Just Kicking Down the Cobblestones

Elder Williams keeps them captivated

This was our last big busy week before we start winding down.  We had 4 mega-zone conferences. At each conference, President Reynolds gave our “eulogies”.  It was a bit embarrassing but a tradition we had to put up with.  He did say very nice things about us and the missionaries were wonderful to us.  There are many that we have grown close to and some even shed tears, which made us teary but it was nice to know we will be missed.

Brick Street

Last night was probably our last “Jay tour”.  Jay took us in to Manhattan to Greenwich Village.  Jay’s tours are better than the kind you pay for.  He knows so much and is constantly pointing out little things we would have missed.  Sometimes people passing by try to listen and catch part of the “tour”.   This one may have been our most fun tour yet, in spite of the below-freezing windy weather.  I think the weather made it seem even more of an adventure.  The skies were clear and everything seemed so crisp.  We saw lots of historic buildings from the 19^th century and some cobblestone streets.  Afterwards we went to a wonderful Peruvian/Chinese restaurant.  We had a short wait to get in and the entry-way was packed with people, cheek-to-cheek, as it were.  One thing I’ve noticed about New Yorkers is that they don’t seem to mind being packed in like sardines.  There was much chatting and joking with complete strangers and it made the wait that much more enjoyable.  The food was wonderful too!

Popsicle People

Only two more Sundays to go.  I will certainly miss my Primary kids.   They are rowdy but still lovable. I guess we are at that stage where we are torn.  We are excited to be with our family and friends but keep noticing all the things and people we will miss when we leave.

Before coming here, I had built up serving a mission so much in mind that I was a little worried that it would be a let-down.  It has ended up being a far better experience than I ever dreamed.  Who would have thought you could have so much fun, meet so many wonderful people and do such meaningful service in your mid-sixties?  We are truly forever changed.

Sweet Sisters

Handsome Elders

Preparing Mega-Zone lunch with a little help from the
office elders.

Sisters waiting for companions who are on
a temple trip.  Sisters Barney, Borges, Monteiro and Bingham.
Sister Borges' mother is Elder Williams' mother's visiting teacher.

Not all the beautiful art in the city are in
the big museums.

Jefferson Market Library