8 August 2021, 46 years of the best years together, Don's birthday, and still in lockdown!

Even in Week 6 of lockdown we still celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary last Friday and Don's birthday today.  Hearing from our family and even a singing voice call from New Zealand reminds us how blessed we are to be together and serving here in Australia.  Since most restaurants we like are outside of our permitted travel area, our anniversary celebration consisted of pizza, ordered in of course, and I made mint brownies as a treat for both occasions.  A game of canasta, watching the Olympics, reading on our Kindles, and a daily walk still makes for good days together.   

Since we are not allowed to travel anywhere outside of our Local Government Area (LGA) and must even keep exercise to a 5K radius from our home,  it is on my morning walk watching the sunrise that I still find beauty in being here.  Don and I are still able to go into the office daily since we are often the only ones in the Service Centre.  I am starting to transition out of my responsibilities in the mission office by helping Jaiyden Reid, President Reid's daughter, take over the responsibilities with the phones and data usage.  In my capacity with the Office of General Counsel to review Humanitarian projects, I have also started including my replacement, Elder Michael Curley, in the process of learning about Australian Public Benevolent Institutions expectations so he can soon handle all the projects independently.  He and his wife who are also serving with the Office of General Counsel must work remotely from their home in Salt Lake as Australian and now New Zealand borders are closed to overseas travel.  Only about three more weeks and then we will spend the last days of August cleaning our flat and packing our bags so we can return home.  The time has gone fast in many ways, but the pandemic has played havoc on so many lives.  We are thankful to be healthy at this time and hope to stay the same as we return to the states. 

We are hopeful that we may still get one more beach walk in before we leave. But if not, we will still have the memories of those beaches and cliff walks we were able to visit.  The memories of living in this wonderful country will also stay with us forever.  We found another walk through the neighborhood which took us further along the Pioneer Track that we had found a while back.  This time we spied turkeys scavenging and Don even tried out a swing over the ravine that a neighbor must have erected for a child.  The YMCA family centre always has people on the turfs, practicing soccer/football, rugby, field hockey, cricket, and more.  This day, the crowds were limited as they are supposed to be and everyone in masks as directives require.  

So with our days rather routine encompassing an early morning walk, getting to the office which is basically next door and a return home in the afternoon, we still count our blessings as a couple.  Grateful for our children and grandchildren, our siblings and their families, other relatives, our many friends at home and the new friends we've made - all having offered great support and encouragement for our time here. We are grateful for all the experiences we have had together these many years and in particularly, our mission here these last 18 months. 

18 July 2021 Lockdown 2.0 Here We Go Again!

It's hard to find enough to write about when we have been limited again by the Greater Sydney lockdown for the past 3 weeks.  Now with numbers of COVID cases rising daily due to the Delta variant, we are under even stricter orders for the rest of the month.  Only one person per household can do essential grocery shopping, no travel outside of our area, exercise with only 1 other person no more than 10K from your home, and no carpools.  The request is to just STAY HOME.  We are fortunate to live next door to the mission office and Service center, so we still can go in daily, but even there we are supposed to wear masks.  And the latest is to have masks on everywhere except your own vehicle.

Consequently the past weekends have been rather lackluster.  There is only so much housecleaning and laundry and even reading to do on weekends.  We head out for daily exercise.  I go early in the am and Don goes in the evenings except on weekends when we actually go together!  

Now we are back to Zoom calls for just about everything.  We have nightly Zoom calls with the mision as they debrief on experiences and hear messages from President and Sister Reid.  We had our Senior Missionary Family Home Evening to say good-bye to Arouma and Gose Mata'utia.  They finished their mission here and were to go back to their home in Brisbane. But Queensland is shutting their borders to Sydneysiders, so instead of isolating in their own home as they hoped, they are in hotel quarantine for two weeks up there.  We miss them and had such plans for a special dinner and send off.  The camera will have to do. Steve and Gail Pollard are also on screen as we shared our time together.  

With cabin fever over-taking us, we knew we had to get out after two weekends indoors.  Don told Mel and Nina Anderson we'd show them Lake Parramatta where we hiked during Lockdown 1.0.  So keeping a social distance from each other, Nina and I taking the lead with Don and Mel "lagging" behind, we hiked through the bush to the reservoir.  More rock shelters, streams, trails and winter foliage all guided us on our way.  

