Nally Adventures Down Under

What We'll Miss About Australia. . .

2008-07-30T16:23:00.034+10:00

We've just left beautiful Sydney.

We have spent thirteen months here--and after our three years in Perth, we feel like we are part-Aussie. We love the good people, their accent as they speak, their blunt, no-nonsense approach to things, their beautiful land, and the adventures we've enjoyed as we've explored everything--from mountains to beaches to villages to new and interesting foods to absolutely unique people to breathtaking vistas and magnificent sunsets. This is a sunburnt country we have come to love, and we say G'day--with sad, but very grateful hearts for the joy of having been here.

Great experiences await us in New Zealand. But--we are going to miss some special things about Australia:

The beautiful Harbour Bridge--which we sailed under every time we took the ferry into the city.

We loved going exploring into the Blue Mountains. Here we are--on the zigzag train. The train zigzags down the mountain--so steep the train can't make turns..............
Here's Kaye on the ferry, headed for the city-----------------------our favorite way to go anywhere!

At beautiful Watson Bay--with the city skyline across the water and a group of happy senior missionaries.

Everywhere we went, there was WATER!! And ferries like this to take us everywhere. (A benefit of being "old," we got "Seniors' Fares!" $2.50 took us anywhere--for all day, and on train, ferry, or bus. A great way to get around!)

At the Watson Bay lighthouse--overlooking the mouth to Sydney's harbor. Straight across from here are the "North Heads"--the northern side of the "gateway" to Sydney from the Tasman Sea.

Lots of water--and an opportunity every now and then to "try it out." Here is Dad, ready to snorkel in Cairns.

Carols By Candlelight: a wonderful Australian Christmas tradition, where HUGE crowds gather. Families come, bring picnics and blankets, and, as it gets dark, the music begins. Christmas music--sung by EVERYONE!!!!! Booklets with the words to all the carols are handed out, and everyone gets a candle to hold. It is a magic setting, with those candles dotting huge hillsides, and a great feeling of Christmas in the air! It is warm--no snow! And wonderful!
We'll miss the humor of all our Aussie friends (and of our Aussie-like American friends). This sign was sent to us by one of our terrific mission presidents, who hated to see us go...................
Our humble little croaky-voiced senior missionary choir. We put on three programs: a Christmas Eve program, which included a narrated presentation on the birth of Jesus Christ, and also featuring a slide show (with music) of all of our grandchildren; an Easter program, which we took to a couple of different wards; and a "farewell" devotional for staff at the Area Offices, where we sang and told of our love for the work--and of our appreciation of working with them.
We'll miss the Aboriginal influence. Here we are at Circular Quay--on the wharf with one of the didgeridoo groups that play all day every day.
We'll miss colored Australian money. How logical is this? Fives are pink, tens are blue, twenties are orange, and fifties are "yellow-ish," and one hundreds are green. They are also different sizes, with the smallest values being the smallest in size, and getting larger as the value goes up. No pennies, and no one-dollar bills, only one-dollar and two-dollar coins. It's great!

We've loved running into our missionaries everywhere we go! They have come to see us, have brought their wives and babies, or their girlfriends and parents. We have taken them out for dinner, for lunch, for hot chocolate, for visiting, and listened to their woes and excitements. We have run into their families everywhere, and have felt "at home" with all of these dear ones about us......

Here we are--in a picture postcard setting. This was three days after we arrived. A little jet-lagged and dis-0riented, but so amazed at the beauty everywhere!
Beautiful Mosmon Point--looking back at the city.
We'll miss sausage sizzles! Aussies love them and have them every chance they get. They are like hot dogs, only bigger, and always have grilled onions to smother them. Yum!
We'll miss fish and chips. Okay, they have them other places, but who can beat the real thing, eaten overlooking the water, and vying with the seagulls for every last chip?

Every few months, Australians have a city cleanup of sorts. Anything "extra" that Americans would haul off to the dump is placed on the "verge," or area next to the kerb (curb) for pickup by city trucks. The only thing is, people put their stuff out, and it sits there for a couple of weeks. So----others come by, help themselves to whatever looks good, and it's like Deseret Industries on the side of every road. (Lots of "missionary supplies," we like to say!)

