A few pictures

Ben and Judy's Sugarhouse

Where the syrup is processed

Maple sap bucket

Ben and Judy's Sugar House -- Great breakfast!

 Friday late afternoon snow storm

Pictures

Well, I guess it is my turn to write in the blog. I probably won't be as good as Sister Cutler, but here goes.  Since our last post on Feb 21st, all the new missionaries have settled in with a few experiencing homesickness and other issues.  The mission president is learning that most 18 year olds have never been away from home for any extended time, so mission life is quite a shock for some.  But as, Pres. Hinkley was told by his Dad when he wanted to come home, "Son, forget yourself and get to work".  So that is what Pres. Wirthlin does.  Sister Wirthlin, is the medical nurse, so she gets all the calls about aches, pains and all sorts of medical issues.  Today, the President told us that three missionaries busted up their knees this weekend and will probably have to go home to heal and/or have an operation.  They will be on medical release.  You never know from one day to the next, what missionary issues will come up.  Also, two missionaries told the President that they wanted early releases (1-2 months early) so they could go on a trip with their family or so they could work before school started.  The President was very disappointed in their decision because they needed to fulfill their commitment to finish their mission.  It really causes problems because then unplanned transfers need to happen.  It takes a lot to be a mission president and I am grateful that it is not my calling.

 

Since the last new missionaries arrived, we have been preparing for the next influx. Right now, it changes each day, we have 28 more new missionaries planning to arrive.  That means that I must acquire 9-10 new apartments by March 9th.  Last Sunday, we only had 1, which came from a referral from someone.  It is located about 2.5 hours north in the mission district.  I Goggled the address and it looked somewhat sketchy, but was somewhat anxious to get going.  So I called the landlord and got this gruff voice on line,,,"What do you want?"  I explained who I was and wanted to know more able the apartment.  His name was "Carmine", so I should have been suspicious.  He said it was a great apartment in an old building that was renovated.  Still somewhat leery, I ask him to prepare a lease and I would drive up to inspect and close the deal.  So Elder Barlow and I drove up on Tuesday, passing through the towns of Mexico, Philadelphia and Antwerp.  Thought we were lost. Upon arriving at the address, I looked at Elder Barlow with a shock on my face...yes it was an old building...but ready to fall down.  We gingerly climbed rickety stairs and entered the unit and was horrified.  It was so bad that I wouldn't have let my best pig live in it.  I told the landlord that this was totally unacceptable...he said, "What's wrong with the place...just needs a little touching up".  We quickly left the place with the lease and the checks torn up.  We were pretty discouraged.  But we knew that we had to find something, so we continued to look around town.  It is a very small village, but we did locate a possible alternative, so all was not wasted.

 

Then, the next day, I traveled to Cooperstown, NY to look at another prospect, with no physical information other than what the real estate agent told me....never fully trust a real estate agent.  I knew it was an older building, but right in the middle of the historic town (Baseball Hall of Fame).  The town is wonderful, historic and picturesque.  The unit was on the third floor.  Imagine carrying furniture up those stairs.  The floors in the unit were, I think, original wood planks, but were sanded and painted.  It was old, but clean.  So I took the deal.  The sisters who will live there will make it look great with some imagination and a woman's touch.

 

So after those experiences, I enlisted the Zone Leaders (5 Zones) to help find the apartments in their zones.  They were charged with locating, talking with the managers, inspecting the apartment and taking pictures inside and out.  Then they were to send me all the information.  With pictures in hand, I am now able to get a better handle on each location and what the unit looks like. Now we have 6-7 units being considered and the process is running much smoother. 

 

But I learned today, that it really is the Lord who is in charge of all this.  The Zone Leaders responsible for finding an apartment in Carthage, NY (near Fort Drum) on Wednesday said that they couldn't find an apartment within the Carthage area because the area was filled with military families and recommended that we consider an apartment in Philadelphia which is north from Carthage and on the other side of Fort Drum.  I looked at the pictures and thought it was a good choice even though the President didn't really like having the missionaries traveling across the base to get into their area.  So I requested the paper work to be started.  On Friday, I received an email from the landlord that they needed a financial statement of the church and background checks on the missionaries that would be living in the apartment.  I knew that the Church would not provide a financial statement, so I ask the President what to do.  He said that we could provide a bank statement on the mission, but that was all.  So another road block was presented. That was on Saturday.  Today, Sunday, I bore my testimony at the Branch and mentioned about my experiences with finding apartments.  After the meetings, a sister came up to me and said that she owned a large apartment complex in (guess where) Carthage and she had one apartment available.  She showed me the unit on Craig's List and it was perfect. Another tender mercy!

 

Being the financial secretary, I get to see somewhat what the Church is spending on missionary work.  I don't think I am telling anything out of line, but it is a big pile of $$$.  The mission budget is around $800,000-$1,000,000 for each mission on average (405 missions).  Each missionary gets $160 each month to live on (60,000 missionaries). The apartments average rent in our mission is $700 per month, utilities average $200 for, right now, 72 apartments.  When we were in the MTC, the church had 14,000 vehicles in operation throughout the world (avg $17,000 each). Car expenses (gas, service, ins, etc) average $.51 per mile (avg 1,250 miles per month).  It costs about $1,200 to furnish each apartment.  But each young missionary pays the church $485 per month with seniors paying about $1,000 per month...so there is some help with the total church expenditure.

 

Interesting facts about our mission.  It is a large geographical mission running from the Penn. border to the Canadian border.  Two two biggest church population areas in the mission is in the Syracuse and Albany areas.  The rest is of the mission is small branches with attendance of about 15-50 in attendance.  This area is covers the entireMohawk Valley and the entire northern district.  There are 4 stakes and one district.  Our branch is 40 miles wide and 70 miles long.  In the past, this area was economically vibrant with large active wards, but in the past 10-20 years,manufacturing and other large employers have left the state leaving unemployment extremely high.  The small villages are really depressed, hence the Church has suffered.  It is slowly coming back, but I doubt it will attain its former stature.  So, the missionaries have a big responsibility to help the less active and bring new people into the fold.  Some wonderful work is going on and with the increased missionaries, it will be exciting to see what the Lord has in store for this area.

 

One example of the Lord opening up a way to do the work happened on Tuesday.  The local stake priesthood leaders were involved in an Inter-Faith Council group and found a wonderful reception. After meeting with them for the past 5-6 months, they suggested that the next meeting might be held at the Stake Center where the mission offices are located.  On Tuesday, we started having ministers come through our door because the front doors to the main church were locked.  Each person was welcomed with smiles, handshakes and then lead into the building for a luncheon.  After the luncheon, at which the Mission President was invited, the President took them on a tour of our offices.  We each explained our duties and then the President invited them into his office to let them see the "transfer board".  He wasn't sure he should do that at first, but was prompted that it was OK.  The ministers, including a Jewish Rabbi, were astounded at the number of missionaries and where they were located and where they were from.  They were greatly impressed.  Each of their congregations are struggling with large old buildings to maintain and few funds. The President was gratified with his prompting to let them see the inter-workings of the mission.

 

Each day this past week, a private contractor has been working in our office setting up a new phone system.  He was greeted warmly by the staff and each missionary who happened to be in the office, including all the Zone Leaders who were there for training on Friday.  He asked many questions and could not get over the warm feeling he had.  He had never worked in an environment like ours before.  So, Sister Barlow, gave him a Book of Mormon and the missionary pamphlets, with the promise he would read.  He then said he would and wanted to come back on Monday and do some extra work on the phones which was really not required. 

 

So, each day is an adventure.  It is hard for us to fully plan the day because things are in so much flux.  But we are extremely glad to serve in our callings because we can see how much work goes on behind the scene.  We are happy to be the support team to the President and the missionaries. When the Zone Leaders and the AP's are in for leadership training, the office lights up with excitement.  How grateful we are to be here in this exciting time of missionary growth.

 

Oh, by the way, Lizzy, as you have spent a week by a beautiful pool looking at the ocean in Costa Rica, our weather today is snowing and it feels like 10 degrees. That's how the weather is reported here..."feels like".

 

Love, Elder Cutler

Cannot believe that it is Wednesday already.  This last week has flown by, and today I didn't even know what day it Was!  Last week, Tuesday night, 25 new missionaries arrived in the mission.  A lot of planning had to go into getting them picked up at the airport (Syracuse, NY), transported to Utica, etc.  The mission president takes them for pizza first, and then they come back to the stake center for some training.  There was too much luggage to bring to the mission home, so each missionary was given a white garbage bag to bring their "essentials" for spending the night and the luggage was left in the chapel overflow until the next morning.  We had two elders stay with us -- both waiting for their Brazilian visas and reassigned to our mission.  We had to be back over to the church at 7:15 in the morning to get ready for breakfast.  Because of the size of the group, the breakfast had to be at the church.  40 people was too much, even for the mission home.

After breakfast (and during breakfast too) the mission president interviewed the new missionaries so he could assign trainers and decide on the transfers.  This is a huge undertaking for the mission president, and I saw how much The Lord is a part of these undertakings.  A man alone could not do the work -- the Spirit is such a huge part of these decisions, and the mission president is inspired.  At 10:30 the trainers met, and then they separated and sat on the two sides of the chapel while the 24 new missionaries sat in the center.  Then the president announced the companions.  It was a neat experience to be part of this process.  Pres. Wirthlin is a wonderful man, and I have a lot of respect for him.  We took pictures and served lunch to about 100, then there was training until about 3:30.  Lots of missionaries in the office looking for their mail -- a lot of energy in the office when the missionaries are there.  I was responsible for getting about 250 letters out to missionaries, parents, bishops and stake presidents.  Had no idea about all of the paperwork with transfers and the new missionaries!!!!  I am getting the system into my brain a bit better, but now we have 24 missionaries coming the 30th of March and we do it again!!!  Dad has to get 10 more apartments leased and the four of us (the other office couple) will be getting the furnishings.

Saturday we did some shopping, laundry at the laundromat and then had the other office couple over for chili.  We realized that our vacuum was not working -- 3 weeks in the apartment and nothing being cleaned up.  Kind of sickening, even though the carpet had been cleaned before we moved in.  We had a nice evening, and it is fun to get to know the Barlow's better.  We were able to get a new vacuum and vacuuming this apartment once filled up the canister!!

Our branch is a small group -- 50 people there on Sunday was a stretch.  We have three or four in wheelchairs and several are heavy smokers.  Many women come in pants and some in jeans.  I do not say this in criticism, just to say that these are humble people, new in the church, and doing their best to make huge changes in their lives.  The primary children sang in sacrament meeting--all eight of them, and five were from one family.  Seminary is held on Tuesday nights, and there is no Mutual or scouting program because the number of youth is so small.  It takes a lot of dedication for the active members to provide the regular church programs for their children.  One family brings their two boys to Utica for scouts, and that is a 40 mile trip one way.

I came home from church, had a spoon of peanut butter and then took a 2 1/2 hour nap.  I could not lie down fast enough!  I was dragging on Sunday.  When we came out of church the wind was blowing and the wind chill was -3'.  It was soooooooo cold!  Being under my minky blanket felt so good, and I did not even want to come out to have dinner.

We have had three missionaries go home since we have been here.  Two had depression problems that could not be taken care of in the mission.  Hopefully they will be able to come back.  The other elder was a great missionary. Had just been made trainer, and he had physical problems (deformities) where his jaw would lock and he was in the ER three times in two days.  Finally the ER doctor said he needed to go home to have extensive surgery. He needs to have major surgery and hopes to be back in 6 - 7 months.  The other missionaries love him and he has a special spirit about him.  I hope the surgery will be done so that he can come back to the mission.  The president said today that he has never had so many homesick missionaries -- 7 of the new missionaries.  They are young and many have not been away from home before -- a challenge for both missionaries and mission president.  I have a great deal of admiration for young missionaries.  It is not easy, and they have to be strong in mind and body.  A mission is a great blessing in their lives, but there are challenges!

We are loving our office experiences.  It is interesting to be a part of the inner-workings of a mission.  There is so much that is done behind the scenes.  A mission president has to be inspired to effectively lead, and I am so grateful for ours.   I know we have been sent here for a reason, and I am grateful for this experience.  I have never worked harder and longer in a day's time, but I am thrilled to be a part of this great work.  I can see the Lord's hand and influence each day in this work and pray I can be worthy of the incredible blessings I have had in my life.

Have not taken any pictures this week -- only of new missionaries, and I did not want to send those.  Love getting your pictures, so keep on sending them....

