Saturday, December 31, 2011
It's gone!
Can't believe it........just had my whole entire blog done to send, tried to put in a video and the whole thing is gone!!!! Well, I'll try again tomorrow!
Monday, November 14, 2011
SUMMER TIME!
Where is the time going? My last blog was on the 18th of October! Sorry I've been so lax in getting another blog up. We always thought people were kidding when they said that we won't know where the time went........it goes so fast!
First of all, we have to tell you that we are Great Grandparents twice since the last blog! Chika & Dave Hess had their little son on Oct 15. He is such a cute little boy. They are naming him Eli. Mom and baby are recuperating well. Christie and Ben Maxfield had their little boy on 11/1/11 at 1:00. Now that's going to be an easy one to remember! We are so happy for both of these new parents. It's great watching them turn into such strong, loving parents. His name is Hayden Thomas Maxfield and is a great addition to our family. Spencer and Julie Bagley are expecting in April. I believe they find out this week what sex their baby is. It's been a trying month for Julie with the death of her father. Our prayers go out to her and her siblings at this time.
Took a little walk down the beach. Found a campsite and Elder Harper took a little needed rest. Walking in the deep sand can really wipe you out:)
Surfers were everywhere. It was so beautiful!
Having some fun time with Elder Lau (from Hong Kong) and Sister Kim (from Korea). Such fun missionaries and work very hard at sharing the gospel. We are getting the chance more and more to have them over for dinner with their investigators and watch/hear them teach the gospel. This is really how we're learning the process of teaching the gospel to investigators.
In Circular Quay (Key) enjoying the day.
These natives are very interesting and so authentic! Took the chance to get my picture taken with one.
Got the chance to go to the city with the Elders and a couple of the recent converts for P-day. Had a great day. This is on the wharf by where we went to the Zoo. Saw Kangaroo, Koalas, alligators, beautiful butterflies, and many other things. The weather was perfect and we really enjoyed the day with the young people. Don't get the chance to do this very often. Within days of this little trip, Elder Hume (in the striped shirt on the back) was notified that he was getting transferred. He has been in our area for 10 months and done so much good with the Chinese students. A fantastic missionary from Canada. He is now a Zone leader in our district. Will be going home Dec 20.
Emma, Vivi, Elder Hume, Elder Lau. Emma was baptized just a month ago. And Vivi was baptized last Saturday, November 12. These are two of the strongest new converts that we have. Vivi will be going back to China next week after school is completed. She will be a pioneer in spreading the gospel. Her family is already interested in hearing about the gospel! These two young women already have strong testimonies. I was ill on Sunday and stayed in bed all day. They told me that night that they fasted and prayed for me. And you know, by the next day (today) I am feeling so much better. Fasting and prayer are the key!
This past week, we were able to have the Sisters over with one of their investigators. Sister Kim on the right with In Mai (who got her name from being born in May). Sister Kim is so excited because In Mai is also from Korea. This gave her a chance to speak in her native tongue. And Sister Du on the left. She is from China. They both have such beautiful testimonies and we really enjoy having them come into our home.
We finally gave up the battle and went and purchased an iPhone last week. The reception on our small phone from the church is very poor in our flat. We can never get complete calls. Half of the conversation cuts out. Now we just need to learn how to use it! This technical stuff is a little trying for us at times.
We have been working in the Sydney temple for 3 weeks now. Last Friday and this Friday the temple are closed for cleaning. Then we will start again the week of Thanksgiving. We have a new Temple President and Matron that just started November 1st. President and Sister Barr came to SLC for their training for the temple. They have a daughter who lives in Utah, so they enjoyed being their. We will be going to President and Sister Simmon's home for Thanksgiving on Monday, November 21 for Family Home Evening. It will seem so strange not being home with our family this year. Of course, Australia doesn't celebrate this holiday! Christmas decorations have been up since Halloween and people are doing their Christmas shopping already. Elder Harper and I bought our little 3-foot tree before Halloween. He thought I was crazy! But I've got the decorations, lights, ribbon and a beautiful wreath for our door. All I need to find now is a small nativity (if that's possible).
Our coordinator at the temple is going to have all of our temple group over to their home for a BBQ/pool party this month. That should be great fun and give us an opportunity to see some of the beautiful outlying areas of Sydney.
