Family Visits Australia - August 2-9, 2018

Early morning walk to Lighthouse at Wollgong Beach  Can you see the Rays of sunlight?

Wollongong became a favorite of Elder Ellison and I.  We were able to go twice and found it very relaxing even in the winter.  We enjoyed taking Tyler, Mindy and family while they were visiting.  This is a picture from an early morning walk the family took.

Sunrise at the Wollongong lighthouse

Tyler, Mindy, Jocelyn, Riley and Coltyn came to visit us 10 days before we are headed home.  It was so wonderful spending time with them.  The days were packed full of activities.  We walked many miles everyday.  The kids and Grandma were real troopers and didn't complain.

Trying to get the friendly Lorikeets 

to come sit on their arms was Papa 

and Riley's goals

One of the Elders flats (apartment) 

had very friendly birds.  All the kids enjoyed 

tempting the birds with their bread supply.

Cockatoo showing off at our hotel balcony

The hotel in Wollongong had Cockatoos that would fly right up to our window or balcony and basically perform for food.  This one is showing of his head dress.

From Cockatoo's to Kangaroos the kids loved all

 the different animals they got to see and feed.

Coltyn dressed up for the special feeding of the "Roos".  The Roos loved Coltyn.  Actually we had church before the feeding.

Jocelyn enjoying the night Ferry ride and seeing the Sydney Opera House.

Wonderful family, wonderful trip so glad they got to come visit us!

GOODBYE AUSTRALIA!

May 1, 2018

Tuggerah Lake at Sunset

In April a wonderful Toukley ward member invited us to stay at an AirB&B that she manages for the owner.  It was off season so the owner was gracious enough to let us spend a weekend.  Our friend said she felt bad for us as we always looked tired at church???  This weekend was a very nice, relaxing, and much enjoyed mini vacation.  As you will see from the pictures it was BEAUTIFUL.

Some of our ward members would say something like "Do you know where they are building the new Woolworth's"  or you know where such and such is?  I would always say, "We get off the freeway and drive to the church.  That is all we know about this area".  Since we now stayed the weekend in the Toukley area we know where a few more things are.

It was nice enough weather that we would open the windows at night and have a nice lake breeze cool off the house.  The neighbors were wearing heavy hoodies and long pants like it was cold.  Elder Ellison and I thought it was heavenly.

May is here and we are saying goodbye to Elder & Sister Cox.  They have served in the office for 2 years.  They have been wonderful to work with and will be greatly missed.  It seems like yesterday when Elder Ellison and I arrived in Sydney and the Cox's picked us up from the airport.  Now it is their turn for us to take them to the airport for their departure.  Bittersweet.  Elder and Sister Cox I had planned to do some touring of Australia and New Zealand before returning home but unfortunately Elder Cox ended up with a kidney stone and spent last night in the hospital.  Not sure how their extended travel plans will work out.  Their visas run out in 5 days so they will need to be heading to the States at that time.

Today is 21 May  and I am now getting back to the my blog for May.  Last night we had an AMAZING Conference with The Sydney North and South Missions, missionaries, Area Presidency, Elder Stevenson, and President Ballard.  They were in New South Wales for multiple assignments.  A Stake Conference, meeting with Ward and Stake Leaders in the Sydney area, special Mission Conference and and FHE via Facebook.  These were very busy men and wives.  So many impressive thoughts were taught at our conference. 

President Stevenson talked about how he had been called as a Mission President with the assignment to join together THREE Missions, Tokyo North, Tokyo South and another mission that I did not catch the name of.  Oh, my, what a job that would be.  Maybe our new President won't be too overwhelmed with just two missions????? 

President Ballard told when he was the Mission President of the Ontario Canada mission over 50 years ago, he had the following experience. 

A senior couple was coming to serve in his Mission.  He gave the Zone Leaders the assignment to go and purchase some food items and stock up the fridge for the senior couple as they would be getting in late and might need something to eat over the weekend.  This was before credit cards were readily used so the President informed the Elders to use their cash and he would reimburse them in the future. (maybe that was the problem)  President Ballard said these missionaries had been out way too long and didn't remember how to stock a fridge let alone for a senior couple.  The Elders stocked the fridge with the bare minimum, A loaf of bread, a jar of PB, a jar of jam and a carton of milk.  When President Ballard learned of this he was embarrassed, but such is missionary life. 

President Ballard interviewed the husband who had been a Patriarch and had also been a missionary as a young man.  When he interviewed the wife privately she admitted that she was "scared to death" and did not know the first thing about missionary work. (This was long before Preach My Gospel).  President Ballard assured her that all would be well and then practiced a couple of approaches with her.  For example if she saw a mother with children in tow she might say, "I see you have  beautiful children that you greatly enjoy and love.  Would you like to learn how you can be an Eternal Family?"  After their meeting she felt a little more comfortable. 

They drove to their assigned area in a small town, quite some distance from the Mission home, it was minus 20 degrees.  After finding the limited food, they made a quick stop at a little store nearby.  They rushed in picked up a few items, the husband paid for the groceries then hurried out to the car.  His wife was struggling to work up courage to approach the woman working behind the counter.  A few minutes passed by, then the Sister missionary walked up to the counter and said something like this.  "My husband and I have come all the way from SLC Ut.  to share a message with people we come in contact with.  Would you be willing to have us come share this message with you and your husband?"  The clerk was taken with the gentle and genuine approach of this missionary and agreed to have them to her home the next evening.  When the Sister got out to the car her husband said "where have you been?  I am about frozen to death?"  "I have been doing what we have been assigned to do and we have an appointment tomorrow night."   The husband was shocked.  They went the next night and gave the message with another appointment a couple of nights later.  When they arrived they found 2 more people the brother and sister in-law in were now in attendance.  They gave the next lesson, another appointment was set and they then had 4 more people listening to their message.  In the end 18 people were baptized.  Just from this one nervous but committed Sister and her Husband.  The way President Ballard told the story had everyone laughing and crying at the same time. 