We love the look of traditional Australian homes: they are usually square, with a pitched [corrugated] tin roof, and have a veranda around all four sides. The veranda keeps the direct sunlight off the windows, and gives folks a cool place to sit in the hot summer evenings. This one has the traditional "bullnose" shape to the porch: it is rounded on the ends--like a bull's nose.

We will miss our 500-square-foot flat. It has meant for lots of "togetherness," but it's been fun to fix it up a bit and to find that we don't need much, when it comes to "things." It's also a whiz to clean, by the way!

We chuckled over our "fat" furniture they got us. Dad sat in one of the chairs and said it looked like extra-plump first-class airplane seats. But--they were comfortable. The sofa was a two-seater, but Dad even learned how to "stretch out" on that, and we did great!

Ohhh--we've missed our central heat! Everything is turned off when we leave--and at night, so coming in the door, or getting up in the morning, the first thing we do is run to turn on the space heater. Then--we hover nearby till things warm up. The walls are cold, the bathrooms have VENTS (that can't be closed or covered--year-round!), and there's just a general air of "chill" everywhere. O well--it doesn't take 500 square feet too long to warm up!

Here's our little fridge. Mom just about had to stand on her head to get anything out......

And here it is with precious pictures from some of the grandchildren adorning it. (Or rather, COVERING! it!)

Here's our tiny, not-quite-3-feet-wide kitchen. Very cozy!
And--only one "power point" (plug outlet) per room. So--you plug in converters that make one outlet into two or three.........
.......and you plug in extension cords with multi-outlets on them, drape them around the edges of the room, and you're in business!

We're going to miss meat pies at Harry's "Cafe de la Wheels"--an old streetcar converted into a meatpie stand. The BEST meatpies, we might add!
We won't miss taking a blanket to Church--to keep warm. (One senior missionary actually took her portable space heater to Church for weeks--to keep warm!)
Here are our two clocks on the living room wall: one set at Sydney's time, and the other on the time at HOME!

It takes getting used to, but this is what our cars look like--for left-hand driving. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car, and the gearshift in the center. Turn signals and windshield wipers are reversed, so a lot of American drivers go around for awhile with very clean windshields! (They turn the wipers on every time they mean to signal a turn!)

Oh--we LOVE that left-hand driving!

We also love the way everything blooms here. Not necessarily all at once--but, with each plant "taking a turn" to bloom, something is flowering all the time. Beautiful!!!!
And--with such vivid colors!
Here's a jacaranda tree near the Sydney temple--and this is the view just out our office window. The jacaranda trees bloom for a good 2 months--right around Christmas time! And it is not a "gentle" lavender--but a full-blown, bright, PURPLE!

Such a beautiful contrast here--and they are EVERYWHERE you go!

We love the history and traditional feel of Buckland House, where our ofices have been. The grounds are lovely, the temple is on the same property, and we have enjoyed working here.

This is the view outside our office window. We have often looked out to see birds (huge, over-sized Australian birds!) perched on Moroni's trumpet. And the glass is a little "pebbly" and old-fashioned, and it is wonderful to look out and to see THIS!

We have loved being near the Sydney Temple. It was the first temple to be built in the south Pacific--and now there are temples throughout all of Australia (We have five now!) and throughout the islands. People used to save for years, sell their homes, and quit their jobs in order to make the big trip to come to this temple. There are great stories of faith connected with the saints and their service here.

We have loved the noisy, beautiful Australian birds. This is a sulphur-crested cockatoo, and he came to perch on our balcony railing. These birds are everywhere, and have a LOUD, croaky call. But everywhere we look, we see vibrant-colored birds of green, bright pink, red, and blue, and their calls range from the kookaburra's "laugh" to some birds that sound like bells chiming. They are all amazing!

Everywhere you go in Australia, there are picture-perfect beaches with absolutely brilliant white sand! This is world-famous Bondi Beach--looking out to the Tasman Sea on the east......

Here is Dad, with a Melbourne sunset behind him. Australian sunsets are beautiful!

And best of all have been the good friends we've made. We' so enjoyed our outings in the area--with various senior missionaries.

Here we are at Circular Quay--enjoying ice cream before boarding the ferry to go home.

