Here We Are

Adelaide is a beautiful city. We spent three days there getting training from some amazing people. It was great to see President and Sister Quinn.



So far, we really like Alice Springs and have spent a lot of time touring the City in a state of being completely lost!. The weather has been warm and pleasant, the general landscape and climate seems somewhat similar to Blanding, (20 degrees hotter) though the town is about six times the size.. The branch is very friendly and supportive of missionaries. Our flat (apartment) is pleasant, clean and just the right size. The couple we are replacing, the Edmonds, trained us for two days. They have been doing a wonderful work here. The four elders we’re working with are extremely impressive. We have met most of the investigators, and many of the aboriginal members. We're very excited about working with them. We'll post pictures as soon as we have our DSL. On the next posting I’ll share a few thoughts and things we have learned. –Sister Shumway.

P.S. from Elder Shumway – Riding on the opposite side of the road has been a harrowing experience for my passengers. Following Sister Shumway’s map reading skills has been a harrowing experience for the driver (me). So far, there are no new dents in the vehicle, and I have been able to keep our identification from other drivers, as they politely sound their horns in a state of mild road rage. The GPS system I left at home is much more polite than my designated navigator has been thus far, when I have to take the blame for her inability to read a map. Our relationship of love and trust is growing by leaps and bounds, because I have become a Saint, and am far ahead of her in the area of forgiveness.

We are still trying to find ourselves and our calling in some ways, but are truly thrilled to be in “Alice” with some great Elders, and a wonderful Branch, with an inspired Branch President. Our little Branch also brags the unique privilege of housing a general authority (Elder Jackson, quorum of 70, and Area Authority) who is often in attendance at the Branch, therefore presiding. The Church is still true. Keep the faith, and pray for those we meet, and yes, even those we run into.

Getting Started

We have just completed our weeks training in the MTC. It was an amazing week. One of the senior couples said it was kind of like trying to drink from a fire hydrant. Sometimes we felt like that because there is so much to do and so much to learn. I feel like as long as we listen to the spirit, and take one step at a time, we’ll learn what we need to learn and do what we need to do. Returned missionaries taught most of the lessons, and it was pretty exciting to learn from them and admire how well they knew the gospel and the lessons. We got to spend Saturday at Arah's and one last time together.

Mike came to see us off at the airport. We had a good visit. It was very nice having him there with us. The entire flight was 26 hours, including two layovers and one diversion to Sydney. We met several interesting people on the plane and were actually able to discuss the gospel with them. One of the men Elder Shumway spoke to agreed to read the Book of Mormon. We will get back with him later. Pictures later, after we get DSL.