January News

Christmas Mail

We jumped into the new year with renewed enthusiasm. The memory of Christmas mail began to fade and we turned our attentions to one full week of transfers, two Mission Leader Conferences and five Zone Conferences all in the month of January. We have been here long enough that we have fallen into the "rhythm" of the mission. We work on a six week calendar, that is, every six weeks we receive new missionaries and returning missionaries leave. Quarterly we have Zone Conferences where President and Sister Wirthlin and the Assistants travel to each Zone to present needed training and to interview the missionaries in each zone. This month Elder and Sister Barlow were invited to present on matters concerning the cars and Apartment cleaning.  It is very humbling to be asked to accompany President and Sister Wirthlin. This is the second opportunity we have had. I felt better qualified the first time, the topic being Family History. I guess I have had a bit of experience with cleaning too.

January Arrivals

Sister Pipe

Transfers started on January 7th. Tuesday, our 12 new missionaries arrived. We received two Chinese-speaking Sisters from Temple Square. During the winter months when there are fewer visitors at Temple Square, Sisters are given the opportunity to get out in the mission field and experience mission work for two transfers. They are a great blessing to us. They were assigned two areas with large populations of Chinese such as Cornell University and Albany. Sister Pipe came last transfer, she is also a "Visitor Center" sister. She is a native American from Montana. She and Elder Barlow connected right away.

Last Supper

Elder Tollefson and Elder Houston

Wednesday of transfer week is always busy. Elder and Sister Barlow arrived at the mission home at 7 o'clock in the morning to feed breakfast to 20 missionaries while President interviewed the new arrivals. Next we ran over to the mission office to prepare for the orientation. We give training on cars, apartments, mail and other housekeeping matters. At ten the trainers and other's that are transferring to parts of the mission arrive.   At twelve o'clock we help serve lunch to everyone. At the end of lunch the outgoing missionaries share their testimonies. We were excited to see Tony Turby, our ongoing investigator, come to the luncheon to see his favorite Elder,  Elder Black. We hadn't seen him for a couple of months. Although he told us he wasn't interested in joining the church, he did comment that he missed the "comfort" he always feels when in a meeting or with the missionaries. Hummm....  The rest of the afternoon was spent in training. Around 5 o'clock most of the missionaries left to go back to their areas. At 6 o'clock we arrived at the mission home for the "last supper" with the outgoing missionaries. Elder Tollefson was one of our Assistants and we became very close to him. We worked with Elder Houston in the Oneida Branch.It's hard to say good bye.  We arrive home at 9 pm, exhausted.

Zone Conference

Zone conferences were a great success. We traveled to our five Zones, Albany, Potsdam, Owego, Syracuse and our own Zone, Utica. We loved seeing all our beloved missionaries. Sister Barlow is responsible for coordinating the luncheons. Local Relief Societies volunteer their time and efforts to provide a delicious meal. This Sister and her husband really went the extra mile and made wonderful enchiladas and beautiful home made cupcakes. They are both practicing lawyers with a young family. Where they found the time to do this, I don't know.

Clowning Around

Lest you think we only work, work, work, at times we do clown around. Here are some clowns we met at "Friendly's". They happened to be there having lunch, I guess clowns eat too. They were nice enough to allow us a photo opp.

We will close this month's blog with our Mission Slogan. To set the stage: We all stand up and when we get to the part that says "work, work, work" we yell it out like we were in the middle of a football huddle.

"I have often said that one of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy. Work, work, work – there is no satisfatory substitue, especially in missionary work.” Ezra Taft Benson

December Gifts

 

 

This month marked our one year anniversary in the mission field.  At this time we would like to share with our family and friends some of the gifts we have received.

 

Gift # 1  -  The Gift of our Savior.

 

Gift #2 - The Gift of Service - What a blessing it has been to lay aside the cares of the world and dedicate ourselves full time to the service of the Lord. We could not do that without the love and support of our family.  As we have served in the New York Utica Mission office, we have daily association with wonderful Elders and Sisters who are likewise dedicating their time and effort to bring others unto Christ. We find ourselves united in this effort. We have been involved in serving and training the missionaries as they "hasten" this great work.

