August 26th 2014

So, over a week has passed since we last wrote.  It has been busy, as facts and quotes from events all around Australia have been coming in.  We love these Public Affairs people in the wards, branches and stakes around the country. They are so good.  We have been writing their events into article form, and actually have 6 articles saved for the future, which we haven't been able to do much of, up to now.  It's a good feeling. And a blessing.

We went to Mudgee last weekend to speak in a small branch there.  It is the most beautiful, quaint city.  And the drive there is even better.  It is about 4 hours away from our little flat and goes through lots of farmlands and vineyards and Kangaroo crossing signs.  Those signs are for real, as we sadly passed a few dead ones on the side of the road, just as we see deer back home.  Made us feel so bad.

We have a question for those of you who are better at the internet than we are --which is just about anyone!  We passed a herd of cows who were all black, except. . . from their tummy up around their back is a bout a 10 inch strip if white. Circles their body completely. All the herd was the same and they were beautiful.  We were too far away to get a picture, but the strip is perfectly straight and even.  We think Heavenly Father must be good at coloring in the lines. Any grandchild want to take this research on for us??

We loved the branch in Mudgee.  There were 11 members there, plus two Elders who work in the area, and us!  It is amazing that even with the small numbers, the spirit was so strong and the lessons so good.  There was a beautiful piano there, but no one to play it. They sang hymns to a CD and we kid you not, the sound was as strong and true as any congregation we've ever heard. He DOES make up for what we lack, even in numbers. So much spirit in that room, and so much kindness. It was a little building, converted from a small home and sits on 5 acres for future growth. With such a large, beautiful, town, you just have to imagine there are people out there, waiting for the truth. We're going to pray for those Elders!

Mudgee Branch Members

Elders Leintiner and Taylor  (Elder Taylor is Dixie Moss's nephew)

We had FHE with the couple missionaries last night.  It's always a nice evening and a good dinner. We had Pavlova last night for the first time, with all kinds of fresh fruit!  It was really good! 
They are a good group of couples.  All of us so different and yet the same. So many stories to share and they come out one by one, usually not in the large group. (We are having them over 4 at a time to get to know them better).
It is of great interest to us that, though every couple have a different assignment, (even the Moores in Public Affairs have a different job, they don't have anything to do with the website) and yet, we all feel like we were called to exactly the right place for the exactly the right purpose. (of course, who would ever think Australia wasn't the right place???) Says something about Heavenly Father and his hand in the missionary program that 10 couples are doing what they enjoy in one way or another.  Not one of them, however, would have said that in the first 3 months.

Another thing about the couples here.  There are two couples who are on their mission with their second spouse.  All four original spouses have died and here they are married again and serving a mission and going forward.  Their stories are so sad from the past, and so happy in the present.  They have been through SO much, and come out on top.  It's interesting that they can talk about their first partners and have tears about what happened to them, and then talk about their present partner with love and respect and happiness. They truly are pioneers in their own lives.  Trying to blaze a new trail. 

It makes us feel so grateful to be on this mission together and not have that particular challenge. Some of their grown-up children aren't happy about the situation.  I find that sad.  

We never know what life has in store, or what we'll be asked to do, but we are grateful for the gospel and the peace it brings to those who go through such tough trials.  He strengthens us and tests us in all  things, members and non- members alike.  No one is immune to those really difficult challenges.  I think it was Sheri Dew who said, something like: if you haven't had a long term challenge that feels absolutely impossible to carry, wait a bit, it will come!  That is so sadly true.

On a different note, we figure by the time we get to Oct, 2015, we will be really adequate missionaries!! Until then, it is a still a learning curve. We certainly learn a lot from other missionaries here. 
We have to say though, that we still learn the most  from those back in the states and in Beirut, who support us in every way.  We love you friends and family and learn from your every e-mail and face-time.  Thank you , thank you!  We love you.

P.S. To those who have been trying to face-time us, our I-Pad is fixed and we can now here it ring again.  YES!!!

August 17, 2014

It seems in some ways that this has been the busiest week yet.  After our training with Richard Hunter last week, we had to do some catch up with the work we had missed. It kept us going in a big way.  Plus, it is Family History month in Australia.  We had so wanted to have a few articles about it on the website this month, and we were waiting for quotes on a couple of articles, and more information on a couple more.  So for the first part of the month, we were just waiting!  And waiting.  We were getting really worried that nothing would come in till September!  That wouldn't have been awful, but we just had this as a bit of a goal! 

