We Are Non-Stop!

We have had a really busy two weeks, I don't know where to begin. One of the best things that took place was the Shall We Dance activity. The young Chinese were concerned that they did not know how to dance (the girls were concerned.) So Julia said she would be in charge of an activity to learn how to dance. Things were going well but we had one big problem, " Who was going to teach them?" They thought that we could and we told them we dont' really dance all that well. So we checked with both wards, nothing. Finally, Elder Urmston took it upon himself to find someone. He e-mailed some dance studios and asked if they had anyone who would come to the church and teach. Many of the ads said that they had free beginning lessons. We received a call from Chris, he said he and his wife would be able to come. Was a cost though. We went ahead and booked them. Next, Julia is nervous that their won't be enough guys, what if no one comes? We assigned some refreshments. Friday when we were at the building the RS was having a dinner with very nice decorations. We asked if they would leave them up, they did. So Saturday we arrive and nervous Julia was there along with Michael and and investigator named Jo. We put out the refreshment table and had a sign in paper with place for contact information. Around seven a few were there. 7:15 Chris and his wife arrived, we were happy to see them. By 7:15 we had quite a large group. We started by playing the orange game, sat them all in chairs and explained with Julia translating. What fun that was to watch. They were very animated as they were squeezing hands down the line and grabbing for the orange. One team lost three in a row and one of our investigators Nicky was up off her seat telling the guys to do it right. Now it was time to dance. We have six young men, high school age investigating. They were there but not very interested in participating. With out them the numbers were perfect, 10 guys 10 girls. So we begin. Chris was great, had us all line up boys one way girls the other and we did the Waltz first. Everyone participated. After we had done the steps a few times. We partnered and tried it together. Then the guys shifted and we had a new partner. Really well taught. Then we went on to the Salsa and then the Cha Cha. Needless to say it was a very successful evening. Refreshments were served and there was still some time, so we played musical chairs and they loved that. All we heard during the week was when are we going to do it again. So we have booked the 14 of June and called Chris and he will be able to come. Then I asked Bishop Smith from Caulfield Ward if they had funds to help pay for the instructors. He agreed to pay half. Now we just need Bishop Mohr to agree. We are hoping to get reimbursed by the Stake for the first one, if not it was worth it. Next time all YSA from the ward will be invited. Try to get some cultural mingling. My camera does not work well when there is not a lot of light so was not able to get good pictures. Finally I asked Haun and Ming to pretend like they were dancing for me after it was over and the lights were on.

We visited the Old Melbourne Goal on our p-day. It was the old prison, built in the 1841. It was where they hung 135 people. One of them was their most notorious outlaw, Ned Kelly. Part of the tour was interactive. We were booked and placed in a cell. Very interesting and very sad. Many women were placed in the Goal because they were destitute. There husbands had left them to go to the gold fields and they had no way to support themselves. If they had children under 12 months they went with the mother. Horrible experience for any one, but for a child it was life altering.

This last week Elder Brown and Li were finding at a park near the University and found a young women from Japan. Her name is Echoko. She is here getting a third degree. She is a member of the church and has been inactive for 6 years. She was so happy to see them. They got her a Book of Mormon in Japanese. She was thrilled. She was at church and FHE and came to Institute. The lesson was on Alma 36. She was very touched and shared with us her need to repent. We were all able to feel of her sweet spirit. We will be working with her to remind her of the things that she knew many years ago.

The Saturday before Mothers Day Caulfield ward had a dinner and invited everyone to attend. Bishop Smith was beaming as there were 85 people there. I believe more Chinese then Australian. Everyone really enjoying their visits. The food was great. Here is a picture of one of the great older couples that we visit. They are Arnold and Christine Selder from the Netherlands. they have been in this area since the early 50.s. They have watched the church grow and have wonderful stories. On Sunday Caulfield had attendance of 141 people. The best they have had in years. Good to see the Brocas family there.

Well I can't write of all the great things that are happening here. We are busy and happy and feel that we are being sent where we are needed. We love you and pray for you.

Mom and Dad Grandma and Grandpa Elder and Sister Urmston