Autumn Smorgasbord

Mission activities this week
were varied and flavorful.

Tuesday the temple had a special visitor
and a small lunch and dinner were held in
the PA conference room for the occasion.
The temple president wanted to give the
ladies a needed rest so he partnered with Elder
Howell to provide the meal. Expecting failure,
the women waited. Elder Howell pulled out
the win and left the temple president smiling.

The following day a group of potential interns
stopped in for a presentation over breakfast...
the food was Elder Howells idea. He is sooo good!

Wednesday we began the training
of a replacement couple...what???
I guess they are trying to tell us something.

Thursday evening we were called upon to
attend a black tie gala at the UN. The church's
charitable organization was honored.

It'd been 10 years between tuxedo events.
Pictured here before the pumpkin appears.
(Try not to need a same day tux rental in
Manhattan - they can do anything for the right price.)

Friday we had our exit interview
with the mission president.
Perhaps we should start packing up now.

Saturday we met at the mission home with
the other senior couples. It was a welcome lunch
for two new couples AND a farewell for us.
(Why don't we just leave already.)

Sunday we trained into Brooklyn for
dinner with a dear friend and his wife.

Herb and Paula are Jewish and took time to
explain the current 8 day holiday.

Orthodox Jews celebrate by building a
"sukka" or tent on their porch or patio.

They may eat and/or sleep in it to commemorate
the Israelites journey in the wilderness.
(Inside the neighbor's Sukka-we liked the significance
of the plastic aligator...they have a grandchild)

We enjoyed a relaxing tour of Brooklyn
and Herb's favorite beach as we
drove to the Turkish feast.

As this week closes we wind our way to our
lookout above the bustle and harried pace.

May we remind you -
don't give up. reflect. surrender to the
limitations of the day. breathe. that
we are here now is no accident.

We love you!
Dad & Momma
Elder & Sister Howell