We are getting more and more into the missionary work here and enjoying it very much. Our testimonies are growing and we're learning more each day. We love the gospel and are thrilled to share it with others. It's so exciting to see the change in their lives once they accept the gospel. Because of the restoration and all of the sacrifices that Joseph Smith made to bring the gospel back to the earth, we are blessed to share and testify of its truthfulness.
May the Lord bless each one of you and your activities and time with your families. You are all very dear to us and we miss you terribly, but know the time here will go quickly and we'll see you once again. Love all of you!
Elder & Sister Harper
First of all, we have to tell you that we are Great Grandparents twice since the last blog! Chika & Dave Hess had their little son on Oct 15. He is such a cute little boy. They are naming him Eli. Mom and baby are recuperating well. Christie and Ben Maxfield had their little boy on 11/1/11 at 1:00. Now that's going to be an easy one to remember! We are so happy for both of these new parents. It's great watching them turn into such strong, loving parents. His name is Hayden Thomas Maxfield and is a great addition to our family. Spencer and Julie Bagley are expecting in April. I believe they find out this week what sex their baby is. It's been a trying month for Julie with the death of her father. Our prayers go out to her and her siblings at this time.
Took a little walk down the beach. Found a campsite and Elder Harper took a little needed rest. Walking in the deep sand can really wipe you out:)
Surfers were everywhere. It was so beautiful!
Having some fun time with Elder Lau (from Hong Kong) and Sister Kim (from Korea). Such fun missionaries and work very hard at sharing the gospel. We are getting the chance more and more to have them over for dinner with their investigators and watch/hear them teach the gospel. This is really how we're learning the process of teaching the gospel to investigators.
In Circular Quay (Key) enjoying the day.
These natives are very interesting and so authentic! Took the chance to get my picture taken with one.
Emma, Vivi, Elder Hume, Elder Lau. Emma was baptized just a month ago. And Vivi was baptized last Saturday, November 12. These are two of the strongest new converts that we have. Vivi will be going back to China next week after school is completed. She will be a pioneer in spreading the gospel. Her family is already interested in hearing about the gospel! These two young women already have strong testimonies. I was ill on Sunday and stayed in bed all day. They told me that night that they fasted and prayed for me. And you know, by the next day (today) I am feeling so much better. Fasting and prayer are the key!
This past week, we were able to have the Sisters over with one of their investigators. Sister Kim on the right with In Mai (who got her name from being born in May). Sister Kim is so excited because In Mai is also from Korea. This gave her a chance to speak in her native tongue. And Sister Du on the left. She is from China. They both have such beautiful testimonies and we really enjoy having them come into our home.
We finally gave up the battle and went and purchased an iPhone last week. The reception on our small phone from the church is very poor in our flat. We can never get complete calls. Half of the conversation cuts out. Now we just need to learn how to use it! This technical stuff is a little trying for us at times.
We have been working in the Sydney temple for 3 weeks now. Last Friday and this Friday the temple are closed for cleaning. Then we will start again the week of Thanksgiving. We have a new Temple President and Matron that just started November 1st. President and Sister Barr came to SLC for their training for the temple. They have a daughter who lives in Utah, so they enjoyed being their. We will be going to President and Sister Simmon's home for Thanksgiving on Monday, November 21 for Family Home Evening. It will seem so strange not being home with our family this year. Of course, Australia doesn't celebrate this holiday! Christmas decorations have been up since Halloween and people are doing their Christmas shopping already. Elder Harper and I bought our little 3-foot tree before Halloween. He thought I was crazy! But I've got the decorations, lights, ribbon and a beautiful wreath for our door. All I need to find now is a small nativity (if that's possible).
Our coordinator at the temple is going to have all of our temple group over to their home for a BBQ/pool party this month. That should be great fun and give us an opportunity to see some of the beautiful outlying areas of Sydney.
We are getting more and more into the missionary work here and enjoying it very much. Our testimonies are growing and we're learning more each day. We love the gospel and are thrilled to share it with others. It's so exciting to see the change in their lives once they accept the gospel. Because of the restoration and all of the sacrifices that Joseph Smith made to bring the gospel back to the earth, we are blessed to share and testify of its truthfulness.
