Seminary was good. Sister Mueller has been called as the new teacher by President Sully so she attended to see how things are working now.
After skyping with the kids, we got busy preparing for our day tomorrow. We just do not have time to take a 3-5 day vacation and see the sights, even though President Checketts said we could, so we are going to Coffs Harbor over night. Elder Berger has started a bad head cold and it is going into his chest.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
We finished Seminary, packed our things, and headed for Coffs Harbor. The Dorrigo Rain Forest is so beautiful. I dozed part of the way so the time went quickly. We stopped to look at possible souvenirs in Dorrigo but didn't find anything. Arriving in Coffs, we found our room at the Opal Cove Beach resort. What a very nice place! We took a walk on the gorgeous beach, collected enough and more of flat, smooth rocks to use in my last Primary Girl Activity next Monday and then looked for a place to eat. Australia shuts down about 4:00 pm, and unless you want fast food or a pub, it is hard to find a place to eat. Luckily, Elder Berger remembered seeing what looked like a restaurant by the Hungry Jacks and we found the Barbecue Barn which turned out to be similar to our Texas Roadhouse restaurant at home.
Another Attempted selfie.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
We got up early to walk on the beach and see the sunrise. What a beautiful place. I would love to have a condo on the beach for vacations and winter visits. After a nice walk and lots of picture taking, we ate breakfast in the resort cafe (a smorgasboard) which was very nice.
Sunrise was at 7:38 AM and we got to the water's edge about 7:25. We found a nice log to sit on and shiver while we waited for the magic of sunrise. If God is not involved, why is it so beautiful?
Early morning, no makeup, and she still looks great.
When it looks like this, the water is quite a bit warmer than the early morning air.
Just a hint of the sunrise.
This is minus 3 f-stops.
The Sun feels good.
The long shadows of Rick & Sheila.
A nice uniting through shadows
The path to the beach.
After Breakfast we went down to the beach one more time to do a little bit of wading in the waves. It was warmer and it was nice to feel the water on our feet. Here are some pictures.
Yes, That is Sheila.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Today we did the Seminary review for their test tomorrow, picked up the elders and headed for Sister Rosalie Jackman's farm - a 3 hour drive one way - to visit and do service. She had us gather firewood kindling and remove some ghastly weeds called catseyes. We had lunch with a lovely chocolate mint mousse dessert filled with chocolate mint maltballs (called Malteasers here). It was a long day but worth the effort.
Elder Wong, Elder Childs, Sister Jackman, and Sister Berger.
Friday, June 9, 2017
After Seminary, I walked, washed my hair and FINALLY finished the treasure boxes I am giving the girls at the Primary activity Monday.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
We had a wonderful Tea at the MacDonalds. Michael bought pizza and Kate fixed cheese broccoli, cauliflower, mashed potatoes, pumpkin, chicken, rolls and cinnamon hot cross buns for dessert. We took them food that we will not be here long enough to eat and an "What ere thou art, act well thou part" coin. We have so enjoyed being a part of their lives while serving here.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
The Denleys, from the District presidency, spoke and were very interesting. They have been married 54 years, served two missions, both converts in their teens. Devika and her mother came which made me happy but the teacher was ill so I had to wing a lesson. During the lesson Devika told me how much she wants to be baptized but her father said she has to wait until she is 18. I told her I thought she would be able to convince him to let her be baptized sooner than that. She is a sweet child with a pretty awful environment.
