This week in pictures (& txt)

Like coming out of a dark tunnel, spring in Central Park emerges from a long, cold winter.

The Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, viewing Midtown Manhattan.

Cherry Blossoms!

Daffodil! A sure sign. We determined on Sunday Afternoon to walk home from church...a modest 3 miles, but right through Central Park. Delightful!

A classic Public Affairs event - The New York Theological Seminary Annual Urban Angel Awards Dinner. We populated a "Table for Ten" with developing friends of the Church and enjoyed a Marriott Marquis Time Square chicken dinner.

Herb Yassky, the Chairman of the Board of "The New Seminary". This college for pastors of all denominations....and do we mean ALL -- Christian, Jewish, Islam, Druid....any type you can name....will graduate you as a reverend. Lane likes taking pictures with older men.

In the most aggressive, challenging week of our mission, we headed to Cherry Hill, New Jersey to participate in the Mid-Atlantic African American Genealogy Conference (MAAAGC). This is Ahmad's stake...a beautiful chapel in a somewhat rural setting.

A headliner -- Dr Rick Kittles from the University of Chicago, and noted DNA authority in the PBS specials, "African American Lives" and "Finding Oprah's Roots". One day prior to the MAAAGC we shuttled him around Philadelphia for interviews with TV and radio. Gentle, dignified, and friendly, we really enjoyed being with Dr. Kittles again, having presented at the Harlem Conference in 2007.

Special guest -- Martin Luther King III. Yes, the son of the famous civil rights leader. In the lower right of the picture you see Vai Sikahema, the famous running back of the Philadelphia Eagles who came out of BYU (counselor to President Corbitt).

And to top off the evening, we drove the keynote speaker for MAAAGC, Reverend Khadijah Matin to Baltimore to see none other than Gladys Knight in a unique musical fireside. (Khadijah is the national president of The Afro-American Historical and Geneaological Society.) Driving back to New York late Sunday evening 3+ hours later, we arrived home just before 3:00 am, totally thrilled with the events of the week, and totally exhausted.

As we scooted around Philly on Friday, Ahmad welcomed Elders Ballard and Cook and Tingey to New York City. Interviews were set up, transportation arranged and meals coordinated for their day in the city. It ended with an intimate prayer service with the Pope, meaning only 250 Christian leaders rather than 55,000 'fans' in Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

It is a privilege and a blessing to serve in this public affairs office. We love the Lord, take comfort in His promises and lean on Him for all of our support. He is the source of our inspiration and salvation. Let us all look to Him and live with grateful hearts.

We love you!

Mission Sampler

UNITED NATIONS

Last week we supported the US Mission at the UN by attending
a panel discussion on the 2008 Presidential campaign.
Panelists included members of John Edwards and Mitt
Romney campaigns and a highly regarded pollster. The
audience was heavily international, as evidenced by
the number of ambassadors asking questions.

CARNEGIE HALL

Ma and Pa got to see Ma and Bob.

That is, Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin. They teamed up at
Carnegie Hall. A tremendous concert! We shared it with
not-so-old and new friends. Some of you remember an Orem
neighbor, Victor Sorensen; he coincidentally oversees our church
owned apartment building. Amber Henrie, busy New York PR
professional, also does PR for the church in Harlem.

HARLEM WARD

Bishop Pabon asked Elder Howell to provide a priesthood
choir for a special number in church March 30th. Many
were overwhelmed at the participation level.
Amber captured it in this photo.
TEMPLE SQUARE

We saw 70 degrees on Thursday. The gardeners got busy.
Below is our best view of the gardens on Manhattan Temple Square.

We show our support for spring. Lane did the butterflies
...even adding some down our hallway.

RE-MODELING

Our display was short-lived as hallway remodeling begins.
Here is our before...

...during; pre shabby-chic 1930's...

Future view (this snap is of the sample hallway),
36 more floors to go. Our own "after" shot
is expected in 5 more weeks.

MISSION ACTIVITY

Saturday was another great activity with the senior
couples in the mission as we bid farewell to Frank and
Dolly Davis, serving a CES mission from Tennessee.
President and Sister Searle, center couple on the right,
are fantastic and beloved. We attended the temple together
(helping to set a session record of 52)
and then enjoyed lunch at nearby Ollie's Chinese Restaurant.

