Gratitude and Joy (November 26, 2014)

It’s appropriate during this Thanksgiving week that in our blog, Big Apple Blessings, we tell others of the great joy and blessings we've had while serving our mission in New York City.  We've been here four months now and continue to feel the great love of the people here – so much so that we've asked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints if we could extend our mission term for another six months (until the end of 2015).  We haven’t yet heard a decision on that request.

The classes we teach continue to do well.  In each class we teach, we have wonderfully uplifting discussions about the gospel of Jesus Christ, living prophets upon the earth to guide us today, and how Christ would like us to conduct our lives in very practical ways.  One topic that we've discussed several times is “how should we care for the poor and needy?”  With so many homeless and those who beg on the street and trains, we constantly ask ourselves “what should we do?” and “when is it appropriate to give assistance?”  Although we haven’t yet answered all of these questions satisfactorily, as we read the scriptures it’s apparent that we need to “impart of (y)our substance to the poor… to their relief both spiritually and temporally.” Mosiah 4:26

Mormon Temple and Church Building (white) and Our Apartment Building (behind and left)

When we’re not in class, preparing or otherwise serving, we fill our time with fun activities.  One trip was to Coney Island in October.  Although we didn't break the record of eating 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes, we did enjoy sharing one hot dog in about 3 minutes at the famous Nathan’s original location.

Elder and Sister Melonakos at Coney Island (the original Nathan's Hot Dog location)

We watched this video today that the Church just published to focus our attention on the greatest gift we've all received, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Click here to watch 3-minute video "He is the Gift"

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas season of love, joy, and faith…