20 March 2022
VOLUME 10 – NUMBER 444
Christian and Maui youth in New York
Christian
On Saturday we left for New York. There were two groups on two airlines—Hawaii and United. I was with the United group, and Rebecca, Keric, Tommy, Ginger and Max were in the other. I sat by some of the guys that I knew. The flight took a really long time, but most of us slept through it. Then we all met up and took another long bus ride to Palmyra and then New York.
New York was really cool. The first day everyone went out with their own groups. I was with the young men. We saw the Statue of Liberty but we we’re kind of far from it. We also went to Central Park which was one of my favorite places because it was lit up with advertisement screens on the buildings, and there were a lot of people.
Christian and Maui youth in New York
In Central Park there were a lot of different stores, which was cool. For dinner that night, the young men took the subway, which was cool, to Chinatown. Dinner was super good.
The next few days we went to the museum of art, which had a lot of cool paintings and old weapons. On the last day, people that were going on the United Airlines plane had to leave at 5:00am, so, we decided to just stay up all night and then sleep on the plane. We went to get ice cream and then at like 4:00am, we got pizza, which was super good.
Later on, we came back to the hotel to play card games. Me and this guy named Talanoa decided that we should go pack our stuff, because we we’re in the same hotel room. We packed and then went to sleep for 20 minutes. Then we left. Overall, this trip was super fun, and I met a lot of cool people.
Quinn, London, Joanna at aquarium
London
We had a journaling activity in my ward where we met at the Provo City Temple pavilion thing where the Christus statue is. The person in charge shared a thought, and then we all just sat there writing down thoughts and questions and pondering.
I really appreciated the time to just sit and listen to the spirit. Writing things down is one of the best ways I’ve found I can feel connected with God, so it was a much-needed activity.
I’ve also been getting to know more and more people in my ward, which has been really nice. I feel like I’m starting to make more friends again, and it has been really beneficial for my mental health.
Vanessa, Ellie, and Brooke on plane
Braden
We were very sad that our trip to Utah was coming to a close this week. We loved being able to stay in West Jordan and do so many fun things with the fam. Even though we were sad to leave, we were also excited to have Vanessa come out and stay with us for the month!
We headed back home on Saturday morning. On our flight back to North Carolina, we were hoping Vanessa’s seat would be next to ours, but since it wasn’t, I let Vanessa sit with Ellie and Brooke, and I took the solo seat. Other than that, the flight home went well.
Vanessa’s first night was interesting regarding her sleeping arrangements. Brooke and I hadn’t used our air mattress in quite some time, and it turns out there was a hole in it.
Vanessa probably wasn’t too comfy that night after the air leaked out very quickly! Luckily, Brooke’s parents had one we could borrow so we picked it up the next day. We hope Vanessa will have a great time her over the new few weeks!
Caleb and new companion, Elder Emery
Caleb
Hello everyone! I hope you all had an amazing week! Miss you all a ton! My new companion is super amazing and I'm learning so much from him every day, especially my ability to teach better in Spanish, and my ability to speak and understand. It's pretty awesome because we're becoming good friends and seeing miracles every day, so I'm very grateful for that.
At the beginning of the week my companion was sick for the first two days, so we were stuck in the apartment. I'll be honest, the first day staying in the house was horrible. I was determined to continue to do all that I possibly could through the phone. Ha! Ha! I was able to text a bunch of people and try to set up times when we could visit them later in the week.
The second day in the house I wasn't looking forward to it, but thanks to blessings from Heavenly Father it went by fast and was even more productive than the first day. But I am grateful I decided to force myself to be diligent in those days because we saw many miracles later in the week because of that.
Christian at Grand Central Station
We have been visiting an elderly couple who are in their 80’s. The wife has been a member for much of her life, but the husband has refused to be baptized or do anything the missionaries have invited him to do, because he was born Catholic. We were in our study and received inspiration to try and get them involved with learning about their family history.
We visited them again and the conversation naturally led its way to temples and family history. We testified and gave them pamphlets and invited them to start to fill out their family tree. We asked Santiago if he would like one, but he firmly said “no” even though it was apparent that he was somewhat excited to learn more about his ancestors and things like that.