December Special Training
 

Gift #3 - The Gift of Love - We testify that we have a kind Heavenly Father that loves us. He is mindful of us and his greatest desire is to have us return to Him as families. Recently Elder Haddock returned home to his family after
successfully completing his time here in the NY Utica Mission. It wasn't until after Elder Haddock left last month that we read an article about his adopted brother who is currently serving in the Bulgaria Mission. His brother was abandoned as a baby in Bulgaria. Elder Haddock's parents adopted him when he was three and brought him to America. He returned to Bulgaria last year as a missionary and special witness of Jesus Christ. What happened next is a true miracle. We invite you to read the article at http://www.ldsmag.com/article/1/13678

Gift # 4 - The Gift of Friends - Although we miss our friends at home, we have made new friends who have greatly enriched our lives. We will forever be changed by their generosity and love.

Office couple NY

 Gift # 5 - The Gift of Family - We were able to connect with our family this Christmas via "Face-Time". We are grateful for the advances in technology that make it possible to remain connected. Our grandchildren are quickly growing up and turning into wonderful, giving and talented individuals. Tara (17) has received several acceptance letters from several colleges and even received an academic scholarship from one. Below is a picture of Isaac giving service. This was posted on facebook by Brittany Bartholomew who is in Isaac's ward. It said, "Isaac, one of our favorite babysitters, saw that Lexi was cold and tired/a little grouchy at the ward breakfast this morning. He came over and sat by her (he didn't have a chair) and shares his music with her and talked to her about what she was going to ask Santa for Christmas, then when Santa came, took her to the line and waited with her until it was her turn to sit on Santa's lap. So impressed with this awesome guy."


Isaac and friend, Lex

Don & Claudia on 6th mission to Brazil



William's Family celebrating a Shepherds Christmas



The Colorado families (Arnett's, Gover's & McKinnon's) Supporting each other and the Barlow family with newest member, Tessa Joy.





 

 

Finally we have the Gift of a New Year. We wish you all a very blessed New Year.

 



November Blessings



Winter returns

The year has turned its circle,             
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasure,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway ...
Thanksgiving comes again!
An Old Thanksgiving Rhyme

Thanksgiving in up state New York was wonderful. This poem expresses our feelings and experience here. As you can see by the scene of the lamp post outside our window, we have come full circle. Snow has once again covered the ground, the seasons have come and gone. and the cold north wind has returned.

Living in the country has taught us an appreciation for the harvest and of our bountiful blessings. We are grateful for this time of season where we stop and consider how Heavenly Father has blessed our lives. It is especially poignant to consider the blessings of family now that we are so far away from them. We have been receiving an increase of letters from our beloved grandchildren for which we are especially grateful. Thank you family for all the support you have given us.

Twin Orchards Apple Store

This is apple country and their are many orchards in the area. We have a favorite store down the way called Twin Orchards and all they sell are apples of every variety and other apple products such as home made apple pies, apple juice, apple butter and apple jelly. I have never tasted such wonderful apples.

Copenhagen New York

Early in the month Sister Barlow was asked to teach a Family
History class at the Lowville Family History Center. Lowville is a little over an hour away. We passed through many small towns along the way. This church caught our eye in Copenhagen New York. The Village of Copenhagen is in the Town of Denmark and is northwest of Lowville.



Haddock, Hazelett, Meidell, Gleue, Pres. Wirthlin, Sis. Lamber, Sis.Wirthlin, Horton, Mendlove, Gnasatoto, Lewis

November Arrivals

November Transfers occurred the week of Thanksgiving. Our returning missionaries (above) arrived home on Thanksgiving day. Oh what wonderful reunions they must have had. Our group of incoming missionaries (left) arrived and have been trained.



Elder & Sister Barlow, Elder Meidell, Elder Lewis

Elder Tanner and the Frog

 This is one of the Assistants to the President, Elder Tanner, with the famous NYUM mission frog. As part of the training given to our new missionaries, the Assistants do a role play on the Fable of the Frog. The fable goes like the:

"They say that if you put a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will leap out right away to escape the danger.  But, if you put a frog in a kettle that is filled with water that is cool and pleasant, and then you gradually heat the
kettle until it starts boiling, the frog will not become aware of the threat until it is too late."

