Walkin' & Tourin'

We had a fun weekend. Jay took us, along with some other senior missionaries on a walk through Columbus Circle and then the Washington Heights section of upper Manhattan.  It was an area where we had never been.  There is so much history here in New York and it is so fun to have our own 

personal local guide.  Of course the best part was the company.  We love the other missionaries (and Jay, who is just like one of us) so much!

Group with "tour guide" at Colombus Circle.  We think Jay
 should get a guide's outfit.

Flower in Fort Tyron Park.
I had never seen this flower and was told it is a hibiscus.
It only blooms for one day and we were fortunate
enough to be there for that one day.

L to R: Sister Adams, Elder Conger, Sister Conger, Sister Postma,
Sister Williams, Jay

This morning in Primary we were working on the Scrament Meeting program (yes, I know it’s late but that’s how they seem to do it).  The president has the kids divided into groups and she was particularly worried about how one group of boys was coming along.  She texted Sister Thompson and me about it last night asking for help.  The boys were overwhelmed at the prospect of coming up with talks (even with LOTS of help).  I didn’t know what to do so this morning I prayed that I would be able to come up with a way to help.  I sat down and, in about ten minutes, was able to come up with a script that capitalized on each boy’s abilities and personalities and still required input from them without overwhelming them. I shouldn’t say “I was able to come up with one” because clearly I wasn’t able to until I prayed and asked for help. 

When it came time to work on the kids’ parts, the room was way too noisy so I took the boys across the hall to our classroom where it was quiet.  Two or three of them said, “I just love this room.”  I like to think it’s the spirit they feel when they are in class. 

One of the things I’ve learned while we have been here has been a greater confidence not only in myself but in in how much Marc & I can do as a couple.  We feel like we have done a little to strengthen the Branch but would like to do so much more.  We just feel like the Lord has big plans for this Branch and Stake and are happy to be a part of it.  We just can’t believe we only have about 2 and a half months left.  There is just not enough time!  We will miss the people here so much but we’re getting pretty excited about being with our family again.  

At the airport the day after transfers.  Early morning departing
missionaries (except for Elder Brown on the rt.--he's an AP.
so helps drive.

This is the house in Riverhead that the Senior Missionaries get
to live in.  I'm so jealous.

Waiting for Marc to do a drive test with one of the elders.  I
couldn't resist taking lots of pics of the church grounds.  They
have so much grass!  Even by Western US standards.

One of our favorite activities when we deliver cars or have other
responsibilities out on the island is to visit diners.  Great food!

From our Saturday tour of Washington Heights.
There was an actual fort here during the
Revolutionary War.

The other Senior Sisters and I were fascinated by the various gargoyles.
This building had lots of them.  We never figured out why most of
them were reading.

Fort Tyron Park.  I was too busy taking pictures so missed
most of the guide's lecture.

Highest point on Manhattan:  265.05 feet.