Leavers

Its that time again that we dread-saying goodbye to missionaries that we love.

Sister Omugtong, Elder Jarrett and Elder Kelese have completed their

missions and are returning to their families. We miss them already.

First, dinner at the mission home.

And now its time to cut some ties!

Sister Omugtong will return to the Philippines.  She is leaving us a piece of one

of her favorite blouses.  We love you sister Omugtong.  We will miss you every 

day.

Next is Elder Kelese who will return to Samoa. He is leaving us a tie for our

tie board. Just like when you were serving in Mildura and Naracoorte, we miss

you  Elder Kelese!

Next we have Elder Jarrett who will return to the US.  We will think of you 

often and  especially every time we see your tie!  

We will miss these wonderfulmissionaries.  God be with you til we meet again.

Baptism!

This is the wonderful Calica family. Brother Calica was baptized last week and

then given the Priesthood.  Tonight he was able to baptize his son, Gabhrel. 

This beautiful family is preparing to go to the Temple to be sealed for all time

and eternity.  Is there anything more wonderful than this!  

We had the sweet privilege of being in the Calicas home and feeling the 

beautiful spirit that is there.  We love you so much Calica family.

Two of the great missionaries who have taught this family about being an

eternal family. Elder Hammond and Elder T. Johnson are valiant, obedient

hard working missionaries and Heavenly Father is blessing them  every

step of the way.  We love these Elders. We love you Brother Calica and Gabhrel.

WWe are so proud of you Gabhrel for choosing to follow the Savior. 

We love this incredible Alice Springs Zone of missionaries.  This is a special 

place and these are courageous, missionaries called to share the Gospel amongst

the people here. Elder Anderson, Elder McClutchie, Elder Hale, Elder T. Johnson,

Elder U-Fa, (Elder McMurray, Elder Flinders-assistants), Elder Hammond, Elder

Heindel and Elder Leutele.

I think a few of the Elders in Alice Springs got a hold of my camera???

Thank you Elders!  Its always nice to find smiling faces on my mission camera!

We love you!

Mission birthday!

Our last day in Darwin, April 25, was Elder McMurrays birthday!  Elder and Sister

Farrer made him an honorary member of the Darwin Zone by giving him the 

traditional smiley face birthday ball. 

And then we flew to Alice springs where the Alice Springs Zone celebrated

his birthday with an oreo ice cream cake. We love you Elder McMurray! This

is a very memorable birthday.  Darwin and Alice Springs in the same day!!

Celebrating the birthday!  Elder McClutchie, Sister Maea and Sister Ma!

And...we had a very special visitor at our Training today in Alice Springs!  Elder

and Sister Tennis's daughter, Suzanne came for a visit. What a delight to have

family members come and see what their parents are doing on their mission.  We

love getting to know the families of our missionaries. Welcome Suzanne!

Great minds think alike!  There was not even a memo that went out and we all

dressed in one of my favorite colors:) Sister Maea and 

Sister  Ma are just amazing

sister missionaries who bike and teach and find and bike some more.  They are 

obedient and diligent and happy!  

Stand up for Fruits and Vegetables!  As a mission we are eating more healthy. 

Just one more way we can align ourselves with Jesus Christ in taking great care

of our bodies.  All of this missionary biking requires healthy minds and bodies

at top condition! 

Baptism!

Brenda Wei(Qian Qian) a beautiful daughter of God.  All dressed in white and 

ready to follow the Saviors example and be baptized.  

Many many people who love Brenda came to witness this beautiful baptism.

Two of the valiant sister missionaries who love Brenda and have taught her

about the Savior.  Sister Boswell and Sister Reola.

This is a great day as we share this sacred occasion with Brenda. Elder and Sister

Farrer have been a great love and support in showing how the Gospel can bless

and change your life.  

President Dunn and his beautiful family have also surrounded Brenda with love

and welcomed her into their home.  They shared a wonderful song at the baptism

accompanied by their awesome son Nixon.

Men who hold and honor the Priesthood of God.  Elder Escueta, Elder McMurray,

Elder Flinders, Elder Dietze and Brother Chick.

Two more Elders who magnify their Priesthood.  Elder Rivera and Elder Duabe.

This was a great day. Welcome to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Brenda.  We love you and are so happy for you.

Dinner in Darwin!

Later that evening enjoying dinner at Prickles with the Darwin Zone! A first

for most of these missionaries.

This is Brenda Wei in the middle who will be baptized tomorrow!  We are so

excited for her to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter

Day Saints.  We love you so much Brenda.

Sister  Boswell and Sister Reola, along with Sister Rooari who has been transferred

 have taught and prepared Brenda for baptism.  These are some happy sisters!!

Elder Farrer and President Parker sharing a rare moment to get to talk.

Elder Flinders, Elder Wilkins and Elder Taleo having some delicious Mexican 

food together. Love these valiant diligent, obedient missionaries.  

Elder Rivera, Elder Duabe and Elder Dietze working hard to build the Lords

Kingdom in the beautiful city of Darwin.  Oh how we love and  rejoice in

the work they are doing.  Outstanding Elders!

Elder Smith and Elder Hamilton tearing it up in Darwin!!   Love these

obedient, hard working Elders who are doing all they can to bring their

brothers and sisters to Christ.

Elder McMurray and Elder Escueta-two more diligent hard working missionaries

serving with all their heart  might, mind and strength.  Love you !

Fireside and Specialty Training

Friday evening the Darwin Branch held a fireside on "Strengthening the Family."

We were blessed to be there and be a part of this wonderful evening. This is

the newest member of the Darwin Branch, Donald Blackman.  Baptized just

a 2 weeks ago. This is a great man and Donald will be a great blessing to this 

branch.  Welcome Donald.

A great day of training on Saturday with the Darwin Zone.  This training was

filled with role plays as fundamentals were practiced.  Here, Sister Reola and

Sister Boswell teach Elder Rivera, the investigator:)

President Parker getting the power point presentation all squared away!

Elder Dietze leading us in our "Mission Culture recitation."

Elder McMurray teaching "Teaching people not lessons."

Elder McMurrays companion, Elder Flinders keeping us on schedule.  These 

two Elders are incredible teachers.

Enjoying lunch in the under construction Darwin chapel!

Specialty Trainning

Flying to the Northern Territory with these handsome missionaries to meet

with missionaries in Darwin and Alice Springs.  this will be Elder McMurrays

first time to see this part of the mission.

After a warm welcome by Elder and Sister Farrer, we take Elder McMurray

over to be properly welcomed to Darwin by "jumping with the croc!"

He did it!  Elder McMurray jumpin with the crocs!!

At the Darwin Airport with the beautiful aboriginal dot painted ceiling. Fortunately,

it was a bit cooler than last month when we were here.  Much more pleasant.

We love going to Darwin!