It’s been a very busy two weeks. The Palymra temple went into it’s two week maintenance which is scheduled twice a year. We had asked for permission to go to Calgary for our son’s wedding as well as to go to Vermont to see Joseph Smith’s birthplace. As well, two weeks ago, I was asked to do a 30 day gratitude journal where I write three things each day and no days are to be repeated.

We headed out on Tuesday the 16th to go along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail towards the Thousand Islands. The plan was to only be gone for two days on this trip because of getting ourselves ready to go to Alberta. The road we took was the I-90 towards Syracuse and then took the I-81 north to Watertown. I vividly remember seeing Canada across the water and getting excited. We were so perplexed over a very high arching bridge that we missed the exit to highway 12. If we had gone farther across the bridge too Wellesly Island, we were going to end up in Canada. Although, without passports, we wouldn’t have gone very far. Thus, it was a backup to the exit and then we went to the Welcome Center for a bathroom break and information. The guide there told us that she usually drives straight east into the Adirondacks. By going north is was going to be a longer journey. We wanted to see everything so, we headed north. It was beautiful to see the St. Lawrence river and we actually saw a tanker ship along the way.

I had a Zoom meeting at 2:30 pm so we were looking for a place to pull over that would have a cell signal. Massena seemed to be the place for everything to work out. We pulled into a park along a little river and ate lunch. The town boasted the Massena Springs, a pair of sulfur springs, one hot and the other cold, reputed to possess healing powers known to the Native Americans before European settlement. In 1820, an Army veteran, Captain John Polley, hoping to capitalize on the properties, opened a hotel and began to advertise them. By 1858, three hotels, numerous rental cottages, a bathing house, and a plant that bottled and sold the spring water, had been built. By about 1900, the Springs’ status as a popular resort had faded. We could still smell an odor of sulphur where we were. My meeting only took 45 minutes and then we were on our way.

From Massena, we headed south going via Brasher Falls. As we headed to Fort Jackson, a very curious event occured. We were supposed to cross the St. Regis river but the bridge was being reconstructed and of course was impassable. Erik stops the vehicle and says, “This has Panama vibes!” Back story: We were in a van with friends after doing a week long cruise. Our group wanted to find a beach on the east coast of Panama. It turns out that the waters and beaches were filthy and strewn with so much garbage (definitely not swimmable). Then we came upon a bridge which had collapsed in the middle into the little river below. Erik and I got out of the van and made a determination that we could quite possibly drive the van across the broken bridge without getting hung up. All the buses could not cross because of their length. Keith was driving and we encouraged him to give it a go. The women in the back of the van were yelling and saying NO!! Keith proceeded with all the bally-hooing going on and we did make it!

We got out at Fort Jackson to take photos of the bridge and right beside the river was an old cemetery (the cemeteries in New York are all old). I was drawn to a gravesite with one large headstone and then smaller ones on either side depicting the adults and children.

I looked at the main headstone and was drawn to Sarah who was Orman’s second wife. I said to her, “Hey, Sarah, you and I are nearly birthday twins!” Her birthday is two days before mine. Her birth year was 1829 which was my phone number for 25 years. I wondered why I was drawn to her and decided to look up her information on Family Search. All of her ordinances were done in the 1950’s in the Salt Lake temple! I will check on her children as well to see what has happened with them. A very curious experience to be had that day because as I say, “We’re in the middle of Podunk-Nowhere and I come across this!”

Onward we went after the detour and ended up on highway 30 heading south again. We had entered the Adirondack mountains. I have always loved geology, and of course, I had to see what made up these mountains. In October, the vistas are going to be stunning with the fall colors. The Adirondacks are a massif of mountains in northeastern New York, which form a circular dome approximately 260 kms wide.

The word Adirondack is thought to come from the Mohawk word atirǫ́·taks meaning “eaters of trees”. Another early use of the name, spelled Rontaks, was in 1729 by French missionary Joesph-Francois Lafitou. He explained that the word was used by the Iroquois as a derogatory term for groups of Algonquians who did not practice agriculture and therefore sometimes had to eat tree bark to survive harsh winters.The Mohawks had no written language, so Europeans used various phonetic spellings of the word, including Achkokx, Rondaxe, and Adirondax. The Adirondacks were thought to be uplifted by a hot spot in the Canadian Shield. As we cruised along and I saw the rocks, I kept saying, “Hello Canada!”

We stayed in Lake Placid for the night. This was the location of the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. It reminded us of downtown Banff, very bougie and lots of interesting people walking the sidewalks. Our room had a lovely view of the lake and a bed so comfortable that I wanted to stay and get more rest. I slept incredibly well that night.

We arose and headed to catch the Essex Ferry to Vermont. We arrived too early because they only run once an hour during off season, so we went to Willsboro to find a restroom. This is another lovely picturesque village. Again lots of bougie homes because this is where Lake Champlain is. This lake is shared with New York, Vermont and Quebec. It is the thirteenth largest lake (by area) in the USA. Whilst waiting in line for the ferry to arrive, Erik was asked (because we wear missionary nametags) about the ferry and how safe it was. He wanted to say, “Don’t park in the front or the back because those are the ones that go off the ferry in the lake!” Alas, he only shared those words with me.

Lake Champlain

Driving north to Burlington, we then took highway 89 to get to Sharon, Vermont. We drove past the capital city, Montpelier, which is the smallest capital city in the USA. It has a population of less than 8,000 people. The landscape changed to a more rolling hills scenario dotted with farms.

As we found our way to the Solomon and Lydia Mack homesite, again I was struck as to the small rural area that it was in. Very, very beautiful woods are to be found and it was such a joy to wander and see the foundations of the buildings. The memorial was erected for the 100th anniversary of Joseph’s birth, December 23, 1905. The granite stone was made 38-1/2 feet tall for the years of Joseph’s life. The granite shaft weighed 99 tons and a miracle had to happen to get it erected on time. We saw the hearthstone from the home as well as the front step stone. We were invited to drive through the woods to the Solomon Mack home foundation. It was so beautiful! Later we ate our lunch at a picnic shelter on the land.

It was to be a very long drive back to Palmyra that day. We stopped at a rest stop for a bit and were able to see a boat going through the lock there. Again, people were piloting the boat for the owners. It was quite a large vessel and would be quite comfortable to do the Great American Loop in.

By the time we got home we were pooched and ready for bed. The next morning, Erik feels prompted to go to the temple to see if anyone needs his help with anything. I stayed home to hem my dress for the wedding. Erik, indeed found a project that would take him a couple of days to complete. He met some interesting people who get assigned to travel to temples for maintenance. One couple does all the painting touch-ups for wood. Another fellow does the reupholstery and comes with a portable industrial sewing machine.

On Saturday, the 20th, The Purple Painted Lady Festival was starting so we made our way to it. It is a massive undertaking with nearly 400 vendors and 25 food trucks and 5 bands, held over two days. Around 14,000 people come to this festival which is held on her farm. My dear husband patiently attended with me and let me see the sights. I purchased an embroidered tea towel for Lyndon that talks about Rochester’s “Garbage Plate”. We also found a gentleman who builds pipe organs but does some wooden laser cut maps of the Finger Lakes. I purchased one that shows all the lakes. It definitely was quite the experience to see it all and the impressive organization of this event. Trish also has a store front called The Purple Painted Lady full of eclectic items to peruse.

On Sunday, September 21, we had an incredibly special experience in the Sacred Grove with Elder Bednar and three Seventy’s (Elder MacKay, Elder Martinez and Elder Bednar Jr.) who joined him. We were able to spend an hour at the Gathering Place in the Grove to hear Elder Bednar speak. He told us (Senior missionaries) how grateful the Brethren were for us leaving our homes to go and serve. He understood the sacrifice it is to leave children and grandchildren behind to go around the world to serve others. Then we go home, love on our grandchildren and children and go out on another mission. Elder Bednar wanted to look into the eyes of each of us who were there. September 21 is significant because it is the anniversary of angel Moroni coming to visit Joseph Smith. Then Elder Bednar left to rededicate the Hill Cumorah Visitor Center which had been updated and rejuvenated. We had to get on the road to Hamilton, Ontario to catch our flight to Calgary, so we listened to the broadcast on our phone while we were driving.

