Yesterday, David and I helped bring new members of the Church to the temple for their first time to do baptisms. And it was a first for us as well! I had never been to Manhattan before, and neither of us had been to the temple there (although David attended church once in the same building). We're in the Washington D. C. temple district, but it's such a busy temple that it's next to impossible to get new members in (youth, yes. . . I went as a young woman when I lived in Virginia), and the Manhattan temple is just as close to Philadelphia.
It was thrilling for me to approach Manhattan Island for the first time (and fun for David to remember the time he came up to visit as a D. C. summer intern).
We took an unscheduled tour of New York City trying to get to the temple.
We somehow wound up heading east on 34th Street (fun for me, loving the film that made it famous)
and found, to our surprise, that we weren't allowed to turn north (where we wanted to go). Instead, we made right turns, around the Empire State Building, and . . . eventually . . . with a little more unplanned meandering . . . made it.
The Manhattan Temple is only a block away from Central Park at 65th and Columbus. Stepping into the temple was wonderful (it was so peaceful!) We enjoyed serving there very much!
Afterward, we took another unscheduled tour trying to find a gas station. We saw more famous sights, including Times Square and the Chrysler Building.
We ended up on 42nd Street, and another famous street where I had to sing in the car just so I could say I'd sung on Broadway!
On on our way back to Philadelphia, David made sure to count some cars on the New Jersey Turnpike (nod to a Simon & Garfunkel song).
We managed to get two of our passengers home, and the third almost home, before our minivan got a flat! Thankfully, Sister Johnson's son was able to come rescue her. Given that we were in our Sunday clothes, we opted to take advantage of our AAA membership. We managed to run down the van's battery keeping the headlights on (we were on a busy road), so we were doubly grateful for the extra hand.
When we finally crawled into bed last night, we looked a lot like this sign probably felt (if it could feel).
I saw this when we stopped the van to switch drivers on the way home. I laughed for a full five minutes. (Of course, I was a bit slap-happy after navigating the streets of New York.)
It was quite the crazy, what-else-could-go-wrong day, but a lot of things went right too. Our trip to Manhattan and the temple was worth it all!!
9 comments:
I bet that was so stressful! Those NY streets are insane.
It would be so neat to attend the temple in the city. A literal "leave the hustle and bustle at the door" experience. :)
Totally!
The Adversary does his best to prevent or at least 'complicate' our righteous endeavors; but it sounds like you pressed forward with faith sufficient to prevent him from gaining any ground! Driving in the BIG APPLE can be scarey...but HOW FUN that you got to see so many interesting sites--even accidentally =)...and to sing on BROADWAY, however briefly! We're grateful your AAA Membership was able to pay for itself...and that there were no more-serious problems. THANKS for the fun pictures!!!
I would love to be able to attend that temple! Your are so lucky!
That totally bites about the exciting car ride;) I've heard the streets are crazy there.
Sounds like you had quite the adventure. I am so glad you are posting about all of these things - it seems like there is SO MUCH to do on the East Coast. Miss you . . . we are moving Wednesday morning. This way we don't have to say goodbye, and we'll pretend we are both on an extended vacation, but PLEASE continue to keep in touch.
How much fun you have had on all your adventures. i just love reading them & wish I could come join in the fun. WOW!
I loved the singing on Broadway part...
Got your FB message, gotta think about it and find time to talk.
:)
wow, what a day! glad it all worked out ok in the end .. thanks for sharing .. i ♥ this post .. best picture is David when you're talking about not being able to turn the way you needed, lol .. that's awesome that you got to see so many sights on your way .. i'll be looking forward to your next adventure ;)
I had the pleasure of visiting the Manhattan temple the one and only time I visited NYC. What a beautiful building - it makes the city fall away. You guys are brave driving in midtown traffic.
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