tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7464588339155793872012-02-16T13:28:05.255-08:00Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-23941796788651900022011-07-09T11:06:00.000-07:002011-07-09T12:16:10.597-07:00We just returned from great trip to Hawaii. This year we enjoyed our time with Kait, Tanner and Tyler. We enjoyed their humor and also their insights into life. Here are some photos of our trip<br /><br /><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w205.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw205.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb179%2Fmeurmston%2Fhawaii%2Fd369a1a3.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/meurmston/hawaii/?action=view&amp;current=d369a1a3.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2394179678865190002?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-10762604761875419382011-01-20T12:22:00.001-08:002011-01-20T12:36:05.734-08:00<div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TTiZr8j6O5I/AAAAAAAAAi0/j9EmzuJDnZs/s1600/marc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564366319886416786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TTiZr8j6O5I/AAAAAAAAAi0/j9EmzuJDnZs/s200/marc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />Our little boy </div><div><br /></div><div>Marc</div><div><br /></div><div>is a grandpa </div><div><br /></div><div>again</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TTiaSr8Lc_I/AAAAAAAAAjE/2HIn_jgZSYM/s1600/courtney.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564366985439704050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TTiaSr8Lc_I/AAAAAAAAAjE/2HIn_jgZSYM/s200/courtney.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>His daughter</div><div><br /></div><div>Courtney </div><div><br /></div><div>has a new</div><div><br /></div><div>baby girl<br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TTiaqYvZIdI/AAAAAAAAAjM/_1JmWrr1Ax4/s1600/london.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564367392602661330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TTiaqYvZIdI/AAAAAAAAAjM/_1JmWrr1Ax4/s200/london.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Her name is </div><div>London<br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>This brings the great grandchildren to a total of four </div><div>Talia, Tristan, Tyler and London</div><div> How very blessed we are.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Grandparents and grandchildren,</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Together they create a chain of love</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Linking the past,</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">With the future.</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The chain may lengthen,</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">But it will never part.<br /></span></strong></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br 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/></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-1076260476187541938?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-33123454630823865602010-06-03T07:07:00.000-07:002010-06-05T20:26:36.623-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAnqwBIY6FI/AAAAAAAAAhI/QEBbFW8dLYs/s1600/DSCF5123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479168532331161682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAnqwBIY6FI/AAAAAAAAAhI/QEBbFW8dLYs/s200/DSCF5123.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We welcomed our third great grandchild. She was born on May 22, her name is Tyler Panaro. Talia and Triston now have a little sister. Mom and dad Nichole and Jacob are quite pleased. Grandma and Grandpa Marc and Linda congratulations to you.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAe_jggtRUI/AAAAAAAAAgw/z4l6qO_-d0U/s1600/el+capitan+mom+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478558088462943554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAe_jggtRUI/AAAAAAAAAgw/z4l6qO_-d0U/s200/el+capitan+mom+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Our four little boys ,as we use to call them , are now all grown up and graduating from High School. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAsUZVvZofI/AAAAAAAAAhg/O13bQ77vUJQ/s1600/zacary.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479495797191582194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAsUZVvZofI/AAAAAAAAAhg/O13bQ77vUJQ/s200/zacary.jpg" border="0" /></a>We were sorry to miss the first which was Zac Coontz, son of Amy and Jim, because my father was on Hospice Care and close to joining my mom we had to cancel our trip to Memphis. We congratulate Zac. He is a great, happy young man. Very friendly and kind. He recently had a major knee problem while playing soccer at school. Hope the surgery gets him back to his active self. He will be working for his dad this year while he waits for April and a mission.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAnrj1cH8mI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/TD3bmeDr4SE/s1600/DSCF5106.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479169422545908322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAnrj1cH8mI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/TD3bmeDr4SE/s200/DSCF5106.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478556076703259618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 9px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 3px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAe9uaH0m-I/AAAAAAAAAgg/V5PMVGDLuKM/s200/DSCF5110.JPG" border="0" />Next is Cooper Urmston son of Matthew and Leslie. We were able to get up to Utah for this graduation. Cooper served on his Senior Counsel during this year and had a great time. He also swam on the swim team and had some great improvements in his times and enjoyed his senior year. He is also very happy, kind young man. Enjoys life. He will be attending UVU in the fall. next summer he will also be heading out to serve the Lord on a mission.<br /></div><div>Two Bakersfield boys graduating high school.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479168008004989506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAnqRf3SckI/AAAAAAAAAhA/PO8ocDvinQ4/s200/mason+graduation.jpg" border="0" />Mason, son of Marc and Linda graduated from Liberty High School. He had a great year. He served as the Commissioner of Athletics this year. Libertys football team won the Valley championship and Basketball went all the way to the finals of the state championship. Very good year. He received a nice award from the Jockey club for his great defensive work during football season. Mason will be attending BC until he heads off on a mission.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAkjmF1J7MI/AAAAAAAAAg4/nznXiCXDCGA/s1600/DSCF5146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478949558980046018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAkjmF1J7MI/AAAAAAAAAg4/nznXiCXDCGA/s200/DSCF5146.JPG" border="0" /></a>Porter is son of Peter and Elaine. He attended Frontier high school and played Center on the football team. Their team won their division in the Valley Championship. He also won the Jockey Award. He swam this year with his cousin Candice as his coach. Most impressive was the Academic in Excellance he received for 4.0 grade point for 4 years. He will be heading up to Utah to attend BYU. Following in his parents footsteps.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAe-POOsjlI/AAAAAAAAAgo/LBslqW0LfoA/s1600/DSCF5135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478556640446549586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/TAe-POOsjlI/AAAAAAAAAgo/LBslqW0LfoA/s200/DSCF5135.JPG" border="0" /></a>We also attended the graduation of Garrett Urmston, Peter and Elaines son. He will be heading to high school next year. Garrett had a very successful year at Norris Midddle School. He served in student government and played on the championship basketball team. He also received two awards. One was from the optimist for outstanding student in the school.<br /><br /><br /><div>Lots of good things happening in the family. We enjoy being a part. Sounds like a very proud grandma and grandpa. We are, Our kids have done well as parents.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3312345463082386560?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-38858543538075438802010-05-07T08:54:00.001-07:002010-05-15T22:47:07.959-07:00<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S-Q8b64UAsI/AAAAAAAAAf4/pmfr0cdqofU/s1600/chris+stumbaugh+dad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468562297894208194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S-Q8b64UAsI/AAAAAAAAAf4/pmfr0cdqofU/s200/chris+stumbaugh+dad.jpg" border="0" /></a> TodayMay 7th my dad is 97 years old. He has lived during a time of great change. He has witnessed man walking on the moon, h<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S-Q9iNHvrkI/AAAAAAAAAgI/qQ22joOKX5E/s1600/DSCF0872.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468563505381617218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S-Q9iNHvrkI/AAAAAAAAAgI/qQ22joOKX5E/s200/DSCF0872.JPG" border="0" /></a>e has witnessed the computer age, he has seen his small TV with a magnifying glass turn into a Digital big screen on the wall. He has watched automobiles go from little two seaters to huge trucks and SUV,s. He loved his brand new VW the first year they were out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div>He has watched his two daughters grow,marry and give to him 16 grandchildren and 63 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S-Q8yTYmBEI/AAAAAAAAAgA/FC7dVTxf-tQ/s1600/dadbike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468562682429178946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S-Q8yTYmBEI/AAAAAAAAAgA/FC7dVTxf-tQ/s200/dadbike.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>He enjoyed his game of golf, his dogs, reading novels, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of fortune. Enjoyed traveling with his fifth wheel. Loves his candy. </div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S-Q7z0EmG6I/AAAAAAAAAfw/Q-k5zmg3gso/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468561608871910306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S-Q7z0EmG6I/AAAAAAAAAfw/Q-k5zmg3gso/s200/DSC_0062.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>At age 92 he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and was sealed to his wife and daughters the following year. </div><br /><div>He is very ill right now and is anxious to continue his life in the spirit world with his one and only love who left us in 2007. </div><br /><div>My dad told me he was going to live to be 100. Hasn't quite made it but has come really close.</div><div>Love you dad especially for giving me a love of music, nature and adventure. </div><div> </div><div>PS Today is May 15. During the early morning hours of this dad my dad was reunited with</div><div>my mom. I know the reunion was sweet and happy</div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3885854353807543880?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-71130659158081539012010-01-19T00:10:00.000-08:002010-01-20T17:51:25.937-08:00Another great trip for us. Off to Memphis and then on to Marlton NJ. Some highlights of the trip.<br />Playing Wii. All the kids gave us one for Christmas so we had to learn all the ins and outs of bowling and tennis. Bowling is our favorite. Zac and Landon seem to have it figured out real well.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1Zeo2ud7ZI/AAAAAAAAAew/k0hPRz_a7A8/s1600-h/memphis+marlton+drew+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428630456819903890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1Zeo2ud7ZI/AAAAAAAAAew/k0hPRz_a7A8/s200/memphis+marlton+drew+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1ZeBG1mzEI/AAAAAAAAAeo/JCBMDH9KD_o/s1600-h/memphis+marlton+drew+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428629773950045250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1ZeBG1mzEI/AAAAAAAAAeo/JCBMDH9KD_o/s200/memphis+marlton+drew+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Off to the Memphis zoo with the Coontz clan. It was a bit cold but warm with family and the watching the polar bears and seals and the new Grizzly Teton exhibit. The Panda always seems to come out to great us when we go.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1es64yTzHI/AAAAAAAAAfI/O0SW7zfs3T0/s1600-h/memphis+marlton+drew+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428998003494210674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1es64yTzHI/AAAAAAAAAfI/O0SW7zfs3T0/s200/memphis+marlton+drew+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Good food at Fat Larys Barbecue and with Kamrie after her Baptisms to Steak and Shake.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1esrr9IwvI/AAAAAAAAAfA/VoaH1dQ5RHU/s1600-h/memphis+marlton+drew+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428997742351926002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1esrr9IwvI/AAAAAAAAAfA/VoaH1dQ5RHU/s200/memphis+marlton+drew+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Of Course the Baptism of Kamrie Coontz. Can't believe she could be 8 already. So nice to see her big brother Zac perform the ordinance.<br /><br /><br /><br />Welcoming in the new year with Grandma and Grandpa Coontz and Kamrie and her friend Sage. We did make it until midnight.<br /><br />Nice drive from Memphis to Nashville.<br /><br />We had some snow in NJ. Again I love it, Dean does not like the snow.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428998681535334450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1etiWr6SDI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/8oxrtlKHLg4/s200/memphis+marlton+drew+035.jpg" border="0" /><br />More WII and board games. I really enjoyed one called Ticket to Ride. Ordered and I am looking forward to playing with some Bakersfield folks.<br /><br />Good restaurants here also. Five Guys. Alot like In and Out. I still think In and out is the best. Then to PF Changs. Some of the best food was in the homes where we stayed. Good cooks all. Thanks Amy and Jim Jessica, Jaida and Kaylin and Erman.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1et5EBpfdI/AAAAAAAAAfY/WySDvjrMhRo/s1600-h/memphis+marlton+drew+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428999071663226322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1et5EBpfdI/AAAAAAAAAfY/WySDvjrMhRo/s200/memphis+marlton+drew+047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Getting acquainted with a darling little girl named Marissa. She won our hearts with her cute little smile and all her jabber.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1euS653p9I/AAAAAAAAAfg/e5WsQL3A1h0/s1600-h/memphis+marlton+drew+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428999515891279826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/S1euS653p9I/AAAAAAAAAfg/e5WsQL3A1h0/s200/memphis+marlton+drew+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks for sharing your beds, the hugs, the sweet little notes and great food and a really fun time<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-7113065915808153901?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-35041698623643491032009-12-19T07:48:00.000-08:002009-12-19T08:52:48.181-08:00Blogging seems to be one of the last things on my list to do's, but found a little time. <div><div><div><br /><div>We had a great trip to Utah over the Thanksgiving Holiday. We always drive right through on the way to Utah and hurry home. This time we thought we would take some time to visit friends and see some sites. Thank you to Linda and Marc for coming to the house to be with Grandpa Stumbaugh so we could go. </div><br /><div> Some hightlights of our trip. </div><br /><div> A stop in Las Vegas to visit our good friend Fred Clark. </div><br /><div> Off to Planethollywood to see the America's Got Talent Show. </div><br /><div> In St. George we found our neighbors from long ago , The Whitakers. </div><br /><div> Good to see Ann, Bill and Debbie</div><br /><div> A visit with The Ence's. They served with us in Australia</div><br /><div> A day visiting Zion National Park. Beautiful, Beautiful</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416982046099042658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Syz8eHRm8WI/AAAAAAAAAdI/B35m1NVQFuY/s320/Utah+trip+015.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div> Off to Benjamin and Matthew and Leslies for Thanksgiving<br /></div><div align="center">Great food and wonderful company.</div><div align="center">Off to the Bowing Alley for some exercise</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416982543940280034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Syz87F4NXuI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/FqA6o1YnmPg/s320/Utah+trip+054.jpg" border="0" /> A time to go and see Kaitlin play basketball<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416987018100727090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sy0A_hbL3TI/AAAAAAAAAdo/p5kcaa-ZspU/s320/Utah+trip+076.jpg" border="0" /> A visit to the Salt Lake Temple, walk around the grounds with all the lights and </div><div><div>dinner at The Roof restaurant overlooking Temple Square. Yummy food<br /><br /> Visit with High School friends Ron and Marilyn Morgan from Draper</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"> Lunch with the Tucketts, the office couple from our mission and three of the Elders that we served with, Elder Li, Erb and Beckham</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416983163088415602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Syz9fIYoK3I/AAAAAAAAAdY/JvdVq73tra0/s320/Utah+trip+066.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Stay with Carrie and Ralph in their new home in Lehi. </div><br /><div align="center">Lunch with the Warners, friends from when we lived in Covina so many years ago. </div><br /><div align="center">Being a part of the baptism of Addi </div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416987385609776562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sy0BU6gK7bI/AAAAAAAAAdw/-aPuJ55yXw8/s320/Utah+trip+081.jpg" border="0" /> Lots of shopping and eating and out to the movies to see a great one Blind Side. </div><div> </div><div> A little snow before we came home. Just missed the big storm<br /><br /><div align="center">Our trip home was quicker..</div><br /><div align="center">As you can see we enjoyed our time with family and friends and the beauties of nature. </div><div align="center">When we arrived home we were ready to prepare for the Christmas Season. I have had a wonderful time decorating and enjoying Christmas programs and our Ward activities. We are excited to be home for Christmas this year. Our last two years in Australia were very special but there is nothing like being with family to celebrate the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ. We are very blessed and recognize his hand in our life. </div><div align="center">Merry Christams to you all and hope you have a great new year 2010</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3504169862364349103?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-29419205982445431352009-10-30T08:31:00.000-07:002009-10-30T09:20:16.717-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SusP7WII0FI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ouXGkjFuuVM/s1600-h/BOOKS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398426090560082002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 109px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SusP7WII0FI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ouXGkjFuuVM/s320/BOOKS.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As a young person I did not enjoy reading. I know I read some books as a kid and remember my mom reading us the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bobsey</span> Twins series of books. High school reading was a disaster. College was a nightmare. As a nursing student all I ever did was read. As life continued I found time to read a book maybe once in a summer. As I have matured I have found that reading is quite enjoyable. I have always had one major problem when reading for enjoyment and that is that I just wanted to get done so I could go on to something else. </div><br /><div>I also found myself reading only one type of book. I have been reading <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Grisham</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Baldalchi</span> and Patterson. Any type of mystery.I love a puzzle, so solving the mystery was great fun. I loved the lawyer books and the Camel Club, I loved that so many of them were in our wonderful northern Virginia. When an area or street was mentioned it brought back great memories. </div><br /><div>I have just recently started to read different types of books. It started when I returned from our mission. I wanted to read about China, so picked up a book entitled Shanghai Girl. Loved it. Then was called to be the Enrichment leader in our ward and started having some mini classes. One was a book club. What a wonderful, fun , great experience. Talk about reading different types of books. I have loved every minute. I especially love the wonderful women that are a part of this group. Some of the books that I have recently read are The Road, The Long Walk, These is my Words and almost finished The Book Thief. Very different reads for me, but I have enjoyed my adventures and especially the different type of writing by each author. I am so impressed with people who are able to put word to paper with such <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">brilliance</span>. I look forward to my next adventures through the written word. One of the greatest part of this is the opportunity to sit with my sisters and discuss what we found in the books that we enjoyed. I also learned something about myself during this process. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">usually</span> just read the book without really thinking to much about the people or what I can learn from it. After the first months discussion I realized that I needed to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">concentrate</span> more on what I was reading. This month is better. </div><br /><div>Just so you know that I have not slipped <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">completely</span> away from what I should be doing. We also have a Scripture Study group that I have the opportunity to teach. We are studying the Book of Revelation. Thank you so much to Bruce R <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McConkie</span> and Bro. Perry who have studied this book and written great commentaries. I also love my sisters who are sharing this experience with me. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2941920598244543135?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-64512216212629941432009-10-02T14:30:00.000-07:002009-10-02T15:19:23.989-07:00When I finished my nursing education and had the opportunity to have a career, I chose as my career to be a mom. There were times when people looked down on me because of that choice. I have never regretted it. Having the opportunity to be the mother of Heavenly Fathers wonderful spirit children has brought me all the joy and fulfillment that I would ever need. Yes at times I wondered what in the world I was doing. At times I knew that I was way over my head when it came to knowing what to do. what to say, how to react. At times I was very frustrated with my life. During all of these times something would always happen that would bring me back to the joy my children brought into my life. An unexpected hug, a complement from someone about how great my kids were, excelling in sports or school, a talk in church where I was overwhelmed with love and on and on. There is a scripture in 3rd John that states"There is no greater joy then to hear that my children walk in truth."<br />To watch children grow from infancy to adulthood and then watch them as they are parents is the greatest career any one could ask for. I continue to enjoy being a grandmother and great grandmother. As I watch these young people grow and succeed in their lives I am so happy to be a part of their lives.<br /><br />I am writing this because today while I was out I was listening to Glen Beck. He had some woman on his show that really caught my attention. After listening to Glen Becks show a couple days ago they decided to take action. One of them started a web site called As A Mom. The whole idea behind this was this: When ever we start a sentence with these three words ,As A Mom, we have great power. Many women today do not know the power they have as a Mom. Yes they are a great influence in their children's lives, but they also have great power in what happens in a community and in this country. As mothers we need to speak up for the things we know are right. I would encourage you to go to this web site <a href="http://www.asamom.ning.com/">www.asamom.ning.com</a> and join and share your knowledge with others. It is a place to ask questions and get answers.<br />This country was founded on principles of truth and honesty, integrity and love of God. We need to do all that we can to keep it as it was in the beginning so that the future generations will have the freedoms necessary for happiness. When something is right it does not need to be changed.<br />I love this country and all that it stands for. I love being a mom and a grandmother and great grandmother. I know that I can be an influence for good while I am on this earth.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6451221621262994143?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-3730439477795742282009-07-26T16:42:00.001-07:002009-07-26T18:01:05.404-07:00Great grandchild number two, Tristan Panaro, had his first birthday. Lots of people and a safari theme. Happy Birthday to a very cute little boy. Mom did a great job and Candice made a great cake. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362919228390183106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smzqn89PEMI/AAAAAAAAAbA/g7lc7176mY4/s320/DSCF4567.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362919075934602434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SmzqfFA_hMI/AAAAAAAAAa4/HfL-3_vhJQk/s320/DSCF4569.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SmzruKKgWVI/AAAAAAAAAbI/qoioEzTbhkk/s1600-h/DSCF4601.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362920434526345554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SmzruKKgWVI/AAAAAAAAAbI/qoioEzTbhkk/s320/DSCF4601.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>McMurtry One the SeaMonkeys had a great swim meet. They placed first among 11 teams. The Urmston's were well represented. Many first place ribbons but best of all were many times that were improved. Good job. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smzszeck08I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/9ShZ1Or3GNM/s1600-h/DSCF4573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362921625381819330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smzszeck08I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/9ShZ1Or3GNM/s320/DSCF4573.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Great dive Talmage.<br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SmzuQH1YksI/AAAAAAAAAbg/KUjqS1UTC9Y/s1600-h/DSCF4586.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362923217039692482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SmzuQH1YksI/AAAAAAAAAbg/KUjqS1UTC9Y/s320/DSCF4586.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Mia is heads down and ready to go. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smz03nCfirI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/-fsesyEIEls/s1600-h/DSCF4583.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362930492500839090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smz03nCfirI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/-fsesyEIEls/s320/DSCF4583.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Great form Kauner </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smz1ykvKSXI/AAAAAAAAAcY/cPLIzeoEUPc/s1600-h/DSCF4603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362931505495165298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smz1ykvKSXI/AAAAAAAAAcY/cPLIzeoEUPc/s320/DSCF4603.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Hayden consentrates on the race <br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Grace is thinking hard about her race.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362932193880995458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smz2apLIdoI/AAAAAAAAAcg/bpxfgfDZtN4/s320/DSCF4608.JPG" border="0" /> Tayor is on to victory<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362936949079528674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smz6vbqz1OI/AAAAAAAAAco/wB2lPckUySc/s320/DSCF4574.JPG" border="0" /> Garrett show us how the breaststoke is to be done.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362937943405918562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Smz7pT0seWI/AAAAAAAAAcw/7PNs20f1W08/s320/DSCF4599.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Lots of summer fun time with the family. We count it a great blessing to know these wonderful, talented young people. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-373043947779574228?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-21492277902644529382009-07-08T16:23:00.000-07:002009-07-08T17:22:05.234-07:00<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356235234389760306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlUrkS87mTI/AAAAAAAAAZo/px79NghX3ks/s320/DSC01588.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>We had a wonderful welcome home from our family. The airport was full of Urmston's. Carrie and her kids even came from Utah to great us. It was so very nice to see them and also to see how many have really changed in 18 months. Off to see President Hawkins and within a very short time we were no longer full time missionaries the wonderful Badge we had been wearing over our heart for 18 months was removed. A very sad time. We would recommend a mission to all. No other expericence like it.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlUrD94xKFI/AAAAAAAAAZg/uyouqEexVgQ/s1600-h/DSC01589.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356234678979340370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlUrD94xKFI/AAAAAAAAAZg/uyouqEexVgQ/s320/DSC01589.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Off to our home for a great bar-b-que and some catch up time. We were quite surprised when we found that our home had been put back togeather. We were not looking forward to putting everything back in its place.