President Ballard challenged the missionaries to each talk to 10 people every day.  For some of our missionaries that is challenging due to the areas they work in.  Other missionaries walk up and down one specific street in different parts of the downtown area.  They cross paths with many more pedestrians.  Last week Elder Ellison and I were driving down the street in one of these areas (on a furniture run for a new flat being opened).   I got to observe 2 of our missionaries at work. 

Sunsets & Clouds were Spectacular!

We were stopped at a red light when I saw the 2 missionaries say something to a lady walking toward them...she just kept walking past the Elders.  By this time our light had turned green and I quick turned my head to see what the Elders would do.  I was surprised to see they had big smiles on their faces even though they had been rejected.  I felt bad for them so I quick got on my phone and called them.  I said "Elders you are Amazing!"  Elder T said, Sister Ellison where are you?  I said "I just saw your approach and when you were turned down you were still smiling!  AMAZING Elders!"  They didn't know we would see them in action.  This was just a normal work day for them.  I still think of that smile I saw on Elder T's face.  He was definitely enjoying his work.  He was not taking rejection personally.  They kept at it and they got an appointment from someone later on that day.  Maybe you had to be there to understand, but I was sure impressed with the effort these missionaries put in day in and day out.

Time to end this blog, another busy day in the office, but it sure makes time fly by.

A Busy and Great Week!

It is Sunday evening and I am feeling great. I gave the YSA Sunday School lesson today. I was happy with how it came out. So, I decided to take a little time and post a blog about this last week.

One of the best things for me about this job is how much work there is. Strange, right? 11 hours a day is the norm. The time flies by. And it is great to give service. Every night I try to read about 1/2 hour from a set of novels I am reading about the founding of Australia. I always go to bed and fall right to sleep.

This last week was one of the busiest week I have had.

On Monday Linda and drove to Charlestown which is 2 1/4 hours away. In Charlestown I loaded up a trailer with furniture from a flat we are closing. I will finish the job next Monday. Was late before I got to bed.

Got up at 5 am, which is our normal time. I left to be at the Zone Training at 7:30 am to give driver training. While the missionaries involved were watching a video I went back to the hotel to get Linda. We listened to part of the training which was about how to use smart phones. Our mission gets smart phones June 1st. To say the least, the missionaries are excited. The phones they have now are terrible. Both Linda and I went out and bought a phone instead of using the mission supplied phones. We helped with lunch. After lunch we interviewed missionaries who had done flat self inspections. They take pictures of their flats, fill out a checklist, and give themselves a grade. Guess what, they all gave themselves As, some with plusses. Okay, do you believe that? Let me just say I do not know a flat that my wife would be willing to live in without a major cleaning before moving in. :-).

After that we headed home and still worked in the office for a couple of hours.

On Wednesday and Thursday we had two more zone trainings that we did the flat self inspections interviews. Still mostly As. I know one of those flats we are having holes in the walls fixed that were put there by weight lifting equipment. Of course, it is alway the previous elders that do the damage. That is always there answer when asked who did the damage. I just smile.

After zone training Thursday at 5 pm I picked up a moving truck. I then went to 2 flat's garages that had senior couples furniture We loaded up furniture for a new seniors couple flat that we are opening in Armidale. I had missionaries meet me there to help. A very late night

Up on Friday at 3:30 am, 4 1/2 hours of sleep, for a long day of driving. I drove to Grafton. 7 hours drive. Loaded up some more furniture from another storage unit I have. I have 7 garages that have furniture in them. Then drove to Armidale which was another 2 1/2 hours. Missionaries met me there, and we unloaded the truck into the new flat. After that I took the missionaries out for pizza. It is fun to do. After pizza I followed a senior couple to their flat in Tamworth. Another 1 1/2 drive. Boy, I slept good that night. 11 hours of driving a moving truck with a very tight suspension. I bounced all over the cab.

Up and on my way at 6:16 am Saturday morning. I had to have the truck back by 3 pm. It was an easy drive. Only 5 hours. :-). After unloading some furniture and bikes that I brought back I dropped the truck off. We then went to diner to celebrate mothers day. After that I went to the office and prepared my Sunday School lesson. Another late night.

If was a great week with never stopping. How else would you want it if you are out serving, away from your family, and the fun activities you like to do?

I hope you are all enjoying your life as much as I am. Time is flying by fast.

Narrabri Trip - 29 April 2018

This last weekend we were assigned to speak in the Narrabri Branch. It is a 6 1/2 hour drive one way. On Friday we traveled to Tamworth, NSW (4 1/2 hour drive). On Saturday we attended a Narrabri Branch / Tamworth Ward activity. We went to a local zoo. It was a great place. Not very large, but plenty of picnick areas and different animals to see. It was very enjoyable.

After the activity we drove to Narrabri. On Sunday we spoke. There were about 15 people there. It reminded me of when I was a young missionary and served in a branch. Good memories. Branches are special places, but I think very difficult to live in one. After the meeting we drove home (6 1/2 hours) driving.

I took my talk from a BYU devotional talk. I would recommend it. It is by Brad Wilcox who was a professor at BYU. The title is "His Grace is Sufficient". It was easy to find on the internet. You can also watch in on Youtube. It gave me a better understanding of Grace and how much it really is there to help us. Hope you take the time to listen, or read it.

lorikeet

It is a beautiful bird. We have a lot of them at our temple compound area where we live.

cockatoo

Very pretty bird, but can be mean. They are very loud. Their beaks are very strong. They chop / cut off branches of trees. One tried to bight my camera. I kept it away. I am sure it would have broken my camera.

Job Description

After a year, I think it is time that I should add a post to the wonderful blog my missionary companion has been keeping up. 

I have actually started to get some extra time this last couple of weeks due to two senior service missionary couples that are helping me maintain flats. They take care of just under half of the flats, 26 flats. One couple handles the Penrith and Hebersham Stakes. The other handles the Gosford and part of the Newcastle Stakes. They are so helpful.

What do I do. Simple stated I do what you would do if you moved out of your house, put in 2 or 4 young adults, 18 to 22 years old, and then you maintain your house. Oh, and they also get to use your new car and bikes. Then multiple that by 60. That describes my job. One great thing though, is the young people treat you with great respect and love. Just like you are their grand parents. 

