Enjoy!
(Downtown Mooroopna)
(Echuca's Branch President)
(characters from Echuca Branch)
(Brenda's quilt)
(A kiwi named April)
(April's cute sons)
(Aussie sunset)
(Ancient Eucalyptus tree)
(17-yr old piano student, Vivian)
(3 sets of wheels per trailer)
(Tongan Elder Tangi)
(Reading in bed) Scott, here: Today is Monday.
Mondays are good days.
Monday is our "P" Day- the day to recoup from Sunday, which is definitely not a "day of rest." Sunday was our Branch Conference. It is like a Ward Conference, except all the District(Stake) Leaders travel from 3 to 4 hours to get here. So, needless to say, the meetings and friendships are very intense, because we don't get together very often. The Sacrament Meeting lasted 1 hour & 50 minutes, and it started "on time" which is most unusual with Samoan Branches. Our Branch Choir, of 50 Samoan voices, sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" and brought tears from the Brethren sitting on the stand. I started the Choir 2 measures early, and of course, Shirley went with us so no one would notice. Sister Solomon is the one that makes me look good!!
We struggle out here in Mooroopna with inactive members, but let us tell you, when the stalwarts in the different areas of the District get together,the Spirit of the Lord is in great abundance.
After the Block Meetings, the Elders quickly set up tables in the Foyer (We have no Rec Hall), and with all the sisters bringing a "plate" (a "dish") the Relief Society Sisters served a lavish buffet, of which the main purpose is to feed the travelers before they leave. ENTER....the green jello! Of course, we decided now was the time to take a jello salad and we chose Shirley's 'beloved' Grandmothers famous (and infamous) recipe containing cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, walnuts, sliced green olives w/ pimentos, maraschino cherries and miniature marshmallows. Shirley let everyone know it was a dish from America, then she sat around listening to the comments, having a good chuckle. Half of those in attendance absolutely "loved" it; half were too skeptical to even try it. "What do you call this dish?" was the question of the day. Upon hearing a "jello salad" the replies were mostly that jelly (not jello) is used in desserts. And "why do you call it Jello?" to which Shirley would sing the old ad-song "J-E-L-L-O!" I, Scott, said "I'm not sure what happened: the Church brought the Gospel to Australia but forgot to bring the Jello!" I guess that's another one of 'our' responsibilities!!
Next Sunday we are teaching the first two lessons on Family History to the adults in the Branch. They are on gathering what info and material you have around your house. I'm hoping I won't have to tell them how much I don't do computers. Sister Solomon has banned me from touching the computer; every time I do, it creates so many mistakes, it takes her days to correct everything! The following day will be another exciting Zone Conference up in Wangaratta. The senior couples serving missions in this Zone always do one of the meals. The most loved of all with all the missionaries from all the Islands, Aussie and U.S. love Sloppy Joes and Hawaiian Haystacks the best. So Sister Solomon, Nielsen and Racines meet at 3:00pm to prepare the meal for the beginning of the Conference, which will continue through the next day. We are always assigned a talk, just in case you all called on to speak. Shirley was called last time, so we figure it's going to be 'my turn.
I am still looking for easy songs for our Nativity Pageant. It will be held outside the chapel with Choir and short vignettes. Please, if you have any neat songs, easy and clever, please SEND.
The Counselor to the Mission President stopped by our flat to check our TV. He thought it might need 'programming.' No matter what he did, it still left us with a blue screen. He said he would request a new TV for our flat. We are anticipating this with great hope!!
We are slowly getting more used to the language here, like putting the "rubbish in the bin" and "take away" foods and "ring me up" or "pop it over to me." I'm also getting used to the morning cereals and gravy on french fries!!(I think it takes the place of "fry sauce." ) Me-thinks we'll be back with a somewhat Aussie accent.
We still get pretty homesick; I have been surprised with how homesick I am. I thought I would have to console Shirley, but it seems to be the other way around. But we are getting busier by the day. Now it looks like I will be teaching an Institute class here and in Echuca! I actually am looking forward to doing this. There is certainly a need. We are also involved in the upcoming Youth Conference(EFY) which is held in this awesome resort up in some mountains somewhere. We'll be "in the kitchen", teaching the youth the medley "As Sisters in Zion/Armies of Helaman" which will be sung by the youth from all over for the next District Conference. There is a dynamic Young Women's Leader here in the District. The Saints that are active here are all choice people. It's been inspiring to serve with them and feel of the love and strengths.
We continue to feel so grateful to be here, to have the health and stamina to carry on the work here, in sharing the Gospel and strengthening the Saints in this Branch. Our families and friends we left behind for a short while are in our prayers and thoughts constantly. Sending love and warm regards,
The Solomons
We miss you but are excited for you too. I was glad to see a quilt even if its not yours. keep up the good work. love you.
ReplyDeleteSorry but I have nightmares about jello salads with cottage cheese. And whats with the TV are you sure your on a mission an not on a working vacation. Good that your busy you'll be done in no time and they are very lucky to have you there. We miss you.
ReplyDeleteFrancine and Ron