A Farewell to the USMMA Institute Class!

Welcome Aboard!

We always did feel welcome at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point, New York. Our first drive there was in January of 2008 where we met Brock and David - two wonderful young members of the Church attending the academy.

Brock then spend duty at sea, David went on a mission, Garrett returned from sea duty, and later Jon and Josh arrived as new plebes in July of 2008. Josh will leave for his 2-year mission in July. There have been a few other students and visitors throughout our experience there including Charles, a teacher at the academy and Stephanie - Garrett's "good" friend, who came to the Island as a nanny.


Above, Elder de Paula is leading the final discussion of the last few chapter of the Book of Revelation with Garrett, Brook and Josh participating. These young men take time out of a very rigid schedule to come to Institute class to learn, to feel the Spirit and to get a little homemade treat. Josh got to choose the refreshments for the evening which were Chocolate Chip Brownies & milk and apple slices. These guys are very adept at reading and munching!

Elder Douglass & Elder Edwards

Elder Douglass and Elder Edwards have attended our classes by assignment from President Weidler, president of the singles branch, to get ideas to stimulate activity among the several less active members of the Church who attend the academy. We have had a few discussions on possible approaches they could use. These two great elders have been both a physical and spiritual asset to our Institute classes.

The assignment to teach at the USMMA has been a part of our mission experience that we will remember with great fondness. We love all of these young men! We told them Monday evening we do not want to end our relationship with them and that "We do come to weddings!"