Short and Sweet

The time comes when some must end their service. Parting is happy, joyous and sad.  We will miss their bright smiles and positive attitudes.  They will be off to other adventures in life. 

Elder Smith is a great example of love and service with the younger missionaries.  His sense of humor is also wonderful to experience.

Friends for now and later, distance will separate us for awhile.

It has been a very good association.  These young men will get home and go to work or school.  They will be missed, but the work of spreading the gospel in New South Wales will continue.

We've got him surrounded but he's a shining star-a track star-so he will outrun us!  

Some of the finest young men we've ever met.  Missionary work is hastened because of their diligent efforts to spread the word of the gospel to all people they meet.

He's got us surrounded!  He has found a spot in our hearts.

We will take two Elders.  Not for sale but on loan.

The wild water at the Newcastle Beach.  Very beautiful in it's own way.  And who is this beautiful Mother's Day representative? We honor mothers today and throughout the year for their dedicated service to their families.  We know that families are the most important unit on the face of the earth.  It's where good values are instilled in children; that they will grow up to be upstanding people wherever they live and whatever their occupations and endeavors.  We love our family! We enjoy the teachings about families from apostles and prophets that encourage all people in the wonderful work of raising and teaching children in the way they should go.  Love to all from Elder and Sister Feil.

The American Fortune Cookie

Downtown Sydney from "a distance".  Who's that guy? CIA, FBI, Men In Black?

On weekends there are lots of things for sale at various markets in New South Wales.  We managed to find some cute things here for grandchildren.

This talented young man was the accompanist on the piano for a baptismal service.  He blessed us with his ability and the music helped the spirit to be present during this important event.

The wonderful young missionaries were present at the service. They are instrumental in helping people understand and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and join His church through baptism by one having the authority to perform this important ordinance.  This young lady was taught, has studied and prayed until she knew the truth of what she learned.  She chose to follow the Savior's example and was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We felt a part of this miracle because Sister Feil is responsible for the referral program and she was referred by her friend in the picture.  

These lovely women sang a beautiful song at the service. We have tried to upload the video of this performance, but it's not working.  Another "technical" problem.  Check it out on FaceBook.

This is the view from the Moonrise Western Sydney Regional Park Lookout.  Seeing the city from the country is amazing.  Plus it is a wonderful look at this beautiful country and my lovely companion :)

The agents at work in their field.

The Harbour Bridge, the Sydney skyline and the surrounding suburbs shows the contrasts of the area.

Somewhere around here there's supposed to be the Tom Uren Lookout.  Guess not! Our Tom Tom tried 3 times to help us - even modern technology doesn't always help you find your way. :)

Haberfield, home of Papa Pasticceria and the best Italian pastries in the world.  Well, they are very good.  Imagine these: canoles stuffed with ricotta, chocolate or vanilla custard, cinnamon and pistachio cookies, ricotta cake.  There's a lot more, including breads, but you can only eat so much of tasty treats.

This young lady even has an Italian accent!  People were speaking Italian in every store.  If we keep going here and buying Italian food, we will get called to Italy on our second mission - we hope, or else New Jersey.

Our day started with the Samoans and a baptism, then off to the Italian area for yummy treats, and finally ended with the Chinese for dinner.

The PEF/Self Reliance couple prepared a great meal of Chinese food for us and several young people from China who are striving to complete school and find jobs in NSW.  It was a fun evening with wonderful people.  Plus, we got to work on our chopsticks skills.  Each of these young adults have graduated with at least one degree and some are working on another.  Their English is excellent and their perseverence is admirable. We hope that with the help of the PEF couple, they can find jobs and move forward with their new life in Australia. 

It was enjoyable to observe the  happy interaction among the participants.  One of the young men is a returned missionary from the Brisbane mission;  2 of the 11 are from the same province in China. We are in awe of what they are accomplishing. 

The couple below is getting married soon.  She was an English teacher in China and has been here for just 3 weeks.  

So, what is this fortune cookie thing?  These young Chinese people had never heard of or seen a "fortune cookie".  A little research on Wikipedia indicates it was "...introduced by the Japanese, popularized by the Chinese and ultimately consumed by Americans".  So we had Chinese fortune cookies, that the Chinese had never seen before; Chinese food cooked by an American couple from Idaho, and we have all met together in Australia.  That is what our multi-cultural world is like every day.  

Everyone enjoyed the meal and the company.  All helped with the cleanup.  And some were assistant cooks in the kitchen.

We also had a chance to eat authentic chinese dessert - a rice ball with bean paste inside. It was interesting.... Chinese desserts are not nearly as sweet as American desserts but like most cultures, they enjoy good food, good company, good conversation.  Even though the Americans were outnumbered, our new friends spoke English most of the time.  

When you're hungry, practice makes better!  The food tasted great once it reached the mouth :)
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve with other Sr Couples, in various activities and at different locations and involving lots of people from around NSW.  We know that answers to the important questions about the purpose of life and what happens after our mortal lives end, are answered in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as contained in the scriptures and taught by apostles and prophets.  We testify that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, no matter the country.  Wo 'ai ni!
Feil Jiem'ei & Fa'a Matai Feil  

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