Cold Outside, Warm Hearts

Happy Birthday to those who celebrate with me in August, Jessica, Jill and Chad.

We now have our second great grandchild. His name is Daniel Skeet Triston Panaro. He weighed in at 9 lbs 1oz and 21 inches long. He was born on July 16. Mother and baby are doing fine and big sister Talia is getting adjusted to her new little brother. Congratualation Nicole and Jacob.

Elder Urmston was given a very specical request. . Vicky and Henry were married on Aug 2 and Vicky asked Elder Urmston to escort her down the isle. It was held outside in a park . The weather here has not been good and we have all been praying for good weather. We saw prayers answered, when the day was much milder then ususal. No wind which really helped. We also had the bride and groom and others here at the flat getting dressed before the ceremony. Then we went with the Bride and Groom and attendents in a horse drawn carriage to the park. There was a nice group of people for the ceremony and then a very lovely reception at the Chapel. The Ward Members were very helpful with the food and the decorating of the hall. Our prayers are that in a years time they will be prepared to go to the Temple. Another wedding took place during the past weeks. Martin Side and Yu Ching were married in Taiwan.

We have met a very interesting young man. He is eleven years old and has been a member about a year. His parents aren’t members. He attends our institute class. He has read the Book of Mormon over and over since his Baptism. He is very bright and loves the Gospel and especically the Book of Mormon.

Abby has been called to be a counselor in the YW and gave her first lesson and loved it. The girls were very supportive and she was very prepared.It was fun watching her prepare and practice her lesssons on the Elders. Jane was called to teach the CTR 7 in Primary. Her first lesson went very well. She asked us to go with her to receive her Patriachal Blessing. It was beautiful and she is a special Chinese young women who feels the sweet spirit and responds with tears. I think we will bring her home with us.. Abby will receive hers next week. We are so very happy to see these young people given opportunity to server. . All of the converts since we have arrived are serving in callings and becoming more involved in the wards. We love being with them but recognize the importance of them looking to the ward for fellowship.

An interesting thing here in the land down under. They celebrate Chirstmas in July. The RS had a very lovely enrichment activity to celebrate Christmas in July. They had the hall decorated with Christmas items and everyone brought something to eat that they have during the Christmas Season.. Everyone made little plum puddings and then there was a video presentation on the life of Christ. They do this because everything leads to Christmas being in the Cold time of year and they have it in Summer. Even the stores have sales at this time of year for Christmas.

We had a nice visit from a cousin. She is the oldest daughter of Lance Grenda named Ngarie. She came with her son and we had a very nice visit. She actually lives within our mission bounderies. She has already invited us to come for Christmas if we would like. She said she was planning to have a Grenda get togeather and would let us know.

Each week brings us somebody new to add to our list of new friends. They are very supportive of us and treat us very kindly. We love to serve in anyway we can. We know the Hand of God is directing us and we also know that your prayers on our behalf have been heard. Thanks for you support and love and E-MAILS!!!!!!!
LOVE, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa , Elder and Sister Urmston