Frog Fable

The Assistants do this training to let the missionaries know how to handle difficult "relationship" issues, whether it be their investigators, a member of the ward, or other missionaries. If there are feelings developing at all, either the companion or the missionary just has to call the president and say he/she has a "frog" problem. Nothing else needs to be said. At that point the president goes right to work and handles a rapid transfer to another part of the mission. This is the quick fix of a possible problem, they are taken care of quickly. The skits have been hilarious, with the assistants knowing of missionaries having girlfriends at home and using their names in the skit -- all in good fun -- lots of laughs and yet getting the point across.

Another mission tradition is the "Wood Shed".  President Wirthlin tells the Missionaries, that at times he will give them "focused feedback" with increased love afterward. In essence he says that it is like taking them behind the woodshed. He always says this with great love. The elders in our area made him the woodshed shown here (notice the "Angel Moroni" on top). The frog and the woodshed are kept in Presidents office as  loving reminders of the need for exact obedience.
On Thanksgiving day we worked at the office for half a day. In the morning the Elders in the Utica District came to the snow covered field outside our office for a "Turkey Bowl". We warned the elders not to play rough, we didn't want any injuries! Elder and Sister Barlow left for a short time to get some Texas Sheet Cake they made  and some hot chocolate to share with the dozen elders that were there. When they arrived back with the treats, there were twice that many in the game, some from the neighborhood. The only injury was a bloody lip from a collision with Elder May. He's ok.


In the afternoon we traveled to Canastota, NY for a delicious Thanksgiving meal with our friends from the Oneida Branch, Brother and Sister Lewis. We couldn't help but hum a song we used to sing as children, "Over the River and Through the Woods". A slight dusting of snow set the stage for this beautiful day with our new found friends.

As was mentioned in last months blog, we are blessed with a new little grandchild, Tessa Joy Barlow. We had a bit of a scare when the results of her PKU came back with a positive screening . After more testing and through the grace and tender mercies of our loving Heavenly Father all is well.

 

Picture of Christ by our Grandson, Sam Arnett

We wish all of our friends and family a Blessed Holiday Season. Our prayer for you is expressed in the Primary song "He Sent His Son".

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

What does he ask? 

LIVE LIKE HIS SON.

October Offerings

October has come and gone but we don't want it to pass without recording what went on here in the mission field. We have enjoyed watching the squirrels scampering around gathering up their winter stash. We, like the squirrels, know that once the snow begins to fly we won't be venturing out much. All the leaves are off the trees now and the weather has turned chilly but October was beautiful.





Falling Leaves



 

 



Baseball Hall of Fame

Go Dodgers

Where it all began

Doubleday Field

We traveled to Cooperstown, New York. Cooperstown is best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Abner Doubleday, a Civil War officer, was the supposed inventor of baseball. According to some, it all began in a cow pasture within this little village in 1839, the present site of Doubleday Field. As we toured the museum a flood of happy memories came back of attending Dodger games with my parents at Dodger Stadium. We were there the night Sandy Kofax had his perfect game. I remembered having a crush on Steve Garvey and seeing Don Drysdale. I love the memory of Mom sitting on her couch with her little transistor radio to her ear, listening to Vin Scully and her beloved Dodgers. She kept score in her trusty notebook which was always kept right next to her on the TV tray. We had a picture perfect day seeing all the sights with our dear friends, the Cutlers.

Take me out to the ballgame!

Steve Garvey crush

Babe Ruth

Hall of Fame

 

This part of New York is known for it's apples and fall is known as apple cider season. While Wendy was here we visited a Farmers Market in Clinton where we met a farmer who is also an artist. He invited us to visit his Farm/ Farmer's Market / Cider House. I have never tasted better apples then we have experienced here in this area.

 

Cider Mill

New York Farm in Ilion, New York

 

 

Elder and Sister's Barlow

They have entered the Mission Field

Transfers were interesting this month. Usually President and Sister Wirthlin meet the missionaries at the Syracuse Airport and bring them to the Mission Home where they are interviewed and given some orientation. When they got to the airport only one missionary got off the plane. The others were not scheduled to come until the next day but no one told the President. When they finally arrived they were given their assignments and driven directly to there different areas. We didn't get to meet them until later. We were disappointed since one of the new missionaries was Sister Barlow. I had e-mailed her father and discovered that Elder Barlow and he are second cousins. We have since met Sister Barlow and love her.

