Mission Memoirs: Afterglow

It seems like I get melancholy every Christmas season and I like to go through my things and reminisce. I was cleaning out some old files in my filing cabinet and I came across a Bible that I used on my mission. It is marked up and banged up. I had this Bible since I took seminary in high school so it has been awhile. I also took this set with me on my mission, and I used this set out on the streets. I didn't want to take my nice leather ones out in case I get mugged and someone takes off with my scriptures.

I thumbed through the pages and out fell this note:

This note was written by Elder Buckner (one of the missionaries I lived with) when I served in Jamaica, Queens. His companion when he was getting ready would carry this portable tape player with him constantly and he would only play Afterglow. For those that are not familiar with Afterglow, they are an LDS duo that sings LDS material. Now I have nothing against them or their music, it is not my cup of tea (and I like cheesy music!). But Elder Buckner's companion listened to them non-stop for months and it was grating on all of our nerves. Elder Buckner passed this note to me when I was reading in bed right after his companion passed me singing and listening to Afterglow loudly.

I am totally hanging on to this keepsake. It is now a bookmark in my set of scriptures.

Mission Memoirs: Count Chocula

I used to eat a lot of cereal while serving my LDS Mission in New York. It was easy to make, you could eat it for every meal and it was usually cheap. Most stores would have a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all the cereals and not just the crappy ones. My favorite by far was Count Chocula.

And then it all changed one horrible P-Day.

I was looking forward to this P-Day and I had some big plans.  C-Town, which is a local grocery store usually has some decent sales on cereal and as a missionary, cereals are the best! They can be eaten at any time and you do not have to have milk.  Lucky Charms are one my favorite but every once in awhile and usually around Halloween they would have Count Chocula on sale. I never thought I would like a chocolate cereal but after trying a bowl I was hooked.  For P-Day I was looking forward to digging into a huge bowl (usually from an empty CoolWhip container) for breakfast.  I got the cereal out and poured it in and doused it with milk.  I took the first bite and I was in heaven.  I eagerly took another bite and one of the pieces felt a little strange.  I looked at the box and it said that it had a new type of marshmallow so I thought that was it.  I took another bite and the marshmallow bit still felt strange so I looked into my bowl wanting to find one.

And instead I discovered a live cockroach climbing on the side of my bowl.  I was horrified, I stuck my spoon in the cereal and stirred it and found a couple of them bobbing up to the surface.  I wanted to barf, I looked inside of the cereal box and it was full of roaches.  Yuck!  I threw the box out and I couldn't bring myself to look at the other box.  I don't think that I will ever want to buy this cereal again!  

The ones I ate were not this big thankfully.

I don't think I ate that cereal for years. And even now when I treat myself to a bowl, I look inside the box. After eating a roach I have no fear of accidentally eating a bug. I have eaten the worst and the most gooiest of all bugs. If I can do that, I can do anything.

Snicker... I just had to post this when I was looking for Count Chocula pictures.

The Jets?

When it comes to the NFL the question I get asked the most is "Why the Jets?"

Now the Jets are not my first favorite football team, that would be the Green Bay Packers. I liked the Packers because of the old school uniforms, I liked them because of Sterling Sharpe, I liked them because they traded for a fun gunslinger named Brett Favre, I liked them because they traded for the Minister of Defense Reggie White, and I liked them because of the old ball coach Vince Lombardi.

So how did I end up being a Jets fan?

I have always liked voting for the underdog and the Jets were a horrible team back in the early nineties. But it was an experience on my LDS Mission to New York that solidified me into being a Jets fan. I was serving in the Flushing, Queens area. I was with my second companion Elder Nez and we were over at a member's home for dinner after church.

NOVEMBER 14th 1993

Afterwards we all (including Beyung) were invited to Mike’s house to eat and relax.  Mike’s dad did not want all of us over and he was kinda mad that all of us were there.  He did not want to be disturbed while watching the Giants/Jets game. This is not the first time we have been invited to Mike's house much to the chagrin of his dad. Usually I would peek into the living room to check out the scores but we always left Mike's dad alone.  He was very cranky when we all arrived so we all scurried to the kitchen for cover, except for me. I stayed momentarily to see the scores before hastily retreating into the kitchen.

Then we heard his dad yell and I knew I must have overstayed my brief welcome. Mike went into the living room to see what was the matter and come to find out,  Mike’s dad wanted to know where that one missionary was.  He wanted to know where I was!  Mike came and got me and we entered the living room to see what his dad wanted.  He looked over at me and said “Are you going to stand there or are you going sit here and watch the game with me?”  We were all flabbergasted!  A missionary was personally invited to sit on the same couch and watch the game with him. That was unbelievable!  I sat down next to him and I was nervous.

