Monday, August 4, 2014

Dear Family,
After a very long long night (16 hours) of flying we finally arrived in Melbourne, Australia at 8:30 am on Saturday morning.
We are  a day ahead of you.  It took over 2 hours to get through passport and customs.  President and Sister Maxwell were waiting for us.  They thought they had missed us.  We went to their home for a lovely brunch and met the other couples in the office.  A very fun group  of people.  I worried about being so loud and said so to the President.  He told me not to worry said, " You don't have to worry about that,"  And I don't because it is a pretty wild place around here.

side story; President was talking about his father, Apostle Neal A. Maxwell.  We were talking about the U of U and BYu rivalry.  He started laughing and told this story:  He said his Dad like the U of U and that he and his 3 brothers went to the Y.  Elder Maxwell was given  tickets to a football game  to sit with U President in his box.  On the way Elder Maxwell turned to his son and said, "I have a lot of good friends at the U and would you please try not to embarass me." Our President Maxwell just started laughing as he told the story.

Elder and Sister Wardle, another senior couple, took us to the store for food then to our duplex.  We went inside, thanked them and collapsed.  We are still jet lagged after 4 days.

Church on Sunday was wonderful.   Beautiful chapel.  We were introduced to so many people.  We are attending the gospel essential class with the missionaries and investigators.  That night we helped with the monthly Mission President's fireside.  Just found out we will be in charge each month of the fireside.  One of many assignments.  So tired when we got home.  We are off and running, but loving every minute of it.

The office and ward building are attached and in the same parking lot as the temple.  
It has been very very cold.  We are wearing many layers of clothing and tights everyday.  Thank goodness our home has a good heating system.  It is a nice duplex, very plain so we are going to add pillows, pictures and some cute bedding.  We are lucky to be in a nice place.

Last night Pres. and Sister Maxwell had a family home evening for us with a few people and treats.  It was so nice of them.  We sure do feel welcome.  

We get our car today to start driving on the wrong side of the street.  Look out Melbourne here we come.

We study together each night.  On Sunday we se studied Sec. 138 in the Doctrine and Covenants and spent time on verse 30 that talked about missionary and temple work.
            "But behold from among the righteous he organized his forces and appointed messengers clothes with power and authority and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness even to all the spirits of men and thus was the gospel preached to the dead."

We love and pray for you always.  You are wonderful and so dear to our hearts.  Please be MISSIONARIES.  

Love, Sister Cox and Sister Higginson
Mom and Grandma

No comments:

Post a Comment