What is intriguing is how homes are built backed by the reserves.  This one had a winding staircase down the back side to the ravine with outdoor seating and fire pits. We saw other homes with playhouses, greenhouses and the like. There were brick or stone supports built between the sandstone layers below the houses.  From the street side, one doesn't see the full scope of the homes.  We loved traversing through the ravines and spotting all the unique features. 

It took us close to two hours to arrive back at the lake.  It was fun to return and see as it was one of our firsts hike one year ago during the first lockdown we had here in Sydney.  But I kept reminding Don, that we still had to walk back!  We thought we'd get some carry-out and eat at the little bistro there.  Our phones said they were open until 3:30 so we thought we'd make it.  Sadly, no.  Either they closed early or are not currently trading at all.  So we took our our water bottles, rested a bit and began the hike back home.  

We decided we didn't really want to climb over the rocks and bush so we just found the roads that led back to familiar streets.  It was funny to think that a year ago, this was all new and now we feel like seasoned ex-pats. 

We passed the Baptist Girls school on our return and loved looking at the buildings on the campus.  The stone and castle-like architecture are very conducive to the boarding school atmosphere. After picking up some pizza, we all Zoomed in for the  Australia Sydney Mission's Got Talent evening.  Each Zone had two entries, the senior missionaries were judges, and we saw some amazing talents which we are going to be seeing again this week. 

Our missionaries are finding incredible ways to continue their service as they are in lockdown.  A few companionships do not have the same restrictions as those living closer in.  On the other hand, some have flats in the "hot spots" and have to be extremely cautious about being out.  Each week, President and Sister Reid along with their assistants have put together week long series of devotionals to enhance their work and build their own faith.  

For the first two weeks, we had the "Prison-Temple" series where the Reids asked guest speakers to help them learn how to make having to stay inside a "divine re-set" opportunity for growth and revelation.  Coach Kilani Sitake, BYU's head football coach was first.  The missionaries LOVED hearing from him.  His humor and his own faith in facing difficult challenges inspired us all to use our time for personal growth.  Another speaker was a young wife who has faced severe health challenges brought on by Conversion Disorder, being a prisoner in her own body so to speak.  She was equally inspiring as she explained her frustration with the neurological set-backs she faced having to re-learn to walk, talk, eat and learn to control her physical body. 

Another guest speaker was President Reid's younger brother, a therapist and counselor now living in Samoa.  He answered their concerns about mental health and explained how to have an "emotional emergency plan" in addition to checking the quality of our thoughts: Don't dwell on how hard something is, acknowledge it to yourself but go forward taking care of yourself.  The missionaries even wanted to have him speak with them again.  

Other speakers included a songwriter and music producer, Nela Otuafi, and, Kelly Mills, the Director of the 11 Missionary Training Centers worldwide.  Powerful words from all that truly helped during the two weeks of lockdown. And then the other shoe dropped, it would be a third week but before we knew it, it was to be until the end of the month.  So the last week was "The Character of Christ" week where the missionaries were given specific assignments, activities and the opportunity to view The Chosen.  Each night they met to debrief  about what they learned and what they will do now because of their learning.  Next week, "Grow Your Faith in Jesus Christ" with a morning inspirational class to meet and learn together.  All this in addition to carrying on their own missionary work and service.  There will be a Musical Family Home Evening on Monday night.  I am in awe of the Reids and the assistants to the presidents that come together and have this so organized, structured, and prepared for missionaries.  Everyone is engaged and the Mission Leadership Council is also actively suggesting and giving ideas.  For us as senior missionaries, we join in as we can and have really enjoyed the direction provided. 

A Sunday afternoon stroll took us on another bush walk through a Pioneer Track through a neighborhood not far from us.  Deep ravines, carpets of ferns, and towering unique trees covered us as we walked along the narrow path.  We ran into two women at different spots working.  We asked if they were volunteers and both said they generally would not be out during the lockdown but no one is there and they are devoted to caring for this reserve.  A lovely motivation to care for the land without thought of themselves.  