About the time we mentioned this to Richard during a conference call, everything just started pouring in!  It was just the best thing. So,we did 4 articles in one week, and sent them in to be approved!  2 more to be written. Can't begin to tell you the feelings about Family History that flooded in as well.  But we'll try. 

Last Wednesday, night, we went to the temple.  I had a name of a lady from England who was born in 1655. ( Elizabeth was her 1st name, but I cannot remember her last. Her first two ordinances were done in Provo, Utah in 2008.  The last two were done on August 13th, 2014 in the Sydney Temple.  The person who had submitted her name is fromTasmania!  I sat there and looked at that card for the longest time! Look how long she had waited to get the first two done?  And then to wait again 6 more years to have it all done! I hope the day was as sweet for her as it was for me. That was the beginning.  

The next day was when those quotes and facts came in e-mail after e-mail, and some in phone calls.  It was so great. I spent one entire day on Thursday writing stories and submitting them for approval! 

Then this crazy thought occurred to us, that should have entered our brains sooner in the month.  The Roberts, a couple from West Kaysville, are here in the Family History Center to submit one million names from Australian cemeteries to Salt Lake for indexing.  One Million!  In 18 months.  No one will come the replace the Roberts when they leave, it was a one time assignment, just for these names. We decided to do a story on them, and while it may not go on the website in August, they don't head for home until October, and we want to get it up before that! There are some great pictures of them as they scan these cards and on breaks they open some and read about them.  There is so much more to this story, and we'll link you to the website when it goes up. More than just one million names, they hare one million people, who will now have their names available to have their work done.

Last night, Saturday here, I couldn't sleep until after midnight. Finally went to bed and slept till 4:00 a.m.! So unusual, because I had taken something at midnight to make sure I finally slept.  That usually gives me 8 hours.

At 4:00, I was wide awake, AGAIN! Went into the living room and said, OK, what is it I'm suppose to be doing?  I finally settled with the September Ensign and, what do I read first, but an article on Family History, page 24.  We are drawn to what is going on in our lives! It's a great article!

Then I read President Monsons message on page 4, 'Hastening the Work'. (I thought it would be on missionary work, and it was, but richer) Oh my goodness.  With the Elizabeth from England on my mind, and members of our families who have passed on, it was really, really a sweet experience. A President Monson quote from that article seemed especially profound to me:   

"The Lord has never, to my knowledge!, indicated that His work is confined to mortality. Rather, His work embraces eternity. I believe He is hastening His work in the spirit world. I also believe that The Lord, through His servants there, is preparing many spirits to receive the gospel. Our job is to search out our dead and then go to the temple to perform the sacred ordinances that will bring to those beyond the veil the same opportunities we have."

"Every good Latter-day Saint in the spirit world is busy, said President Brigham Young. What are they doing there? They are preaching all the time, and preparing the way for us to hasten our work in building temples here and elsewhere."

"Through our efforts in their behalf the chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them,will clear away, that light may shine upon them,and they will hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice in your performance of these duties." 

"There are millions of spirit children of our Heavenly Father who never heard the name of Jesus Christ before dying and going into the spirit world.  But now they have been taught the gospel and are awaiting the day when you and I will do the research necessary to clear the way so that we can go into the house of The Lord and perform for them the work that they themselves cannot do."

That isn't the whole article, but the parts that spoke to me. "That light may shine upon them".  Wow, makes doing Family History work so real!  We have often wondered what we will do when we get home, after being pretty busy here.  I think Family History may be our answer. 

I share this, so it will be in our journal, when we look back, and wonder what we should do, going forward.

All in all, a very good week.  We keep busy, the weeks pass, and we learn things that may never have touched us back home.  We need the stretching. 

We are so grateful for the e- mails that come from all of you!  One particularly nice one came from Karl West, as the High Priest Group Leader in the Fairfiield Ward, about Ann Clark and her miraculous progress after suffering from a wicked fall. We have been praying for her, and putting her and Elwood's name in the temple here, as all of her ward has, and it made us so happy to hear the news. What a blessing!