We spent the night in Niagra Falls (Canadian side) with a view of the falls. There are fireworks at 10 pm that are short but gorgeous. As well, lights are projected onto both American and Canadian falls. In the morning, we headed to the Hamilton airport for our flight. Porter Airlines was something I wanted to experience and our flight was a tad hellish. A family of five was seated directly behind us and the oldest child was constantly hitting the back of my seat as well as all the screaming, it was misery. Four and a half hours… I was done! The tender mercy at the end of the flight was the family in front of us stood and I asked them if they were from Calgary. They said that they were from Hamilton but had recently moved to Airdrie. They returned the question and I explained that we were serving a mission for our church at the temple in Palmyra. The mom had noticed our nametags and told us that they had been sealed in the Toronto temple and later left the church for twenty years. They decided to come back to church and were very happy to be in Airdrie with friends at church. The youngest daughter is going to be 12 next year and is excited to be attending Young Women’s and going to the temple.

We picked up our rental car and drove to Lethbridge to see Lyndon, Jasmin, Henry and new baby, Penny. On Tuesday morning, Erik and Henry harvested the grapes, washed them, bagged them and into the freezer they went. I have to say that I absolutely love having conversations with a nearly three year old. Henry later took us on a walk around the neighborhood with his wagon. When Lyndon came home from work, the three of us drove to Calgary to the AirBnB.

It was a blast to be with our children in Calgary. Leah figured that it had been six years since we had all been together.

Wednesday was river rafting out of Canmore. Eleven of us were on one raft and it was uber cold! I think it was only 9 C to start. We saw Elk in the river watching us as well as a Bald Eagle fighting with crows over a carcass. Our river guide Dino gave us interesting facts about the Canmore area and history. This time of year, the river is quite low, so there was not a chance of going overboard.

Our group was bused back to Canmore and we headed to lunch at the Flatbread Company. With all of us crunched in tight it was going to be hard not to get glutenized (didn’t work out so well in the end). Afterwards, we went to Lovely (which is completely gluten free) for ice cream. Then it was off to a little hike through town to get some steps in. Canmore has cell towers made up to look like trees and I found a sprig of what looked like a fake Christmas tree and realized that it probably came from the cell tower. A train came through town as we were crossing the tracks and Mason (13) pumped his fist for the whistle to blow and the engineer came through, much to Mason’s delight.

Erik and I and the grandsons drove back to Calgary along the 1A and saw some beautiful sights. The horses on the side of the road were so pretty. We also saw a herd of Big Horned sheep on the side of a mountain along our journey.

Thursday was a rehearsal dinner at Kaitlin and Brian’s new home in Altadore. Braeden smoked a brisket and some of Katina’s family came to. We finally got to meet her brother and sister-in-law as well as their son. Her dad’s youngest brother and his wife came. Katina asked her uncle to walk her down the aisle as her dad had passed away. He was so honored to do so because his children are all boys. We went to the park with Finn and Ainsley. Mason and Carter were worn out by playing with the little cousins. That night, Mason said to me, “Oh, I’m already sore!”

Friday….Wedding Day!! Erik and I made a fatal error by leaving too late for the wedding which was being held at the zoo. We realized that Deerfoot Trail was absolutely the wrong road to take to get there because of construction. We were sick to our stomachs and couldn’t believe the pickle we were in. Everything went well and the flower girls did so well. Leah was the matron of honor and Kaitlin was Braeden’s Best Woman. Katina looked stunning in her dress with her flowers. Dinner was at Grazers in the zoo and between the ceremony and the dinner, guests were able to visit zoo exhibits. Katina had the entire meal made gluten free and then after a short program, we danced and I was able to meet guests from Katina’s side of the family. We delivered Kaitlin back to her house as Brian had left earlier with the kids. I saw one of the flower girls (2 yrs old) with a steak knife under the table trying to stab people and cutting at the chair while my grandson, Charlie had a table knife to his dad’s jugular; so crazy!! Back to the AirBnB by midnight.

Unfortunately, we were all thrown out of bed at 7 am because the guests in the basement were burning food and the smoke alarms throughout the house were going off. What a rude awakening! We all wanted to do something so Erik found out the the Fish Hatchery was open and off we all went. Braeden and Katina joined us and we were able to see other wedding parties getting photos done in the park beside the Hatchery. Another beautiful fall day, considering that you never know what the weather could be in September in Calgary.

