Free resources about the New York New York North Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Video interviews with returned missionaries
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: New York LDS Missions.
New York North Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the New York North Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
New York New York, North Mission
700 White Plains Rd Ste 315
Scarsdale, NY 10583
United States
Phone Number: 1-914-722-4105
Mission President: President David L. Smith
New York North Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the New York North Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the NY North Mission:
Videos with New York North RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the New York North Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
Videos about New York
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about New York. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about New York, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
New York North Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the NY North Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
New York North Mission Groups
Here are New York North Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the NY North Mission.
- New York New York North Mission Facebook Group (1,159 members)
- New York North Mission (Pres. Morgan, 2012-15) Group (373 members)
- North Mission- Pres. Ronald Rasband 1996-99 Group (205 members)
- New York New York North/South Mission Group (105 members)
- New York North Mission Pres. Stoker 1999-02 Group (47 members)
- New York North Mission Moms and Friends Group (38 members)
- New York North Mission 06-09 Pres. Searle Group (36 members)
- New York NY North Mission Moms (LDS) Group (7 members)
- North Mission- President Parley Howell Group (7 members)
- NY North Mission 2002-03 President Parker Group (2 members)
New York North Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the New York New York North Mission!
Shirt designs include New York North Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: New York North missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse NY North Mission gifts
New York North Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the New York North Mission.
- 2015-2018, David L. Smith
- 2012-2015, Thomas B. Morgan
- 2009-2012, Richard F. Smith
- 2006-2009, Richard M. Searle
- 2003-2006, Nelson M. Boren
- 2002-2003, Scott S. Parker
- 1999-2002, Noel G. Stoker
- 1996-1999, Ronald A. Rasband
- 1993-1996, Parley LaMoine Howell
New York LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 81,128
- Missions: 4
- Temples: 2
- Congregations: 150
- Family History Centers: 53
Helpful Articles about New York
*Are you interested in becoming a lawyer in New York? Learn about the New York bar exam
New York North Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from New York North RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
When did you serve?
- January 2013 – January 2015 (Thomsen)
- 2013-2015 (Justice)
- 2013-2015 (Michael)
- 2012-2014 (Jeremy)
- 2005-2007 (Amy)
- 2004-2006 (Mark)
- 2002-2004 (Nicolas)
- 1999-2001 (Dan)
- 1994-1995 (Kendall)
- 1998-2000 (Emily)
- 2001-2003 (Elder)
- December 1999-May 2001 (Judy)
- 1999-2001 (Dan)
What areas did you serve in?
- Middletown, NY; Ossining (upper Westchester county area); Stamford, CT; Baychester/Co-op City – Bronx, NY; Mt.Vernon, NY; and Wakefield – Bronx, NY. (Kendall)
- New York City (Manhattan). (Judy)
- Yonkers and the Bronx. (Dan)
What were some favorite foods?
- Lots of good pizza, street meat, dumplings. (Thomsen)
- Fried Plantains, Halal Guys, Bodegas, Chicken, Rice and Beans. (Justice)
- Artichoke Pizza in Manhattan, and Steak and Shake! (Michael)
- Tostones, Fried Salami, Rice, Beans, Chuleta, Ox tail soup, Sancocho. (Jeremy)
- Taco Bell & just about anything the members fed us – especially rice & beans. (Amy)
- I really like crosbronx pizza, Jamaican patties, the Chinese fast foods. (Mark)
- Arroz con habichuelas, mangú, morir soñando, arroz con gandules, pernil, empanadas, tostones, concon. (Nicolas)
- Prior to the mission I was a bit stuck in my culinary ways. While in New York, I was exposed to dishes from all over the globe and from every culture. I loved ALL of them. I would say all the food I had while there is a delightful memory. I can only think of one dish I didn’t enjoy. It shall remain nameless and best forgotten. (Dan)
- Rice & beans, Jamaican beef patties, Italian ice, pizza, and baked ziti (Kendall)Eating with most of the members and investigators are my fondest memories. But the fresh juice and hot dogs at Gray’s Papaya on 72nd can’t be beat! Sylvia’s soul food in Harlem and the steamed buns in Chinatown. (Emily)
- Tostones, Chifles, The Honduran tortillas, tres golpes, bacalo, platanos fritos, aroz con habicuelas (frijoles). (Elder)
- Street vendor hotdogs; different Italian, Spanish, German, Russian meals. (Judy)
- Prior to the mission, I was a bit stuck in my culinary ways. While in New York, I was exposed to dishes from all over the globe and from every culture. I loved ALL of them. I would say all the food I had while there is a delightful memory. I can only think of one dish I didn’t enjoy. It shall remain nameless and best forgotten. (smile) (Dan)
What was a funny experience?
