Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to our family and friends.

Christmas Eve.

Love you all so much.

 Elders for Christmas Eve.

Having 6 elders for Christmas Eve dinner. 

 Love having them celebrate with us.

The Chapmans our hosts.

 Aussie Christmas with the Chapman's,

 The Chapman's gave us each a box filled with things and items that are only found in Australia.

Kind thoughtful friends. 

We are so touched.

Dear dear Family,

This letter is going to be all about our Christmas experience in Australia.

Wednesday was Christmas Eve.  We had six of our favorite missionaries over for dinner.  They are our favorites because they live close to the mission office.  Two of them are in the ward with us and the other 4 go to our sister ward.  We see them often.  We fixed ravioli with a tomato sauce, a really big green salad and french bread.  For dessert we made a lemon pudding cake with whip cream and fresh raspberries.  We put the whip cream on the cake before we served it.  The missionaries asked for more and went through a full can.  It was a delicious meal and the missionaries are great eaters.  We had decorated the table so everything looked very festive.  We had green and red m&m's in a bowl.  Elder Utai, a large Samoan, put a large handful of m&m's in the middle of his plate, surrounded by the meal.  We had popcorn, more candy and soda for them. Everything was finished.  We played Christmas charades.  Elder Lin Sin, Utai and Garcia-kempf (from Spain) had never played charades.  It was very fun and there was lots of laughing.

Elder Larsen gave a beautiful thought tonight to bring Christ to our party.

     "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold the time is at hand, and on

     this night shall a sign be given, and on the morrow come I unto the world, to show 

     unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by 

     the mouth of my holy prophets.             3 Nephi 1:13

We talked about how the star shone exactly at the same time that the Nephites were told that Christ would be born.  It all was set in motion when the Lord created this earth. It was all perfectly planned.  What a blessing to know that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and he is our Savior.

We took pictures that are posted on our blog.  The missionaries wanted the pics emailed to their parents.  Elder Utai said he wanted the pictures so he wouldn't forget this great evening.  What a nice thing for him to say.

Thursday Christmas Day.  We had 4 invites for food but we could only accept three.  Our first meal was a lovely breakfast at the Cameron home.  There were 8 elders there.  They always make everything more fun.  The table was decorated beautifully.  There was an omelette, rolled pancakes, ebelskivers with raspberries and ham( bacon) and lots of juices.  The boys or elders thought nothing of taking 6 pieces of ham.  They are great elders and missionaries.  It was a beautiful morning with the sun shining.

We came home for 1 1/2 hours and opened our presents.  Then it was onto lunch but it is called supper here. Viviane and Todd Chapman went to so much work to have a lovely wonderful meal.  Todd's brother, his baby and his mother were there also.  The table was set with china, crystal glasses, pretty Christmas napkins and a very nice and fancy printed menu of our dinner.  So fun. The hors d'oeuvres filled us before the main meal of chicken, ham, carrots and peas, baked squash, potatoes, onions, turnips and great brown gravy. It was all very good.  We then opened presents before dessert.  They had wrapped a box for both Adrienne and me. It consisted of all things Austsralian. There was a koala bear, tea towel, apron, hot pad, candy, (it tastes like soap), herbal peppermint tea, tam tam cookies, which are delicious, shortbread cookies, and soap bars that smell wonderful.  We were so surprised and so happy.  They went the extra mile to make our Christmas wonderful.  Now back to the dessert, English Christmas pudding that was made in July.  It is wrapped in a cloth and frozen until Christmas day.  It is served with custard and whip cream.  There was also cake and chocolate parfaits.  We didn't even try the cake or parfait. We wondered how we would be able to eat another dinner,(they call it tea).  That dinner started 1 1/2 hours later.  BUT WE DID IT.

Our final meal was at the Vinck's home.  It was another full course meal, turkey, ham, rolls, salads and several choices of dessert. At every home they serve carbonated fruit drinks; lemonade, raspberry, grape, mango etc.  There were two elders and two sisters also at the dinner or tea. The Vinck's had a gift for each of the missionaries.  We got a mug the said I Heart Melbourne.  Inside was a Koala bear with an Australian flag.  And as with every gift a box of candy.  Cadbury candy is made here in Melbourne.  All people think it is the best candy anywhere in the world.  Adrienne and I still like Sees.  They refer to candy as Lollies.