Renate left Saturday morning for her flight back to Victoria. Leah left Saturday night for her flight back to Victoria. Lyndon and Jasmin left for Lethbridge right after the wedding dinner. Our flight was an hour before Meaghan and Dallin’s flight on Sunday. We were trying to figure out all the food that needed to be eaten before leaving. Dallin’s friend, Russell joined us at the hatchery and for dinner at the AirBnB.

We checked out and headed for the airport. We missed the entrance for the car rental for our company and went in another way. We were going the wrong way and one gentleman took pity on us and lifted a pylon so that we could sneak through. I had my window rolled down to ask him how to get to the Thrifty car return. As he lifted the pylon, he said, “I’m only doing this because of this beautiful woman.” Well, I thanked him and we made it to the return.

Everything went smoothly on the return flight, including being able to hook up to Porter’s wifi on the flight. We chose emergency exit seats and the relief was immense. I didn’t feel claustrophobic and anxious because we had a little extra room. Porter uses the Embraer 195-E2 planes as well as Dash 8-400. The seating was 2 by 2 which I like because I sit by my husband.

We had wanted to zoom in on our Branch Conference in Rochester but they couldn’t get the wifi connection strong enough. We are looking forward to General Conference this coming weekend. Two weeks of adventures is a lot to write about and takes quite some time. Hopefully, I don’t have to do this again before the end of our mission.

This past week was all about family and carrying on our connections. We made hay while the sun was shining!

I know this to be true. There can be a lot of experiences with families that can either build or destroy relationships but it takes everyone pulling their part of the rope to get the family farther along the path with unity. I love my family, both near and far and look forward to the eternities with them.

Stick together and be like plywood; strong together meanwhile one ply is weak and breaks more easily. When you have the strength of family, you can overcome and be buoyed up with love and counsel that helps you.

Have a fantastic week! Stay strong and don’t let the outside world drag you around like a merry-go-round out of control. Your strengths are greater than you know. Lots of love to you all!

The past week was incredibly emotional on so many fronts. Mid week, I looked at what had happened thus far and it literally felt like I had been on a roller coaster; huge highs of joy and then ocean bottom depths of sorrow. We are constantly being prepared for the days ahead that will definitely sort evil from good. I was reading my patriarchal blessing (this is a specific blessing given to each person and gives advice, counsel and direction for their lives). As I was wondering about the timing of this mission, the Lord reminded me that I would be kept safe because I was in His house. Sure enough, my patriarchal blessing confirms that very thing. It was a great reminder to me to know that God loves me and knows of my devotion to Him.

On Monday, the Clay’s invited the temple missionaries to come to their home for a pizza party and a boat ride around their lake, Owasco Lake. Owasco is the third eastern most lake in the Finger Lakes and the sixth largest. The name is derived from the Iroquois word dwas-co, meaning bridge on the water. It was a beautiful day and we drove out with the Gurr’s. Marc Clay is a sealer at the Palymra temple, so we’ve gotten to know them by working with them. The Clay’s home sits lakeside and has incredible views. Eight of the temple missionaries made it to the party and were in for a wonderful evening. Marc loaded us on their pontoon boat and gave us a tour of the lake and where certain family members resided. We loved the viewing of the homes and some of us picked out homes that we would dream of living in.

After our cruise around the lake, we headed to the kitchen to make pizza. The Clay’s have a pizza oven that cooks a pizza in 90 seconds. I stayed in the sunroom to avoid getting “glutenized” and watched as everyone created their pizzas. We contributed by bringing salads. Kathy had something special for dessert for everyone. Great conversation flowed and plenty of pizza was had. For dessert, Kathy made her famous cream puffs. It was so cute, because she was telling us how she makes them and Marc didn’t want her to share her recipe and techniques. She covered the tops of the cream puffs with ganache and they looked beautiful. Erik was able to bring an extra one home because I couldn’t eat them.

Tuesday morning at the temple, our preparation meeting was quite possibly the most spiritual prep meeting that I had ever been in throughout my years as an ordinance worker. Tears were flowing from a number of us as we discussed how the temple has impacted our lives. We were being completely enveloped in the spirit of the Lord. Afterwards, a few of us were talking about how beautiful the meeting was and we felt like something momentous was going to happen in the world. Tuesday was a day of utter joy and gladness.