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We so appreciate all that was done for us while we served our mission. We thank you all for letters, e-mails, prayers , bill paying, medications sent, special packages filled with favorite treats, thanks for the Crisco. We know that we came away from our mission with much more than we gave. </div><br /><div>Next came a great family reunion. Missed a few of our great family members. Jordan in Paraquay, Courtney and Brigham and the Ivins family, Nickolas and Kali. It will be very hard to have a full family reunion again. We had a great time. The cousins have such fun togeather. Having grown up without cousins it is so fun to seem them all playing and having fun. We thank you all for the time and effort which went into this special time. Candice, great shirt, Marc and Linda, such great fun with the scavenger hunt, Peter and Cooper, loved the talent show, the food was great, Jaime and the craft, great. Such fun to see the Aunts and Uncles interact with all the kids big and small. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356239431359310114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlUvYl4cqSI/AAAAAAAAAZw/3-3ZaVPHBhk/s320/IMG_0670.JPG" border="0" /> Mia and her boy cousins figuring life out.</div></div></div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356240024733297554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlUv7IX1K5I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/H3fZHjBSIts/s320/IMG_0680.JPG" border="0" /> 17 and ready for their Senior Year. Zac(Coontz) Porter, Cooper and Mason<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356240877509061298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlUwsxNaqrI/AAAAAAAAAaA/M3bmjOKC3Fw/s320/IMG_0689.JPG" border="0" /></div> Addi, Kamrie and Ellie<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356241552130544834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlUxUCXtlMI/AAAAAAAAAaI/DOCChZk0O0c/s320/DSCF4558.JPG" border="0" /></div> Rocks and sand and cousins, Charley, Drew, Talia and Ellie <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356245639519386098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlU1B9FJufI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/qJ-6DakLpzU/s320/DSCF4472.JPG" border="0" /></div> Ellie, Addi and Grace<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356246324533826162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlU1p09UknI/AAAAAAAAAaY/3u2XKSOR_u0/s320/DSCF4498.JPG" border="0" /></div>So good to spend some time with our good friend Jaime Williamson ( known to us as Elder Williamson for 18 months)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356247544952324738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlU2w3XxAoI/AAAAAAAAAag/HamjH0JnrlE/s320/DSCF4512.JPG" border="0" /></div> Garrett and Tristan, how cute is that?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356248111255015106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SlU3R1A2TsI/AAAAAAAAAao/mUg34yXmLBI/s320/DSCF4547.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p> the bucket heads, Charley and Talia</p><p>Great fun, great company, great weather, great place. We love Leo Carrillo State Beach</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2149227790264452938?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-41376847315982670182009-06-16T18:32:00.001-07:002009-06-16T18:33:46.698-07:00We are no longer missionaries in the Australia Melbourne West mission. We are in the process of changing the blog. This will take a lot of thinking and many mistakes before it is accomplished. Check back.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-4137684731598267018?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-68390957027760298242009-05-27T04:47:00.000-07:002009-05-27T05:09:43.010-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sh0ojXoBsyI/AAAAAAAAAYc/OfYpouNZjv4/s1600-h/bakersfield.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340469321233707810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 169px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sh0ojXoBsyI/AAAAAAAAAYc/OfYpouNZjv4/s200/bakersfield.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The time is gone and it is time for us to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">journey</span> home. We leave on Friday. Thursday we have the great privilege of hearing from Elder Holland. We feel he is coming to wish us well. We have decided to take a little side trip before we head home. We will drive up the coast to Sydney and then on up to visit my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cousin</span>. Back to Sydney for the weekend and then we get on a plane on Monday June the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> and begin to see what it is like to live in the world. </div><div>Our mission has been unique. We came to Australia to serve and were given the opportunity to learn about China, Korea and Japan also. </div><div>I remember when we were going to have our second child, thinking how could a person love another child the same as the one we have. Then the second child was placed in my arms and I understood. Since that time I have been blessed to love many many more. More children and then daughter and sons in law, then 38 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, one we haven't seen yet. </div><div>During the past 18 months we have been blessed to be able to love even more. We love the Elders and Sisters and Seniors that we served with. We love our new converts. We love our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">older</span> friends, we love those we served with in the wards, we love President and Sister Lee.</div><div>There is a great joy that comes from loving. It is my desire to be able to love as the Savior did. To have the pure love of Christ is a goal we should all be reaching for. </div><div>We love all of you and look forward to lots of catching up time. </div><div>Elder and Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Urmston</span>, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6839095702776029824?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-82593213645136325102009-05-16T22:38:00.000-07:002009-05-20T15:45:52.872-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ShSH0f3gKOI/AAAAAAAAAYU/Oeg6BXk6hTQ/s1600-h/misc+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338040794318121186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ShSH0f3gKOI/AAAAAAAAAYU/Oeg6BXk6hTQ/s200/misc+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sg-sa9Rl_2I/AAAAAAAAAYM/TMvomzXKznQ/s1600-h/misc+041.jpg"></a>Saturday was a very special day for us. It started off with a trip<br /><div>to the Temple to do Baptisms. We took 9 of our young Chinese friends. For six it was their first time. I was very touched by the spirit as I watched this sacred ordinance performed. I had the distinct feeling that these people who the ordinances were performed for were waiting and rejoicing. I continue to love to do family history research and then go to the Temple to do the work. We still have a lot of work to do. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sg-oQV12iWI/AAAAAAAAAX8/DGcAYBI5Thk/s1600-h/misc+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336669082151717218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sg-oQV12iWI/AAAAAAAAAX8/DGcAYBI5Thk/s200/misc+052.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next part of our day was to go to the sealing of Allan Sailor and Theresa Malcolm. We have known both of them for the past 17 months and enjoyed watching their courtship develop. Allan was our ward mission leader in the Caulfield Ward. Allan and Theresa were engaged during the Christmas Holiday. We were also able to go with Allan when he received his Endowment. Theresa was one of our students in the Temple Preparation Class. One of the things that made it very special was this. As we were waiting in the Sealing Room for the Bride and Groom one of the matrons came to me and said that Allan would like me to sit in his mother chair. Allan's mother is not a member. Very special moment for me. As I listened to the beautiful covenant made through this ordinance I again was touched by the spirit to know that this union was now sealed forever. I also have that blessing, and as we keep those covenants we will be a forever family.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sg-qGqiJE1I/AAAAAAAAAYE/P8q6m6Qvzk8/s1600-h/misc+063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336671114930754386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 201px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sg-qGqiJE1I/AAAAAAAAAYE/P8q6m6Qvzk8/s200/misc+063.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Saturday evening was another great spiritual time. Peter Sorenson was baptized. We had the opportunity to teach Peter. This was a perfect Preach My Gospel experience. Peter was a referral from a member. All lessons were taught in a members home. He attended church for three months before he was Baptized and met many ward members who were great at fellow shipping him. He asked a ward member to baptize him. There were more then 50 people at the Baptism. Elder Urmston was asked to do the Confirmation. Now he will receive the Priesthood and he and Marion will be married in August. So very happy for them. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So as you can see a mission is a place to receive great spiritual experiences. We hope they will continue for the next two weeks. We have many things still to do while here in Melbourne. As you can see our ticker is counting down. We can't believe it. Today we spoke in Fairfield Ward and next week in Caulfield. Lots of dinner appointments in the next weeks. We will be busy which means the time will fly by, so we will be home tomorrow. Not really.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-8259321364513632510?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-79400740591860273282009-05-10T00:22:00.000-07:002009-05-10T00:54:35.006-07:00<div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SgaBV8T-VOI/AAAAAAAAAXU/ra2lMIagmjw/s1600-h/gracceken1+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334093022634071266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SgaBV8T-VOI/AAAAAAAAAXU/ra2lMIagmjw/s200/gracceken1+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the perfect picture for any missionary. A beautiful young husband and wife being baptized. Introducing Ken and Grace.<br /><br /><div>Grace met the elders and started having the discussions. Ken was not involved. As time went by she invited him to church. He lasted for the first hour and then left because he needed a cigarette. Elder Shillig and Williamson followed him. Ken said he remembered Elder Shillig telling him he was a good man. He thought to himself "I want to be a good man" </div><br /><div>Grace speaks English very well, Ken has very little English. He was working at a Bakery she is taking a Beautician course. Ken started having the lessons with the elders but did not really try to stop smoking. We became acquainted with first Grace and then Ken at Family <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SgaErNhCdGI/AAAAAAAAAXc/QLSC2YngXgk/s1600-h/graaceken3+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334096686564406370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SgaErNhCdGI/AAAAAAAAAXc/QLSC2YngXgk/s200/graaceken3+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>Home Evening. As Ken became more and more interested he had some questions he felt the Elders could not answer. He asked if he could meet with us to clear some things up. We were happy to help. He came with the Elders and his computer with all of his questions. We were able to answer and he was quite content. He stated that was the first hour and a half that he had spent, when he did not think about smoking. The elders shared the churches stop smoking program. He came again in three days with a very positive attitude stating he had not smoked. There were a few other problems to overcome. The commitment was made and they have gone forward. In the meantime Ken had a job offered to him that doubles his salary. He has also been helpful in helping another Chinese member to find a job. </div><div>Saturday was a beautiful baptism. We were asked to speak. It was an honor for us. Grace asked Elder Urmston to confirm her. He gave a beautiful blessing to her. Everything is ready for them to succeed, to be strong members of the church, to be leaders of the young Chinese converts. Our prayer is that the Caulfield Ward does their part in being their friend and accepting them into their ward family. Caulfield has one very strong young couple and another do to marry in the Temple in August. Hopefully they will be like the good friends that accepted us in the Rosemead Ward so many many years ago. President Hinkley told us that every new member needs a friend, a calling and the good word of the Lord. We pray this will happen. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334096926940842114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SgaE5M_PyII/AAAAAAAAAXk/qyOWtlDcxIU/s200/graceken6+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>Next Saturday is another Baptism. We had the opportunity to teach Peter. He is a 50 year old very well educated Christian man. Another perfect missionary experience. This was a referral. We met Marian when we first arrived and she has been a good friend. She and Peter started dating and we were invited to teach him. The ward is going to really support this baptism. Marian and Peter will be married in August. </div><div> </div><div>We know that the Lord performed many miracles as he walked the earth. In the last 18 months we have seen many, many of his miracles here in the Australia Melbourne West Mission</div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-7940074059186027328?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-88587155297706844392009-04-27T22:08:00.000-07:002009-04-28T05:25:20.140-07:00<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SfbtvRhXfRI/AAAAAAAAAXE/-MXvcqo6sUw/s1600-h/hourglass+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329708605452549394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 102px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SfbtvRhXfRI/AAAAAAAAAXE/-MXvcqo6sUw/s200/hourglass+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> It is a very interesting thing how time can fly by. We have really seen that, as we have served a mission. It really hit home when on April 27 Elder Urmston had a birthday and became an age that I can remember thinking, when my parents were that age, that they were really old. The problem with this is that I did not marry an older man. Four more months and I am there. <div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><div>I have known Elder Urmston for 54 years. <strong>How can that be</strong>. We received an announcement of our high school reunion of 50 years. <strong>Wait that can not be</strong>. Our eldest son is a grandpa which means we have two great grandchildren. <strong>What!! </strong>Half of our grandchildren are 13 and up.<strong> Not yet.</strong></div><br /><br /><div>Inside, the person that I am is young, but the mirror tells me that the outward appearance has changed </div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SfbnC7u5cDI/AAAAAAAAAW8/XVE8QBt_SvM/s1600-h/misc+043+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329701246619709490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SfbnC7u5cDI/AAAAAAAAAW8/XVE8QBt_SvM/s200/misc+043+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> So I just wanted to celebrate my husbands birthday with all of you and let you know that the best is yet to come. When I met him so many years ago, one thing that impressed me was his hair. It was always combed very neatly. Through out high school it only changed once. He came back in Sophomore year with a crew cut. I loved it. Now his wonderful hair is silver and I love it even more. Very distinguished.<br /><br /><br /><div>Those of you who know him , realize that he never forgets a story or joke, and finds great pleasure in sharing them with others. He enjoys them over and over and over again. In our young years together it was his great sense of humor and teasing that made life fun. I often say I married him becuase he made me laugh. He continues to lift me up with a funny story or some teasing today </div><br /><br /><div>He has always worked hard to provide for his family and has been very successful in everything that he has done. He is a perfectionist is some things.</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sfbxw6UehKI/AAAAAAAAAXM/_RQTs1ZCFmI/s1600-h/soft+ball+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329713031630718114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sfbxw6UehKI/AAAAAAAAAXM/_RQTs1ZCFmI/s200/soft+ball+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>What does he like? He loves to eat any type of food, at home or in a restaurant. He savors all of the many different types of food. He loves a good Clive Cussler book. He likes to play Hearts on the computer. He loves to watch a good high school football game, especially when one of his grandsons is playing. He especially loves a good joke or story. He finds great joy and happiness in his family. </div><br /><br /><div>The most wonderful thing about my husband is his great love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From the day he was baptized, shortly after our marriage, he has served when called. He continues to do so now, with a great ability to help others feel of his love for the Savior. </div><br /><div>Our life together has helped us grow to where we are today. We have been blessed with 8 wonderful children who picked perfect spouses and made our life complete with 38 ( welcome Marissa Ivins) grandchildren and two great grandchildren. </div><br /><br /><div>On the day of his birthday we had a Family Home Evening. One of our young friends let everyone know it was his birthday and they came to celebrate. We had cakes and balloons and presents. It was very nice and he was very pleased. He truly loves the people he has met here in Melbourne. So Happy Birthday to my husband of many many years. I hope there will be many more to come.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329618992034469266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SfacPFhj1ZI/AAAAAAAAAW0/rsHO-65hyg0/s200/misc+052.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-8858715529770684439?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-54669627288452933922009-04-21T21:17:00.000-07:002009-04-22T04:42:43.797-07:00<div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#660000;">We have had some good things happen in the last couple of weeks. I will start with the fun stuff. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">We went on a tour to see the Little Penguins on Phillip Island. We have seen them </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se6ciEKacpI/AAAAAAAAAV8/ogbnhDHikAY/s1600-h/penquins+(Small)+(2).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327367518272778898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se6ciEKacpI/AAAAAAAAAV8/ogbnhDHikAY/s200/penquins+(Small)+(2).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;">before, but I wanted to see them one more time. They are the cutest little guys. Stand about 12 inches high. Go out to sea from before sun up until sun down eating as much as they can. When they come in at night, one comes in and looks the place over and then the rest come and the march their way up to where there burrows are. Some have to </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se6czKnYpBI/AAAAAAAAAWE/aCN3wlF5C10/s1600-h/penguin1+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327367812062684178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se6czKnYpBI/AAAAAAAAAWE/aCN3wlF5C10/s200/penguin1+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;">walk very long distance. There are boardwalks so we can follow them up. If they have a mate who did not go out they have a little call they </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se6d36Sq9ZI/AAAAAAAAAWM/mDCVAz6rKDI/s1600-h/misc+057+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327368993091810706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se6d36Sq9ZI/AAAAAAAAAWM/mDCVAz6rKDI/s200/misc+057+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;">make. They all know exactly where to go. Another testimony of Gods wonderful creations. I love the wonderful animals that join us on this earth we call home. Also saw some Koala's They were all sleeping in the trees but also very cute. </span></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se6fWZ7yWnI/AAAAAAAAAWU/eLGg_ZxoJ3o/s1600-h/jenifer+julliet+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327370616493464178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se6fWZ7yWnI/AAAAAAAAAWU/eLGg_ZxoJ3o/s200/jenifer+julliet+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"><br /><br /></span><div></div><span style="color:#660000;">Two beautiful young women were Baptized and Confirmed members of the church. Jennifer and Juliette. Jennifer's mother came from China to be at the Baptism. She is now taking the discussions with the Elders. Juliette is here doing a masters in IT. We also have had three of our new members receive callings to serve in the Primary. We are so excited about that.<br /><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">We have had some great spiritual experiences recently. First was conference. We enjoyed hearing the messages and I especially loved the music. I am always touched by the wonderful valiant people who give of their life to serve the Lord. We had Elder and Sister Callister to our Family home evening on Monday. President and Sister Lee were there also. Elder</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se75XTWu0SI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Tu5AN7lOUNI/s1600-h/misc+065+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327469587953799458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se75XTWu0SI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Tu5AN7lOUNI/s200/misc+065+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"> Callister is in our area Presidency. Our young friends were very touched by their presence. Many hand shakes and hugs and pictures were taken. The next day our mission was given training by Elder and Sister Callister. It was very good. We were told to be Celestial Missionaries. I think we can change that to be Celestial People. It was every one's zone meeting. At your last zone meeting you share your testimony. So we were able to do that. We still have a way to go, but that seemed like the beginning of the end. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">We were finally able to go and visit my cousin Ken Grenda and his wife. Also Ed and Joy Totenhofer and Jea</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se7-vAk096I/AAAAAAAAAWk/WZ-qWqqbt4M/s1600-h/misc+039+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327475492787648418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Se7-vAk096I/AAAAAAAAAWk/WZ-qWqqbt4M/s200/misc+039+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;">n Perry were there. This is the first time I have ever met someone named Totenhofer. Jean Perry is one of the last cousins of my mothers group who is alive along with Ken and his sister Phillis. It was a great day. Both Ken and the Totenhofers have done a great deal of family history. Mostly researching the name Grenda and Totenhofer. We spent a couple of hours going over all the information Ken has from his visits to the area these ancestors lived. It was amazing. The Totenhofers really did live on an estate like Aunt Clara had told me. Even have pictures. Up near the Russian border. So I have a lot of reading to do when I get home. I think the Grenda line will go back to 1681. We had a wonderful day and we will go and see them again before we go home. Ken will take us to see his Bus company.</span> </div><div> <span style="color:#660000;">We continue to teach and fellowship and visit. We love our wonderful Australian friends and especially love our Chinese and Korean young people. They have given us so much more then we ever expected. We give thanks every day for this wonderful experience and also for our wonderful family at home. We love you all and are begining to think about being back in Bakersfield.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-5466962728845293392?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-58752331332737999442009-03-27T04:09:00.000-07:002009-03-31T14:51:31.628-07:00<div><div><div><div><div><div>I have been struggling to figure out what to put on our Blog page. I feel like most of my blogs are the same. So wanted to do something a little different. It won't be that different just from a different id<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdHy-VGBiDI/AAAAAAAAAU0/fMbQKQY7y4g/s1600-h/misc+038+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319299787529488434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdHy-VGBiDI/AAAAAAAAAU0/fMbQKQY7y4g/s200/misc+038+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>ea. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdKQAx1bSdI/AAAAAAAAAV0/OAAjIWFv6eI/s1600-h/planner+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319472452929800658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdKQAx1bSdI/AAAAAAAAAV0/OAAjIWFv6eI/s200/planner+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>The Lords house is a house of order. As missionaries we have found that it is very important to have a life of order. We have a very distinct way of having this work. It is called a missionary planner. Each planner will last for six weeks. Every six weeks is called a transfer period. The transfer is very important. For the Elders and Sisters they are in an area for a transfer period or two or three depending on what the Mission President is inspired to do. The Planner is very useful. We keep all of our appointments and also phone numbers and addresses. It also has a To Do page. I have really enjoyed having my planner. I am in the middle of my 12th planner. One more to go.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH0Smc1B5I/AAAAAAAAAU8/D2iAX-k9BU0/s1600-h/smith+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319301235297552274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH0Smc1B5I/AAAAAAAAAU8/D2iAX-k9BU0/s200/smith+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>The six week period follows a plan. The first week is the week we teach the Family Home Evening lesson because the Elders are getting ready for Tuesday when they will be told if they will transfer to a different area. . This transfer wweek one of our wonderful Elders will be going home. Elder Smith will go home to Colorado. He was in our first district and has been our district leader a number of times. We will be getting two new Chinese Speaking Elders. One is from Mainland China.<br /><br />Nothing different happens in the second week. If the Elders are new to the area they are getting acquainted with their teaching pool. </div><br /><div>The third week we have zone conference. We have two zones that meet together. Our language zone and the Heidelberg English speaking zone. We have great training from President and Sister Lee and from the Assistants to the President who happen to be two of our language zone<br />Elders. We always have a wonderful lunch prepared by one of the wards. Also the cars are checked and we have a training on being good drivers. </div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH1aihH2mI/AAAAAAAAAVE/-BsK3oLpKbA/s1600-h/mar+09+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319302471192402530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH1aihH2mI/AAAAAAAAAVE/-BsK3oLpKbA/s200/mar+09+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> Fourth week we go to the Temple as a Zone. This is always a great day for us. It is such a great pleasure to sit in a session of the Temple with 14 great Elders. In most cases Elder Urmston and I have the privilege of being the witness couple because there are not many couples at the first session. We always have to take a picture. Many times we go to lunch with a couple of them after. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Fifth week we will sometimes have a zone activity. We went miniature golfing once and had a chile cookoff. We have been going near the river for the last few and having a bar-b-que. That seems to be the most popular. Then the Elders go and play football and we head for home. This week we all went up to the top of the second tallest building in Melbourne. It is the Rialto Building. It has a 360 degree view of the city on the 55 floor. It takes 40 seconds from the ground to the 55 floor. The day wasn't the best. It was a bit hazy. You can see the Melbourne Cricket Grounds and the Rod Laver Arena. The tall building is the tallest in Melbourne. It also has an observation area, but is expensive to go up. We were able to get two for the price of one on the one we did. The other picture is some clever people who painted on the top of their building. </div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH8kOpznlI/AAAAAAAAAVM/vWGsNCngGKM/s1600-h/misc+055+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319310334240202322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH8kOpznlI/AAAAAAAAAVM/vWGsNCngGKM/s200/misc+055+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319310622050640562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH80-1KYrI/AAAAAAAAAVU/PI11LK5flrE/s200/misc+065+(Small).jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH9JAZk3aI/AAAAAAAAAVc/b6L9tXGmjzE/s1600-h/misc+066+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319310966069190050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH9JAZk3aI/AAAAAAAAAVc/b6L9tXGmjzE/s200/misc+066+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319311905666373698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH9_srAGEI/AAAAAAAAAVk/75EpST1SdrI/s200/misc+052+(Small).jpg" border="0" /> Six Week is Zone meeting. The Zone leaders conduct this meeting. We have training by them. I started early on getting up and making Cinnamon Rolls. That has been a big success. Had to add milk also. We also have Interviews with the President during the last week. I am sure that is the time that he makes some decisions on who is going where and who will be the Zone leaders and district leaders.