Pics and the joy we are finding everyday!

(Scott's birthday dinner at Brenda's)

(Dancing at the Mother's Day Bash)

(Us and little J'beira)

(Maddie and Me....we're friends!)

(The Royal Wives of the Branch Presidency)


Mother's Day a la Samoa
There was great anticipation of this event to be held Saturday afternoon at 4:00, which we are learning slowly that it probably will get going about 5 or 5:30. And then they'll wait til all the dignitaries are here; in this case, it was the 2nd Counselor. Husbands had been instructed to make leis for their wives. Of course, one is suppose to just 'know' this; no announcement. And they weren't all that thrilled about Elder Solomon calling all the inactives to tell them about this party. (Tired of 'feeding' them; so we knew then that it was a Samoan affair. ) Have to learn the signals and customs. So great! Another opportunity to wear our outrageous matching outfits, made previously in Utah for a big Luau. Needless to say, our Polynesian attire was a hit! However, as I waltzed in with my home-made lei around my neck, we learn you weren't supposed to, after clearing all of us "not in the know" out of the hall. Our names and titles were called out to proceed into the room, starting First with the Branch President's wife and Counselor's wives; followed by Br.Pres. Mother-in-Law; followed next by Hilda, the oldest Mother in the Branch; followed by me, Sister Solomon. Unknowingly, Elder Solomon put his lei around my neck(once more!) gave me a sweet kiss, and escorted me in, and sat across from me, right until he noticed none of the husbands were in the Hall, much less "sitting" at a table! So he gingerly sauntered back out of the hall, once again; and all the men ate in the kitchen and waited on our tables(us wives and kids). Scott did get permission to go in and sit with me, as well as our cute Elders. The food was fabulous, as usual; they "loved" the garlic bread. (Ours! Garlic bread isn't a big thing here.) Then with Samoan Elder Prez announcing the rest of the evening in Samoan, we realized tables were dismantled and the hall was cleared for the "Item" Show, which only the Samoans knew about. A "talent show'. Then the DJ started the dance music and Scott and I danced the swing once and a waltz once and Scott was tired out (he turned 72 last week!) so we had fun watching them dance. They did a lot of 'acting out the words' with their partner as they danced. This went on for about 2 more hours then it drew to a close. We did have a good time that night. Then the next morning at church, the speakers were informed they would postpone their talks til next time, and the meeting was opened up to Mothers to bear their testimonies, and the Primary Pres. was informed as she came in late that the Primary was to sing a song for Mothers. That's how they function here. But we're here to strengthen this Branch, and you know Scott!!??

Aussies use the word "item" a lot here. We wanted to share that we're doing a big Genealogy Workshop in June, which will be open to the communities of Mooroopna and Shepparton, where anyone can come to our chapel to learn how to search out their ancestors on the computer. We are spreading at least a thousand fliers out around the communities and hope it will become a great way to get missionary referrals. And Scott has been working on his plans for the Christmas Pageant which will be traveling to 3 different towns for performances. We are really enjoying our time here. With no distractions we have been studying the scriptures and prayerfully asking for guidance to serve where we might be needed. I spend all day Saturday giving piano lessons to Branch members, of all ages. We work with the missionaries, with the members, and are finding joy in our experiences here.