Downeast Maine

 

 

"Berry" good = Downeast Maine

 

Blueberry fields to rugged coast to lighthouses

Enjoying the valiant Saints of Machias at a pot luck suppah.

Realizing the joy, a son being baptized by his father. (Miles Carter)

Jason and Miles Carter with Elders Hansen and Goff

Received generously by the Looks

The Looks stand in front of lobster traps.

He is a lobstah man and she manages the blueberry fields in their backyard-

-besides myriads of other hobbies and service.

Yesterday's memories are today's happy recollections.

 

blueberry fields skirt the far north Atlantic coast

water falls tumble into the ocean

lupine dots the roadsides

Blueberries bear in the second year.  These are the small and
delectable wild lbueberries.

President stands in front of Quoddy Light.

The Quoddy Light guides sailors safely
through the wild rocky coast.

 

Incoming or Outgoing = High Emotion

Twenty six new missionaries, another new zone.  The sea of suitcases tells the story!  Yes, indeed, and alas, all the suitcases did arrive though after midnight.

 

Sisters Herrick, a visa waiter,  and Reid

Trainers set the tone of the mission.  Here Elder Weicks, far left with Elder Smith, far right
Elder Goff and Elder Hansen in the middle

Sack lunches and then out  to new areas.  Elders Wengert and Varney
join the mission as visa waiter.  Elder Hatch and Lozano, right, reunite,
having served in the same district.

Elder Cordova will train Eler Harkness, far right

Sister Taylor with Sister Griffin finds her box of bedding

The Savior, Jesus Christ, in parting counsel to his apostles said: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them..."  Missionaries search the scriptures for the blessings of baptism

New Missionaries and their trainers discover from scriptures the blessings of baptism

A week later: all the new missionaries and trainers return to Manchester
for a day of instruction and practice.

 

Returning home with honor!! 

There is "no greater joy than to hear that [our missionaries] walk in truth."  3 John 1:4

Elder Giles meets his family at the airport

Elder Morales' family came to the Mission Home

The joy of family reunion!!!

Sister Johnson served marvelously.  Her parents came to meet her at the Mission Home.

Elder Smith is welcomed home.

This We Know

We know that God, our loving Heavenly Father, has planned for us to return to His presence.

Elder Preslar bears testimony to President Wilkey

We know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to the plan. We know that we can "dwell in his presence of God, ... through the merits and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah," (2 Nephi 2:8)

as does Elder Dickinson

We know that Joseph Smith, as a young boy, desired to know truth for himself.  Having read in the epistle of James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that fiveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him", he sought answers to his yearnings through prayer.  In his own words, "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

"...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me, calling me my name and said, pointing to the other--'This is My Beloved Son.  Hear Him!'"

Elder and Sister Poll have strengthened, loved and served many in their area.
For instance their teaching in the Addiction Recovery program has changed lives.
How can we say it more, "Senior missionaries make an incredible difference!! We need more."

 

We know that we "can do all things through Christ which strentheneth me."  Philippians 4:13

As Missionaries Do

I hope they call me on a mission

When I have grown a foot or two.

I hope by then I will be ready

To teach and preach and work as missionaries do.

Mission Leadership Council meets monthly.  Sister Training Leaders
s well as zone leaders meet to together to counsel on the needs of the mission
and missionaries and to account for goals and plans.

Elders Lervold and Booth are updating the area book.  Keeping records
is a critical part of missionary labor.

Elder Gaunt and Roberts and working on the area book as well,
learning to daily update records.

Elders Woodruff and Simkins immediately wrote in their plans
an upcoming event.

However missionaries soon learn that planners are not calendars but
a compass to guide their wise use of time.  They learn to set goals, make plans
and account for their vision and purpose.

Yes, even in white shirts and ties!!  Missionaries are anxious for opportunities
to serve not only as teachers but in physical labor.

Elders Nielson and Adkins pose with President after zone conference in Augusta.
As the 'host' missionaries they take especial responsibility to make sure the building
is left as clean or cleaner than when we began the day.

Missionaries meet early at the So. Royalton chapel for a day of zone conference. 
They study and prepare in advance to make the most of the day.  They are also expected to report
on ways they applied the instruction and inspiration of the conference.

They "rejoice exceedingly to see" one another

Missionaries love the day of conference.
It's a time to reunite with former companions and
to 'catch up' on the people whom they loved and served in a former area.