Thursday a subway train driver (who knew someone
had to steer those?) beckoned us back to the train and
urged us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and to
warn others that He is returning :)

A Broadway song writer and Tony award nominee, also identified
himself as Jewish and a friend of the church, called our office
3 times to express outrage at the press for erroneous coverage
of the polygamist group in Texas. He suggested we send
Mitt to San Angelo to straighten them out :)

We tripped down to Cherry Hill, New Jersey to deliver
genealogy display materials for a tremendous Public Affairs
event happening this Saturday. Stay tuned to learn more.

We remain happy to serve, eager to learn, willing to follow,
grateful for support and able to love this work!

Thank you for tuning in.

******Today sweet adorable Audrey Lois Howell will
officially receive her name and a papa's blessing.
We love you Audrey and look forward to meeting you!

April Conference

Many of you look forward to General Conference weekend

every 6 months. This is especially true for us.

Yesterday we actually missed weeding Trimble
Creek while listening to conference on the radio.
We missed sitting in the living room and
watching sessions on KSL TV.
We miss gathering with the ladies and little ones
for smoothies and scones during Priesthood Mtg.
(Or eating pizza with the boys after Priesthood Mtg.)
We smiled as we thought of each of you
tuning in where and if possible.

We walked next door and joined 6 other missionary
couples for a cable connection in Ahmad's office.

Everyone brought good eats and we nibbled and
dined our way through several sessions.

RAI Television (PBS in Italy -
covering the papal visit to the U.S. in two weeks),
sent a camera crew to capture our little group during the solemn
assembly Saturday. Today we met them again at a downtown chapel
where they captured the diversity of NY members in the ASL,
Chinese, and traditional units mixed with several interviews.

2008 Conference Comment by Elder M. Russell Ballard is:

To the Mommas...
- live in the moment
- don't over schedule
- take time for self
- pray, study, teach the Gospel
To the Papas...
- show appreciation
- take time for each child
- give mom a break
- come home and be involved

To the children...
- help without being asked
- say thank you
- give lots of hugs

Follow the Prophet and
consider yourselves hugged!

Farewell to Winter

We are both ready for spring. However, the groundhog

upon seeing his shadow on February 2nd declared a
long cold winter. In defiance Lane has given up wearing
his coat...even though it is 28 degrees.

New York City street vendors took a more drastic approach.
They rounded up all the little groundhogs
and decided to make them pay!
This year Spring in NYC means Yankee baseball,
clear blue skies and the aroma of groundhog-on-a-stick!

Cathy and Anecia giggle with delight at
the mere mention of the hog-kabobs!
You know it is nearly Spring when the mannequins
at Macy's are "dressed" in fresh cut roses.
-Macy's 2008 Annual Flower Show-

As temperatures rise the Elders offer
investigators a cool dip in the baptismal font :)
Harlem Ward is growing rapidly. Pictured are 6 of the 8 Elders assigned
to the Ward. Down in front is a stalwart member of 16 months, Christian
Vitalien of Trinidad. Lane escorted him to the temple in March. He arrives
early for meetings, welcomes visitors, prepares and passes the sacrament,
provides security for the building, returns hymnals to the shelf, shares
his testimony, goes on splits with the Elders, has memorized the title
page of the Book of Mormon and happily recites it on request. The woman
in black is one of the Grand Dames of Harlem Ward, Polly Dickey, proud
grandmother of the first missionary from Harlem, Elder Joseph Bosket
serving in Atlanta until December.

It's been a tiring winter. Lane naps in the evenings as he relaxes
with soothing lavender and mint herb packs. The grin on his face
means only one thing...visions of hog-kabobs dance in his head!

May you have a great week doing what you do best,
being the best you can be, watching the best
General Conference yet and remembering
that we think you're the BEST!

Tesila Rose Hansen officially received her
name and a father's blessing today. xoxo

He is Risen!

The most beautiful words that I have ever read:
"He is not here for he is risen!"
It was great to attend Church services today,
topped off with an Easter Concert at Lincoln Square.

Here are photos from the past week:

We hosted a social following Harlem 1st Ward temple night.

A record number 2 dozen friends mingled

over ice cream and/or fresh fruit.

Earlier in the week (St. Patrick's Day) we
mused over various types of green menu items.

The "pot of gold" jigglers added a splash of color.

Speaking of green...Lincoln, Carrie and boys

arrived in time to try the Saturday evening

lottery for "Wicked" tickets. Carrie won!

...which means that 'Gama and Gampa' get
to play with 3 adorable grandsons.

Scott closely examines his pepperoni pizza.

Earlier in the week we opened up one of the

Manhattan church buildings for the crew of

a local taping. They needed a large indoor

space to eat lunch. You may have heard of

the TV series. A little production known as

"Law & Order: SVU".

