The arrival of spring

Spring officially began on Friday, March 20. It takes a little while for that message to get through to New York City, though.  We are still experiencing some wintry weather, but it is getting better.

A couple weeks ago we had the opportunity to take about 18 missionaries to the Manhattan Temple. They are allowed to visit the temple every six months, with a senior missionary couple as chaperones. We always enjoy that duty.

A few days before each transfer meeting we invite our district missionaries over to our apartment for a district  meal.  At this transfer two of our missionaries finished their mission and went home. They were good elders who will be missed. Due to a slight decrease in the overall missionary force, two of the elders were not replaced in our district, thus our district was reduced by two missionaries.

We had a delightful senior missionary activity at the Mission home in the middle of March.

This was our one chance on our mission to see the Mission home. 

All 10 senior missionary couples serving on Long Island were able to attend the event. Pres. and Sr. Calderwood are on the left. In addition to a wonderful potluck meal, we had sharing time. It's missing a couple was able to share something about their family as well as highlights of their mission. It was a great day. Is a privilege to serve with such fine people

We continue to enjoy our institute classes. This is a photo of the Staten Island group, mostly young Hispanic's. They are very faithful. We often sing and pray in Spanish, which we really enjoy. 

We attended a transfer meeting this past week. We recieved only 8 new missionaries, the smallest group since we arrived in New York. We sent home about 18.

We really enjoy mixing with the young elders and sisters, especially transfer meeting. They help keep us young! Sister Bowman, one of our favorites, took this selfie photo.

We were able to check one item off our bucket list this past Saturday as we went to the Empire State building, you see the view from the 86th floor with a group of young adults from our stake.

It was a cold and windy night, but we enjoyed the view and the company.

With this view we can see Lower Manhattan and the one world trade center building and the Statue of Liberty in the distance off to the right.

All in all, a busy couple of weeks. We really enjoy the variety of activities we have as missionaries here in New York City. Missions are great!