- You get to see lots of crazy people running around. (Thomsen)
- Seeing a man riding two shopping carts down the street in the Bronx. (Justice)
- When isn’t there funny experiences? One of my favorites was a Broadway live ad on the subway. (Michael)
- We were once going to meet with a potential investigator. However, when we knocked the door, the door right next to her’s opened and said, “Oh, you’re Mormons…Thank goodness, I though you were Jehovah’s Witnesses.” She went on to become on of our most solid investigators. (Jeremy)
- We had an investigator that wanted to pray to Joseph Smith. Culturally it was hard for him to understand why we don’t pray to other people/Saints. Also at a baptism we brought an investigator to, the lady that was baptised got up to bea her testimony- which was great until some of her Pentecostal ways came out when she was FEELING the Spirit. It was someplace between hilarious and super awkward, but the spirit was still felt & she didn’t scare anyone away. (Amy)
- While walking down the street one of my companion got hit by bird poop on his head and shoulder. (Mark)
- While I was serving in the Bronx, I was living in an apartment that was very old and not in great shape. We were in the process of trying to find a new apartment to rent, which we did acquire so doing not worry about this story happening to you. But when we would wake up in the morning and I would turn on the light, it was as if a zoo would run and hide in a matter of a second or two. Cockroaches, mice, rats, water bugs would all scatter. One day I was in the shower and I heard a crunching sound behind me. I turned around and saw a bottle of shampoo on the bottom of the tub rocking back and forth. I moved toward it and looked over the top and saw a baby rat chewing on the top of the bottle. Another time, we took the garbage out and under the building in a vast room full of garbage cans. It was at the end of the day and we were getting ready to sleep so it was very dark. We had flashlights and were looking for an open can. My light fell on a VERY large rat that looked more like a small dog or really big fat cat. My companion and I threw the bag of garbage as far as we could toward what looked like an open can and ran upstairs. We loved our new clean apartment that the mission got us a few weeks later. (Dan)
- I got stuck in the turnstile trying to get to my first subway train. My companion and the other elders made it on the train and it left without me. I was stranded on the platform, no companion. (Kendall)
- Meeting the Latin Kings gang on the subway and my companion almost got into an argument with them until they realized who we were. Then they offered us their protection. (Emily)
- The Olmstead Branch talent show, what a riot! Cral, Gonzalez, Roe and I, we rocked it! (Elder)
- Running into friends from our little California hometown while we all waited for a bus on a Tuesday evening in the middle of Manhattan. (Judy)
- While I was serving in the Bronx, I was living in an apartment that was very old and not in great shape. We were in the process of trying to find a new apartment to rent, which we did acquire so doing not worry about this story happening to you. But when we would wake up in the morning and I would turn on the light, it was as if a zoo would run and hide in a matter of a seconds or two. Cockroaches, mice, rats, water bugs would all scatter. One day I was in the shower and I heard a crunching sound behind me. I turned around and saw a bottle of shampoo on the bottom of the tub rocking back and forth. I moved toward it and looked over the top and saw a baby rat chewing on the top of the bottle. Another time, we took the garbage out and under the building in a vast room full of garbage cans. It was at the end of the day and we were getting ready to sleep so it was very dark. We had flashlights and were looking for an open can. My light fell on a VERY large rat that looked more like a small dog or really big fat cat. My companion and I threw the bag of garbage as far as we could toward what looked like an open can and ran upstairs. We loved our new clean apartment that the mission got us a few weeks later. (Dan)
What was a crazy/dangerous experience?