It was another super week in the mission.

Capped off with a traditional easter dinner......and on the lighter side...

SomeBUNNY loves you!

Harlem African American Genealogy Conference

It was the 4th Annual
Harlem African American Genealogy Conference,

(or HAAGC for short).
Paul Nauta from SLC Family History, Pres Buckner-NYNY Stake,
Christian Vitalien-Harlem Ward.....at the World Famous SYLVIA'S
-- pre-conference Soul Food

Registration central, with Carolyn's display board as back-up.
The tree is her chalk drawing extraordinaire.

Amber, Bishop Pabon, Paul Nauta, Dr Howard Dodson,
keynote speaker from the NYC Library, Schomberg
Center for Black Cultural Studies. His entrance was
heart-stopping. He arrived 25 minutes late! Next is
Elder H & then State Senator Perkins (making a political meet 'n greet)

Beautiful Sister Howell, Amber-the chairperson, Ahmad Corbitt and Christine, an attendee

If you gotta get old, you really need a campaign chairperson like Carolyn to draw attention to the milestone and make you feel like a million bucks. Cards, letters, emails and sympathy notes from all over the country. I was stunned and moved. Thank You, everyone, for being so thoughtful. I will never forget you, until the allzheim....now, what was I saying?

Now, Lane, don't spit on the cake when you try to blow out all those candles!

The laugh of the evening....Carolyn brushed by the card on the end, and the entire card display went down like rows of dominos. I wonder if there is a hidden meaning in that? One of the cards said if all the 60-year-old people in the world were laid end to end......most of them wouldn't be able to get up again! :}

Happy Birthday to wonderful sister, Charla Jean, on the 20th!
Lincoln and Carrie with our 3 grandsons arrive for Easter weekend!
St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow-the day we color milk and
alfredo sauce green in honor of leprachauns. Enjoy your week.
7 days until Easter!!!!!! Spring is near...and we love you :)

After You En edits my blog...I then edit my blog, so there!

Hi. A two week conference was recently held. Thousands of

women from throughout the world met to discuss
ways to defeat violence against women and provide
empowerment opportunities generally.

The Shumways leveraged their connections

and we were able to sit in on the opening session.

It's always interesting to see the inner workings here.
Side or Parallel Meetings occur over the course of the conference.

The Shumways proposed and organized a side meeting
to discuss the highly successful Perpetual Education Fund.
Here N. Shumway introduces the panel members...

They are: Rose N, fund contributer;
Dr. Karen H, BYU research team;

Elder C, Administrator of PEF for the Church;

and A.C., panel moderator
and director of our office.

We were pleased with the turnout for the event.

And while Elder C was in town he offered

to speak Monday evening if the Shumways would

organize it. They did, planning a potluck meal and

fireside for the senior couples serving in the temple

and NY NY North Mission.

There is so much to learn on a mission that can
and should be applied in our lives.

Just while waiting 3
hours in line for our photo ID passes we learned popular
international names. They are much more unique than
the USA names. Read on and see if you agree. Looks as
if the Hansen's are determined to keep the much overused
"Tesila" but it's not too late for Meredith and
Tyson to come up with a fresh name.

Most popular USA Female names
1. Emily
2. Hannah
3. Madison
4. Ashley
5. Tesila
6. Alexis
7. Samantha
8. Jessica
9. Taylor
10. Elizabeth

Most popular USA Male names
1. Jacob
2. Michael
3. Matthew
4. Joshua
5. Christopher
6. Nicholas
7. Andrew
8. Joseph
9. Daniel
10. Tyler

Popular International Names
Females (must end in A):
1. Zilpha
2. Faouza
3. Tishka
4. Husniyya
5. Galina
6. Zhanna
7. Liudmila
8. Lada
9. Arthelia

10. Fekita (short for Fekitamoeloa)

Males:
1. Crispin
2. Fuad
3. Yury
4. Sergei
5. Ilgar
6. Fatma
7. Selwin
8. Ogtay
9. Pavel
10. Nafi

...AND we have plenty more great suggestions.

Until next time,
Lane Aboubacar Howell
Carolyn Ruheena Howell

PS
For a fun evening we invited Amy S.
and darling sons over for dinner.

We love you Amy!

Shout outs...Robert turns teenager tomorrow,

Mary Lou and Lane share a March 12th birthday,

Steph and Jer celebrate a dozen happy years on the 14th :)