Hello

Dear Family,

As usual it has been a very busy week. Whenever we have transfers and new missionaries coming in,it is busy. It is so hard to see the missionaries leave. There are always some tear shed. And the new missionaries are all so cute,excited and scared to death! We are thankful to be able to go to the airport to help out. It is also nice because we rent a bus,which means I don't have to drive!!!!!!!!

Today ,the sun has come out. It is still cold but at least there is sun. The days are starting to get a little longer. The streets are all so dark. NO ONE turns on outside lights and the street lamps are few and far between.

Patti,how is the move coming along. When are you leaving? Where is Robbie staying until school starts ? I know it will be a wonderful experience. Another place for me to come visit.

I noticed Nordstrom had there Anniversary sale so that means it is time for back to school shopping. When does school start? Is everyone excited? Are the parents excited? We saw some Halloween decorations in the shopping center yesterday! Weird!

We are off to a dinner party tonight for one of the couple who are leaving for Vanawatu (sp). They have been reassigned. They will be the only couple in the mission home. The best part is I am now going to be working with the missionaries and the cars. Won't that be fun. I will be doing some training and paper  work. Someone else will work with the actual cars,infringement ,buying and selling  and then working with the missionary's about assignments,etc.

I am glad I learned how to juggle many things at once because some days I feel overwhelmed, but it is all good. I love the missionaries and the mission. Time is going so fast!

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

Footy game and Cemetary

Too cold for short shorts and tank tops.

So excited to be at a footy game no matter how cold it was.

Horrible selfie my arms aren't long enough

The Melbourne City Cemetary.

The Stevens and the Hullingers went with us.  

We love cemetaries.  

There were 300,000 graves.

Dear Family,

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we went to work and came home in the dark, in the rain and cold. We just put on our flannel pj's, turn on the heat and watch a movie. We can't go walking in the evening because it gets dark early and people don't use porch lights.  It would be very dangerous.  Our hope is that in another month it will be lighter and we can start walking again.

Friday we closed the office early and all of the couples went into the city to see the archives.  We have three couples who work in the archives and they digitize wills for the Australian government.  They had a 24th of July party for all the workers and invited us to come. They had a beautiful luncheon which included funeral potatoes.  They tasted delicious.  We were able to go on a tour of the building.  Everything is locked and protected.  We even had to register and get a badge.  We have had couples serving there for the last 10 years.  With all of the records they have done it only amounts to 2% of the records.  The Dillinghams are leaving this week and they will be missed.  After the tour Adrienne and I went to our favorite mall Chadstone.  We did some shopping and two hours of walking.  Our bodies crave exercise.

Saturday was a very busy day.  We bundled up in layers of clothing including gloves, hats and scarves.  The old city cemetary, which houses 300,000 graves, was having an open house with free tours. The Hullingers and The Stevens went with us.  We have driven by that cemetary many times and have always wanted to go inside.  It was very interesting and quite enjoyable.  You know we love cemetaries.  We visited certain graves with amazing headstones and heard stories about the notorious, good and bad.  Pictures are on the blog.

Found another great Italian restaurant in Little Italy. The food was delicious and the desserts great.  We are finding that they have the best food to eat in Little Italy.  

Onto the FOOTY GAME;

We had a great time but we were very glad that we had layered up.  We had to walk a distance from the parking lot with 40,000 other fans. The stadium seats 100,000 people and the night before the footy came they played soccer and the stadium has 100,000 people in attendance.  The field is massive.  Watching a game on tv doesn't do justice to the size of this playing field.  The referees run so much.  One member said they do about 20 k's in a game. A kilometer is .62 to 1 mile. 

We couldn't believe all the players in short shorts and a tank tops.  I don't care how much they run they need to be dressed with more clothing because it is COLD.  We were very very very cold but because we were having such a good time we didn't complain.  We had an LDS couple sitting next to us and he explained the game to us during the first half.  The second half we had pretty well figured it our.  They are a wild group of fans, similar to NFL fans.  It was just a wonderful, entertaining, cold evening.  ANOTHER NEW EXPERIENCE FOR US!!!!!

Sunday our ward had a baptism.  He was probably 22-24 years old.  He is a soccer player.  It was a beautiful event and the ward really supported it.  We were all invited to bring a plate, meaning something you eat with your hands.  