The job isn’t hard, but there is a lot of it. There is to much for one person to get done. I go to bed without the work being done, and get up being behind. With that said I am enjoying it. It has taken a while and some mental adjustment to get to that point, but I am there. I will miss it when I go home.

Next post I will share some details. The next post will be how I have become a cock roach expert! 😤.

Two Missions Conference with General Authority = AMAZING!

What a special day this was.  As I have mentioned the Australia Sydney North and South are combining July 1 2018.  Today we had a special Conference with several General Authorities, Elder and Sister Whitney Clayton, Elder and Sister Ian Ardern of the Area Presidency, President and Sister Checketts North Mission and President and Sister Leota South Mission.  Let me first tell you a little bit about the music.

When we were directed what our hymn would be they announced Elder Tseng serving ASNM from  Taiwan would conduct the music.  I had met Elder Tseng when we first arrived to the mission, he had been out about 6 months.  He was shy and very quiet.  Confidence was not visible and he didn't

Kookabura sitting on a fence post. BIG

interact much.  How things have changed in 1 year.  Elder Tseng walked confidently up to the stand.  He took out a bright orange pen and held it in his right hand, his left hand was raised ready to bring the congregation in on cue.  The music begun, and on beat Elder Tseng began leading the music, with just the right amount of enthusiasm for the music, a little emphasis on the down beat, occasionally lifting his left hand to indicate more volume or enthusiasm.   Of course having close to 400 missionaries singing is powerful on it's own, but with Elder Tseng leading he added extra strength to the voices.  Everyone was singing their hearts out.  You can guess what happened during the song?  Yes and on cue my tears began to well up...as did others I might add.  It was, words can't describe, powerful.  We all felt the spirit.

We then heard from all of our guest speakers.  I will share a few of  the highlights.

Sister Ardern shared a story about her brother who lives in London.  He has been less active for many years.  He lives in the center of London and would invest in Real Estate when opportunities arose.  One day a unit 2 floors up from his became available.  It was the day of the open house, he went to check out the apartment.  No one was greeting clients, the door was open so he went in.  As he went from room to room he saw impressions of furniture in the carpet that had been removed with the passing of the last tenant.  He found himself wondering who had lived there in the past?  How many people had occupied this apartment?  He observed shadows left from hanging pictures or mirrors on the walls.  The rooms were all empty, no one was there viewing this property.  All of a sudden a door blew shut.  It was strange because no windows were open, no wind was blowing through the flat, but one of the bedroom doors had blown shut.  As he went to the bedroom and opened the door he looked on the backside of the door and found an old, yellowing piece of paper taped to the back of the door.  It was torn in places but it still hung to the door.  How long had that piece of paper been on that door.  Sister Ardern's brother started reading what was on the back of the door on the old piece of paper.  It said:

 "I am called of God.  My authority is above that of the kings of the earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is my Master and He has chosen me to represent Him.  To stand in His Place, to say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me:  My purpose is to evermore effectively invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restore gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."

This quote made a strong impression on Sister Arden's brother.  He took down the piece of paper and now has it hanging on his door in his apartment.

Elder Ardern said Heavenly Father knew your weaknesses before you were called, more importantly he knew your strengths. You are part of this great work.  The Restoration continues, it is not finished yet.  Elder Ardern announced  the new Mission President for the newly combined Australia Sydney Mission, it is Scott Ruina from Provo Utah. (Does anyone recognize this name?)  There is a big job awaiting the new President.

Elder Clayton had so many important messages.  These are just a few.  Because our missionaries are so excited to see each other when the rare occasion of getting together in one of these massive Conferences, their enthusiasm and excitement is at full volume level.  Twice before the meeting started the Chapel and Cultural Hall missionaries were asked to turn the volume down.  The first thing Elder Clayton said was; "Reverence invites Revelation".

Elder Clayton went on to relate the following story.  True story told by a Branch President in Belfast Ireland.  This Branch President was a convert.  When he was attending University in Ireland as a young student he decided he need to have religion in his life.  Therefore he needed to read the Bible, but he didn't own a Bible and no one he knew had a copy of the Bible.

One cold rainy day looking out his window he saw 2 Elders standing at a bus stop.  He knew they were missionaries for some unknown church.  He knew they would have a copy of the Bible that he could buy from them.  He hurried down and stood at the bus stop hoping that one of them would start talking to him.  In just a few minutes the bus the 2 Elders were waiting for came flying by and it did NOT stop because it was full of passengers.  The 3 of them continued to stand in silence at the bus stop, no one speaking to each other.  A 2nd bus came buy a little slower but it did NOT stop.  The Elders stared in disbelief.   This same situation played out 2 more times.  Finally when the 4th bus did NOT stop one of the Elders said out loud, "Now that is so strange!"  Elder Clayton said this was the best missionary opener he had ever heard.  Well, it was enough to open up dialogue between the 3 of them.  When asked if he could buy a Bible from them, he was told they would give him a free Book of Mormon.  The point to missionaries is "OPEN YOUR MOUTHS"  Speak to people do not be timid or shy, talk to everyone.

Sister Clayton referred to the mission experience as the sweetest of times.  We all are making great memories.  There are miracles in this work and WE are some of those miracles.

One of the General Authorities pointed out how obedient and willing President & Sister Leota are.  They were asked to lunch by a General Authority on February 19, on February 22 they were on their way to Australia Sydney South Mission to become the temporary Mission President until the new President arrives 1 July.  Only a 3 day notice.

Here is the rest of the story about Elder Tseng.  After the meeting I ran into Elder Tseng and complimented him on his great gift as a conductor.  I asked what his musical background was.  He said he didn't have any?????  I asked how he knew how to lead such a large congregation and do it with such confidence and enthusiasm?  He said "I watch General Conference".

I am telling you this young man has a natural gift for music and conducting.  But if watching General Conference can do this for someone  watching how to lead music, imagine what General Conference can do for your Spirit?!

Tall grass, sunrise, clouds and beach 2-18

March 2018  Tall Grass at Beach 

G'day from Australia Sydney North Mission.......

