Sacrament Meeting was presided over by ...

Today we both attended Manhattan 1st Ward prior to going to Concourse Ward. We had heard rumors--and they were true! As we approached the door, church security was lined up on the sidewalk. The chapel was full 30 minutes ahead of time and most of the Cultural Hall. We all stood up when our "special visitor" entered and he smiled his infectious smile, blew us a kiss, and indicated we should sit. It was President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and his wife.

The program was outlined and we heard from their grandson, their daughter and each of them. We had a beautiful vocal solo. The meeting was about one hour and 40 minutes, but no was complaining or leaving early. It was such a special Sacrament Meeting. All of the missionaries from the North Mission were there and had a mission picture taken with him afterwards. I can't begin to tell you how my heart quadrupled in my chest when he came in and tears flowed down my cheeks.

What a highlight!!

Now everything else well seem mundane, but I will at least make a picture report. Last Monday, June 26, 2017, we went to the "Top of the Rock"--the Rockefeller Center. It was an amazing 360 degree view. The pictures don't do it justice, but at least they prove that we were there. You will recognize some things like the Empire State Building.


That night we had a missionary FHE to welcome the Tans from Singapore and the Debrys from Utah. Elder Tan served as an Area 70 and Elder Debry was a mission president and then in the YM General Presidency for several years. They will be a great addition to our team!

Tuesday night after we worked our shift in the temple, President David Bean (a counselor in temple presidency) picked us up along with our neighbor, Kathy Nabors. He took us out to rural New Jersey where they have a home. His wife joined us and we went on a beautiful 3 mile hike along a scenic road. It was so very beautiful--especially to all three of us who are accustomed to the browns in AZ. Our objective was to see fireflies--and we saw many thousand of them. On our way back to the car it looked like Christmas tree lights were twinkling in the forest. Unfortunately the fireflies are too fast and unpredictable to get a picture. But these pictures show you this part of the Garden State.


We try to walk in Central Park as often as possible--the last few days have been too muggy (86% humidity on Saturday). We get various pictures of waterfalls, turtles, castles, bridges, etc.


I loved the fence in the first picture. It is still really confusing and sometimes we have a hard time finding our way home when we have been in the deep foliage or circling the lakes. One day after we hike thru the North Woods, I had to crash and rest before we finished the trek home.


I will wait until next week to continue sharing Brother Walter Rane's paintings. They deserve to not be cluttered in with our sight seeing.

It has been another great week in NYC!

Love,
Jeanine