Richard and Keisha are reading the Book of Mormon and asked us to give them a month.  In two weeks we will ask them to let the missionaries visit.   PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR THEM.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

    Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding, 

    In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.           Proverbs 3:5-6

Our love and prayers are with you always,

The Moms,  The Grandmas,   The Sister Sisters

July 22, 2015

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJ8jsw4BSo

 you can download the song - YouTube is blocked here in the office

Christmas arrives in the summer in Australia. 
While it may be snowing in other parts of the world, for us it's hot, hot, hot! So you can understand why Aussies have changed some traditional Christmas songs to fit our lifestyle down under.

What the words mean

• Holden Ute - Holden is a make of car (like Ford, Toyota) and Ute (rhymes with boot) is short for utility (utility vehicle). Holdens are big here
• Esky - portable cooler to carry drinks and food.
• Boot - trunk of a car.
• Kelpie - Australian breed of dog used to herd sheep
• Singlet - undershirt.
• Thongs - beach type shoes not women's underwear.
• Swaggie - short for swagman; (person without a permanent place to live) who carried his swag (pack) as he walked the country looking for work. He was a common sight during the depression of 1890's & 1930's.
• We take the family snap - take a family picture with a camera
• Shoot through before the washing up - leave quickly so someone else has to clean up. - my favorite - 
• 
  

DASHING THROUGH THE BUSH

Dashing through the bush
In a rusty Holden Ute
Kicking up the dust
Esky in the boot
Kelpie by my side
Singing Christmas songs
It's Summer time and I am in
My singlet, shorts and thongs

Oh! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle all the way
Christmas in Australia
On a scorching summer's day
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Christmas time is beaut
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a rusty Holden Ute.

Engine's getting hot
We dodge the kangaroos
The swaggie climbs aboard
He is welcome too
All the family's there
Sitting by the pool
Christmas day, the Aussie way
By the barbecue!

Oh! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle all the way
Christmas in Australia
On a scorching summer's day
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Christmas time is beaut
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a rusty Holden Ute.

Come the afternoon
Grandpa has a doze
The kids and uncle Bruce
Are swimming in their clothes
The time comes round to go
We take the family snap
Pack the car and all shoot through
Before the washing up

Oh! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle all the way
Christmas in Australia
On a scorching summer's day
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Christmas time is beaut
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a rusty Holden Ute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJ8jsw4BSo

Griffith

Adrienne and Sister and Brother Hullinger in Bendigo.

Very Very large Catholic Church in Bendigo.

Emmy Lou paddle steam boat in Euchuca, NSW. 8

Little bird with a spike on top of their head.

 Beautiful sunset driving into Griffith, NSW.

Church in Griffith with Sister Lul and Sister Pastor and Sister Hullinger.

Griffith Ward house with Sisters and Sister Hancock.

Griffith cemetery map.  You are buried depending on you religion.  Lots of Catholics.

 These are the bakes of cotton wrapped in yellow plastic.

It was a new site for us.

Elders

Zack and Sienna Pan from China.

She is a convert to the church.

 

Elder Richins, Elder Cavanaugh, Elder Cox at their departure.

 

Elder Cavanaugh, Elder McMurray, Elder Noble and Elder Mott at the airport. 

Dearest Family,

WILD AND CRAZY WEEK

Tuesday we went to Costco to get treats for the new arrivals on Wednesday.  

Wednesday we had to go back to Costco in the morning to get desserts for the "Train the Trainers" meeting.  Most of the time Sister Maxwell has a woman help her with food for the meetings, the departures, arrivals etc.  When she is not available Adrienne and I step in to help. So back to the second Costco trip.  We bought 12 strawberry cheesecakes.  We had enough for dessert to use on Thursday night for departing missionaries.

Two new Philippino missionaries arrived on Wednesday.  They were freezing the minute they walked off the plane.  Adrienne and I took them to the mall, with their companions.  There were six missionaries total plus Adrienne and me.  We, meaning the mission and us, bought them each a warm coat, sweaters, pajamas, socks, gloves and hats.  They come from a very warm climate and don't realize how cold it is in Melbourne.  We enjoy shopping with them and they love getting treats afterwards.  We are really blessed when we can do this.

