November 28, 2010
Sunday, we went to church with the Nielsen’s in the Doubleview Ward. From one side you can see the city of Perth and on the other side you look down to the ocean. It was amazing to be among so many Mormons! Their ward has quite a few American families in it. The bishop is American as is the RS president and one of her counselors. As we were singing the closing song in RS, I noticed how strange it seemed to be singing with just a bunch of women. It’s been 6 months since I’d done that. After church, they had “Soup Sunday.” It was pretty much a pot luck lunch. We took all the leftover pickles and olives from our Thanksgiving dinner. It was good to be able to visit with some of the folks.
Nielsen’s drove us around their area a little bit; they have some beautiful beaches and parks there. It’s a little better economic area than where we were in Jandakot. We went home and were all going to nap, but we got talking and then exchanging computer files (recipes, etc.). At 4:30, Orson and I went to the Mission Office to listen in on the Auxiliary Training given to the branch leadership. Seemed kind of funny to hear the Robinsons on the other end of the teleconference.
After dinner, we visited some more, played a hand of Michigan Rummy and then went to bed. This morning we headed to the airport. When we checked in, the computer told us there would be a 45 minute delay. We were supposed to leave at 9:45. They kept announcing 15 minute delays. At 11:00, they gave us vouchers so we could get something to eat and we finally left at 12:40—just a few minutes before we should have landed in Broome if all had gone smoothly. It was 102 degrees when we got home and 92 in the house. We turned on the AC, unpacked, ate, washed the underwear and ended a great time away from here. But it feels good to be back.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Photos from Seniors Conference
Devon and Judi Nielsen--we stayed with them in Perth. They live in Layton so we had to travel to Australia to become friends ;o)
A herd of Toyotas at the stop in a beautiful forest on the way to Augusta.
Treehuggers--President and Sister Cahoon
A herd of Toyotas at the stop in a beautiful forest on the way to Augusta.
Treehuggers--President and Sister Cahoon
JUST LIKE YW CAMP!
Submarine that Orson toured in Freemantle
Part of the submarine tour.
Leaving Perth
"Last chance to eat"
Statue in Freemantle "Businessman takes briefcase on snorkling holiday"
HUGE cargo ship at Freemantle Port. Our little tour boat seemed very insignificant.
November 26, 2010 Thursday
It’s over and we don’t want it to be. We have just had an incredible experience because we’ve been able to share two wonderful days with twelve wonderful people. The senior missionaries serving here with us are such good people. We love them. We spent Friday and today seeing some of the beauties of nature in and around the southwestern part of West Australia and talking, and talking, and talking about the gospel and the work here and laughing a lot as we’ve shared experiences, frustrations, and fun.
Thursday we met and drove 3 cars (the AP’s minivan and two cars) 2 ½ hours south to Ngirgli Cave. It was beautiful and huge. At the bottom of the cave (which some of us didn’t attempt to see because of the long climb back out) was a ranger who explained some of the geology, biology, and history. Sister Kruger asked him if doing his job ever made him wonder about the creator of it all. An hour and a half later, he, President Cahoon and Orson finally came out at the end of his shift after a lot of testifying on the part of our two missionaries. Sadly, he wouldn’t give his name and address. From there we drove to Augusta (which we had visited in 2005 with Sam when we picked him up) to see the lighthouse there and the meeting of the Pacific and South Oceans. We also experienced incredible winds, but, as the native Australians pointed out, at least the flies didn’t bother us there. We had fish and chips there and then drove home in different cars so we could get better acquainted with some of the others.
Today we took a boat ride down the Swan River here in Perth to the port town of Freemantle. We visited the Maritime Museum, some took a tour of a submarine, ate, and shopped. We returned to the Mission Home for dinner and a testimony meeting where some very tender feelings were expressed and we learned more about one another. What a privilege it’s been to be here!
Part of the submarine tour.
Leaving Perth
"Last chance to eat"
Statue in Freemantle "Businessman takes briefcase on snorkling holiday"
HUGE cargo ship at Freemantle Port. Our little tour boat seemed very insignificant.
November 26, 2010 Thursday
It’s over and we don’t want it to be. We have just had an incredible experience because we’ve been able to share two wonderful days with twelve wonderful people. The senior missionaries serving here with us are such good people. We love them. We spent Friday and today seeing some of the beauties of nature in and around the southwestern part of West Australia and talking, and talking, and talking about the gospel and the work here and laughing a lot as we’ve shared experiences, frustrations, and fun.