It appears we will be ending our mission just the way it started with masks and lockdowns.  But even with all the adjustments and restrictions, we still feel blessed to be living in Australia, serving as we can, and enjoying all the new friends and experiences here in the land Down Under.  

 

26 June 2021 Not "Goodbye," but "See You Later"

The past week was bittersweet as we had our final All Mission Conference with President and Sister Runia.  With nearly 12 young missionaries and the Mata'utias also scheduled to leave  us soon, this was a day to share priceless memories and lasting friendships.  After the morning of devotionals, hymns, instruction from Runias, the luncheon was held. 

Karen Scott, wife of President Aaron Scott, 1st counselor in the mission presidency, out did herself once again.  All the senior office couples had been to their home last week for another surprise good-bye dinner with the many friends Runias have throughout the wards and stakes.  So it was not surprising to see another beautifully prepared dining experience.  The missionaries love when she is catering their Zone conferences and other gatherings.  I arrived early to  "help" but found most was already done.  We had a few last minute touches for the dessert table and drinks and then it was time to enjoy.

Beautiful table settings 

Dessert table of cake and ice cream cookie bar with chocolate "lollies"

Getting seated and ready to eat!

And the masks can come off now!

After luncheon and dessert, it was time for the missionary created videos all set to well know Disney musicals with their own interpretations!  Lots of laughter and smiling.  But it didn't stop there. On to performances too.

Sister Stubbs and Sister Tonumaipe'a performed a Tongan dance with others joining in at one point.  

And then the leis were given to Runias.  But that wasn't all.  Everyone received a missionary made candy (or lollie) lei to share as they wished.  Those leaving us were showered with love!

Those leaving us include Sisters Salima, Pham, Lealofi, Foisa, William, Stubbs, Kerwin and Elders Min, Ruagi, Ma Chong, Trillo, Kaburara along with Runias, and Mata'utias.  A few have some delays due to their home countries still having limited flights but we keep working with consulates and the travel department to help them get back to their homes.  Many have served past their release dates with continued dedication.  And as it is said here, it is never "Good-bye," just always, "See you Later!"

Elder Trillo always happy and willing to do what was asked of him including wearing his lollie-made crown.

President Scott and Tammy Runia could hardly hold their heads up from all the love they were shown!

The Mata'utias were overwhelmed with the missionaries' generosity to them.  They have been so devoted to their self-reliance responsibilities.  We will miss them a great deal also. 

Sister William and Sister Lealofi

Sisters Stubbs, Kerwin, and Pham

A little bit of dancing!

The whole group with their leis of love as I call them

Serenading with Tongan music

Elder Elisara leading a Samoan song

And of course, the Haka to show honor 

At this point some of the Australians thought it would be good to remember that the mission is actually in Sydney and began singing "Waltzing Matilda" which everyone joined in.  I am certain had this been anything other than a mission conference, the party may have lasted much longer!  But the missionaries had an afternoon of volleyball and lawn games under the direction of the Assistants, Elder Davison and Afoa.  And then the clean- up began.

Many of the young missionaries left on Wednesday with only a cancelled flight to Melbourne being rescheduled.  Then Elder Trillo's itinerary changed totally and we spent Wednesday getting his documents ready to transit through two different countries rather than the originally scheduled flights.  The good news was he could read and complete the Spanish documents for Madrid!  But it all worked out.  Even Elder Ruagi who, like several before him, had to fly across the Pacific 17 hours to Los Angeles, and then wait all day in LAX before boarding the flight back across the ocean to Tahiti.  The pandemic has caused such difficulties in travel home for these young adults. 

By Friday, Sydney was reporting an increase in cases of COVID19,  Vaccinations have been slower than desired.  Unfortunately, this now means that by Friday night the government issued lockdown orders for a week,  By Saturday, the orders changed to lockdown until July 9.  We can leave for essential shopping, medical, work if it can't be completed remotely, and limited outdoor exercise.  So here we go again.  Just like a year ago,   We were feeling pretty safe and maybe too complacent.  So the masks are back on in offices, public transportation, and shops if open.  

Our exercise on Saturday was a bush hike along the cliffs at Dee Why Beach.  This is probably my last visit for at least two weeks as we will need to stay closer to home now for exercise.  We had tickets to a play next Saturday so we are hoping to be rescheduled or for a refund now that it is closed down also.  

