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 delicacy
but 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

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