- We were inside an apartment and a shooting happened right outside and we witnessed all of it. (Thomsen)
- Going to see one of our investigators and him telling us that he was on his way to buy a pizza to make things right with his neighbor because he had just threatened his neighbor. His neighbor threw a snowball with a chunk of ice in it at our investigator, just joking around, but our investigator didn’t take it too kindly. He threatened to cut his neighbor’s head off, and then afterwards felt bad, especially because his neighbor has some special needs. (Justice)
- One night we were riding our bikes home in Newburgh. We had just finished a lesson in a pretty sketchy area in the City of Newburgh. As we were riding our bikes down Liberty street, people were yelling that we needed to get inside or else we would get shot. Pretty crazy, but we remained “bulletless.” (Michael)
- My companion and I were trying to meet with some less active members on night. One of the teenage answered the door and when asked if is parents were home said that they weren’t that that we should drop by the next day. As he was closing the door we heard a gun shot on the next street. The kid paused then said, “on second though, you can come in for a while.” Turns out there had been a gang shooting. (Jeremy)
- My companion & I were standing in a crowded bus through the Bronx, on our way to teach our after school seminary class. The guy next to me started coughing. It seemed a little weird but we just ignored him. When the bus stopped a lot of people got off and my comp & I sat down. My first thought was to check the contents of my backpack. Sure enough he had taken my wallet and ironically, my companion’s scriptures. It was the day after my last p-day city trip, and I had taken $40 out of my bank account to buy souvenirs, but ended up not buying anything. So in addition to all the stuff in my wallet, he actually got some cash. It wasn’t a scary experience, but we learned a few lessons – don’t carry valuables, keep anything valuable as inaccessible as possible & keep backpacks/bags in front of you when on public transportation. My companions scriptures were found on a bench outside a church just down the street from our meetinghouse. Obviously my wallet was never found, but I was able to get my debit cards cancelled right away & since I was in a walking area & on my way home in a month I didn’t need a drivers license. My companion was going home that next week so I took over her mission debit card & the mission just put money in that account for me for my last month. (Amy)
- When serving in Hunts Point in the Bronx our roommates got punched in the face by some teenagers and one of the elders glass permeable contact broke inside his eye and had to go to the hospital, but nothing major happened to him. The mission president came to our apartment and reminded us of the policy that if we’re getting mugged we just give them whatever they want. Also in the Bronx my companion and I got spat on our shoulders. (Nicolas)
- On one occasion my companion (who I was training) and I were walking in Yonkers to our next appointment. I immediately felt we had to turn around and go back, that we couldn’t go to the appointment. I expressed this to my companion one block from our investigator. He insisted we needed to honor our commitment, which I didn’t want to dispute, but I knew we could not go. We stood and debated for a time, and then I made a decision. I said, “Elder, I am positive we cannot go and you need to stay with your companion. I am not going there, I am going home and I will call our appointment and apologize.” (This was before cell phones were allowed.) I returned and my companion was very upset, but grudgingly followed me. No sooner had we crossed to the next block (one full city block between us and the appointment), then a slew of police vehicles descended on our appointment’s apartment building. Vans full of heavily armed and armored police officers jumped out and pointed their weapons at the building from all sides. One cruiser actually drove toward us and a police officer got out asking us what we were doing there. We explained that we were walking home to make a phone call. He then said, “No what are you two guys doing HERE in this neighborhood.” We explained what missionaries do. He said, “Well this isn’t safe here. You need to go elsewhere.” He went on to tell us they were doing a massive drug raid and shots were most likely going to be fired. We thanked him and left. My companion said, “How did you do that?” I replied, “That was the Lord, not me.” I had many more experiences which taught me the Lord was in charge and we needed to listen to him. Beyond being shot once by a paintball gun and being spat on a few times, I never was harmed in any way for the entire mission. (Dan)
- I was mugged at gun point one week before coming home. (Kendall)
- None, I am from the streets, I think I scared my companions when the punks tried to fight us or throw batteries, snowballs I would throw back- you have to defend your self! (Elder)
- On one occasion, my companion (who I was training) and I were walking in Yonkers to our next appointment. I immediately felt we had to turn around and go back, that we couldn’t go to the appointment. I expressed this to my companion one block from our investigator. He insisted we needed to honor our commitment, which I didn’t want to dispute, but I knew we could not go. We stood and debated for a time, and then I made a decision. I said, “Elder, I am positive we cannot go and you need to stay with your companion. I am not going there, I am going home and I will call our appointment and apologize.” (This was before cell phones were allowed.) I returned and my companion was very upset, but grudgingly followed me. No sooner had we crossed to the next block (one full city block between us and the appointment), then a slew of police vehicles descended on our appointment’s apartment building. Vans full of heavily armed and armored police officers jumped out and pointed their weapons at the building from all sides. One cruiser actually drove toward us and a police officer got out asking us what we were doing there. We explained that we were walking home to make a phone call. He then said, “No, what are you two guys doing HERE in this neighborhood.” We explained what missionaries do. He said, “Well this isn’t safe here. You need to go elsewhere.” He went on to tell us they were doing a massive drug raid and shots were most likely going to be fired. We thanked him and left. My companion said, “How did you do that?” I replied, “That was the Lord, not me.” I had many more experiences which taught me the Lord was in charge and we needed to listen to him. Beyond being shot once by a paintball gun and being spat on a few times, I never was harmed in any way for the entire mission. (Dan)
What was a spiritual experience?