He looked over and said, “Who are you for?  The Giants or the Jets?” I did not know what to say so I looked over at the television and I saw that Ronnie Lott was on the Jets team. (I guess he was traded while I was on my mission.)  I replied “I like the Jets!”  I must have picked the right team because he muttered “Damn Giants.  I hate them!”  He looked over at me as if he wanted me to say the same thing so I did. From now on, I will always be a fan of the Jets.  Mike announced that dinner was ready and I was getting up when his dad yelled out "Hey bring us our plates. He is eating with me!" Mike was stunned.  Mike told me later that his dad has never spoken personally to a missionary and that this was a first time and that I should be flattered.  I was flattered and a bit frightened also.  After the game was over Mike’s dad left to go take a nap upstairs, before he wanted to know if I would watch the Jets game with him next Sunday.  I said sure out of respect and fear and a little bit of excitement!

And that is how I became a fan of the New York Jets. I have followed them ever since that day. No one can accuse me of jumping on the bandwagon because they were so horrible then.

Mission Memoirs: Elder Abuse

Day 337

In my last area in Brooklyn Elder Nielson and I used to pass this bus stop all the time.

I just HAD to stop and take a picture. There are many forms of Elder abuse.

Mission Memoirs: Lost in New York City

Day 330

New York is a big city. I grew up in Edmonton, a large city in its own right, but New York is huge. I felt like I had an advantage when I was called to serve my LDS mission to New York City because I grew up in a city and I was used to the vast diversity living in a city offers.

It still surprised me how large this city was. My first area in New York City was in Brooklyn. I served in the Bensonhurst/Coney Island area and my trainer was Elder Neilson. It was a nice area of Brooklyn and it definitely was diverse but I felt comfortable there. Our area was so large that we had to have a good bike. So we went to this bike shop that caters to missionaries and I plunked down $388 for a Mongoose Alta bike. I do admit that it was fun to ride a bike again. This was the same bike that was I mugged for.

It was P-Day, my first one in the mission field. In the morning we did our wash and grocery shopping and went out and played some pool with some members. In the evening, Elder Neilson and I went out to do some work. We grabbed our bikes and headed out to our appointments and that was when the fun started. Elder Neilson is quite a large guy and when we started to ride our bikes he just took off! I tried to keep up but it was hard and then I soon lost sight of him. He never stopped to see where I was, he just kept going and going. Then I realized that I was lost.

Lost in Brooklyn and lost in New York City!

I decided to stop, thinking that he would come back. It didn’t make sense that I should keep going since I didn’t know where I was going in the first place. I waited for about an hour and no Neilson. So I walked with my bike and I noticed that I was on Norstrand Avenue right by the projects.

At least I knew where I was. Then another hour went by and still no sign of Neilson. I sat on my bike and just waited. A member of the Church just happened to walk by and he saw me and said “Hi”. I said “Hi” in return and he stopped because he noticed that my companion was no where near me. He asked me where my companion was and I told him I had absolutely no clue. He stayed with me for a little while and asked if my companion was tall and blonde and I told him he was. Apparently he has seen my companion blocks and blocks away. I decided then it might be best if I headed home. He asked me if I knew how to get home and I didn’t really know. I said that I would look for Avenue P and then go south until I got to my apartment building. He looked at his watch and it was 8:30 (I had been lost for almost 3 hours) and said I should go home and that this neighborhood would not be the best to hang around in. I got on my bike and found Avenue P and headed home.


View Larger Map
Where I am? I wish Google had been invented then!

At least I knew some of my area and I knew how to get home. I finally got home and I had no way to get inside of the building so I parked my bike and played with the neighborhood kids that were outside. They knew we were missionaries; I parked my bike in the inside of the building where it was safe and hung out with the kids. About twenty minutes later Elders Howard and Jeffries got home. I told them what had happened and Jeffries freaked out! Jeffries hopped on his bike yelling that we had to find Neilson now! Howard and I disagreed with him. Howard said that Neilson knew the area better than us and probably was heading home or going to the Dietze’s (a Senior couple) home so they can help look for me.

They argued about it and finally Jeffries just took off. Elder Howard looks over at me and says, “What an ***hole!” and walks up the stairs. Howard said we should just go upstairs and see if maybe Neilson called. We went upstairs and I was feeling so bad. Not only did I get lost, I also caused Jeffries and Howard to fight. There were no messages so we went downstairs to wait for both of our companions. Howard was so ticked off at Jeffries and went off on him. I was so uncomfortable. Another twenty minutes passed and Jeffries came back with no Neilson. Howard asked if I would go inside so he could speak to Jeffries and I knew the poop was going to hit the fan big time! I could hear the yelling and the cursing and around 10:15 Neilson strolls in with his bike and asked if I was okay. I said that I was just fine and then he asked what was up with Howard and Jeffries. We went upstairs and we laughed about it. Neilson said that he was sorry and I told him no harm was done. We called the Dietze’s to let them know that I was just fine. Sister Dietze was crying the whole time and Elder Dietze was making the whole thing like a secret war mission. I never felt like I was in danger, maybe it was because I am naïve but I think God was watching over me. They even called the cops to find me. The thought did cross my mind about calling President Child and ask for a transfer but we all ended up as friends. Even better than before.