<br /><br /><br /><div>So you can see that we are a very orderly group of people.This also includes a family home evening each week. If the elders are teaching they are there. The only other way is i<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH_QZwAc2I/AAAAAAAAAVs/X7L_nhm6Wr8/s1600-h/shirry3+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319313292156498786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SdH_QZwAc2I/AAAAAAAAAVs/X7L_nhm6Wr8/s200/shirry3+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>f they have an investigator. They work really hard at that. Wednesday night is Institute. On Fridays and Saturdays there are Baptisms. This week it was a really great young women named Shirry. Elder Smith finishes strong. During the rest of the time we are all teaching and studying and praying and hoping and striving to do our best at what we have been called to do. The elders do a lot of finding and we do a lot of fellow shipping of those in need. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-5875233133273799944?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-15693337450632736592009-02-24T17:15:00.000-08:002009-03-01T13:56:24.507-08:00Some of the most special times in the past few weeks. We enjoy days filled with visits with great people young and old. They lift our spirits and feed our souls. We have been given far more then we give in return.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac9_OVwN1I/AAAAAAAAATs/60qN9n7KRTw/s1600-h/chris+temple+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307278842269808466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac9_OVwN1I/AAAAAAAAATs/60qN9n7KRTw/s200/chris+temple+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Our great young Korean friend Chris has returned to Korea. We have watched the Lord mold Chris into a confident, testimony bearing young man. He came to Australia to improve his English after serving in the military in Korea for two years and three years of University. His home stay was with a sister in our ward. She introduced him to the Gospel and the Elders continued from t<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac9k5MAruI/AAAAAAAAATc/inCV6LiD-7U/s1600-h/chris+and+friends+1+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307278389915201250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac9k5MAruI/AAAAAAAAATc/inCV6LiD-7U/s200/chris+and+friends+1+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>here. We have known him from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">beginning</span>. He has grown so much during these months. He said one time that he never liked himself, but now he does because he knows God loves him. His <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">English</span> improved and his spirit came alive. We took him out to dinner before he left to a wonderful Korean restaurant. He visited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hong</span> Kong on his way home and sent us this picture of himself in front of the Temple.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SajvPy9uKHI/AAAAAAAAAUE/VPSZTzep3vE/s1600-h/misc+019+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307755215513856114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SajvPy9uKHI/AAAAAAAAAUE/VPSZTzep3vE/s200/misc+019+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another special day was going with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Yu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ching</span> to the emigration office for her health assessment. She needed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">someone</span> to help with the baby while she was having the assessment. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Yu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ching</span> is married to Martin Side. She is not a member and we have become good friends. We pray that one day soon she will desire to know more about the Gospel so that this sweet little baby with be in a forever family. Right now she is being a first time mom to a little one who does not sleep well at night.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac66NFZKSI/AAAAAAAAATE/Y2En_ZFz3E8/s1600-h/5255_MELBOURNEAUS_st+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307275457498523938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac66NFZKSI/AAAAAAAAATE/Y2En_ZFz3E8/s200/5255_MELBOURNEAUS_st+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>We have started a Temple <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Preparation</span> class. There are five young women attending and one fiancee who has received his Endowment. Abby is our wonderful young friend that we met as we arrived. She has been a member for more then 3 years. Lucy is a nurse and has been a member just over one year. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Huan</span> works in accounting and has been a member for 2 years. Emily and Teresa are preparing for marriage. Theresa is marrying Allan Sailor. We were able to go to the Temple when he went the first time. The class has been wonderful. Lots of questions and <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac_-fNqI9I/AAAAAAAAAT0/F-KKuH_Qxe0/s1600-h/zone+feb+09+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307281028642644946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac_-fNqI9I/AAAAAAAAAT0/F-KKuH_Qxe0/s200/zone+feb+09+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>we see great desire to participate in this beautiful ordinance. Bishop Smith came last week to share about the interview process. We also were able to attend the Temple with our zone. What a great pleasure it is to sit and watch 14 young elders enter and take their places. Almost as good as when we are able to go to the Temple as a family. We look forward to that.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><div>One of the new<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SajurjqC4xI/AAAAAAAAAT8/cGHWsO84rHc/s1600-h/misc+041+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307754592929506066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SajurjqC4xI/AAAAAAAAAT8/cGHWsO84rHc/s200/misc+041+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> converts Mike spoke in Sacrament meeting. He did a wonderful job. He touched my heart. So very humble and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sincere</span> in what he had to say. I love how very simple these talks are, yet to the point. He spoke of how he overcame drinking coffee. As we listen to these wonderful young converts speak of their faith is Jesus Christ and that they know all will be well we marvel at how the Lord works his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">miracles</span>. Mike is studying to be a mechanic. He <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">received</span> his degree in Physics in China. His desire now is to become a master mechanic and have his own shop</div><br /><br /><div>We have one of our young women who is struggling with what she should be doing. We have suggested a mission. She has thought of that. So we decided to have an Evening with the Sister Missionaries. We have four Sister Missionaries English speaking in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Caulfield</span> Ward. One is from America, Sister Price, one from Tahiti, Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Chong</span>, one from China, Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Jiang</span>, and Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Taukafa</span> is from Sydney and is Tongan. We also invited Sis. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Lai</span> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Fairfield</span> Ward. She is married and has two children. She served a mission in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Hong</span> Kong. I asked them to share how they felt about serving a mission, how they decided to go and what they have gained from the experience. So made some cute invitations and some really good refreshments and hoped they would come. Twelve came. We invited the Australian and Chinese young adult women. One Australian new convert and 11 Chinese, 3 were investigators. It turned out to be a good evening. The Sisters did a great job and there was good fellowship. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307276098751616994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/Sac7fh8C1-I/AAAAAAAAATM/gIPnVlVIlOk/s200/evening+with+sisters+(Small).jpg" border="0" /> </div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SajwiN08eBI/AAAAAAAAAUM/-hOaF3PuuZ4/s1600-h/misc+043+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307756631474075666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SajwiN08eBI/AAAAAAAAAUM/-hOaF3PuuZ4/s200/misc+043+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>Two beautiful young women were baptized this weekend. One is a student and the other has been in Australia for 12 years.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SasCGW0HfxI/AAAAAAAAAUU/hJVyfQCf8pg/s1600-h/misc+051+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308338894012907282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SasCGW0HfxI/AAAAAAAAAUU/hJVyfQCf8pg/s200/misc+051+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> Both shared their testimonies at the baptisms. We are so touched by their deep belief and humbleness. They strengthen us as we associate with them. Both mentioned their great feeling of peace as they read the Book of Mormon and came to church.<br /><br />We love what we are doing and feel we have been greatly blessed by the experiences we are having. When we see lives changed for the good through the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">acceptance</span> of the Gospel our testimonies grow stronger. We know God lives and loves us. We know his church has been restored to the earth. We know the Book of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Morman</span> convinces people of this. We have seen it happen. Thanks for your prayers on our behalf. We love you.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-1569333745063273659?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-36626870170168514372009-02-07T23:15:00.000-08:002009-02-08T15:03:42.180-08:00<span style="color:#660000;">Thought I might share with you a typical weekend in the Melbourne West Mission for a Senior Couple serving in the Language Zone. </span><br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#660000;">Friday. Weather was beautiful. After doing the missionary morning things we headed out to have lunch at Lucy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Persecheti's</span>. Lucy is probably the most Christlike person we have met. She never thinks about herself. She arrived in Melbourne with her Husband and mother many years ago. She is Italian. She was Catholic. She decided before she arrived that she did not like the Catholic church. So she tried the Pentecostal and a couple others, never finding what she wanted. Finally she was visited by two Missionaries and she knew her prayers were answered. Her mother also joined and after 27 years her husband. They were sealed in the Temple and he died shortly after. Two sons neither are members. The lunch is always a meal which she does not eat. She never sits down only serves. Friday it was a beautiful fish, fried in a batter, mixed vegetables, beetroot(Matthew's favorite) rolls and appetizer of salami and olives, then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ice cream</span> over a lovely cake. She is a sweetheart and we love her and love our visits. We took her a Church DVD which she loves to watch. </span></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6Pasj61tI/AAAAAAAAARY/VNpYhD2lS1Q/s1600-h/stewart+justin+dean1+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300331500262840018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6Pasj61tI/AAAAAAAAARY/VNpYhD2lS1Q/s200/stewart+justin+dean1+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;">Next off to see Justin and Stewart. New members. Stewart is 46, born with an illness so he can not see anything unless it is right up to his eyes. He also has small hands and feet. He wears special shoes. Justin is 31 and has had a tough life. He is very kind to Stewart and does many things for him. We love our visits with them. Never a dull moment with Stewart. We are giving them our new member lessons.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6QU_w9U3I/AAAAAAAAARo/pAMzUie6Z4w/s1600-h/misc+030+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300332501850215282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6QU_w9U3I/AAAAAAAAARo/pAMzUie6Z4w/s200/misc+030+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"><br /><br /></span><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">Next to Cathy Pike a new member and a new member discussion. She has been diagnosed with Whooping Cough. Taking forever to get to a specialist. She will be well before she gets to see someone.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6Q4PIonsI/AAAAAAAAARw/xbMLi7MNI4w/s1600-h/misc+016+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300333107271474882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6Q4PIonsI/AAAAAAAAARw/xbMLi7MNI4w/s200/misc+016+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"> Back to the Flat to meet with Abby. She teaches me Chinese and trimmed my hair and we talk about what ever she wants to know about. She is one of the first young <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chinese</span> that we met.<br /><br /></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY9jQ1k7_dI/AAAAAAAAASY/z8d5pONqBFQ/s1600-h/misc+067+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300564427349425618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY9jQ1k7_dI/AAAAAAAAASY/z8d5pONqBFQ/s200/misc+067+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300330488819119906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 13px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 2px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6Of0o8dyI/AAAAAAAAARQ/XK23kHbt7pE/s200/Copy+of+Jane.jpg" border="0" />Next is Jane. She comes for any kind of lesson we have for her. She has been a member for a year plus. We always try to help with some of the trials she is going through right now. Meanwhile I am making cookies for the Baptism this evening.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6R4SWuH9I/AAAAAAAAAR4/5WJGYf7n5yA/s1600-h/misc+018+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300334207647490002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY6R4SWuH9I/AAAAAAAAAR4/5WJGYf7n5yA/s200/misc+018+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"><br />Off to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Caulfield</span> Ward the the baptism of Justin Tang. Great young 19 year old. He told in his testimony, how when he was a little boy he had Asthma really bad and was in and out of the hospital and his parents were told to give him up. They did not and then he said that through out his life he knew there was a higher power helping him. He came to Melbourne and found the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">higher</span> power. Wonderful spirit . Nancy who has been a great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">fellowshipper</span> for Justin spoke and you would have thought she had been a member her whole life. New member last August.We love her and her dedication to missionary work.<br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#660000;">Saturday we start again. It was 44degrees <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Celsius</span> which is about 104. Off this morning to help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Shu</span> move back into the city. She has been at a 4 week clinical for her nursing class. She has now finished and is </span><span style="color:#660000;">looking for a job. Her testimony grows daily as she sees the Lords hand in her life. She is very happy and looks forward to what is ahead for her in her life. She was blessed to get a room in the <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY9cLoljlXI/AAAAAAAAASI/ldeTjEBVgQ4/s1600-h/Copy+of+misc+137+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300556641381619058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY9cLoljlXI/AAAAAAAAASI/ldeTjEBVgQ4/s200/Copy+of+misc+137+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a>same place as Lucy who introduced her to the Gospel. </span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY9bdXF-6BI/AAAAAAAAASA/sX02yt5PmCw/s1600-h/Lilian+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300555846411806738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 14px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 3px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY9bdXF-6BI/AAAAAAAAASA/sX02yt5PmCw/s200/Lilian+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;">Back to the flat for a new member lesson with Lilian. Beautiful young women with a degree in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Architecture</span>. She is here working on her masters and works in an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">architecture</span> firm. She loves to study the Gospel. We give her the easy read books for kids. She has finished Old and New Testament and now she has Book of Mormon and Doctrine and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Covenants</span>. She is also reading, very slowly, Jesus the Christ.<br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#660000;">Spent some time on Family History for Stewart. He is very interested but unable to do his work <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">because</span> of his site problems. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">Saturday Evening session of Stake Conference. Some of the people were not at conference becuse of the devastating fires in our Stake area. Homes have been lost, but all members are accounted for. At this writing 84 people have died. They did not have time to get out. Everything is so dry that it just explodes and with the high temperatures and winds hard to control.</span></div><span style="color:#660000;">.<br /></span><div><span style="color:#660000;">Sunday Morning we were at the building at 10:<span style="color:#ffff00;">00</span> for a little brunch for the Chinese Members before Conference. There were about 50 new members, investigators and other members. Whenever the Chinese get together to eat is very good and a lot. President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Dudfield</span> came by and was very happy to see what was happening. Conference was wonderful. It was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">satellite</span> broadcast. We heard from President Packer, Bishop Burton, Elaine Dalton and a seventy Elder Johnson. It was really nice because they all had a connection with Australia. The whole country saw the broadcast today. Bishop Burton served his mission here 50 years ago, right here in Melbourne. He m<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">entioned</span> a persons name and he was sitting right behind us. He is 90 years old. Main message was that we need to have faith in Jesus Christ. Nothing new but so very wonderful to hear their perspective. </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY9d6qqVBCI/AAAAAAAAASQ/8EtUCgv27Do/s1600-h/culles+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#660000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300558548903986210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SY9d6qqVBCI/AAAAAAAAASQ/8EtUCgv27Do/s200/culles+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;">Next we went to visit our good friend Bert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Culles</span> at his Assisted Living. Shared with him what we heard at conference. Then his sweet wife Lorna came and we had a great spiritual feast as we listen to them tell of life in early Australia. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">We arrived <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">home</span> around 6 had dinner at 7 and another weekend in finished. We are having a hard time thinking what we will do when we get home. Our life is so very full and busy.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;">We love our life and love the people we serve.We are taught by them every day. We love to see the growth in the new members and their willingness to serve and to learn. We have learned that God is in control and that we need to have Faith in Jesus Christ and do all that we can to be worthy of the great blessing given to us to know the Savior and be a member of his great church.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3662687017016851437?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-30039411116970280082009-01-28T14:19:00.001-08:002009-01-30T14:00:26.764-08:00<div style="WIDTH: 640px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" /></a><a href="http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/jj93/maryellenurmston/?action=view&amp;current=3752305a.pbw" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" /></a></div><br /><p>We had a very fun Chinese New Year Celebration. The Young Adults wanted to have a time to celebrate together. Last year we were involved in a very big stake celebration. This year another stake is doing it on Feb. 14. So we gave some shadow leadership and they did a very good job. We invited people from both wards. Some older people came but it was mostly young adults. There were 13 investigators there and some Australian young adults, which was good. Had some entertainment and good food and we played games. It was a very fun event. Many stayed to help clean up, which was very nice. I tried to post a slideshow and it didn't work. No time to fix it so go to view all images and you can see it.</p><br /><p>Yesterday my comment was this feels like a Bakersfield summer day. It got up to 44C which is around 107F. I felt really bad for the tennis players. The Australian Open is going on and if you aren't a top ranked player you play in the outer courts. Not good. They finally closed the ceiling of the Rod Laver Arena yesterday and turned on the air conditioner. . Lots of complaining by participants and attenders. We actually had a chance to go last week on p-day. We were given two tickets by Lisa Waycott daughter of Erla Coulston. We had a great day watching professional tennis. A lot better than on TV. We were able to see James Blake from America play. </p><br /><p>Some of our young friends are back from Holiday. It is good to have them here again. The work is a bit slow during this time of year. Many students gone and the weather does not help. We have been spending a lot of our time finding non attending members. We went hunting for some potential seminary students for the teacher. Found some and others had moved. Not a lot of success in having them come to seminary. We continue to be the Retention Missionaries. Doing all that we can to keep the ones that are new so that they don't become non attenders. We offer many different ideas to help the wards with this problem. They are trying. We also continue to visit members in hospitals and the older members who need a visit. We love this part of our mission. The Elders are teaching some really good investigators and we pray that they will stay strong and that they will feel the sweet spirit testify to them of the truth. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SYDgzXoE87I/AAAAAAAAARA/aoVaQwQkQb8/s1600-h/courtney+and+Brigham.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296480334907765682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SYDgzXoE87I/AAAAAAAAARA/aoVaQwQkQb8/s200/courtney+and+Brigham.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p>Congratulations to sweet Courtney and Brigham on their marriage. We were missing family very much on Jan 10th. We would have loved to have been with them at the Temple. </p><br /><p>It is great to read Jordans letters from Paraguay. What a great example he is to all of us as he serves willingly and happily. He will be greatly blessed for his great attitude. </p><p>We would like to share with you are great joy to serve as missionaries. Our testimony of Jesus Christ continues to grow more then we thought possible as we teach of him and his Gospel restored. We know that the plan of salvation is in place. Now our great responsibilty is to live according to the precepts taught so that we will reach the goals set out in that great plan. We know that God lives and loves us and wants us to return to live with him. We pray that as a family we will do all that we need to do to be together forever. Stay strong, keep the faith, do all that you are called upon to do with joy and happiness as you work towards that goal. We love you, miss you and marvel in all that you do.</p><p>Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Elder and Sister Urmston</p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3003941111697028008?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-25269241791080081742009-01-01T15:21:00.000-08:002009-01-02T16:41:39.638-08:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Let's Look at 2008</span></div><br /><div align="center">Carrie and Ralph were sealed in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple</div><div align="center">Courtney graduated from LDS Business College and is engaged to Brigham</div><div align="center">The Utah Urmstons' start to build their new home.</div><div align="center">Nathan is called to serve in the Bishopric</div><div align="center">Kauner and Talmage are ready for BIG BOY football</div><div align="center">Mia , Grace ,Sam and Drew love their Disneyland passes</div><div align="center"> Triston Panaro is born and the Panaro's have a new home</div><div align="center"> Jordan leaves to serve his mission is Paraguay</div><div align="center">Porter, Cooper and Zac are new drivers</div><div align="center">Candice starts a new year at Pioneer High School</div><div align="center">Minutes are taken off of times in swimming and track</div><div align="center">Mason understands contact sports with a concussion</div><div align="center">Kali loves high school in Utah</div><div align="center">Jessica graduates college and becomes a celebrity and the</div><div align="center">Ivins add a new little one to their family</div><div align="center">The California walkers for Prop. 8 are successful</div><div align="center">Peter and Nathan finish the St. George Marathon</div><div align="center">Michael got a new truck</div><div align="center">Matthew shares with his Utah YM how to do a successful YM Camp</div><div align="center">Marc starts a new calling with Ping Pong and flag football tournaments</div><div align="center">Nathan and Jill get a new car</div><div align="center">Taylor loves middle school</div><div align="center">Cassidy is in the Pirates of Penzance</div><div align="center">Amy and Jim find out how teenagers have auto collisions when they are doing nothing wrong</div><div align="center">Nicholas decided that Utah will be home and will join Kali at UVU in the fall</div><div align="center">Jaime and Linda worked hard with their vinyl sticker projects and took their husbands to Hawaii</div><div align="center">Garrett was elected VP at Norris Middle School</div><div align="center">Isaac received a scholarship through his activity with the Seeing Eye organization</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">2008 in Australia</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center">One year of service to the Lord in the Australia Melbourne West Mission</div><div align="center">Many wonderful new friends</div><div align="center">Increased knowledge of other cultures</div><div align="center">Testimonies strengthened.</div><div align="center">An increase in knowledge and a deeper love for the Book of Mormon</div><div align="center">Being a small part of 45 baptisms and recognizing how the Lord works in peoples lives </div><div align="center">Many spiritual experiences that will be long remembered.</div><div align="center">A greater appreciation for family and loved ones at home.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2526924179108008174?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-3762637325426489122008-12-19T17:42:00.000-08:002008-12-21T13:37:12.092-08:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">MERRY CHRISTMAS</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">To all of our wonderful family and friends. We bring you Christmas greetings from Australia. The Urmston Gazette will be out of print this year due to time restraints. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SU4kvyxXOeI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/h2t4bA1wu0E/s1600-h/Nativity_8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282199816453437922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SU4kvyxXOeI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/h2t4bA1wu0E/s200/Nativity_8.jpg" border="0" /></a>This year Christmas is filled with wonderful new friends. Many of our new friends, especially the Chinese converts, have never celebrated Christmas with its true meaning. They need to know why we use the colors red and green? Why the star, the bells, the carols, the wreath, the candle, even the candy cane. They need to see how they all lead back to the Savior. We sometimes take for granted the wonderful gift we were given, to live in a country where the celebration of Christmas has always been and continues to be a celebration of Christ's birth. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">We feel that we are celebrating the Savior and his life every day here on our mission. What a great blessing given to missionaries to teach and testify of the Savior Jesus Christ and his mission on the earth. As we teach of Eternal Life and that Families can be together forever we see despair disappear as hope and faith take its place. We have been able to see brand new testimonies that are very tender, grow strong through study, prayer and activity in the church. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">We know as did the shepperd's, that the little baby born in Bethlehem in a humble stable, is the Savior of the world. We know he lives and loves us. We know he watches over us and does all that he can to protect us from harm. We look forward to the day that he will be able to return and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When every knee will bow and ever tongue confess that he is the Christ. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">May you find great joy and happiness as you remember the birth of our Savior and the gift of Eternal Life that he has given to us. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">With love to you all,</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-376263732542648912?