Wednesday was spent being busy doing our duties at the temple. We arrived home and I received a text from my son, who was fervently asking me to pray for Charlie Kirk. I didn’t know what was going on because we had been in the house of the Lord for the day. The roller coaster loop was taking a dip and I was in shock. The momentous event has been put in motion. We were about to see the reactions and the fallout. On Tuesday, while assigned to the Celestial room, I asked the Lord if there was anything that He wanted me to see or know. He showed me a magnificant lion roaring and said the Savior is about to roar. So many world events are occuring that show the population changing and wanting changes. I cannot be thrown off course by these because I know where my faith lies and that I am protected. I refuse to allow myself to be afraid and worry about everything. I am not in charge and I will continue with what I know to be true in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I spent five and one half hours on Friday, sewing quilt blocks for Penny’s quilt. I was having a struggle because the pattern had errors and I had to purchase more fabric and then keep cutting patches to sew. My goal was to get the entire quilt top put together for Saturday and take it to be long armed. Well….another fatal error in the pattern had me cutting the sashing the wrong size, ugh! I had to resign myself to the fact that the quilt top wasn’t going to be put together and I hit a funky sadness that my goal wasn’t going to be met because the “math wasn’t mathing” in the pattern. All things for a reason and I realized that I was tired from sewing so many hours the day before.

My latest doctor visit (I sound like an old person), had the doctors perplexed and they have now referred me to an endocrinologist, which I will see early November. I am staying the course with my AIP protocol and waiting on the Lord’s promise for a wonderful and miraculous healing.

On Sunday, I actually volunteered to give the opening prayer in Relief Society (Sociedad de Socorro). I probably shocked the Relief Society president, haha! A little growth here, a little growth there, helps Cheryl become a more rounded person. Next Sunday we will be on the road heading to Hamilton for our flight to Calgary. The following Sunday we will be at the Calgary airport flying back to Hamilton while our Branch has Branch Conference. The next Sunday is General Conference and then it’s Stake Conference!!! We won’t be back with our Branch for a month!

We are being prepared for our Savior to return and we must not delay our preparation. Many people have commented to me, “You are a great example of doing what the Lord tells you!” The caveat in my patriarchal blessing is, “Don’t fail Him!” With that admonishment from the Lord, I try hard to do as He commands. I recognize my petulant attitude which can creep in and quickly repent so that I am on the right side of my Heavenly Father. Constancy is my comfort and as the world is spinning and seemingly out of control, I am always trying to find my footing to stay upright. It’s why I make sure to get my water in each day, do my exercise, read my scriptures, pray, create nutritious meals and love my fellowman.

Stay strong, my friends and family. We love you and pray for your well-being!

It’s been two weeks in a row of sailing on Seneca Lake with gorgeous weather and great company. We have learned a lot about races and boats and lakes. I also have acquired another birthday twin in Gennaro Fazio, although I am five years older than him.

We also celebrated the birthday of one of our temple missionaries, Charlie Whitehead. He put out the call that they were going to Casa Mexicana in Marion and invited any who could come to join him and Eileen. Eight of us showed up to enjoy each other’s company and tasty food. The waiter mentioned that he had seen all eight of us in the restaurant separately but never together.

I was able to stick to my AIP protocol for my meal and it was delicious. We sang to Charlie and then the Kinnersley’s gifted Charlie a lovely piece of artwork that depicted the Savior using the names of the Savior.

Woven into the fabric of His robe are His fifty-two names. I appreciate this art piece not only because it’s of the Savior but I love creating ink drawings. The link below shows how the author studied the various names of Christ and came up with a list of 115!

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/12/digital-only/115-names-and-titles-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

I decided to move along on Penny’s “Big Girl” quilt and discovered that I was short fabric for some of the blocks. I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked down to the quilt shop to see what I could find. High humidity and 25°C did not make for a comfortable jaunt. I’m standing in the quilt shop, with perspiration running down my face, and trying to put a sane thought pattern together. I came away with more fabric and was able to get the next blocks all cut out and ready for sewing.

