Sunday, February 15, 2015

Dear Family,

This past week has been so busy, transfers, new arrivals and 20 missionaries returning home.

Tuesday we had about 100 missionaries at the transfer meeting which means about 50 companion changes.  The president and AP's spend everyday for a 
week praying and pondering about the changes.  Some changes work well and after the meeting some get changed again.  It is a long process and much
prayer goes into each change.

Wednesday we went with President and Sister Maxwell and  Sister Horne on a huge bus with 20 missionaries who were going home. We had a great time
being with these missionaries but there was so much chaos.  We had missionaries going to the states, Islanders flying to Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, one sister
to South Africa, one elder to Zimbawe, several to Hong Kong, Taiwan and a senior couple to mainland China.  Getting them to all their departure areas, weighing 
baggage, different flight times is almost impossible but we got it all done.  President and Sister Maxwell go back and forth saying good-bye to each individual.
It is hard to say good-bye to these missionaries.  They become like children to us.  Tears were shed.

We then had to wait for 10 new missionaries to arrive.  3 came from the states, 1 from China, 1 from Taiwan, 1 from New Zealand, and 4 others i can't remember 
where they were from.  They are all nervous, scared and very tired after an 18 hour flight.

Melbourne is a melting pot of so many different countries and cultures.  When we walk in the city it is amazing how many different people we see.  We have grown
to love all these people no matter where they come from.  

Friday night we had a large rain storm with thunder and lightning.  Thought our electricity would go out again.  Rained all night and all morning on Saturday.
Summer is still not here and we only have 6 weeks left of summer.  I actually saw some leaves changing.

Saturday night we got together with 16 senior missionaries for a Valentine barbecue dinner.  We had such a fun time.  One couple is from Perth and all the other
seniors are from the USA.  We played a card game called RAGE.  We laugh and enjoy each other's company.

This letter is quite boring but we have been sooooo busy at the office.  Not much time for our Saturday excursion this week.

THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED ABOUT AUSTRALIA

1,. FRENCH TOAST IS SERVED WITH KETCHUP
2. PANCAKES ARE SERVED WITH VANILLA OR CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM.  HAD TO ASK FOR SYRUP
3. EGGS ARE NOT REFRIGERATED AND THE YOLK IS ORANGE.  
                NEEDLESS TO SAY WE HAVE NOT EATEN ANY EGGS
4. WE HAVE TO PAY 1-2 DOLLARS TO RENT SHOPPING CARTS AT THE GROCERY STORE.


ALMA 5:6

    "THE GOOD SHEPHERD DOTH CALL AFTER YOU AND IF YE HEARKEN UNTO HIS VOICE HE WILL BRING YOU INTO HIS FOLD."

Love to you all,

The Moms, the Grandmas, The Sister Sisters

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