Twas the Night Before Mission (in Australia)



 Woffinden siblings LtoR:  Arlen (bro) and Debi, Nancy (sis) and Bill, Gary(bro) and Kathy, us

Thursday was our last day in the MTC. Friday, Nancy invited Gary/Kathy (came up from Cedar City, UT) and Arlen/Debi (came up from California) for dinner.  Arlen is home from Brazil and is working for the Church as an attorney.  It was such a special time being together laughing, talking, hearing about children/grandchildren, and plans for the future.  I feel so blessed to have the loving ties to these families and my own, and to know we can be together forever.  I got thinking about my own family and how I love them, especially John and the Conners, and Erickson; we're small in number but rich in love.



Spencer, Greg, Joseph and Shannon left Thursday for Trek, a re-enactment of a handcart pioneer experience.

Shannon made a  long skirt and apron with lots of big pockets which was so convenient for the trekking. They all visited DI to get clothing to wear in the 90+ degree heat with long pants and sleeves and hats.  Finally they were ready for 3 days without showers, home cooked meals, phones, a/c, running water, etc.  They had a fantastic experience, pushed handcarts through rivers and hiked 10 miles one day.  Shan was so impressed with the youth in their ward and how they helped each other and had such positive attitudes.  She was amazed at the work it took for the early pioneers and what they had to do every day to provide food, shelter, meals, care for families, repairs on their cart, etc.; they all felt gratitude and appreciation for those who have gone before.

Today is our last day.  I began to feel this tomorrow would never get here, it's been almost 6 months since our call.  We have learned so much and loved visiting with our children and their families.  Speaking of family, Meri and Brad are in Hawaii with the Streiff family reunion; I hope they are having a wonderful time together.

  We found out if we had Vonage for phone service, that all calls from Australia are free to cell or land lines; so Brent signed us up, we'll buy phones when we get there. My mind boggles when figuring out time zone differences for each child. 

Yesterday I did a dry run packing everything and weighing it; I'm almost exactly 50# in both suitcases.  We can carry 15# carry-on, haven't weighed that yet.  I'm trying to take salads to have in flight. From the time we leave SLC to arriving in Melbourne will be 24 hrs; a bed and not sitting will be anticipated.  We're excited to meet our Mission President and the missionaries and get to work.