By Friday, I had to run into Newark for bloodwork in the morning. That didn’t take very long and then two doors down is a Marshall’s where I was able to find some glass storage containers for food. Part of my protocol is removing all plastic from my life and it’s easier than I thought. I did find some great sets of containers and was able to meet a Spanish mom and her adult daughter. Later, farther back in the store, the mom says to me, “Oh, you’re Canadian…that’s why you’re so nice!” Well, thank you for the compliment but personally, I have found everyone to be delightful and easy to get along with. Some people are startled when I start up a conversation with them, but then I am able to loosen them up and get to know them.

I have had a number of people say to me, “Oh, you must be Canadian because I can tell by your accent.” It’s just like I am really enjoying the New York accent. One of the youth who came to the temple said, “I could tell you are Canadian because you sound like my mom who is from Canada.”

Our daughter, Kaitlin, and her family moved into their new home this past week. It’s a very exciting time for them as their oldest child starts kindergarten and the youngest goes to daycare for the first time. Lots of changes in their lives.

Our B.C. grandsons went back to school: one to grade 8 and the other to grade 10.

Saturday was a VERY special day for us because our little Spanish Branch was booked into the temple for a session to accompany a member who was receiving his endowment ordinance. The endowment ordinance is where we covenant with God in five areas:

• Law of Obedience, which includes striving to keep Heavenly Father’s commandments.
• Law of Sacrifice, which means sacrificing to support the Lord’s work and repenting with a broken heart and contrite spirit.
• Law of the Gospel, which includes exercising faith in Jesus Christ, making and honoring essential covenants with God, enduring to the end, and striving to love God and our neighbor.
• Law of Chastity, which means abstaining from sexual relations outside of a legal marriage between a man and a woman, which is according to God’s law.
• Law of Consecration, which means dedicating our time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed us to building up Jesus Christ’s Church on the earth.

It was such a joyful day and Erik and I were given the opportunity to be officiators for that session. It was wonderful to have so many Spanish people together, serving and supporting their brother, son and brother in Christ. Afterwards we gathered outside of the temple and they asked Erik and I to join them for photos.

Erik woke up with a slight headache on Sunday and we didn’t leave on time for me to be at choir practice. Alexandra said that even though we won’t be there for Branch Conference, it would be good for my Spanish practice to be there. Si, es la verdad! The branch is going together to Kirtland, Ohio to see the historic site on September 20. It turns out that Elder Bednar, who is coming to rededicate the Hill Cumorah Visitor’s Center is also going to be speaking to the Youth of the area that same evening at 7 pm. We had a short meeting after sacrament meeting to see if people wanted to change the trip to the 27th but the vote was for the 20th. Our two youth are 14 and 16 and are brother and sister. I love those two kids like they are my grandkids and every Sunday I talk to them to see how their week went.

After church, we prepared some food for our picnic with the Fazio’s. We met them again at the Seneca Yacht Club and enjoyed a sumptuous repast together. Gennaro made some sausage stuffed tortellini that Erik and him ate. Christine cooked some fresh beets and made a beautiful green salad. Erik made some black bean brownies and I looked after myself with a salad with mackerel and loads of other veggies. The sun was gorgeous and later we experienced the full moon rising in the evening sky after our sail on the lake.

Monday is when I usually publish my blog, but I was so late because of a very full day. I went to Canadaigua for a doctor’s appointment. Cholesterol is heading in the right direction but that silly A1C is so out of control. We discussed some options and then she told me that I am a “special case” because I am doing all the things that western medicine has recommended but my body does not respond positively to it. Now I am booked for an endocrinologist appoinment in November. Hopefully, the numbers will show a vast improvement by then.

Elder Ballard recounts an adventure of white water rafting:

At the beginning of the trip, one of the experienced river guides reviewed important safety instructions, emphasizing three rules that would ensure the group’s safe travel through the rapids. “Rule number one: stay in the boat! Rule number two: always wear a life jacket! Rule number three: always hold on with both hands!” He then said again, with even more emphasis, “Above all, remember rule number one: stay in the boat!”

This adventure reminds me of our mortal journey. Most of us experience periods in our lives where the tranquil waters of life are appreciated. At other times, we encounter white-water rapids that are metaphorically comparable to those found in the 14-mile stretch through Cataract Canyon—challenges that may include physical and mental health issues, the death of a loved one, dashed dreams and hopes, and—for some—even a crisis of faith when faced with life’s problems, questions, and doubts.Let’s think about rule number one: stay in the boat!