- We saw a lot of members go out of their way to invite friends to come unto Christ, and those that did joined. (Thomsen)
- Feeling Heavenly Father guide us as we were teaching a lesson or as we were out finding. Feeling a prompting to share something with someone during a lesson and it being exactly what they needed at that time. One of my favorite was getting to serve in the Westchester 2nd Branch where we were able to just work and work and work some more with the members- strengthening active members and finding less active members. There was one family in particular that I had a really neat experience with. We helped the husband prepare for the Priesthood and the Temple then we were able to go to the Temple with them to be sealed together. It was one of my favorite experiences. (Justice)
- Our companionship decided to fast for an investigator who didn’t have job and was an alcoholic. The next week we visited him he had been sober since the Sunday we fasted and had found a job the next day. He had also become more open to the gospel and let us watch the restoration video with him. (Jeremy)
- My 1st night in my 1st area…Riverdale in the Bronx. My companion & I were walking through a dark parking lot on our way to a members house for thanksgiving dinner. I started to get scared & even got a little teary as I truly wondered about our safety. The spirit totally engulfed me & told me we were safe & being protected by angels. I never once worried about my safety again. I knew we had to use common sense & not put ourselves in dangerous situations & follow the spirit, but I knew we were being watched over & protected. (Amy)
- I was street contacting people and met this lady. Me and my companion where teaching her. I knew that she felt spirit when we taught her she got baptized and seeing the hole transformation in her. (Mark)
- When the first person that got baptized in the Bronx shared their testimony of the Savior, when only a few months prior they had told me that they didn’t believe in God. I can’t even describe the feeling of seeing the whole process of conversion. (Nicolas)
- My companion and I had been praying and fasting to find someone ready to receive the gospel. We spent many weeks knocking on apartments; follow up on referrals and talking to hundreds of people on the street. The Mission President had given all of the missionaries during one “cycle” we called them a plan to follow and promised us that if we followed the plan we’d find someone to share the gospel with. We were coming to the end of the cycle and kept pushing forward with the advice of our President, trusting in his promise. We were walking down a street near our apartment and I heard my name being called. A young woman who I had taught six months earlier with another companion was running up to us saying, “I want to get baptized!” Her sister had joined the Church out West and this young woman had prayed to know if it was true. With that confirmation, she was confused how to join as we had not been to see her in many months. She woke up that morning and felt that she would see me on the street, which she did. Within two weeks she was baptized. (Dan)
- Hearing President Hinckley announce a temple for White Plains, NY. Experiencing 2 solemn assemblies (Pres. Hunter & Pres. Hinckley) and sharing them with investigators. (Kendall)
- I found my testimony of the Savior in one of my most difficult conversations with a Polish Jewish Holocaust survivor. (Emily)
- The whole mission, I grew and learned so much about the church, the restoration, the prophet Joseph, the building of the Kingdom of God and the importance missionaries have in that to be instruments in his hands to help others come to know these plain important precious truths! (Elder)
- Sharing with non-member patrons in the Family History Center we worked in… the reasons the Church works so hard in family history. Many such experiences. Couldn’t proselyte in the Family History Center, but we could ask others about their experiences/churches, etc. (Judy)
- My companion and I had been praying and fasting to find someone ready to receive the gospel. We spent many weeks knocking on apartments; follow up on referrals and talking to hundreds of people on the street. The Mission President had given all of the missionaries during one “cycle” and called them with plan to follow and promised us that if we followed the plan we’d find someone to share the gospel with. We were coming to the end of the cycle and kept pushing forward with the advice of our President, trusting in his promise. We were walking down a street near our apartment and I heard my name being called. A young woman who I had taught six months earlier with another companion was running up to us saying, “I want to get baptized!” Her sister had joined the Church out West and this young woman had prayed to know if it was true. With that confirmation, she was confused how to join as we had not been to see her in many months. She woke up that morning and felt that she would see me on the street, which she did. Within two weeks she was baptized. (Dan)
What are some interesting facts about the New York North Mission?
