This month has passed quickly as we both had lots of responsibilities and projects to complete. Don continues to handle a myriad of issues here in Australia. His work consists of consulting with local attorneys and church leaders on legal matters dealing from Australia's redress laws, to real estate, to visas, to immigration, to human resources and more. He still loves it but some days are very long and can start at 6:00 am when having Zoom or Teams meetings with those in the states or even other countries.
So we always look forward to the weekends especially with the warm summer days. Sydney has had some restrictions again due to a Covid outbreak at the northern beaches areas. So we have been a bit limited on places to go, but things have opened up again and even the borders with neighboring states are open again.
We toured the Government House after the Gardens. The above is the Main Hall and reception area along with the Main Staircase. All the governors pictures and their coats of arms adorned the high walls.
The Dining Room
Beautiful Aboriginal art adorns the walls.
The Ante Room - Smaller of the two Drawing Rooms where guests originally retired following dining. Nowdays it is used for small meetings. The secretaire is made of cedar, beefwood, and tulipwoood showing many Australian and New Zealand floral designs.
The larger Drawing Room - King George III and Queen Charlotte's portraits adorn the walls. Yes, Australia had to deal with the mad king too. Today it is still used to greet dignitaries, ambassadors, Heads of State, and Consul-Generals.
The Ballroom where many receptions and award ceremonies are held. The Minstrel's gallery and stage area were added in 1899.
Flags from left to right: Australia, New South Wales, the Aboriginal, and Torres Strait. The islanders of Torres Strait are distinct from the Aboriginal people but are generally considered as another group of Indigenous Australians.
Last week, Don and I were invited to attend an International Religion and Law dinner in the city with several local politicians. The purpose was to hear and discuss issues relating to the rights and responsibilities of religious freedom. The guests included Elder Mark Peteru (below), Area Seventy from the Church, Mr. Mark Latham MLC, Ms. Tania Mihaihuk MP, Professor Michael Quinlan, Dr. Bernard Doherty, Dr. Christopher Harney, and Dr. Zoe Alderton.
Also Professor Keith Thompson, Jeffrey Cummings, Emily Kwok were attendees along with us. We didn't have a lot to add to the discussion since we are somewhat limited in our understanding of the issues here though Don deals with the legalities on a daily basis. But it was interesting, easy to see these politicians' leanings, but it gave us a night out and a nice meal. I was a little nervous when I found out it was a hotel used for COVID quarantine; the concierge assured me anyone needing to isolate were on the floors above us!!
We also celebrated Australia Day with the senior couples, mission president and wife, and some of the Service center employees and their families. Sydney was enjoying a real heatwave-over 100 degrees for a couple days. So instead of eating in the courtyard at the office we stayed cool inside. Don and Mel Anderson set up the grill outside and Stephen Pollard took care of grilling hamburgers, sausages, and steaks for everyone. Lots of food, visiting, laughing, and of course, someone turned on the Cricket match. I still haven't figured the sport out totally.
The MacPherson Family
with President Runia
with President Runia
Always lots of food: meats, salads, baked beans, drinks, desserts. And all Covid safe of course!
The Cricket Match!
Our senior cadre of missionaries and friends
President Scott and Tami Runia with President Thacker and his wife, Lynn who works with us too.
We were assigned to speak again in the Cowra Branch where we first visited in November. The heatwave was over but we had lots of rain and fog in the mountains as we drove home Sunday night. Only one more month of summer here and we really haven't too many scorching hot days as of yet. Strange to think that we have been here 11 months already. It is a joy to meet so many good people and serve others in anyway we can. So if we drive 4 hours to each give a 20 minute talk--that's what we are all about right now!!
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