 

King, Simmonds, Portella, Palmer

Tanner, Gabbitas

 We had our last supper with the departing missionaries and said our goodbyes to Elders King, Sanders, Portella and our beloved Sister Palmer. Elder Tanner and Gabbitas remain our Assistance to the President. They are such a big help to us in the office.

 

Elder Barlow is responsible for the cars in our mission. He is known as the "car czar" Each month he puts a tip in our mission newsletter, "The Harvester". We found this picture on facebook and are tempted to use it as next month's tip. What do you think?

 

Winter Warning: Remember, cold season is starting and cows seek heat on car hoods. Do not forget to tap on the hood to give the cow enough time to get off before you drive away!   Elder Barlow Car Czar

 Zakai, Tyson and Kim B. were our birthday's in October and although she didn't arrive until November 7th, we want to welcome Tessa Joy Barlow into our family. Heavenly Father has truly blessed our family in so many ways. Thank you Kim and Chad for this latest blessing.

 

Tessa Joy and Chad (proud Dad)

 The last week of October we had Zone Conferences throughout the mission and we were blessed to have a visiting General Authority. Elder Bruce R. Porter of the Seventy and his wife did a mission tour with President and Sister Wirthlin. They covered about 1,300 miles in 2 1/2 days!

Elder Porter's message was entirely on the Doctrine of Christ. The 4 Saving principles where by men can come unto Christ are: 1. Faith - "I am the way".  As we put our faith in Jesus Christ we are given power to overcome the effects of Sin and the Fall.  2. Repentance "Come unto the Redeemer" Vital before any ordinance is given. 3. Baptism - "Enter into a Covenant" After we repent we have a desire to promise our Heavenly Father to never do this again so he allows us to enter into a covenant to keep his commandments and always remember Him. This is repeated each time we partake of the Sacrament. 4. Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -" Receive the Holy Ghost" which brings all things to our remembrance, teaches, guides and enlightens our minds, testator, comforter, sanctifier. All four of these are connected to bring about our overcoming sin and the ability to gain eternal life which comes as we participate in temple ordinances. The temple ordinances are designed to help us perfect ourselves. They are not saving ordinance like the first four but they are exalting ordinances which help us become like God so we can dwell with him in the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom. As missionaries we teach the 4 Saving Principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to teach them with plainness. The Savior is not only your Redeemer and Savior, he is your Captain and your strength. Come unto Christ and let him be your strength.

In October we were also privileged to attend the Palmyra Temple with our Branch. We spent the entire day in the temple, Elder Barlow performing Baptism, I did initiatory, then a session and ended up with sealings. What a glorious 11 hours we spent in the house of the Lord.

 

 

September Surprise

Elder and Sister Barlow - New York Utica Mission

Hello from beautiful New York. Autumn is here and all the stories we heard about the beauty of this area in the fall are absolutely true! We send our love to all our friends and family who read this blog. We just hit the half way point of our mission and are looking forward to the next nine months. We love this great work. We have been so blessed with good health while here, not one sick day!

Fall in the Adirondacks

Bed Bug

Mission life is always full of adventure and excitement. This area of the country has it's challenges and one of the challenges our missionaries are having comes in the form of a little insect called a "bed bug". I thought a bed bug was just a part of a cute little phrase my father used to tell me when I said "good night". He would say, "Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite." Well, there is nothing cute about "bed bugs". I thought I would include this picture that one of our sister missionaries took. Often our missionaries bring them home from places they visit. It doesn't take long for these little critters to multiply. They lay hundreds of eggs and pretty soon you are infested. They get in your clothes, floors, drawers and of course your bed. You know that they have had a good meal if they are red in color. Although they don't cause disease, they do leave welts and sores all over your body. They seem to be attracted to A+ blood. Fortunately we haven't had them in our apartment.