May the Lord bless each one of you and your activities and time with your families. You are all very dear to us and we miss you terribly, but know the time here will go quickly and we'll see you once again. Love all of you!
Elder & Sister Harper
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
It's beginning to look a lot like summer!
We have literally been "freezing" since getting in Sydney. We finally went and bought Elder Harper new, warmer garments so he could be warmer. If they would have had thermals he probably would have bought them! This week has been slightly different because the sun is shining and the sky is clear. Feels so good, but I'm sure we'll be complaining of the heat in a very short time.
We were able to go to the temple for baptisms for the dead with the youth from our Greenwich ward on Tuesday evening. This picture was taken when we got out of the temple. Very special experience to be with the Chinese youth because they had never done anything like this before. The temple is absolutely gorgeous at night!
Had a missionary luncheon with the 4 Elders, 2 Sisters, and the Byrams and us. There was some
interesting food, to say the least! But probably the strangest was the Chicken Feet. Oh my, a delicacybut not something that I would even try! Haven't
got the art down of eating with Chop Sticks yet,
either.
Got to spend a Relief Society afternoon knitting scarves. Such a short project.........a lot were able to
finish their scarves at one sitting. Not me..........I have 2 left hands when it comes to knitting. I've done it before, but not for years. The yarn that you use to make these is a special yarn and each skein makes one scarf. This sister was the first one to complete her scarf. The yarns are really in amazing colors!
This young man is becoming famous for playing Rugby (don't think that's the way you spell it). He is foregoing his career right now to go on an LDS mission. The fireside was great. A fantastic spirit among the Tongan people. Their ward is out close to the ocean. Beautiful!
We are loving the Chinese students and growing closer to them every day. It's fun to go meet at "Woolies" and pick them up several times a week. Their testimonies are growing rapidly and we can see them getting stronger in the gospel weekly. It's amazing that they're receiving different callings in the church, and fulfilling those callings so well.
We have the chance to go and do a walkabout with Malcolm this weekend. We will be going over to Sydney on the train. When done, we will return on the ferry. We must rush back to go to a Women's Conference in our ward. The men have a Priesthood meeting, also.
This is the Senior Sisters from our area. We were able to meet on the weekend of listening to conference (a week later than at home) and have dinner together. They have multiple tasks that they are fulfilling in their mission (all here with their husbands). Top l-r: Sister Horrocks, Sister Harper, Sister Grover, Sister Lambarth, Sister Byram. Bottom l-r: Sister White, Sister Mangleson, and Sister Gibb. They are such fun sisters and we really do have a special sisterhood together.
Life here in the mission field is very hectic and rewarding. We are starting to love the work more and more each day. I must end this blog as we are headed to an English teaching class in Eastwood. Then it's off to Institute...........
We are so happy that our new little Great-Grandson is here safely. We pray for him as he adjusts to his new little life..........along with his mom as she recovers from child birth. May the Lord bless each and everyone of you in whatever you are called to do at this time. May your lives be filled with much happiness and accomplishment.
WE LOVE YOU!
Elder and Sister Harper
Friday, October 7, 2011
Another week in Sydney
I can't believe how fast the time goes! I can see why missionaries have a hard time keeping up with letters and posts. Last Sunday was so hectic (it was actually General Conference in Utah). We had to pick up the Chinese students at 9:15 to head to Church. We were at the Church until after 1:30. Delivered students back to their homes, and headed home to make cookies for the Fireside tonight. Rushed to a dinner at 4:00 for some of the students leaving and then headed to the new membership fireside. Beautiful testimonies from those who have just recently joined the church.
Monday, Oct 3 is an official holiday in Sydney (like our Labor Day). Had a fun FHE at the Byram's tonight. I think there were 25 people in their flat. WHAT A JOYFUL NOISE!
Great treat on Tuesday when we took students to the temple to be baptized for the dead. You could tell that they were a little scared, but were glad for the opportunity. We got a beautiful picture outside the temple this evening. Maybe next week I'll have a little more time to post some pictures with the blog.
We are looking forward to listening to conference this weekend. The brethren get to attend Priesthood meeting on Saturday night, while the Senior Sisters will get together for dinner. Will give me opportunity to get to know the sisters here better. On Sunday we will have a potluck dinner at the church in between sessions, so we will just remain at the Church.
Driving is getting somewhat easier. Elder Harper actually drove over to the temple this morning. That is the first for him, since the first day we got here! He's still not quite comfortable in attacking that task.
We have got our family wall together and it feels a lot more like home now. Really adds some warmth to our flat.
Every time we see a "YIELD" sign.......it says "GIVE WAY". A sister at the temple last week kept saying "GOOD ON YA!" I wondered where that little saying came from. I'll have to start writing down some of the funny statements so I can start posting them. They're certainly not funny to them......but quite interesting to us!
The weather has been very cold. It is raining again tonight, and will rain for several days again. Elder Harper and I had to break down this week and go get us some sweatshirt jackets. It's hard to find coats now because it is going into the Spring season here. Doesn't feel like Spring, though!
Days are very hectic and we generally have several things to do each day. We came home from District meeting today, though, and chose to just stay home tonight and relax. This is basically our first opportunity to do that.
The Byrams are super people and so helpful to us. We love working with them. They are so dedicated to the missionary work. You just can't help learn to love the Elders, Sisters, and young Chinese students that we have the opportunity to work with. Missionary work is great!
We hope to hear from all of you at home. Remember.......our email address is harperruthann21@gmail.com.
Take care and God bless........................Elder and Sister Harper
Monday, Oct 3 is an official holiday in Sydney (like our Labor Day). Had a fun FHE at the Byram's tonight. I think there were 25 people in their flat. WHAT A JOYFUL NOISE!
Great treat on Tuesday when we took students to the temple to be baptized for the dead. You could tell that they were a little scared, but were glad for the opportunity. We got a beautiful picture outside the temple this evening. Maybe next week I'll have a little more time to post some pictures with the blog.
We are looking forward to listening to conference this weekend. The brethren get to attend Priesthood meeting on Saturday night, while the Senior Sisters will get together for dinner. Will give me opportunity to get to know the sisters here better. On Sunday we will have a potluck dinner at the church in between sessions, so we will just remain at the Church.
Driving is getting somewhat easier. Elder Harper actually drove over to the temple this morning. That is the first for him, since the first day we got here! He's still not quite comfortable in attacking that task.
We have got our family wall together and it feels a lot more like home now. Really adds some warmth to our flat.
Every time we see a "YIELD" sign.......it says "GIVE WAY". A sister at the temple last week kept saying "GOOD ON YA!" I wondered where that little saying came from. I'll have to start writing down some of the funny statements so I can start posting them. They're certainly not funny to them......but quite interesting to us!
The weather has been very cold. It is raining again tonight, and will rain for several days again. Elder Harper and I had to break down this week and go get us some sweatshirt jackets. It's hard to find coats now because it is going into the Spring season here. Doesn't feel like Spring, though!
Days are very hectic and we generally have several things to do each day. We came home from District meeting today, though, and chose to just stay home tonight and relax. This is basically our first opportunity to do that.
The Byrams are super people and so helpful to us. We love working with them. They are so dedicated to the missionary work. You just can't help learn to love the Elders, Sisters, and young Chinese students that we have the opportunity to work with. Missionary work is great!
We hope to hear from all of you at home. Remember.......our email address is harperruthann21@gmail.com.
Take care and God bless........................Elder and Sister Harper
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The First Week in Sydney
Did a little site seeing and off to the Mission Home to meet everyone who works there.
Some of the missionaries took our 6 pieces of luggage out to our apartment (flat) and left them for us. We then met Elder and Sister Byram, who we are going to be working with in the Greenwich ward. They are such fun people (patient, kind, and caring). They have been chasing us around to find a van. That was an interesting project, to say the least! BUT we have found one and will pick it up tomorrow (Monday).
We are already loving the work. Haven't been here a week yet and get emotional just thinking about the success and changing of lives that is happening. There were 4 sisters baptized last night. The work is moving very fast and we are thrilled to be a part of it. The weather was quite warm when we got here, but today and yesterday have been cold and rainy.