Here is Dad with Elder Osborn on the way to Canberra--at the Southern Cross Yacht Club (which they joined, so we could eat at the restaurant!)

Near Darling Harbor--with some of the senior missionaries

It has been a joy--and a blessing to serve here. Now--we are off--to a new adventure, in a new land! G'day, Australia!

Adventure in Manila!

2008-07-05T21:50:00.017+10:00

Here we are--at the airport in Manila, Philippines. We took the ten-hour (!) flight to participate in orientation for new mission presidents for the Philippines Area. What an adventure! We went from Sydney winter to Manila SUMMER, and it was HOT!

Manila is also very crowded, has AMAZING traffic congestion, amazing shopping (cheap and plentiful), and the friendliest people we have ever been around. Everywhere you go, they greet you, "Hello, Sir. Hello, Mom!" (They are saying "ma'am," but with their accents, it sounds like "MOM!") And they drive on the right side of the road, have great American bacon, and--with drivers to take us everywhere, we did great!

Besides being driven in cars, we also saw pedi-cabs (bicycles with little side-car-type seats), tricycles (motorized bikes with side-car seats), and Jipneys. Here is a pedi-cab.

We squeezed into a tricycle for a little 2-block ride. (Curtains, no less!)

And we jumped into one of the thousands of Jipneys (based on the old troop-movers left over from WW II), for a giggly picture--with lots of students.

They are decorated in every way possible. Some with religioius sayings or pictures of Christ or Mary, and others with psychedelic drawings and designs. Here's one version......(from the front)
.......and from the side. Note the open windows, where you can lean your elbows out.

Here's a view of a little of Manila traffic--out the windows of our car.....
Here goes one of the better-looking Jipneys.

More traffic! Think five lanes of traffic crowded onto three lanes of pavement! "The lane markings are just decorations, and the traffic lights only suggestions," one of our drivers tells us.

Another open-air Jipney, with students in white--just finished with their school day.
In a church, we saw a poster explaining "Proper Attire" for Church: lots of things we suggest--like no shorts, no plunging necklines, and no sleeveless tops!
The interior of a beautiful cathedral in downtown Manila--in Intramuros, the old walled portion of the city.
This cathedral was built within the walled portion of the city--when they were worried about attacks from pirates!

We headed for CORREGIDOR--in the mouth of Manila Bay, and the site of big battles during World War II: a sad defeat, and the occupation of the Philippines by the Japanese (1942), and the war to defeat the Japanese and free the Philippines in 1945.

Boarding the boat, there is a prayer (!) said (as part of the safety video) for protection in our travels that day!

On the island, there is much evidence of the thousands of troops who were there to fight. This is one of the dormitories for the army and navy personnel, and evidence of the terrible bombings is everywhere!

When the soldiers were there, they had a golf course, a beautiful movie theater, a swimming pool, homes for officers--and their families, and barracks everywhere!

Here are some of the great guns used during the battles--many of which could shoot up to 17 miles away. "Spotters" were on cliffs with binoculars, helping the shooters of the guns "aim" with the guns, since the shooters couldn't see. The guns were hidden--down in low spots, behind bluffs, etc. on the island...............

Here's Dad on the cute little trolley which took us on the tour around Corregidor.

This statue pays tribute to the American and Filipino soldiers, who fought side by side, and to the fellowship and respect which both felt for the other.

Here are some of the craters--still there!--from the bombings.
General Douglas MacArthur led the American and Filipino fighters through much of the fighting, but was ordered by the US government to Australia. He made his famous statement to the defenders of Corregidor: "I will return!" And he did--three years later.
In the biggest hill on the mountain, a huge tunnel was cut--the Malinta Tunnel--and MacArthur had his headquarters here. Also, the government of the Philippines was evacuated from Manila, and the president of the Philippines and his famiily were brought to the Malinta Tunnel for safekeeping. There was a hospital there, the area for storage of ammunition, and several thousand troops stayed inside for safety.Here is a diagram of the tunnel. The corridors on the upper right-hand portion of the diagram were actually a hospital!
We walked inside, and there was a light and sound show, including a re-enactment of a bombing attack. The mountain shook, the sound was terrifying, and smoke was everywhere. It must have been a frightening experience!

