Elder Harper participating in a game at the ward party. Don't know if any of you saw him in the
video posted on Facebook, but he crashed on the floor when trying to make a basket.
Sure glad he didn't hurt himself!!!
Took Kevin and Adriana Jones over to the New Membership fireside. Kevin is an investigator, originally from London. His wife is from Peru. Kevin is investigating the church. We are hoping that he will be baptised this Fall. Great photo time at the temple!
On the way over to the Toronga Zoo. What a background............
Went to Toronga Zoo with the Elders. It was a great P-day. I think they had a great day! When we walked out of the Zoo, it started raining. Such a fun, beautiful day and prayers were answered for good weather!
Took the Elders over to Sizzler for a meal before the transfer. We lost 6 Elders to transfers. Was glad we had one last good day with them! Always difficult to see the Elders move to other areas!
Really enjoyed taking Jain to the temple again. Such a beautiful lady from Fiji. She has a 9-year-old daughter. She is the Relief Society secretary.
We love feeding the Elders and having them in our home. And they love to eat!
Seems strange to see a Poinsettia bush in July. But that's the way it works in Australia. Christmas in July when it's winter here.
We had such a wonderful Zone Conference with the Simmons before their departure the end
of June. We really miss them, but know they are enjoying being back with their
family in Utah after 3 years of service as Mission President.
Such a nice 23-year-old man that recently got baptised. Our Elders and Elder Harper had a great experience teaching this wonderful young man. He was made a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood today in church. Progressing quickly. Never misses church. Will be a stalwart member of the church.
Our Zone just keeps changing every 6 weeks. So we take a picture before the transfers each time. Again.....enjoying lunch at the Sizzler! Gives the Elders a chance to eat a lot! As if they don't get fed well by the ward members :)
The Jones have become such special friends to us. We love them lots and are waiting for the day when Kevin becomes a member of the church. He better hurry......their son will leave for his mission next Spring!!! They brought us beautiful flowers and took us to a German restaurant. Very good food...especially the Apple Strudal!
The Primary had a "Christmas in July" party. We did the nativity play for them. What a fun experience. The Elders did such a fun job in their parts: Herrod and the 2 Shepherds.
I got to be the Angel........(I think I've gained just a little weight!)
These are the most interesting trees! The branches come down from the trees and make roots. We saw these when we were walking the Boardwalk in Brisbane.
We took from Wednesday to Saturday this week and flew to Brisbane for a little site seeing. We were only a block from the temple. Has one of the prettiest chandeliers that I've ever seen in a temple. And the view from the temple is spectacular!
We were ONLY up 77 floors for this picture. Oh my, what a view of the Gold Coast! This area is called the "SURFER'S PARADISE" and I can see why. Amazing beach......amazing waves!
Carl stopped for a little pose on the Boardwalk. Amazing flowers and scenery along the river.
We went to a Koala/kangaroo park on the second day in Brisbane. This koala was so cute...but such a heavy little animal.
Notice the cute little baby in the pouch. Sometimes all you see sticking out are their legs,
but caught a full view of this one.
Koalas are such amazing animals. They have such baby faces. Really something to see how they live in the trees all curled up in such strange positions!
Had NEVER seen a baby Koala before. They sure must be small when they're born. This one was hanging on for dear life!
The kangaroos in this park were not afraid of anyone and loved eating from the people. Someone handed us a bag of food and we enjoyed this picture-taking experience.
Some more of those interesting trees whose branches drop to the ground and create roots.
Robbie and Bethany Wolffe lived in the Greenwich ward when we served there. He was our ward mission leader. Unfortunately for us, he had medical issues and had to leave the Navy where he was a diving specialist. (I don't think that was the official name). Sorry Robbie......SOooooooo, they moved back up to Queensland so he could go to college and be closer to their family. They moved in February and had their baby in April. Little Hallie is such a doll and we had such a fun 2 days with them enjoying Brisbane. What great people!
There was rows of bikes lining the street. Thought I'd take a little stroll................................
We went on a fun dinner cruise on the Kookaburra Queen. Great seafood buffet and entertainment!
More pictures of the Gold coast. AMAZING!
Quite the clever mettle birds along the Boardwalk!
These pictures were taken today (July 22) after having dinner with the Elders. The 2 Elders in the front are our Zone Leaders. The one on the left (Elder Honeycutt) is from California. The one on the right (Elder Larsen) is from St. George (Santa Clara). He will be leaving tomorrow in the transfer. On the back (sitting by us) is Elder Baker (from Sweden) and Elder Fagg (England). Elder Fagg is going back to England this week. He has completed his mission. Such a fine young Elder...........as are all of the Elders that we've worked with. We really learn to love them and certainly miss them when they leave or transfer.
The mission work continues with much success here in the field. We have a Father and son (8) who are getting baptised in a couple of weeks. It's so exciting to see their progress in the gospel. We are focusing on visiting a lot of the ward members right now. It's so great to go into their homes and feel of their spirit and desire to live the gospel. We are able to have a sweet man and his 2 sons in for dinner last Sunday. He leaves at the end of the month to go back to live on his native island. He said that it was the first time he had been invited to someone's home for dinner in the 25 years he has belonged to the church.
We will never be the same after serving this mission. We have seen what the hand of fellowshipping does for the members of the church. Everyone wants to be recognised, loved, and a part of this large family of the church. Missionary work IS NOT just about bringing in new members, but also about showing those people in the church that we care about them, too.
I am so thankful that we have this opportunity to learn, love, and serve those around us. It has given me a new appreciation for the gospel, for the restoration, and for the atonement of our Savior. How blessed we are to belong to the only true church and share this opportunity with others who are seeking eternal happiness. This life is so great, and each of us has the chance to be happy in whatever state of life that we're in.
May you all know of our great love for you. We are so happy that you are a part of our lives. We are truly blessed and we thank the Lord for every single blessing that is ours. May He guide and direct each one of you as you meet your daily challenges.
Much love,
The Harpers
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