Parties and Missionaries

Preparing luncheon for new arrivals at the mission home.

 Rob and Theone Snow our very dear friends from our ward.  They are so good to us and all the missionaries.

Sunday dinner.

Elder Palmer from Perth and Elder Dela Cruz from the Phillipines.

Our Chinese Elders Li an Elder Chen.  

Wonderful loving and so happy and kind.  Sienna Pan a recent Chinese convert.  They are from mainland China.

 Our High Priest social dinner.

Roasted Pig

This is a beautiful picture of the office parking lot.

Dear Family,

It has been another busy week. Monday night at FHE. We all talked about the miracles we have seen in the mission and all around us. I think so often we take these things that go on in our lives, for granted and do not stop and see the Lord's hand in our lives. I see my even being here such a miracle. It was a good discussion .

Tuesday we had transfer meeting. The whole chapel was filled with wall to wall missionaries. Then of course we see "our "missionaries get transferred and it is hard. But we have 2 Chinese missionaries ,an Aussie and a Polynesia  here by us now. They are all wonderful and we love them. I am so thankful to get to know so many wonderful missionaries. The day was crazy, but fun. The missionaries are all so happy to see each other and have a chance to talk, but sad to say goodbye to the missionaries who are leaving to go home. We helped to get a dinner ready for about 25 people also.

Wednesday DD and I were here at the office at 5:00 am to help get all the missionaries who were leaving ready to go. We had bought granola bars, apples and water for the bus. Made sure they had all their luggage ,passports,papers,tickets,etc. there is always something left here. There were 14 who left to go home. Two of the sisters went to Singapore, then to Dubai and then separated. One  went to England and the other went to South Africa. Sad to see them all go. We had 10 new missionaries come in. Only one was from the U.S. He is from Filer Idaho. A small town by Buhl, for those who know there Idaho geography. DD and I went over to the mission home and helped with lunch for about 30 people. We enjoy doing this.

The goal for the Pacific Area this year is 15 in 15.  Fifteen new names for family history in 2015.  We don't know if this is a world wide goal.  In fast meeting today several people talked about family history.  New names are being added regularly.  It sounds like family search is changing constantly and there is still lots of work to be done.  Those of you who have the time should go the the Family History Library to take some lessons and learn all the new things that are availablel.  I am so far behind that it would be great to have some of you keep working on our lines.  The family history work is hastening as is the missionary work.

Friday night the Snow's (we have written about them many times before) had us to dinner with our new ward missionaries, Elder Chen and Elder Li.  She always cooks enough

food so the missionaries have food to take home for at least three meals.  Elder Chen and Elder Li are two of the finest, most loving elders we have been fortunate enough to serve with in the Wantirna Ward. They are both from mainland China.  They gave a wonderful message to us and the Snow's before they left to go back to their flat.  It was on the atonement.  They bore a very spiritual witness of Jesus Christ.  The spirit was strong.

It has been raining and cold for several days.  Saturday we decided to go see Cinderella.  It is a beautiful and enchanting movie.  The music was also wonderful.  Two of the stars have major rolls on Downton Abbey.  We loved the movies and think it is a perfect MOTHER_DAUGHTER DATE.  

Saturday evening we went to the High Priest social dinner.  The main entree was a roasted pig.  It was in the center of the food table.  There were about 60 people and we had a fun evening.  AREN'T ALL HIGH PRIESTS SOCIALS FUN????

Today, Sunday, we went to church, came home, watched a movie, read and now are on our way to the Snow's for dinner, AGAIN, with another set of young missionaries, Elder Dela Cruz (Phillipines) and Elder Palmer, (Australian).  Oh, and by the way the Snow's were in charge of the High Priest dinner and food.  THEY ARE VERY LOVING, CARING AND GIVE SO MUCH SERVICE.

Elder Palmer and Dela Cruz also gave a great message after dinner.  It too was on the atonement. They read from Alma 7:11-13.  We thought it was a very appropriate to end our letter with these scriptures;.

 11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

HAPPY EASTER

Love,

The sister sisters,  The moms,  The grandmas

OUR BLOG HAS PICTURES OF MOST OF THESE EVENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello

Dear Family,

It has been another busy week. Monday night at FHE we all talked about the miracles we have seen in the mission and all around us. I think so often we take these things that go on in our lives, for granted and do not stop and see the Lords hand in our lives. I see my even being here such a miracle. It was a good discussion.

Tuesday we had transfer meeting. The whole chapel was filled with wall to wall missionaries. Then of course we see "our "missionaries get transferred and it is hard. But we have 2 Chinese missionaries, a Aussie and a Polynesia  here by us now. They are all wonderful and we love them. I am so thankful to get to know so many wonderful missionaries. The day was crazy, but fun. The missionaries are all so happy to see each other and have a chance to talk, but sad to say goodbye to the missionaries who are leaving to go home. We helped to get a dinner ready for about 25 people also.

Wednesday DD and I were here at the office at 5:00 am to help get all the missionaries who were leaving ready to go. We had bought granola bars, apples and water for the bus. Made sure they had all their luggage, passports, papers, tickets,etc. there is always something left here. There were 14 who left to go home. Two of the sisters went to Singapore, then to Dubai and then separated. One went to England and the other went to South Africa. Sad to see them all go. We had 10 new missionaries come in. Only one was from the U.S. He is from Filer Idaho. A small town by Buhl, for those who know there Idaho geography. DD and I went over to the mission home and helped with lunch for about 30 people. We enjoy doing this.

Today has simply been a day for catching up. Still trying to get things together for the Sisters Conference next Monday and Tuesday.

The weather is starting to get colder. The mornings are really cold. We were going to take the train to the city on Saturday, but it is suppose to rain, so we will see. There is a big outdoor flower show that is suppose to be wonderful. Maybe we will end up going to see Cinderella instead.

Erin, glad you got the package for Easter. Alex, that sounds like it was a great Saturday. I am sure they appreciated all the help with the horses, sorry for anyone who missed it. Robbie, when I see the missionaries out here and the glow they have, get excited. There is nothing better you could be doing now then preparing. The Lord needs you. Think of the example you will be for all your cousins and family that look up to you . I am so proud of all my grandchildren. You are all the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love you all and miss you.
Love, Mom

Senior Missionaries

Luncheon for the Senior Missionaries.

Exploring neighborhoods

The roof id called a blue nose roof.  It is for shade in the summer.  So Australian.

Beautiful fall leaves.  Called golden glory greeenery. 

 Beautiful fun roofs.  Looks like a castle.  Many have ornate roofs.

Gorgeous home. 

The wall is very vary old and made a beautiful entry way.

These homes are unique and made for a lovely fall walk.

Dear Dear Family,

Last night (Saturday) we were drinking hot chocolate and tonight (Sunday) we have the air conditioning on for just a couple of minutes

Monday through Friday, this week, we worked non-stop at the office.  We had to make 280 missionary books for all the missionaries.  The 

book contains, rules, medical advice, car information, better ways to be a missionary and the list goes on for 25 pages.  We are preparing

for this week with transfers and departing missionaries. So this week will be very busy.

Wednesday we drove three elders to the city.  One of them, Elder LeCates, had to have surgery on his elbow.  4-5 months ago he broke his

elbow playing basketball on P day.  More injuries are caused on Pdays than any other time.  Anyway, they were going to remove the plate

and the screws from his arm.  They were also going to manipulate the arm and break up all the scar tissue. After surgery they came and asked Adrienne and I to come back and see him.  We walked into recovery and he was sitting up eating a full meal.  He had a big grin on his face.  Adrienne asked if it was a good thing to be eating so much food after surgery.  The nurse told us they were able to break up the scar tissue and have full movement in his arm and elbow.  They didn't bother to take out the plate or screws.  What a great blessing for him.  As we all know blessings given by the priesthood are GOOD. Elder LeCates is serving in a threesome.  The two elders, Nelson and Xiao, went back and helped him dress and off we went.  He felt good and didn't need help walking. We drove them home.  ALWAYS GREAT BEING WITH THE ELDERS AND SISTERS.  THEY BRING SO MUCH JOY TO OUR LIVES.

Saturday the senior missionaries all went to lunch at a hotel in Gippsland.  Elder and Sister Rust are going home this week and it was our

final get together with them.  It is hard to see the senior missionaries leave as it is to see our young elders and sisters leave.  They become

our family.  We do shed tears.

Our church on Sunday is from 9-12.  In the afternoon we either go for a long walk or a fun drive looking at neighborhoods.  When we ride

the train to the city we see many neighborhoods that look beautiful and cute.  We went exploring today and found the most wonderful

area.  We parked the car and walked around so we could take pictures.  They are large homes, old but are kept in immaculate condition.