We came away with a renewed appreciation for those who fought--the "Greatest Generation," as Tom Brokaw has called them. If they had not stood to defend our freedoms, we might all be speaking Japanese--or German!

We also visited the AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY in Manila.......

There are acres and acres of crosses--looking in all directions.
There are large granite slabs listing the names of 36,285 soldiers who are still Missing in Action. We looked for Pridays and Farnsworths and Nallys.
Beautiful gardens, respectfully maintained by the U.S. government in this far-off land.
There is a feeling of reverence and respect there.
On the ground--in the center area, are seals for each of the fifty states which sent their sons to fight for freedom. Each cross (or occasional Star of David) bears the name of a soldier, his military rank, and the date of his death. It is a sacred, patriotic place. And--it is historic for the Church, because it was here that [then] Elder Gordon B. Hinckley went in 1961 to dedicate the land of the Philippines for missionary work. We're so glad we went--and grateful for what we learned and felt!

The Choir Goes On the Road!

2008-06-21T20:20:00.013+10:00

The Toukley Ward invited our humble little Senior Missionary Choir to come up to their area (an hour north of the city), and volunteered to host each of us couples for the day. We took the train up, and the hosts assigned to us were Peter and Genny Barr. We met them while we were in Perth--just before they left for him to be Mission President in the Baltic Mission. It was so good to see them. Sister McLaughlin came with us--as her husband was sick and couldn't make the trip.......

They fed us pasta, we laughed and visited, and then they showed us around the area. Down to the sea we went--but it was a windy, stormy day, and the waves were incredible. No surfing for anyone today!

Not too stormy for us all to pose for a minute--just before the rain really hit!

After a fun afternoon of sightseeing, we headed for their chapel for dinner and a program. We were so excited that our new friend, Kylie Giovanni, came to join us. She is a schoolteacher, and we met her at a fish and chips place a couple of weeks ago........

After a chapel tour for Kylie and dinner for all--the program began. There were a variety of different performances, and then it was our turn. Our first number was "Waltzing Matilda." What were we thinking--all of us Americans singing "their" song for a bunch of Australians??? But they told us we gave it a "nice try!"

All the men are really into it--Dad and Elder Osborn singing tenor--right on the front row!
(Sister McKnight is our conductor.)

Dad smiles........................

Mom plays...............

And we ask the audience to join with us as we sing our last chorus of "As I Have Loved You."

Then---Malcolm--the one who invited us, and our emcee for the evening--stands up to say they have a special surprise. They have "lined up" a violin for Sister Nally to play! O my--it was a "clunker" that belongs to the community theater, had been in a moldy case for ages, and had only been played (years ago) by the guy who did those famous notes in "Fiddler on the Roof."

"Da-DAH-da-da-da-daaaaa"--you know--that part?

So---Mom played. ("I Know That My Redeemer Lives"--in two keys.) Thank goodness there was a little pianist who could get through our last-minute "arrangement!"

It was a fun evening, though. And Kylie--visiting here with Peter Barr (our host--and now serving as Bishop of the Toukley Ward) made a lot of friends and seemed to enjoy the evening.

Blankets and Soccer

2008-06-02T16:26:00.010+10:00

Mom and some of the sisters have been crocheting baby blankets to donate to a worthy place--and finally found a hospital in the Newcastle area which cares for premature babies and babies with birth defects. We loaded up with Elder and Sister McLaughlin on Satuday--and off we went.

First stop--"The Entrance," a small little village on the shore, where we wandered through the village, visited their craft fair, and enjoyed the sun and blue skies.

Mom and Sister McLaughlin pause to visit with a little "knitting" lady......

The "Fairy Floss Cottage" - cotton candy!

And a little traditional carousel--which has been there for 75 years!

We saw a little boy having a game of chess with his grandpa---

A very "family-friendly" environment...................all on the shore overlooking the ocean.

And--all kinds of little shops! We loved this fishing one.....

Every town in Australia--large or small--has a memorial to their soldiers who have served. They are always labeled, "Lest We Forget," and list the names of soldiers from the particular town who have served.

(Note the reflection of Dad and Elder McLaughlin....)

ANZAC stands for the "Australia-New Zealand Accord"--and the joint army formed for World War I from the two nations.