We rolled home at the end of the day.  We drove the two sisters to their flat.  We really love our Sister Missionaries. Our new Chinese sister is struggling a little bit, the language and being so far from home.  We all have experienced home sickness sometime in the first three months.  Elder King, an office missionary gave her a blessing of comfort.  She and her companion hugged us good-bye and said "I love you."

HAVE WE TOLD YOU HOW MUCH WE LOVE THE MISSIONARIES?

It has been a very full week.

It has been a very spiritual week.

It has been a very fun week.

And this week is transfers and 15 new arrivals.

We loved talking to all of you,

THE WORDS COME UNTO CHRIST ARE AN INVITATION... IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INVITATION ANYONE CAN ACCEPT.     PRESIDENT EYRING

WE CLOSE WITH WE LOVE YOU ALL,

THE MOM'S

Hello

Dear family

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is Christmas. The weeks and months are going so fast. We have been busy trying to get all the presents out to the missionaries before Christmas. We still have missionaries who have not received anything. That is hard to see. We love these missionaries . We are having 6 elders over for dinner tonight. The night before Christmas does not seem to be a big deal over here. That has always been my favorite time. One of the missionaries asked if he could prepare a Christmas message to give. It will be a wonderful night. DeeDee and I might go look for Christmas lights after.

It was fun talking to you last Sunday. How did the Sub for Santa go?  Tell me all about it. I was sorry that Caren was not there. Tell me about the Nutcracker. What are you doing Christmas morning or night? We will be in the office at 8:30 in the morning, which will be 2:30 for you. I think the best thing is for you to call me.

We continue to be very busy in the office. We go home at night and we are very tired. Last night we got home at 8:00 and turned on a Christmas movie and had a caffeine free Diet Coke. So good! We did find iced donuts and bought some.

I love you all. As we go through this wonderful Christmas season,please remember the real reason we celebrate  Christmas. Our Savior loves us and wants us to return to him. We need to love the Lord and follow his teachings. You are all so special to me and I love you all very much. Watch over each other till I am home.
Love,Mom

Dear Family,

Our big day this week was Monday.  For Family Home Evening we went caroling to a retirement community.  It was run by a German Association.  Our group was 4 senior couples.  One couple, The Rusts are serious singers so things went very smoothly.  It felt very odd in short sleeve shirts singing Christmas carols.  The first house were friends of ours from the ward.  He wrote the book about living in Germany under Hitler and Stalin.  We told you about it in our last letter.  Back to caroling.  As we walked around the area many people came out of their homes to hear us sing.  Soon they were singing with us.  One lady even brought out homemade shortbread cookies.  They told us they had never had carolers come and sing to them.  It was a wonderful happy time.!!!!!!!

We went visiting teaching to Rosemary and John Body.  We always have such a delightful time with them.  They are in their late 70's.  We took them one of our homemade ornaments and shortbread cookies.  

Today (Sunday) we delivered a Christmas ornament, shortbread cookies and a Book of Mormon to our 3 neighbors for Christmas.  They all seemed a little surprised.  One family is a couple from India.  Very nice.  He put lights up all over our little area.  It is so fun.  Last night they had several Indian families come and visit. They were dancing, playing drums laughing etc.  We felt like we were in the movie the 100 Foot Journey.  The children were running around dressed up and having fun.  Our hope is that one of them will read the book.

Wednesday we went to the temple.  That is always a peaceful and very pleasant event.  We are really getting to know the ordinance workers.  They always hug and kiss us.

Thursday and Friday we came home from work, relaxed and watched Christmas movies.  We are so busy many days and nights that it is nice to be home and relax.

Went on a long walk on Friday.  It was glorious to get out and breathe fresh air.  We cleaned the house and the yard, did washing, and went to the store for groceries. It is light until 9pm.

