Another BUSY Week

This was another very busy week. We made more visits this week then we ever have, it was great. Now we have to try and keep up the pace. The visits with the older people in Caulfield Ward are very rewarding for us. They are great people who have been here from the beginning days and have lots of great stories. Other visits are lessons taught to the new Chinese members. They include teaching about the organization of the Priesthood, home teaching and visiting teaching, purpose of the Temple, eternal marriage. word of wisdom, chastity and family history. Then we have the less active people to visit also.

This week we had two especially great visits. One was on Saturday
with the Brocas Family. We went to speak again about the Temple. I had purchased a sticker book for Seth. He and I did that while Elder Urmston talked with the mom and dad. Many things were discussed. Finally came around to going to church on Sunday. They are in Caulfield ward and they were to finally meet in their own building. They both agreed that they would like to go. We were thrilled. On Sunday they were there and we sat with them. Prayers are answered and patience is needed.We have been trying to get them to church since we got here. We had also met a Filipino girl and her Indian non member husband during the week. Committed them to come also. She was excited to come and was very excited when we asked her husband to come also. He finally said he would come. They were there also. They left right after Sacrament meeting so we didn't get a chance to talk to them. I was leading the music and saw them come in, so when I was going back to my seat I went and said hello. Everyone was so happy to be back in their building. It is small and very cozy. Very good spirit there.

Saturday we were able to take one of the Chinese sisters to the Temple to do Baptisms. She has been a member for 4 years, and had been less active until she came here. She is leaving to go to Beijing. Has a job working for Marriott. They are building one of the largest Marriott's ever in Beijing. They are all getting ready for the Olympics. She is an accountant. She hopes to return in a year. She was very excited about doing Baptisms, and wants to go again. That evening the young Chinese kids gave her a party and we were invited. They all cooked a plate. Some very interesting food. One plate was pigs ear, another pigs feet, a soup with pork bones and squid, Some with the little red peppers that are very hot. Abby kept asking me if I liked it. Very difficult to be truthful. I did try everything except the ones with the red peppers.They really ate it up. These young people are becoming very good friends. They are watching out for each other. Just have to make sure that they are all included. Also the new ones that are coming up.

The elders gave us a new couple to meet with. He has been a member for about a year. She is not a member. The elders feel they don't relate to her very well and think we might be able to get to her. We meet with them tomorrow.

Well I have found my new favorite candy. It is called Bullets. It is licorice covered in chocolate. I have a hard time not buying a bag everytime I go to the Big W or to Safeway.

FYI, Elder Urmston has lost about 20 pounds since before we left home. His pants don't fit. When he bought his suit the pants were a little tight. Now they have a gather in the back. No more stomach. Me on the other hand. Haven't gained anything.

I am back to making cookies weekly or more. Cakes when I can. This week I took some Cinnamon rolls to our zone meeting. I am very popular with our Elders. It is really fun.

So that's what we do. The interesting thing is that we could have been doing the same thing at home. People need an invitation. It needs to be consistent. It needs to be sincere. We have felt great joy as we see people coming to church and our new members growing in their testimonies. We also see our testimonies growing as we see the Spirit work in peoples lives.

Love you and pray for you.

Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston