Here's a little more from the month of September. The senior missionaries took a little road trip to Cape May, New Jersey. So now I can add New Jersey to the list of states I've been to. Woo Hoo!
There were about 16 of us in two vans that drove over, then we met the local senior couple plus the young sister missionaries. Most of New Jersey is part of our mission.
We crossed the Delaware River. Thought about George Washington.
There is some nice scenery in New Jersey. Cape May is on the southern tip so we saw quite a bit of it. It's kind of flat for the most part as you would expect.
This is part of downtown Cape May. It's a smaller town that I expected.
The sisters on the left are the young Sister Missionaries here in Cape May.
It was Monday, their P-Day, so they could spend it with us.
We had lunch here at the Mad Batter Cafe.
I love being with the other senior missionaries. Good, friendly conversation.
I had the fish and chips to see how they compare with English fish and chips. They were pretty good, but don't come close. English fish and chips are the best!
Cape May is quaint and friendly and a tourist trap.
Elder Syme sat back and relaxed with Elder Jones while I checked out a few shops.
It is a fun place to look around. I didn't buy much. Everything was very expensive. It makes the shops in Homer, Alaska look like bargains.
All done shopping, now we wait til everyone else in done so we can go to the beach.
Arriving at the Cape May State Park.
Love light houses!
Just on the other side of walk-way is the beach.
I am always amazed at the spirit, enthusiasm and love of the sister missionaries. I'm so glad they spent the day with us.
In the background is an old WWII bunker. The last hurricane a few years ago washed all the sand away from it and they had to haul it all back in.
We couldn't have picked a nicer day to be at the beach.
After we left the beach we took a road along the coast to see the wonderful homes.
Wouldn't this be a nice place to retire?
It's been a while since I've seen gas under $3.00. Gas is cheaper here. We were told it is against the law to bring gas cans here and fill them. You can't take gas cans back over the bridge.
Some pleasant views along the shore line.
I was sitting in the back of the van taking pictures for fun and deleting most of them as usual. But I managed to get some pretty good ones. My favorite was this one of a sun dog. I took a bunch and this one turned out the best. Not too bad for taking it through a car window.
Next on our itinerary, Atlantic City:
The Boardwalk!
Elder Syme on the Boardwalk!
Elder Syme walking on the Boardwalk!
Us on the Boardwalk!
It's kind of like Las Vegas with a beach.
We saw some nice waves.
We stopped to eat in Atlantic City. Guess where? McDonalds. We were tired, just wanted to get a bite and head home. It was dark by the time we left so I didn't get anymore pictures.
It was a landmark trip home in a way.
My 7th Great Grandfather, Henry Beck emigrated from England and came to America in the late 1600"s. He settled in Burlington County, New Jersey. We drove through that area, something I have wanted to do for a long time.
It was dark, so we will have to go back another time and see it in the daytime.
Our ward, the Independence ward had their fall picnic in September at Lemon Hill park just a few miles from where we live. We had a BBQ.
Elder Syme is telling stories to the missionaries who had just had a rousing football game nearby.
On the left is Elizabeth. She was baptized this month. She is so much fun! The other couple is one of quite a few who are students in our ward. (I wish I could remember their names. I am terrible with names.) Some are in medical school, some in law school.
There are a lot of colleges in Philly.
That's sister Taber in the green shirt. She is the first person from our ward that I met. She and her husband took us to dinner the second night we were here. She is the primary president.
This is brother Taber. He is a counselor in the bishopric.
Bishop Choules is in the middle. Wonderful, caring man.
The sister missionaries are always making everyone feel loved.
This is Jak Abaya, a counselor in the Elder's quorum presidency. He is one of my favorite people! He has been in the church for 9 years, lived with his mother until she died last year. Now he is on his own. He has really struggled, but is so upbeat now and is the most friendly person I've met! He just grins when he speaks to people.
He has diabetes and lost his leg a few years ago. He told me he was embarrassed and always wore long pants. His mom at the time had cancer and had lost her hair. So she told him, I'll go without my wig and you go in short pants, okay? So they did. So now he even shows off his leg. I watched as he let this boy touch it and even kick his foot.
This is Margaret (Margie) Suarez, another good friend.
This is Sister Toya. She was born in Georgia, but has lived here for many years. She has 8 kids, 46 grandchildren, and 40 something great-grandchildren. She has a lot of wisdom. I loved visiting with her.
We are getting more acquainted with the members of our ward. I'm still terrible with names, but a smile and hug goes a long way. There's a lot of hugging in this ward.
Just one more little thing:
I was on my balcony the other day and watched the bricklayers working on the building next to the temple that will house all the heating, electrical, and other physical equipment. I remembered watching my Dad lay bricks. They still do it the same way: pick up a brick, apply mortar on each side and the ends, place the brick, tap it lightly, use the skinny little tool to smooth the joint. Felt like I spent some time with Dad.
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