6 - 19 July

Our lives currently revolve around six week cycles, which are really called transfers, and they seem to come around faster than we ever believed possible.  The days are filled with bill paying (rents, utilities and reimbursements for missionary expenditures), chasing down lots of different things concerning the cars (servicing, arranging for the entire process of ins and outs for the bump shop), and this just barely scratches the surface of Arlo's responsibilities.   Sandy answers the phone, then either listens or sends the call to the proper person who can help.  She schedules for President, tries to help our young missionaries with needs they might have and her list can go on and on, just like Arlo's.  But sometimes it gets very routine sometimes and not too interesting!  This said, we are thankful to be able to interact with the entire missionary force and support our president and his fantastic wife.  Some days have a few "fire drills" thrown in, as we like to call unexpected challenges, but they keep us humble as we receive guidance and help from above.  Thus said, here are a few of the more exciting parts of the last couple of weeks. 

Several months ago, we received a Missionary Call Notification informing us that a new missionary would be coming in July and we were so excited to learn that his home was in Esikhawini, near Richards Bay, up the road many kilometers from Durban, South Africa, our previous mission field. Elder Sanele Mthabela, arrived mid-transfer because of confusion with his visa to enter New Zealand for the purpose of attending the MTC there.  There was a stop in Dubai, and it was at this point that he was returned to South Africa and attended the MTC there.  This great elder has been a member of the church for a little more than four years and has not missed any of the Sunday meetings in that time. He was a part of the branch presidency and has a strong testimony.  None of his family are members, but his dad is supportive of the decision to join the church.  While going through his paperwork, Sandy found that Elder Mthabela's patriarchal blessing had been pronounced on him by Patriarch Courtney, the patriarch for whom she transcribed so many blessings.  It was a great morning, meeting this elder and helping him fit right in with the other missionaries.

The week following the arrival of our newest missionaries, brings them all back together for Golden Orientation training and it is amazing the difference a week makes in their missionary abilities.  This group has sisters from the United States and Thailand with elders from Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Canada, Vanuatu and Australia. After an afternoon of learning, the newbies do some street contacting as they make their way down for dinner at Fish 53.  They feast on hamburgers, chicken and fish burgers, plus chips and different salads.  As we finish, President has Joe, the owner,  come out from behind the grill and the group sing a thank you song to him.  Usually the song has been "I Am A Child of God," but Sister Henderson has taken some liberties with the words from another favorite song and this was the concluding phrase sung:   We are now the Lord's missionaries, to bring Australia the truth and thank you for the food!

One of our Saturday afternoons found us at the Australia Zoo again for a quick visit and change of pace. This little guy was our greeter while chomping down those delicious eucalyptus leaves faster than any koala we have seen.  After an enjoyable walk about, we made our way home with a stop at Costco for a few necessities, like a rotisserie chicken. These little gems are the best bargain in Brisbane and they are in great demand in the store.  People line up, Sandy included, to grab one as they come off the spit!

Another St. George couple has finished their mission here is Brisbane.  Sister Hansen has been such a help to Sister Henderson using her BYU catering and hosting skills, with various functions in the mission.

Love the name of the shopping carts here - trolley.  Each of them seem to have a mind of their own when it comes to rolling along to the car, since all four wheels independently steer.

Since receiving these pictures from a member in the MacKay Branch, some of us have been trying to come up with some clever title like, "Don't tell us you don't have any transportation to church!"  The little family has six children under the age of five, 5, 3, 2 and triplets about 8 months old and we are told this is their usual means of transport to church.   The mom and dad came to Australia from England about ten years ago and that is about all we know about them.

Love the little sister here and wonder if she is thinking, "Let me out of here, right now!"