We are moving closer to when Sydney North and South become 1 mission.  It will take place July 1 2018.  This won't be the first time Sydney has only had one mission.  It has split and combined a couple of times that I am aware of.  In July President and Sister Checketts will be departing and the new President will take over.  We are still waiting to hear who will be replacing President Bingham.  President Bingham from the South mission was to take over both missions but had a serious biking accident and was medevac home to the States last week.  We are praying for his recovery from his injuries.  He will be closer to family and loved ones for this long healing  process.  

We are slowly making some changes to the process of combining.  Our mission is taking our 7 Zones down to 4-5 Zones and the South mission will be doing the same.  We have a new senior couple moving up from South mission to replace Elder and Sister Cox the first of May.  Their last name is Adams from SLC.  We have not met them yet but look forward to working with them.

Elder Ellison is always busy with the Flats and getting broken or damaged items fixed.  It has been very interesting hearing from Elders and Sisters how holes in the walls happen.  For example,  Sister jumping up between two narrow walls trying to do the splits.  Diving for bunk bed and crashing into the wall putting shoulder and arm through wall.  Or big Polynesian boys wrestling and putting large holes in the wall.  Thank goodness he has 2 Senior Church Service Missionaries that are working with him to expedite the repairs.  And as usual there are always a number of cars that have been in fender benders or more that need taken to the "Smash" shop, that's Australian for auto repair shop.  Elder Ellison left at 6 a.m. today to go trade cars with some Sisters and take their car into the shop.  6 a.m. may sound early but if you know Elder Ellison you know he is up at that time anyway.  Another bonus with moving that early is you beat a lot of the heavy traffic that surrounds us 18 hours a day.  I can literally feel the traffic starting up while laying in bed about 4 a.m.  The vibration gives a slow heave to our property.  I dread hearing it every morning.

I just finished a very smooth running of our MLC that takes place every 6 weeks.  Like most things in life the longer you/I do the job, the more comfortable we get with the process.  Each time, I see things that I can tweak and make the next MLC run even smoother.  By the time I head home I should have the ordering, purchasing, organizing and dispersing of materials and home goods down to a well tuned process.  I am really enjoying this hectic schedule, now that I know what I am doing.

The picture above I took on our trip to Port MacQuarie last month on our 6 a.m. walk along the beach.  It was very beautiful.  Of course the picture only shows a glimmer of the beauty of the area.

Port MacQuarie coastal drive February 2018

 

Combining North & South Mission

Early morning sunrise, so beautiful

It occurred to me that I had not made an entry for January.  So, I thought I better get February's done before the month was gone.  When I opened the blog, I found I had made an entry but forgot to Publish it.  Shoot.

The big news this month is the announcement that the Australia Sydney North and Sydney South mission will be combining in July.  President and Sister Checketts will have finished their 3 year assignment.  President and Sister Bingham from the South mission will have 1 year into their assignment.  The Bingham's will be moving up to the Mission home and taking over responsibility for the newly combined mission.  What a job that will be.  We will have 300+ missionaries.

President Checketts has been really good at keeping the Junior and Senior missionaries informed as to what will take place.  We will be intaking fewer missionaries.  The eventual goal will be to  bring the numbers down at first to 270.  Then over the next year or so down to 180.  Elder Ellison and I will only be involved with the transition for 6-8 weeks.  We are anxious to see how our current assignments will blend with the other Senior couples from the South mission.

Elder Ellison and I attended our northern Zones, "Zone Conference".  About 2 hours from Sydney.  I

love this opportunity to be taught by President and Sister Checketts.  They always have something to help young missionaries do a better job at their calling.  I always feel I learn so much from these Conferences.  President and Sister Checketts are Great teachers.  I love learning from them.

After Zone Conference on Friday Elder Ellison and I drove 3 more hours north to Port Macquarie.  It is along the coast at the northern end of NSW (New South Wales).  It is a BEAUTIFUL Beach community.  We had a comfortable hotel room.  Saturday we drove the coastal beach route that took several hours.  We stopped at a Rain Forrest museum and had a delicious breakfast.  We stopped at several beautiful beaches and a light house.  We drove through small, open spaces with  horses, cows, goats and small populations.  A nice change from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.  I especially like these types of vacations.  They are relaxing and enjoyable to see different scenery.  I know my husband likes to be active and doing physical activities, but he is kind enough to do the things that I like to do that aren't so physical.  It gives us opportunities to talk about life, plans for the future, hypothetical ideas, share our love of the gospel and just renew our relationship.  It is very rejuvenating.   

Sunday we drove back to Sydney making a couple of detours to see some sights of interest.  We enjoyed this time away from the fast pace, non stop work at our office assignment.  So much so Monty suggested we take time once every 2 months to get away and see some more sights

before our mission ends in August.  Sounds like a great idea to me.  We will see if it happens.  So much to do with our assignments at the mission office.

Finally, I am happy to report that we have now had a working A/C for 3 weeks.  I am sleeping better and life is good!  

Big Eucalyptus trees, big blue skies walking to work

(I wrote this a month ago and forgot to enter it to the Blog.  Oooops.  A little late)

Well, summer is finally here.  How do I know this?  Because our A/C has been broken for the past 2 months.  Isn't that when air conditioning breaks, summer time?  Actually it wasn't working when we got here.  The Church Service Center  had repair people come out and service it in March with unseasonably warm temps. About April it went into fall and winter weather mode.  We didn't realize the A/C still wasn't working until it hit 108 degrees and no A/C early December.

Fortunately Elder Ellison observed that the Self Reliance building was getting all new ducting and A/C.  He noticed a portable unit sitting on the side that was going to be trashed.  He asked if we could use it until our A/C was fixed.  Elder Ellison is such a good engineer.  He was able to put it between our 2 sliding glass doors so the hose could drain outside the Flat.  He got some of that old wavy material people use to put around their pool fencing, drill the correct size hole for the tubing to fit through and get this broken unit working.  It was nice that he got that plastic material wedged between the sliders.  We were able to keep some of the heat out and most of the bugs stayed out as well.  This portable unit cooled about a 3 foot circle in our living room.  Over time I learned to pull our heavy drapes over our single pained windows, that are floor to ceiling windows, plus close all doors into bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.  This helped keep the little A/C we got out of the portable unit into critical rooms.  After 3 bids, vacation time off  for installers which is about 4 weeks long here in AU., we finally got the whole unit replaced.  Our Flat is now nice and cool and I can sleep once again.