Saturday we went to Chadstone Mall and to GAP.  We needed short sleeve shirts and tees. Our long sleeve shirts and sweaters are too heavy and hot.  The weather is supposed to be ARIZONA summer hot.  Not looking forward to that. It was 92 degrees today and we turned on the air conditioning.

This week will we will be working everyday but December 25.  Missions don't close for holidays except Christmas.  We are excited to Facetime on the 26th which is the 25th for all of you.  We will have pictures of our Christmas celebration and stories in our letter next week.

Our ward choir, Adrienne and I are both singing, did the Christmas Sacrament meeting.  The carols always touch our hearts and souls.  It makes it difficult to sing when the spirit is so strong.  The closing song was "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."  We are closing our short letter with the last two verses.  They are beautiful and so poignant.

        Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor doth he sleep;

        The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth good will to men.

        Still ringing, singing on it's way, the world revolved from night to day,

        A voice , a chime, a chant sublime, of peace on earth good will to men.

Love to you all and a very big MERRY CHRISTMAS

Dear Family,

This has been a wild and crazy week.

Monday, FHE

Tuesday, Visiting Teaching

Wednesday, Nails

Thursday was the start of our Christmas party for the missionaries.  We had all the senior missionaries, couples and sisters, come to the office for dinner, exchange of white elephants gifts and then setup for 300 missionaries.  They had an all day party on Friday.  Some of the seniors couples live 7 hours away.  We have a large mission area.  We love the senior missionaries.  They are dedicated, wonderful, loving and very fun people.  We laugh lots.

We set up all the tables and chairs and then put all their presents and cards in different rooms according to their last name.  Quite a big deal getting it organized.  We fixed 50 Christmas bags for missionaries we knew that wouldn't receive anything.  71 still hadn't received a package but in one week we will reevaluate and if necessary make more Christmas bags for them.  Over half of our missionaries never receive a letter during their mission.  That makes us very sad but they continue to do good work and with a smile.

We had a talent program for them.  The missionaries volunteer to entertain.  Most were islanders because they start singing and dancing at a very early age.  They love to dance. They are a loving and funny group.  One of the missionaries, Elder Garcia-Kempf sang Silent Night in English and Spanish.  He stutters and during his song he never stuttered.  He got a huge round of applause.  We were all thrilled for him.

They watched videos that each zone made for the program.  They were given scriptures from the New Testament.  All were dealing with the birth of Christ. 3 of the eleven zones were not shown because of some inappropriate things.  They will be edited and the dvd will be given to each missionary.  They edited some on my computer so I have the dvd of all the zones.  It was very funny but some just got a little free in their interpretation of the scriptures.

Food time.  We sat with four Chinese sisters.  Three of them came to the mission against their parent's wishes. They are not being supported by family.  They are such happy beautiful girls, who are great missionaries.  One said, "We are the pioneers that will help bring the gospel to China."  That is so true.  We also sat with one of our favorite missionaries, Elder Bryant.  We asked where he was from and he said Murray, Utah.  He lived in foster care for many years and at 15 was adopted.  He is such a pleasant cute elder.  The stories of these missionaries are amazing.  They are strong in the gospel with a smile on their face.

Saturday we took the train to the city.  We saw a fun display of a gingerbread village and lovely Christmas windows at Myers department store.  They reminded us of ZCMI Christmas windows.  It was fun and festive.  Lights and wreaths all over the stores and streets.  We were excited.  Went to TGIF for lunch and had an American hamburger with fries, not chips.  The ketchup was Heinz.  Boy did we love that lunch and it tasted delicious.

After lunch we went to see the Nutcracker Ballet.  It was a bit different but we loved it.  The costumes were so pretty and the music was all we hoped.  We were just thrilled to be there and enjoyed every minute.

That night we had a Christmas dinner at the Snow's home.  This is our third time to have dinner with them.  The table was set with Christmas dishes and looked so lovely.  LOVELY is one of the most used words in Australia.  They are amazing people with unbelievable stories.  Two other couples were there also.  One man and his wife were from Germany, via Poland, Bavaria, etc etc.  They lived through WWII, escaping one county to another.  There stories are so interesting and sooo sad.  His name is Skibbe and he wrote a book, Living through Hitler and Stalin.  Adrienne is reading it now and I will read it when she finishes.  