Thursday we went to the temple in the morning with the departing missionaries and President and Sister Maxwell.  Afterwards, we went to Subway and picked up the sandwiches for the Golden Review meeting.  Goldens used to be called greenies.  Three weeks after they arrive they have this meeting.  Thursday evening we went to the mission home.  Sister Maxwell needed our help to do the departing dinner.  She always does a lovely meal the night before they leave and then they have a testimony meeting.  We helped her cook, set the tables, serve the food and clean up.  Just being with these elders and sisters is JOY!!!!!!!  We are thinking we should open up a business when we get home, hahaha.

President and Sister Maxwell are always so appreciative of our help.  He called us the Sister Angels.

Friday at 6:30 am we took Sister Ioane to the airport.  She was flying to Pago Pago.  The other departing missionaries didn't need to be to the airport til 10:00am.  After seeing her off we waited to say good-by to 10 American elders.  President lets us hug them good-bye.  A sad and happy day.

Friday night we crashed.

Saturday at 7:30 am we went on a two day trip with Elder and Sister Hullinger.  We drove 9 1/2 hours to Griffith, New South Wales.  It is the farthest point in the mission.  We stopped along the way to visit the missionaries and check their flats for cleanliness and things that needed to be fixed.  Without fail they need lamps, light bulbs, towel racks, handles on shower and sinks and the list goes on and on.  The sister's flats are usually clean but we can't say the same for the elders.

The trip to Griffith was beautiful.  The countryside is so different from green Melbourne.  It is also much drier.  But this has been a very cold winter everywhere in Victoria.  Last week in Melbourne was the coldest in 30 years.

A list of  things we saw and experienced on our journey.

1. Jerilderie, NSW  and Naarrandera, NSW             The names of these small villages are very unique.

2. Euchuca on the Murray River.  They have paddle boat steamers.  They are very cool to see.  The senior couples will be going on an excursion in September to ride these boats.  It will be a fun day.

3. Kangaroos everywhere.  Have not seen that many at one time or in one place.

4. They grow cotton, rice and canola oil.  We were so surprised to see farms growing these things.  They bale the cotton in yellow plastic.  It looks so neat.  Similar to bales of hay but much more colorful. There are two rivers that come together the Murrumbidgee and the Murray. This is there irrigation system.  That is why they can grow these crops in Griffith.

5. It was a very interesting, educational and enjoyable weekend.

We stayed overnight in Griffith and went to church.  It is a branch with mostly Philippino, Samoan, Tongan, and Indians.  Never thought we would meet people from these place and grow to love them so much.  Two of our neighbors are Indians and just great people.  Back to church, they had soup Sunday and invited us to stay.  I chose potato soup and Adrienne chose the soup that had squid balls, mushrooms and noodles. Mine was good and Adrienne took hers to the bathroom and flushed it down the toilet.

Got home at 8:30 pm.

It was a most unusual week but we keep learning and exploring.

Thought for the day from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

    Trying to understand God's gift of grace with all our heart and mind gives us all the more reasons to love and obey our Heavenly Father with meekness and gratitude.  As we walk the path of discipleship, it refines us, it empowers us, it helps us become more like Him, and it leads us back to His presence. 

    "The spirit of the Lord (our God) brings about such a mighty change in us...that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually".  MOSIAH 5:2          

                                            

Love to all of you,

The moms,  The grandmas,  The sister Sisters

Dear Family,

Monday night we ate dinner with Sussan Lim, Sienna Pan and her husband Zack.  Zack just arrived from China.  Sienna joined the church last October and they have been waiting for him to get a Visa.  It finally came.  They are moving to Adelaide.  We are sad to see them go but she already has a bishop there that will help her.  That makes her moving better.  We will really miss Sienna.  She is funny and so happy.  Thank goodness for FACEBOOK.

Tuesday; nothing much

Wednesday; Hair coloring

Thursday; ward missionary meeting

Winter is here.  The chapel has actually been somewhat warm so that tells us that the Australians are also cold.

Friday Elder and Sister Jose invited us to dinner. They have a very nice new flat.  They are reliance missionaries from Perth.  We really enjoy being with them.  They are so fun.  We were excited to go and have a relaxing night.   They fixed a very authentic Australian dinner, roast, potatoes, carrots and pumpkin squash.  It was very good.  They brought out the salt and pepper for us.  We have written to you numerous times that they do NOT season their food. Also, their desserts have a smidge of sugar but very little.  The four of us played Phase 10.  We both mentioned how we always played card games at home with our children.  The Jose couple are big FOOTY fans,  This is Australian football. It is is totally diffferent than the NFL.  The game has four goal post. If you kick the ball in the middle you get 6 points, if you kick it in the side goals you get 1 point. Basically it is an all kicking game.  A few of the couples are going on July 25 to a game.  It should be very interesting.  Also, they wear short shorts and tank tops.