Pic of the Week: Riding the Bull

Day 323

The Wall Street Bull or the Bowling Green Bull, is a 3,200 kilograms (7,100 lb) bronze sculpture by Arturo Di Modica that stands in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street in Manhattan, New York City.

Standing 11 feet (3.4 m) tall and measuring 16 feet (4.9 m) long, the oversize sculpture depicts a bull, the symbol of aggressive financial optimism and prosperity, leaning back on its haunches and with its head lowered as if ready to charge. The sculpture is both a popular tourist destination which draws thousands of people a day, as well as one of the most iconic images of New York and a Wall Street icon symbolizing Wall Street and the Financial District.

And I have rode the beast!

I was serving in Staten Island and we had one of our approved Manhattan trips. My companion and I were walking home to catch the Staten Island ferry and we passed by this huge statue. No one was around and I felt this incredible urge to ride the bull.

I grabbed him by the horns and hopped on. I was amazed by the sheer size of the animal. And like any bucking bull I had difficulty in staying on top. They must polish that bull because I kept sliding off.

Now if I can only conquer the actual financial markets like I conquered this bull!

Mission Memoirs: The Muffin Man

Day 316

On my mission I had all sorts of companions. Most of them I liked and got along with good. But there were a few that were a bit difficult to get along with. When I got to Staten Island I was paired up with a guy that was a very hard worker. I was not afraid of hard work at all, what I worried about was if the guy liked to have fun. I don't mind working hard just as long as we are having a good time doing it.

With this new companion, Elder Davidson, I was in for quite a ride. He did like to have fun but he was a strange person. He was not freaky or anything like that, he was just an odd duck.

April 25th, 1995

Today marked the 20th month that I have been on my mission! I cannot believe how the time really has flown. Today was DLZL so I was on a split with Elder Davis and Elder Anderson. We waited and waited for Davis to get ready so I called Reese and Powell (my former companions) and I got caught up with them. Reese was doing well in my old area but Powell was not having much fun out in Long Island. It seems like he has been taking a lot of flack from El' Presidente.

We finally left and went to our appointment with Angela and she juked us. This is not a good sign, she has been flaky the last couple of times we have seen, or at least tried to see her. Then we went and got some lunch at the mall and dropped in on the Mendez’s. Susan was not there, which is too bad because she was the one that was most interested but we spoke with Nilsa and Christina. After we looked up some referrals and we got back together with our companions around 7:00. Davidson and I saw Denine that evening for another long discussion.

 On the way home, my companion reminded me that he was such an odd duck. He was starving and after our appointment with Denine, I suggested we stop by and I’ll treat him to some muffins. (Sidenote: There was this bakery in Staten Island that made the best large muffins! They had all sorts of flavors like cherry crumb, chocolate chip, peach, apple and a ton more. They were baked fresh and they were 50 cents for two of them. We must have stopped in almost everyday.) Davidson was excited and so we headed over to grab some on the way home. I could tell he was tired as well so I was drove. We picked up some of those tasty muffins (I didn’t get any because I was not hungry) and we were driving home and he was digging into them. Then suddenly he asks me to roll down my window. I thought maybe he farted and was just being polite but I learned quickly that was not the case. Remember, this is Elder Odd Duck we are talking about here. I rolled my window down and he asked for me to roll it all the way down and so I did. Then he chucked the muffins out my window!

They looked like these. Only they were as large as your fist.

I turned to him shocked and he was smiling. “What did you do that for?” I asked him and he said he was just seeing if he had the willpower to throw them out. “I thought you were hungry?” I asked and he replied that he was really hungry but he had something to prove. I replied very sarcastically, “You proved something alright.” I don't know why that ticked me off but it did. I don't think that Davidson likes me anyway and here I am trying to be nice and he slaps me in the face. He then said that he was stronger for doing it. So I selfishly decided it would be best to make him feel guilty so I said, “You could have shared those muffins with the Spanish Elders or something. And are you going to eat something when you get home?” Davidson didn’t say anything so mission accomplished! What an odd, odd duck.

That was not the first time he did something strange nor was it his last time. I think I liked Davidson more than he liked me. He did things his way and I did things my way. Unfortunately at this time while on my mission, I did not see eye-to-eye with my Mission President and I got a bad reputation. Looking back I would not change a thing of how I worked. If Davidson contacted me out of the blue I would be happy to speak to him again.

Mission Memoirs: The Subway Ride Home

Day 302*

I still find it difficult to imagine that the World Trade Centers are gone. I was fortunate enough to visit the World Trade Centers before they were cowardly destroyed. I remember that day like it was just yesterday.