- You can attend church right below the temple. (Thomsen)
- We have one of the richest zip codes and one of the poorest zip codes in the USA. It’s New York City, there are many different types of people and cultures and everything imaginable. Many of the museums in the city are free on Wednesdays, well on a voluntary pay basis, so you are able to go see them on your Preparation Days, which are Wednesdays. (Justice)
- We are a pilot mission for a lot of things. We were one of the first for the car monitoring system, TIWI. We were one of the first mission approved for Facebook proselyting and iPad usage. Also, the Christmas Initiatives (#heisthegift, and #asaviorisborn) are focused in Times Square and on the rest of Manhattan. It is a great place to be! (Michael)
- West Point Military Academy is in the mission. One of the richest zip codes in the US is in Danbury, CT. Bethel Woods in Monticello is where Woodstock was held. You’ve got Manhattan and The Bronx. (Jeremy)
- The history of the mission is amazing. From Parley Pratt to Bruce R. McConkie, to my grandparents, to Elder Ronald A. Rasband & so many other amazing missionaries and members…it is truly a mission built on the shoulders of giants & humble, faithful saints. The Harrison, NY temple was announced while I was in the MTC. The church ended up not building there (yet), but turning the top floors of the Manhattan chapel into a temple. What an amazing blessing to have a temple that accessible by public transportation in the middle of the city! (Amy)
- When I was serving on my mission the temple got dedicated a week after I got in the field. (Mark)
- The most diverse place in the universe. You will meet people from many different parts of the world. New York is a small, big place. (Nicolas)
- New York City has millions of people living in each borough. The population is very diverse and you can hear many languages being spoken on every street corner. Parley P. Pratt has been a major figure in the early history of the Church in New York. Our mission President often quoted from his autobiography during our zone conferences. Samuel Smith, the first missionary of this dispensation served within the state of New York. It is a place where you will find people from all the nations of the world. The Temple in Manhattan was announced shortly after I returned home from the mission. The building has been an important piece of Church history being a Stake Center, Visitor’s Center and more. It was in this building that President Faust told the members of the Stake they would have a Temple sooner than they were ready to receive it. (Dan)
- Varied economics. I served among the very wealthy and the very poor – sometimes in the same ward. The pace of the work is vastly different between the city and upstate. (Kendall)
- It’s one of the most diverse in the world. Something new can find you every day. (Emily)
- We went from a tiny northern California mountain town of 5,000 people to serving in the middle of New York City. Accustomed to walking in our little town and saying “hi” to everyone we passed, whether we knew them or not . . . to passing thousands of people on the sidewalks of New York who would never look at you. (Judy)
- New York City has millions of people living in each borough. The population is very diverse and you can hear many languages being spoken on every street corner. Parley P. Pratt has been a major figure in the early history of the Church in New York. Our Mission President often quoted from his autobiography during our zone conferences. Samuel Smith, the first missionary of this dispensation, served within the state of New York. It is a place where you will find people from all the nations of the world. The Temple in Manhattan was announced shortly after I returned home from the mission. The building has been an important piece of Church history being a Stake Center, Visitor’s Center and more. It was in this building that President Faust told the members of the Stake they would have a Temple sooner than they were ready to receive it. (This was said while I was serving there). (Dan)
What was the weather like?
- Very humid during the summer and very cold in the winter. (Thomsen)
- It was pretty nice- Falls are amazing!! Summers are hot and humid, unpredictable- either really hot or not too bad. Winters are icy and have slushy snow, but they can get a little chilly, especially in the city. Spring is very nice and the blooms are beautiful. (Justice)
- Hot and humid in the Summer, and bitter cold in the Winter. (Michael)
- The Subways are like smelly ovens in the summer and it’s below freezing in the winter (at least when I was there). Sometimes we’d take public transportation just to feel the air conditioning. (Jeremy)
- Humid, hot summers & frigid winters. (I was there for the blizzard of ’96 which was record breaking at the time.) – (Amy)
- It rained a lot and humid making the summers really hot and winters really cold. (Mark)
- Very humid all year long, which means really hot and sticky in the summer and extremely cold in the winter. Spring and fall are the best times, but my favorite is the fall when the leaves of the trees are all different kinds of colors. (Nicolas)
- The weather was hot and humid in the summer and the wind was bitter and cold in the winter. You want a good winter coat and lightweight breathable clothes in the summer. Fall and spring were great! (Dan)
- Humidity made some summer days very hot and stifling, but otherwise mild winter days very cold. (Kendall)
- Fairly miserable. Cold and damp in the winters and hot and sticky in the summer. (Emily)
- The winters were cold, the summers were humid 90 degrees with 110% humidity, yea I love it! I miss it wish my wife would go back and live there! (Elder)
- Much colder than we expected. The damp New York City winter air brought out heavy coats and gloves, and caused me to buy a wool scarf to wrap around the lower part of my face (never had one of those, even in the California mountains). (Judy)
