Sisters

Sister Vance, Adrienne, Sister Wang and Sister Li

Dear Family,

We can't believe it is September.  Where have all the months gone.  They have gone very quickly.

Monday night, for family home evening we went to see Man From Uncle with the Maxwells.  We are so grateful to have such a personal relationship with them. We all talk about continuing our movie night once they get home.  We leave in January and they leave in July.

We are already talking about the reunion in October 2016.  

Thursday night the office missionaries had a birthday dinner at the mission home for Sister Maxwell.  She was turning 60 on Saturday.  We brought the dinner and desserts.  The Maxwells love movies so we watched "Death Comes to Pemberley."  It is a continuation of Pride and Predjudice.  It was an enjoyable evening.  It was a relaxing time for President and Sister Maxwell.  

Friday we got a call at the office from 3 Chinese speaking sisters.  They took the wrong bus and got lost.  They were coming for interviews with the president.  Adrienne and I went to find them in Glen Waverly.  We brought them back to the office, took them to lunch and returned them to the train which takes them directly back to their flat.  Sister Wang is from Taiwan and Halifax, Canada, Sister Vance is from Seattle, Washington, and Sister Li is from Inner Mongolia.  We love taking missionaries to lunch and they are always so happy to go with us.

Saturday morning Sister Horne asked us to go with her at 8:00 am to sing Happy Birthday to Sister Maxwell.  The elders and sisters had written notes on colored paper hearts for her.  Sister Horne had made them into flowers and put them in pots.  They were very cute.  Sister Maxwell was surprised with the visit and loved all the hearts from her missionaries.  She and President had stake conference meetings all day and all day on Sunday.  President Pearson, Pacific Area President, was staying at their home and so it was very busy.  They rarely have any down time.  While they were gone Adrienne and I went to the home and set the tables for 24 people.  Sunday after all the meetings all the stake presidents and their wives were coming to dinner.  Sunday afternoon we went back to the home to help prepare the dinner, serve it and clean up afterwards. We are always glad to help them because they are so busy.  We were also able to spend some time with Elder and Sister Pearson.  Great people!  

Our parting thought;

    Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh.  Yea my God will give me, if I ask not amiss, therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea I will cry unto thee, my God the rock of my righteouness.  Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee my rock and mine everlasting God.   Amen    

                    2 NE 4:35 

Love to you all,

The Moms, The Grandmas, The Sister Sisters

Visiting the city

Catherine the Great of Russia

The very elaborate China made for dinner parties.  

Today it would cost 7-8 million dollars.

Murillo painted this young beautful Mary and Baby Jesus.

It was just wonderful.

Adrienne's flounder lunch.

The Victoria State Library.

It was so amazing to wander and see all the floors.

Mick Jagger in Australian movie about Ned Kelly the bandit and killer.

Semi-hero over here now.

Gorgeous day in the city with the Hullingers.

Dear Family,

We have been busy in the office this week but our nights have been slow so we have been watching Christmas movies which we love and never tire of watching them.  Friday the sun came out and everyone in the office just came alive.  Haven't seen the sun for soooooooooooo long. 

Saturday was one of the best days we have had in months.  The sun came out to stay all day and it was glorious.  We went to the city with Elder and Sister Hullinger.  It was our last hurrah with them.  They leave in two weeks and we hate to see them leave.  They have become such good friends.  They have driven us to so many places in the Melbourne area.  We have done over-nighters, day trips, quick trips to clean flats, and the theatre. 

We went to the National Gallery of Victoria for the Hermitage Art Exhibit.  It is on loan from Russia.  Catherine the Great who became queen after her husband Peter died owned all of the art that is shown.  She amassed a great art collection of the masters.  She also loved and collected cameos, and jewelry especially Oriental.  She had a special china made so she could feed a group of 60.  It consisted of 800 pieces of china.  Today it is worth 7-8 million dollars.  (PICTURE ON BLOG)

We saw art work by Rueben, Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Murillo just to name a few.  Murillo painted the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.  She was the most beautiful, young looking Mary we have ever seen.  I took a picture but it can not do justice. (PIC On Blog).  We went on a guided tour and the tour guide was very knowledgeable.  She made it so interesting.  Catherine the Great led a very unusual life.

We went to lunch at a restaurant that looked out on the Yarra River.  Adrienne ordered flounder fish.  It was very strange looking on the plate. (PIC on BLOG).  