Our 2 Elders that recently transferred into the ward are really enjoyable, just like the previous 2 Elders.  Elder A is from Utah, Elder B is from Australia.  They both spoke in Sacrament meeting a month ago.  It is amazing how such young men can bare such powerful and interesting testimony.  They were both so impressive.  I always take great pride in our missionaries when I see them doing or being great representatives of Jesus Christ.  I feel like a proud mother or should I say grandmother.

Last week as I was assisting missionaries going home I had the opportunity to interact with a Sister that I had previously had no contact with in the 10 months I have been here.  I was so disappointed she was going home because she was such an impressive young lady.  Unfortunately we don't get to know each missionary personally, I wish I did.  I sure know each one by name.  Doing the mail every day has helped me know all 160 missionaries names.  It is a good feeling recognizing them by name.  Especially when mail comes for people not in the mission, I know longer go searching for a name that is not in our mission.  I just recognize it is not one of ours.  "Return to Sender"  PLEASE!

Sydney Harbour

Last story.  The day after Christmas is a big holiday here in AU.  It is called "Boxing Day". (Google it for definition if you don't know what it is.  I didn't).  We went with 30 couples from the North and South Mission on a chartered Catamaran.  Along with 1000's of small boats and extreme yachts we got positioned on the harbor to  watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart race.  This is a big event and several hundred thousand people turn out to watch or participate in the 3 day race.  Our skipper manuvered us expertly around large and small boats to get in a good position to watch these beautiful sail boats take off.  Several times I thought we were going to crash into OR be crashed by another boat.  It was an amazing activity.  After 4 hours of small choppy waters I was starting to turn a little green.  Getting back on to the floating dock was another adventure.  The skipper stayed at the throttle moving us back and forward, with 2 of the Senior Elders giving us a hand and a push on to the deck.  It was lucky no one fell in and was crushed between the boat and the dock.  We all made it safely ashore albeit with very wobbly legs.  Sleeping that night was not comfortable as I felt I was still moving up, down and sideways on the boat.  I don't think I would do well in the Navy.

I check the Kaysville/Layton weather every morning when I get up.  It doesn't look like we have received much snow?  I also check weather in Iowa where our daughter and family live.  It is freezing in Iowa.  Literally below 0,  sometimes minus temperatures.  It makes me wonder how did those Pioneers trek across such freezing cold plains?  I am amazed at what Pioneers had to endure just to follow the Prophet and Heavenly Fathers plan for them.  They were and are amazing people.  We need to remember what our ancestors sacrificed for us to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Pioneer gave their all.  They ENDURED to the END.  Hope we can do the same.

Several of the Senior missionaries that welcomed us so warmly when we arrived have or are finishing their missions shortly.  I am sad to see them go.  By the time President and Sister Checketts leave in July we will be 1 of 2 couples left out of the group we joined in with.  Always a change to get use to in the mission field.  So grateful for this amazing Gospel of Jesus Christ.  How it blesses our lives and those of others.  Never take it for granted, Love it and Live it!

Love,
Sister Ellison

Christmas in Australia

Picture courtesy Sister Jenkins ASNM 2017

Who would ever have thought I would miss Snow?  In my mind, cold weather, snow and Christmas go hand in hand.  Even though I grew up in warm, sunny California, and love California in the summer months...I do love Utah and the warm coziness  of family times, warm fires, family outings and gatherings, hot soups and Hallmark Christmas movies in December.  This year is going to be very different.  Today it is 107 degrees.  I felt the hot sun on my arms, top of my head and neck walking home for something cool to eat for lunch.  I walked into our Flat to find it was 85+ degrees inside due to a non functioning air conditioner.  We made the calls to the grounds contractor.  He has put in the request for a repair, but?????  Lot's of people have A/C problems this time of year.  I see some sleepless nights ahead.  No one said it was going to be easy.  Maybe I will bring a pillow and blanket up to the mission office and sleep up here tonight?  Sounds like a good idea.

Last week we had our Christmas Zone Conference with all 7 Zones, 160 missionaries in one building.  These missionaries LOVE to visit with each other.  It is like long lost friends when they get together.  President and Sister Checketts had a wonderful day of activities planned.  While the President was teaching the missionaries, the seniors were working rapidly getting the tables, settings,  and decorations finished in the cultural hall.  Other senior missionaries were in the kitchen and Primary room prepping salads, watermelon, cooking pulled pork, sweet and sour meatballs and vegetables, and of course the Mission staple, rice and lots of RICE.  What a beehive of action we had going on.

After an hour or so we heard this wonderful, angelic sound coming from the Chapel.  It was all those amazing missionaries singing Christmas Carols.  We quickly finished what we were doing in other parts of the building and went into the Chapel looking for an empty seat here or there.  We joined in for the last 1-2 songs.  Now that is what you call enjoying the true meaning of Christmas.  Then President announced the rest of the day's activities.  We started with a few clippings the President edited from some LDS films.  Spirit of the Game, a great movie about missionaries in Australia 1950.  If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. A simple story but inspiring.  Of course he had to put in some out takes from The Best Two Years.  Many of these missionaries had never seen this movie as they were just young kids when it came out.  I love this movie as well, but this day I loved watching these missionaries laughing hysterically as they watched for the first time and completely related to all the funny out takes.  Oh my, their reactions were priceless.  I was laughing so hard watching them laugh.

Beautiful Christmas decorations made by Senior Sisters

We then went and enjoyed a delicious meal that Sister Checketts planned.  There was an abundance of food.  Next on the agenda were  games.  Races stacking cups.  Getting Oreo cookies into your mouth from your forehead, and one other game?  We then did pictures by the different countries we were from.  (BTW Do you know where missionaries say missionaries from Utah are from??  The Factory! I thought was kind of funny)  The picture of missionaries from the States was 4-5 times bigger than any other country.  Mail was passed out which is always a big high light for missionaries.  Lastly the movie Moana was shown.  Fun movie and day of activities.