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-31176199748187540892008-12-08T02:57:00.000-08:002008-12-08T04:14:50.144-08:00<div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ST0IzTmfyRI/AAAAAAAAAP8/HwA_EfUr6MU/s1600-h/misc+052+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277384015876180242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ST0IzTmfyRI/AAAAAAAAAP8/HwA_EfUr6MU/s200/misc+052+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff0000;">We have been serving as missionaries for one year. It has been one of the fastest years of our lives. So much has happened, our testimonies have grown, our knowledge has increased, so many wonderful new friends have become apart of our life. It has been much different then we expected. Much more then we ever thought. We have seen and felt the hand of the Lord in every day. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I don't want to forget the December birthdays. HappyBirthday </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Ellie, Cassidy and Nathan</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Thanksgiving was very nice. The Senior Couples got together. Everyone prepared <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ST0OSFTulyI/AAAAAAAAAQE/wEM8u2gRk10/s1600-h/misc+011+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277390042173445922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ST0OSFTulyI/AAAAAAAAAQE/wEM8u2gRk10/s200/misc+011+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>something for the dinner. I was able to make a pumpkin pie with the pie filling that I brought from home. We have since had a pumpkin pie made with real pumpkin. Very good. The meat was a bit different. Turkey is not very popular here in Australia. Very expensive. So we had Chicken and we also had Kangaroo meat. Not our favorite. Hard to think you would eat a Kangaroo. We have great Senior Missionaries. Four serve in the office. One couple is out in a small ward. Four serve as family history missionaries taking digital images of records at the Public Records Office. </span></div><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">We always have<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ST0PT2aAjRI/AAAAAAAAAQM/DuLHfZIvqnM/s1600-h/misc+039+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277391172044623122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ST0PT2aAjRI/AAAAAAAAAQM/DuLHfZIvqnM/s200/misc+039+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a> to get our tree up right after Thanksgiving, so we did that here also. Last year we had so little time before Christmas that we did not have a tree. This year we made sure we got one. We invited some of our special friends over to decorate it. Two from Korea,Lee and Julie one from Japan , Etsuko and three from China Kenneth, Tang and Abby. This was a first for all of them.<br /></span><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">It gave us a great deal of pleasure to watch them carefully arrange the lights and the ornaments. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Lots of pictures were taken. We have enjoyed our tree and those who come to the flat enjoy it also. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">We had a lovely trip to the Temple with Etsuko from Japan. Her mother passed a</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ST0H2HX_PwI/AAAAAAAAAP0/y0vx58_gQM0/s1600-h/misc+040+(Medium).jpg"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277382964622081794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/ST0H2HX_PwI/AAAAAAAAAP0/y0vx58_gQM0/s200/misc+040+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">way 8 years ago and she was able to do the Baptism for her. She was very touched by the experience. Lucy went along with us. She loves to go to the Temple. Elder Urmston was able to be the Baptizer. I also did some Baptisms. What a great experience that is. For me, this year has been very special as I have watched Elder Urmston exercise his Priesthood. He has been able to baptize at the Temple and also new members, give blessings of comfort and healing and ordain new members to the Priesthood. My appreciation of the Priesthood has grown as we have taught of the power, how it works and also seen it work. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Another of our great Language zone elders is heading home this week. We have enjoyed serving with Elder Perkins and know he will find great success in what ever he does. He has been our zone leader and a good friend. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">We also see Elder Berardi return home with honor. We have also had Lee return to Korea last week and Hugo will leave for home in Macoa on Friday. Our sweet friend Etsuko will return to Japan next week. We will truly miss them all. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">We look forward to the next few weeks. We will be having ward Christmas Dinners, and Christmas Mission Conference, singing at a retirement center, and Christmas Eve with many young people. We know you all will be very busy preparing for the Special day we have to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">We love you all, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa and Elder and Sister Urmston</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3117619974818754089?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-69581501575625944302008-11-23T16:14:00.000-08:002008-11-23T22:31:26.522-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SSpFf1F1GqI/AAAAAAAAAPc/Os7f06sg0SA/s1600-h/cornucopia-color.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272102726920379042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SSpFf1F1GqI/AAAAAAAAAPc/Os7f06sg0SA/s200/cornucopia-color.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SSn5VoVmjOI/AAAAAAAAAPU/ZKC7owCsWbE/s1600-h/thanksgivinng+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272018988814470370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 8px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 1px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SSn5VoVmjOI/AAAAAAAAAPU/ZKC7owCsWbE/s200/thanksgivinng+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">We want to share our feelings of Thanks in celebration of Thanksgiving Day.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;">The list is long so we will try </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SSn1jMuvNxI/AAAAAAAAAPM/JMoFl77Mx0o/s1600-h/thanksgivinng.jpg"><span style="color:#990000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272014823875360530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 14px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 8px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SSn1jMuvNxI/AAAAAAAAAPM/JMoFl77Mx0o/s200/thanksgivinng.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#990000;">and highlight the most important, not in any order of importance.<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;">Finding the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ early in our married life.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">Coming to know our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">The influence of the Holy Ghost in our earthly journey.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">Wonderful memories of past Thanksgivings with our family.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">Representing the Savior as missionaries here in Melbourne and witnessing His hand in the work.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">Good health</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">Wonderful new friends and wonderful friends from the past.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">Scriptures to guide us through this life. </span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">The United States of America and those who sacrificed so much to give us the freedoms that we now enjoy.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">A living Prophet to guide and teach us.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">The promised blessings that we have already received and those yet to come.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">An eternal family.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">Temples</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">The simple things of life taken for granted, food, clothing, shelter, healthcare.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">Eight great children and the eight wonderful people they chose to bring into the family.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">The blessing of being called grandma and grandpa to 37 brilliant, great, perfect grandchildren and two little great grandchildren. </span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;">We love you all and will miss all the comotion, noise, laughter, great food and JOY that comes when we join together for Thanksgiving Day.</span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6958150157562594430?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-36748723028944026782008-11-10T02:12:00.000-08:002008-11-10T03:41:20.076-08:00<div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgXhi6ztuI/AAAAAAAAAO8/kzsQ5As0B6I/s1600-h/carrie+and+ralph+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266985629286381282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgXhi6ztuI/AAAAAAAAAO8/kzsQ5As0B6I/s200/carrie+and+ralph+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">Congratulations to Carrie and Ralph. I know that they understand Faith Precedes the Miracle. So very happy that they have found each other and that they were able to go to the Temple to be sealed forever. We were sorry we could not be there with you. We were there in spirit.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgSRyKl5zI/AAAAAAAAAOk/bK-7xIrJJNM/s1600-h/shu1+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266979860943071026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgSRyKl5zI/AAAAAAAAAOk/bK-7xIrJJNM/s200/shu1+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#006600;"> Miracles do happen. We have been working very hard. Our time is spent teaching new member lessons. About 17 a week. We have been praying for an investigator to teach. Along came Shu. I have shared with you the story of Shu. What a wonderful experience it is to see a person desire to follow the Savior's teachings and change her life. Shu has great faith in the Savior and believes that if she lives the commandments that the Lord will bless her. She was so excited about her Baptism. She invited two of her friends and Bro. and Sis Blanchard from Ballarat came also. After she was Baptized, still in the font, she turned to us and waved with a beautiful smile. We know our prayers were answered, such a wonderful blessing for us all. Now we must press forward and keep working hard, so we will see other miracles. We see them every week as the Elders exercise their faith.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#006600;">We had a really fun experience. I have wanted to see some Kangaroos in the wild. Elder Farmer who is a part time missionary told us he could show us some. So we went. The first place we stopped they were quite a distance away. We took Jane and Abby with us because they have not seen them. When we finally saw them moving the three of us all let out some excitement and they all hopped out of site. So off we went to find some more. We ended up at a golf course. As we started walking out on the course Elder Farmer pointed in some trees. There were at least twenty kangaroos. We walked slowly and they were very aware of us. The interesting thing was that the golfers with their carts could walk right by them and they didn't move, but when we came up they were frightened. It was a great experience. We took many pictures. One little roo was trying to get in its mothers pouch and the mother was not happy about that. It was getting a little to big. </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgOkSTJb1I/AAAAAAAAAN8/7DvcMg3PMQg/s1600-h/misc+055+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266975780760022866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgOkSTJb1I/AAAAAAAAAN8/7DvcMg3PMQg/s200/misc+055+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgPH0BtEqI/AAAAAAAAAOM/EvB7tL0hyjk/s1600-h/misc+071+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266976391109087906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgPH0BtEqI/AAAAAAAAAOM/EvB7tL0hyjk/s200/misc+071+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#006600;">There were probably 50 0r 60.</span></div><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266976015688700386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgOx9egkeI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Syj5XwbLWWY/s200/misc+061+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></div></div></div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><p><span style="color:#006600;">Our friend Yu Ching invited us to come for a Chinese dinner. She married Martin Side and has been spending a lot of time cooking. She used Sister Fulmize's kitchen and cooked a beautiful meal. Their was enough food for about thirty p</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgQzhMYb3I/AAAAAAAAAOc/lEPKNPqxbZU/s1600-h/misc+048+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266978241479470962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgQzhMYb3I/AAAAAAAAAOc/lEPKNPqxbZU/s200/misc+048+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#006600;">eople and there were only about ten of us their.</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgQdKMBucI/AAAAAAAAAOU/tNz2P9GcyQM/s1600-h/misc+047+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266977857346845122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgQdKMBucI/AAAAAAAAAOU/tNz2P9GcyQM/s200/misc+047+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#006600;"> </span></p><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><p><span style="color:#006600;"></span></p><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">We went to see the Docklands one p-day. It is a new area that they are trying to promote. Will have many outlet stores and the new Costco will be there. Right now it is not very busy. Everyone is very excited about the Costco. It will be interesting to see how it goes over. The Safeway and Coles seem to have a monopoly on groceries here. Very few independent grocery stores. They have very high prices. There is good view of the city from that area. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266981006786869090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgTUexCt2I/AAAAAAAAAOs/i-GkslLMLpk/s200/misc+053+(Small).jpg" border="0" /> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgcfVdAXLI/AAAAAAAAAPE/nwhUZAeIjtw/s1600-h/jackhalloween+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266991088870120626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgcfVdAXLI/AAAAAAAAAPE/nwhUZAeIjtw/s200/jackhalloween+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Who do you think this little guy is. He looks very much like a few of the Urmston grandsons. This is Jack. Katy and Julians little boy. Just heard she is at the beginning of a pregnancy. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">Well that is it for now. We are happy, tired, blessed, hopeful, prayerful, enthusiastic, and eager to do all that we can to share our testimony with those we teach and those we meet. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">We hope that Halloween was great, that all the football players are having a wonderful season, the cross country runners are faster then last year, you are all happy with prop 8's victory, your looking forward to Thanksgiving, and that your testimonies are growing as you study the gospel, serve in callings, have family home evening and attend church. We love you all. A young man asked me tonight after I told him how many people are in our family, if I could love that many people. Such an easy answer. OF COURSE. Such an amazing experience. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">You are all wonderful. Thanks for all you do. Stay close, be aware of each other. </span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">Love, Mom and Dad Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><p><span style="color:#006600;"></span></p><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><p><span style="color:#006600;"></span></p><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SRgUUx-o0EI/AAAAAAAAAO0/NZh_vSRq3HU/s1600-h/jackhalloween+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#006600;"></span></a></p></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3674872302894402678?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-64455234828444706582008-10-26T20:03:00.000-07:002008-10-27T05:54:13.564-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWghq6aceI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/BS5E3UwV8Zk/s1600-h/misc+001+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261788239967711714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 163px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWghq6aceI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/BS5E3UwV8Zk/s200/misc+001+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Many people are looking for the truth. Hopefully they don’t turn to bronze statues like these before they find it.<br /><br /><br /><br />Wow how the weeks are flying by. We have been so very busy. We continue to teach 15 new member lessons each week, two more added this week. It is so great to see these new members grow and progress in the three-month period that we teach them. Many of them are given callings. They begin to fellowship with the Elders and their testimonies continue to grow. We have a couple that are missing. We pray for them and continue to try to contact them. We continue to try and visit our sweet older members. Institute is great. We are almost finished with the Book of Mormon.<br /><br />We have had FIVE baptisms in the last two weeks. Two Australian girls, one Chinese young woman, a Vietnamese young women and a Chinese young man. The elders do a great job teaching these young people. We are concerned with retention. Retention is the wards responsibility. We continue to find any tools we can to help the wards with this.<br /></span><span style="color:#000099;"> </span><span style="color:#000099;"> </span><span style="color:#000099;"> </span><span style="color:#000099;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWiwy34huI/AAAAAAAAAMo/mmRdeduYhXY/s1600-h/cathy+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261790698825877218" style="WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 82px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWiwy34huI/AAAAAAAAAMo/mmRdeduYhXY/s200/cathy+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWjVC6Ex9I/AAAAAAAAAMw/wyaOtKzsO-Q/s1600-h/leo+li+chua+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261791321605326802" style="WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWjVC6Ex9I/AAAAAAAAAMw/wyaOtKzsO-Q/s200/leo+li+chua+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWhxYnYSkI/AAAAAAAAAMY/sxBdhZxIPPY/s1600-h/tina+jojo+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261789609445575234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 93px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWhxYnYSkI/AAAAAAAAAMY/sxBdhZxIPPY/s200/tina+jojo+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a>We <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWjwNtUOGI/AAAAAAAAAM4/7IifZS7Y8Ho/s1600-h/justine+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261791788361070690" style="WIDTH: 111px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 84px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWjwNtUOGI/AAAAAAAAAM4/7IifZS7Y8Ho/s200/justine+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a>are very excited to be teaching four investigators. Shu has set a baptism date for November 7. She is a registered nurse from China. She is in a one-year program to get her license here. She is very excited about being baptized. Has already combated anti information from friends. Jani continues to progress. She needs a few more weeks to be able to quit her job on Sunday and then three weeks to church. Mena is good but has some concerns. Our new investigator is from Korea. We have just begun to teach her. She says she is not quite sure why she wanted to meet with us, but that some strange feeling kept pushing her to meet. Our first two appointments fell through. After our first meetin ended with her wanti<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQW2w9df65I/AAAAAAAAANQ/Z_my-Hjk9xg/s1600-h/GOINGHOME2+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261812691900558226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 169px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQW2w9df65I/AAAAAAAAANQ/Z_my-Hjk9xg/s200/GOINGHOME2+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a>ng to know more. We have arranged for Julie a Korean member to meet with us. Please pray for them. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Three of the best are returning to their homes this week. We shall miss Elder Gin, Brown and Li. They have been great examples to us of obedience, diligence and great faith. They return with HONOR> </span></div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">We had a great zone activity this week. We met at a park by the Yarra river and the zone leaders bar-b-qued us a great lunch. Very good hamburgers and chicken skewers. The weather was very nice and we enjoyed our time to relax.</span> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWnLcK8AhI/AAAAAAAAANI/-5SqAPOadYo/s1600-h/misc+015+(Small).jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261795554634760722" style="WIDTH: 196px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWnLcK8AhI/AAAAAAAAANI/-5SqAPOadYo/s200/misc+015+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> We love what we are doing. We feel the Lord's hand in the work that is going on here. We had a family home evening tonight. It was to say goodby to our great Elders. There were probably 65 plus people there who had in someway or other been touched by these Elders. There were also 15 investigators. We have see how the spirit works to teach the truth. It is an amzing thing to see it actually happen to a person. We are so grateful for this opportunity.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Love you all and pray for you all</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston<br /></span><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWmXnFDjMI/AAAAAAAAANA/LCveqNBEAHU/s1600-h/misc+015+(Small).jpg"></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SQWmXnFDjMI/AAAAAAAAANA/LCveqNBEAHU/s1600-h/misc+015+(Small).jpg"></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6445523482844470658?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-3757281269097331122008-10-04T21:14:00.000-07:002008-10-07T03:23:14.367-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SOs4JhnNVaI/AAAAAAAAAMI/aP09A11IMks/s1600-h/misc+071+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254355126550615458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SOs4JhnNVaI/AAAAAAAAAMI/aP09A11IMks/s200/misc+071+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#993300;">Life is good here in Melbourne. Spring has arrived and the green on the trees and blossoms are beautiful. I love spring. The sun has been out most days. We have turned our clocks forward for day light savings. However, Melbourne changes seasons in any given day. We start out in short sleeves and wish by afternoon that we had on a sweater. Layers seem to be the answer.<br /><br />We really feel like Missionaries. We have an investigator who has felt the sweet spirit testify to her of the truth. Her name is Jani and she was being taught by the Elders. They felt they had come to t</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SOhDi23X7LI/AAAAAAAAALo/EVS9Kjvr35o/s1600-h/misc+085.jpg"><span style="color:#993300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253523231450066098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SOhDi23X7LI/AAAAAAAAALo/EVS9Kjvr35o/s200/misc+085.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#993300;">he end of what they could do and asked us to teach her. We have met with her 5 times and she is progressing well. Unlike the Elders we are not in a hurry. She has been to church and loved it. Her problem is that she supports herself here and has to have a second job to make ends meet. The second job is on Sunday. She is trying to find something else. She loves Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and believes Joseph Smith had a vision. She is coming with us to Women's Conference. Pray for her to get a different job.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#993300;">Our days are filled with teaching wonderful young people about the great church they have joined. Last week two more baptisms One Korean young man and a Chinese girl. We now have three Korean new members that we teach, one Japanese, and 12 Chinese. It is so great to see them grow and progress in the Gospel. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993300;">We went to a</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SOrhbmvw0OI/AAAAAAAAALw/qH7DkXDH1nY/s1600-h/misc+066.jpg"><span style="color:#993300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254259779654701282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SOrhbmvw0OI/AAAAAAAAALw/qH7DkXDH1nY/s200/misc+066.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#993300;"> great engagement party for Steven and Adele. Steven is Huang Mei's son. He is a return missionary and really great member. He and Adele actually met on their mission to New Zealand. Then they saw each other in the Temple after they both got home. They will be married in January. The party was great, lots of food and decorations. One of the young men that we met when we first got here and had stopped coming to church came to the party. It was so nice to see Kyle. He is going to the University and studies non stop. The Chinese have education as number one in their life. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#993300;">Women's conference was so very good. I was happy to be there and I am so very happy to be a women. Not just a women, but a creative, compassionate women. Pres. Uchtdorf was perfect. So many women including my self needed to hear what he had to say. I was a little worried because I had encouraged all of our new member Chinese young women to come. The turn out for the stake was sparse in total. However, 10 new member Chinese young women were there. I was so proud of them. One doesn't speak English and she came anyway. Afterwards I said to them, "Aren't you so happy you are a women" and they are. We look forward to next weekend to listen to the Prophets speak. What a great blessing it is to know that we have a Prophet on the earth today. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993300;">Thank you Amy for fixing our blogspot background, Elder Urmston likes it very much. Congratulations to Peter and Nathan on their St. George Marathon run. Hope all the big and little football players will have great success this year. Also to the runners and soccer players and volleyball girls. Have fun. We love you all and we do miss being a part of your lives. We have felt the power of prayer in our life while we serve the Lord. Thanks for your prayers on our behalf. We pray for you.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993300;">Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#993300;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-375728126909733112?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-39275256157367881562008-09-21T18:58:00.000-07:002008-09-21T20:29:29.091-07:00<span style="color:#990000;">For our non family readers, Bakersfield was the place to be last weekend. Jordan spoke in church before heading out to the MTC. We will miss him very much. He is a great young man and a very good example to all brothers and cousins. Miss Courtney received a beautiful engagement ring from Brigham. They have set a date in June. Thank you both for that. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">It is hard to believe that we have already served half of our mission. As we have discussed what has taken place in these months and also what we desire for the next half we are so very happy that we came and that we were called to serve in the Melbourne West mission lan</span><span style="color:#990000;">guage zone. I know we were meant to do exactly what we are doing. Who better to work with 14 Elders who come in and out of your flat all day long, who need some grandma and grandpa t<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SNcFYON_dBI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ZeGGCU52uag/s1600-h/misc+026.jpg"><span style="color:#990000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248669804415382546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SNcFYON_dBI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ZeGGCU52uag/s200/misc+026.jpg" border="0" /></span></a>alks and especially some grandma cooking, who at times don't know the answers to some of the more difficult Gospel questions that come to them. Who better then a couple of people who raised 8 kids with people coming in and out all of the time, who are grandparents to 37 and a grandma who has an excuse to make cookies. Many times Elder Urmston is called into a discussion to answer a Gospel question. We love are Elders and are feeling real sadness as some of them are now starting to go home. Elders Klienman and Beckham have left and Elders Brown and Gin next. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">We have also be</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SNcIYJJkzLI/AAAAAAAAALY/azE1hr_VF_I/s1600-h/misc+029.jpg"><span style="color:#990000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248673101589564594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="164" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SNcIYJJkzLI/AAAAAAAAALY/azE1hr_VF_I/s200/misc+029.jpg" width="235" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#990000;">en given the great blessing to teach new members. We have prepared 12 lessons for them. That takes them another 3 months in close contact with us. Some desire further lessons. To see them grow and receive callings in the ward brings great joy. Saturday we had a The Autumn Moon Festival celebration. Very big holiday in China. One of our new members Aggie changed the words to a favorite Chinese song to represent Gospel teachings. She organized the whole thing. They sang and danced and were wonderful. The audience was very surprised and impressed by them.