Month: March 2026

What Day is It?

| cnaglis63

When your schedule changes and the days go by, you may start to wonder what day it really is. When there is no clear purpose in your days, one slides into the other, leaving you in a puddle of where am I and what am I doing? I experienced this the past week because the temple went into maintenance for two weeks. Two times per year, each temple has a two week break from normal duties to attend to bigger maintenance items. Erik went over to see if they needed his help and sure enough they did. Similar to the September maintenance period, he put his skills to use. He met the upholsterer again that came in September. As you know, every building has wear and tear from use or even non-use. The Palmyra temple floor plan was used 43 times to build temples around the world. This floor plan has now been retired. The standardized plan built a building that was 10,700 square feet. So, even though it is a small temple, we receive a lot of patrons and the building gets a lot of use.

Erik helped the upholsterer by breaking down four arm chairs that needed to be reupholstered. They weren’t on the original schedule to be done, but Erik & I noticed that the chairs had worn in places and shouldn’t be left in that state. With Erik’s help, the upholsterer was able to complete his scheduled work as well as these four chairs. We will have visible changes in the decor when we return on March 31.

In the meantime, I am trying to keep track of the days so that I don’t mess up my medication. I tried to motivate myself to sew but that didn’t pan out. I managed to cook our meals and get my exercise done each day but it was like my body needed a big rest. We received another invitation to try extending our mission for six months. The couple that they thought would come have been assigned elsewhere. Our offer to stay was turned down again. Personally, I know that we are needed somewhere else. We do need to do some regrouping upon returning home and get our next mission application ready. I am working on my A1C to lower it so that I will be able to serve again.

We had our first week at the Auburn Ward. It was lovely to see familiar faces that we have seen at the temple. It takes us approximately the same amount of time to get to the building in Auburn as it did to get to our Spanish Branch in Greece.

I started prepping food for our trip this week. I made the Grillo Dill Dip. Erik cut up tons of veggies to eat it with. Two types of muffins and some Chocolate Date Balls were also on the menu.

We loaded the car and hopefully we didn’t forget anything crucial. Our morning started with a remote (online) doctor’s appointment for me and then we had our prayer and started the journey. As we headed south, the route was a reminder of our journey to Nauvoo a year ago. You are cruising down the interstate and then the GPS sends you on a small farm road and we really thought that the GPS had lost it’s mind. No, it’s just in the middle of Podunk-nowhere! Today was the same experience and instead I relaxed and enjoyed the view of rural New York and Pennsylvania. As you journey into Pennsylvania you notice the rock formations have changed. Coal mining is a big deal in PA. As of 2022, there were still over 100 active mines. Anthracite is found in the northeast and is known as “hard coal”.

We drove down the east side of Canandaigua Lake as we wound south along little rural byways. It is unbelievably picturesque. Soon the leaves will be making their appearances and the views will change yet again. We saw maple sap collections with tanks near the road for easier pick up. Little road side stands selling maple syrup were also seen.

As we came into Corning, I was reminded that we never did get to the Corning Glass Museum in the past year. As we carried on, the temperature was dropping and as we looked south from atop of a crest of a hill, we saw white dusted trees in the distance. We hit the Blossburg pass and at 2270 feet of elevation and found snow melting on the road. The temperature was below 0C.

A large part of our journey took us along the Susquehanna river. I have talked about this river in the past and as we have seen more of it, we gain a greater appreciation for it’s history. We reached Harrisburg and were amazed at the mansions lining the river. We drove past the Governor’s mansion (Harrisburg is the state capital).

Located in the Dauphin Narrows stretch of the Susquehanna River, stands a mini Statue of Liberty that is a 25 foot tall replica of the original. Technically it is a replica of a replica. The current statue is the second little Lady Liberty to hold her torch high above the old railway piling in the middle of the river. The first was 18 foot tall and made of plywood and venetian blinds. It was erected in 1986 as a patriotic prank to commemorate the centennial of the original Statue of Liberty. No one knew who made it or how it got there, and no one would come forward to take the credit/blame.

This first replica was blown off her pedestal and destroyed in 1992, a surprisingly long run considering its construction materials. However, in the six years since she first appeared, the people of Dauphin Township had grown rather fond of her. Money was raised to erect a heavier, sturdier 25 foot version of the statue, this time constructed from metal. This one was put in place in 1997 by a helicopter and lashed to the piling. It still stands today. 

It wasn’t until years later in 2011 that local lawyer, Gene Stilp finally owned up to not only orchestrating the making of the statue but also taking the daring trip into the dangerous river water to climb the piling and help erect the statue. Little did he know his prank would become a permanent monument for the people of Harrisburg, PA.

Being a lawyer Stilp also pointed out that the statute of limitations for prosecuting the crime of illegal statue placement has long since passed. 

We saw so many law practices along our route, hahaha!