It was getting late and the President was anxious to get the Missionaries out the door and on their way home via cars or public transportation.  I was disappointed that the Mission song was not going to be sung.  Then I saw Sister Checketts talking to the President.  Guess what?  We sang the mission song and the President and his wife both recorded it.  I can not tell you how powerful this song is.  And when you add those beautiful Polynesian voices that harmonious so magically....well it brings one to tears!  It reminds me why we are serving and what our purpose is.  It makes all the difficult things that happen day in and day out  i.e. broken AC's worth the struggles.  Oh how I love these missionaries, these faithful Senior missionaries and this work.  This is time well spent.

Sydney Temple decorations 2017

Now for a story that I got permission from the President to relate.  President Checketts continually stresses and encourages each of us to have the spirit with us at all times.  He also sets an amazing example.  When new missionaries arrive to the mission he does not assign them to their areas until he has a chance to visit with them and feel directed by the spirit where to place them and with whom.  President Checketts knew we were getting a young man to the mission who has a heart problem and has a pacemaker.  This would cause any President concern because they never want anything bad to happen to one of their missionaries under their care.  I don't know how worried the President was, but  our mission nurse was quite concerned and doing background research so she would be up to speed on his condition.  President Checketts decided to put Elder Smith who has the heart condition with Elder Jones (names have been changed to protect the parties).  After visiting awhile with Elder Smith, who I can tell you is delightful, charming, and oh so faithful young man, President felt inspired to put him with a 2 month new missionary, Elder Jones.  When President Checketts told Elder Jones what the background was on Elder Smith, Elder Jones was not worried or put off in the least.  As an after thought Elder Jones mentioned to President Checketts that he had been a pre-med student before coming out on his mission and wants to someday be cardio thoracic surgeon.  Now this missionary wasn't going to perform any surgery, but he wasn't going to be afraid to help his new companion in any way he could.  Coincidence?  

I think not.

Say YES!

Our Ward has about 50-70 people on a good Sunday.  But they are amazing people, striving to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Good people that even though many are elderly they still contribute to the ward in whatever way they can.  An example is our ward chorister.  This 94 year old Sister just spent months in the hospital and home recovering from Spinal Meningitis.  But as soon as she could she was back leading us in our Sunday Hymns.   We are so impressed with these valiant members.

           

SAY  Y E S !

This past weekend we enjoyed Stake Conference.  Saturday evening is met in a small Chapel and we fill up about ¾ of the Chapel and overflow area.  It is always so surprising to me when we walk in and see so many of our young missionaries already there.  This Saturday evening I was particularly impressed with how many of the young missionaries participated in the evening program.  Sister Walker conducted the music.  At the last minute they needed someone to conduct.  Someone suggested Sister Walker.  She did not have experience doing this but she said “Yes”.  Then Sister Walker and Elder Monterio sang a duet.  You could tell Elder Monterio was nervous, as he never looked up or smiled.  But he had an amazing voice.  They both agreed to do this performance when asked a few weeks earlier, they said “Yes”.  Later when Sister Checketts was leading a discussion from the pupit she asked for class participation and our young Missionaries were popping up their hands.  Twice she asked missionaries to read something up on the screen above the pulpit.  When she called on Elder Ashton, he said he forgot his classes but he stood up, button his suit coat and walked to the front where he could see better and read with a strong and powerful voice the paragraph.  He said “Yes” in his actions.  I think some 18 year olds would have hesitated or read in a timid voice.  The missionaries throughout the world are being shaped and moulded into our future church leaders. So amazing to watch and see it happen in our missionaries lives here in Sydney.

            Later that evening I told Sister Checketts how proud of these young people I was and she said she feels that way all the time.  I am surprised at how I feel so close to these young missionaries.  I guess working in the office and daily speaking to a number of these young people causes you to grow fond and even love each of them.  Our wonderful Sister missionaries always rush up to me when they see me and give me great big hugs.  It feels good to feel this love from them, although some of the Polynesians don’t realize how strong they are and how old I am getting (sob) and they about crush every bone in my body.  But I love getting their hugs too much to ever shy away from receiving this sign of love.

            I am preparing to give a talk in our ward at the end of the November.  My assigned topic is Elder Bednar’s conference talk “Quick to Observe”.  I have been doing a lot of observing and praying for guidance on this topic.  Elder Bednar talks about different types of Spiritual Gifts that we may not observe as a gift.  Such as, listening, asking, hearing the still small voice, being able to weep, avoiding conflict and on and on.  So, with my desire to observe at a more heightened level, I noticed something special about Sister Checketts, our Presidents good wife. 

She has a real gift at pronouncing missionary’s names, especially NEW missionary’s names perfectly on her first attempt. This might not sound like anything special to someone not here, so let me give you an example of some of our more challenging names and this is just a few.  There are dozens of names that I still struggle with.  Okay for Polynesian names how would you say Faasootauloa, Leaaemanu Tuimaseve, Taerea, Tahere, Taurere (last 3 names all pronunciated the same).  Asian names Ng (hint keep your lips closed), Tseng (first 2 letters with your lips closed) no it is not Zing, and Saengkabkeo.  A couple of random names from Australia and New Zealand, Riquelme, Ngatuvai and last but not least Venetsanakos.  This is just a handful of names that have me tongue tied whenever I see these missionaries.  Not Sister Checketts, she can pronounce them all… and even put a Polynesian accent, Asian Accent, Greek or Hispanic accent on these names.  I commented to Sister Checketts how well she does with these names and she admitted that she has been blessed with the ability to not struggle with the names of the missionaries and speak their names clearly and recognizably.  What a gift.  I think I will have to use that example in my talk. 