I took the first opportunity to drive this morning on the way to church. We have to rely fully on the Tom Tom to get us anywhere at this time. The first thing I did was turn in front of a Taxi coming down the road. It's a good thing I had prayed for safety this morning because we could have been killed! Instead I got a nasty finger gesture......but I'll take that instead of what could have happened. I must say that driving on the left side is okay - it's just the right turns and turnabouts that are a little confusing! And the light system is quite different too - that's why I got confused turning right in front of oncoming traffic. Better get this system down REALLY good before getting a van load of young members in our van !!! Life is so interesting here.....and beautiful. We are so fortunate to have this opportunity. Hope all of you are doing well...........
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Enjoying the MTC
Wow, what a whirlwind week at the MTC! We arrived here on Monday, September 12th with Carl's sister, Ione. The first day was spent in Orientation, getting name tags, taking a tour of the MTC, etc.
Probably the most amazing place to me is the Cafeteria! They won't allow us to take pictures in there, or I would have one posted in the blog :) Young Elders, Sisters, Senior Couples and single sisters waiting in line to get food. It is unbelievable. I've never seen so many white shirts and ties in all my life! Of course, the young Sisters really fit the image of Sisters in the Mission Field.
I can't believe the packages that missionaries receive in the MTC. (I think there's a lot of goodies sent to them) UNBELIEVABLE! There's a huge gym for exercising, young people everywhere on the campus in their workout clothes. They are responsible to do service each day.
Carl and I found ourselves in a small 9 x 12 dorm room.....so interesting with 6 suitcases in here :) We are thrilled that this is our experience at this time, although most of the seniors did not get to experience this......they were sent to the Marriott Hotel to stay (really roughing it). There just aren't enough dorm rooms here on the campus. We have enjoyed being here with the majority of the missionaries. They are "coming" and "going" daily.....some arrive and others leave. It is thrilling to see exactly what is happening with the missionary program throughout the world. The Senior couples that we have been involved with this week are literally going to all corners of the earth!
Ruth Ann, Carl and Ione before leaving the MTC
These couples were in our training class. From L to R, Ericksons (Sweden), Chamberlains (Scotland) our trainer, Sister Hales, Fuits (Dallas, TX) and of course Harpers, (Australia)
Our training has been intense, stressful, scary, spiritual, and such a learning experience. We wouldn't trade it for anything.....what a great teaching tool in preparing us to go into the mission field. We will be packing in the morning and catching a shuttle to the SLC airport at 4:30. We will be arriving in Sydney Australia the following morning (it will be the 21st there). We will be embarking on the most exciting thing we have ever done in our lives. We are thinking of each one of you and hoping all is well. As my step-mother-in-law passed away last evening, we are thinking of her family and love them very much. We, of course, love each one of you. May the Lord bless you until we meet again!
Probably the most amazing place to me is the Cafeteria! They won't allow us to take pictures in there, or I would have one posted in the blog :) Young Elders, Sisters, Senior Couples and single sisters waiting in line to get food. It is unbelievable. I've never seen so many white shirts and ties in all my life! Of course, the young Sisters really fit the image of Sisters in the Mission Field.
I can't believe the packages that missionaries receive in the MTC. (I think there's a lot of goodies sent to them) UNBELIEVABLE! There's a huge gym for exercising, young people everywhere on the campus in their workout clothes. They are responsible to do service each day.
Carl and I found ourselves in a small 9 x 12 dorm room.....so interesting with 6 suitcases in here :) We are thrilled that this is our experience at this time, although most of the seniors did not get to experience this......they were sent to the Marriott Hotel to stay (really roughing it). There just aren't enough dorm rooms here on the campus. We have enjoyed being here with the majority of the missionaries. They are "coming" and "going" daily.....some arrive and others leave. It is thrilling to see exactly what is happening with the missionary program throughout the world. The Senior couples that we have been involved with this week are literally going to all corners of the earth!
Ruth Ann, Carl and Ione before leaving the MTC
Our training has been intense, stressful, scary, spiritual, and such a learning experience. We wouldn't trade it for anything.....what a great teaching tool in preparing us to go into the mission field. We will be packing in the morning and catching a shuttle to the SLC airport at 4:30. We will be arriving in Sydney Australia the following morning (it will be the 21st there). We will be embarking on the most exciting thing we have ever done in our lives. We are thinking of each one of you and hoping all is well. As my step-mother-in-law passed away last evening, we are thinking of her family and love them very much. We, of course, love each one of you. May the Lord bless you until we meet again!
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