Gotham Gathering

The New York community of saints arrived in midtown Manhattan
early in the evening on June 4th. The extraordinary event they
were anticipating had been "sold out" for 3 weeks. At precisely
7:30 pm the doors to the Stein/Perelman Auditorium opened and
the 2,800 seats filled in quickly. The music which followed was
performed beautifully and acclaimed by all those with whom we spoke.

BYU Chamber Orchestra concluded their 3 week tour in the
northeast with this concert at Carnegie Hall. We were able to
promote the event throughout the surrounding 15 stakes.
(Pictured here backstage with Ahmad, the Shumways, and the director)

The following morning Lincoln donned this muggles
garb to culminate 18 years of school.

We congratulate Lincoln, Carrie and boys...

...and wish them safe journey from the
northeast to the northwest - via Indiana and Utah.

We have had another astounding week serving in New
York City. Always grateful for the opportunity and for
abundant support from home.

As the city heats up for June we send our warmest regards
and wish you a lucky Friday the 13th.

---Elder & Sister Howell---

Important Birthdays:
June 7th - Jon, Stephanie and Erin
June 11th - Sarah
Anniversary:
June 8th - Dad & Mom Creek, 55 years!

Father's Day is June 15th

The Wicked Warlock from the West? Strangely, he did not descend from the sky. He swept in on his silver chariot.

Ahhhh Soooo! Dad loses his head as Carolyn celebrates. Old chinese proverb: She who laughs, lasts, and laughs best.

Stand back, women! I can't think when you all want my picture.

Celebratory ritual after completing the 32 mile saunter around the entire perimeter of Manhattan Island. And Sam had to forego the ritual, even though he completed the course with us. So, he graciously snapped the picture at South Sea Port.

New York in the spring time. Another ritual. Sunday street fairs with trinkets and food that are almost irresistible. This is Broadway, between 72nd Street and our Apartment. The Shumways attended church with us in Harlem today, leaving only one Sunday prior to their release and departure. Sadness.

The Upper West Side of New York. This hat is in fashion, street fair or not.

After a great farewell meal with Norm and Luana, we took a walk in the park, and stopped at the Chess and Checkers Hill. Go, go, go!!! Sam scored a come-from behind victory, winning 5-4. Now, who's the pawn here?

Dad is Darth-Vader Black. Sam is Snow White. Can you tell who is about to place the game-winning piece?

This has been one of the busiest Public Affairs periods of our mission, in preparation for the BYU Chamber Orchestra performance in Carnegie Hall this Wednesday, June 4. So far, we have 4o countries represented, with 12 UN Ambassadors, Senior UN Mission Staff, and 2 Consul Generals. The prognosis was that we couldn't fill Carnegie Hall's 2800 seats. But it was a sell-out from the first week, and 2000 requests for tickets are going unfilled.

The mission is a blessing to us. And we know it is a blessing to our kids as we get out of their way and let them charge forward with their lives. Love to you all!
Dad & Mom

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is a time to reflect
on the sacrifices made on our behalf.

As we are serving an LDS mission far from home we remembered our
fantastic family. Parents, siblings, our 14 kids, 8 more by marriage,
and 25 grandchildren. Many of them are relieved that we are not
hovering too closely, but some of them really would like to have us
close at hand. We thank you for your sacrifice!
(Most recent visitors; our youngest, X and boyfriend KC,
returned home last Monday.)

For several days we have noticed an influx of service men and
women on shore leave as the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) is docked
in the Hudson River on Manhattan's west side.
(Standing here on the deck of this massive aircraft carrier.)

It is FLEET WEEK...just in time for Memorial Day

Resulting in this little field trip, some exercise, crowded
walkways, and our first sunburns of the season.
We have always respected, admired and appreciated all
of our nations hero's who serve valiantly to protect us
and our freedom. We remember Derrin Creek with a
very special notice and thank you!After touring the ship we made new friends as we picnicked at a

nearby park. Carolyn wishes sister missionaries could

wear do-rags. Think of the savings in time and highlighting funds.

Headed home we pass through Central Park.
A welcome oasis in this concrete jungle.
We remember the sacrifice of real estate developers who
accepted the plan to establish this paradisiacal green space.
(zoom in and find Lane)

In closing we add some lovin' for our grandkids from
the steps of the New York Public Library:
It's nearly summertime, read a good book or two (dozen),
take a bike ride, have a teddy bear picnic, draw a self portrait,
sleep under the stars, run through the sprinklers,
make kool-aid ice cubes, send an email to G'pa and G'ma.

It's late. Time for missionaries to be in bed.
Good-night, sleep tight.
Don't let the bedbugs bite.
If they do...hit 'em with a shoe!

Sweet dreams all. We dream of hugging you again.
xoxo

Voices from the Past; a.k.a....

Friday we attended a meeting of professional members of the
J Reuben Clark Law Society to discuss efforts to build bridges
with opinion leaders. Traveling from BYU for this meeting
was Associate Dean of the Law School, Scott Cameron, a.k.a. Elder
Cameron of the British South Mission. Enjoyable reunion!

Our meeting was held in the home of re-known surgeon
Patrick O'Leary,a.k.a. silent partner of Chris Creek
and DAZ. Shown here proudlydisplaying this portrait that
my brother drew of his 4 daughters.