The other day after reading some church history I started thinking about how difficult it must have been for Joseph Smith Jr. to organize, spiritually lead and teach the many new and challenging members coming into the church.  I thought about today and how we often need to do new and challenging things in our personal lives.  Or when church leaders need to organize a new program or reinvent a program.  As I was pondering how difficult life can be, I thought to myself, why can’t Heavenly Father just tell us what he wants, when he wants it and how he wants it done?  I mean we get a lot of direction from our leaders why don’t we have answers to all our problems and needs?  That seemed reasonable to me.

The next day when we were having our scripture reading this verse jumped out at me. D&C 58:26 “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant, wherefore he receiveth no reward.”  Well then, I had my question answered quite clearly.  Amazing how that works.

            As I have mentioned before, our offices sit across the parking lot of the Sydney Temple.  It is really exciting walking to work these days.  Watching the hustle and bustle of the many electricians, grounds people and workers getting the grounds ready for the Christmas Season.  They have trenched all over the oversized lawn, running new power lines to massive trees to be wired with Christmas lights.  It will be a small version of Temple Square here.  They say we will have 1000’s of visitors during the holidays.  The junior missionaries will give the tours and answer the questions.  The senior missionaries will be support and supervise all the action.  It will be long days and nights during the holidays, but what better way to spend Christ’s birthday?  Wouldn’t you agree?

            

Royal Botanical Gardens - November

Last Saturday was a rainy cooler day here in Sydney.  Monty and I decided to take a P-day and go to the Royal Botanical Gardens downtown Sydney.  It was wonderful.  No crowds.  We found street parking at $8 an hour.   A moderate rain.  We had umbrellas. It was just so pleasant to be out and seeing nature and all its beauty.  We stayed about an hour.  I am just coming off being sick for 3 weeks so my energy isn't all the way back to full speed.  We then drove downtown and went to a Malaysian restaurant that I had read good reports on AND it was a moderate price. The food was delicious and a little spicy, but we both enjoyed it.  I can't tell you how expensive things are here.  Houses start at a Million $$.  That is for dumps.  Nicer ones are 4-6 million.  Restaurants serve everything a la carte and usually around the $20-30 range.  One restaurant I was reading about was $40 appetizers and $60-70 for main course.  I find I like to eat home and save the money.  Of course there are food courts, but that gets old after awhile. 

It has been nice to get a weeks worth of rain as it is finally greening up the lawns and trees.  It does seem many places don't use sprinklers, they just take what mother nature gives them.  The lawns around here have been turning brown and not very pretty.  The Church Service Center has sent out electricians to run more power to the distant trees on the campus so they can light more trees this Christmas.  President Checketts was briefing us on the upcoming December schedule and our responsibilities hosting thousands of people to the Temple grounds during the holidays.  It sure is going to be different to have Christmas taking place during the heat of summer.

The trees in these pictures are the much beloved Jacaranda trees.  They are all over Sydney, and just beautiful.  I love having this color for a few weeks.  

I don't have much to report due to being under the weather.  However, I must say so many senior missionaries sure came to my rescue.  Missionaries picked up my work load while I was out of the office.  They were probably glad I stayed away so they didn't get sick.  However the Junior missionaries have this Flu passing from one to another throughout the mission.  Sister Bott brought me the best tasting vegetarian soup twice.  Monty took really good care of me, making multiple trips to the store for items I needed.  Sister Merrill recognized I was depleted on electrolights and bought me some replacements.  Boy did they help.  I was worried Monty would get sick as well, but he didn't.  I will be really happy if I never have the flu again.  That was miserable. Another challenge that I made it through.  

We have had the opportunity to attend and help at our 3 different Special Training Conferences.  Elder Ellison and I gave driving tests and consulted on Flat Inspections.  I enjoyed the driving tests as most of the young Elders I tested were very competent.  There was one Elder from Texas that kept hugging the left side of the road.  I pointed out 5-6 times he was too close to the left side.  He would politely say "Yes Ma'am", momentarily center the car then be on the left gutter again.  He also drove with one hand and faster than I thought necessary in a neighborhood.  But he wasn't listening.  Sure enough I could see what was coming.  As he sped along zipping up on a round-about he hit the left curb and gave the car a big jolt.  I looked at him and once again told him to keep his eye on the white line out his right window and to stay closer to it than he had been doing.  This is a very unnatural feeling for us American drivers, but I found it to be helpful in my driving in Australia.  Maybe I will have a new career when I get home as a driving instructor?  "NOT".

ZONE CONFERENCE SPECIAL TRAINING

October 5, 6 2017

President Checketts comments:

The Gospel has a plan, it is called “The Plan of Salvation”.  Learn it.  Gain a testimony of it if you don’t have one already.

We can learn how to live life by following Jesus Christ.

The Holy Ghost can comfort you, he can tell you what to do.

Your Mission is your MTC for LIFE.

The Church is not a Sunday “thing”.  The Church is what we are every Day.  Live the Example.

Forever is comprised of “NOWS”.  The Past is just that…the past.  The Future never comes.  It is just “NOW”.

LDS Charities:  Elder McSweeney

The McSweeneys are a Senior couple on a Family History mission in ASNM. For the past 6 years Elder McSweeney goes on 3 week Missions, several times a year, with his single daughter who is Nurse Practitioner at an Ob/Gyn practice in Provo Utah.  Elder McSweeney makes contact with the different governments in selected countries and arranges for LDS Charities to go in and educate the medical Professionals.  So far 60 locations have been identified as countries that need assistance.  46 of these countries have been cleared to move forward.  32 have been completed.  They need to have at least 100 people in attendance in order to make it cost efficient.

The LDS Charities helps countries with Neonatal problems.  Such as helping babies that aren’t breathing when they are first born.  They teach resuscitation to nurses and doctors that don’t have current information.  When a mother and child have problems during or after delivery the policy is to help the mother first.  They will lay the baby on the floor, because there aren’t little beds for newborns. Elder McSweeney showed pictures of 5-6 babies sharing 1 bed in the hospital.   The policy is that it is more important to save the mother who typically has little children at home that need care.  The government can’t help orphans so they try and save the mother first, thereby loosing babies unnecessarily. 

When a baby is born and having trouble breathing, quite often it is because their airway is blocked.  With a simple device called the “Penguin” they can clear the airway, get the debris out of the air passage and the baby immediately starts breathing again.  This simple fact and device are not had in most 3^rd world countries.  Many babies are lost due to a problem that is so easy to resolve.