We wish we could tell you so you would understand how wonderful the people are that we have met.  We can describe them but their spirit and lovely personalities can't be explained.  

Last night we went to a Stake Christmas music program.  You have the Mormon Tab Choir and we have many Stake Christmas programs going on all over Melbourne.  They are wonderful.

We have put pictures of our Christmas party on our blog; cannonsisterscalledtoserve.blogspot.com.au

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given... His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.         Isaiah 9:6

Love to all,

Adrienne, Dee Dee, Mother, Mom, Grandmas

The city is beautiful

So many beautiful parks.

The city is beautiful.

 Town Hall and Christmas flowers.

Waiting for the train to the city.

 Christmas Gingerbread Village.

 The talent program.

 Christmas Party

A very special Elder Bryant.

 Four Chinese sister missionaries.

Dear Family,

Another full week.  The days are getting busier.  This week we have engagements every night, some are more important than others.  But, back to this week.

Monday night we were invited to help a couple in our ward decorate their Christmas tree.  We were on a time schedule because of FHE.  They are a really nice couple who have not been able to have children so they like having missionaries in the home.  When we got there she had prepared a very delicious dinner and a set of elders were there also.  Needless to say the tree never got decorated.  A side note; this sister, Viviane Chapman was sustained as a counselor in the stake primary yesterday.  She walked up to the stake president, who was visiting our ward, and handed him a note.  A very surprised look appeared on his face.  No one had called her or asked her to take this position.  A big embarrassment.  

Went to FHE and saw a video on William Wadsworth Longfellow and the song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.  It was a beautiful emotional video.

Tuesday night we went shopping for 50 elders and sisters that will not be receiving any gifts from their families.  We are giving them some cash, cookies and little gifts.  We have put them in gift bags with their names on the card.  It is sad to see that these great young people do not receive packages or letters. Amazing young people who come to serve without family.  They are all loved by us and give us so much joy.

Wednesday we had the golden review.  No greenies just goldens. The missionaries bring the new goldens (been here 2 weeks)  and are taught by the president and the AP's.  They have a late lunch afterwards.  We do set up, clean up and serving.  That night we went to the RS Christmas party.  A lady in our ward had a catering company for many years.  She did all the catering for the leaders and their guests in Austsralia, presidents, queen, dignitaries etc.

She also catered for the Church leaders when they visit.  We have eaten at her house several times.  Great food.  Anyway, she and two others did the food. It was one of the most elegant spreads we have seen and it tasted delicious.  Have any of you tasted passion fruit?

Thursday we cleaned, washed clothes and cooked most of the food for OUR Christmas party Friday night.  We made key lime tarts, a recipe from Sally Cox that was posted on Pinterest.  We also made pumpkin cake, yummy, french bread and a pasta dish.  It was bow-tie pasta, broccoli, dried tomatoes.  It is so good and also Adrienne found it on Pinterest.  Everyone loved the food.  We had the house so festive with music, candles and just had a fun time.  We played Christmas charades.  We had heard of some songs, films and book and some we had never heard of but it made the game fun.

Saturday was the ward Christmas breakfast.  They are very very casual here.  No decorations and no Christmas tree.  The Bishop, who is wonderful, came in bermudas, a sweatshirt and Santa hat.  Many of the children came in their pj's and looked like they had been dragged out of bed. BUT the people are great and we love them.  They treat us so good.  We left the party and went to our favorite shopping mall, Chadstone. We have had so much rain that our walks have been put on hold.  So walking the mall for 2-3 hours is our excercise.

The creme de la creme was going to see Les Mis last night with the Maxwell's.  It was an excellent production.  The star was from London and had a great voice.  He has been nominated in London for many awards for his singing and acting.  We met him after and he was charming.  Love English accents.  Fantine was played by an LDS woman.  Her aunt and uncle serve in the mission office with us. She was very good.  She will be singing at the stake Christmas program next week.  

Hope our families are reading the gospels.  We sent you all bookmarks from the mission.  It is the story of our Savior.