There was a little train tootling about the area--and the kids love it.

Here we are with the McLaughlins--waiting for our lunch of fish and chips.............

We finally arrived at Cave Beach--a suburb of Newcastle, and met Cassandra Malone, who is president of the women's guild for the children's hospital. She has had five pre-mature babies, all of whom made it! She will see that our little contributions reach the mothers and babies there.

Near Cassandra's house is the beach--of course! Here we are--looking to the right. You can see two ships on the horizon, but we counted 16, all lined up across the horizon, waiting to get into the Newcastle port to load coal, which is mined in the Newcastle area.

And--looking to the left. Beautiful, beautiful!

We ended up at a soccer game, where one of our former elders (Peter Watts) was playing. He was instrumental in helping to form Christian league (from various churches in the area) of teams who wanted to play on Saturdays, rather than on Sunday. "Our" team--the Latter-Day Warriors (in the orange and black), were ahead 2 - 0 when we left.

With Peter at half-time.

Off to Canberra!

2007-10-03T16:19:00.000+10:00

This past Saturday, we loaded up the car, and off we went with our next-door neighbors (flat right next to us!)--the Osborns! We were headed for Canberra, the capital of Australia, located in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory), and about a 3-hour drive to the south of Sydney.

As we drove into town, the first thing on the agenda was lunch, and we found a great restaurant: menu looked great, good happy crowd, beautiful view of the water and seagulls and sailboats. Only thing, it was a yacht club, and only members could eat there. So Dad and Elder Osborn joined the club, got their membership caps--and we went ahead and ate!

From there, we headed to the Floriade (flo'-ree-ahd)--their spring flower festival. There were crowds who had come from all over the area (school is out this week), and it was a festive, happy walk among the most beautiful daffodils, tulips, and pansies--acres of them!

Robyn (Osborn) and I love those beautiful colors!

A dunny and a Holden Ute in the background......

And--coming across the grounds, we could hear music playing--like the kind you hear on merry-go-rounds. We came through some trees finally, and saw the most wonderful street organ parked there, playing everything from Disney music to old-time polkas to Sousa marches. It was so charming--and we had to buy two CDs to bring home.

Sunday morning, we were off to Church to say Hello to Elder Harold and Sister Yvonne Dopson, who had served with us in Perth. We were so happy to see them!

But what a surprise to also find--in that same ward--Elder Chris Seumanutafa, and Elder Livai Ofiu (who actually lives in Sydney, but who was home in Canberra, visiting with his wife's family), and his wife and 3-week-old daughter.

After Sacrament Meeting, Elder Ofiu's in-laws (Mark and JoAnn Travers) invited us to their home for dinner. We explained that we were with another couple (in their car, actually!), and they said to bring them too. So--we did!

What delightful people! And what a joy to go into their home and to see signs of what is important to them: temples, missionary work, family, the prophet, etc.--and to feel the spirit in their home. Sister Travers had fixed wonderful Chinese food, which we loved, and we ohed and ahed over the baby, and had a fun time visiting.

It is a wonderful thing to find sweet Elder Ofiu--these few years after his mission--righteous and happy--doing such good things. We feel such love and gratitude for him. He was an elder who ALWAYS smiled--and he is still smiling today! Great!

And then--there we were, sitting at the table, when Elder Osborn (our neighbor who was with us) realized that he had known the grandmother (Trudy Bell) 40 years ago, when he served his mission here in Australia. We all could NOT believe the connections!

Here we all are--a lovely evening: Nallys, Osborns, Mark and JoAnn Travers with daughter, Danielle, in front; Grandma Trudy Bell, and Elder Livai Ofiu and his wife, Kylene, holding daughter Hilia.

The next day, we headed to the Australian National Museum, where we really enjoyed all the history and displays. Here we are in the courtyard of the museum--a very modernistic building!

This is a piece of Aboriginal art which we liked. It's entitled "Sisters," and shows two girls, one European Australian and the other, Aboriginal Australian. There was a lot of history, much learning, and great displays throughout.....