Saturday we cleaned our flat. It only takes 30 minutes.  We drove to the city to see the touring company of West Side Story.  It was a very good production.  It was a bit more risque than the movies. The music was wonderful.  Adrienne knew the words to all the Jets and Sharks songs.

It was raining in the city but we don't care.  Just use the umbrella and walk and walk.  It is glorious in the city. 

We ate at TGIF and had a great American salad.  They don't serve many salads in the restaurants.  We finally found that we can get a salad at SUBWAY.  It is pretty good.  When we get home Paradise Bakery here we come. The southwest chicken caesar is my favorite.  

Richard and Keisha didn't come to church today.  We were so sad.  We pick up our cleaning on Tuesday so we will talk with them.  Please keep praying for them.  The gospel would change their lives and they would be great members.  At least we have planted the seeds.

Parting thoughts;

     THE LORD WILL EITHER CALM THE STORM......OR ALLOW IT TO RAGE WHILE HE CALMS YOU.

                                                                                                        Anonymous

     "I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN WALK IN TRUTH.
                                                                                                        3 JOHN 4

We love you all dearly,

The Moms, The Grandmas, The Sister Sisters

Hello

Dear Family,

Another week has come and gone. Today has been pretty slow,so I started cleaning and shredding "stuff". It has been very cold. They said this weekend could be record cold. It is suppose to be colder than it has been for the last 5 years. We are going to the city tomorrow so I am sure it will be windy and cold down there. We are going to see the play of "West Side Story".

As we were leaving for lunch today,we saw 2 older women leaving the temple it had started to rain and the one sister appeared to be blind. We turned around and went to offer them a ride. They were headed to catch a bus that would take them to the train depot.and it was raining. We gave them a ride to the train depot. They were such nice,good people and laughed a lot . Always glad when we are prompted to do something good.

Hope everyone had a good July 4. Here the day simply came and went. It was fun to see the pictures you sent. Who was at Stadium of Fire?  Independence Day is in January here in Melbourne. We did go down and see the Fireworks on that day.

Come next week we will have hit our 1 year mark. It is hard to believe. The time has gone so quickly, too quickly. When I see pictures or videos of the children it is easy to see they are getting older. I am not sure the little ones will remember me.

Questions:
How is the move going?
How was the drive from Illinois ?
How was girls camp?
How is work?

I love you all and miss you but I love being a Missionary.
Love Mom

P.S. I would love to go on a Family Vacation next summer. Start thinking of places we could go!

Dear Family,

It has been very cold this week.  When we see the elders and sisters wearing heavy wool coats and sweaters we know it is cold. Things have been a bit slow in the office but that will change this week.  There are six different days this month with arrivals and departures. This is unusual but with Visa problems it is becoming the norm. We much prefer having arrivals and departures on the same day.  President and Sister Maxwell try to do all arrivals but when they can't senior couples go and sister Sisters go(only if they are sisters arriving and departing). We cannot drive with the elders. Adrienne and I love going to the airport, especially when the missionaries are leaving.  We always want to say one last good-by and hug them.  Elder Valles left on Saturday.  He is from Majorca, Spain. He was a very delightful elder.  We will miss him.  Told him we might visit him because we love Spain.

We went and saw The Madding Crowd on Tuesday evening.  It was very good!!!!

Friday we went and picked up our cleaning.  Richard and Keisha talked with us about the church and said they would see us on Sunday morning. Today, Sunday Richard and his little boy Jasper showed up.  Keisha was sick. He stayed for the investigators class and then stayed afterwards and had a discussion, The Restoration and Joseph Smith. Our ward mission leader did most of the talking but Richard is very good at asking questions.  Adrienne and I stayed and participated.  It is time to get the missionaries involved especially if they come to church next week.

Saturday we drove to the city.  They were having 6 man rowing competition on the Yarra River. They might have been training because two other men were in a boat following the rowing boats yelling instructions.  It was fun to watch.  These rowers have to be very strong.  