- The weather was hot and humid in the summer and the wind was bitter and cold in the winter. You want a good winter coat and lightweight, breathable clothes in the summer. Fall and spring were great! (Dan)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- Everyone was so kind, and the city was so amazing! (Thomsen)
- So much! I love the diversity and differences that are there. Some wards have more than others, other times it is just that your current area is so different than your last area or than your next area will be; so you get to experience so much in the course of your mission. I love getting to know the ward and to serve them and that so long as you just serve with all you have they will come to love you as well. (Justice)
- Everything! The people are incredible. The food is fantastic. The scenery is breathtaking. Everything! (Michael)
- As a Spanish speaking missionary you are exposed to almost every Spanish country (and their Spanish dialects). You also gain a love for the Dominican Republic. They are the nicest people. (Jeremy)
- I served Spanish speaking, so the people were SO kind & welcoming. I loved NY & CT in general, but it was the people, members & investigators & even the kind people we tracted into that didn’t want to listen to our message, but were usually very kind about it because they were religious people that believed in and respected God. (Amy)
- I liked the city when i was serving there, and there where all types of people from different nationalities there. (Mark)
- Most people in New York are so happy and hard working. They have sacrificed a lot in their lives. (Nicolas)
- You can’t be bored in New York. There is always something to see and hear. The city does not sleep, as they say. The people I taught were humble and eager to learn. I lived and taught in very poor areas. Often people did not have much to give but would always offer to feed you and were happy to see you. I love those people. On 9/11 I saw the best of them as they pulled together and supported one another through the some of the terrible events. I will never forget walking down the road as a fire truck pulled out of its station in the Bronx, and everyone on the street stopping to turn and clap and cheer for their heroes. There are good people in New York. (Dan)
- Cultural diversity. I met very few ‘native’ New Yorkers. Most we from various countries around the world. (Kendall)
- The diversity and welcoming arttitude of many people we met still stays with me. (Emily)
- I loved learning about the other cultures growing up in So Cal and the southwest every one is Mexican but over in NY it’s the world’s melting point so so diverse who needs to go to Brazil or Rusia you have it all in NY! (Elder)
- All the new experiences of a “real city.” We lived a block from Central Park and loved taking walks there and enjoying the birds and animals in the park. Also found we had made good friends with the doormen of our apartment building and the church building (where the Manhattan Temple is now located). We visited New York City several years ago and found the same doormen who actually remembered our names. (Judy)
- You can’t be bored in New York. There is always something to see and hear. The city does not sleep, as they say. The people I taught were humble and eager to learn. I lived and taught in very poor areas. Often people did not have much to give but would always offer to feed you and were happy to see you. I love those people. On 9/11, I saw the best of them as they pulled together and supported one another through the some of the terrible events. I will never forget walking down the road as a fire truck pulled out of its station in the Bronx, and everyone on the street stopping to turn and clap and cheer for their heroes. There are good people in New York. (Dan)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Bring a good jacket, and diverse clothes for both warm and cold weather. Bring lots of ties. (Thomsen)
- Pack light for transfers, especially if you’re in the city- you will be going up and down subway flights of stairs. The summers can get humid and the winters get icy- it’s not too bad though. (Justice)
- Make sure to bring both warm and less warm clothes. The summers get pretty hot and humid, and the winters are pretty chilly! (Michael)
- You will probably end up using those flannel garments you never thought you would use. Don’t spend money on vacuum bags, a plastic trash bag and a vacuum can work wonders. (Jeremy)
- For winter, layers, warm socks/tights/thermals, a hat, scarf, warm gloves & a warm coat. Good comfortable, supportive shoes with good soles. Breathable light weight fabrics for summer. (Amy)
- Pack a lot of worm clothes for the winters because of the humility and pack as light as you can. (Mark)
- Really consider what you need and what is extra stuff. You’ll have to haul it around. Only take what you need. Careful consideration of your mission will help you see you don’t need that much to go serve the Lord. The necessities really all you need. (Dan)
- Good shoes. Extra shirts. (Be prepared to sweat in the summer. Occasionally I had to come home and shower and change at lunch time. Having a few extra white shirts helps to hold over until preparation day) (Kendall)
- Bring really comfortable water proof shows and silk long johns, like what skiers wear for the winter! (Emily)
- Comfortable shoes, for all the walking on sidewalks. Good warm clothes for the winter. (Judy)
- Really consider what you need and what is extra stuff. You’ll have to haul it around. Only take what you need. Careful consideration of your mission will help you see you don’t need that much to go serve the Lord. The necessities really all you need. (Dan)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- I owe way too much to my mission for making me an all-around better person. (Thomsen)
- My family became stronger and some of them started to be more active in living the Gospel. My testimony was strengthened and I came to learn more fully what it means to live the Gospel, in all cases. (Justice)
- A solid conviction of the reality and the divinity of the Atonement. (Michael)
- A deeper understanding of the Atonement and what it means to consecrate you actions to him, both on and off the mission. (Jeremy)