We posted pictures on the blog; cannonsisterscalledtoserve.blogspot.com.au.  These home are very typical of Australia.  Some were

very old.  It was a wonderful afternoon.  One picture shows the leaves turning colors.  FALL MY FAVORITE SEASON, FALL IS NOT

ADRIENNE'S FAVORITE SEASON.

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth

that which is great."                       D&C 64:33

Our love and prayers for you always,

The moms, The grandmas, The Sister Sisters

Hello

Dear family,

As always the week is going fast. We loved having Rod and Erin here over the weekend. However Sunday afternoon was really quiet when we came home from church. I love everyone in my family and miss you all.

Tuesday I spent all day at a computer trying to make our records in the office match up to the records in SLC. We have to keep track of every contact,every meeting,possible new members, anyone who is a referral,etc. the missionaries are not always perfect in their reporting. I took on a job from the AP's in the office. They stated they were too busy and did not have time to do it. It really boiled down to ,that just did not want to do it. It really is amazing that when you realize that every mission and missionary is sending in the same data. It is mind boggling . When we can' t keep our numbers perfect........

Yesterday DD and I were asked to take a missionary to the hospital in the city. He had broken his arm(playing basketball) about 6 months ago and needed to have the screws and plate removed. Because of scar tissue  he did not have full movement in his elbow. They needed to do manipulation on his arm to see if they could break it up. We were called back to his bed a couple of hours later and he was sitting up eating a stew with mass he potatoes and some soup. I asked him how long he had been back in his room and he said 10 minutes. Needless to say they do things differently over here. But when he went to the OR, they put him under and were able to break up the scar tissue and did not need to take out the plate and screws. He was very thankful for the blessing he had had earlier!

We are getting ready for a Sisters conference and I am working on easy,simple ,CHEAP dishes for the missionaries to fix. I am going to put together a simple cook book so if you have any recipes please send them ASAP.

Saturday afternoon and Sunday they are closing some of the freeways because they are having an Ironman. They say there will probably be between 50,000-60,000 people in the city that day. We will not be going down to the city that day

I love you all and miss you.stay close and help each other.
Love, Mom

Erin and Rod visit.

Downtown Melbourne.

 Our day started out a little cold but it ended in a very beautiful day.

Melbourne is a very clean and beautiful city.  Lots of big parks, churches and shopping.

 The city is filled with beautiful old churches.

 At the JFK memorial.  

It was built to honor President Kennedy for his help with the people of Australia.

 Lunch at Little Italy on Lygon street.

Sassafras in the Dandenong Mountains.

Dear Family,

Well, the week started off with a Family Home Evening for all the senior missionaries.  We had asked President Maxwell to talk about his father, Elder Neal A. Maxwell.  It

was so interesting, entertaining and spiritual. The president had great stories and a slide show with pictures.  We love having all the seniors together.  We laugh so much

and really enjoy each other's company.

Erin and Rod came to town on Thursday night.  We had two great days with them.  People said Erin looked liked Adrienne, no surprise being as they are mother and daughter.

We drove to the airport, which is no small task, especially in heavy heavy traffic.  They are lacking in freeways here.  You go partway and then are forced to get off the freeway

and travel through the city.  The traffic is unbelievable because there are sooooo many people and cars and very few parking lots or spaces. It is a nightmare.  We would never make it without our GPS. Driving to the airport on Sunday morning was delightful, no traffic.  

Friday all of us got on the train and headed to the city.  It was very crowded because it was a work day. Many many people working in the city take the train.  It is so pleasant

and much easier.  Adrienne and I decided to show Erin and Rod new places that we hadn't seen.  We headed northeast to the large gardens, parliament buildings and the very elegant Windsor Hotel. (They say it was built before the NY Waldorf Astoria.) We went inside the hotel and we would love to spend a couple of nights there.  They were getting ready for high tea.  Tea is very popular and there are tea stores everywhere.  

We found our way to Lygon street, Little Italy, for lunch.  We found a very fun outdoor cafe.  Adrienne and I had been to lunch there with Sister Maxwell.  The restaurant workers recognized us because of our badges.  We then walked over to the Melbourne Museum and saw and IMAX movie, Journey to Space in 3D. It was very interesting.  In 15 years there will be travel to Mars.  It will take 6 months to get there and six months to return.  Those living or staying there will have a 2 year stay.