It was a rainy day so we used our umbrellas and walked and walked.  It was wonderful breathing all the fresh air. We walked over to Little Italy and saw the Beach Boys movie. It was very sad and we thought quite depressing.  We do love their music.  We had to ask for directions to get to the theatre and Little Italy.  The concierge at the shopping center told us we would need to take a tram or bus because it was a long distance. We told her we enjoyed walking.  She thought we were weird.  Any way it only took 20 minutes to get there.  Downtown Melbourne is so beautiful with the old and new buildings, art galleries, boutiques and so many many many cafes and restaurants.  I cannot believe the different cuisines that are represented. We might try some but not many.

We arrived in the city early and decided we would get breakfast.  There is a small Tea Room on Collins street.  Every time we go there the line is so long.  Today when we walked in and they were able to seat us immediately.  We were excited.  We have sent pictures home of their window display.  The pastries are a work of art.  It was a delicious breakfast and presented so lovely on the plate.  

Saturday evening we took Elder Cox, Elder Seiuli, and Sister Horne(the third senior) to dinner.  The elders are the AP's and we are very close to them.  They are in the office often.  Elder Cox is going home in a week. We will miss him.  He is a golfer so we have talked about Paa-Ko.  I showed him pictures.  Told him I would get him on at Paa-ko if he and his dad go to Albuquerque.  

Sunday dinner we had Costco chicken, potatoes and carrots.  It tasted sooo good.  I realize that we talk "heaps" (Australian) about eating.  We send pictures of us at restaurants.  It is recreation for us.  

We had the mission President's fireside tonight.  We do love seeing and spending time with the missionaries.  Being in the office has given us a great opportunity to learn from these missionaries, to love these missionaries and to serve these missionaries. Maybe that is why we were called. Certainly our secretary skills were not the reason for our call.  BUT we both have learned heaps of computer skills.

Thought for the day,

     "And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."     Mosiah 3:17

Our love and prayers are with you always,

The moms, The grandmas, The Sister Sisters

Elders

Elder Valles from Majorca, Spain. Such a pleasant young Elder we will miss him. 

Saw these row boats on the Yarra River

There is s beautiful Tea Room in the city.  It is always do crowded we can't get in but today, Saturday we were early and got seated. Loved our breakfast. 

We took Elders Cox and Elder Seuili to dinner. Elder Cox is going home and we will miss him. It appears we are eating our every picture we send home. Oh well we are happy.😊

Hello

Dear family,

The day is freezing cold right now. This morning on our way to work,it was totally overcast. Then the sun came out. We went to the post and it was sunny. We came out to wind and rain. It is now very cold and windy. The church itself is probably only 40-50 degrees. Thank heavens for small heaters to put by the desk.

We loved having Steve,Patti and Robbie here for a couple of days. Just to see them and hug them whenever I wanted to. We ate our way through the city on Saturday! Hope everyone is ok while they are gone.

Jeni,how was the trip back to your parents home? I hope you are having a great time. Tell your parents hello from me. How is your Dad doing? I am sure Isaac had a great birthday with family around. Andy ,when are you going back there?

Erin, thanks for all the pictures on Instagram. How was the cabin,and how is Beth doing. Is she really staying up there all summer? Hopefully Holiday Park is full of people to watch her.

Alex, thanks for the letter. I love hearing about all you are doing. Loved the pictures from Lavender Days. Are you going to be driving in the parades? I hope you are getting paid well. When is the Rodeo and are you involved this year again? I loved going down there and being there. Always fun. How are the Mitchell's doing with Liza and Max gone?

Jimmy thanks for the times you call. I love to see and hear the children.  Loved the picture of the golfers in the back yard,and Maddie with his hand in his pants!

Last night we went to the temple. It was a wonderful experience . Sometimes our visits to the temple can be very touching. DD and I had sisters we were going through for and our friend went through for the mother. It was a small quiet session. Most often we are in the prayer circle and I enjoy being able to do this.

I love where I am and what I am doing. I am thankful the Lord had enough faith in me to send me here. I love the people I have met and have grown to love. The gospel is true and we MUST try and live it everyday. The Lord loves us and wants us to return to Him. I pray for all of you everyday. I love hearing people pray for the missionaries. They need all our prayers daily. The Lord needs everyone to be a missionary to all those we come in contact with.

I love you all and miss you
Love Mom