It is Great

It is great serving a mission here in Melbourne. The city is really very beautiful. It is layed out in a big square. Many of the streets as I have said before are lined with trees. Parks everywhere. They are going through a draught right now and so the grass is not too green. There are different statues and many beautiful churches throughout the city. The tram will take you anywhere you want to go in downtown Melbourne. There is a big river that goes around the city called the Yarra river and the harbour is also within walking distance or most anywhere in town. There has to be a couple hundred suburb towns, each has its own shopping street with individual shops. The Australians do not like the big Malls going up. However the parking garage is full.


Started a new six week planner. Those six weeks go quickly.
We had a wonderful baptism this week. Her name is Ruth. The elders that found her were a little overwhelmed with the story she told of her life. She has been in Australia for 10 years. Her English is not good. The Chinese young women have really been supportive of her. When she first started coming she very rarely smiled and looked down most of the time. Now she smiles and looks you in the eye. We have seen the Lord work miracles in her life. She bore a sweet strong testimony at her baptism. Another thing that was very special was that Michael, who was Baptized about a month ago, performed the Baptism. There were many people in attendance. Also it was Ruth's birthday. She told Jane that she has never had a celebration for her Birthday. We sang Happy Birthday and had a cake.









We had a lunch on Saturday. We invited Seraiah, Jane and Abby. Seraiah is the young woman who has been inactive and we teach the institute class to each week. She doesn't know very many people so this was a fellow shipping activity. When she got here she was very excited about coming and when Abby arrived she immediately started inviting her to the party they were having after our lunch. She went. We played UNO. We always have a chance to talk about life. They don't really understand freedom. Speaking up for your self or your children. I asked them where did they see themselves in 5 years. All said being a mom. I told them they would have to stand up for their children. If they did not think the teacher was treating their child well they would have to say something. Their eyes were wide and they wanted to know if I was serious. I told them you live in a free land. You can speak up.


Another party. Elder Tee went home to Malaysia on Friday. Wednesday the young people planned a dinner for him. We went to a Korean Restaurant. It was very good. Elder Gin came back from Tasmania, so he surprised Elder Tee when he showed up. He is now the Zone leader. Lots of changes in the Zone. Elders Perkins and Williamson went to Tasmania.


We have been asked by the Bishop to help out with a Sister and her two sons that are here from New Zealand. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is here for 6 to 8 weeks for radiation treatments. We took them to church this morning and they were able to get the train home. We will try and help her out by getting the boys as involved as we can. One is named Bishop he is 13 and looks 16. the other is Ammon and 9. All kinds of different service we get to do.
We have another busy week ahead of us and look forward to conference next week. I know you have all had it, Ours is delayed a week because of the time difference.
We actually have an investigator. Elders Perkin and Brown gave her to us. They have come to the end of what they can do and think we might be able to help. Her name is Sophie and her husband is a member named Charles. Her English is very good. So remember us this week on Thursday as we teach our first lesson.

Our Jimmy gave a talk in primary today. We found out and went to help him on Thursday. When we got there he showed us what he had written. It was perfect. We gave him a scripture to use. Today the whole family mom too were there. We were all in primary to hear his first talk. Bro McClure translated for mom and dad. Proud moment for everyone. He was not even nervous.
As you can see the Blessings just keep coming. We see the hand of the Lord in all that is done in the mission. We also get to share in the blessings that come to the Elders and Sisters.
Who could ask for any thing more.
Love you all and our prayers continue to be for your happiness and success and safety and that your testimonies will continue to grow stronger every day.
Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Elder and Sister Urmston