tickets for White Plains to pick up our car.  We got a Nissan Sentra which we all fit into nicely.  Off we went to Hartford CT.  The leaves are all gone so you could see thru them to what lay behind.  We started getting rain and by the time we got to the Red Roof we had snow and slush.

We got settled in and went to find dinner.  We found a Friendly's, which the Holloway's thought was Freddy's, which they knew in Philly.  We had nice rooms and a good nights sleep.  We left about 9:15. Of course, Paul got up early to check things out and then got lost but finally made it back to the motel.

We drove to the Hartford Temple where we met Brother Earle Stone.  He was so gracious and we spent a wonderful day with him learning much.

Hartford Connecticut Temple

Wilford Woodruff Monument

Grave of Wilford's grandparent

Gristmill he worked at 

Noah Webster house

Wonderful Italian pastry

State Supreme Court Bldg. ceiling

State Capital

First LDS chapel built in New England.  Now owned by another church

Chinese food at Black Bamboo, owner is a good friend of Brother Stone (in red)

Elder and Sister Lewis, you are in luck. I am available and would be happy to take you to see the Wilford Woodruff sites in the area, which include the memorial, the location where his home and the saw and grist mill of his youth were, the homes of his maternal and paternal grandparents, the grave sites of those grandparents and his mother, the school he attended, and some of the homes built by his great uncle, and possibly the grave site of Robert Mason who was so important in the spiritual development of WW. Also, the first LDS chapel built in New England is in Hartford. It was the chapel I attended in the mid 60's and is now occupied by another denomination. This "tour" usually takes 2 1/2 -3 hours, depending on how much I babble. There are other sites of general historic interest in Hartford/West Hartford which I would be happy to show you if you have time. Among those sites are the birthplace of Noah Webster, the homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, the Old State House in Hartford, the Colt Dome, the Colt firearms display, and much more. My ancestor, Samuel Stone, co-founded the City of Hartford along with Thomas Hooker. The church they preached in and the cemetery where they are buried are both in Hartford. If this is agreeable to you, let me know what your time frame on 1/24 will be. If you are able to be in the area longer than the 24th, there is more we could do and see. I have shown the WW sites to probably thousands over the past 30 years. It is something I enjoy doing, and is certainly not an imposition (in case you have such thoughts). I look forward to hearing from you. If you need to call, my home phone is
860-521-8218. If I'm not here, leave a message and I'll call you back. Earle

He did all this and more.  We also saw much of Hartford and had a wonderful dinner at a Chinese restaurant which he knew and stopped at the most wonderful pastry shop where he gave us Italian pastry with ricotta cheese, sweet and delicious.  Needs to be made fresh with a cherry at each end.  Wish I had taken a picture. 

Entrance to Hartford Temple

After a full day with Brother Stone we did some initiatories, an endowment session and a sealing session.  Just a magnificent temple.  The chandelier in the celestial room is stunning.  Pres. Taylor met us at the door and everyone was so very kind and helpful.

Wednesday morning we stopped at Costco and then on to Manhattan where we dropped off the Holloways who were expecting a son and his family.  We then headed to Philadelphia.  

We stopped at Golden Corral on the way and got way too full.  We stopped at the temple where we had a baptism appointment.  Paul baptized me for ten sisters and he was baptized for five brothers. We then went and did an initiatory, then a session, where we were the witness couple and then sealings.  What a special day.  The Temple President, Pres. Winn and his wife were on the session.  

We left and stayed at Microtel.  A nice motel but such a small room, about the size of a bedroom.  

Next day we drove back into town to see the Rocky statue and climb the stairs and then back to the temple where we did another session and sealings.  We ran into Brother Bodine, who served in the Manhattan Temple with us.  

Ran the stairs

We also stopped by Valley Forge.  What a great place.  We watched the movie on setting up winter 

camp at Valley Forge. 

Von Stueben Monument.  He whipped the soldiers into shape for the rest of the war

Washington Memorial Chapel 

The huts which made up the city

                                                George Washington and his horse "Nelson"

Friday we drove on to North Carolina to the time share.  It was a long drive, about six hours.  After checking in about 7 pm we got settled in and Paul made all the changes he needed to be comfortable, moving the sofa etc. 

Saturday we found out there was a parade in New Bern so we went into town and watched it.  It was a Shriners Parade.  What a great parade and reminded us of how many wonderful and caring people there are in the world. 

We were also told of a great Indian Restaurant which was very good, the Bay Leaf. 

Outside our condo window

Sunset in North Carolina 

Week 34 Jan 17 - 23

The last week the temple is open before closure for maintenance.  We saw more activity than in the past few weeks.  I guess people knew we were going to be shut down.  It was nice to have busier sessions and a few own endowments.  

We were open on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr day.  We held two sessions 9 and 11.  We kept busy all morning.  

The weather has been rainy and cool but no rain.  

Saturday was our Ward temple day.  Unfortunately the Ferguson's and Sister Phillips called to say they were all sick and would not make it.  The missionaries did pull through for us and we had Elder Pires and Kalyonov bring the Woods with them.  We had a wonderful visit with them in our apartment.  I had made pulled pork sandwiches, chips and vegetables and homemade cinnamon rolls. Bryn Bass also joined us and that was great.  

After this group left those who came to the session came over.  That was Elder & Sister Richards and their friends from Alpine, The Hansen's.  They were all waiting for the Buchanan's to finish up at the temple so they could go see Lion King.  

Paul, Sister Woods, Brother Woods, Mar Jean, Elder Pires and Kalyonov

The Hansen's and Richards on our roof looking at the city

The Choir sang on Sunday.  It sounded wonderful.  I got there to practice but I have had a cold and started coughing so decided it was better to just listen.  We also started our Temple Preparation class with the Woods.  They have similar lives to ours.  She is from Liberia and joined the Church in 1989.  He joined the Church last year.  It is a second marriage for them both and she has two children and he has four.   They are all in Africa except for her son.  They had both been in the wars in their country running from country to country as war followed them.  

She came to America and encouraged him to come.  He finally came.  In Africa they would go to his church one week and then hers one week.  When they came to America they went to several Methodist churches which he didn't like.  After a month she suggested he come with her and he did.  They started having the missionaries over and he joined last year.  He has been passing the sacrament, playing the organ and working on becoming an Elder.  In May they will be able to go to the temple.  So our hope is to get him ready.  She is already endowed.  Wonderful people in our Ward. Also Adam and Cindy Gerhardz, the young couple from the temple, have decided to attend our Ward.  It will be a great blessing for us.  

Monday the temple closed for cleaning; however, the missionaries all went in for half a day to help prepare the temple.  We went in at 8:30 and were given assignments.  I ended up doing laundry which took the whole time.  We had a big load from Saturday and while they were cleaning out the dressing rooms found about 12 packets that had not been brought down so that took us a while to finish up.  Paul was assigned oiling the hinges of all the doors.  We had sandwiches afterwards and then were excused.  

I will start the rest of our adventure on the next blog.  We love the Lord and are so happy to be serving this mission.  

Week 33 January 10 - 16

A great day in the temple.  We go in at 9 and I start the wash and set up the baptistery.  Paul changes and goes down to the recommend desk to relieve President Bench.  Others start coming around 9:45 or 10.  Our first session is at 11.  We had training on the cash register today.  I spent most of the day in clothing and sealing.  Paul ended up in sealings with me once.  We had two large groups of missionaries who are going home come to the temple today.

Wednesday we were able to do sealings together.  We had several families to seal together.  Brother Rappely, the sealer, loves doing families and we ended up having four sisters in the sealing room and so we were able to seal Eleanor, Lydia, Mary and Margaret Almond sealed to their father & mother James Almond and Eleanor Goore.  We also had another family with several brothers and Sisters the McDonalds.  Really a neat experience.

Thursday we go in early 5 am and finish at 12.  we came home for some lunch and Paul took a nap.  I went back over to FHC and then we went to the 2 pm session.  Four of us on it.  Pretty slow again except for the 11 o'clock session which had 25 on it.  Don't know where the people are.

Christian Traveras baptism, with father and Elders

The Traveras Family 

Eric Mariano and Paul after a hair cut, Eric.

Dinner at the apartment of Elder & Sister Richards with the Sisters.

Sister Nor  Simon

Samuel and the Elders

Two Sisters (Spanish) and a mother and two daughters who are getting baptized soon.

Sister and Elder Buchanan

Sister Thompson

Friday evening we went out to Kingsbridge 2nd for the baptism of Samuel Amankwah.  Eric Darko, Elders Quorum President baptized and confirmed him.  Elders Pires adn Kalyonov taught him.

Christian Traveras (10) was also confirmed Sunday by Brother Knowlton, Ward mission leader.

We now have two sets of Sisters and three sets of Elders in the Ward.

Martin Luther King Holiday in NY.  The TEMPLE IS OPEN
A special day for all the temple missionaries to be in the temple together along with Sister May, The Huntingtons and Sister Dransfield.  It was a wonderful day.  We had lots of people on the sessions.  The 11 o'clock session was full and had to turn six people away to do sealings.  A young man from Brooklyn came to receive his endowment.  He has had some special needs and has proven that he can serve a full time mission.  His Stake President and his companion came with him plus many others from his Ward.  A wonderful day with lots of laundry left for tomorrow.  Yay, we love it when the temple is busy.  However only two sisters came for baptisms.

