To show you how much I enjoy and learn from your blogs, I thought I would compare my life with what I have read on your blogs.

Jill and Nathan, Food seems to be very important here also. Every gathering especially of the Chinese, there is a tremendous amount of food. It isn’t always what I like but Elder Urmston tries everything. Some is quite hot. We both passed on the pigs ear, which is suppose to be good for the skin. As for my cooking it is very rare. We always have Breakfast. Lunch is usually late and out somewhere. Favorite places to stop are Subway, KFC twister, Nandos. In town we have one Chinese and a Greek place that we frequent. I cook dinner on Sunday. Elder Urmston has learned how to cook frozen meals quite well. I should be loosing weight, but that’s another story. The other story is that I bake a lot of cookies. They are very appreciated by the Elders and our Family Home Evening bunch. Matthew's Chocolate Chip and Jill's Rolo’s are the favorites, but when it is Tuxedo Brownies you better really hurry if your going to get one.

The news about the Oylmpics has been really great. When someone mentions all of China’s gold medals all we need to say is Michael Phelps. We do not have a TV so have not watched. We have seen a little, on a visit to our friend Burt Culles and down stairs when eating. We are proud of our American Athletes and like Linda wish they all could win. Waiting to see what happens with Basketball, Water Polo and Volley ball. Go Red,White and Blue!!!

Courtney shared some reading excitement. Heard about that book on Jill’s blog and another. As for my favorite reading material. Everyday I find myself reading a great book. I find great joy and peace through its words. I have also found answers to the questions that I have about life. The Book of Mormon is a major part of our life here as missionaries. I have seen how it is used by the Elders and have seen conversion come through it.

The blogs of Candice, Jaime, Linda and Amy have shared some great trips with us. Our most frequent trip was down a new link of the freeway. We go to the Temple twice a month. The new Eastern link has opened which cuts the time. It is a beautiful Freeway with a tunnel that is 1.6 miles long. The trips with our new members are the best. They are so thrilled to be in the Temple. Ruth was able to be baptized for her grandmother and the baptism for two grandfathers were also done.

As for Matthews recent blog on the clothing of 1977, I remember it well. As for what I see here in Melbourne I will take the clothes of 1977. I especially like the prices. The prices here are ridiculous. The same blouse I would buy in Target at home for $19.99 is $39.99 here. The really good places like Myers and David Jones you would spend $60.00plus for a blouse. So I have ordered some things from a catalog in the States and Carrie is sending them. Also wanted to comment on all the cute clothes you have to start school with. You all looked really great. When you finish school we will be coming home.

I want to say thanks for the boxes of goodies I received for my Birthday, I truly enjoyed and continue to enjoy them. E-mail wishes and cards were greatly appreciated.

We continue to see the work go forth here in the Melbourne West Mission. Today we are going to attend the Baptism of 8 people. Seven are from one family from the Sudan. The father was killed 6 years ago and the rest were able to come here. The Elders and Sisters work hard and are obedient, when that happens they are successful. We love you and enjoy hearing from you and reading your blogs to keep up with you.
Love, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston