July 14, 2014

These last 2 weeks have been very busy.  Time does seem to fly by sometimes. We had a training here in the Service Center for a new Multi-Stake Public Affairs director in Adelaide.  The national PA directors also came, as did the Moores in our offices.  She flew in the night before and on Wednesday July 9th we had an all day training session with lunch included.  
I know, it boggles the mind that we could be involved in training anyone!  Yet there we were, at a conference table, computer and projector in front of us doing our part.  Only on a mission, and most assuredly, ONLY with Heavenly Fathers help, could that happen. We know first hand what the phrase "He makes up for what we lack", truly means!!

On July 6th, we attended a Multi- Stake fireside for Young Men Young Women and YSA in the Stakes. They had three professional Rugby players speak, two of them with their wives. There were literally HUNDREDS of young people there.  The Chapel and gym were full, as were the two overflow rooms and the halls.  Absolutely packed!!  The biggest draw we think, was Will Hopoate who returned from a two year mission a few months ago, and has joined a professional team again.  He has almost rock star status among the youth here. He was just the best example for the church as he spoke. Every single speaker was amazing!  We were so happy to be there taking notes and pictures.  It was one of those times when you know how much Heavenly Father loves the youth today, because every talk was General Conference perfect.  No hesitation, no mistakes, and the spirit was so strong. 6 talks in 90 minutes and just flawless. They gave the Family Values award to one of the couples who spoke.  One of the few LDS couples to ever receive it.  Very Cool!!! You can read the article and see the pictures on mormonnewsroom.org.au  (The Sydney Lights story is fun as well. Check it out when you have the time.)
The fireside was arranged by a young seminary teacher who also has a calling in Public Affairs and, (surprise) he plays rugby and loves the sport.  Great example of what one person can do with a bit of inspiration and imagination. Oh the people that were touched. One of the talks was on temple marriage, one on Families, one on missions, one on education.  The theme of course, was following Jesus Christ.  

We haven't gotten out and about Sydney as much lately.  It's colder, and it seems like we have been busy.  Writing and posting.  It isn't without it's rewards.  Today Ray finished posting the article about Sydney Lights and put his arms up and said "YES!! This is a great article"!  Nearly scared me to death, but I know how he felt.  It is a blessing to be involved in getting the good news of the Gospel and the good things members are doing, out there, in whatever way we can. . . and this is our way right now! We do feel like shouting sometimes, when a story is finished and we see that we didn't write it or post it by ourselves.  VERY NICE PERK! 

This last Saturday, we attended an open market of sorts in Blacktown.  A local member had purchased a booth there, and we were invited to be the token Senior Missionary couple.  I gave away 3 Church DVD's to people walking by.(not very brave of me, but I had a number of refusals too). The best part was watching the young missionaries in action. They DO know how it's done. It was a windy but good afternoon.  Ray was actually able to talk to a couple who weren't married, but the man was an inactive member and she was not a member.  Both of their spouses had died, so they were just living together. She was very interested, which could turn out to be a very good thing in the future, you never know.

We are right in the middle of Winter now, and by the end of August, the temps go up a bit again.  We are looking forward to that, but we could never say we're freezing here, although we do very often need a coat or sweatshirt if we're out and about. Nothing to complain about certainly. But we loved April and May, which is a prime time here. Not hot, just warm and beautiful. Not that we would want to go back to the training phase again. So, we're good!!!

We are 3 months into our mission now, and happy to be at that point.  Everyone told us the first 3 months were the worst in Public Affairs. In fact what they said was, "you'll feel stupid for the first three months". We would have to concur. 

We love you all, and miss everyone.  Thank you for keeping in touch with us.  We always love word from family and friends.  It is a real blessing in our lives.