The Spirit of Elijah was touching his heart. His wife talked to him and said a few things, and then he excepted the pamphlet! Right then I saw a little change in him. We hope and pray he will continue to soften his heart, and that the Spirit of Elijah will encourage him to come to Christ. They really are such an amazing couple.
Jose, our recent convert, has been struggling with coming to church, and Satan has been working hard on him to stop doing things. His faith still is intact, and his desire to continue is still there, so that is the most important thing.
Chilean neighborhood at sunset
He’s also still struggling with smoking, but we had a great lesson with him this week and we promised him that some very bold and powerful things that will happen if he can start to attend. We promised him that his problem with smoking, which he wants to stop but can’t, will go away easily if he can attend each Sunday. If he goes to church, I know that he will be blessed to overcome this addiction.
And finally, the last visit we had this week was with a member family we haven't been able to get to know at all because they do a lot of things with the stake. We talked to them, and they were amazing. We went into the lesson with a determination to do all that we could to receive references of people in their lives that they want to help receive the light of the gospel.
As we were talking to them, they just started telling us all these people. By the end, there was at least six potential people that can possibly be baptized a little work! Up until this week we haven't received any references from members and now we have received more than six total! I know that all of these things come from charity, diligence, and faith.
Sorry! this was a gigantic article. Ha ha! I am sure for those who read it are like, "Finally! It’s over!" Love you all so much!
Kai in shades an a Harry Potter scarf
Veidi
This week was spring break and I mostly played outside, because I was ahead in all of my classes. I also did some painting and some drawing and other things.
Troy
This week I did school and I got finished with math and I was so relieved and every day I did school I played outside. And my favorite thing to do outside was riding a scooter and I felt cool whenever I went fast.
Alex
This week Grandma Sharon came over and dropped off Lucky Charms cereal for St. Patrick’s Day. We also went to the dentist. Me and Kai chose our prizes, and we realized we got the same thing. They were these cool water toys with orbs. Three days later they both pooped on both of us, so we had a water mess!
Quinn at the aquarium
Endia
This week at New Haven was our parent weekend. We have all of the parents come in for a few days and go to different groups with our therapists, and then they get to spend the weekend with their children.
It was one of the better weekends that I have had, and the parents and kids seemed to be really involved and invested, and willing to be pushed in admirable ways.
Watching families heal and relationships reform between parents and their children is one of my favorite things, if not my absolute favorite things, about working here at New Haven.
Christian and friend at Niagara Falls
For our Thursday meal tradition, I made homemade fried chicken with biscuits and jalapeño poppers. We invited a couple friends to help us, and it all turned out really well.
My roommate had her birthday party on Saturday and made it a Luau-themed party. We ate delicious food and played a lot of fun games together. I love that my roommates are so fun and throw so many good parties, because I get to have a great time and make more friends. Life is pretty good right now!
Jenny sleeping with Mable and Misha
Dad / Arkin
This week my boss Bassam let me know that he would like to move me off the Operations team (after just five months) to the Product Delivery team working on “experience engineering.” I was very surprised, and did not see this coming at all!
Bassam and Mike explained that one of the reasons for the move is to give me a chance to stet up and assume greater leadership in the company. I’m excited for that chance, even though it seems like an initial step back, as I return to more front-line work doing something I know almost nothing about.
However, we have been studying Joseph in Egypt in our Come Follow Me reading, and I was reminded that he often had to take painful “steps back” in order to ultimately be positioned perfectly to assume much great success.
Christian and Maui youth in New York
Gloria
This week I got more of my classes caught up because it was spring break. I have finished two of my classes. Now I just have three more, and all three of those classes will be easy to finish soon.
We also worked three Jazz games this week. On Saturday, Dad, Mom, Monte and I also worked the Real Salt Lake game. Monte and I did the drinks, and it was a pretty easy job. Mom was in charge of the section we were in, and she did a good job being in charge of things!
Christian at Manhattan Temple