Our most musical daughter, a.k.a. Randi, loves New York City
and returned for an encore visit...this time taking in the tram
ride to Roosevelt Island and walking the length of the
2 mile island to visit this light house.

Our youngest daughter, a.k.a. Katie X, arrived with Randi. It was
great to meet KC, a.k.a the boyfriend, and learn of their
Big Apple adventures...starting with winning tickets to WICKED.

We all took an afternoon stroll across the oldest road connecting
Manhattan to an eastern borrough, a.k.a. the Brooklyn Bridge,
this afternoon at sunset. Romantic, relaxing and visually rewarding!

Breathtaking views at every turn. This photo captures the
downtown area, a.k.a. the southern tip of Manhattan island.

Reliving a scene from one of our favorite movies ever made
(in Verdi Square on the upper west side).

Hint: Elder Howell is playing the role of Tom Hanks, a.k.a. NY152.

We are currently assisting with BYU Chamber Orchestra's June
concert at Carnegie Hall, welcoming two new interns to our office,
offering our support to community events in the neighborhood,
attending forums on religious reform and speakers bureaus by the
media. The Church is growing here, especially in Harlem. The
members are strong, young missionaries are challenged and doors
are opening in New York. It is exciting to be missionaries!

This blog is brought to you by Elder and Sister Howell,
as a reminder to look unto our Savior, Jesus Christ,
in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
He loves you.
And so do we.

Momma's Day

Tribute to Elna Cottam Creek

Let me tell you about my mom:
She is Mother to 7 biological children and Mama Creek to numerous friends of said children.
She loves Avocados.
She is a grandmother extraordinaire and now great-grandmother extrados.
She overcame her fear of water by taking swim lessons in her 60's.
She lives a Christlike life by loving and serving as He would.
She began a tradition of "X" presents to be opened on Christmas Eve.
She enjoys the varied musical talents of Andy Williams and STOMP (but not at the same time).
She will not put a milk carton on the dinner table.
She refuses to whistle the tune "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer".
She really likes eating pineapple cream cheese on a Ritz.
She is a master seamstress and quilter.
She got up every morning and fixed a hot breakfast (often "zoom",
cracked wheat cereal) for me prior to early morning seminary.
She holds a majority share in "Hallmark" stock.
She makes the very best homemade fudge.
She stayed with my cherished little brood so I could travel to Florida & date Lane for 2 weeks.
She loves Disneyland and the Tetons-just as much as my dad does.
She is an amazing birthday cake baker and decorator.
She was a cheerleader in High School and now cheers for her family!
She mistook the can of Lysol spray for hairspray only once!
She is happy with her morning cocoa and toast.
She allowed us to have cherry pit spitting contests in the living room.
She sewed formal after formal after formal for my High School dances.
She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening.
She made Sunday evenings synonymous with canned peaches, toast and Ed Sullivan.
She is a terrific model of a happy and contented wife.
She has always found nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.
She is my heroine!
Happy 54th Mother's Day, Momma
Love, Carolyn

May Day

A day in the park. Central Park. Spring!

It's Preparation Day, so off we go to the Museum of Art
with Tom & Shalaun.

Now THIS is what we had in mind when we built our last house!

Tom and Shalaun gave us new insights into the world of art,
and what it takes to frame it.

Just hit your focus button, and it should all become perfectly clear.

This one's a traveler. We saw it in the Belagio art gallery in
Las Vegas a few years ago. Carolyn was so excited, she kept
running from room to room to find more and more of these
beautiful masterpieces. And she wanted to be photo'd by them all.

We had a similar pose taken in Hawaii by a totem pole.
The one in the center is the piece of Egyptian Art.
The other two are just....works of art.

A late ride home on the subway after walking the Brooklyn Bridge.
Two friendly platform performers, a few bucks in their hat, and VOILA!

Super Guests to New York. We loved having them here with us for a
few days. If you haven't heard Emmy sing, you have missed a treat.

The pirate gang from Boston Harbour Town. On their way to the Florida Shores and the land of make believe. With a short overlap with Tom & Shalaun, it was a fun crowd. Love them all.

We love our mission. This week allowed us to catch up on reports and paperwork in the office, after a series of international, educational, news, and Church authority guests that just kept coming. Wish we could share all the details with you. Some day.
Our love to all the family and all our friends. We miss you and look forward to seeing you either here in New York or back home.
Carolyn & Lane, Mom & Dad, WSM & MOSF

A week in New York...

This week we:

Welcomed Tom, Shalaun, Emy, and Audrey!
(visiting from Centerville, Utah)

We were introduced to a new granddaughter:
Audrey Lois Howell, such a sweetie-pie!

We enjoyed a dinner meeting at the mission home.
Elder and Sister Richard Maynes (standing, couple on the right)
toured the mission.

State University of New York sponsored a 2 day conference,
Church International Affairs Office hosted.
"Decision Ethics 2008"

We hosted United Nations representatives from
China, Syria, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Lunch buffet was Iranian fare...
NY International Affairs director,
Ahmad Corbitt, gives final remarks.

In honor of our apartment renovation we received
this marked protest by unhappy union members.

Tomorrow we welcome the arrival of a BYU student intern...
just as the hectic month of April comes to a close.

How was your month?

We are tired. Good-night!