My life has been blessed because of each of you.  Love you all,
Mom

A few pictures from last week

 View from our porch

Our apartment

The Living Room

The kitchen

Snow piled from the snow plows -- piled in parking lots

Our meetinghouse

Scott and son Matthew on his baptism day

Busy Week

We have had a busy week.  There is a lot to do to get everything ready for the 25 missionaries coming in on Tuesday.  The president and AP's have been delivering and installing furniture and all of the essentials that are involved in setting up the apartments:  furniture, beds, dishes, etc.  Eight apartments were set up, and we have eight more to do in the next few weeks.  I have been involved with the paperwork that is needed for the new missionaries plus the ones who will be going home this week. 

 

I almost had a meltdown one afternoon, but I was able to pull myself together and keep on smiling.  I put the pressure on myself, but I have wanted to keep ahead of the game so that I am sure everything gets done.  I love the work and find joy in the service, but it is also difficult.  The Lord is in charge and we need to depend on Him for His help.

 

Along with the new missionaries, there will be a lot of transfers this week.  We will have two missionaries staying with us, and two will be with the other Senior Couple, and then the rest of the missionaries will stay at the president's home.  The president's home has four bedrooms upstairs and then two bedrooms plus a family room downstairs -- it will be crowded and some will sleep on blow-up mattresses.  We will be doing breakfast and lunch on Wednesday.  This last week there was a "Return and Report" day for those missionaries who had come out a month ago.  It is a time to do reminding, training, encouraging for the new missionaries and is done a month after they reach the field.  A big lunch was held that day at the mission home.  Sister Wirthlin does a great job, and we are always invited to come so that we can get to know the missionaries.

 

When the missionaries are in the office, there is electricity in the air!!!  They are full of energy and there is never a dull moment.  It is part of the fun of working in the office when the missionaries come.  They are good young men and women and I enjoy seeing them.  One of the AP's is going home this week, and he will be greatly missed.

 

We were expecting a big snowstorm Friday night, so before we came home for the evening we went to the grocery store to pick up a few items in case we were stuck at home for a couple of days.  The snow did come -- 12" worth -- but the road crews get it cleaned up fairly quickly and we were able to do a couple of errands out and about yesterday.  For the most part we spent the day getting our apartment in better shape, and getting things organized a bit better.  We are getting there.  I don't like spots on the carpet, but we will keep it as clean as we can and work on the spots again.  It is very comfortable for us.  Not having our own washer/dryer is different.  We have both downstairs, but the dryer is not working properly.  Dad took the clothes to the laundromat to dry.  We now have to save our quarters!!!

 

We attended the branch today, and it is really interesting.  They are struggling to get members there -- lots of inactivity and many of the  members do not have cars.  The branch is large -- 70 miles by 40 miles -- so the commitment has to be there for the people to come.  We came home and took naps and ate leftover stew from yesterday. 

 

We are always looking at the weather forecasts.  Today was beautiful but cold.  I am always thinking I can go outside when there are blue skies, but the cold is surprising.  We probably will have more snow this week, which I love.  I am not out in the biting cold very long -- just long enough to get to the car to a building or visa versa.  The seat warmers are wonderful!!!  I will admit that I am spoiled. 

 

I am comforted by this quote from Elder Holland:  "I promise you will do things for your grandchildren in the service of the Lord that, worlds without end, you could never do if you stayed home to hover over them.  What greater gift could grandparents give their posterity than to say by deed as well as word, "In this family we serve missions!"

 

Sending our love.................

 

Love to each of you -- we do love getting your emails and hearing about what you and yours are doing.  It means a lot!!!  I hope this finds each of you well and happy.  We pray for each one of you......

 

Missionaries are coming!

Today at our staff meeting lots was discussed about the incoming missionaries and the plans for the transfers.  President Worthlin is a living testimony of working through the Spirit.  Our meetings begin and end with a song and prayer.  He also admonished us all to be reading the Book of Mormon.

So busy today, and we did not get home until 7:30.  There is so much excitement with the new missionaries coming next week and lots to do.  Getting the apartments together is a HUGE job.  Buying furniture, kitchen items, bedding, etc. etc. etc.  have to get everything needed for an apartment.  Ours was furnished somewhat haphazardly, but it works fine for us.  It actually is great!!!!  We are so glad to have our clothes out of suitcases.  It was disappointing to lose a few things due to water damage, but what was lost can be replaced.....

Want to end on a teaching moment.  If we have quoted this before, please forgive us...concerns one of the best statements heard about repentance and the Atonement:

"Repentance is changing the future...it doesn't change the past. Acceptance of the Lord's Atonement changes what was done in the past."

We love you all and pray for the Lord's blessing on everyone.