Another Great Week

We had another meeting with Sophia and showed the Restoration DVD, she enjoyed it and had questions. At the end of the discussion Elder Urmston committed her to pray about the things that she had heard. I gave her a place to read in the Book of Mormon and we committed her to read and pray if the Book of Mormon is true. She then asked some questions about prayer, we explained a little more and then she folded her arms and started to pray. We let her finish and then encouraged her to read first and pray, kneeling at her bed to ask these questions. She said she would. As we were going to get in the car to go to FHE she told me she had to move. I was so excited, hoping it would bring her into our mission. She is now in a very strange part of the area. We have Australian members in the area but the East mission has Chinese Elders that cover that area. So now I am looking for someone to rent her a room in our ward. Abby told me that she is already defending the church. She has started getting people telling here not to get involved with us and she tells them about what she has learned. She is not coming today because she has to work. Michael and Abby were with us again. We are always encouraged to have members with us when we teach.

We were able to meet with Argielynn. She is a Filipino girl married to a non member who is from Shri Lanka. He is Buddhist. He is a chef five days a week and goes to school the other two. Doesn't get home until 7pm. His school is in the city so we invited them to go to dinner with us. Yesterday she was at church and said they would love to. So we will meet them here in the city and go to dinner. Elder Urmston has been studying about Buddhism.

Friday, the senior couples had a lunch with President and Sister Lee at their home. It was very nice. We have two new couples that we hadn't met. I was happy to see that they were both in their middle 70's. Someone told us that they weren't accepting couples in their 70's.Not true. One of the couples named Rawlins is the brother to people Aunt Kathy and Uncle Rick served with in Nigeria. Sad part was that some of them are going home. Our Sis Nusbaum leaves on Friday. We shall all miss her greatly.

Great day on Saturday. Temple Baptisms. There were 11 that went. Rides were arranged. These young people are becoming very close. If they have an activity on one night and need to be in town the next day they just stay at one of the places in town. Jane was going to go with us to the church where we were meeting and called that she would go with Michael. I thought, did Michael bring his suit into town. Called back and no, do I need to wear a suit. Little things not covered. So he was going to go home and be back at the church on time. Then started calling all the others. Some knew others not. Everything worked out. One forgotten recommend, but a Bishopric member there to fix that. Albert, Danny, Michael, Kenneth,Tom,Ruth, Abby, Sis Goai first time. Lucy, Billy, Jane had been before. We were at the Baptisms for many of these people and now we get to take them to the Temple for the first time. How great is that. Now for Abby. She has had some fears about this. She was just going to watch. Elder Urmston gave her a blessing to help her. She watched as the young men were baptized. Then she went to do Confirmations. When she came back she came over to me and said could she be Baptized. Very big step for her. She did it. First time her face came up looking rather frightened. I was a bit concerned. When I asked her she said she does not like to get her face in the water. Wonderful to see these new members excited to serve others.

Sunday was quite a day. We started out by going to Fairfield Ward. Little disappointed that Seraiah was not there. Realized that some of the young people had gone to Caulfield because George was speaking. So we headed over to Caulfield. Takes about 1/2 hour. We were early and had a chance to talk with members there. Watching for the Brocas and Argylynn and Peita Odgers. Also for George. We called him the night before to see how he was doing and he was at home writing his talk. First came Argylynn, with her cute smiling face. Big hugs. Just before we were going in there were Kirt, Vikie and Seth. Then came Peita with Bella. I was leading the music and in came George saw me and had a huge smile. He gave the most touching talk as he explained about his life before the Gospel. Told how he got on the wrong tram and met the Elders. He was very teary. We love to see emotion in the Chinese as the Spirit touches their heart. Had lesson with George and Kenneth on Family History. They were very excited, Gave them a Family Group Sheet and they immediately started to fill it it. Abby stuck around to listen. Rushed home to visit with Deniz and have another Temple Prep class. Off to the Phans. This you should be very impressed with. When we went to get on the lift. A man told us they were both not working. We could take the stairs. We just looked at each other. They live on the 14th floor. I had my phone,but not their number. So off we went, up 14 flights of stairs. Elder Urmstons legs were burning and my heart was pounding. A very good cardio exercise. When we came out they were working. Rushed home to prepare for a Birthday Party for Elder Urmston. I invited some of our young friends over. We bought a lot of Chinese type foods and snacks. Had a cake. Michael brought a dish that he made with spaghetti type noodles, egg, cucumber and ham and then spiced up. Just a little hot. Michael has become known as the chef.There were six of them. Same group. George, Kenneth and Michael, Abby, Jane and Julia. We played the spoon game and Mafia. They knew about Mafia. Talked about China and marriage and church. Great, great day.

So we continue on being greatly touched by those we meet and the experiences we are having. Sister Lee told me that when they are done with their responsibility she wants to come back and do what we are doing. It is hard for me to think of this as any kind of a sacrifice, we are having to much fun.

Thanks for your prayers on our behalf, we feel them and appreciate them We love you all and enjoy hearing from you.

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