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">My first job in nursing was in the Geriatric Ward. I loved the older people than and I do now. I always asked to go Visiting Teaching to our older sisters. We have been loved and nourished by the older wiser people here in Melbourne. Several of them are pioneers here in Melbourne. ElderUrmston is so good to keep them talking about there experiences. We feel it a great privilege to serve them in any way we can. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">So as you can see we keep very busy, are being Spiritually fed, our testimonies are strengthened,we are gaining further Gospel knowledge and our love of the Lord Jesus Christ grows daily as we see his hand in peoples lives. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">We thank you for your prayers and we pray for you and love you and miss you.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3927525615736788156?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-8813606375481835672008-09-08T00:08:00.000-07:002008-09-08T01:09:45.384-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTdcD6VuzI/AAAAAAAAAI8/mqdF_BkG2Y8/s1600-h/sun+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243559340322175794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="94" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTdcD6VuzI/AAAAAAAAAI8/mqdF_BkG2Y8/s200/sun+(Small).jpg" width="114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Spring arrived on September first. The sun has actually been shining and the people are out and about. Dark clothes are changing into spring colors. I look forward to each day and find myself much happier. I am so grateful for this amazing earth that we live on. As each season comes and nature changes I see Gods hand in everything around me.<br /><br />We want to congratulate Jessica on her graduation from College. After many hours at the computer she has reached one of her goals. Now she would like to get her masters, however if you looked at their blog you will see that they now have six children living in their home. Two beautiful children who have been blessed to be placed in their home. Cameron age three has been a part of the Ivins family for almost a year and now a newborn little girl. Two more little grandchildren for us.<br /><br />Also we would like to say congratulations to Nathan. He will be serving as a counselor in the Bishopric of 2nd Ward. Lots of wonderful experiences await he and his family.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTXihZ4S0I/AAAAAAAAAIc/DEEltp9smt4/s1600-h/misc+013+(Small).jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243552854248540994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="136" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTXihZ4S0I/AAAAAAAAAIc/DEEltp9smt4/s200/misc+013+(Small).jpg" width="184" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> We have had a very busy and fulfilling two weeks. We were involved in another wedding. Martin Side and You Ching. They had a ceremony in Taiwan but needed a civil service with documentation for Australia. We were designated as the chofer for the bride. Elder Urmston was proxy for You Ching’s father. She looked beautiful and the ward was very supportive. A lovely gathering took place after. Hopefully we will be able to teach You Ching before we go home.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTX_R7l2GI/AAAAAAAAAIk/aMuCAx1Tx0Q/s1600-h/misc+006+(Small).jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243553348311177314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTX_R7l2GI/AAAAAAAAAIk/aMuCAx1Tx0Q/s200/misc+006+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Our sweet friend Etsuko wanted to cook us Japanese meal and we did not object. She came prepared to make Sushi and Tempura. I was able to make a Sushi and we enjoyed a wonderful evening with her. The food was delicious.<br /><br />We spent another great evening with Pres.and Sis Lee and the other Senior couples. We feel very blessed to have our assignment. Elder and Sister Tuckett who we have really enjoyed are heading home. They have been serving in the office. We will be with out an office couple for a couple of weeks. The Rollins and Beddes both serve in wards outside of Melbourne. However the Beddes are moving to a branch where he is going to help an Aboriginal community fix their homes. He was a contractor. The Flynns are digitalizing Victoria Public Records. They go in at 7 and are done at 4, five days a week. We also have Sister Wooddard who is the financial person in the office. It is always great to hear what they are all doing.<br /><br />One Saturday </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTYehnQSmI/AAAAAAAAAIs/NyapXFMkIB0/s1600-h/misc+092+(Small).jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243553885096790626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTYehnQSmI/AAAAAAAAAIs/NyapXFMkIB0/s200/misc+092+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">we went to the Carlton Learning Center to help out. It was Australia’s Helping Hands day. We did a lot of yard work. The entire back area needed help. We weeded, spread mulch and cleaned up dead plants and ivy. I had a wonderful morning. Put on my jeans and went digging in the dirt. There was a very good turnout. It was a time to get to know different Fairfield ward members. It really felt good. Two of our Chinese girls came. One is not a member yet. They were really good little workers. The Bishop and his counselors cooked hamburgers and sausage for lunch. Great, Great Day.<br /><br />Elders are now beginning to go home. Elders Beckham and Kleinmann (Robyn Rebeski’s son) are on their way back to the USA. We had them and their companions for dinner. They are great young men. They are Vietnamese speaking. We will miss them. We don’t get any one new until December.<br /><br />We now have 11 new members that we teach each week and Institute. Lot s of opportunity to draw on the experience we have had in the Church throughout our lives. It is great to be able to recall experiences we have had in life to illustrate a point. We also continue to visit our older friends and keep adding to the group. I mentioned to Elder Urmston that are week is getting so full that we may have to stop finding people. But we won’t.<br /><br />We actually are teaching two investigators. They are Emma and Cindy. We had one lesson with Emma a couple of months ago. She was here with Henry and Vicki who got married. The evening focused more on their wedding. We were to meet with her the next week and Vickie told us she didn’t want to come. I saw her at the wedding and spoke with her. She said that wasn’t true. We set up a time and she called to see if her friend could come. OF COURSE SHE CAN. We have had two discussions with them. We first have been helping them to understand that there is a God and that he does have a son Jesus Christ. We have learned that we are just the tools. We committed them to pray to find the truth. We know the Holy Ghost will testify of the truth if they ask. It will be slow but they are coming back for another lesson.<br /></span><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTbPk1EvFI/AAAAAAAAAI0/E1eQuR1pU14/s1600-h/misc+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243556926796905554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SMTbPk1EvFI/AAAAAAAAAI0/E1eQuR1pU14/s200/misc+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Finally, we are proud to report that today at the Chile Cook off for the Language Zone, we were the winners. There were many different varities of Chile but the judges felt ours had the most true flavor and was delicious to the taste and it was the only container that was empty at the end. Thanks to a wonderful recipe of Danny Stotler. Thanks Jill for sharing that with us.<br /><br />Life is good, and we find great joy in serving. We love you all and truly enjoy and correspondence with you. Be strong, stay true to what you know is true and stay close to each otherMom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston.</span><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-881360637548183567?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-42504282735151604602008-08-22T17:36:00.000-07:002008-08-22T18:48:45.235-07:00<span style="color:#000099;">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.<br /><br />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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">isn</span>’t always what I like but Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Urmston</span> tries everything. Some is quite hot. We both passed on the pigs ear, which is suppose t</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SK9ceK4SzNI/AAAAAAAAAHc/jC3FIWzGVFU/s1600-h/chocolate+chip+cookie.jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237506565041474770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SK9ceK4SzNI/AAAAAAAAAHc/jC3FIWzGVFU/s200/chocolate+chip+cookie.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;">o 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, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">KFC</span> twister, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nandos</span>. In town we have one Chinese and a Greek place that we frequent. I cook dinner on Sunday. Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Urmston</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rolo</span>’s are the favorites, but when it is Tuxedo Brownies you better really hurry if your going to get one.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ne</span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SK9llqhnrSI/AAAAAAAAAHk/FBH5EIJ_cbg/s1600-h/michael+phelps.jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237516589400042786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="113" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SK9llqhnrSI/AAAAAAAAAHk/FBH5EIJ_cbg/s200/michael+phelps.jpg" width="80" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ws</span> about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Oylmpics</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">TV</span> so have not watched. We have seen a little, on a visit to our friend Burt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Culles</span> 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!!!<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SK9l4DM5zyI/AAAAAAAAAHs/rzU7Hbg60Wk/s1600-h/book+of+mormon.jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237516905261682466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 74px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" height="81" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SK9l4DM5zyI/AAAAAAAAAHs/rzU7Hbg60Wk/s200/book+of+mormon.jpg" width="71" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;"><br />Courtney shared some reading <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">excitement</span>. 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.<br /><br />The blogs of</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SK9mpWQHOYI/AAAAAAAAAH0/pQV39Bj8bwg/s1600-h/Picture+005.jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237517752189008258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 96px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 72px" height="84" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SK9mpWQHOYI/AAAAAAAAAH0/pQV39Bj8bwg/s200/Picture+005.jpg" width="107" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> Candice, Jaime, Linda and Amy have shared some great trips with us. Our most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">frequent</span> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">appreciated</span>. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">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. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Love, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-4250428273515160460?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-24346060410880459572008-08-05T17:06:00.000-07:002008-08-05T17:30:38.582-07:00<span style="color:#996633;">Happy Birthday to those who celebrate with me in August, Jessica, Jill and Chad.</span><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjuzCoTP8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/BC7TEHUaDc4/s1600-h/daniel.JPG"><span style="color:#996633;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231193527837474754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjuzCoTP8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/BC7TEHUaDc4/s200/daniel.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;">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.<br /><br />Elder Urmston</span><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjsO5vwZ7I/AAAAAAAAAG8/U0O4ErfRDO0/s1600-h/100_0021+(Small).jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231190707954280370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjsO5vwZ7I/AAAAAAAAAG8/U0O4ErfRDO0/s200/100_0021+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;"> 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. T</span><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjshTrbGlI/AAAAAAAAAHE/QwxYvOuiPfA/s1600-h/100_0040+(Small).jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231191024153074258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="125" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjshTrbGlI/AAAAAAAAAHE/QwxYvOuiPfA/s200/100_0040+(Small).jpg" width="169" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;">hen 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. </span><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjr3BPoNbI/AAAAAAAAAG0/PI1GvT5yX8U/s1600-h/trang+(Small).jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231190297650148786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="117" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjr3BPoNbI/AAAAAAAAAG0/PI1GvT5yX8U/s200/trang+(Small).jpg" width="156" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;"><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />An interestin</span><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjtKqn0qZI/AAAAAAAAAHM/7SEWj1kIsLc/s1600-h/100_0049+(Small).jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231191734686624146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SJjtKqn0qZI/AAAAAAAAAHM/7SEWj1kIsLc/s200/100_0049+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;">g 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!!!!!!!<br />LOVE, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa , Elder and Sister Urmston</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2434606041088045957?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-24959600580624934402008-07-11T04:11:00.000-07:002008-07-11T04:26:50.649-07:00<div><div><span style="color:#000066;"> There is so much happening everyday that I really don’t know what would be important to tell you. We continue to visit many members of our two wards. Many of the visits are strictly fellowship visits. We feel that has become a big part of what we do. People need to know that they are thought of. The other visits are with the new members. We now have eight new members that we meet with all most weekly. We teach them many different things. Some of the lessons that we teach are on Patriarchal Blessings, the humanitarian work of the church and being self reliant, the organization of the church, what the Bishop does, what is the Primary, what do Deacons, Teachers and Priests do, family history and Temple work. Many different aspects of the Church. We encourage them to read the Book of Mormon, Pray and come to Church. We are happy to say that of all the Chinese young people who are new members since we arrived they are all still active and excited about the Church. <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SHdBJb5LOzI/AAAAAAAAAGc/oSqNkbRtny4/s1600-h/100_0001+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221713923321576242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SHdBJb5LOzI/AAAAAAAAAGc/oSqNkbRtny4/s200/100_0001+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We have the opportunity to go to the Temple at least once a month with our two wards. They both go on the same night. Many of the ordinance workers for the evening our from these two wards. It is nice to hop in the car and be at the Temple in half an hour. We also took a group on new members to do Baptisms. They are so willing to go and feel the Spirit while there. This time we had enough Chinese speaking Priesthood that it could be done in that language.<br /> If you keeping track of the people we work with here are some updates. Young Seth Brocas gave a talk in Primary. We were able to attend. He did a great job. Spoke on family history and said he wanted to go to the Temple some day. Hopefully the whole family will go. Etsuko is still in Japan. She wrote and told all is going very well. Her fiancée gave her a beautiful ring and they had a nice engagement party. They will marry in Hawaii next year. Our cute Abby was called to be a counselor in<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SHdCG6QYLuI/AAAAAAAAAGk/3YzIfIAcNLA/s1600-h/three2+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221714979443977954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SHdCG6QYLuI/AAAAAAAAAGk/3YzIfIAcNLA/s200/three2+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> the Young Women. She is so excited and scared. She has never had a calling. She went on Tuesday and was so nervous because she has no sisters and says she doesn’t know what to say. But guess what the girls love her. She teaches her first class in a week. We have been giving her suggestions. Chris our Korean young man finally got a job and he is very happy. There have four new Chinese members in the past month.<br /> Along with all the happy times we also have sad ones. A young man named Alex joined the church first part of the year. He had a drug problem and had gotten past it for a while. He slipped a couple times and was ready to try again. He had gotten a job and was very happy. The company cut is project and laid him off. We don’t know what happened, but he was found dead in his room. So very sad. He was bright and kind and tried very hard. We shall miss him.<br /> I know this is a bit long but there is something else I would like to share.We had a very good Stake Conference. Our Area President has a new assignment and he was at our conference. He shared this with us. When he was called to be a Seventy, all the new Seventies met with Pres. Faust. He asked them if they wanted to know the secret to get their families to the Celestial Kingdom. This was his plan.<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">1. Pray everyday (all day)<br />2. Read Scriptures everyday and ponder<br />3. Hold Family Home Evening every week<br />4. Visit Temple often<br />5. Pay tithing.<br /></span>Nothing new, but does everyone do them. I pray that you do.<br />We have been blessed with believing blood. Be grateful for it.<br />We love you, we continue to pray for you, we tell everyone we meet all about you. They always ask, Do you know all their names and how old they are. It is so nice that we can say yes, What would you like to know about each of them. Take good care of them and teach them of Jesus Christ. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;">Love, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Elder and Sister Urmston</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2495960058062493440?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-65396458235678967992008-06-20T23:12:00.000-07:002008-06-23T21:03:05.724-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SFygPuKD-DI/AAAAAAAAAGE/vCvJ72KBTY4/s1600-h/100_0067+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214218660536907826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SFygPuKD-DI/AAAAAAAAAGE/vCvJ72KBTY4/s200/100_0067+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> <span style="font-family:georgia;color:#660000;">As you all enjoy your summer days we are here in the southern hemisphere trying to enjoy winter. Most days are not that bad. Some days however that Antarctic wind comes blowing in and it is really cold. The trees are bare and everyone is bundled up with scarves and gloves. This is Melbourne at night. The Elders and Sisters are trying to stay well but a flu bug has gotten some of them. We feel very blessed to have been healthy and with out illness since we arrived.<br /><br />First I want<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SGBxc5UfC1I/AAAAAAAAAGU/8wRcrIZ75xk/s1600-h/carries+ring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215293109732051794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="112" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SGBxc5UfC1I/AAAAAAAAAGU/8wRcrIZ75xk/s200/carries+ring.jpg" width="162" border="0" /></a> to say how very happy we are that Carrie and Ralph are engaged to be married. He proposed on her birthday and she accepted. They are planning to be sealed around November. If she has been slow to let you all know she will probably be a little upset with me.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#660000;">Our sweet Etsuko is in Japan. She was so excited to go home and share her testimony<span style="color:#ffff00;"> </span>with her fiancee. Before she left, she had already told him many thin<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SFyioerckNI/AAAAAAAAAGM/6VmeD2vY-BQ/s1600-h/100_0070+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214221284901949650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SFyioerckNI/AAAAAAAAAGM/6VmeD2vY-BQ/s200/100_0070+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>gs about the Church and he was very interested and wants to go to Church with her. She has already contacted the Mission there and set up a meeting with the Missionaries. She <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SFyeBKHQILI/AAAAAAAAAFs/4LNkdsy-x_8/s1600-h/100_0070.jpg"></a>will be in Japan for a month and then back here until February. We miss her. She is so excited about everything she is re-learning. This is a picture of Elder Brown and Li with us a Etsuko.<br /><br />We had another Shall We Dance night. It was good. Not as many young people as I had hoped for, but was good. Friday night this week there was a big Stake Dance. We had the other activities leading up to this Dance. On Thursday I asked Abby who was coming and she said they were not going to go. I told her that was not acceptable. She said they don’t know anyone. After some discussion about the importance of supporting people who work hard to have good activities for us she said she would call everyone. She was successful and there were seven there. They were a little hesitant to dance, so I finally took them by the hand and led them out, did a little moving back and forth and then Lu who has been on a mission to Canada got them going. In the end they seemed to enjoy themselves.<br /><br />The Language Z<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SFydItT0-EI/AAAAAAAAAFk/_hyQKcffpx4/s1600-h/tom+jojo+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214215241515464770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SFydItT0-EI/AAAAAAAAAFk/_hyQKcffpx4/s200/tom+jojo+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>one had two baptisms. One young women JOJO, we will begin teaching her the new member discussions. She is from Shanghai. Quite Westernized. The other young man Tom is 17 and here to learn English. Sunday there are two more. Work is moving forward. Far more success with the Chinese then the Australians. The Cultures of both are very different. A lot of Australians are really into getting things. They are not very religious. Have many beautiful churches but not many going. The Chinese on the other hand are seeking to find something to make life important. When they first feel the spirit, it is an immediate answer. We look forward to the day when China’s doors are open to the missionaries. Many of these young people will be called to serve their brothers and sisters. We read in the paper that in China religious groups may now meet in groups of 25 or less.<br /><br />Boundery changes for our two wards. The people will be the same, only in different wards. Should be a good change. Caulfield was really struggling. Bishop Mohr of Fairfield however lost his, RS Pres. YW Pres. Elders Quorum Pres and SS Pres. He has a lot of work ahead.<br /><br />We are grateful for this time of our life. We are grateful for the hand of the Lord in what we are doing.We especially love our study of the Book of Mormon. We have all been given assignment from Pres. Lee to read the Book of Mormon in two transfers.(90 days). While reading we are to mark in different colors 1. The doctrine 2. any reference to the Savior. 3 Attributes of the Savior 4. When the Savior Speaks. It has been a very interesting assignment. We recognize that the Book of Mormon is truly a testament of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />I will say again using the words of Pres. Monson, We pray for you , Please pray for us. We love and appreciate you all, and recognize each day what a wonderful blessing our family and friends are to us. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6539645823567896799?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-36233485507420162222008-06-02T08:38:00.000-07:002008-06-02T20:41:15.563-07:00<span style="font-size:11;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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. </span></span></span> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">We want to say congratulations to Jordan on his mission call. We were sorry we wer</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SEQUZT-J6EI/AAAAAAAAAcA/rOKkh3rzOSQ/s1600-h/jordan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SEQUZT-J6EI/AAAAAAAAAcA/rOKkh3rzOSQ/s320/jordan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207309494237390914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">en'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.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> 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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">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.<span> </span>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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> 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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >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.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SES9NT-J6HI/AAAAAAAAAcY/8CxyXLPwKfM/s1600-h/IJ4-WP-48-800.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 124px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SES9NT-J6HI/AAAAAAAAAcY/8CxyXLPwKfM/s320/IJ4-WP-48-800.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207495105544054898" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We actually treated ourselves last week to a movie. We went to see the new Indiana Jones movie and really loved it.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >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. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >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.<span> </span>We love the Savior Jesus Christ and recognize him</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > as the head of the Church. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Love to you all, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa and Elder and Sister Urmston</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3623348550742016222?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-74253373749116946692008-05-24T12:06:00.000-07:002008-05-24T12:26:32.852-07:00<div id="1erv" class="ArwC7c ckChnd"><div>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 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shall We Dance</span> 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.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SDhopRBOt_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/ynz9rq3sXIQ/s1600-h/100_0061.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SDhopRBOt_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/ynz9rq3sXIQ/s320/100_0061.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204024427579095026" border="0" /></a> </div> <div> </div> <div>We visited the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Melbourne_Jail">Old Melbourne Goal</a> on our p-day. It was the old prison, built in the 1841. It was where they hung 135 people. One of them was t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SDhpxRBOuAI/AAAAAAAAAaY/e8DuedmgxCI/s1600-h/100_0024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 167px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SDhpxRBOuAI/AAAAAAAAAaY/e8DuedmgxCI/s320/100_0024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204025664529676290" border="0" /></a>heir most notorious outlaw, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ned_Kelly">Ned Kelly</a>. Part of<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SDhraBBOuCI/AAAAAAAAAao/iUHN7iT6GBs/s1600-h/100_0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 162px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SDhraBBOuCI/AAAAAAAAAao/iUHN7iT6GBs/s320/100_0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204027464120973346" border="0" /></a> 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. </div> <div> </div> <div><br />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. </div> <div> </div> <div><br />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. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SDhrGRBOuBI/AAAAAAAAAag/0y174-rMT30/s1600-h/100_0042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SDhrGRBOuBI/AAAAAAAAAag/0y174-rMT30/s320/100_0042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204027124818556946" border="0" /></a>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. </div> <div> </div> <div>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.</div> <div>Mom and Dad Grandma and Grandpa Elder and Sister Urmston</div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-7425337374911694669?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-90020526908281365452008-05-06T08:22:00.000-07:002008-05-06T18:24:04.632-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">We love our life here as missionaries</span>. We love the wonderful Chinese people; old and young. We love the people of the Caulfield and Fairfield wards; active and less active. We are trying to do everything we can to keep new members strong and less actives to come back and stay when they come back. The second is the hardest. We read a scripture in Alma this week that explains this. It is found in Alma 24:30 ;<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SCB7cvvuSmI/AAAAAAAAAYs/19xcesLSLno/s1600-h/Alma+24+30.