Six Months Are Gone

It is very hard for us to realize that six months of our life went as fast as it did. We look back and see that the time went by, but fast is not the word to describe it. Maybe sped by is better. We will say however that they were six months of extreme joy. We have done exactly what we were told to do. Love the People.

We want to say congratulations to Jordan on his mission call. We were sorry we weren't there to join in the excitement of opening his letter. Jordan will be serving in the Asuncion, Paraguay mission. Another Spanish speaking member of the family. If you live in Bakersfield, that comes in handy. Also congratulations to him for being an All American swimmer. That's for sure an Urmston first. Good coaching I am sure. We have enjoyed keeping up on our family by reading your blogs and through the birthday phone calls. Happy Birthday to all of our June Birthdays.

Sometimes it all seems to run together, I am not sure what I have told you and what would be new. One day last week we left at 10am and arrived home at 9:30 that night. We made many visits that day. All were our older friends. They are so very grateful for a visit and always say when will you be back. We just were given a new list from Bishop Mohr with another 10 names of people who could use a visit.

We really enjoy giving our new member lessons. We have 6 that we are doing now. Five our new members and one is our new Japanese friend Etsuko. She is so very happy to be going to Church again. She is attending everything there is available for her. The elders are teaching two different English classes and she is going to both. She meets with us once a week and attends FHE. She is very intelligent, working on her third degree. She finally spoke to her fiancée and he was very happy for her. When she goes home for a visit later this month, she will introduce him to the Gospel. We are trying to help her remember the things she use to know.

Saturday evening the Missionaries put on a Fireside using the Living Christ and music. It was very well done. One of our Sisters, Sister Polsoni put it together. I was able to sing in one of the pieces and Elder Urmston and I read one of the parts. It was really very good. However the attendance was very bad. The people of Caulfield Ward are slow to respond to Spiritual activities. Pres and Sis Lee were there. Poor Sister Lee, she was crying through the whole thing. They were very upset that there were not more people in attendance. He said he would let President Dudfold know that it should be a Stake Fireside. We shall see. Such wonderfully talented young people we are privileged to work with.

One other really special night was week ago Sunday. Brother and Sister Lau invited us along with the other Elders and Sisters in Caulfield Ward for dinner. They also invited the new members of the ward. Chris from Korea and Kenneth and George from China. Our little friend Abby heard about it and some way got she, Jane and Nell invited also. It was a lovely dinner and then Elder Lau who is in the Bishopric asked us all to share our Testimonies. It was very special. Each of them shared their conversion stories. All in English except Nell, hers was half and half. Her English is good. We shed tears as we felt the sweet spirit coming from each of them. We look forward to every opportunity we have to be with the.

Elder Brown and Elder Li asked us to fellowship with them a couple they have been teaching. Their opportunities to meet are limited. They are both in Uni and are in the middle of finals. He wanted to share with them from the beautiful March issue of the Ensign, Pres. Hinckley's message. What a sweet time that was. To see these young people begin to recognize who Jesus Christ is. To help them understand that there is a God and that he loves them. They asked questions and listened. When it was time to end. Elder Brown asked Jimmie whom he would like to give the prayer. He said he would. Wow was that beautiful. Sweet, humble prayer thanking and asking for help to know the truth. They are in our prayers daily.

We actually treated ourselves last week to a movie. We went to see the new Indiana Jones movie and really loved it.

We love you all, we pray for you, please pray for us. I loved that message from Pres. Monson. Stay strong in your Testimonies of the Restored Gospel and of Jesus Christ. Share your testimonies with those you come in contact with. Most important share your testimonies with our grandchildren. They need to hear it from you.

We know God lives. We know the Gospel has been restored to the Earth and we have been given the great blessing to know it and live it. We love the Savior Jesus Christ and recognize him as the head of the Church.

Love to you all, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa and Elder and Sister Urmston