Love to you all, we miss you, and our hearts are with you. Please don't forget us, you are on our minds and on our hearts even in the busiest of times.  We love you!

August 8th 2014

Went a few days past a week this time, but not without reason.  Our boss here in Australia, (Alan Wakeley) is still gone over-seas until September 19th.  The ultimate boss (and Alan's boss) Richard Hunter came over from New Zealand, to spend a few days in the office.

Elder and Sister Moore, Richard Hunter, and us!

He is planning a Pacific Affairs Training Conference for all people in Public Affairs in November on the Gold Coast. There are to be attendees from NZ.  and Au. A few weeks ago, we sent in suggestions for themes and a possible agenda for the weekend.  (Pat's idea - "Come and See" was selected. Ray)

We spent this week with him, going over those plans as well as talking about Mormon Newsroom and the work in this office.  It was nice to have someone who has a past and a future in this work here in the Pacific Area, look over our shoulders and offer short-cuts and suggestions.  We just didn't have enough time with Alan before he left, and we learned a few things that will make our lives easier going forward.

Richard talked with the Moores and us, and the five of us spent quite a few hours together. Tuesday and Wednesday were good, full days with him.  Thursday morning, however, We started at 8:00 a.m. in the conference room, and he added a whole other layer to mix.

He began by having us read a scripture with him. D&C 118:3. "Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meakness and humility, and long suffereing, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families and an effectual door shall be opened for the, from henceforth".

He was kind enough to liken that scripture to senior missionary couples. He teared up, and Leslie and I teared up and the sweetest feelings entered in. "An effectual door"!  I like that. I don't mind being residue at all, with a promise like that. It was one of those moments when you just know Heavenly Father is aware of you.  Everyone has them, but I must admit that the intensity of that moment will be with us for a long, long time.

He continued by talking about Public Affairs, and his feel for it. Richard is from Australia, but has done Public Affairs work for the Church here in Sydney, Hong Kong, Salt Lake City and now, Auckland New Zealand.  He has 5 children, ages 3 to 14, and is the one of the most genuine men we have ever met.

He went from sharing his feelings about the work, to giving a bit of a history about PA in the Church.  Apparently Neal A. Maxwell was the first person with an actual Public Affairs title. (I don't think that surprises me at all). Then Russell M. Neilson, M. Russell Ballard and now L. Tom Perry. As  he spoke, the spirit was so strong that our eyes stung a bit. 

Richard talked about a near perfect example of Public Affairs in action being Ammon and Aaron and King Lamoni and his father. It all started when Ammon just wanted to serve the King. (not convert him). Then a proclamation of religious freedom was eventually sent to the Lamanites.  A relationship of service is where it began, just reaching out to serve an opinion leader. And ending up effecting an entire nation as a bridge was built and the word was spread. 

July 29, 2014

Interesting and Very Varied Week. 

It is always good to get out and do something different! 

On the Evening of Thursday, July 24th, we were invited to the Websters home (the National directors of Public Affairs).  They kindly had the Morres and us over to celebrate Pioneer Day even though they are true Australians, though they were both born in New Zealand. They are kind, kind, kind. (Very wealthy as well, they own Natures Sunshine).  It was a dinner fit for royalty, presentation was everything.  They have some paintings from the States by Stephanie Rast.  She has a studio in Bountiful I guess.  (The Websters are in the states often on business.)  Anyway, these are pictures of pioneers, although she has lots of others.  We must have the name a bit wrong, as we can't find her on Google, and they said we would be able to. We'll let you know.  It was a great evening, and we MUST find this painter.

Last Friday, President and Sister Howe had a Zone Conference with the Senior missionaries.  A couple from Armadale drove 7 hours to be here, and we had 3 couples come up from the city. In total, counting the Howes, I think there were 32 of us. Plus the young A.P.'s.  Very fun day. And serious at times, as well.  We learned a lot!

The A.P.'s taught Preach My Gospel of course.  Then they had us role play, just with our spouses, just like in the MTC., so, pretty non threatening.  They did a good job, and made us think about what we would do if we actually had the chance to teach to someone.  They stressed using small concepts and simple words which we figure is just perfect for us. It was also made clear, that too many members, without the advantage of Preach My Gospel, want to drown people with the fire house approach, and it drowns their interest.  Good visual, and nice reminder.