Dec 22nd 1993

Manhattan Day! Every three months we are allowed on a P-Day to go out of our mission and go to Manhattan and spend the day. This was my first one and I unfortunately was sick as a dog! But I could not let such a great opportunity pass me by so I forced myself to get my laundry and shopping down so we could run to Manhattan.

It is such a cool place to be! We first went to the World Trade Centers and we spent most of the morning there. It is cool and you are so high in the air. The wind was blowing strong so we did not get the chance to go to the roof and be outside. But it was amazing being up so high and seeing the city below. At the top floor we met Santa Clause and even though I was feeling so horrible, I had to sit on his lap. 

I am not completely sure but I believe that is Queens on the other side of the river.

That is upper Manhatten. You can kinda see the Empire State Building.

Ugh.. I can tell that I don't look so hot.

Elder Moyes in front of the World Trade Centers.

Merry Christmas '93!

Looking down...

I started to feel even worse than before so we stopped in at the Roy Rogers and had lunch. I felt a little bette so we explored the Village in search of this store called Discorama. We finally found it and we bought a couple of very cheap CDs but I could barely keep my head up, I was feeling so sick. We left the store and explored more and we had to stop in the McDonalds so Moyes could use the bathroom. While I was waiting he was nice enough to buy me a Sprite. The Sprite helped a little but as soon as we left McDonalds, I found the first wastebasket and dry-heaved for about ten minutes straight. Moyes must have sensed that I was really sick so we decided to go home.

The subway ride home was awful. We must have waited for what seemed eternity. We finally got on the train and we headed home. It was the middle of rush hour and the train was packed. Usually people will fight for a seat and we as missionaries would give up our seats (if we had them) for other people to sit. This time I was in the mood to fight for a seat. When one opened I quickly jumped for it and sank down feeling terrible. Moyes watched where I was and made sure that I was all right. I was feeling so sick that I was finding it difficult to stay awake. After a couple of stops I must have decided to stop fighting the sleep and I was gone. 

I guess I was really out of it because when I awoke my face was pretty much perched on top of this older ladies's chest who was sitting next to me! It startled me so bad that I jumped up and immediately apologized to her. Moyes was laughing his head off sitting across from me. The lady looked at me and said that I looked very sick and she did not want to disturb me when it looked like I was comfy! I am glad that there are real nice people out there! I do not know what I would have done if I were in her place. I was so embarrassed! We got home and I fell asleep right away.

Even today, many years after that happened, I still blush!

For those that live in the Salt Lake Valley or are familiar with Salt Lake City, this is what it would be like if the World Trade Centers existed in downtown SLC.

One day I will have to blog about 9/11. But not today. I am just thankful that no one I knew was hurt and I am also thankful that I was able to see the World Trade Centers twice. Once on my LDS Mission and the other when I went back to New York City with my friend Joel. I'll have to blog about that later too.

*thanks Andrea for making sure I get my days straight... That's two I owe you  junior!**

**Anyone get that reference? The saying is actually "That's two you owe me junior."

Sunday Confessional: My "2-Year" Mission

Day 295

The month of August will always be linked to when I served my LDS mission to New York City.

I left for my mission on August 25th 1993. That means it will be 17 years since I left for my mission which mean it will be 15 years since I have been home. That is hard to believe. It seems like it has only been a few years since I have been back.

They say that these 2 years are the best 2 years of your life. I don't think they were. They may be the most memorable but I have had happier years. But then I didn't serve a full two years.

I came home August 16th, 1995. A little more than a week earlier than my full two years. Sure, I could have extended my mission out another month but somehow I don't think my Mission President would have approved that. We didn't see eye-to-eye on a lot of things but I'll blog about that sometime later.

On July 2nd, 1993 I received my mission call in the mail.

“WOW! My mission call finally came! I had a ten minute break from work (Pepperidge Farms) so I came home and called my mom and opened my call. After I told her where I was going, I called probably my best friend Damond. It was a little disappointing that I wasn’t going foreign but New York New York South is going to kick butt! I’m really excited!”

I was leaving on August 25th and that was just next month, I couldn’t believe it. I had also called my dad and asked him where he thought I was going. He said as long as it wasn't a big city like Los Angeles or New York he would be happy for me. Too funny.

I had actually prophesied that I would be in New York so it should not have come as a surprise. During my Freshmen year in Seminary (for those that don't know what Seminary is, it is basically church classes you could take every day like you would at a public school) I was posed the question "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" I wrote down "New York City." And sure enough, five years later I was in New York City. I thought I still had this piece of paper but I cannot find it anywhere for the life of me.

Anyway, I enjoyed my 2-year mission even through all the difficult times where I truly thought I was on my own. I'll save those maybe for another time.