- I learned many things! One thing I learned is that the spirit doesn’t always need to tell you everything you should do. Often we are blessed as we make righteous, obedient decisions in faith. (Amy)
- My life as it is now was molded from the experiences I learned on my mission. I learned to love people from all over the world with all kinds of different circumstances. (Nicolas)
- I cannot imagine having not served. My adult character was forged on the mission. Coming to know your Savior and your relationship with him is everything. I am a better brother, son, husband, and father and man because I forgot about myself and dedicated two years to the Lord. I learned discipleship, patience, teamwork, leadership, and what true charity really is on the mission. I also watched strong LDS families and not so strong families and learned qualities I wanted to emulate in my own future family. I saw in men and women qualities that I admired and wanted to assimilate and also saw those qualities which I would not want in myself or a future companion. I learned who I wanted to become and had the time to begin that process as a missionary. I came home a new person, tempered through that service. (Dan)
- Self-confidence, becoming more outgoing, gaining a stronger testimony, and sustained physical health. (Kendall)
- I discovered my testimony. (Emily)
- The blessings that have served me for the rest of my life, what I wanted, how to deal with challenges and the purpose why we are all hear and to know of our divine destiny. (Elder)
- Learning about different groups of people from different parts of the United States and other countries. Making friends with lots of young missionaries (many of whom would have come Sunday dinner with us . . . some days eight or ten or twelve young missionaries, since they didn’t live near the chapel, and we lived in the same block). (Judy)
- I cannot imagine having not served. My adult character was forged on the mission. Coming to know your Savior and your relationship with him is everything. I am a better brother, son, husband, and father and man because I forgot about myself and dedicated two years to the Lord. I learned discipleship, patience, teamwork, leadership, and what true charity really is on the mission. I also watched strong LDS families and not so strong families and learned qualities I wanted to emulate in my own future family. I saw in men and women qualities that I admired and wanted to assimilate and also saw those qualities which I would not want in myself or a future companion. I learned who I wanted to become and had the time to begin that process as a missionary. I came home a new person, tempered through that service. (Dan)
What are some skills you gained?
- Better scripture knowledge. Better communication with people. (Thomsen)
- More confidence and a greater ability to speak to others, either in more one-on-one settings or in group settings. Greater planning skills and time management. Being better able to learn to love others and see their potential. (Justice)
- The love of getting to know people. Especially in New York, you will meet some incredibly interesting people who have a lot of interesting advice pertaining to life. (Michael)
- I can now sort of cook. I also learned how to study. (Jeremy)
- Being more fearless. Talking to strangers was a huge leap of faith & never came easy for me but as I did it I gained confidence & speaking through the spirit/testifying in Spanish was an amazing blessing. (Amy)
- When I got called to be a District Leader, I learned how to manage missionaries and learned how to manage the paper work that was involved also to conduct meetings. (Mark)
- Definitely the most powerful skill I learned is public speaking. (Nicolas)
- Teaching. Public Speaking. Organization. (Dan)
- More self-confident, becoming more comfortable in social situations, public speaking, and teaching. (Kendall)
- Confidence in my capabilities to learn or improve in whatever area is needed of me. The atonement really makes all things possible. (Emily)
- Being considerate of people from different areas and their concerns and feelings about our Church. Showing concern for others’ needs and desires. (Judy)
- Teaching. Public Speaking. Organization. (Dan)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- Use the pamphlets in everything. (Thomsen)
- I wish I trusted Heavenly Father more, that it was going to be awesome. Of course there will be hardships and trials as you serve, but it is well worth it. That instead of having things be easy from the beginning, Heavenly Father gives us hard things, whether at the beginning, middle, end, or anywhere in between, because that is where we truly grow and come to love our missions and become truly converted to the Gospel. (Justice)
- Got over my fears and talked with as many people as I could. (Michael)
- Even if you feel comfortable in speaking Spanish, be prepared to relearn how the Dominicans speak. I also wish I knew how to handle time better and use it effectively. (Jeremy)
- I wish I would have focused more on serving my companions so we would have had a better spiritual relationship/synergy to begin with. (Amy)
- I wish that I was a little more prepared when I got to the mission filed. (Mark)
- That it’s OK to talk to absolutely everyone you meet, no matter what they look like. People will always surprise you. (Nicolas)
- Be patient with yourself and your companions. The Lord wont let you fail so long as you stay close to him and listen to the Spirit, always. I knew this, but I didn’t have experience doing it. (Dan)
- Work to develop strong bonds with your companions. (Kendall)
- More Spanish!! I wasn’t Spanish speaking but encountered it daily. (Emily)
- Stayed in that same “I came to baptize the world” attitude the whole time even when I had some difficult companions. (Elder)
- Be patient with yourself and your companions. The Lord won’t let you fail so long as you stay close to him and listen to the Spirit, always. I knew this, but I didn’t have experience doing it. (Dan)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to NY North?