Our new mission president, Gabriel Reid and his family arrived two weeks ago and have been in hotel quarantine.  They should arrive here at the mission home this coming week only to continue guiding the mission through this lockdown,  We are looking forward to meeting them in person as opposed to Zoom where we first met them at the Conference and each night with the young missionaries.  "For such a time as this!"  

 

6 June 2021 A Plague of Mice? What next? Our graduates!

During the last weeks, we've had a number of experiences that remind us we are not in the U.S. anymore!  Primarily, the plague of mice that is over-running the rural areas of New South Wales.  The Aussies have dealt with months of bushfires  in 2019, the pandemic continues to cause difficulties for businesses and travel, and now a plague of mice.  Hay bales, siding, feed buckets are filled with the rodents.  Who knows if they are carrying any other disease. To add insult to injury, the animals rights groups are more concerned that the eradication of the mice must  be humane! Literally, hundreds of thousands of mice over running homes and ranches is a stunning sight on the news. Think the great movie, The Birds, only with mice!

What a horrific experience for the farmers and others living in regional  lands.  One little boy interviewed  after his home burned due to mice chewing the electrical wiring, said they had mice running over him while trying to sleep and now his family has lost literally everything they owned as they were not home when the fire engulfed the residence.  It is a ghastly scourge. As we had an assignment to travel to a northwest area last week, we wondered if we would see any evidence of the invasion. Fortunately, we saw no evidence where we were.   I don't think I could have slept in the motel if I'd seen traps or rodents!

We enjoyed the lunar eclipse right from our house.  We would run outside every 10 minutes or so to see how much the shadows had moved.  Our cameras didn't capture the scene as well as we hoped, but our colleagues in New Zealand sent his photographs out the next day.  So thanks to Jeff Edwards, we have a great memory of the evening. 

On our 6-hour drive to Grafton for a speaking assignment, we stopped in Coff's Harbour on the north coast to enjoy a lovely late lunch by the ocean and enjoy the view.  The fishing boats bring in the fresh catch of the day.  The walk along the jetty provides great views, benches, fresh fish, shops, and green space to enjoy.  After our break, it was back in the car and on to Grafton where we spoke in church the next day.  Friendly, welcoming people everywhere we went.  

The weekend before we spent with other senior missionaries visiting Featherdale Wildlife Park. The park has one of the largest collection of Australian wildlife.  It is the home of over 2000 native animals from more than 260 species.  Feeding the wallabies and kangaroos, birdwatching, loving the koalas and wombats, checking out the Tazmanian Devil, dingoes, reptiles, bilbies, echindas, and the other iconic Australian animals made for a relaxing day with friends.  Our Australian friends are probably not as in awe of the animals as I am.  Steve Pollard said he'd seen enough kangaroos munching on his property to last a lifetime!  But they all think watching the deer that are sometimes found in our backyard would be wonderful!  It's all about perspective.   

Beautiful, large birds; pretty fluffy kookaburra too

Featherdale has a substantial collection of koalas and offers encounters with them like we had in Port Macquarie.  This time we just watched.  But Nina Anderson and I did have our picture taken with one of the little marsupials.  

Cassowaries -just smaller than an ostrich or emu

Some wombats - we were excited to see some running about since they tend to be mostly nocturnal, sleeping during the day or burrowing underground.  Interestingly, their scat, or poop, is cubic in shape which has to do with their digestive system.    

And of course, the Kangaroos!

Emu

Echhinda

Tazmanian Devil

I am certain we are not finished viewing more that Australia has to offer.  I know we will be in Bathurst this month and there's a great reserve to just walk through and spend time with more kangaroos.  They may be more pest-like to some, just like the rabbits in my backyard, but how can I not enjoy this unique experience?  

Finally, two graduates of the class of 2021, a granddaughter and a grandson off to conquer the world!  Both having shown incredible scholarship, she thinks the law like her grandfather and uncle have embraced may be in her future, while he thinks engineering could be his choice.  For now, she's off on a Humanitarian adventure to Belize and he is home from early entrance into BYU working as they both prepare to be in Provo next fall. We could not be more proud of their accomplishments and examples they are to their siblings and cousins and all others!