President Brigham Young commonly employed “the Old Ship Zion” as a metaphor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He said on one occasion: “We are in the midst of the ocean. A storm comes on, and, as sailors say, she labors very hard. ‘I am not going to stay here,’ says one; ‘I don’t believe this is the “Ship Zion.”’ ‘But we are in the midst of the ocean.’ ‘I don’t care, I am not going to stay here.’ Off goes the coat, and he jumps overboard. Will he not be drowned? Yes. So with those who leave this Church. It is the ‘Old Ship Zion,’ let us stay in it.”

On another occasion, President Young said that he also worried about people losing their way when they were being blessed—when life was good: “It is in calm weather, when the old ship of Zion is sailing with a gentle breeze, [and] when all is quiet on deck, that some of the brethren want to go out in the whaling boats to have … a swim, and some get drowned, others drifted away, and others again get back to the ship. Let us stick to the old ship and she will carry us [safely] into the harbor; you need not be concerned.”

And finally, President Young reminded the Saints: “We are on the old ship Zion. … [God] is at the helm and will stay there. … All is right, sing Hallelujah, for the Lord is here. He dictates, guides and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake their covenants nor their God, He will guide us right.”

Given the challenges we all face today, how do we stay on the Old Ship Zion?

Here is how. We need to experience a continuing conversion by increasing our faith in Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to His gospel throughout our lives—not just once but regularly. Alma asked, “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren [and sisters], if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”

This was a great talk given in October 2014 General Conference. I love the water of the oceans and lakes and was riveted to this talk back then, eleven years ago. May we ever stay on the Old Ship Zion, supporting each other, showing love and the charity of Christ to all.

Just like that, it’s September! August flew by so quickly. As Erik and I were travelling to buy groceries, I mentioned that it was incredible that a whole summer went by and we didn’t even put our toes in the water. We saw many bodies of water but nothing that spoke to us and welcomed us in. New York State did have a mighty hot, humid summer and that drove lake temperatures so high that the blue green algae was blooming.

On Tuesday, we had a youth conference in our area that were staying at the Seneca Lake Camp. They were from Barrie, Ontario Stake. When I was fourteen years old I moved into the Barrie, Ontario area as my dad was posted (military) to Camp Borden which is just 18 kilometers from Barrie. I became friends with another young lady who was in the same grade as me. Our families attended the Barrie Branch. After a year of attending school on the base, I wasn’t interested in attending again. My dad helped me make arrangements to move west to Sardis, B.C. and live with his mother and his sister. A year earlier, my grandma could see the writing on the wall, so to say, and told me that if I ever needed a place to stay, I could let her know and she would take me in. Our family situation was strained because of my mom’s mental illness. Being the oldest child, I felt the onus to take on the responsibility of helping in the home with my three younger sisters and household chores. It was a struggle over the years and I wasn’t happy with schooling because I wasn’t being challenged enough. It all came to a head when I was turning fifteen and was ready to run; where, I don’t know but I had had enough of the pressure. It was truly a sad situation because Bipolar Disorder was not properly diagnosed and treated with much success until the late 1970’s. Our lives were rounds of watching our dear mother sink and rise. At age fifteen, I flew the coop and went west, leaving behind my family but finding a savior in my grandma. She relieved the pressure and helped me to be a better person.

After a year, my parents wanted me to come home and I agreed on the condition that I could go to school in Barrie instead of on the base. They made arrangements with the Addy family so that I could live with them until my dad could buy a little car for me to commute. Shirley and Bob Addy have six children and they lived in a beautiful heritage home in Barrie. I was put in Suzanne’s room with her and we went to seminary together and to school. The school was good for me, as they had a big theater and put on big productions every year. That year, 1979-80, we put on “Guys & Dolls”. I was over the moon with the opportunity to help design and paint sets for the musical. I even became part of the stage crew and was THE curtain girl, drawing and closing the huge stage curtains. I loved the kindness shown to me by the Addy family and it also helped me form myself into a better person. Shirley ran a tight ship and we all were assigned chores. She came in to the kitchen one night when I was doing dishes and was shocked that the blender carafe came apart. They had been using it without unscrewing the base and cleaning the rubber gasket. She was really happy to know about that!

