ANZAC Day

We have had a week of cleaning and organizing Elder Feil's office.  With Easter Holiday and Anzac Day falling in the same week, we have had 2 quiet office days, on Monday and Friday.  The biggest problem was how to move a very heavy safe out from under Elder's desk so that he could stop hitting his knees on it every time he moved.  We devised a plan and then waited for the big, strong Elders to show up at the office on the same day so that the plan could be carried out. These Elders are both well over 6 feet and have plenty of muscle - now to get them under a short desk and put their strong muscles into action. 

Every job needs a supervisor, and Elder did just that.  At one point, there wasn't enough room under the desk for 4 heavy weights, but Elder graciously backed out and left the safe to the men.

WE DID IT!!  

This just proves the old addage that old people may dream the dreams, but young people provide the man power to make the dreams a reality. :)  We always need the young missionaries to help us and hopefully, we help them sometimes.  

 It was temple week also so the popcorn and hot chocolate were a big hit.  We also had one whole layer of a taro wedding cake that Elder and Sister Smith donated to the list of treats and then the Elder and Sister Roberts threw in a Panatone Cake.  Everybody was happy and sort of full.  The taro cake was a very interesting purple and seemed to be a big hit.

ANZAC day is a day to honor the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp.  But they also honor any soldiers who have served in the military.  There is a large parade in Sydney as well as sunrise services in many of the local communities.  The  Church service center in Carlingford has a morning tea once a month where no tea is served or consumed. :)  The theme of the tea this month was of course honoring ANZAC Day.  This gave the Aussies and the Americans a chance to come together and celebrate and enjoy some good food and company.  They asked Sister Feil to lead them in singing that Aussie favorite, Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport.  

We made it through the 8 verses even though one of them was politically incorrect.  We considered singing Waltzing Matilda, but decided one song was enough.  So it was on to the food.  Traditionally, ANZAC cookies are eaten, as well as lamington cake.  We happen to like all of the above and everyone left happy.

Our speaking assignment was in Armidale and so on ANZAC day, we made the 6 hour drive.  It was fun to see everyone out partying in each of the little communities we drove through.  We also stopped in the middle of the bush to enjoy the magnificent stars.  We have finally learned to find the Southern Cross and the Jewel Box.  We tried to take pictures, but must need to learn how to use our camera better.  We will work on that.

Armidale is known for its old historic homes and businesses.  We took a walking/driving tour of the many sights around the area.  These buildings are even older than us!  We have come to enjoy the turn of the century architecture which is similar to what is in the US but at the same time, uniquely Australian.

The "Old Educator" in front of the old Teacher's College.   Armidale is in a very hilly region called New England.  There are numerous stations surrounding the area.  It is the highest city in NSW at about 1000 meters.  It is definitely fall and the colors were outstanding. 

These fellows should make some grandchildren happy - they are very warm and their wool is a good source of income for those who raise llamas.

They will sometimes spit at you when their ears lay back - but Mamoo was very brave and risked everything to get pictures for the grandkids.

We have been wanting to learn more about the Aborigine Culture.  This center had some worthwhile information and artifacts.

Of course, Elder Feil is never far from his phone.  He enjoys using technology while in the bush, and is always ready to help the missionaries.

We've been looking for some new apartments for missionaries - this may work as temporary housing.

After the llamas, this guy was pretty tame - but notice what he is eating - Sister Feil better be careful!

The local Art Museum had some interesting exhibits - including Elder Feil's favorite technology item - the phone.  When you see how big they used to be, you can understand why Superman used it to change in.  

This is the Saumarez Homestead; it is a property of the National Trust of Australia near Armidale.  We went for a tour and afternoon tea.  We are getting this tea thing down - but we still don't drink any!

 They rent the property out for weddings and it is a beautiful setting.  But the house is well protected and limited to small walking tours.  We had to wear these special blue booties and of course, Elder Feil got another phone call!

These verandas are amazing and they would sleep out here in the hot summer months.  We are wondering if we could build one on the house in Lehi.....

The corrugated metal roofs are so Australian.  We even have one on our apartment - that is why the possum wakes us up at night.  A metal roof is very noisy but very sturdy.

The gardens were simple but beautiful.  

We enjoyed Devonshire Tea - which is a biscuit with jam and unsweetened whipped cream.  It is a nice combination and we will bring that tradition home.  Of course, we asked for water.  We drink lots of water here.

The White Family which owned Saumarez Homestead, also owned Booloominbah mansion in Armidale.  They donated Booloominbah to the University of New England.  It is a modest 45 room mansion.

Here is Elder Feil again at the Apex and Drummond Lookout looking out for somebody on the phone.  The missionaries love Elder Feil, and he loves them.

Where in the world is Sister Feil?  This is situated on what is known as Zion Hill.  We enjoyed a panoramic view of Armidale.

Back in the city, and these old buildings are beautiful and well maintained.  

This round window below is on the first Wesleyan Church in Armidale, built in 1864.  

These four missionaries keep the work moving forward in Armidale.  The Senior couple help with member leader support, while the young missionaries are primarily responsible for finding and teaching.  They do a great service in sustaining and helping this small branch succeed.  

On our way to Armidale, we stopped at Moonbi Lookout to see the stars.  But we did not see this huge stone lookout.  We had to come during daylight hours to see what we had actually missed the first time around.   

If we had not stopped during daylight, we would have missed all of this.  President likes us to travel during daylight hours so that our chances of hitting kangaroos is diminished.  We will be more diligent in following his counsel from now on!

There will be more to this story when we visit Tamworth to speak in a few months, but just to get you curious, Tamworth is the Country Music Capitol of Australia.  And this large exhibit proves that.

We stopped to eat our picnic dinner at a park honoring the First Fleet.  The headstones commemorate all of those who came here in the first ships.  Most were convicts.  This is the only memorial built to honor them in NSW.  We too honor those who have sacrificed so that others may have freedom and more opportunities to progress.  We owe much to our ancestors for their efforts in our behalf and we will not forget them.  Love to all and hug and kiss your children.  A big welcome to Grant Campbell Moyle; we are thankful for his safe arrival.  From the Old Missionaries - Elder and Sister Feil