13 June 2016

After cleaning the apartment, we decided to take the subway to Chambers Street, Downtown Manhattan, about a 45 minute ride.  This is the stop for World Trade Center WTC and Ground Zero where the Twin Towers were located prior to the disaster of 9-11.  We didn't spend time at the site, other than to see the Memorial Ponds and the long line going into the Museum as it was getting late in the afternoon.

Sign in Front of Ground Zero WTC where the Twin Towers were located.

 Memorial commerating 9-11

 Park around the WTC

 Between Memorial Ponds and the Museum

 North Memorial Pond closeup

Golden standing next to the North Memorial Pond

Looking toward the Memorial Museum (Long Line!)

27 June 2016

We are finally falling into a pretty good schedule. There are four of us that are missionaires that alternate schedules to cover the hours of the Family History Center and we work there five days a week. We work 21 hours a week at the center and usually serve two days at the temple so we do not have a lot of free time.

Last Monday, Golden and I decided to forgo house cleaning on our "P" day and we took a trip to Downtown Manhattan to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

We went to Battery Park where we picked up our tickets at Castle Clinton, one of the forts on New York Harbor. During the whole time we were in the area, helicopters circled above as part of the harbor security.

After we got our tickets, we boarded the Statue Cruise line for Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

It was quite amazing as we walked around her listening to what she represented. We learned that they have her in a moving forward motion indicating that freedom and democracy will go on to all people. She is facing East and her seven pointed crown represents the seven continents of the world, inviting all to come to freedom. The torch stands for the light of freedom used so that all may see the laws of freedom in the book that she is holding. Her image portrays a person of strength and dignity making a statement that this nation would be seen by all as a nation of strength and dignity that all would desire to come to.

As I stood pondering her significance, I began to reflect on the prophetic nature of this country and the symbols of the Statue of Liberty became even deeper than what was presented. I could see her holding the Light of Christ and drawing people to come. I saw her crown covering all seven periods of the history of creation and offering  the Light of Christ and His Words that have been restored to bring all people, both Jew and Gentile, unto Christ.

Our Savior is moving forward in gathering all his sheep in preparation for His Second Coming where He will rule and reign and bring all people to the freedom that the Gospel offers to all. It was a very spiritual moment for me and one that I will cherish.

Battery Park

We then went over to visit Ellis Island. As we toured, we were given an audio tour where we were able to go as an immigrant.

Ellis Island from the Cruise Ship

Diane in front of Ellis Island Welcome Sign

Golden standing in front of the Baggage Claim area

 I never realized how much it would feel like being in a concentration camp without the violence. No one could speak or understand English and they would have up to a thousand in the Register room at one time.

Registry Hall where all immigrants came thru.