Shirley and I have kept in touch over the years by exchanging Christmas cards and letters. I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. They have been faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and were great in the service to the church and community.

When I told the youth from the Youth Stake Conference that I was in fact, Canadian and had lived in Barrie one time, they were very surprised. I told them about living with the Addy family and one of the leaders told me that Lynda Addy was one of their camp cooks. So, in “Cheryl” fashion, I told Erik that we were going to Seneca Lake Camp immediately after our shift. We went home, changed clothing, ate lunch and hit the road. It was about a 45 minute drive. We were greeted by Elder Dixon who is serving at the camp for 18 months with his wife. They are from Washington State. He immediately grabbed a golf cart and asked to give us a tour of the camp which we were very happy to do. The camp is on 200 acres of land and has many amenities and specialized areas. The senior missionaries who serve there, bring their own RV and have full services at their sites. When we arrived at the camp kitchen, I walked in and spottted Lynda right away. She hasn’t hardly changed at all. On the other hand, she didn’t recognize me, haha! Linda is number three in the Addy family. I always remember her as very smart, serious but easy to get along with. She filled me in on where all her siblings are at and as we got caught up, I was feeling so full of joy to have this connection despite it being 45 years since I saw her. I have stayed in touch with Suzanne over the years and learned that she needs extra prayers and ministering right now.

We finally received some photos of our newest princess after a reminder to my son. She is such a sweet pea! We will watch her change quickly over the next year. Big brother looks like he is having a good time and really enjoying time with his dad as momma looks after his sister.

It’s week three of my AIP program (Auto Immune Protocol). Everything is going really well and I have been pleasantly surprised by my ease into the program and not having any detoxing symptoms. Carry, on, carry on, carry on!! Are you singing it?

With the Barrie Stake Youth, they finished up our season of big groups. Temple life will settle into a quiet time for months. The six month temple missionaries only have two months left of their missions. We have made some incredible friends with other temple workers. I can honestly say how much I love them.

One of our friends and her husband invited us and the Stevens to go sailing with them. They have a 30 foot sailboat and the Fazios are ardent sailors. We each brought snacks to share on board. Christine met us at the Seneca Yacht Club and we headed to the boat to meet Gennaro, her husband. It was a sunset cruise and we sailed for three hours. Seneca Lake is one of the finger lakes and is 618 feet deep (180 m) in the center and is 38 miles long (61 kms). The width averages nearly 5 kms wide.

The sky was blue with clouds scudding to the south. We sailed south for 1-1/2 hours and had snacks along the way with the Fazio’s pointing out scenic buildings and points of interest. The wind had picked up and was starting to white cap. Gennaro said that it was time to head back so we needed to batten down the hatches and get ready for the tack back. Meanwhile he asked Erik if he wanted to man the helm. Erik agreed and Mark was wondering if this was such a good idea. I think that we did get to a 30 degree angle on the boat and I was bracing my feet which was difficult when you are as short as I am. Gennaro did want us to experience the opportunity and he put up both the main sail and the jib. It was hilarious and we received instruction on when to tack and everyone was scrambling. One time it looked like a game of Twister as we were trying to get everything done.

It was an absolutely beautiful evening full of laughter as we got to know each other better. The food was good, the sky was perfect, and the company was the best! The wind started dying down after the sunset, and we lowered the sails as Gennaro turned on the engine to get us to the pier and moored. He was spending the night on the boat because there was a regatta in the morning. We would definitely love to do that again!

So from very old friends to new friends, it was a great week. Elder Dixon was prepping us hard to consider a mission at the camp. To start, you need an RV, which we don’t have. We are open to the possibilities of whatever the Lord puts in our path.

This is so true. I have watched this in action throughout my life and the lives of others. Friendships can be revolutionary and help the world to be a much better place that can be full of love and happiness, peace and warmth. Choose wisely and you will be blessed. You will also be a blessing to others when you act in charity and kindness.

Have a fantastic week as kids & grandkids go back to school or off to university. Be well and may you all have the smoothest sailing possible with Jesus Christ at the helm of your boat.