We were also impressed by the Jewish presence in Harrisburg. They immigrated in the 1840’s from Germany and England. Another wave of immigrants came in the late 19th century and early 20th century (they were from Lithuania). We drove past two big buildings and one was Temple Bethel El and the other may have been a community center. They have been vibrant community in Harrisburg.

This isn’t in the right order but, we stopped for gasoline at Hilsher’s General Store. I chose it because I was pretty sure that it was a Mennonite store (and it was)! It was at Port Trevorton, north of Harrisburg. It is over 20,000 square feet of fun; bakery, deli, meat processing, clothing/footwear, hardware, home decor, housewares, sporting goods, and toys. Erik picked up a slice of Shoo-fly pie and I bought a little bottle of Bronner’s baby soap along with dark chocolate almonds. I am a huge fan of the Mennonite stores. They make my heart sing!

We made it to Gettysburg and Erik had downloaded a driving tour of this historic site. I will tell you about it next blog post.

Despite not knowing what day it was last week, I know that I have a purpose. Keep smiling and keep your heart ready to hear your next steps or deeds that God has in store for you. We all don’t do great heroic things each day. It is in the little steps, day by day that we show our true selves. So, with that twinkle in your eye, carry on and be joyful.

The Roller Coaster – La Montana Rusa

| cnaglis63

It’s been a roller coaster the past two weeks. It all started with my mom being moved from her care home to hospice care. She declined very quickly and then passed on March 3. I was thrilled to have her visit me two hours before she passed away. When I heard the news that mom was being transferred, the question arose as to whether I would return home. I spoke spiritually with my mom and asked her if she wanted me to come home. She replied, “Absolutely not! You are where God needs you and besides, by the time you get here, I will be gone.” Thus my decision was made to stay in the mission field and complete our mission.

Earlier in the day on March 3, we learned that one of the six month missionary couples had to cancel their mission due to illness. I immediately told the temple president that we would be willing to stay. In fact my exact words were, “PICK ME, PICK ME!” (With both arms straight up in the air). He had conferred with his contact in Salt Lake City and they thought that it would be a good idea for us to stay because we were already here. Erik and I thought about it for a few minutes and discussed what it would mean for us. We agreed to stay another six months. The following day, that extension was denied by Salt Lake City and we were heartbroken. We went out for lunch with President and Sister Kimbler and waited on what was to happen next.

The next day, we received news that President Kimbler had authority to extend our mission by one month, until the end of April. The other news is that we would have to move to make space for the next set of year long temple missionaries. I dreaded the thought of packing everything for one month. Erik thought that it would be a good way to figure out how the car would look with it packed and see what we downsize.

We checked with the temple recorder (who is in charge of temple missionary housing). Brother Fergus decided that it would be best if we stayed where we are now and the other couple will be housed in another apartment until we left. I was very happy to hear this!

The Gomez family
5th Branch Missionaries

With our one month extension, we are being reassigned to another church unit. We have been attending the Spanish Branch in the Rochester Stake. My, dear, sweet, persevering husband has been using Google Translate to listen to meetings. I was devastated to leave this Branch because they have been like our family. I always get super excited to see them when they come to the temple. We were asked to share our testimonies on Sunday, and as well, I was asked to give the closing prayer in Sunday School. Being in the Spanish Branch has been good for my Spanish and speaking spontaneously. There were so many new people that the missionaries had brought to church. It was a very emotional day (the roller coaster continues).

Our Branch gifted Erik and I special gifts as a farewell. He received a new tie and I received a beautiful scarf, hair clips and a mug that says, “Con Dios, todo es possible”. I will treasure their thoughtfulness. Their kindness and friendship meant the world to us.

We were blessed to attend a farewell dinner at the Kimbler’s temple house. The Parker’s and Gurr’s were leaving to head west in the morning. I made table runners for them using the fabric line, “I Love New York”. The Kimbler’s gifted us beautiful prints of the Palmyra temple. President Kimbler asked each of us to share what serving in the Palmyra temple meant to us and it was wonderful to hear everyone’s stories. We had Sister Fergus take some photos of our group.

Elder & Sister Parker
Elder & Sister Gurr

This morning we said goodbye to our dear, neighbors, the Gurr’s. I will really miss them and I think Erik will miss the treats from Tonya (gluten buns, cookies etc.) After we drove around doing errands today, upon coming home, my eyes welled up because I knew we wouldn’t see Gurr’s car anymore parked in front of ours.

While walking in the Sacred Grove this afternoon, I spotted clumps of daffodils springing up. Soon we will have green leaves and see the blossoms. When we left the house it was 21C and then the temperature started sinking like a rock. In the Grove it was 9C and windy. We have cold weather coming in for the next few days.

Spring is coming

Being in the Sacred Grove helps me to think on the role of our Savior in our lives. Easter is soon approaching and personally, Easter is a very sacred time of the year. To think on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ as sobering and brings gratitude to mind.