We were tired by the end of the day.  We fixed waffles for dinner.  They have a USA store here in Melbourne and we had found Bisquick on our last visit.  The best waffles and

pancakes are made with Bisquick.  It was a great dinner and tasted so GOOD.

Saturday we went to the temple.  It was a very large session.  They had to bring in chairs for the sisters.  As usual we loved our time in the temple.

In the afternoon we drove through the Dandenong Ranges and stopped and ate lunch at the King Henry Restaurant.  We ate outdoors.  It was beautiful weather for the beginning of fall. Everything is green and massive.  The trees and all the ferns are enormous.  They stay green all year long.  Pretty soon all the flowers will be blooming because it is getting cooler.

Came home and we all closed our eyes for a few minutes.  Then we decided to go see the movie, Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,  It is so good and really good

if you saw the first one.

We hated to see Rod and Erin leave but are so blessed that they were able to visit.

Made soup, Sunday, for our ward activity.  It was an evening learning to be a better missionaries and how to invite people to listen.  Our ward is wonderful, with great 

people but they don't support the activities.  People plan and spend time to make the activities so nice but poor attendance.

D&C 4

 1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

 3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

 4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo,he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

 5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

 6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance,patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility,diligence.

 7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen

We love being missionaries and ask all of you to pray that Adrienne and I will have an opportunity to give away a Book of Mormon and introduce someone to the

Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Love to you all,

The Sister Sisters

Hello

Dear family,

What great news to read about Sarah's engagement. I am so excited for her. I only wish I would be home for the party. You'll have to send lots of pictures.

This week has been busy getting ready for Elder Bednar. They have been cleaning the church here for 2 days, and believe me it needed it. The do not keep churches in Australia like they do in the states. It is a building that is open to anyone all day. We did tell the lady who comes in to wash herself and her dishes daily that she could not come in tomorrow. She feels the water in her area is poisoned!

Tomorrow there are meetings all day long here. The missionaries are meeting from 2-5 . I am so looking forward to all that will be talked about. Hopefully we can keep the missionaries from needing to go to the bathroom or get a drink. Lots of them do like to go into the halls and chat.

We have a busy week coming up. MLC is on Tuesday and the Goldens ( missionaries who have only been out 1 month )have a meeting on Wednesday. It is always fun to have the missionaries come around. One of the APs is leaving on Wednesday. He has been a great leader and it will be hard to see him leave. I hate saying goodbye to people I will probably never see again.
So many of these great missionaries have unbelievable stories and yet they are so strong. 

The weather has been pleasant the last couple of days. It has been cool in the mornings and then warms up to the 70-80's. The weather here is changing all the time . But I can tell the days are getting shorter. Hopefully you are getting some snow in the mountains.

A really boring letter. I love you all and miss you. Take care of each other. Remember the gospel is true. Our father in Heaven loves each one of us and wants us to return to him. BE VALIANT in all you do. I love you all!!!!
Love, MOM and GRANDMA

Homes

Went with our friend Dianne Bignell took us to see two old homes built in the 1800's.

Beautiful and fabulous homes.  It was a wonderful day.

FHE

Family Home Evening with senior missionaries.  

President Maxwell talked about his father, Neal A. Maxwell.

Dear Family,

It is Sunday and we just got back from a night walk.  FALL is here, dark in the morning and early dark nights.  Summer came and was gone without our experiencing

and Australia hot summer.  Cold January and fall like February.  People have said they don't remember a summer like this so now onto fall.  We made a large

pot of tortilla soup for family home evening tomorrow night.  All the senior missionaries are coming to our FHE  because we have asked President Maxwell to talk

about his father, Apostle Neal A. Maxwell.  We want to know what it was like having him as a father.  We also want to know about President Maxwell and his life.

Yesterday, Saturday we went with a ward member friend, Dianne Bignell, to visit two beautiful mansions and gardens.  They were both built in the 1800's.  The 

land in 1837 belonged to 5 aboriginal tribes.  In 1847, some English people came to Australia squatted on the land and built a one level home.  There is a word

for this SQUATOCRCY.  They came and started raising sheep, became very wealthy and became the ruling class.  The Como house went through several owners and

each added onto the first level. We ate lunch in the gardens at a very quaint cafe.  The food was very good.  All restaurants serve pot pies and sandwiches. When you

ask for a slice of pie you get pot pie not peach, apple or cherry pie. Afterwards, we went to the second mansion and it too had beautiful gardens and a very large house.