Thursday we met and drove 3 cars (the AP’s minivan and two cars) 2 ½ hours south to Ngirgli Cave. It was beautiful and huge. At the bottom of the cave (which some of us didn’t attempt to see because of the long climb back out) was a ranger who explained some of the geology, biology, and history. Sister Kruger asked him if doing his job ever made him wonder about the creator of it all. An hour and a half later, he, President Cahoon and Orson finally came out at the end of his shift after a lot of testifying on the part of our two missionaries. Sadly, he wouldn’t give his name and address. From there we drove to Augusta (which we had visited in 2005 with Sam when we picked him up) to see the lighthouse there and the meeting of the Pacific and South Oceans. We also experienced incredible winds, but, as the native Australians pointed out, at least the flies didn’t bother us there. We had fish and chips there and then drove home in different cars so we could get better acquainted with some of the others.
Today we took a boat ride down the Swan River here in Perth to the port town of Freemantle. We visited the Maritime Museum, some took a tour of a submarine, ate, and shopped. We returned to the Mission Home for dinner and a testimony meeting where some very tender feelings were expressed and we learned more about one another. What a privilege it’s been to be here!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Orson and Elder and Sister Walker. They are in Geraldton (the easternmost branch in the mission. This is their 3rd mission.
Sister Matuauto, from SLC but grew up in Samoa. She worked in the missionary department for 22 years. She said everything there is confidential, but she bore a powerful testimony that this work is truly guided by the Lord.
Sister Kruger (from England), the office secretary. Elder and Sister Crawford, they are in charge of flats, cars, and phones. They served in Broome a year ago.
President Cahoon and Elder and Sister Orth (from Brisbane. They are working in Albany, the southernmost branch in the mission.
November 24, 2010 Tuesday
We flew down to Perth yesterday landing at 12:50 pm and made it to the 2:00 pm temple session. It was so nice: we stepped off the plane, the air was warm and DRY not humid. There was a nice breeze blowing. Brother Crawford picked us up, drove us straight to the mission office where the suitcase we’d left here in Perth with our temple clothes was and walked across the parking lot to the temple. We also did the 4 pm session. Nielsens (from Layton) had stayed late because an audit was being conducted. So they finished when we did and they took us to their flat where we are staying. He is the financial secretary for the mission and she handles all the referrals and a few other things. We had cold pork sandwiches for dinner and then talked until 11:30! It was so fun to talk to another senior couple.
Today I had a doctor appointment to renew some prescriptions and then we went to the 12:15 temple session. It was fun because we ran into two people from the Jandakot Ward where we worked the first month of our mission. It’s been so nice to be in the temple again. Our Seniors’ Conference starts tonight with a Thanksgiving Dinner at the mission home. Everybody is bringing something. We were assigned roll and pickles since we were coming from the farthest and were flying in. So we had some spare time this afternoon. We called Sister Cahoon and told her we were coming over to help her. She sounded really tired and agreed immediately. We were able to do some chopping and cutting. We also collated the booklets for our conference and wrapped a few presents. Then we ran back to the mission office to pick up the Nielsens.
Dinner was great: Turkey, sausage dressing, gravy, salad, potatoes, carrots, pickles, olives (unpitted), rolls, broccoli, peas, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, jello salad with pineapple and shredded apple in it, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, banana cream pie, apple pie, mince tartlets, and homemade coconut ice cream! Sister Cahoon made a presentation of “We Need Ewe” based on an old talk about sheep, shepherds and the Good Shepherd. Plans were announced for tomorrow. We cleaned up (she has an automatic dishwasher) and came back to Nielsen’s. Long, wonderful day :o) Senior missionaries are Elder & Sister Orth from Brisbane, Elder and Sister Crawford from Kanab, Elder and Sister Walker from Highland, Elder and Sister Nielsen from Layton, Sister Kruger from England, Sister Matuauto originally from Samoa but now from SLC, us, and of course, President and Sister Cahoon from Edmunton. Good, fun people.
Sister Matuauto, from SLC but grew up in Samoa. She worked in the missionary department for 22 years. She said everything there is confidential, but she bore a powerful testimony that this work is truly guided by the Lord.
Sister Kruger (from England), the office secretary. Elder and Sister Crawford, they are in charge of flats, cars, and phones. They served in Broome a year ago.
President Cahoon and Elder and Sister Orth (from Brisbane. They are working in Albany, the southernmost branch in the mission.