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SCB7cvvuSmI/AAAAAAAAAYs/19xcesLSLno/s320/Alma+24+30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197289703768738402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So we have found that working with those who have chosen to leave the activity of the Church are harder to convince then those who have never heard it before. </div> <div> </div> <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SCB78fvuSnI/AAAAAAAAAY0/MJySAbUVfCQ/s1600-h/100_0031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SCB78fvuSnI/AAAAAAAAAY0/MJySAbUVfCQ/s200/100_0031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197290249229585010" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Two baptisms this weekend</span>. On Friday a young Chinese man named Lin Ging. We were not able to get to know him very well because his English is a little better then our Chinese. It was nice however to have Michael Chen who we know very well do the baptism. Also we learned something new. A priest can be a witness for a baptism. So Surge age 17 was able to be a witness and actually said it wasn't correct and told Michael that Lin Ging's elbow had not gone under. It was great to see these two new members use their Priesthood. Surge also was at the Sacrament table on<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SCB8JvvuSoI/AAAAAAAAAY8/z_-vh54uJDY/s1600-h/chrris+elderrs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SCB8JvvuSoI/AAAAAAAAAY8/z_-vh54uJDY/s200/chrris+elderrs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197290476862851714" border="0" /></a> Sunday. </div> <div> </div> <div>Saturday we sat in the Caulfield chapel with the Australian mission leader and people who attended speaking Cantonese and Mandarin and English to witness the baptism of Chris Yang a Korean young man by another Korean new member in the Korean language.. Because there needed to be two witnesses who spoke Korean the Elders had it written out phonetically so they could follow along and make sure it was correct. Had to be done three times and then he was washed clean. He is a really cute young man. Here on a home stay program to learn English. Stayed with Sister Plum and was introduced to the Elders. He is very happy and we have enjoyed getting to know him. His mother in Korea was very happy for him.</div> <div> </div> <div>We had dinner Tuesday evening with Argielynn and her husband. She is from the Philippines and he is from Shri Lanka. He is a Baddest. We had a very enjoyable evening. We found out about their life. They met over the Internet. She in Hong Kong he here in Australia. They met in Singapore and decided to get married. Now comes the trial. Two different religions. He doesn't seem to mind but she does. They come up to the flat and we had further discussions about religion. They left smiling like they were when we met them and he said he would listen to the lessons. The major problem is time. He is in school Monday and Tuesday and works all the others days until 7pm. I finally after all these months can say that it will all work out the way the Lord has it planned. If we are the people to teach him it will happen. I forgot to get their picture, will get it next time. </div> <div> </div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SCEEcgobKyI/AAAAAAAAAFM/eVp3Edlnc6c/s1600-h/side.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/SCEEcgobKyI/AAAAAAAAAFM/eVp3Edlnc6c/s200/side.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197440332804598562" border="0" /></a>Last night we had dinner with Martin Side and his son Juliano and Martins girlfriend You Xing. She is from Taiwan and not a member. He would like to marry her. We brought the dinner discussion around to the church at different times and she listened and had a couple questions. She is one who has no beliefs. It was a good evening. </div> <div> </div> <div>The one advantage we have is that we are the senior couple. Everyone seems to like us. I'm sure it is because we are older. We don't think of ourselves as older, but I guess that is the way it is. We are grateful for the experiences we have had in the church, that has become a great knowledge for us. We have been able to share many things with our new members and also with the Elders about how the church organization works. We have found that there is still a lot for us to learn about this mission. Each week we feel that we are getting closer to what it is we are really suppose to be doing here. </div> <div> </div> <div>For all of you who have May birthdays we will try to phone you, but our time is so different that it may not work on the exact day. We wish you all a very Happy Birthday and a very great year to come. </div> <div>Love you all and appreciate the updates on your families and our ward. </div> <div>Mom and Dad Grandma and Grandpa Elder Urmston and Sister Urmston</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-9002052690828136545?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-67829612892159463262008-04-28T12:49:00.000-07:002008-04-28T13:01:11.927-07:00We had another meeting with Sophia and showed the Restoration DVD, she enjoyed it and had questions. At the end of the discussion Elder Urmston committed her to pray about the things that she had heard. I gave her a place to read in the Book of Mormon and we committed her to read and pray if the Book of Mormon is true. She then asked some questions about prayer, we explained a little more and then she folded her arms and started to pray. We let her finish and then encouraged her to read first and pray, kneeling at her bed to ask these questions. She said she would. As we were going to get in the car to go to FHE she told me she had to move. I was so excited, hoping it would bring her into our mission. She is now in a very strange part of the area. We have Australian members in the area but the East mission has Chinese Elders that cover that area. So now I am looking for someone to rent her a room in our ward. Abby told me that she is already defending the church. She has started getting people telling here not to get involved with us and she tells them about what she has learned. She is not coming today because she has to work. Michael and Abby were with us again. We are always encouraged to have members with us when we teach. <div id="1euc" class="ArwC7c ckChnd"> <div> </div> <div>We were able to meet with Argielynn. She is a Filipino girl married to a non member who is from Shri Lanka. He is Buddhist. He is a chef five days a week and goes to school the other two. Doesn't get home until 7pm. His school is in the city so we invited them to go to dinner with us. Yesterday she was at church and said they would love to. So we will meet them here in the city and go to dinner. Elder Urmston has been studying about Buddhism. </div> <div> </div> <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SBYq6fvuSfI/AAAAAAAAAX0/XmrRxB2yGE8/s1600-h/100_0006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SBYq6fvuSfI/AAAAAAAAAX0/XmrRxB2yGE8/s320/100_0006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194386404660890098" border="0" /></a>Friday, the senior couples had a lunch with President and Sister Lee at their home. It was very nice. We have two new couples that we hadn't met. I was happy to see that they were both in their middle 70's. Someone told us that they weren't accepting couples in their 70's.Not true. One of the couples named Rawlins is the brother to people Aunt Kathy and Uncle Rick served with in Nigeria. Sad part was that some of them are going home. Our Sis Nusbaum leaves on Friday. We shall all miss her greatly. </div> <div> </div> <div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SBYr4vvuShI/AAAAAAAAAYE/SLw7JHakGWs/s1600-h/100_0008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SBYr4vvuShI/AAAAAAAAAYE/SLw7JHakGWs/s320/100_0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194387474107746834" border="0" /></a><br />Great day on Saturday. Temple Baptisms. There were 11 that went. Rides were arranged. These young people are becoming very close. If they have an activity on one night and need to be in town the next day they just stay at one of the places in town. Jane was going to go with us to the church where we were meeting and called that she would go with Michael. I thought, did Michael bring his suit into town. Called back and no, do I need to wear a suit. Little things not covered. So he was going to go home and be back at the church on time. Then started calling all the others. Some knew others not. Everything worked out. One forgotten recommend, but a Bishopric member there to fix that. Albert, Danny, Michael, Kenneth,Tom,Ruth, Abby, Sis Goai first time. Lucy, Billy, Jane had been before. We were at the Baptisms for many of these people and now we get to take them to the Temple for the first time. How great is that. Now for Abby. She has had some fears about this. She was just going to watch. Elder Urmston gave her a blessing to help her. She watched as the young men were baptized. Then she went to do Confirmations. When she came back she came over to me and said could she be Baptized. Very big step for her. She did it. First time her face came up looking rather frightened. I was a bit concerned. When I asked her she said she does not like to get her face in the water. Wonderful to see these new members excited to serve others. </div> <div> </div> <div>Sunday was quite a day. We started out by going to Fairfield Ward. Little disappointed that Seraiah was not there. Realized that some of the young people had gone to Caulfield because George was speaking. So we headed over to Caulfield. Takes about 1/2 hour. We were early and had a chance to talk with members there. Watching for the Brocas and Argylynn and Peita Odgers. Also for George. We called him the night before to see how he was doing and he was at home writing his talk. First came Argylynn, with her cute smiling face. Big hugs. Just before we were going in there were Kirt, Vikie and Seth. Then came Peita with Bella. I was leading the music and in came George saw me and had a huge smile. He gave the most touching talk as he explained about his life before the Gospel. Told how he got on the wrong tram and met the Elders. He was very teary. We love to see emotion in the Chinese as the Spirit touches their heart. Had lesson with George and Kenneth on Family History. They were very excited, Gave them a Family Group Sheet and they immediately started to fill it it. Abby stuck around to listen. Rushed home to visit with Deniz and have another Temple Prep class. Off to the Phans. This you should be very impressed wi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SBYsYPvuSiI/AAAAAAAAAYM/_cB7guttNoM/s1600-h/100_0024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SBYsYPvuSiI/AAAAAAAAAYM/_cB7guttNoM/s320/100_0024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194388015273626146" border="0" /></a>th. When we went to get on the lift. A man told us they were both not working. We could take the stairs. We just looked at each other. They live on the 14th floor. I had my phone,but not their number. So off we went, up 14 flights of stairs. Elder Urmstons legs were burning and my heart was pounding. A very good cardio exercise. When we came out they were working. Rushed home to prepare for a Birthday Party for Elder Urmston. I invited some of our young friends over. We bought a lot of Chinese type foods and snacks. Had a cake. Michael brought a dish that he made with spaghetti type noodles, egg, cucumber and ham and then spiced up. Just a little hot. Michael has b<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SBYsqfvuSjI/AAAAAAAAAYU/qAPRzdNkDas/s1600-h/100_0027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SBYsqfvuSjI/AAAAAAAAAYU/qAPRzdNkDas/s320/100_0027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194388328806238770" border="0" /></a>ecome known as the chef.There were six of them. Same group. George, Kenneth and Michael, Abby, Jane and Julia. We played the spoon game and Mafia. They knew about Mafia. Talked about China and marriage and church. Great, great day.</div> <div> </div> <div>So we continue on being greatly touched by those we meet and the experiences we are having. Sister Lee told me that when they are done with their responsibility she wants to come back and do what we are doing. It is hard for me to think of this as any kind of a sacrifice, we are having to much fun. </div> <div> </div> <div>Thanks for your prayers on our behalf, we feel them and appreciate them We love you all and enjoy hearing from you.</div> <div>Love, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston</div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6782961289215946326?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-35098829827251432562008-04-21T20:10:00.000-07:002008-04-21T20:17:28.080-07:00<div>We just keep on going. It seems like the time to write comes quicker each week. The time really speeds by when you are going every day. Today is p-day and we are just catching up on some things. Now that we have p-day on Monday we don't have the whole day as we did before, because family home evening is tonight. We have also been meeting with one of our new Chinese members on Monday before FHE because he comes into town for that. He lives quite a way out of town. We have also been meeting with Abby's non member friend Sophia. We have met with Sophia three times now. Don't really know where we are with her. If she really is interested we need to send her off to the stake she lives in. Today we will really get into things. Will show the Restoration DVD and then talk about the Sabbath day, she works on Sunday. See how much more she wants to know after that. Will also give a Baptism commitment. She actually has been baptized by immersion in the church she goes to. Should be an interesting discussion. </div> <div> </div> <div>We had a really good zone conference on Tuesday. I really admire Pres. and Sis Lee. They really have to put up with a lot from some of the Elders. Always problems. Please train up your boys to be able to care for themselves and keep a clean room and be respectful of those in authority over them. President Lee is constantly having to take care of these stupid type of problems. We have it so good as missionaries. We get to enjoy all the good things that are happening. We have a new Assistant, Elder Cox is due to go home in the next transfers so we have Elder Simons from Nephi, Utah. I told him we have relatives buried there. We were given a goal to double the baptisms. We are about where we were last year at this time. Pray that Elder and Sister Urmston can find some one to teach. </div> <div> </div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SA1YGF4yDsI/AAAAAAAAAXE/8lcTD6DTOio/s1600-h/danika+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SA1YGF4yDsI/AAAAAAAAAXE/8lcTD6DTOio/s320/danika+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191902807110848194" border="0" /></a>Our sweet friend Danika Cogger left for Perth. We went to dinner with her on Wednesday and then she asked Elder Urmston to give her a blessing before she left. We shall miss her. It will take her 5 days to get to Perth. She and a friend are driving there. She has a new type of job and is excited to start a new life. </div> <div> </div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SA1YTV4yDtI/AAAAAAAAAXM/DMDTO6EXHIA/s1600-h/100_0013+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SA1YTV4yDtI/AAAAAAAAAXM/DMDTO6EXHIA/s320/100_0013+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191903034744114898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When we went to see Seraiah this week we were getting in the car and guess what was in the tree eating berries? A beautiful yellow crested Cockatoo. I wanted to catch it. I guess from what I was told that they are every where just flying around.</div> <div> </div> <div><br />Elder Urmston spoke on Sunday. He did a very good job. Everyone commented on how good it was. He was able to speak with Abby. It was the first time she has ever given a talk. It was beautiful. So very sincere and humble. She spoke in English which is very impressive to all the other Chinese young people. Sunday night was a Chinese Fireside. It was not attended as well as it should have been. Jane spoke at that. Elder Brown translated it for us. So good to hear here Testimony. Very strong. President and Sister Lee spoke along with the stake President. It was really cute. Huang Mai's cute daughter was asked at the last minute to translate for Sis. Lee. She is 14. I haven't seen anyone so nervous in along time. She did an excellent job according to Elder Brown. He was really excited for her. </div> <div> </div> <div>Well off to get the car washed and then back for our discussion. I am taking Tuxedo Brownies to FHE. We will see what they think of the. Mostly I take them for the Elders. Chinese people do not like sweet things very much. Australians don't like things as sweet as Americans. I have used a Devils Food Cake Mix from Australia and one from America to make the Rolo cookies. The cake mix from Australia was not as sweet. </div> <div> </div> <div>Our testimonies grow each day as we see the Lord help us to know what we should do. One of the things you learn very quickly when you serve a mission is to call on the Lord for help often.Hopefully we are doing what we are suppose to so that we will hear the spirit guide and direct us. Thanks for your prayers on our behalf. We pray for you and look forward to any word from home and family.</div> <div>Love, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Elder and Sister Urmston</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3509882982725143256?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-49264173777866455352008-04-13T18:30:00.000-07:002008-04-14T06:21:21.210-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sugardoodle.net/sdclipart/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/firstpres.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.sugardoodle.net/sdclipart/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/firstpres.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We spent the weekend being spiritually fed. What a great honor it was for us to be a part of the Solomn Assembly, even if it was a week late. We were greatly blessed to have many of our new special friends there to witness this also. Our cute little Jimmy and Annie were brought by their dad. They sat with us while their dad listened in Chinese in the Primary room. We were very aware of President Monsons nervousness on Saturday. When Dean came home from Priesthood session he said to me, President Monson is back. On Sunday we also recognized that the mantel was there. We loved his closing comments with the personal touch. The music was beautiful especially the BYU chorus and then I loved the Choirs rendition of He Sent His Son. I love the Primary songs. I look forward to reading many of the talks again. I was touched by Elder Hales and Elder Uchtdorf. Sister Lant and traditions and Elder Ballard about Mothers were great. Elder Bednar always the missionary. Also it was nice to hear our old friend Gerald Lund. Our sweet Abby who is new to a lot of the feelings of the spirit, told me that she really feels good inside when she listens to the Apostles and wants to do better.I feel the same way. <div id="1epo" class="ArwC7c ckChnd"> <div> </div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SAK2RnSGVDI/AAAAAAAAAWU/0ddT1UxV7ps/s1600-h/100_0009+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 188px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SAK2RnSGVDI/AAAAAAAAAWU/0ddT1UxV7ps/s320/100_0009+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188910134403159090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SAK3UHSGVGI/AAAAAAAAAWs/vmzljEOr_Ow/s1600-h/100_0016+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 193px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SAK3UHSGVGI/AAAAAAAAAWs/vmzljEOr_Ow/s320/100_0016+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188911276864459874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SAK2LnSGVCI/AAAAAAAAAWM/dJHwArWlhm8/s1600-h/100_0007+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 169px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SAK2LnSGVCI/AAAAAAAAAWM/dJHwArWlhm8/s320/100_0007+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188910031323943970" border="0" /></a>Our preparation day has been changed to Monday. Last Wednesday we took a drive to the city of Geelong. It is about an hours drive away. It is on the bay. We found a nice pier with restaurant at the end. The area has all been renovated. They have many deco art objects around including different Wooden carvings of lifeguards and a band and many others. It was a very nice relaxing day. </div> <div> </div> <div><br /><br />I have mentioned Huang Mai before. She is the women whose flat we use for Family Home Evening. She is a conve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SANZIHSGVII/AAAAAAAAAW8/QP5G3KFJQrI/s1600-h/Huang+Mai+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/SANZIHSGVII/AAAAAAAAAW8/QP5G3KFJQrI/s320/Huang+Mai+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189089191589729410" border="0" /></a>rt of about 4 years. She has two children, Steven and Emma. Steven served a mission in New Zealand and is now attending Uni. Emma is 14. They are great people. Huang Mai is now Lisa Huangs visiting teacher. She is doing a great job. We are working together to help this family understand the importance of the Gospel. She offered to teach the kids Mandarin so they can go to church. When asked if we could help her with the cost of the food for Family Home Evening, she just shakes her hand at us and says she is paid by the Lord. Sweet wonderful lady with a very strong testimony of the Gospel. She is a great example to us. </div> <div> </div> <div>We started to teach Deniz Sun the Temple Preparation classes this week. We were happy that the Bishop gave us this opportunity. She is a very special young women and we pray that as the lessons end she will be able to receive her endowment and that we can share in that special time with her. </div> <div> </div> <div>As we look back on our experience here so far, we are amazed at the numbers of people we have met. First the wonderful Elders in our zone. They have been so helpful and kind to us as we learned what we should be doing. The other Elders and sisters that we work with. They are great examples to us and we hope that their parents recognize the greatness in them. President and Sister Lee are great leaders, very complimentary and uplifting to us all. All the people in our two wards that we have met. Our wonderful sweet older members have taught us well to endure through all trials. The great new members in the Chinese zone. Their sweet testimonies lift us and our testimonies grow as we associate with them. The less actives that we have been able to work with. We see the hand of the Lord working to bring them back. I loved President Monsons invitation to them to come back. </div> <div> </div> <div>We want you all to know how much we love you. You are great examples to us also, As we read of the the service you give in your wards and in the stake we marvel at how blessed we are to have great children and grandchildren. We so aappreciate the e-mails that we get. We love to hear about everything you are doing, even if you don't think it is interesting, remember that it is the only way we are connected to you. Be strong in your Testimonies of Jesus Christ. Let people know who you are and what you stand for. </div> <div>Love, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Elder and Sister Urmston</div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-4926417377786645535?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-39775603455575662442008-04-06T11:35:00.000-07:002008-04-06T12:15:37.868-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/images/BN14687_26.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://static.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/images/BN14687_26.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><br />Started a new six week planner. Those six weeks go quickly.<br />We had a wonderful baptism this week. Her name is Ruth. The elders that found her were a little overwhelmed with the story she<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kbihXfd7I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/qea2KzaTudI/s1600-h/ruth1+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kbihXfd7I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/qea2KzaTudI/s200/ruth1+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186206725780240306" border="0" /></a> 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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kc4xXfd8I/AAAAAAAAAVY/HTWTYbJ-zMM/s1600-h/seraiah1+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 121px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kc4xXfd8I/AAAAAAAAAVY/HTWTYbJ-zMM/s200/seraiah1+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186208207543957442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kdExXfd9I/AAAAAAAAAVg/JINJwz_iBYY/s1600-h/Jane+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 122px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kdExXfd9I/AAAAAAAAAVg/JINJwz_iBYY/s200/Jane+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186208413702387666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kdVRXfd-I/AAAAAAAAAVo/WJ8C3XvZHKY/s1600-h/abby+and+me+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 121px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kdVRXfd-I/AAAAAAAAAVo/WJ8C3XvZHKY/s200/abby+and+me+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186208697170229218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kdtBXfd_I/AAAAAAAAAVw/LGQMgkH2ywk/s1600-h/ELDER+T3+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kdtBXfd_I/AAAAAAAAAVw/LGQMgkH2ywk/s200/ELDER+T3+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186209105192122354" border="0" /></a><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kemhXfeAI/AAAAAAAAAV4/IS-ylYvR35A/s1600-h/taylor+%28Large%29_edited.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R_kemhXfeAI/AAAAAAAAAV4/IS-ylYvR35A/s200/taylor+%28Large%29_edited.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186210093034600450" border="0" /></a><br />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.<br />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.<br />Who could ask for any thing more.<br />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.<br />Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Elder and Sister Urmston<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-3977560345557566244?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-13571157113264055912008-03-30T11:33:00.000-07:002008-03-30T11:57:54.083-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.shepherd.edu/university/calendars/calendar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.shepherd.edu/university/calendars/calendar.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>This was another <span style="font-weight: bold;">very</span> busy week. We made more visits this week then we ever have, it was great. Now we have to try and keep up the pace. The visits with the older people in Caulfield Ward are very rewarding for us. They are great people who have been here from the beginning days and have lots of great stories. Other visits are lessons taught to the new Chinese members. They include teaching about the organization of the Priesthood, home teaching and visiting teaching, purpose of the Temple, eternal marriage. word of wisdom, chastity and family history. Then we have the less active people to visit also. </div> <div><br />This week we had two especially great visits. One was on Saturday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-_eKhXfd4I/AAAAAAAAAUo/1teVorQEZrI/s1600-h/Brocas+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 186px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-_eKhXfd4I/AAAAAAAAAUo/1teVorQEZrI/s200/Brocas+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183605968463689602" border="0" /></a><br />with the Brocas Family. We went to speak again about the Temple. I had purchased a sticker book for Seth. He and I did that while Elder Urmston talked with the mom and dad. Many things were discussed. Finally came around to going to church on Sunday. They are in Caulfield ward and they were to finally meet in their own building. They both agreed that they would like to go. We were thrilled. On Sunday they were there and we sat with them. Prayers are answered and patience is needed.We have been trying to get them to church since we got here. We had also met a Filipino girl and her Indian non member husband during the week. Committed them to come also. She was excited to come and was very excited when we asked her husband to come also. He finally said he would come. They were there also. They left right after Sacrament meeting so we didn't get a chance to talk to them. I was leading the music and saw them come in, so when I was going back to my seat I went and said hello. Everyone was so happy to be back in their building. It is small and very cozy. Very good spirit there. </div> <div> </div> <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-_e3xXfd5I/AAAAAAAAAUw/e5vdYUeRZMs/s1600-h/100_1424+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 227px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-_e3xXfd5I/AAAAAAAAAUw/e5vdYUeRZMs/s200/100_1424+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183606745852770194" border="0" /></a>Saturday we were able to take one of the Chinese sisters to the Temple to do Baptisms. She has been a member for 4 years, and had been less active until she came here. She is leaving to go to Beijing. Has a job working for Marriott. They are building one of the largest Marriott's ever in Beijing. They are all getting ready for the Olympics. She is an accountant. She hopes to return in a year. She was very excited about doing Baptisms, and wants to go again. That evening the y<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-_fbxXfd6I/AAAAAAAAAU4/MpKZmRIEN3g/s1600-h/100_0005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 168px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-_fbxXfd6I/AAAAAAAAAU4/MpKZmRIEN3g/s200/100_0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183607364328060834" border="0" /></a>oung Chinese kids gave her a party and we were invited. They all cooked a plate. Some very interesting food. One plate was pigs ear, another pigs feet, a soup with pork bones and squid, Some with the little red peppers that are very hot. Abby kept asking me if I liked it. Very difficult to be truthful. I did try everything except the ones with the red peppers.They really ate it up. These young people are becoming very good friends. They are watching out for each other. Just have to make sure that they are all included. Also the new ones that are coming up. </div> <div> </div> <div>The elders gave us a new couple to meet with. He has been a member for about a year. She is not a member. The elders feel they don't relate to her very well and think we might be able to get to her. We meet with them tomorrow.