We then ventured up the street to the Victoria State Library to see an art exhibit by S. T. Gill.  He was a very popular artist in the 1840-1860's. He did water color, pen and pencil.  Most of his work was done in Ballarat during the gold rush.  We are hoping to find a print to bring home. The saddest thing is he died a pauper.  We saw his headstone in the Victoria cemetary a month ago.  The lawn in front of the of the library building was covered with people.  The sun was shining and all the city was out soaking it up.

Went to St. Patrick's Cathedral to look around. It is enormous.  They have a wonderful gift store with different kinds of nativities.  We want to get one to bring home as another reminder of wonderful wonderful Melbourne. 

The Hullingers have a mission van and are in charge of the 119 flats the mission rents.  This van has 180,000 miles.  We were driving home from the city and the transmission started to act up.  We quickly got off the freeway and parked the card.  It died.  The other office couple came to the rescue.

Sunday we were able to go out for a walk. It felt grand.  We have hope that spring is coming but in Melbourne you never know.

Our weekly thought,

     "Here was Jesus-  a member of the Godhead, the Firstborn of the Father, the Creator, Jehovah of the Old Testament- now leaving His divine and holy station; divesting Himself of all that glory and majesty and entering the body of a tiny infant; helpless, completely dependent on His Mother and earthly Father.  That He should not come to the finest of earthly palaces and be...showered with jewels but should come to a lowly stable is astonishing. Little wonder that the angel should say to Nephi, 'Behold the condescension of God!' "

      Elder Gerald N. Lund

Love to all of you,

The Moms, The Grandmas, The Sister Sisters

 PS  Mick Jagger starred in a Australian movie called Ned Kelly the bandit.  We have written about Ned Kelly before.  We laughed at the poster and the album cover.  A man told us it was a very popular film when it came out in the 70's. Anyway just thought you might like seeing these pictures.  (On blog)  He was a bad person but has become a semi-hero in today's world. 

Hello

Dear family

The sun has been out so far all morning. Even though it is still very cold this sun is shining. It is a beautiful early spring morning. 

There are so many things I am finding,that I am so grateful for. Earlier I had to walk over to the temple and talk to the Temple President about a session in October. How wonderful it is to walk out the door and cross the parking lot and be in the temple. I love the temple here. The people in the temple are wonderful and we love them all.

I was then out in the foyer of the church and could hear a missionary playing the piano in one of the rooms. Whoever was playing wasn't  perfect, but they love to come in here and play. I love these missionaries. We had a missionary who left last transfer who said on face book," he was glad to be home, but left his heart in Australia". I think I know what I will feel.

I called one of the Sister missionaries this morning and she needs to come into the office to do some paper work. Australia does have some strict rules when it comes to working with children. 
I told her when she comes in we will do the work and then go to lunch. Always love taking the missionaries to lunch.

Last night we went to the temple and it is wonderful as usual. We always have the opportunity to stand in the prayer circle and it is great.

I love the school pictures. Thanks for sending them. Patti,how has the move gone? 

I love you all and miss you. 
Love, Mom

Sisters

Sister Kruyer, Sister Larsen, Sister Best.

Excellent darling missionaries.  We will see them when we get home.

Dear Family,

Monday, we went with President and Sister Maxwell and saw the movie Mission Impossible.  It was so good.  It is fun going with the President because he and Sister Maxwell like the action packed movies like we do.  It is rare they even have a free night.  It is a totally relaxing for them.  We really are blessed to be serving with President and Sister Maxwell.  They give so much to the missionaries and are so kind and really good.

Tuesday, three of our sister missionaries left to go home.  We were able to say good-bye to them and give them a big hug.  They have been outstanding missionaries, always obedient and still so much fun.  We will miss them but they are all starting school at BYU in a couple of weeks. We will be able to see them when we get home.  We have heaps of missionaries going to the Y.  I keep suggesting Utah but not many takers.

Wednesday night was the highlight of our week.  We had a special missionary fireside with David Archuleta and Brad Wilcox.  They had been to Time Out For Women in Sydney and to our delight they came for a quick visit to Melbourne.  David Archuleta is a very humble, somewhat shy, Idol singer and a returned missionary.  He was a joy to watch and listen to his message and his songs.  He sang Be Still My Soul.  We were both very touched and the spirit touched our souls.  He talked about his mission in Chile and told some spiritual experiences.  

Brad Wilcox, author and professor at BYU spoke and was very entertaining and very spiritual.  He gave a very unique perspective of the 12 tribes of Israel. Wish we could explain his presentation but we will when we get home.  It was amazing but very simple.  Best explanation we have heard. He recently spoke at the MTC in Spain.  Many of the missionaries were from Russia.  He talked about the 12 tribes to them and and had them stand and tell which tribe they were from. Most of the tribes were represented.  He said "The gathering of Israel is moving forward." We had one missionary from Judah and one from Zebulon.  Many of the Islanders are from Manassah. It is so wonderful and exciting to be serving with so many who represent so many different cultures.  