November 24, 2010 Tuesday
We flew down to Perth yesterday landing at 12:50 pm and made it to the 2:00 pm temple session. It was so nice: we stepped off the plane, the air was warm and DRY not humid. There was a nice breeze blowing. Brother Crawford picked us up, drove us straight to the mission office where the suitcase we’d left here in Perth with our temple clothes was and walked across the parking lot to the temple. We also did the 4 pm session. Nielsens (from Layton) had stayed late because an audit was being conducted. So they finished when we did and they took us to their flat where we are staying. He is the financial secretary for the mission and she handles all the referrals and a few other things. We had cold pork sandwiches for dinner and then talked until 11:30! It was so fun to talk to another senior couple.
Today I had a doctor appointment to renew some prescriptions and then we went to the 12:15 temple session. It was fun because we ran into two people from the Jandakot Ward where we worked the first month of our mission. It’s been so nice to be in the temple again. Our Seniors’ Conference starts tonight with a Thanksgiving Dinner at the mission home. Everybody is bringing something. We were assigned roll and pickles since we were coming from the farthest and were flying in. So we had some spare time this afternoon. We called Sister Cahoon and told her we were coming over to help her. She sounded really tired and agreed immediately. We were able to do some chopping and cutting. We also collated the booklets for our conference and wrapped a few presents. Then we ran back to the mission office to pick up the Nielsens.
Dinner was great: Turkey, sausage dressing, gravy, salad, potatoes, carrots, pickles, olives (unpitted), rolls, broccoli, peas, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, jello salad with pineapple and shredded apple in it, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, banana cream pie, apple pie, mince tartlets, and homemade coconut ice cream! Sister Cahoon made a presentation of “We Need Ewe” based on an old talk about sheep, shepherds and the Good Shepherd. Plans were announced for tomorrow. We cleaned up (she has an automatic dishwasher) and came back to Nielsen’s. Long, wonderful day :o) Senior missionaries are Elder & Sister Orth from Brisbane, Elder and Sister Crawford from Kanab, Elder and Sister Walker from Highland, Elder and Sister Nielsen from Layton, Sister Kruger from England, Sister Matuauto originally from Samoa but now from SLC, us, and of course, President and Sister Cahoon from Edmunton. Good, fun people.
KATE
November 21, 2010 Monday
Yesterday, Sunday, instead of our regular meetings, we watched the Saturday morning session of General Conference. I’d read most of those talks twice already, but it was sooooo good to see and hear the brethren present them. I hadn’t realized the impact that has on a person. It was great.
We hadn’t heard from Samantha all weekend and were worried she was turning away again, but she called Sunday afternoon to explain she’d been really involved with her best friend’s wedding (hmmm, sounds like a great title for a movie ;o) Anyway, she said we could visit her today.
Today, 2 appointments we had in the morning fall through so we ended up tracting. We found an American woman, Kate, who invited us in for a drink of cold water. Her house smelled like she’d just baked chocolate chip cookies, but she didn’t offer us any :o( She had grown up on a farm in Iowa in a large Catholic family. She had decided to become a lay missionary and worked here in Australia, Ethiopia, Israel, a couple of other countries, and then returned to Australia to work in Aboriginal communities. She met a dedicated Australian Catholic and married him. Apparently they don’t have any kids. She works part-time in the Notre Dame library. She was so friendly and great to talk to. She invited us back to visit any time and also to visit the library where they have some really cool paintings. It was fun to get to know her.
We dropped by Samantha’s and gave her the video “Finding Faith in Christ.” She’d been reading the Ensigns and had read an article about food storage. She commented how much that would have helped her if she’d had it over this last little while. We talked to her about the blessings of going to church and gave her a copy of the “Gospel Principles” manual. We invited her to FHE tonight and she came! We still have hope for her. She’s a really smart lady.
At FHE tonight we taught about the scriptures. We played a matching game about scripture stories and then talks about what the scriptures do for us. We gave everyone a reading chart for the next two weeks starting in Chapter 9 in 3 Nephi. They only have to read 5 verses a day. I hope they come through with it. There were 11 of us here tonight—all of them needed rides to come. It took 25 minutes to pick them all up and then again to take them all home!
Yesterday, Sunday, instead of our regular meetings, we watched the Saturday morning session of General Conference. I’d read most of those talks twice already, but it was sooooo good to see and hear the brethren present them. I hadn’t realized the impact that has on a person. It was great.
We hadn’t heard from Samantha all weekend and were worried she was turning away again, but she called Sunday afternoon to explain she’d been really involved with her best friend’s wedding (hmmm, sounds like a great title for a movie ;o) Anyway, she said we could visit her today.