- Don’t let anything stop you from not making it to this amazing and holy place. (Thomsen)
- Your mission will change your life. It will be the best thing you can ever do for your life. It will prepare you to live life the way Heavenly Father wants you to live. Give all you have and serve in such a way that you will have no regrets. (Justice)
- Try to have a spiritual experience in your scriptures everyday leading up to your mission. This will help you to really capitalize on your study time while in the mission. (Michael)
- Trust the Lord. And be ready to rearrange your schedule so you can follow the impressions of the spirit. It’s his work and he’ll guide you. However, do not think that he will inspire you 24/7. Just be a good missionary and he will us you no matter what. (Jeremy)
- Be obedient, work hard, serve everyone, try to see everyone through Heavenly Father’s eyes – love them & know their individual worth. (Amy)
- Love the people and serve them with are your hart even if it they are rude and mean. help any way you can. (Mark)
- No matter where you serve (City or Upstate) you will love the people. Remember you are going for them and not for the place they live. (Nicolas)
- If you haven’t already been a home teacher, talk to your Bishop and start. Go out with the Elders and teach. Get experiences serving as a Priesthood holder. You will never regret serving a mission. It will bless you, your current family and future family forever. God lives. Your Savior is the Savior of the whole world. He knows you and all those you will teach. Stay close to him through the Spirit and He will guide your path. It is His work, not your own. Give your will to Him and you will have the adventure of a lifetime! (Dan)
- Allow the mission to change or life. You will love deeper than ever before, especially for people you may only meet for a few minutes. You will want to hear their story, and will want the blessings of the gospel for them so deeply it sometimes hurts. (Kendall)
- Get ready to be torn down then built back up. (Emily)
- Dive in and be ready to work! Tracting was the funnest, don’t think you get to do it anymore but you really learn about yourself and others when you meet complete strangers for the first and you get to plant a seed! I did so much seed planting now you go do the harvesting for me and the Lord please! (Elder)
- Be prepared for differences in attitudes and opinions from people from other areas of our country and other countries. Be respectful of others and their ideas. Share how you feel about things, and be willing to hear their opinions as well (without trying to prove them wrong). (Judy)
- If you haven’t already been a home teacher, talk to your Bishop and start. Go out with the Elders and teach. Get experiences serving as a Priesthood holder. You will never regret serving a mission. It will bless you, your current family and future family forever. God lives. Your Savior is the Savior of the whole world. He knows you and all those you will teach. Stay close to him through the Spirit and He will guide your path. It is His work, not your own. Give your will to Him and you will have the adventure of a lifetime! (Dan)
What was a funny language mistake?
- Saying cerveza (beer), instead of servilleta (napkin), when asking for a napkin. I definitely got a funny look from the members. (Justice)
- My companion was learning American Sign Language. We were teaching the Plan of Salvation and he tried to explain the Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created the Earth, but accidentally said, “Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made-out with the Earth.” (Michael)
- I accidentally swore at several members. I had grown up speaking Castilian and there are some words that don’t transfer over very well. (Jeremy)
- The typical “embarazada” (means pregnant not embarrassed) mistake was made by plenty of greenies (not me, one of my MTC teachers made sure we knew how to say we were embarrassed). (Amy)
- I was a Spanish-speaking zone leader over the Chinese-speaking elders. I took a Cantonese-speaking elder tracking with me and a really sweet Chinese lady let us in for a lesson. She offered us “Black water” (that is how the elder translated it) and I was thinking it was going to be coffee or tea. She then explained that this “black water” is “air water” which made us even more confused. She brought a Coke and a Fanta. (Nicolas)
- Although we speak English, same as those from other parts of our country, often we pronounce words differently and have different meanings for common words and phrases. Not actually a language mistake as much as a different meaning of the same English language. (Judy)