Both presenters were great.  After our meeting they spoke at the Young Adults fireside.  The chapel and cultural hall were packed.  More than half were the young girls anxious to see David Archuleta.  President was at both meetings.  He told us that David talked about his experience on American Idol.  The young people would have loved him.  Adrienne and I thought he was great.

Saturday there was actually some sun so Adrienne went out to clean our yard and I cleaned our flat. We then got in the car and went exploring new villages.  At lunch we ate a new fun restaurant in Maling.  We really love Melbourne.  It is so unique and different from home.  Much to see, much to explore and much to love.  When we come home we will be leaving part of our heart in Melbourne, Australia.

We had mini-missions from our stake last week.  3 girls and 3 boys, 18-19 years old, spoke in church today.  They did a great job. They all said they were nervous to go on the mini-mission but they all received help from the Holy Ghost. It was very spiritual for them and for those blessed to hear their talks and testimony.  

Closing thought;

    

   "Scarcely an hour passes but we are called upon to make choices of one kind or another.  To make wise choices, we need courage, the courage to say no, the courage to say yes.  Decisions do determine our destiny."

                                                                                                President Thomas S. Monson

We love and miss you all,

The moms, The grandmas, The Sister Sisters

Senior Couples Party

Elder and Sister Dillingham

Snow!

Mountain Lake Ski Resort

Elder and Sister Jose

Parrots in the snow

Snowball fight.

Dear Family,

Monday evening we had a senior couples dinner to say good-bye to the Dillinghams.  They have been working in the archives down in the city.

We will miss them.  We have become very close to them.  We plan on seeing them when we get home.  We have such a good time when all the couples get together.  They are such good people.  We are blessed to know them.

Wednesday afternoon we took Elder Olan, a new Filipino missionary to get some warm clothes.  He isn't as small as most Filipino missionaries but he was one of the quietest.  It was hard to get a response on what he liked or didn't like.  Everything he picked out was black.  Someone in the mission had given him a wool coat so we bought sweaters, scarf, hat and sweat pants for him.  

Thursday was cleaning day.  We went to Deer Park which is about an hour away from the office. Sister Tihoni, from Samoa, and Sister Dere, from Fiji live in the flat that needed cleaning.  They are not dirty but the flat has been used for several years and there was GREASE everywhere.  This is why we help clean flats to make them more comfortable for the missionaries.  Believe us when we say, "These are not Lee Lee and Doo Doo approved".  Sister Tihoni spent 3 hours on the shower and bath.  Adrienne worked on the the floors and grout and Sister Dere and I tackled the ovens, stove, fridge and kitchen cupboards.  The grease was not all gone but it is a thousand times better.  

Elder and Sister Hullinger went with us and also the two service missionaries.  Service missionaries are called for 2-3 transfers to help with the flats, moving furniture, doing yards, cleaning flats, taking all the trash to the dump.  The list goes on and on.  They are really good and very needed.

Saturday we drove with Elder and Sister Jose to Mountain Lake.  It is a resort for skiing and tobaggan rides.  It was packed with people.  The snow was beautiful and brought back memories of a wonderful childhood in Utah.  Remember playing fox and geese and having snow ball fights at Laird park.  The clothing today is much cuter than the leggings we wore.  Elder Jose started a snowball fight with us.  We were laughing and having a great time.  It had been a long time since we threw snowballs.  Our grandchildren would have loved this place.  It was cold but not near as cold as the city, which is humid and windy.  The drive was 2 1/2 hours from Melbourne.  The Jose couple are from Perth.  We so enjoy being with them.  They both have a great sense of humor.  We stopped at the Chocolate factory on the way home and got ice cream. Doesn't matter how cold the weather ice cream is always good.  (SNOW PICS ON BLOG)

Church was good and the chapel was actually heated.  Our stake is stressing  HOW TO KEEP THE SABBATH DAY HOLY.  We are thinking that is worldwide in the church since President Russell Nelson talked about it in General Conference.

I am needlepointing a Christmas stocking for Annie's baby.  I have done one for all my children and grandchildren.  Adrienne needed some hand work so she is now learning to needlepoint.  It makes our Sunday afternoon and evening seem more productive. 

Our thought for the day,

"And thus He shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance."

        ALMA 34:15

We love you all and miss you but we have lots left to do.