Physicians with language skills are desperately needed.  All the Portuguese medical literature has been translated by Elder and Sister McSweeney’s daughter who served a mission in Portugal.  Angola Africa is a large country where they speak Portuguese.   

On one of the trips Elder McSweeney went on with his daughter, before serving a full time mission with his wife, was to Mozambique Africa.  It was NOT well attended or accepted that they needed help with their medical care.  Elder McSweeney felt that they would not be able to return because they had only about 30 people attending.  Just as they were getting ready to leave, a late arriving nurse walked in and saw Sister McSweeney (daughter).  This nurse had been trained earlier by Sister McSweeney in another country.  The nurse was so excited to see her, ran up and gave her a big hug, then asked if the LDS Team could come to her village/city where she had 120+ medical professionals that would willingly take the training.  This same scenario repeated again with another nurse only she said her village would have 150+ people to take the training.   They have gone back to Mozambique for the past 3 years. 

The point being made:  The Lord has his hand in our lives but especially in HIS work.  

We are commanded to “Clothe the naked, relieve the sick, feed the hungry”.  We can ALL do our part.

Australian Flag and Moroni

Sydney Temple and Australian Flag

Sydney Temple and Australian Flag.

When I glance out my office window this is my view.  How lucky am I?  For a second I think something is off because I am not seeing the American Flag.  Then I remember I am in Australia.  Every time I look at Moroni at the top of the steeple I am overwhelmed with gratitude for what he and other men of the scriptures did for each of us.  Keeping valuable records so that each of us would be able to read and learn from history.  To learn from the past and hopefully not make similar mistakes.  Sometimes I feel as a society we are not remembering what is important and how to live life so we can return to our Heavenly Father.


I don't know why it is so challenging to make Blog entries.  Sometimes I think I don't have anything important to record.  Sister Jenkins keeps a small notebook and jots down things that happen on a daily bases.  Then at the end of the week she makes her entries.  I need to start doing this.  Here is my excuse.  I am constantly tired.  I go home between 5-6, which is an improvement from a couple of months ago.  When I get home I make dinner, maybe do a load of wash and fall into bed between 8-9.  Then I repeat this every day.

Spring is here.  Flowers are blooming every where.  Once again it is hard to wrap my brain around spring/summer about to start when, my head tells me we should be moving into fall.  But flowers don't lie.  I think I am going to attempt growing some azaleas when I get home they are so pretty here.  It is getting very warm, actually hot.  Today was 90 degrees.  Tomorrow is scheduled to be in the 60's.  Go figure.  I am really nervous about the heat here.  I hope I can survive it!

We had several sad things happen in our mission last month.  We had 2 missionaries go home early.  Many tried to work with these 2 sisters but it just didn't work out.  Another Sister had a tragedy happen to her family.  Her Mother and Father were killed in a small air plane crash outside of the Ogden Airport.  It was really hard on everyone to see this valiant sister go through such an unimaginable ordeal.  This missionary was the oldest sibling of 4 and she needed to go home and take care of family matters.  She was an excellent missionary, and had served for a little over a year.  She was honorably released.  She had a younger brother just starting a mission in Florida, he too came home, but returned shortly after the funeral.  A really important lesson learned;  Do not take life for granted.  Treat everyone like it might be your last day with them.
Be kind, be a good example, serve others.

We had a wonderful time with Nathan, Sharlyn and children.  It was something I had been looking forward too since I arrived in Australia.  Once again Nathan did a great job researching activities that we could all participate in and enjoy.  The hard part was saying goodbye.  I have always known how important family is.  However, saying goodbye to them made me realize how much I want to be with ALL my family in the Eternities.  So grateful for the Gospel and it's teachings.

Arrival of Grandchild #10

    Today we were going to go into the City and have Elder and Sister Lems take us out to Watson Bay.  A beautiful beach area I am told, with the best fish and chips in Sydney.

    At 5 a.m. our daughter, Cambria called to say she was admitted to the hospital and getting close to delivering their 3rd child.  Monty and I were both very excited for this new ones arrival.  No one knew what the sex of this child was, not even the parents.  Since we all knew the sex of #1 and #2 child, Cambria and Josh decided to not find out and have a surprise birth.  How excited we all were to find out who would be joining our family.  We hurried, got ready for the day and rushed down to the office to hook up to Facetime.
 
   I was concerned about missing the birth of this grandchild.  I have been to most of our grandchildren's arrival into the world and I had been feeling sad that I would miss this birth.  Well, this actually turned out to be a pretty amazing experience.  Here we are halfway around the world in Sydney Australia, connected to Facetime with perfect visual and audio.  It was so wonderful that Josh and Cambria are so willing to share this special experience with us.  It was also very interesting to hear the doctor tell Cambria  to "push" and watch this strong woman push as hard as she could,  then, stop, turn, look at the phone, smile at us, and casually pick up where we had left off on our earlier conversation.  I think it was only 3 or 4 pushes before the baby was born.  They had one of the nurses video record Josh, Cambria and Lynlee as they brought the baby out and lay the child on Mommy's tummy and announce, It's a BOY!".  I think we were all expecting a girl but oh so happy to have another precious little boy.  We were able to see him as soon as he was cleaned up and once again another Penrod with lots and lots of dark hair.  Mr. Nameless weighted 7 lbs 11 oz and 19 inches long.

   How lucky are we to live in a world with modern technology that allows us to be part of this special experience when we are so far away?  When I asked Josh how he felt about having a new baby in the house he pointed out this is child number 3 and he is in his 3rd year of medical school...it should be a perfect baby.

    I am always so impressed with Josh and Cambria, they make a good team.  They are doing an outstanding job balancing the heavy demands of medical school, parenting, and spiritual strength.  I love this little family.  So grateful to Heavenly Father with blessing us with each of our wonderful and gifted children and their spouses.  I am also, excited to be a grandmother to 10 of our Heavenly Fathers special little spirits.  They touch my heart each day and make me happy to be called Grandma.