Hello from Downunder

Hi fabulous family & friends:

It has been since last month since I've written; oh, alright it was actually on th29^th of last month, just a week and a half ago. But doesn't time fly when you are having this much fun; isn't that Dad's line? For me it is pure and simple; this is hard work, but never-the-less, it is satisfying work. The YSA's

continue to be interesting to work with. One of them came to me with a  

concern and two were beyond concerns/ it was heavy duty; my heart goes

out to them for some of the difficulties that are in their lives. Just as in all of

our lives, somethings will take a lot of prayers and changes, etc. I did not tell Dad the specifics, as they did not give me permission, but they lay heavy

on my heart and Dad said that's why men are bishops (they don't internalize

as much as we do as women). It is nice to be trusted and frankly with one of

them, I highly recommended they see their bishop.

Dad continues to be in hog heaven with the teaching and we are still trying to figure out when we can teach an eternal marriage class. In the next couple of weeks, we have an in-service meeting to prepare and present and talks at the stake level the following day for a special meeting for adults after our block of Sunday meetings. It is the prep that continues to challenge me, just  trying  to keep things straight.

Our trip to the coast was really lovely. Frankly, as pretty as this planned city is, it pales in comparison to the lush and green areas of the coast. We attended two seminary classes in two different towns/ cities and did a new seminary appointment in the lovely coastal city of Narooma; where we had a

nice lunch with the LDS  owners of the large resort area. On our way back home we drove along the slower, scenic but lovely road right along the coast. We saw quaint lovely towns & cities we may never see again. Couldn't believe Dad took the time, but he did and we both enjoyed the trip and it probably only added 20, maybe 30 minutes more to the trip home. The

weather was lovely. It was sunny, sunny, sunny! But fall/ autumn is really in

the air; I'm already wearing warmer, winter skirts and pulled my sweaters out of the drawer to wear.

As usual, we try not to miss our zone meetings with the 12 young missionaries in our area, including the two spectacular sisters; these wonderful young missionaries are soooo fearless and we feel spiritually fed

in their meetings. I practically always bake some homemade goodies for them, which they always seem to appreciate.

This past Friday night; talk about fun, we attended our first union rugby with two of our YSA's. It was fun to watch as the ball is practically always in action. The home team lost, but we're used to that. Hey we're used to the Cubs. Each of the YSA's seemed to feel badly, the home team lost even though we tried to reassure them otherwise. The next night we had a couple of YSA's over for dinner on Saturday for supper; they came over to our flat at 6:30 and didn't leave until 11pm. About 11:45 that same night, the phone rang and as I got up to answer it, Dad commented it must be something bad from the states. Nope it was one of the YSA's we had been with the night before at the Rugby game; Jeremy had misdialled, said he thought he was calling his mom ( he said she works nights).  He apologized. The next evening Dad and I saw him at the fast breaker for the YSA's and told him,

he doesn't have to call us when he gets in at night.

Last night was neat, we were asked to sit in on a missionary discussion to commit/ or actually invite a super young woman to be baptized on the 27^th of this month. They had her read Mosiah 18:10 Now I  say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have  entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him & keep his commandments, that he may pour out  his Spirit more abundantly upon you? v.11And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, & exclaimed: this is the desire of our hearts. This is of course Alma bapizing the righteous of the evil King Noah. Charissa had several of her YSA friends there and although she didn't clap her hands for joy, she agreed to be baptized. Several of her close church friends, along with us old folks, were there with her and shared our feelings about being members of the church. I shared, now having been a member of the church for the past 45 years, that over that span of time, I may have questioned many other decisions I have made. But, I said I have never, ever, ever questioned being baptized and becoming a member of this great church and having the gospel in our lives. Her Mother and Grandmother had been encouraging her to wait,wait, wait; how knows for what or how long? She is 25 and certainly at an age, she is capable of making such important decisions. We are looking forward to attending her baptism. It is neat to sit in on these meetings, there is always such a great spirit there.
Well, time to close. Guess, I just have to repeat myself: I have never, ever, ever questioned the choice I made just weeks before Dad, to be baptized and have the Savior's restored gospel in our lives! I want you to know I love the Lord and appreciate this time to serve. If if weren't for the gospel, most of you probaly wouldn't be in my/ our life/ lives. And I can't imagine you not being in my life.

Love you all, your momma, grandma, sister,friend etc. aka sis mac

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