Sunday, May 29, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Sheila writes in black, Rick in Blue.

Today was full of catch-up.  Tomorrow is temple day for various zones so we purchased apples and granola bars as the missionaries always stop by to check for mail after their temple session.

Elder Berger and I need to schedule days at the temple as it is difficult to attend once we are 6 1/2 hours away in Armidale.

A missed picture from our day at Sydney Harbor two weeks ago.  We climbed the 200 step tower and Elder Black shot this from the top.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Today was senior couples conference here at the Buckland House.  Elder Black taught us about estate planning, long term care needs and tax issues with retirement money.  He did a good job and even though most of our estate work is done, we learned some good things.  After, we had a pot-luck lunch which was fabulous. President Checketts shared a statement from his mission president seminar last week:  In Alma 34:28 when the term hypocrite is used, if you "do" and do not "become" as in becoming better, that is a hypocrite.  Something to think about.  Elder Ellis has a plan to sample all foods Australian, particularly the fruit so today to his fruit tray he added passion fruit which was quite tasty.

Next week is our arrivals, departures and transfers so this week is very hectic for me preparing for everything that is needed. 

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Today we joined the Blacks once again for a ferry boat tour of Sydney Harbor.  It was a rainy, cold day, Elder Black said the coldest their winter gets, at 68 F but we had a great time.  We stopped at Watson's Bay to eat Fish and Chips and explore the ocean view and the two lighthouses.  Elder Berger was able to look at a shop with Akubra hats.  He needs to purchase a hat and it is important with the think ozone layer and high skin cancer rate in Australia. The sun is particularly effective at causing skin cancer in Australia. They tell me that you can get a sunburn through a tin shed in the higher elevations like Armidale. Sister Black took me to Zara's, which is a shop which copies designer clothes and sells the copies at an affordable price.  I was able to purchase a warmer top to go with my newest, warm skirt which pleased me.

The President finalized the transfer board for the moment and made transfer calls to all the missionaries tonight at 10:00 pm.  I printed up the changes to print new library letters Monday for their preparation day use.  They go to the libraries to email home.

Elder Tematefaaere on the day before he goes home. I just learned how to pronounce his name and now he is gone. I like to think that we both gained experience through this trial.

Sister Money with Sister Yu, who goes home tomorrow; they are Mandarin speaking missionaries

Standing in line at Zaras department store to purchase a much needed top for my warmer skirt. Amazingly, people were lined up to spend their money in this store. Did Sheila get a good deal? What does her expression tell you? I think that she "won" bigtime!

This is a shot upward to the Sydney tower. You will see it later in some of the skyline pictures.

This looks like the "Lost Sheep"

Sister Berger found the Lost Sheep. Now, if she could only remember where she left the ninety and nine.

Sister Black, having looked near and far for the lost sheep

Sitting in the Sydney railway station, waiting for the train to Circular Quay.

The train system is great here; however, this one, preserved in its original state, is kind of dark

About to board the Ferry to Watson's Bay

The Opera House. I never hear any singing coming from there. Curious

Bergers and Blacks on the Ferry

The following are pictures snapped along our adventure.

You can see the tower on the left side of this picture of Sydney's skyline.

Watson's Bay Lighthouse.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

We both had a great sleep after all of the climbing up and down stairs and walking in Sydney yesterday with the Blacks.  Today we visited the Oakhurst ward which was predominantly Samoan/Tongan membership.  The meetings were wonderful and the talks very interesting.  The elders there were welcoming and so cute.




Today we attended the Oakhurst Ward at the Hebersham chapel. Here we are with Elders Dalpin and Galarian.