I know that I am loved by Heavenly Parents and a Savior who gave his life for me. This past two weeks of ups and downs has been a trial at times and full of joy at other times. I know that God has a plan for us and I will keep my eyes and heart heavenward to see the greatness of the blessings and joy provided for us. Our worth is eternal and great. I can reflect the Savior’s love through my acts and compassion for others. Let us be the mirrors of love that Jesus Christ shows to each one of us.

Levelling Up

| cnaglis63
I

I have given myself grace for the past two weeks because I have been reflecting on our mortal existence. The older you get, you will find more of your friends and family who pass onto their next estate. My dad said, “Well, Cheryl, the older you get, you will find more of your friends passing away.” My reply initially was, “Well, I don’t have to like it!” As of this writing, my mother is preparing to pass through the veil. My mom has not had an easy life and I am in awe of her and how long she has withstood the trials and pains of her mortal existence. I am thrilled for her to shed this body that has given her pain and discomfort for decades. We don’t want her to suffer anymore but we do understand that she is in God’s hands.

I want to tell you about my friend, Darrell. I met Darrell through our service this past year at the Palmyra temple. I try to take time to visit a little with everyone so that I get a better understanding of their lives and what formed them. Darrell and I formed a special friendship because it turns out that we shared extraordinary spiritual experiences. It was so joyous to share the special things that we have lived with and know that each other understood how beautiful these experiences are. Darrell was very kind and was somewhat of what we call a renaissance man. He was skilled in many areas. He loved aviation and was a private pilot as well as a licensed aircraft mechanic. Darrell could build or fix just about anything. He was blessed to help construct the Palmyra temple. He had many sacred experiences during the construction of the temple. This past year, his dear wife, Cindy had started having shortness of breath and ended up having heart surgery. After her recovery I was so thrilled to see her back at the temple. Then we received news that Darrell was having heart issues.

Last month, Darrell was slated to have heart surgery to replace a failing valve that was replaced eight years ago. He was losing energy and struggling to get through his steps. We usually attend the Thursday morning Endowment sessions as patrons and we had two weeks with Darrell on these sessions. As I watched him in the celestial room, I noticed that his countenance was changing. He was becoming a different man; having peace and calmness. I was touched to realize that he knew that his mortal existence was coming to an end. He was getting up to leave the celestial room and he came over to me and took me by the hand, saying, “It’s so good to see you.” Then the following week on our regular Tuesday morning shift, he came out of the change room and came over to me while I was the greeter. He took me by the hand again and said, “My buddy”. The following day he had an angiogram scheduled to see if anything else was needed to be done while they were replacing that valve. On February 19, his surgery lasted eight hours but it was his time to pass through the veil. I am in awe of his peace and serenity that graced the last few weeks of his life.

It has been an interesting and humbling experience to watch this play out and see God’s hand in Darrell’s life. We all will have different ways to see this happen in our lives and the lives of our family and friends. I have reflected quite a bit, thinking on our mortal probation and what lies beyond.

I just listened to Elder Bednar talking to a group of people about how we are doing better than we think. The dramatic spiritual experiences are not usual or normal. Living day to day going down the wrong road and then backtracking is normal. We read in the scriptures about dramatic events that changed peoples lives but then there are people who did not change because of dramatic events. It’s the small consistent efforts that may seem humdrum but those efforts are the ones that keep you going. Striving to keep your covenants and pressing forward is great! I do not know why I receive the dramatic events but I laughingly told Erik, “Hey, I’m not normal!”

This past week I finished another baby quilt. This one is for one of our shift coordinators who are expecting their first baby in April.

I am finishing up some other projects and then it will be time to pack up the sewing supplies. With only 2 weeks left of temple service, we will be busy serving and doing our best. Erik is continuing with our journey home and the spreadsheet. We are sad that many temples are also on their Spring maintenance and will be closed but we will go to as many as possible along our path.

I tried another Loopy Whisk recipe, this one is for stacked cinnamon loaf; similar to monkey bread but even easier.

https://theloopywhisk.com/2024/11/22/gluten-free-cinnamon-pull-apart-bread/

I was an award winning cinnamon roll baker. Then the celiac kicked on and those days were over, or so I thought. Erik misses my cinnamon rolls and one day, I saw this recipe and thought that I would give it a go. I have learned that stress makes me bake. It turned out really well but I can’t eat much because of the sugar. The flavor….oh, the flavor, brings back the memories of cinnamon rolls!

It will be an absolutely joyous reunion for us with our family and friends in the eternities. I can’t wait to hear what everyone has been doing. I personally know that I have been ministered to by heavenly angels and my Grandma Lois has done some miraculous things for me to ease my suffering when I have gotten myself into a pickle.

My mother will be so joyous to run, jump and be agile again while she waits for her eternal companion. She will be busy in heaven meeting up with all the people who she has done name extraction for. She was unable to continue because of her health when she was 2500 names short of a million. Those million people also have families which add up to millions more that will greet her. I’m pretty sure that she will be an instrument in family research on the other side of the veil.

Have joy in your journey while you are preparing to level up. Progression comes little by little but you will make it!