We made it to Sydney. We are getting used to our little home and can hear the birds outside singing all of the time. We have met so many kind missionaries who already feel like friends.
It is our first Monday in the mission, we're going to try and recap our first week! We made it to Sydney. The flight was great and the plane was large and awesome. We slept on the plane more than we thought we would and that was a wonderful blessing! We arrived at the Sydney airport Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. President and Sister Howes picked us up. We had absolutely no problem with customs and just zipped through! The Howes dropped us off at the office here and we got our keys to the house and a tag that let's us into the office and our gate at home. We don't remember a lot of that day, but people were very kind. We hope to repay that to another couple some day. The Moores, a couple from North Salt Lake who are our office buddies, who have been here since October, took us to lunch and dropped us back at the house. We un-packed, as we were cautioned not to sleep, and then they brought us to dinner at their home! So kind. Then we came home and crashed, I think we were asleep by 8:00 and slept till 4:30 or 5:00.
The next day, Thursday, is also a bit of a blur, but at least we looked somewhat normal. Spent the day at the office, working with people in SLC to get us set up on our computer. We had a meeting with Alan Wakely, who is our boss here and a full time employee of the church. Got our assignments! We have a lot to learn here but know that it is line upon line.
Friday we came in to the office again and just tried to make some head way. It was our most normal day yet. I put chicken in crockpot in the morning, and we had dinner at home here. We watched something on the iPad and went to bed. 7:00 again. But it works.
Saturday, the Moores and Archibald's (the attorney here) took us on an outing! We took the River Cat to Manly Beach, saw the sights (every thing was open there) had fish and chips and came home. It was a long but wonderful day. We were exhausted that night as we didn't get back till after 7:00. I think we sort of fell into bed! But the day was a blessing!
Sunday we went to church at the Moores ward as we aren't driving as yet. Then came home and made Sunday dinner and went to the service center (downstairs from our office there is a large conference room and kitchen and entertaining area) and had a meeting with John Cuniff who is the area Public Affairs director for North South Wales. There were all of the PA directors from wards and stakes here and it was a pretty full room, plus conference call. Then we went to the Roberts apartment for a late Easter Dinner,it was fun to meet all the couples. Came home and dropped into bed.
Monday, still a holiday, we went into the office and worked for a bit. Soon we are off to go on a drive with the Archibald's and Moores, to pick some apples and have lunch near the Blue Mountains. I think everyone is trying to keep us from going nuts, and we are grateful.
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| Pictures of us at the office |
The pouch address for the mission is:
Elder Ray and Sister Pat Allen
Australia Mail Pouch
Public Affairs Department
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
P.O. Box 30150
Salt Lake City, Utah
84130-0150
Cards or letters only, regular U.S. postage stamp