Then off we went to Parliament House--to have a look at another form of government. We even saw the old, ornate desk which Queen Victoria had used when she signed her "asssention" to Australia's becoming a separate country in 1900. They even had the inkwell and the quill pen, plus the document itself. While there, we saw the House of Commons, and the Senate, and Kaye took a moment to help the Queen out a bit--and straighten her picture, before we headed off to see the National War Memorial

Here we are on Parliament Hill--with the War Memorial in the far distance--a beautiful view!

A beautiful day--and a great TRIP!

Dragon Boats and Opera

2007-09-25T15:37:00.000+10:00

What a wonderful couple of weeks we've had! A visit from the New Zealand MTC president, Lynn Wood and his wife, Shirlee; working with Mission Presidents near and far; teaching seminars on "Who Moved My Cheese?" (definitely not our idea, or our "thing," but they asked us to--and we did it) because of the possible upcoming changes in the Area Offices here; running into our former Perth missionaries--life here is good. The weather is turning into spring, and everything is all abloom, so things are great. We miss home--but it's good here!

During the week, we heard that everything in town was booked up because of the International Dragon Boat races. Dragon boat races??? We checked into it, and went to see the opening ceremonies in nearby Parramatta. Apparently, it is quite a sport, with boats that have (yes!) dragon heads on the front and dragon tails on the back, and the team sits in a row down the boat--and paddles. (They do not row, we found out!) They even have a drummer in the back of the boat to help the paddlers keep in rhythm! The whole concept originated in China, but has become quite popular, and teams had come from all over the world--about 2000 participants--to compete. The opening ceremony was held on the Parramatta River--close to where we live, and the actual competitions were throughout the week out at Penrith, at the Olympic Rowing site. And yes--the US has a team, and they were here!

On Saturday, we left early to catch the 7:15 a.m. ferry into Sydney. These rides are fabulous--down the beautiful Parramatta River we go, and the ride takes about 45 minutes to land us right at Circular Quay (pronounced "Key"), which is the hub for catching trains, buses, or other ferries to different parts of town. This particular morning, we had a few minutes before catching our next ferry, so stepped onto the wharf and had an apple cinnamon twist for breakfast! Yum!

Our next ferry took us across the harbor to Mosmon Point, where strolled out--in lots of wind and a little rain--to a beautiful point on the water, looking across the bay toward the city. (Good thing we combed our hair!)

From there we strolled around Mosmon Bay, with the water on one side, and beautiful old, elegant homes on the other.

Some wonderful dedicated couple had, out of their own pockets, planted acres of beautiful gardens along the pathway--full of blooms and trees and bushes and buds of every kind, fountains, rock pathways, arbors, and rock gardens that were so beautiful!

And there--so beautiful, was the little bay, with boats bobbing in the water, gulls flying overhead, and the six of us Americans--grateful to be there!

At the back end of the bay, we caught another ferry back to Circular Quay, where we had an early lunch at Vittorio's--right on the wharf: excellent Italian food--and such a sight and atmosphere!

After lunch, it was a short stroll to the Sydney Opera House for a marvelous matinee production (sold out!) of "The Gondoliers" by Gilbert and Sullivan. It is so light-hearted and fun, but was done sooooo well, and we loved it.

At the "interval" (intermission), we strolled out into hallways made of glass which looked over the water and across to the Sydney Harbor Bridge. With the water lapping at the shore right beneath our feet, and with the waves from passing barges, ferries and sailboats, we had the sensation that we were on a cruise ship--having the time of our lives! Marvelous!

Off to Melbourne!

2007-09-11T21:20:00.000+10:00

We had a sad phone call to tell us one of our sweet sister missionaries, Sister Kristie Scantlebury, had just passed away. She had had breast cancer and then chemo, and they thought she was better. But she fell and broke her rib, and blood clots formed around her lungs and heart. In an effort to take care of them, she went into cardiac arrest, and passed away. She was only 29, and had just married about 18 months ago.

We wondered if we could get to Melbourne for the funeral, talked to Elder Sybrowsky about it, and he asked us to go on down to Melbourne, make it "official" Church business, and make a point of visiting with the two new Mission Presidents down there. So--off we went.

We attended the viewing and funeral, where everyone wore pink: pink ties, jackets, sweaters, blouses, skirts, etc. Everyone--except us (since we didn't know). They also passed out pink ribbons for everyone to pin on--in a reminder of the fight against breast cancer, which took the life of such a wonderful young woman.