Each house now has parties, banquets and weddings.

Our missionary appointment fell through on Tuesday night.  We were sad but will try again this Tuesday night.  Anyway we found ourselves with time on Tuesday 

evening so we went and saw, "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."  We liked it as well as the first movie.

Today at sacrament meeting 2 Tongan twin sisters had their farewell.  One is going to Seoul, Korea and the other to the Seoul South, Korea mission.  They were

very emotional and also sang the intermediate song.  It was beautiful.  They are from the Tongan family we have written about in previous letters.  We have been

to their parties.  They are all very dear to us.  

We are looking forward to this week.  Thursday night Erin and Rod are arriving in Melbourne.  They will be with us for 2 1/2 days.  We are taking Friday off to tour

with them.  They are already in Australia visiting Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef.  We are so excited.

Our closing thought to you is found in Alma 17:3

   "But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the 

    spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God."

LOVE TO ALL OF YOU ALWAYS

GRANDMAS,  MOMS,  THE SISTER SISTERS

Dear Family,

Monday we had FHE at out flat.  Each couple came with a story about one of their ancestors.  I read the book about Grandma and Grandpa Hogensen, Bestemor's Brown

Bread. We talked about family history because Elder and Sister Rust are digitizing Australia records.  He showed us a new web site that you all must google.  The site is

roots-fb.cs.byu.edu. It will give you information on cousins, famous people, people who signed the constitution etc.  It will show how you are related to them.  So very interesting. Even saw where we were third cousins with Mitt Romney.  It would be a great FHE for your families!!!!!!

Thursday we had our ward mission meeting.  For the ward monthly activity we are planning a preach my gospel pot luck dinner, on Sunday night, March 15.

There will be small group discussions on how to invite people to listen to the missionaries.  The children will be learning also and their teachers will be the bishopric.

Adrienne and I are to bring a big pot of vegetable soup.  

Friday our good friends, the Snow couple invited us to dinner.  Theoni is from Sri Lanka, Rob her husband is Norwegian, Australian, Maori and Scottish. They are a

wonderful couple and so fun.  Four elders also came to dinner; 1 from China, 1 from the Phillipines, and two Americans.  There was another couple also invited, the

sister is from Greece and her husband from Italy.  They were just released from being missionaries teaching the church addiction program. It was a very unique group

of people and we all had a great time.

Saturday we spent the morning getting ready for a three hour missionary meeting with Elder David A. Bednar, Elder Lynn Robbins (Presidency of the Seventy), 3 other

70's.  They all had their wives. Elder Bednar stood at the the pulpit and said, "This is your time to ask questions, You are in the presence of an apostle of the Lord, 5

seventies, 10 stake presidents and 266 missionaries.  You will probably never be in this situation again."  Of course everyone laughed.  He said, "There are good questions

and bad questions.  Don't ask me if I know where the sword of Laban is because I don't know."  He made sure we understood he would not single out anyone, it was 

up to the missionaries to ask using their own agency.  He said we wouldn't embarrass anyone either.  The whole point of the meeting was to get answers from the Holy Ghost,

who is the teacher.  It is impossible to explain but a very spiritual meeting, but enjoyable and at times entertaining.  The questions that were asked were great and

the missionaries were good and so receptive to the spirit.  Elder Bednar told us how in Mormon culture we always come to meetings with paper and pen and try and

write everything that the speaker says.  Then he said, "Don't do it. Let the spirit teach and speak to each of us and then you will know what you need to write. It is

difficult to explain the meeting but know it was the BEST.

Some of the missionaries wanted pictures with Elder Bednar but he was in and out of meetings for two straight days so pictures weren't possible.

Adrienne and I were in the hall when he passed by so he stopped  shook our hands calling us by name.  We were humbled and thrilled.

Some lessons learned;

1.  Faith is a principle of action.

2.  Keep oil in our lamps continually adding to it line upon line and precept upon precept.

3.  Missionaries observe, listen, discern and then teach the investigators.

4. Testimony gets you into the church, conversion keeps you in the church.

5.  Scriptures and prayers everyday- consistency over time- then the spirit comes- in the Lord's way and in the Lord's time.

Sister Robbins talked about the goodness and power of the missionaries who have been called and set apart to represent the Lord Jesus Christ. She read this 

scripture.

D&C 6:23

    What great witness can you have but by God.

We Love all of you so much,

The Sister Sisters