Dec 14th

Dear family and friends,
This is Elder MacPherson writing; aka Dad, Grandpa, and Didgeridoo Doug.
Things are going extremely well mission wise, but not so well health wise. As you aware Sister Mac had arthroscopic knee surgery Nov 13 on her right knee to repair and remove torn cartilage. The healing process has not gone well, in fact, in the last two weeks it seems to be getting worse. She is unable to sleep, nor move around very well. We tried to get hold of her doctor. However, he was on a 10 day fishing trip to New Zealand, an only got back this week. We went to see him and he appeared to blow us off that there was no problem. This orthopaedic Surgeon was recommended by the Church’s Australian medical person as the top orthopaedic surgeon in Canberra. After pushing him, he agreed to give mom a cortisone/ local anaesthetic shot in the knee and some narcotic pain tablets. The shot gave her very little relief. The narcotic tablets do help at night for about 4-5 hours before the pain wakes her up. Last night she was up 3 times.
We called and made another appointment for this Monday, his last day at work for the Christmas holidays and he will not return until January 7, 2008. So we set up an appointment for that day also. She may need another arthroscopic surgery and possible major surgery to implant an artificial cushion between the bones in the knee as she has bone on bone rubbing that he feels is causing the pain.
Australia basically shuts down during the Christmas Season as it is also the middle of the summer. All those who can take off, Almost all business close, including retail stores and restaurants etc. The only medical help is emergency medical help.
Mission wise it could not get much better. We have 5 new YSA investigators, they are being taught by the FTM and we are either fellowshipping, helping in the teaching, or just answering their question. The YSA here are great member missionaries. We have had good success with the 4 new YSA members by inviting them over to our flat, FEEDING THEM, and then teaching them in the Book of Mormon. One is close to deciding to go on a mission, one is close to receiving the Melchizadek priesthood, one is finally coming regularly to church and the last one is doing very well going out with the missionaries 2-3 times a week, fulfilling his calling and fellowshipping the less actives. He has been asking us advice on how to find an eternal mate. Last Thursday night the first came to the flat at 5:30PM for a 6:30 dinner and the last left at 11:30 PM. We were trashed, but happy with our role as missionary parents. .
Our regular summer institute class takes a 3 week break as most of the YSA’s travel home or to go on holiday. . However, this Tuesday night we have a Movie, Popcorn, Pizza, Pool(swimming pool), Christmas Party. We are showing “The Nativity Story” an excellent Hollywood movie that came out last year and Rockford 3rd YSA’s back home saw it for a family home evening. I highly recommend this movie. Rent it and watch it if you can.
Well mates, it’s time to say Gid-day, throw some shrimp on the barby and say to you the Aussie’s favourite phrase when they don’t want you to worry and that is “No Worries”.
Love Elder & Sister Mac