President Goodrich spends a quiet conference moment with Elder Cornia.
The presidency counselors strengthen the missionaries' work with and for members.

Yet another service opportunity: clean up!

Conference isa day to pick up supplies that have been carefully
ordered and prepared by the office missionaries. 

Conference includes many opportunities to practice skills.

Missionaries desire to share the Book of Mormon, another testament of Christ
to give others  hope, peace and faith.

Faces - Zion's Youth in latter days

 As Zions' youth in latter days,
We stand with valiant heart

 

Even the not quite as youthful, unite to lift and build others

 With promise shining in our eyes,
Resolved to do out part.

Sister Aeshbacher and Berg

Upon a noble past we build;
The future fills our view.

We face the challenge or ourday

And pledge we will be true

Missionaries of the Manchester Zone "toast" with bottled water
They may tire of hearing: drink at least 8 cups of water a day.

 The truths and values we embrace
Are mocked on ev'ry hand.

Elder and Sister Peterson from bring "Arizona " warmth to the Memorial

Sister and Elder Osborne point to the actual location of the home-so small by our standards-
in which Joseph Smith was born and joined his family of six.

Yet as we listen and obey
We know we can withstand
The evils that would weaken us,
The sin that would destroy.

Elder and Sister Dykes from President's home community
bring not only devotion and skill but enthusiasm and optimism as
missionaries who help maintain the grounds and buildings

The Shefchiks lived on our same street.  They have spent countless hours
beautifying, maintaining grounds as well as the Christmas displays.

 With faith, we hold the iron rod
And find in this our joy.

Elder Johnson, Memorial director,  and his wife stand by the bronze statue
of the  prophet Joseph who taught all to stand by and live by
and worship the Savior Jesus Christ.

 Through test and trial we'll have our fears

How can we thank enough, President and Karen Hawkes (left) and Ruth and President Goodrich (right)
Wisdom, enthusiasm and ability to teach from the scriptures are only three gifts that President Hawkes has shared.
President Goodrich with wit and good humor has counseled us to not only pray for opportunities to share the gospel
but to willingly emulate in word and deed our Redeemer  Jesus Christ.

But we will not despair.

Augusta Stake President Jeff Thomas and his wife Nancy have not only served and strengthened
countless others, but have lifted us.  We have deeply appreciated our associations with all five
stake presidents and their wives.
 

 We're here to serve a righteous cause;

Sister Berg is a faithful woman who has weathered trials.
We love these wonderful people of New England.

 Truth gives us strength to dare.

President enjoys sharing 'magic' tricks.  .

The Franklin family.  How much have we enjoyed them.  We knew Brother Franklin
as a boy, watched him grow and lead and love others.

 We'll love, and learn, andovercome;
We'll sing a joyful song.

Nothing like the lunch at zone conference.  Elder Dudley is facing the camera.

The Dawbin family aand others unite to prepared and serve the meal for 80!!

 As Zions' youth in latter days
Triumphant, pure and strong."

Even adults are wlling to watch a magic trick.
The Swain family of Heritage farms are one of many families
who are pure and strong.

The Scott Earnshaw family have shared their hearts
and home with innumerable others including us!
The sister missionaries and Kelly Walter were
guests this particular evening.

What could be more wonderful than a return visit! This one with
John Somerfeldt, once Elder Somerfeldt, and his wife McKenzie and his parents.

Indeed, treated like a queen by Elders Pruett andCrockett.
We have prayed for a French speaking missionary and he was
sent to us in the person of Elder Pruett.

 

Measuring up!  Elder Resendez and Elder Parsons both near 6' 4"
Both have raised their performance and measured up to the Lord's expectations.

All missionaries like this one, Elder Sheriff,  respect the rules of interactions with children, a safety precaution.
But this missionary, with his companion close by, is listening intently to a
child who looks to the missionary as an example.

President Wilkey has appreciated opportunities to teach youth men and young women.

To think that as a young missionary, President Wilkey had hair like Elder Harper.
Elder Harper is one of many missionaries who come well prepared to serve
 with heart, might, mind and strength and an eye single to the glory of God.

 

Who is who?  Elder Benjamin or President Wilkey??

lyrics of hymn, "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days"

Yes, missionaries do have funny moments.  President had the three assistants, Elders Murray, Cornia and Woodruff,  pose
as if they are hanging onto the hood of the car while traveling at a high speed. Good lesson: no speeding!