Wendy and Elder Barlow

The highlight of our month was a surprise visit from Wendy and John. We didn't expect to see any of our family while on our mission but were so excited when we heard that they would be coming. Wendy came on Wednesday night and we picked her up from the Syracuse Airport. After taking her out to dinner we arrived back to our apartment. The next morning we went to the mission office and Wendy got a hands on look at what goes on in our office. She helped sort the mail that comes each morning. At noon we took off to see some sites. First we went to the Oriskany Battlefield where an important Battle was fought in the American Revolutionary War. Although the Patriots from the Mohawk Valley suffered

Elder Barlow at Hamilton College

many casualties, it turned the tide of the revolution. Next we traveled to Rome, New York, where we visited Ft Stanwix. Elder and Sister Barlow had visited these sites before and wanted Wendy to have a taste of the rich history that is here. We then traveled to the beautiful little town of Clinton. We visited the farmers market in the town square and then went up the hill to Hamilton College and walked around the campus which is named after Alexander Hamilton, established in the late 1700, early 1800's.

On Friday we spent the entire day in the mission field. We had Special Training where the missionaries that have been out for a month, return for additional training from President Wirthlin.  This is my favorite meeting. When the new missionaries first come out, they are so scared and shy. When they return for Special Training they are transformed into powerful missionaries full of confidence. Sister Wirthlin's helper was not able to come that day so Wendy stepped right up and helped with the luncheon. Wendy was able to meet many of our missionaries and listen to the counsel of President Wirthlin. That evening we were invited to the Mission Home for a farewell dinner for Elder and Sister Walker who have completed their mission.

John and Wendy

All Aboard!

Boarding the Cruise Ship

Lighthouse on the lake

The following morning John arrived and we drove to Utica to catch the train up to the Adirondaks where we spent the day seeing the fall colors and taking a cruise around four connecting lakes. We had perfect weather and enjoyed seeing the sights in and around Old Forge. The

Old Forge

next day we attended Oneida Branch for Fast and Testimony Meeting. The Spirit was strong as these humble people bore such powerful testimony. Wendy and Elder Barlow also contributed. Elder Barlow fixed
a delicious meal and we spent the rest of the day visiting. Wendy and John left early Monday and made their way up to Niagara Falls before catching their flight back to Colorado. The visit went by so quickly but the memories remain. THANK YOU JOHN AND WENDY!

The architecture in our area is so unique. Of course most of what we see dates back to the 19th century. I love the beautiful barns and farm houses, the churches with their red doors and Victorian houses. The house to the right is one that we recently rented for a new senior couple arriving in our mission today. I want to live in a gingerbread house! One of the features that I am particularly curious about is the house below. See the little room on the very top? I'm not sure what it is used for but someone told me they are prayer rooms. I think it would be cool to have your own Celestial room on top of your house. I hope to be able to go in one of these houses before I leave to take a peek.

Celestial Room

A little family news.... Uncle Don and Claudia arrived safe and sound in Recife, Brazil, where they are serving their 6th mission. We wish them well. Congratulations to Ben Williams for earning his Eagle Scout award and to Sam Arnett for heading up a very successful Eagle Project at Liberty Commons School. Pictures of Jeff Arnett and Madeline McKinnon were in the Church News this month for helping with the floods that struck their area. I know Jill and Kim were also involved in the volunteer efforts. A high-five goes out to Tara Gover for getting a 31 on her ACT's. Way to go!

Wendy and Tara

Pizza Arch

To the left is a picture of Elder Black and Elder Call under the pizza arch in one of the apartments. Our current AP, Elder Tanner, started the arch when he lived there and the tradition has continued. Our Elders LOVE Pizza. Next week we welcome a new batch of missionaries and once again say good bye to some that we have grown so close to. We will be saying "hello" to four sisters including a Sister Barlow from Burbank, California (I already found out that she is related) and Sister's Barley, Ladd and Miller and three elders, Elder Villejo, Thompson and Kunzler (a visa waiter assigned to Curitiba Brazil). We will have to say "good bye" to Elders King, Portella, Simmonds and Sister Palmer. This is the hazard we experience as we give our hearts away but we wouldn't have it any other way. Until next month, I leave you with this quote from Elder Holland which gives us purpose for our mission. We love you all so much.

"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!'"

Happy Halloween