Next Sister Howe did a very insightful presentation.  She divided  us into groups of 6 and handed us questions. We had 1 minute to tell our feelings about the questions on the paper.  Each person participating 3 times, with 3 different questions. There was a long list of questions and we could choose the ones we wanted. for example:

Had an important answer to prayer.

Been guided to say words that were not my own.

had an important experience regarding the temple.

Been raised out of a hopeless situation.

Felt encompassed by God's love.

There were many more, these are just a sample.

Then we sat a timer at each table and started.  It was amazing.  Because most subjects were spiritual, we had tears, and laughter and felt bonded very quickly.  It felt GOOD to share and a minute got to be difficult to stick to.

When it was over, Sister Howe asked us to take note of how much closer we felt to each other and the spirit as we talked and listened.  BOTH being very important in working with an investigator or non-member.  Great food for thought!  Ray and I were excited, because that same example could be used in ANY type of church lesson.  It was powerful.

Then President Howe spoke and it was a surprising topic.  It was totally geared to those in our families not being interested in the Church and going a stray. It brought so much emotion to everyone and let us know God was in charge and that wayward people are watched over as well.  Lots of participation and many good thoughts and brought a great spirit into the room. 

Then we all walked to a pizza place for dinner, which was much more than pizza, and there were some FABULOUS dinners ordered.

Then we walked back to the mission home for dessert.  Baked meringues that you crushed into a bowl and then covered with fruit purees and fresh fruit and whipped cream.  It was good!

We came home late, tired and uplifted!

Saturday morning we left for Bathhuirst to speak at a branch and decided to split up the trip and stay overnight.  We will put pictures up soon of the little branch.

The drive was AMAZING!  Beauties here that we haven't seen yet. A lot of the drive was on a main highway that actually had wider lanes like in the states and that alone was a pleasure. But the scenery was so awesome!  Pines and trees and fields and Kangaroos and an Emu which we didn't get a picture of.  Lots and lots for sheep! There will be pictures  of some of the scenery,  but they don't do it justice. We didn't get close enough to any of the animals to get a shot, as we were on a MAJOR highway. Much of the highway goes between two very deep drop offs into pines and beautiful Australian trees and flowering bushes.  There is no way to explain it.  

We hiked a bit up and down to a waterfall. Had our picture taken by some nice people. You'll have to search to see the falls in the photo, but you'll get an idea of what these canyons look like.

Blue Mountains

Only in Australia

Wentworth Falls

Falls again

Strange Aussie Couple

For Matt and Heather

 Wild life on our hike

We arrived at our hotel that afternoon and then went in search of dinner/ lunch.  It was about 4:00 and we were starving.  It was a great/beautiful town.  We DID learn something about Australian culture that we haven't experienced in the city.  No restaurants were open!  They have lunch and then close till 6:00!  The stores in the malls etc. all close at 5.  Except the grocery stores.  We finally found a tea place that was just charming and fun.  They were open and everyone there was having dessert, or tea or coffee or the most extravavgant hot chocolates we have ever seen. Just spending a slow afternoon enjoying each other.  The waitress kindly told us she could serve us Lasagna and a salad, but nothing else was ready.  We thought they would just nuke it, but obviously not.  It was fantastic!  Best we've ever had.

The next morning, we headed to the branch.  Ray had talked with the Branch President earlier in the week and asked if he needed anything else from us and he said no.  As we greeted him on Sunday, he was telling us how much time we had to speak and then said, by the way, we'd like you to teach RS and Priesthood!  What a shocker.  It is the missionary way, we know now, but THAT stretched us a bit. But it went fine.  Go figure!  Not in Utah anymore, where we prepare for a lesson for a week or more.

Bathurst Branch Building

Bathurst Branch Pot Luck Lunch

More Pot Luck

Bathhurst Branch Sisters

Last nights dinner at FHE was such a treat.  It was cooked and served by a lady from India, an international Chef.  It was fun, because it was all so different.  This lady has a great story.  I will try to condense it a bit.

They came to Sidney for her daughter to go to school.  She is 13 and their only child. Her husband travels ALOT!  So the girl, Devmini goes to school at 7:00 a.m. and gets out at 4:30, every day.  They all have uniforms and a backpack the size of a very large suitcase.