Bryn Bass came over at 7:30 and spent the day resting and recovering.  We feel so badly for her situation.  She is trying so hard to get out of her situation.  We hope something good turns up for her soon.  She is a new convert.  We actually went to her baptism when we first arrived in May.  She is living in a shelter, working part time and trying to improve herself.  We are grateful we can help a little.

Tonight was our going away party for Sister Kathy Thompson and De Ann and Bob Buchanan at President and Sister Bench's apartment.  The McKennas, Mumfords, and Grimleys helped with a delicious meal of London broil, baked potato, cream corn, roll and salad.

I want to share some of the people Elder Buchanan mentioned as Temple Tough.  First Brother Perez.  He struggles to come and to dress and to get home and yet he is there every Tuesday and Friday without fail.  Sister Pratt, diligent in Family History work.  She is in the temple doing all the ordinances almost daily and doing her own family names.  Brother McClure so faithful and at the temple every week for the interim four hours on Friday afternoon.  He had his quirks but was so faithful.  Sister May, from India, so faithful and her story of joining the church is wonderful.  Sister Tinglin, a wonderful sister with handicaps but the most beautiful smile and attitude.  Brother Haley who brings chocolate treats and temple pictures, temple ties.  He struggles with health issues but is in the temple consistently sharing with others and always testifying wherever he is.  Brother and Sister Miller (Sealer) so faithful for so many years and now struggling with old age.  We are so blessed to be able to serve with such wonderful dedicated and temple tough people.  They have all left an imprint on our hearts.

We also sang "Go Now in Peace" and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again".
Go now in peace, never be afraid.  God will go with you each hour of every day.  Go now in faith, Steadfast strong and true, Know He will guide you in all you do.  Go now in love and show you believe.  Reach out to others so all the world can see.  God will be there Watching from above.  Go now in peace, in faith and in love.

What a lovely evening.  We are so blessed by serving this mission.  We love the people we serve with.  Their influence makes us better men and women.  Thank you Heavenly Father for this wonderful privilege.

Hansons, Harris, Mumford, Nabor, Lewis, McKenna, Heideman, Holloway, Grimley
Bench, Thompson, Buchanan, Bean

A letter to Courtney about our week.

Another week, they come way too fast but sometimes slow, rather a contradiction.  We have had a great week in the temple.  Several own endowments and I got to be a guide for one of them on Friday.  A sweet young girl, member of three years, who came from Texas to Manhattan to receive her endowment.  She brought a friend and two couples with her.  It it such a pleasure to  have this assignment.  We also got to do some sealings together, Grandpa and I.  We have had some family names, four sisters needing to be sealed to their parents and we had been waiting for a sealing session where we had enough people to do them all at once.  Such a special thing to do, rather than one by one.  It's pretty neat, the parents are at the ends of the altar and the children by age on the sides and then the sealer calling each of them by name seals them to their parents.  

I have been to the FHC a few times this week and usually find at least one or two names that need to be done.  I'm trying to get into a cousin line which opens up a bunch of families who need their work completed. It's a great work we are involved in, you teaching and bringing the gospel to the living and we doing essential ordinances for those who have passed on.  

Well, everyone is at Kory's having a great time without us.  They all look good, we used facetime, and were having fun together.  What a great family we have.  We are very blessed.  

I just finished reading a book on Emma Smith.  Sister Bench, Matron, lent the book to me.  Someone, Lori Woodland who is from here, wrote it.  i loved it.  She was an amazing woman and so faithful to the Prophet Joseph.  I'm sure she has a special place in heaven.  

This is a busy week.  The temple is open tomorrow for 9 and 11 sessions and then we work all week thru Saturday.  Monday we go into the temple for cleaning and then it is closed for two weeks for maintenance.  We are heading out on Monday after our cleaning assignment to get a car and drive to Connecticut to go to the temple there.  we have this wonderful opportunity.  A brother Earl Stone, who took the General Authorities who were in Connecticut for the dedication, is going to take us to all the sites, Wilford Woodruff was born in this area and a lot of other great things to see.  We are so excited.  The Holloways are going to go with us.  We are looking forward to it.  

We hope you have had a wonderful week with lots of success, at least success in knowing you are doing your very best, which we know you are.  Oh, we now have four sets of Elders and two sets of Sisters in our Ward.  How about that.  We just got two sisters from Temple Square.  One is from Ghana and the other Nigeria.  It's wonderful because many members in our Ward are from these countries.  

God is so good to us.  We are so thankful for the atonement and especially for eternal families.  May we all be faithful and keep our covenants that we may all sit down in heaven together.  We love you beyond measure.  Keep working hard.  Great blessings will come your way.  

Love,  Grandpa and Grandma Lewis 

Weeks 32 January 3 - 9

Back to the temple today.  We were surprised by the number of patrons.  Weren't sure who and how many we would get.  It wasn't bad.  Paul and I did sealings together which is what we wanted for our anniversary.  We got several names done.  Still have some more but want to do several families together.  After coming home I went back over to Family History and Elder Adams helped me find some names on Paul's line.  Success.  Feels so good, maybe I can do this.