</div> <div> </div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/candywarehouse_1991_170306265"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/candywarehouse_1991_170306265" alt="" border="0" /></a>Well I have found my new favorite candy. It is called Bullets. It is licorice covered in chocolate. I have a hard time not buying a bag everytime I go to the Big W or to Safeway. </div> <div> </div> <div>FYI, Elder Urmston has lost about 20 pounds since before we left home. His pants don't fit. When he bought his suit the pants were a little tight. Now they have a gather in the back. No more stomach. Me on the other hand. Haven't gained anything. </div> <div> </div> <div>I am back to making cookies weekly or more. Cakes when I can. This week I took some Cinnamon rolls to our zone meeting. I am very popular with our Elders. It is really fun. </div> <div> </div> <div><br />So that's what we do. The interesting thing is that we could have been doing the same thing at home. People need an invitation. It needs to be consistent. It needs to be sincere. We have felt great joy as we see people coming to church and our new members growing in their testimonies. We also see our testimonies growing as we see the Spirit work in peoples lives. </div> <div>Love you and pray for you.</div> <div>Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Urmston<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-1357115711326405591?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-66893666653487782842008-03-23T11:15:00.000-07:002008-03-23T11:31:59.826-07:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Easter</span></span> to you all. We hope your day has been special and your remembrance of the Saviors Resurrection will give you great peace. It is such a wonderful blessing to know of what is to happen to us after this life.<br /><div>I was asked to speak in the Fairfield Ward today. One of the differences I see here in Australia where Church is concerned is the music. Usually on Easter we sing the traditional Easter songs. Today we sang one in each of the meetings. The talk I was asked to give and also the speaker with me, was the how to forgive and the blessings that come from forgiveness. We never have any choir or individual music in our meetings. We have an intermediate song. I really missed our choir and the talks about Easter. I tried to include as much as I could in my talk.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-ahORXfd1I/AAAAAAAAAUE/P-P4ESDGfA4/s1600-h/taylor+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-ahORXfd1I/AAAAAAAAAUE/P-P4ESDGfA4/s320/taylor+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181005687888508754" border="0" /></a> It was nice to sit on the stand and see all of our special people. Sariah came in late and I was so glad to see her. The best was to see Peter Huang and Jimmy and Annie come in. Peter told us he would bring the kids because they didn't have Mandarin class because they have a school break.<br /><br />To finish out the day we invited Sis. Nusbaum from the office for dinner, also Abby and Jane. This was their first Easter dinner. We had ham, RS potatoes, jello, deviled eggs a vegetable and ice cream for desert. They seemed to enjoy it. I lov<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sees.com/prodimg/1207mkchocsm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 132px;" src="http://www.sees.com/prodimg/1207mkchocsm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ed it. We were given quite a bit of candy eggs today which was also nice. One of the greatest things that happened today was that Liza Waycott just returned from her fathers funeral and she brought me a gift from her mother Erla Coulston. A box of See's Candy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-agMBXfdzI/AAAAAAAAAT0/5LR6Yx39pBM/s1600-h/100_0003+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 184px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R-agMBXfdzI/AAAAAAAAAT0/5LR6Yx39pBM/s320/100_0003+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181004549722175282" border="0" /></a></div> <div> </div> <div><br />We had a great experience on Wednesday. The ward mission leader from Caulfield Ward went to the Temple for the first time. He invited us to go and it was a very special. He has been a member for about two years and is a great missionary and does everything he can to help the Elders. He was very happy. He recognized that he had a lot to learn and looked forward to going back. I saw on the Temple cleaning sign up his name was there. </div> <div> </div> <div><br />Another good experience this week was that our friend Abby has a friend from school that has wanted to know about her church. Abby decided she should come to Institute. I was a little leery of that because there wouldn't be a lot of time to talk to her about the lessons we are suppose to share. (that's how much I know about missionary work) Any way she came and we gave her a little explanation about the difference in her belief in the Trinity and ours. Then started the lesson. There were six students there. Sophia participated by reading and had a few questions. When we were finished there was a little more discussion with students adding their thoughts. Elder Urmston commented about the different places we are from, one from Australia and others from China and the US. She said, "There must be a reason we are here all together." She is Christian, three months ago she was baptized into a Chinese speaking church. If the elders would have found her first she would be a member. She told Abby that she really enjoyed herself and felt very good. She is going to come to the FHE. </div> <div>This has been the Easter weekend. They have Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. The kids have a two week break. Australia has many holidays. The city has been empty. I went downstairs to the Big W on Saturday and there was hardly any one there. </div> <div>Well time to go to bed. A new week starts tomorrow. Many people to see and lessons to plan and teach. Our life is full and happy. My friend Sharma sent me a thought. She said "<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The best two years of your life weren't the best every day of your life</span></span>." I am finding that out. There seem to be many more good days lately. Over all it has been a great four months. </div> <div>Love you all, Keep praying for us and those we work with. We see the results. </div> <div>Mom and Dad - Grandma and Grandpa - Elder &amp; Sister Urmston<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6689366665348778284?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-69465614382604973782008-03-16T22:16:00.000-07:002008-03-17T04:26:27.964-07:00We had the wonderful opportunity this week to be in company with Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bedner</span> and his sweet wife. Our <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95N5-KWpxI/AAAAAAAAAEM/Up7zX2GyQ_s/s1600-h/David_A_Bednar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178662279856957202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" height="191" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95N5-KWpxI/AAAAAAAAAEM/Up7zX2GyQ_s/s200/David_A_Bednar.jpg" width="144" border="0" /></a>first meeting was on Thursday. Both missions met together to hear what he had to say. We first heard from Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bedner</span>. After she spoke I new why he was able to be called to be an Apostle. She was very sweet and humble in her ways. She spoke of how she met him and her love for him and how she knew that he was an Apostle. Then we heard from an Apostle. He was dynamic, brilliant, funny, personable and very spiritual. The meeting took the format of Questions and Answers, both ways. First he asked the Missionaries questions and we had the opportunity to ask him. He told us first that there are no bad questions, but some are better then other. For instance. Where is the Sword of Laban? bad question and he would answer I don't know and I don't care. He asked how often are you going to have the chance to be this close to an Apostle and be able to ask him any question. He said a good question would be. What is it like to pray in the Quorum of the Twelve. We had that question.Answer was The prayers are childlike. Unless you become as a little child, you can not enter into the kingdom of God. Mostly the prayers are prayer of gratitude. We attended two more meetings. One was single adults and we were able to get 9 of our young Chinese new members and also three of the others that we see. They were thrilled to be there. The Questions were all good. He told us to begin with, that this was to be a Revelatory Experience and that we were to take no notes of what he said. We were only to write things that came to our mind that would tell us something to help us. It was a great experience. The third time was Sunday evening. That one was an Australia fireside. He was in Sydney and each Stake center <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">received</span> the broadcast with telephone communications to each building. Questions came from each area. He visited Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. Every mission and every temple and other in between. I was touch by the spirit and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">received</span> some answers for myself.<br /><br />Another sweet experience we had this week. We were out visiting some of our older members and had plans to go see one sister. I said lets go and see <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Merrel</span> Stephens she was not a church <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sunday</span>. So off we go. When she came to the door, her eye was swollen almost shut and was every color possible Asked what happened and she told she had eallen and hit her face on the end of her bed. She said she had fainted and that she does that often. She said she was unable to sleep because of the pain. A blessing was suggested. She liked the idea. We left. She was not at church on Sunday, she said she wouldn't be. I called to see how she was. She was so sweet, telling be to tell Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Urmston</span> that she had been able to sleep every night since the blessing. I reminded her of the great faith that she has.<br /><br />Great experiences like that tell us that we are here doing what we are suppose to do, even if it is not what we might have thought we would be doing.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95TGOKWp2I/AAAAAAAAAE0/Ge483g42hVw/s1600-h/100_0044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178667987868493666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95TGOKWp2I/AAAAAAAAAE0/Ge483g42hVw/s200/100_0044.jpg" border="0" /></a>Had a good p-day except we walked to far and had sore legs. We went to Federation Square. A great gathering place across from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Flinders</span> Station. Then over to the South bank for lunch. Then a long <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">trek</span> to the Shrine of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Remembrance</span>. The Shrine is for all the war <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">hero's</span> of World War I. It was built with donations from the people and school children donated thousands of dollars. Rode the tram back and then went to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">IMAX</span> movie an African Safari. Good day. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95OoOKWpyI/AAAAAAAAAEU/5y7EWHnJ99w/s1600-h/100_0039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178663074425906978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95OoOKWpyI/AAAAAAAAAEU/5y7EWHnJ99w/s200/100_0039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178663851814987570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95PVeKWpzI/AAAAAAAAAEc/05Ayxgr3HxY/s200/100_0042.jpg" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"> Southbank</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Flinders</span> Train Station<br /><br /><div>No Baptisms this week. Monday <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Deniz</span> Sun and her mother <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Feza</span> came over and taught me how to make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Borek</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Turkish</span> dish. Her moms a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Muslim</span>. Fun time and great food. </div><br /><br /><div>Sunday was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Fairfields</span> ward conference. Bishop spoke and when the intermediate song was sung he got back up and said President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Dudfield</span> had changed the program and would like to hear testimonies from Elder Perkins and Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Urmston</span>. I was shocked. My heart flipped. That hasn't happened to me since I can even remember. I like President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Dudfield</span> we have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">spoken</span> a few times. He is very down to earth and unaffected by being Stake President. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95SDOKWp1I/AAAAAAAAAEs/loqhAY7IPfA/s1600-h/100_0053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178666836817258322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R95SDOKWp1I/AAAAAAAAAEs/loqhAY7IPfA/s200/100_0053.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br />Well rambled enough, one last thing. If you think your gas prices are high check this out. A little over 4 liters in a gallon. We have been buying gas weekly so the total does not seem quite so bad<br /><br /><br />We love you all and hope you have a great Easter Break. Be sure to share you pictures with us. Hope the beach is not to cold. We are having a heat wave here. Way over 100 for the past four days. Its the hottest it has gotten<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6946561438260497378?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-68668750376893445192008-03-12T00:57:00.001-07:002008-03-12T01:33:11.976-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9ePOOKWppI/AAAAAAAAADM/e0z9et0wFG0/s1600-h/100_0032+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176763771168138898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="183" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9ePOOKWppI/AAAAAAAAADM/e0z9et0wFG0/s200/100_0032+(Small).jpg" width="241" border="0" /></a><br />We love our life here serving as missionaries. We have met so many wonderful people. The Elders and Sisters continue to teach us so many things. The members are so very thoughtful and kind. President and Sister Lee are very special people with a huge responsibility.They are so very diligent in making sure that the missionaries are safe and taking good care of themselves. They love them, even when it is difficult. We had a great zone conference. I made it through this one without beating myself up. I have come to terms with myself and what I am doing here. It has taken some time a<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eRPeKWpsI/AAAAAAAAADk/GVrbXiyUPzM/s1600-h/100_0034+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176765991666230978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eRPeKWpsI/AAAAAAAAADk/GVrbXiyUPzM/s200/100_0034+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>nd I am sure I will doubt myself again, but for now things are good. I am very impressed with our Assistants. They are Elder<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eSFOKWptI/AAAAAAAAADs/XDkaw8rK8e0/s1600-h/100_0029+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176766915084199634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="134" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eSFOKWptI/AAAAAAAAADs/XDkaw8rK8e0/s200/100_0029+(Small).jpg" width="183" border="0" /></a>s Tibbits and Cox. Two very excellent missionaries and great teachers. They are continually sharing testimony and helping us with ideas to better ourselves. The very sad part was that Elder Tee from Malaysia will be going home next transfers. I will miss him<br /><div><br /><div>Wednesday we went to the Temple as a Zone. When we arrived we were surprised to see that President and Sister Lee and the Assistants were there. What a great session to have 18 missionaries. Afterwards pictures and some decided to go to lunch and we were invited. Great new restaurant on our list. Sofia's. Italian very nice. That evening we had a great sister here for dinner with two of our Chinese young women. She is a good example of a convert women and she told of her conversion and now they know someone else. </div><br /><div>We also had interviews this week with President Lee. He asks us how we are and we say we are fine and then we talk.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On Saturday we attended another baptism. This was Sis Gao. She is in he<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eN7OKWpnI/AAAAAAAAAC8/PLRGd2Ta3Ag/s1600-h/100_1946+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176762345238996594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" height="204" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eN7OKWpnI/AAAAAAAAAC8/PLRGd2Ta3Ag/s200/100_1946+(Small).jpg" width="305" border="0" /></a>r 40's has a teenage daughter and a husband who works all of the time. Elder Nielsens first week here he found her. His Chinese language was not very good. Elder Lee his companion said he was a little separated from him and when he looked up their was Elder Nielsen talking to this lady in Chinese. When he came over he realized the women didn't understand anything Elder Nielsen had said. So he spoke to her and she wanted to hear more. It has been two months and Elder Nielsens Chinese has improved tremendously. This young man is constantly studying. It was a wonderful baptism, Elder Nielsens first and in Mandarin. He also gave a talk in Mandarin and then translated it into English. Elder Lee is one of the best trainers. His companions hate him and then love him. Another good Sunday. Sariah was at Church again and also Peita. It is really exciting to see them come in. No Brocas. We did talk to them and they <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eTV-KWpvI/AAAAAAAAAD8/BHty3Mr_ECU/s1600-h/100_0044+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176768302358636274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eTV-KWpvI/AAAAAAAAAD8/BHty3Mr_ECU/s200/100_0044+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a>were going away for the day. Keep praying for them. <br />Thought it might be interesting for you to see the kind of For Sale signs they have here in Australia<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eQguKWprI/AAAAAAAAADc/XJ40yO7i4aA/s1600-h/100_0049+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176765188507346610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PmVoOboWrWc/R9eQguKWprI/AAAAAAAAADc/XJ40yO7i4aA/s200/100_0049+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is a picture of one of the many schools here in Melboune, it reminds me of Hogwarts. It is a school for the deaf.<br /><br />Saturday night we were home early and decided to go for a walk. This is a holiday weekend here in Australia. It is their labor day. There were people everywhere. There was a carnival going down by the river. We made our big square that we walk. I was so very uncomfortable out amongst the people. All I wanted to do was get back to our flat. The world is a scary place. Stay safe.</div><div>Thanks for your prayers on our behalf and your love and your e-mails. We love you all and pray for you. Mom and Dad Grandma and Grandpa</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6866875037689344519?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-66483581893120941592008-03-02T13:50:00.000-08:002008-03-02T14:01:37.525-08:00<div>We had another good week. Had many visits again. Many of our same people. That seems to be the way it is right now. Elder Urmston had an experience with a not very nice less active sister. He was polite but she really gave him the what for. The Elders say that's not unusual. I feel very sorry for her husband. We probably made for a very bad day for him. We also knocked on a persons door who was a DNC, We didn't know that until we got to the house, I did not want to go up and the Priesthood did. We went to the door, saw and cute little girl in a highchair and a man came to the door. We stated that we were new in the area and understood that this person did not want any contact, wanted to make sure that remained the same. He stated that he was sure she did not want contact. We said we would go by that. Thanked him and left. The poor Bishops wife got the blunt of that one. So that was not real great. </div> <div> </div> <div>Wednesday I went at 9 am to get a perm. Abby the student gave it to me. She said it would take about 2 hours so I thought 3. We had plans to go with our District Putt Putt golfing for p-day. I arrived back at the flat at 2:30. I couldn't believe it. However I will say that it is a nice haircut and perm. I feel a lot better. No putt putt golfing.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8sigdlRfKI/AAAAAAAAASA/QLkMWLnQ86I/s1600-h/100_0027+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8sigdlRfKI/AAAAAAAAASA/QLkMWLnQ86I/s400/100_0027+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173266538057268386" border="0" /></a> </div> <div> </div> <div>We had another wonderful Baptism on Friday. Two young people. Albert who is Indonesian but has lived in Australia since he was 8. Great story. He has a degree in Marketing and a job. His company sent him here to get graduate studies and are paying him while here. He met the Elders three days after arriving. He said he was looking for some kind of change in his life. Julia is the young women. I don't know a lot about her, except that to get to church it takes her close to two hours. She has to leave early so she can get to work.It was </div> <div>Elder Smiths first time to Baptize</div> <div> </div> <div>The best day was Sunday. Both wards met together so they could show the Worldwide Leadership Conference. We were unable to see it before because the DVD was bad. Friday we visited Sariah. There has been talk of the Chinese members living out where she does, going to the Epping Ward. They have more members to fellowship and rides can be given. We needed to ask her how she felt. So I just told her what was happening and then asked her to be very honest with me and tell me why she doesn't go to church. Is it because your feelings were hurt. is it to far. are you not able to get up. She said she liked to go to church. Does not want to go to another ward. Then will you come to church on Sunday. She said yes. OK we think. On the way out just needed to confirm. Yes again. Saturday night I called her and told her that we would be waiting at the door. Again yes I will be there. She has to ride the tram about 45 minutes. </div> <div>We went to Church early and meeting many people and then I look up and here she was. Such Joy and gratitude I haven't felt in a long time. She is really a wonderful young women and has a strong testimony.All the Elders and members were great to welcome her. It was so nice to see all these great young Chinese members, I looked around and there was Nell, Jane Sariah, Abby, Kyle, Michael, Kris. and at the last minute here came George and Surge and a new girl Lu, just returned from holiday in China for three months. It was a long two hour broadcast but they all stayed and were very social after. Tonight we went to Lisa and Steve Waycotts for dinner and to show our DVD of Elder Holland. Lisa had others there that we hadn't met yet, thought maybe she didn't want to show the DVD. After everyone left she said lets watch the DVD. So Steve the nonmember husband and the rest of us watched. Then said we had three more and he said well you will have to come back and show them to us. Lisa is my friend Erla Coulstons daughter.</div> <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8sixNlRfLI/AAAAAAAAASI/R2EQ6r4Uti0/s1600-h/100_0013+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8sixNlRfLI/AAAAAAAAASI/R2EQ6r4Uti0/s400/100_0013+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173266825820077234" border="0" /></a>This week we saw a Grenda Bus. That was good. Ken Grenda did call a while back and said he would be calling to get us out for dinner. ( for those non-family reading this, Grenda is Maryellen's mother's maiden name)<br /></div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8sjXtlRfNI/AAAAAAAAASY/tDPyLUbKCvU/s1600-h/100_0002+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 245px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8sjXtlRfNI/AAAAAAAAASY/tDPyLUbKCvU/s400/100_0002+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173267487245040850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8sjNdlRfMI/AAAAAAAAASQ/6gB2xklL0xk/s1600-h/100_0007+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8sjNdlRfMI/AAAAAAAAASQ/6gB2xklL0xk/s400/100_0007+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173267311151381698" border="0" /></a><br />I have enclosed some pictures of the trams and also the streets with all the trees. We are going into Autumn now. Beautiful days. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>So we saw the hand of the Lord in our life again this week. There is always a little tender mercy exactly when it is needed. We continue to try to fill our week with as many visits as we can. To see all of our new friends today at church touched our hearts. As Dean said on Thursday after Institute. Who would have thought that first we would have come to Australia and second that we would be sitting in our flat with six young people from China teaching them from the Book of Mormon.</div> <div>Love you all and pray for your safety and good health and that your Testimonies will stay true and grow.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6648358189312094159?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-88789920530021596532008-02-24T11:12:00.000-08:002008-02-24T11:19:29.031-08:00We had a <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">great</span></span> week. We had 13 visits and that is a record if you are counting. It will be great to report to our district leader the success we had this week. The best part about it was the type of visits that we had. We felt impressed to visit some of the older members of the wards. We picked a few and called. They were at first a little hesitant. They weren't sure why we were coming. The visits turned out to be very uplifting for us and I think for those we visited. We were able to hear some very inspiring stories of conversion and dedication. People who had immigrated here back in the 50's as young married people unable to speak English. From the Netherlands, Italy and India. We were given so much more then we were able to give them. They all were so happy to have a visit. In some cases the first visit from anyone in the ward for many years. Lucy Persichette from Italy fed us a wonderful lunch. We have found more to go and see and we will return to see these special people. <div> </div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8HCOh_6LkI/AAAAAAAAARY/O3CZQHw2Ce8/s1600-h/100_0108+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8HCOh_6LkI/AAAAAAAAARY/O3CZQHw2Ce8/s200/100_0108+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170627402098421314" border="0" /></a><br />We had a great visit with Vicki and Kirk Brocas and their son Seth. We had them for dinner on Friday. Served Enchiladas and Kirk loved them. Seth had a great time with Elder Urmston and was very in the Huggies which I truly enjoyed. Showed them a DVD of Elder Holland on being Christians. They were very good to discuss this afterwards. Had a chance to tell them how much we wanted to see them at church and how much they are needed. As they were leaving I just said to Kirk, you know we aren't going to let you go. He said he knew that. Vickie said they would have us for dinner. We really feel this is one of the families we were sent to find. Pray for them.</div> <div> </div> <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8HCxh_6LmI/AAAAAAAAARo/j7du4Bkp1UA/s1600-h/100_0115+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8HCxh_6LmI/AAAAAAAAARo/j7du4Bkp1UA/s200/100_0115+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170628003393842786" border="0" /></a><br />We were to another Baptism on Saturday. The sisters found this young man. He had many problems with word of wisdom. He had a great turn around and is very happy. He asked Elder Urmston to confirm him and I was asked to give a talk on Faith and Repentance. </div> <div>There was support from the ward. We just pray that the wards will fellowship these new converts. The Chinese kids especially need to become integrated into the ward. Today I took Jane to see how Young Women's works. She liked it. Gave her a copy of the Theme. One of the leaders Sis. Matic came and got her and took her. One more person for Jane to know. </div> <div> </div> <div>Tonight Jane and Abby were here to play Uno. We have such a fun time with them and have opportunity to discuss the things they need to know about life in the Church. I have consented to let Abby give me a perm. She is going to school to be a hair dresser. So Wednesday I will go to her school and see what she has learned. </div> <div> </div> <div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8HDGx_6LnI/AAAAAAAAARw/nIk6WlxEzjs/s1600-h/100_0101+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8G1ts_1stUo/R8HDGx_6LnI/AAAAAAAAARw/nIk6WlxEzjs/s200/100_0101+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170628368466062962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />P day we went to a great museum. It was raining. We went on the tram and then walked with our umbrellas. The park where the museum is was beautiful. I have mentioned before about the abundance of parks here in Melbourne. We saw an IMAX movie on Dinosaurs. We will go back again. </div> <div> </div> <div>We love what we are doing. We feel that we are being led to those we go to. Our focus is to build the wards through fellowship and increasing attendance. This week especially we felt the benefits of our visits. As we entered the chapel and saw the people who have now become our friends. As we are greeted with hugs and handshakes and are you coming on Thursday again. </div> <div>So we are ready for a new week with 4 appointments on Monday. Nell even called to set the appointment. It has taken many weeks to get her to come and see us. Now I think she has been able to see that our purpose is to help her learn the many different aspects of Church life. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-8878992053002159653?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amy Coontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03896210024061042339noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-54891615827233761752008-02-19T19:24:00.000-08:002008-02-20T07:28:33.880-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQPo0xPQnxeeJxv8uOc5xQQQGGlJlaanPGqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPGo%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQPo0xPQnxeeJxv8uOc5xQQQGGlJlaanPGqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPGo%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Last night was our New Years Eve Celebration. It turned out very well. Very huge success. There were estimated to be over 450. Not enough seats for everyone. They were slow coming, but by 7pm it was really crowded.<br />The highlight for me was the Lion Dance. That was paid for. About 8 Chinese guys. Some with a large drum and cymbals. The lion starts asleep. Our Stake President started it off by touching his eyes and mouth. He then slowly comes awake and starts to dance. Came off the stage and went around the outside of the cultural hall ending up by a suspended bunch of lettuce and a red envelope. In order to get it one of the guys under the costume gets on the others shoulders and grabs the reward. Meanwhile the drum and cymbals keep the beat of the dance. Very fun for everyone. The majority of the people were Chinese from around the area. Other stakes invited.<br />The food was prepared beautifully and I was surprised that there was enough. The rest of the entertainment was members. Our cute Abby was the last to sing. She did a really good job. The Mission Presidents from both missions were there.<br />Friday was a great Baptism. Michael was his name. I have told you about him. He was Elder Williamsons golden contact. The guy is great. Today I sat next to him at church and he was singing away in English. He has accepted everything. He is very friendly to everyone is not at all shy. We hope that in a year he will leave on a mission.<br />Wednesday we went to the zoo. Had a great time. It is a really nice zoo. Not huge, but with really good compounds for the animals. Enjoyed the Kangaroos and wombats and emus. Saw a koala hidden in a tree. The ultimate of Bird Aviaries. It was great.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQPo0xPQnxeeJxv8uOc5xQQQGGlJlaanooqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPGQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQPo0xPQnxeeJxv8uOc5xQQQGGlJlaanooqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPGQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Today was Caulfield wards Ward conference. Very nice. Our stake President is really good. He knows many people and is really good with the people. Gave a great talk on family and then during SS he spoke about the goals of the stake for the year. Hardly any notes and calling on people by name. He is not in this ward.<br />This evening we thought we were just going to show a DVD to Deniz Sun. When we got there her mother had prepared dinner for us. Turkish food. Very nice. We find that people here always have something for us to eat. Very hospitable.<br />Sariah told us this week how she found the church. She came here from China wanting to go to a church. She finally got around to praying about it and the next day the missionaries found her. We still haven't gotten her to church but we are getting close.<br />Well we start on another weekly planner tomorrow. That is another six weeks. Very fast. We have found that when we take the proper time to plan our week they go very well. As we pray about what we should do and then plan we feel that we are doing the best that we can. Marc sent us some great quotes from Pres. Monson on the importance of rescuing those that are lost. We feel that is a big part of our mission, along with keeping the new converts active. If someone comes along to investigate along the way that will be and extra blessing.<br />We love you all and find great joy in knowing that you are following the counsel of our Prophet and teaching your children the importance of learning from the Scriptures. Pray with them daily and enjoy every minute that you have with them, it goes very fast.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-5489161582723376175?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-3478577283554956782008-01-23T01:10:00.000-08:002008-01-23T01:41:42.107-08:00We are having a wonderful experience here is Melbourne Australia. We have met great people and have enjoyed becoming a part of two different wards. There is a lot of work to be done here. The ward boundaries are very big and the number of active members not so big. Fairfield Ward is a good strong ward with many active people. Caulfield Ward is struggling. They have many students and transient people.<br />We are working with the Chinese speaking Elders. They teach and Baptize and after the new member lessons they release them to us. We are then to continue meeting with them to keep them strong. We do a lot of driving and map hunting to find people.<br />On January 16 we are having two stake Chinese New Year Celebration. We were asked to coordinate the event between the two wards. It has an attendence of over 400 people. Great Missionary event.<br />The weather continues to be baffling. One day very hot, like Bakersfield in August, the next day it is cloudy and cool. It can also be that way in one day.<br />City life is very different. Traffic is really bad between 4:30 and 6:30. Lots of cars and people running to get the train. Every nationality, heavy with Chinese.<br />We enjoy hearing from you and hearing about what is happening in the States<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-347857728355495678?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-67419800705944343392007-12-21T22:08:00.000-08:002007-12-21T22:18:20.570-08:00<span style="color:#990000;">We have arrived in Australia. The trip was 15 plus hours long. It was not as bad as I had expected. Thanks to Michael and Jaime I had a nice sleeping pill to take and slept about 6 hours. Our Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Lee, met us at the airport. We were taken to the Mission office and met everyone there and had a little orientation about driving. Then off to the mission home where we had an interview with the President and a lovely lunch prepared by Sister Lee. In our interview President Lee explained what we would be doing. He said we would be serving in the Language Zone. The languages are Chinese and Vietnamese. These missionaries live outside of the city but do all of their finding in the city around the University. There are many Chinese students. Their parents send them here to get further education. We have a flat in downtown Melbourne. It is used by these Elders to teach. They make their initial contact and then the next meeting they come to the flat to teach. Some days it is very busy. If they are teaching young women we need to be here. We already love these young Elders. They are very dedicated to the work and their Chinese is amazing.<br />We are responsible for keeping track of the new members so they don’t get lost. They are in the boundaries of two different wards. We will be attending both wards. We are also to work with the wards, helping with their less actives and new members. It looks like this could take the majority of our time. We are starting slowly and picking up speed.<br />We had a day and a half orientation from Elder and Sister Griffin who were going home. They gave us a wonderful city map and some other pertinent information and off they went. Elder Urmston has adjusted to the Right hand steering wheel quite well. My first batch of cookies did not do to well. Measuring was a little off. I will keep trying.<br />We have been here a few days over a week and are able to find our way to our church building and a few homes. In the city we are finally understanding the lay out and haven’t had to ask for help more then about twice. So we are feeling pretty good about that.<br />We are told in the scriptures that the stone will role forth out of the mountain and that every kindred, tongue and people will be given a chance to have the gospel before the Savior comes again. I was never sure how that would work. Pres. Kimball in 1975 said that Australia would be the door to China. We are seeing that work. These Chinese students are joining the church and accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. They will return to China. They may not have an active branch where they live. However when the door is opened they will be in place. These young Chinese Elders will be able to be mission Presidents or just called to serve as mentors to the beginning branches and ward.<br />One of our Sister Missionaries is a convert from China. Her aunt found the church in US and went home and taught her family. Sis. Teng was one to accept. She made her way to Hong Kong and was baptized. She is now serving a mission here as an English speaking missionary. The Gospel is true and the work goes forward. We are happy to do are part. We will not come home Chinese speaking, but we will know a little. Ni Hao (pronounced knee how ( how are your) That is it for now. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">We will be celebrating this Christmas holiday with some young people who have never known the true meaning of Christmas. This will be their first time to recognize Jesus Christ as their Savior and the little one born to Mary and layed in the manger. It is a joy to be a part of</span> it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6741980070594434339?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-28644004988428092752007-12-06T18:59:00.000-08:002007-12-06T19:14:03.103-08:00<span style="color:#009900;">We are having the most wonderful experience here at the Missionary Training Center. The Spirit that is here is hard to explain. It seems to touch everyone. I used up many tissues,not for any specific reason, just seem to happen. </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The teachers here are so very great. They are very helpful and friendly. They let us tell them all about ourselves and listen intently.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The couples are from many different places, we are the only ones from California.They are going to such different places and going to do many different things. Some are office others facilities,some are learning languages like Cambodian, Polish and Mongolian. They are going to various places, England, West Indies, Poland, Cambodia, Mongolia, England, Scotland. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PCC</span> in Hawaii and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Moloki</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Liberty</span> Jail , St George Visitors Center and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nauvoo</span>. Washington DC Temple, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pittsburg</span>, Tallahassee, Fort <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lauderdale</span>, Spokane, Denver and Salt Lake City.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The experiences we are having will help us we begin our Mission in Australia. We are excited to get there and begin our work. We listened to two sisters who served in Finley Australia<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">n</span> 2002. The mission President told them not to track this little two that was 6 blocks long and 6 blocks wide. It had been done to many times. They arrived and no one would talk to them even closing the only check out line in the grocery store when it was their turn, By the time they left 18 months later they were well accepted. It all came through service.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">We head out of here on Monday night. We leave LAX at 11:15pm and arrive 15 hours later.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I hope we can get right to work.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2864400498842809275?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-47521674441832538592007-12-01T14:15:00.000-08:002007-12-01T14:23:53.661-08:00<span style="color:#990000;">There are a lot of years to think about 6 things that are interesting. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">1 My favorite song as a little girl was Pistol Packing MaMa Lay that Pistol down.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">2. When I was 8 I was on a kid TV show called Beat the Clock. I won a case of candy bars.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">3. I was definatly a tomboy as a child. Loved to play football with the boys and play cars in the dirt.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">4. My twin cousins taught me how to drive on their farm when I was 15</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">5. I met Grandpa in my freshmen English class. he made me laugh</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">6. Found the Gospel of Jesus Christ when I was 16 years old. Best thing that happened to me in my whole life. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">I have enjoyed reading all about each of you that have been tagged. I would like to tag Uncle Jim and Michael and Nathan</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-4752167444183253859?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-26759045623282607302007-11-28T22:28:00.000-08:002007-11-28T22:43:40.649-08:00<span style="color:#3366ff;">I remember thinking that three and a half months was forever, now it is here. We leave tomorrow afternoon for Salt Lake City. I am packed and even have a little room left. Dean will pack in the morning. We will spend Thursday night with our good friends the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hunsakers</span> . They are serving in the Salt Lake City area on a mission. We will also see Courtney there. Carrie is to pick us up on Friday morning and take us to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lehi</span>. We still have some shopping to do so will do that on Friday. Saturday probably out to Benjamin. Carrie is having Matthew and his family for dinner on Sunday and on Monday we enter the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MTC</span>. We will be there for a week and then off to the Land Down Under. </span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">We were set a part this evening. Our Stake President came to our home where the family had gathered. First Jordan was ordained an Elder. He is getting ready to join us ( I keep telling him that maybe he will go to Australia). Dean was then set a part as a full time missionary. He was given a wonderful blessing. Then it was my turn. WOW!!!! I am a full time missionary and Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Urmston</span> is my companion. I was given a wonderful blessing after I was set a part with every thing that I needed to know. It was great. </span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">We are ready to go and find those that are waiting for us.</span> <div> </div>s.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2675904562328260730?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-117896974773369182007-11-17T19:47:00.000-08:002007-11-17T20:02:12.775-08:00<span style="color:#993300;">It is getting close now. Never thought that little car at the bottom of our blog would ever get to the end. Lots of cleaning out of closets and drawers. Dean has been spending most of his time with our finances and also getting my dad's finances all settled. Now that my dad is at my sister his room has become the storage center for everything we need to store. </span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">We received our ticket for Salt Lake, so we know we are getting that far. Still not sure about my fingerprint problem. I was able to have fingerprints done by our local FBI. Four more sets were sent, we are waiting to see what happened. </span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">We will be heading to Salt Lake on November 29th and enter the MTC on December 3rd</span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">We will be having Thanksgiving with the kids that are close and then we speak in church on the following Sunday. Then it is carpet cleaning, kitchen packing, house cleaning and packing our bags. We will be set apart on the 28th and off on the 29th. </span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">So how are we feeling about it now that it is so close. I find myself crying over little things and Dean has made a few comments that tells me he is feeling the same way, but can control it better. </span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">I know that we will be fine once we are gone. We are both very excited to serve in what ever way we can to bring people to the Savior. This is our goal.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-11789697477336918?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-68501810322029354112007-10-29T12:25:00.000-07:002007-10-29T12:33:05.837-07:00<span style="color:#3333ff;">In order to go to Australia for more then just a visit you need a Temporary Resident Visa. In order to get that Visa you need an FBI clearence. That is gotten by submitting Rolled fingerprints. The glitch is that after four tries my fingerprints come back unclasifiable or unreadable. The Australian Embassy states that they must have the clearence. The FBI says that the only was to get a manual clearence is if the Australian Immigration asks for it. So don't know if we are going to Australia or not. Don't know if we are going on DEC 3rd or not. Do know we are to be out of our house on Ded 1st. So I find myself in a state of not knowing anything at this time. Anyone have any brillian ideas and know someone who knows someone let me know.I do know that what ever happens will be what is right.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-6850181032202935411?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-78567709580465887852007-10-20T10:46:00.000-07:002007-10-20T10:59:13.391-07:00<span style="color:#006600;">I don't know how many times I have complained about the traffic on Rosedale Highway or Coffee or Truxton extension. Never again will I complain. Friday we planned on going to a 50th wedding anniversary of good friends of our Bruce and Charlene Byers in Chino. I thought great we will go to the Temple and then head to Chino. We grabbed a quick salad in the Temple cafeteria because the traffic was slow getting to the Temple and couldn't get lunch. Headed out at 5:06. We had 51 miles to go. The problem was it was strait through downtown LA. As we entered the Santa Monica Freeway we were at a standstill. Two and a half hours later we arrived at our destination. I kept thinking just a little further and it will open up. It never opened up until we were about 5 miles from our destination. We had a great time seeing our friends and there great kids all grown up and being grandparents. As I have said before where did that time go. Left Chino at 10:30 arrived home at 1am . Ironically two and a half hours later,about 160 miles. So never again will I complain about Bakersfield traffic.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-7856770958046588785?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-14074435924908262722007-10-06T14:44:00.000-07:002007-10-06T14:47:58.784-07:00<span style="color:#993300;">We have been asked when our farewell will be? No farewells anymore. However we have been asked to speak in church on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Our meeting is at 9am. It should be a very busy few days. Thanksgiving, lots of birthdays and Jordan will be recieving his Eagle Scout Award. Do not expect you all to come. But don't want you to say, why didn't you tell us. </span><br /><span style="color:#993300;">Then one more week and off to the MTC.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-1407443592490826272?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-15406880434594500372007-10-04T17:26:00.001-07:002007-10-04T17:48:08.640-07:00<span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#330033;">We have recieved a letter from our Mission President. He is new to the mission this summer. More forms to fill out. Lots of information about the financial part. We will be in a flat and buying petrol. So I quess we will be learning a new language. The climate is much like Seattle Washington. Lots of rain. The winters are very humid and can be cold and this is aggravated because few of the buildings have or use central heating. They have good fruits and vegetable and the water is good to drink. We were happy to hear that bringing our computer and having internet access is permissable and do able. Also phone cards are available at 2-3 cents a minute, making them cheaper then regular mail. Recieved a newsletter called The Light and Truth. In it they tell of the new missionaries and also those that are coming. Great to see our name on the list. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#330033;">Had to add some great picuture of our great grandaughter Talia on her second birthday. She really looks like some pictures I have seen of another cute little blond girl.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-1540688043459450037?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-21728640586008798872007-09-08T18:33:00.001-07:002007-09-08T18:41:43.364-07:00<span style="color:#006600;">We are just waiting. Not a lot happening at this time to do with our mission. We have recieved our clearence from California. No Felonies on our part. Surprise Surprise. Now waiting for the FBI check . Haven't heard from the Mission President yet, so we don't know anthing from that end either. A few closets cleaned and some drawers, a couple of pair of shoes purchased and a stop at the mall last week, where I found some all around type clothes. Since we will be going into summer, I will probably wait until I get there to purchase summer things. We have now gotten into fall and winter wear here in Bakersfield. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Dean was able to get some tickets for the BYU/UCLA game at the Rosebowl,so he took Peter and the Football players, Mason, Porter and Logan and Jordan went too. I am sure they are having a great time. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">That's it for now.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2172864058600879887?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-27642645524211269762007-08-29T08:16:00.000-07:002007-08-29T08:42:03.428-07:00<span style="color:#3333ff;">We had a great trip up to Utah to see Matthew and family and check out Carries new place. Also became Spiritually fed by attending Education Week. We enjoyed every minute and felt so uplifted. Now back to business. Arrived home to another large envelope from Salt Lake City. Everything we need to do to get a VISA for Australia. We decided that the US needed to take a look at how Australia does It. We needed to be fingerprinted twice, one is rolled the other is scanned. One will go to the FBI for what they called a RAP sheet. The other to the Department of Justice here in California for a back ground check.We did that yesterday. Went to the Sherrifs Departement. Then to get three passport type pictures for three of the forms. Next back to the doctor for another medical form to be filled out and a chest x-ray and HIV test. We decided the call coming for Dec. is because it can take up to 8 weeks to get some of these reports back.<br />While in Utah Dean visited MR. MAC. and found a suit, so we're getting started. We are still waiting to hear from our Mission President for further instructions about clothes and what to bring. This is so exciting for us, we look forward to going and serving in what ever capacity we can.<br />Matthew and Leslie have a cute little cart that their pony pulls. Kaitlin gave us a ride. Check out the pictures.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2764264552421126976?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-51622582914959922632007-08-13T23:31:00.000-07:002007-08-13T23:37:13.645-07:00<span style="color:#cc6600;">We had a nice family gathering Monday evening to share some time with Carrie and her girls. They are moving to Lehi, Utah. They feel it is a time for change. They have rented their home here, so that if they want to come back they still have their home. Nicholas has a good job here and is enjoying his life in a band, so will remain here for now. We will miss them, but we know that there will be good experiences waiting for them.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-5162258291495992263?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-77580053915373528292007-08-09T23:20:00.000-07:002007-08-15T17:37:47.428-07:00<span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Well 8pm Pacific time and all are here or on the phone (Amy, Erman, Matthew, Courtney and my Bro. in law Rick and Kaitlin in Utah.)to open the letter we have been waiting for. Dean openened and began to read. </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">We are so excited to be going to the Australian Melbourne West <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mission</span>. We will go to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MTC</span> on December 3rd. Not quick enough for us. The call states that our mission president may modify our specific assignment according to the needs of the mission. So it looks like we will be doing what ever the Mission President wants us to do. We are thrilled. For those of you who may not know. My grandfather was born on Tasmania Island which is a part of this mission. I have many relatives living in the Melbourne area who are not members of the Church . Our daughter Carrie said Grandma <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Stumbaugh</span> who passed away in March ( my mom) must have had a hand in this. She loved her Australian relatives and made several trips their. We also have been to Melbourne a couple of times. I have felt that because of Dean's Humanitarian work over the past few years that we would be going on a Humanitarian Mission. Shows you what I know. A Proselyting Mission is what our kids did and I am so excited to go and share the Gospel with the People in the Melbourne Area.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-7758005391537352829?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-72515789010968442882007-08-09T12:21:00.000-07:002007-08-09T12:25:24.514-07:00<span style="color:#339999;">This is really hard for a person who wants to know what is happening 10 minutes from now. Monday we checked the mail thinking maybe. Nothing. Tuesday we both went to the mailbox, Nothing, Wednesday the same. Now it is Thursday and it is almost time</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-7251578901096844288?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-44287660539461599442007-08-03T17:08:00.000-07:002007-08-04T07:56:29.384-07:00<span style="color:#000066;">Bishop Lewis sent us the following e-mail:</span><br /><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>I just looked at the web site and it states that a call letter has been sent – Aug 3, 2007.<br />Congratulations.</strong></span><br /></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000066;">So it is a little bit closer. I think that we were to have everyone home so they can be a part. This week all the young men and Marc, Nathan and Peter were at boys camp and Carrie is in Utah.<br />So maybe we will have a big Family Home Evening and open a Missionary Call Letter</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-4428766053946159944?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-53419988236369831942007-08-02T17:42:00.001-07:002007-08-02T17:45:33.102-07:00<span style="color:#009900;">It was suggested that you all submit your thoughts on where we will be going. We would love to hear. Since we are still waiting, we have some time. So let us know what you think. The one who comes the closest will win a special something. You can do it here on the blog or e-mail it to us.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-5341998823636983194?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-6017251750825024322007-08-02T17:37:00.000-07:002007-08-04T07:57:03.813-07:00<span style="color:#000066;">Well, Home from Tennessee and still no letter. It is hard for me. I think I need to learn how to be patient. Maybe we just need all our guys home from Mt. Whitney, so they can be here when we open the letter. You will be some of the first to know where we are going to serve. Keeping checking this blog. The Ticker is not correct. We put it in but will change it when we know for sure.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-601725175082502432?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-27150170875680184652007-07-30T15:09:00.000-07:002007-08-04T07:55:27.619-07:00<span style="color:#333333;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">We are trying to be patient as we wait to see where the Lord would have us serve for the next 18 months. Many suggestiongs have been made by friends and family, but we shall just wait. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We have been visiting Amy, Jim and the kids in Tennessee. Erman, Jessica and kids came to visit while we have been here. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We head back to Bakersfield on Thursday and hope a letter will be waiting.</span></span><span style="color:#33cc00;"> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-2715017087568018465?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746458833915579387.post-45794188601509855352007-07-30T13:55:00.000-07:002007-08-03T17:31:24.967-07:00<span style="color:#336666;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33cc00;">We have created this blog to keep everyone updated to our experiences while preparing and serving our mission. We will be posting our experiences through word and pictures.</span> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/746458833915579387-4579418860150985535?l=dmurmston.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dean and Maryellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17637740485701765473noreply@blogger.com0