19 - 25 January

Howsitgoin mates!  It has been a week of gray skies and heaps of rain at times and other days have been bright and beautiful.  On Saturday we ventured out to the local Office Works (Australia's version of Office Max/Depot) and found it over-run with school kids and parents buying all the necessary supplies for school to start on the 27th.   There were lists posted for various schools in the area.  Our office responsibilities keep us on our toes and no day is ever the same, as least so far.  At Sacrament Meeting today, it was announced that the ward was now going to hear the testimonies of the new elders and the senior couple.  It looked like the first speaker didn't show up!  It is always a wonderful opportunity for us to share our feelings about what we are doing and our testimonies of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In a previous blog, we posted a picture of the Story Bridge.  Driving across one day this past week, we noticed that there were people standing on the top of the bridge looking out over the city.  Upon doing some research, we found that for $99 you can book a spot with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.  The advertising says anyone can do it, even if you are afraid of heights - the top is 80 meters above sea level.  Sandy decided that even though this is one of only three bridge climbs in the world, she wouldn't be enjoying the views. The participants have to take a breath-alcohol test before beginning, because the advertising says "you can't drink and climb!"

Friday evening, we were invited to a special showing of "Meet The Mormons" at Kangaroo Point Chapel.  This movie has not been released to the general public here, but things are in the works to book several movie venues in March to show it.  Priesthood leaders and other stake leaders of the 10 stakes in the Brisbane area are being invited to four different evenings where the movie is shown in the Cultural Centre.  We were impressed with and highly recommend the film - loved the stories shared, especially the family sending their son off to the South Africa Durban Mission and seeing a few familiar local spots.  All the stories are filmed on location.  There is a "meet and mingle" time before hand and the mission has provided the refreshments.  Sister Hansen, who in her former life was the head of BYU Catering, has put together beautiful tables with fantastic food. Sandy and the two office senior sisters (the sister serving from the punch bowl is Sister Parsons) have been helping with the food prep and these little burgers were Sandy's assignment - just thought they were so cute plus being very tasty.  The slider burgers along with the infamous cream puffs all came from Costco.

This apartment building is our new home.  The driveway on the left leads to our underground parking.

These are views of the living area of our flat.  The Montagues, the missionary couple that lived here before us, have done a wonderful job of making it very comfortable and pleasant.

Our flat is located just off of Racecourse Road, which is a beautiful tree lined street.  The street runs from the local racecourse down to the Brisbane River (about five blocks or so long).  There is a sign posted on the sidewalk, which details the shops and such on the street and it lists 28 cafes, restaurants and catering sites. There is also a Coles grocery store directly across the street from our flat. Refrigerators in missionary flats are not large, but we were told that we shouldn't worry because the other refrigerator is right out the front door!  This should be our last move until we return to the United States, and never in our married live have we made so many moves in such a short period of time!

This is the building where the mission office is located and it occupies half of the second floor.  It is a short two block walk from our flat.

Our work stations Monday through Friday and sometimes on Saturday and Sunday - the chairs are getting to know our backsides really well!  Part of Arlo's responsibilities have to do with the cars and we have learned a new term used when a driver breaks the law while driving.  The transgressing driver is given an infringement (ticket) and the fines are really healthy.  For instance, driving 7 km (about 4 mph) over the speed limit ran one elder $150 and the missionaries pay all of their own fines.  

Take care and have a fantastic week.