Missionary Report No 59

Elders Schick (leaving) Bergeson,
Spackman (leaving) and Key (at the back)

Monday, 15th May 2023

Today was transfers and the elders leaving stopped by on the way to the airport to say goodbye. 

We had to take the car the elders had been driving to the panel beaters as part of the underneath was being held up by gaffa tape which Murray had done several months ago.

Tuesday, 16th May

Today we picked up the new sister missionaries, Sister Hale who is from Oregon and Sister Boonsarn who is from Thailand, from the airport.  Many are excited about having sister missionaries serving here again as it has been a while. Two new elders also arrived, Elder Lyons from Washington and Elder Rydalch from Utah.

We then took lunch to the Davies and the sister missionaries came with us.

Since the sisters were without a car, we then took them shopping and took them to a dinner appointment they had that night.

Wednesday, 17th May

We had the missionaries over for lunch. Discovered they love potato bake. After lunch, Murray did a video of them introducing themselves and explaining why they came on a mission which he posted on YouTube.

In the afternoon, we picked up the sisters' car which they were excited about getting.

Thursday, 18th May

We were up at 5:15 this morning to teach seminary.  Had seven students turn up.  Love and admire the Youth and Young Adults in the church.

We then went to pick up our new car, a Hyundai Tucson. The elders in Innisfail are now getting a car which means they will now be able to visit surrounding towns.

We then drove to Atherton to pick up the keys for the new place in Atherton and do a condition of entry report.  Then went to Harvey Norman to buy fridge, washing machine and dryer.

Able to buy bags of avocadoes for $2 at a roadside stall.

On the way home we met up with the Atherton elders in Mareeba and went with them to visit a single sister to help bless her home. 

Then we headed back to Cairns and made it in time for Institute which was very well attended, about twenty in total. 

Friday, 19th May

The elders called this morning to say one of the bikes had been stolen over night.  This is the third bike to be stolen.  Murray called the manager of the complex where they live to see if they could check the surveillance cameras but it would of required looking through 12 hours of film. Because the Innisfail elders are getting a car they will get their bikes, but until we can get more secure locks for the bikes they are going to have to carry them up several flights of stairs to keep them in their flat. 

We then went to buy furniture for the new house in Atherton.  This is the first time we have had to furnish a senior couples house.  We hope they like what we chose. We are given a list of what we can buy.

Then in the afternoon Murray gave a sister who is having serious health concerns a blessing.

Then tonight Branch 2 had a potluck dinner and activity which Branch 1 were also invited to, and was lots of fun.  Discovered some new activities, picking up pretzels with skewers, knocking over rows of books with a stocking and ball attached to your head.

Pretzel madness with
the young missionaries L to R
Lyons, Key, Bergeson, Rydalch

Saturday, 20th May

Tai Chi this morning with two of our regulars.

Went to buy blankets for the elders. 

Then Murray went with the elders to give a blessing to a member and after that we went with the elders to visit a sister and her family who is still recovering from two operations.

Tonight we prepared food as Lois wanted to have a picnic after church for her birthday. 

Sunday, 21st May

Attended both Branches and both were well attended.

Took Lois to Holloways Beach to have our picnic which was quite windy but very pleasant.

Pres. Tou kindly brought up the Innisfail elders and their bikes and they waited here for the other elders.