Dear Family,
We just got back from 2
1/2 days exploring new areas of Australia and new scenery in the bush.
Three couples went with us, The Hullingers, The Linders and new office
missionaries Elder and Sister Stevens. Eight of us went in a van so we
stopped often to stretch our legs and see the beauty of this country.
Friday afternoon we
drove to Bairnsdale and spent the night. At 5:30 am, Saturday, we went to
an ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corp) memorial service honoring all the
fallen soldiers at Gallipoli. The Australians and New Zealanders were
slaughtered. It was a real tragedy. The English command sent them into
Turkey and then left them to their own means. The memorial was also for
all fallen soldiers in WWl, WWll, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.
The people in each town crocheted so many red poppies and they were all
around the memorials. "Lest we forget" was written everywhere.
All the towns celebrate with pray, music, bands,and red poppies. It
was very touching and emotional for all
of us. Very much
like our Veteran's Day celebration.
Later Saturday morning
we started our long drive to Bright, Australia. As we traveled we started
climbing into the mountains . We had snow at Mt. Horsham, about 4400
feet. The roads were very steep and VERY CURVY. Some of us got car
sick. We did stop at several towns for lunch, a brisk walk and fresh air.
We descended the mountain and the fall was everywhere. I have never
seen so many neighborhoods this colorful.
The trees were so tall
and with vibrant colors and they formed archways over the streets.
Magnificent !!!!!! We stopped in Bright for a very delicious hambuger.
We walked the town for an hour or so. Stopped at their art gallery.
They had so many fun pictures, paintings, sketches etc. There were
several we would have loved to buy.
We drove another hour to
Wangaratta. We spent the night. There are about 26,000 people living
here. They have a very small branch and a very nice meeting house.
There were 27 people there and 14 were missionaries. They average
about 30 people most Sundays. They were very excited to have us visit. The
branch President and wife are a missionary couple. Brother Crockett, a
counselor, has never married, does not have children, but does have nieces and nephews.
He is a very faithful member, converted with his mother at 16-18 years
old. He has lived in Wangaratta for 66 years. One of the elders is going
home next week on transfer. It was very obvious he loved Elder Brooks and
would miss him so much. The elders did the sacrament, the talks, which
were great, and taught priesthood. We sang the song, Advance Australia
Fair, the national anthem.
Talked with Erin on
Saturday after seeing pictures of Grandpa Bob Epperson on Instagram. What
a great reunion he is having with Gram, UNC, Robbie and his mother. Our
prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Adrienne would love to be there
to support and hug you. Please let Beth know we love her and she is in
our prayers.
Two thoughts in
closing;
" Christ is not waiting for us at
the finish line once we have done "all we can do." He is with us
every step of the way."
"And now behold, I say unto you, my
brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing
the song
of redeeming
love, I would ask, can ye feel so now."
Love you all,
The Mothers, Grandmas,
Sister Sisters
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