Any way, when this lady, Rashika arrived, they moved into an apartment across form the temple and their windows actually face it.  When she would be awake at night, she found that looking at that building made her feel less anxious.  So, she began to walk around the temple in the mornings.  One morning, she ran into Sister Moore out walking.  She asked Sister Moore if she attended this church.  Some questions were asked and responses given, and that was the beginning.  She has set a date in August to be baptized and we assume her daughter will be too.  They all three attended the rugby fireside which you can read about on   http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.au/article/rugby-league-players-and-their-wives-speak-to-mormon-youth. In that carousel of pictures is the picture of the Ranasinghe family.  Rashika, David (the dad) and Devmini.. When the mom heard that we were having this FHE last night, she wanted to cook for us, and she wanted to pay for it.  She wanted to serve God, she said.

I tell you this, because they need your prayers, so the whole family will join.  They are lonely here!

Getting back to our trip, we got home Sunday night, and Monday night, we taught the lesson for Family Home Evening to the senior missionaries.  It turned out to be great fun, because THAT one we prepared for. we laughed and reminisced and had a good time.

Today was a bit more relaxed and normal, and we are glad for that. We enjoyed the experience, but it is nice to be back. and glad to have the FHE lesson done.

We love our mission, and the people we never would have met.  We love seeing the changes that come to people, even the members in our ward, they have a lot to learn as they come from a different culture, but they are SO good.

It is impossible to say how we can be so lonely for people we love, and happy at the same time.  But we are both.  Please, everyone, take care.  We love you!! 

July 23, 2014

Public Affairs in the Church is just growing like wildfire.  Elder Perry is top man there.  You just have to know that it is finally showing the Church in it's true light, to dispel the misconceptions and shine His light.  We were told in Salt Lake, that every interview or phone conversation with an opinion leader, should contain the message, that "We follow Jesus Christ"!  It may take a while, but we think the pendulum is swinging in the right direction.  

It would inspire you to hear a Multi-Stake Public Affairs Counsel talk about their callings, the things they've just accomplished and the things on their to do lists.  Most Stake Conferences here have many non-LDS opinion leaders (Parliament members, mayors and the like) invited and many of them come!  Does that ever happen in the States?  We don't know if it's as big there as it is out of country.

Every Stake is involved in trying to get the Church's name in the papers in happy ways.  Which is what the newsroom website is for.  A place reporters can go to see what we're up to as a religion.  A lot of members read it as well, as we get remarks about it a lot.  It's a happy way to serve a mission.  Not the usual, but the scope of the Church's good works is always front and center for us and is very inspirational. 

Putting words and pictures to it just fills us up spiritually like you can't imagine!  These Stake people are finding people to give awards to who aren't members and then publicizing it.  There will be a story on the website(http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.au/) today about a Stake who gave the Family Values Award to two mayors who are not members.  You'll have to check it out.  They had 900 people attend and the mayors two priests spoke on their behalf.  So great! "Building Bridges".  The Church has gotten so good at it in recent years. Positivity instead of lifting ourselves up and above.  Don't you just know that's how The Savior spread the good word?  It's awesome!

It is winter here, but it isn't bad at all.  We have as many warm days as cold, almost. But when it rains and winds, it really has a bite to it.  The birds sing, even then.  It is a pleasant thing to hear.

I just need to talk about my companion for a minute, before there are transfers.  We have really grown to like each other, love each other.  I know there are many companionships in the mission that work really well, but ours is the best.  There is a lot to be said for serving a mission as a married couple.  My companion happens to lift me up very often, and I hope I sometimes do the same for him.  When it just feels like we are stretched too far and I miss family and friends so much, I look at him, and feel better! A great deal of my home is right here with me and it is a blessing! He is so good to me and I am SO grateful.  I know single, widowed, sisters serve missions, temple missions.  But I don't think I could.  Together we are strong, because he leads me a bit, and that's just great!

We love the e-mails and face-times from home, because, while we are OK alone, for now, we really do need you all in the biggest way. You make us so happy and fill us up continually.  Thank you, and we love you.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Sister Christel Reames in our ward.  A great gap will be left in the ward and neighborhood. The family is in our thoughts constantly right now.  How sad. Thousands of miles doesn't lessen the feelings, it just intensifies them.

Love to everyone.

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.

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!