Project Update

For those who may be confused by these June blogs, we are home. Our mission finished on May 05. Things have been hectic and busy so I am taking the time now to catch up on past blogs. I hope to post one or more a day until I bring the blogs up to date.


We have finished the alphabet, phonics, and English lessons for the Aboriginal people. They were created from Power Points with animation and voice. There are many schools and agencies interested in using the DVDs when they become available. Sister Lovegrove and Sister Wood were transferred back to Alice Springs to finish up the project. It was quite a job, but they did it. After Sister Lovegrove finished the final voicing and Sister Wood finished the final checking, they rendered the Power Points to video, and then to DVD. The purpose of this format is to allow teachers and community members, to teach in a simple interesting manner, and then allow the students to learn and and practice at home.Thanks to the Sisters and many volunteers who aided in this process.

 

Here we are at dinner with Ann Roberts, a wonderful educator and volunteer. She piloted the project for us in Alcoota and provided valuable feedback and help.

Sights and Sounds of Sydney Early May 2009

 

We spent three exciting days in Sydney. Elder and Sister Warby gave us a whirl wind tour and we had a great time .They treated us like their best friends even though this was the first time we had met in person. We had corresponded and called Elder Warby numerous times as he was in charge of publicity for Australia and he had been following the Literacy Project.

Saying Good-bye in Adelaide

 

 

We had a great time touring and visiting with Tanya Wells after we left Alice Springs. She took us on a fast tour of some great places in Adelaide. We visited the ocean and the zoo and toured the city. We share a special friendship with Tanya, who joined the Church about two years ago. She is a wonderful person whose life has been changed forever and in turn who has enthusiastically shared the Gospel with more people I can remember. We should all do as well.

Friends to Remember

The Bird Mob surprised us with this traditional dot painting. The Birds are dear friends and well known for their dot paintings.They are an amazing family and are so important to the missionary effort in Alice Springs.


Mari Clay and I display a painting we hired her to do for us of the Tree of Life. She and her sister Colleen are very talented artists.

Dinner at Elder Jackson was a nice farewell. They are a great family. They will be leaving for India where Elder Jackson will become the mission president.

 

Here we are saying good-bye to Ping, one of our Chinese English students. We wish him and his family well.

 

Kings Canyon

We also took a trip to Kings Canyon which was quite beautiful. I took the half mile stroll done the shady river bank and Jim took the 3 hour hike on the boiling ridge. Go figure.

 

Trip to Ularu

 

April 20, 2009: Before we left Alice Springs we decided we had to see Ularu, the largest monolith in the world. It is a sacred spot for many Aboriginal people. We had a fascinating tour. The weather wasn’t too hot, but the flies were quite thick, but we had nets.

The Last Zone Conference

 

The Zone conferences are all very inspirational and have taught us a great deal. There is no doubt that a large measure of the success this mission has had is due to the excellence of the Zone conferences provided by President and Sister Quinn as well as the Assistants to the Presidents. Thanks for their love and leadership. They have been a blessing to so many people. Thanks also to the Elders and the Bogadahls for the privilege of know and serving with them. It has been great to watch the District grow from four Elder and one couple to what is it is now.