Today, 2 appointments we had in the morning fall through so we ended up tracting. We found an American woman, Kate, who invited us in for a drink of cold water. Her house smelled like she’d just baked chocolate chip cookies, but she didn’t offer us any :o( She had grown up on a farm in Iowa in a large Catholic family. She had decided to become a lay missionary and worked here in Australia, Ethiopia, Israel, a couple of other countries, and then returned to Australia to work in Aboriginal communities. She met a dedicated Australian Catholic and married him. Apparently they don’t have any kids. She works part-time in the Notre Dame library. She was so friendly and great to talk to. She invited us back to visit any time and also to visit the library where they have some really cool paintings. It was fun to get to know her.
We dropped by Samantha’s and gave her the video “Finding Faith in Christ.” She’d been reading the Ensigns and had read an article about food storage. She commented how much that would have helped her if she’d had it over this last little while. We talked to her about the blessings of going to church and gave her a copy of the “Gospel Principles” manual. We invited her to FHE tonight and she came! We still have hope for her. She’s a really smart lady.
At FHE tonight we taught about the scriptures. We played a matching game about scripture stories and then talks about what the scriptures do for us. We gave everyone a reading chart for the next two weeks starting in Chapter 9 in 3 Nephi. They only have to read 5 verses a day. I hope they come through with it. There were 11 of us here tonight—all of them needed rides to come. It took 25 minutes to pick them all up and then again to take them all home!
GECKO ATTACK
November 19, 2010 Friday
Last night as I was leaving the house to pick up the YW, I turned to slide the door shut and a gecko jumped from the top of the door frame onto my head! I tried to brush him off and he jumped back up onto the door. I slid the door shut, and he jumped onto my head again. This time I succeeded in knocking him onto the driveway. Ooh, not my favorite experience, but I’m just grateful it wasn’t a snake or a big spider. We have seen a couple of 12-18 inch lizards in the yard, but hopefully they’ll never jump on my head.
This afternoon a big bank of dark clouds closed in on Broome. While we were shopping, loud lightning cracks and thunder could be heard outside. Lightning must have hit something in the roof of the shopping center because as we were leaving, a loud alarm began going off. We hurriedly put the groceries into the car and headed home. A few raindrops hit the windshield but it stopped before we got to the house. The thunder and lightning kept going when all of a sudden it was like a firehouse had been turned on the house. It dumped rain for about an hour or more. It was amazing. When it started, I thought it was hail because it was so loud. It was our first taste of “Broome rain” that the people talk about. It’s still cloudy tonight, but at least it’s not raining. Dec 3--we just read in the paper that the storm set a new record for a November rainstorm. Hope we don't set any cyclone records this year!
Last night as I was leaving the house to pick up the YW, I turned to slide the door shut and a gecko jumped from the top of the door frame onto my head! I tried to brush him off and he jumped back up onto the door. I slid the door shut, and he jumped onto my head again. This time I succeeded in knocking him onto the driveway. Ooh, not my favorite experience, but I’m just grateful it wasn’t a snake or a big spider. We have seen a couple of 12-18 inch lizards in the yard, but hopefully they’ll never jump on my head.
This afternoon a big bank of dark clouds closed in on Broome. While we were shopping, loud lightning cracks and thunder could be heard outside. Lightning must have hit something in the roof of the shopping center because as we were leaving, a loud alarm began going off. We hurriedly put the groceries into the car and headed home. A few raindrops hit the windshield but it stopped before we got to the house. The thunder and lightning kept going when all of a sudden it was like a firehouse had been turned on the house. It dumped rain for about an hour or more. It was amazing. When it started, I thought it was hail because it was so loud. It was our first taste of “Broome rain” that the people talk about. It’s still cloudy tonight, but at least it’s not raining. Dec 3--we just read in the paper that the storm set a new record for a November rainstorm. Hope we don't set any cyclone records this year!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
SOME MORE PHOTOS
Jacob 5 ;o)
BMBB=Busy Missionary & Beautiful bush
Broken sea shells and broken old missionary on 80 Mile Beach.
Roebuck Bay from the patio of the Mangrove Hotel.
Orson says they used to call these "Christmas Trees" on his first mission because they bloomed around Christmas in South Australia. They are some kind of locust tree.
Closer
Closest!
BMBB=Busy Missionary & Beautiful bush
Broken sea shells and broken old missionary on 80 Mile Beach.
Roebuck Bay from the patio of the Mangrove Hotel.
Orson says they used to call these "Christmas Trees" on his first mission because they bloomed around Christmas in South Australia. They are some kind of locust tree.
Closer
Closest!
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