July 1, 2014

We have had an interesting week. Last Friday, June 27th, we went to a Mayorial Prayer Breakfast in Ryde.  It was a very full room.  We happily took the Moores, and went with our missionary badges on (some inter-faith things we don't wear them).  There were people there from the Catholic Church, The Anglican Church, Bible Society, Protestant and a host of others. We'll post pictures as soon as we can.  Our daughter Amy usually does that but she is out of the country right now, so we'll see if we're competent enough.

It was so amazing to be at a Christian event and have it a bit political too.  The mayor spoke, of course, and so did a man who billed himself as a Christian Cop.  He was wonderful and told about times when he was able to give hope in the Savior to people in trouble and still be within the police guidelines he had sworn to follow.  Very touching.  Many prayers were said from many congregations. Not the Latter Day Saints though.  They had to be invited to do that. Ray talked to a man after and he's going to send an e-mail and see if that could happen next year.  Apparently this is the first year we have even be invited to attend.  Step by step!

Sunday morning we went to speak at the Mittagong Branch about 90 minutes away from our home.  It's something the senior couples do every month, but this was our first time, due to scheduling problems. It was a great experience.

The Branch had about 30 members in attendance and 60 who usually attend.  They are the only congregation in the building. A family went home after Sacrament Meeting so there were no kids for Primary that day. We sure aren't in Utah anymore. We took a picture of the building and a picture of the people in the branch, and we'll get it on the blog as soon as we can.

Having not yet had the chance to speak as set apart missionaries, it was amazing to feel the power of the spirit as we shared the most ordinary of thoughts. We will remember that part for a long, long time. Heavenly Father really does watch over His missionaries, even senior couples who are pretty darn ordinary.  We are so grateful. Don't stop praying for the missionaries, it works!

In between I have been writing articles and Ray has been posting them.  Posting is by far the harder of the two, but he does it twice a week. We really are in the office 5 days a week.  It's normal for him.  For me it was like jumping through the looking glass. Now it is beginning to feel normal, but the beginning was a cultural shock that had nothing to do with geography!

Ray said when we were first here, that a day in the Public Affairs Office was more stressful than any tax season days used to be. They certainly were some of the most stressful I had experienced. Wouldn't go back and do that first month over for anything! But from here, it's doable, and we are grateful!

We are doing a 2 month Book of Mormon Challenge starting today with the senior missionaries and the service center.  We think it will be a little bonding.  Talked to one sister last night who hadn't done anything like this since she was a youth, so it will be fun to do it together.

Our days and nights are good.  We wear coats now, but it is never freezing.  It is still beautiful, as the birds still sing and there are flowers that still bloom, even though there is snow up in the Blue Mountains some where. . . we only see it on the news!

We miss our kids and grand kids so much!! We are weekly grateful for "Face Time"!! We get up every morning, and the first thing we check is e-mail, before we even head to the office.  So strange, we are so happy and so missing you all at the same time! It is a wonder.
Love you all!