The moms, The grandmas, The sister Sisters

Travels

Office couples at the Werribee Mansion.

Lots of different art work found on the highway.

 Very unusual wire hanging art on the freeway.

Crazy Tree in Williamstown.

Unusual tree.

Anyone for tea and tunes?

Williamstown by the ocean. Sisters Maxwell and Sister Stevens.

Dinner at Paesano restaurant with office couples and President and Sister Maxwell.

 Ocean and the pied cormorant birds.

Missionaries

Sister Brodie, Sister Nuku, Elder Fa'atua.

All leaving to go home.

Elder Sharp, Elder Murdoch, Elder Nelson, Elder Hurt.

Also, leaving to go home. 

14 missionaries for lunch on Thursday in Werribee. 

Cost $400 because they each ordered 2-3 meals.  We were very surprised when we paid the bill.

Dear Family,

TRANSFER WEEK

President told us last Monday it would be a smaller transfer and it wasn't. So on Tuesday we had 150 missionaries come to the ward and office. They were all given new companions.  We always hope for the best and that they will all be happy.

Wednesday morning at 6:30 am we went to the office and got on a large bus heading to the airport. There were 6 elders and 2 sisters going home. They were all good missionaries and good leaders.  Always a happy sad day.  Twelve new missionaries came in.  Two of them came from the Philippines and as always they came with no coats, hats, or warm clothes.  Yes, we will be taking him shopping.

Thursday we drove to Werribee about an hours drive from the office.  We went to pick up Sister Greenhalgh and her new missionary companion, Sister Mendoza.  Sister Mendoza is from the Philippines.  We met them at the ward after district meeting.  There were six other elders at the meeting and when they found out we were going to lunch they wanted to come with us.  There were four other elders who had just left before we arrived so we called them and they came too. We went to the mall and had lunch at SCHNITZ.  We were now 14 people.  We told them to order what they wanted.  When we went to pay the bill it was $400.00.  The elders had each ordered 2-3 meals.  We were very surprised but happy to pay the bill.  The amazing thing was that they ate every single morsel of food.  Next time we will specify one meal per person.  We do love all our missionaries.  They make us smile.

The girls had a meal and then we went shopping.  Sister Mendoza is a very small Filipino, who is very scared.  When she arrived Sister Maxwell missed seeing her.  She told the Maxwells she was afraid of getting lost.  While we were shopping she never let go of Sister Greenhalgh's arm. Sister Greenhalgh is so kind and loving.  She is a perfect trainer for Sister Mendoza.          

The Stevens couple who arrived in April have now been called to work in the Vanautu Mission.  They leave Monday morning.  The office staff took them to dinner Friday night.  President and Sister Maxwell went with us also.  Afterwards, Sister Maxwell went with Adrienne and me to see the movie "Mr. Holmes".  It was good but a stark reminder of what old age looks like.  Again we apologize for repeats of things we have done and have forgotten.  We don't always remember what we did or didn't do.

Saturday, the office missionaries with the President and Sister Maxwell went to the Werribee Mansion and then to Williamstown for lunch.  It is a very pretty beach resort.  The Stevens wanted to see as much as they could before they left Melbourne.

Again the Snow's invited us for dinner. John Body, his wife just died, was coming to dinner and we were very excited to see him and see how he is doing.  We were visiting teachers to John and Rosemary.  He seemed good.  We are unable to visit him anymore, even though is is 86 years old.  Back to the dinner or I should say feast; 4 main entrees, a salad and bread, and 4 delicious fabulous desserts.  The patriarch and his wife were also there.  The amazing thing is that Sister Snow had a luncheon earlier in the day for visitors.  

Mission President's fireside was last night.  Adrienne and I made the hot fudge for the ice cream.  We also bought Costco cookies.   There was a testimony given last night by a Muslim who just joined the church. Two of our sisters were the missionaries.  Anyway, it was a wonderful testimony.  He knows the Book of Mormon is true, that President Monson is our prophet, and that God is his father. The converts last name was Monson. He jokingly said that helped him make the decision to be baptized. He was a boat refugee when he came. President Maxwell has to give Iranians and Muslims their interviews before baptism.  He warns them that they could be killed if they return to Iran. He told us that almost 90% of these members don't want to go back. The convert had taken his suit off before the meeting because he understood he was coming to a Fireplace not a Fireside.  What a great experience for us in this mission to see many Muslims joining the church.

Our parting thought for you,

"Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."           Deuteronomy 31: 6

We love you all,

The moms, The grandmas, The sister Sisters