After the funeral, we headed to the Maroonda Chapel, which sits on the same property with the beautiful Melbourne Temple--to attend the Zone Conference being held by the Melbourne East Mission. What a joy! Great talks, training, spot-on doctrine, good-looking missionaries, great participation, and wonderful testimonies on the end. They called on us to speak for a bit, and the Mission President, Corey Lindley and his wife, Janis, were fabulous! Of course they are--Janis is my cousin--Uncle Bill's daughter! But they really were excellent.

Following the Zone Conference, we drove across town (a BIG drive!) to meet with President Barry and Sister Pauline Lee, Mission President of the Melbourne West Mission. They really were glad for the chance to talk, ask questions, and "unload" a bit, since they've walked into quite a situation with their mission. We took them to dinner--and enjoyed them so much.

Interesting thing about Sister Lee: she joined the Church when staying with her aunt and uncle in Melbourne years ago--the aunt and uncle having just been converted and baptized by our cousin, Elder Jerald Farnsworth from Cedar City (Uncle Reed's son). The aunt and uncle raised a wonderful, dedicated and active family who have served missions, been bishops, etc. In fact, the husband, Dr. Mageur, was our Area Medical Advisor when we were in Perth, and two of his grandsons served in our mission (one as assistant to Lonnie!). Now here we were, 40-plus years after those baptisms, in Melbourne: cousins to Elder Farnsworth (Janis and myself), and connected in a wonderful way to Sister Mageur and her niece, Sister Lee. Great fruits from those baptisms all those years ago!

On Saturday, Dad and I slept in a bit, then went on a bit of a "tour" of Fitzroy Park--near downtown Melbourne. Australian parks are beautiful! They have ponds and pathways, lovely flower beds, huge grassy areas, and historical sites to visit.

This one had a beautiful arboretum, and we LOVED the flowers. This is just a little corner of the flowers inside, and the air was thick with the marvelous scent of these blossoms...

We also visited "Cooks' Cottage," which is the home of Captain Cook's parents. It was originally built in England in the 1750's, and was taken down and re-constructed in Australia.

Over the front doorway, they carved some initials: "C" for Cook, "J" for James (the husband), and "G" for his wife, Grace. Then the year--1753. And--note how short the doorway is!

There was also the "Fairy Tree"--an old tree stump which some artist had carved, on all sides, pixies and fairies and fanciful animals. It was really neat.

And--a miniature Tudor Village, with each building about 2 feet tall. It was so delightful!

Later that afternoon, we attended a baptism in a Spanish ward in Corey and Janis's mission, and my talented little cousin stood up and gave a 10-minute talk in Spanish! She served her mission in Peru, so it was great! Corey served in New York City--Greek speaking!!!--and one in ten people in Melbourne is Greek. And--they have their great experiences in China for the past five years, so they are PERFECT for their mission assignment! Afterward, we went out for great Italian food, and had a wonderful visit.

Sunday morning, we attended Church with Lindleys, then went to their home, where 9 missionaries, a woman who was baptized a week ago, their six (two of their kids are at BYU) kids who are still at home, and we all ate dinner. It was a houseful--and fun! Janis managed it all without batting an eyelash.

It was fun to be with them. Janis hardly looks like the mother of eight, plus a returned missionary and--now--a Mission President's wife! But there we were--two little cousins on the far side of the world.

The whole trip was lovely, and we hope we accomplished some good things, with seeing these mission presidents "doing their thing," and hopefully giving them some encouragement in their big assignments. Their feet are "wet" now--and they are fully into their tasks. What good people they are!

We returned home Sunday evening--tired, but happy. Melbourne is beautiful! And the work is going forward there too!

Watson Bay

2007-08-16T16:26:00.000+10:00

After a week of stomach flu (Dad) a barbeque lunch to greet the new counselor in the Area Presidency and the new director of staff here, we finished this long week with an outing to Watson Bay. We hopped onto our ferry here at Rydalmere, rode to Circular Quay (in the city), then quickly found the Watson Bay ferry for our ride.

We arrived at one of the most beautiful, picturesque little villages we've ever seen. The sky was vivid blue, and so was the water! White sailboats bobbed in the bay, and white seagulls swooped overhead. Just beyond the opening to the bay was the skyline of Sydney--and it was spectacular!

We all hiked around a trail near the village to the lighthouse marking South Head. Just across the water, we could see the rocky bluffs of NorthHead--and realized we were at the mouth of Sydney Harbor.

Beyond the heads lies the Tasman Sea--and history has recorded many shipwrecks on the rocks of those heads, trying to make Sydney Harbor. What a beautiful world we live in--and what a beautiful day!

Olympic Bikers!

2007-08-14T15:41:00.001+10:00

Wow! Off we went on Saturday, August 12, to bike at the Olympic Park in Sydney. It is a huge complex, with restaurants, parks, picnic and walking/biking areas, ponds, forests, stadiums and fields, and beautiful views of water and the city on every side.

It was a beautiful Saturday, as we donned our helmets--and off we went. We even biked to the top of a huge lookout, and made it all the way to the top without having to walk. Amazing! We missionaries were quite proud of that!

Our days are full of lots of contact with lots of mission presidents in the area--and, hopefully, lots of help to them. Lonnie helps them, at least, and Kaye tries to help Lonnie!

But we are situated on the campus of a former boys' school, with beautiful grounds and old, lovely buildings This building is "Buckland House," where our office is.

Sharing the grounds with our office complex is the beautiful Sydney Temple. In fact, we can see the spires right out our window!

We have been warmly welcomed by everyone, who is bending over backward to help us get the "stuff" we need to operate--ant it is a lot of STUFF! But the birds sing, the sky is blue, winter is not so bad in Australia--and the gospel is true here, so all is well!

Saturdays in Sydney

2007-08-07T09:57:00.000+10:00

We work hard all week--in an office (with office hours), handling all kinds of issues with Mission Presidents throughout the region. We drag in the door each night, tired and worn out--but glad for the opportunity to serve. But on Saturdays--we usually go with the other senior missionary couples to see this beautiful part of the world where we are lucky to be! On our first Saturday here, we boarded a ferry near our flat and went down the Parramatta River into Sydney--and this picture was shot of the Sydney Harbor Bridge as we neared the wharf. What a beautiful sight!

Fresh off of the ferry, an aboriganal band was playing on the wharf, and we took a minute to pose. We were jet-lagged--but so happy to be in this land. We actually feel llike we never left! (Someone from here whom we know says we're like a boomerang: off we went (3 years ago), but back we've come!)

Meat pies for lunch--an Australian staple! This one had roast beef and gravy inside, then was topped with a pile of mashed potatos and mashed (yes!) peas. Yum!

And to top off the day--ice cream cones on the wharf before the ferry ride home. A FUN day!

In 'n' Out Farewell in San Francisco

2007-08-03T20:49:00.000+10:00

Off we flew to Sydney--via Los Angeles, where several of our family members just happened to be: Jessica and Mark are there for the summer--with his internship with NFL.com, and Libby, Brandon, and girls had flown there for a weekend with his family (before their move to New Jersey. Soooo, we had a mini-reunion/picture-taking event for a bit--at an In-n-Out close to the airport.

Here we are--and with Lauren, Libby, Keira, and Brandon.

And with Jessica and Mark-----

So hard to say Goodbye to these dear ones!

But the Lord has called, and we have faith in Him! And we also know He will watch over us--and our family. How we appreciate His love for us, and the tender mercies He extends to all of us every day!

We Leave our Home for Aussie-Land

2007-07-29T18:57:00.002+10:00

After a surprising call in April from Elder Quintin Cook and Elder Richard Hinckley to return to the great land of Australia, we began our preparations to leave in July.

Before we left, though, there was a brief, one-day reunion in American Fork with members of the Priday family who could come for a quick parade in Provo and picnic at the Dell. What fun to be together! Happy 4th of July to all of us! Here are the four Priday sisters with our wonderfl mom--Grandma Priday!

And then a trip to California to welcome Crissie and Dave's newborn: Isaac Rees Palmer, born July 12, 2007! It's their third boy--and they're sooooo excited!

Back home we flew for one day's quick re-packing and closing up the house. and then--we boarded the plane for our amazing up-coming adventure on the far side of the world.......