In closing;    

     "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

       Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

       For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."       Matthew 11: 28-30

We love you all,

Adrienne and Dee Dee or The Moms or The Grandmas

Les Miserables

We went to Les Mis tonight with President and Sister Maxwell. It was a beautiful production. It was a real treat for us.

Hello

Dear family

As usual the days have been busy. Yesterday I spent the day running around from store to store . Post office ,grocery store,Office Max,back to the grocery store and then helped set up for Golden Review for all the semi new missionaries and their companions. We had about 52 missionaries in here. We love seeing them and talking to them. We just get to know and love them and then they get transferred. By the time 18 months is over, hopefully I will know them all.

We had a Relief Society party last night. It was decorated so cute and we had a great time. This is a wonderful ward and everyone treats us so well. They are very concerned about whether DeeDee and I are getting fed. We tell them "no worry"(an Australian phrase). Last night we went home and had nachos and cheese cake that I had made!

Hopefully you all got your Christmas packages. Caren,Cathy and Craig what did we decide between the brothers and sisters? We need to know.

We are having a Christmas party at our flat tomorrow night. We are really excited. Our house is decorated really cute. We have seen 3 houses that have Christmas lights. They do not decorate like we do. We did put up a Christmas tree in the office and  the missionaries were happy to decorate it. We did add some bows to help it and added a skirt made out of a tablecloth. It looks cute. We also bought candy canes for the front desk. The missionaries love " lollies". (Another  aAustralian phrase"

Send pictures. I love to see the families and Christmas decorations.
Love you all,
Mom

Dear Family,

HELLO DECEMBER FIRST

Monday    Adrienne and I found a Rodgers and Hammerstein singing program.  We invited the Maxwell's to go with us and eventually 13 of us went.  Four senior couples came with us.  It was fun and enjoyable but Adrienne and I realized it wasn't as professional as we expected.  Some of you would have found it very humorous.  It was held in a beautiful building.

We were fortunate enough to be invited to three Thanksgiving dinners.  I made two cheese balls for two dinners.  Adrienne made two cheese cakes and we took veggies and dips to two of the dinners.  Also, we were asked to bring drinks.   The Maxwell's dinner was a real American Thanksgiving, quite formal.  We loved it.   Thanksgiving night we went to another dinner.  It was total chaos but we enjoyed it anyway.  Kids running around made us feel at home.  The third Thanksgiving feast was Saturday night at the Bishop's home.  There were four families invited plus Adrienne and me.  There were several Americans in the mix.  We had ham, turkey and Australia specialty lamb.  The lamb was delicious.  All we can say is we are full.

Friday we worked all day and in the evening went and got our hair cut and colored.  This always makes us happy.

Saturday we cleaned the flat, washed clothes, cleaned up the yard, vacuumed the car and cooked for our third dinner.

The ladies in our ward, the ones we were assigned to contact, don't have any interest.  We have sent cards to them with an invitation and our phone number.  We will try this week again. They don't answer our calls but we will keep trying.

Mormon.Christmas.org is the new program for the missionaries this December.  It is called, HE IS THE GIFT.   The church is advertising in Times Square, NY on very large billboards and on December 7 the church will be on the masthead of YOUTUBE in 7 different countries, for a full day.  Each of our zones have received 2500 pass along cards to hand out.   It is to center the season on our Savior, Jesus Christ.  They have spent lots of money to do this and are expecting great results.

One weird thing they do here is washing dishes.  When they wash their dishes by hand they put them in the soapy water but do NOT rinse them off in clean water.  They don't rinse them at all.  Soapy water straight to the drying rack.  I hope they didn't notice my mouth hanging open.

This week has  not been our busiest week but the rest of this month is going to be wild. Long days and lots to do.

I hate the word LOTS and I use it often so please forgive.  These letters are done by the spirit not by grammar.  

Elder Bednar said;

       The Holy Ghost is a revelator, testifier, teacher and sanctifier.  We need to invite the Holy Ghost to be the teacher and the missionaries help the investigator to make commitments.

The Holy Ghost comes unto the heart but we have to let the Holy Ghost into our heart.  We don't teach anything only the Holy Ghosts teaches.

Love to all of you,

The Sister Sisters