Had a nice visit with all my brothers and sister the last couple of days.  Everyone sounds good and their families are doing great.  We have such a great family, I am very blessed.  My parents were the best.  They saw that we had everything we needed to be successful and feel loved.

we got to do several endowment sessions this week and we went back and did a couple of sessions when we were finished with our schedule.  I was on a session with one sister, me, and three brothers and Paul and I were witness couple.  We try to go on a session where they might need us as the witnesses.  We are getting alot of names completed.  Some on Paul's family and some on mine.

Saturday was a fun day.  We were able to attend Cindy Santamaria and Adam Gerhardz's sealing and then their reception that evening.  What a great couple.  They met in the temple serving on Friday nights.  Pretty neat place to meet and fall in love.

Our table at the wedding (Elder Harris, Bro & Sis Harboks, Elder & Sister Grimley, Sister Mohamad)

snow storm in Idaho which gave them five snow days

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 We received a text saying there would just be Sacrament Meeting on Sunday and it would start at 2 pm.  Then we got a call from Bro. Ferguson asking Paul to speak at Christian (9 year old) baptism after Church.  So we hurried and found a Holy Ghost talk that might apply to a young boy.  By then it was time to leave.

A beautiful Fast and Testimony meeting in our Ward.  We have such great people and really powerful testimonies.  After Sacrament we went to the Primary room where they held the baptism for Christian.  A very sweet family.  The father bapatized his son.

Eric & Paul after Eric's haircut

 Elder & Sister Richards from Alpine UT invited us to dinner after the baptism.  They just moved into a new apartment closer to the subway and Church.  Very nice and it is $1800 a month.  The Sister missionaries were also there with us, Sister Simon, Gilbert, AZ and Sister No   from the Philippines.  The Richards are doing a great job.  They are MLS, she sang in the Tabernacle Choir for five years and has a choir going at Church.

Sunday dinner at the Richards home with the Sister Missionaries

Sister Nov and Simon at the subway after leaving the Richards.

Monday the only thing we could think to do was go to Costco.  It was pretty cold out but we braved it anyway.  We left at 10 and got back about 2.  We got our pizza and hot dog and a couple of other things.  It is always an experience to get back on the bus with our cart and goodies.  

Monday evening Sister Bench invited us over for dinner to eat up all their left overs.  So fun.  The Buchanans and Sisters Nabors and Thompson were also there.  What we really loved was the french bread.  I got the recipe from her today.   1/2 C butter softened, 1/2 C Best Foods Mayo, 1/2 C Parmesan cheese.  Spread over break and toast under broil.    So delicious.  A very fun evening.

Sister Nabor, Thompson, Buchanan, Elder Buchanan, Pres. Bench, Sister Benh, Mar Jean

It's been cold this week with a very little snow.  We are so close to our work, it is not a hardship.  

Week 31 December 27 - January 2

The week between Christmas and New Year's was a pretty busy week.  I guess everyone decided to come in one more time or maybe their first time, don't know but we were pretty busy.  One session I followed had 25 sisters and 12 brothers.  It was so wonderful to have the rooms filled.

New Year's Eve we joined with the other Temple Missionaries for a party at President and Sister Bench's apartment.  Again more wonderful food.  I took shrimp cocktail.  That's why we needed to go to Walmart a few weeks ago to find the shrimp.  The Mumford's came up with a wonderful auction game that we all enjoyed.  We got points by answering questions and then we could use those points to bid on some prizes.  The clue to the prize gave you an idea of what you might get.  Like lots of dough and it ended up being a dollar bill.  Lots of fun.  At 9 pm President Bench said it was midnight and time for everyone to go home.


I was so tired I went to bed around 10.  I should have gone to see the ball drop but missed the gathering.  Instead Paul woke me up at midnight to go up on the roof to watch the fireworks at Central Park.  Very beautiful.

January 1st we went to church at our new time 1:30 and we both spoke on Matthew 21.  It went well.  Paul also taught the Elders quorum on the last of the Duties of an Elder.  He had them consecrate oil.  It was dark when we came home.

Monday the 2nd was our 46 wedding anniversary.  We went to the movies with Sisters Thompson and Nabors to see "Hidden Figures".  Excellent movie and then we split and we went to lunch at Saffron, an Indian Restaurant buffet.  Delicious.  Came home and spent the rest of the day in watching Arrow and Hawaii 5O.

We have had a wonderful year and are very happy to be serving the Lord here in Manhattan.  Time is going quickly.

The kids had a great time in Island Park, lots of snow and always lots of fun especially when Rob leads the ride.  Brayden broke his wrist but is doing well now it is in a cast.  Courtney sounds wonderful and is doing great.  We are very blessed and love the Lord.