We've arrived and our hearts are full

I will do my best to put into words, the last two days. We are so excited!

We departed from Salt  Lake on Monday evening. The flights were all on time. We were able to travel with Elder Nam who is from South Korea and a recent convert to the church. He is learning English and was very grateful to have us on those flights.  We didn't have access to our boarding passes for the flight to Sydney until we arrived in Los Angeles where we discovered our seats were not together,  on a very full Boeing 777. A flight attendant was helpful, and a kind gentleman moved so we were together.  (Fourth row from the back) Evelyn didn't even put on her seat belt before she introduced herself to the young man (19) who was returning to Australia after working the farming season Canada.  For the next fifteen hours, minus a few moments of sleeping, Evelyn taught the gospel.  Before we landed we had shared our contact information and a promise to continue our friendship.  Just 15 minutes ago we were able to talk with Elder and Sister Bingham who are serving out by Inverell, where Alex lives. Elder Bingham is a retired rancher who makes whips and shows everyone how to crack them overhead.  Apparently they close  their meetings with prayer and adjourn to the parking lot to practice whip cracking. Alex is going to love him! Just think of all the tender mercies that helped create that moment. 

President and  Sister  Runia were there to greet us with smiles and hugs and I believe Elder Nam was the most grateful young missionary to of made it through the airports and immigration.  They loaded our bags in a trailer and drove us directly to the harbor to see the opera house and then on to the temple and mission home, and we made it safely here driving on the wrong side of the road!  The church complex, and the temple look just like the Google street view that I've been looking at for the last three months. 

We spent the next few hours becoming acquainted with several senior couples and learning about our assignment.  President Runia has asked us to work in the nation's capital,  Canberra,  with the students and young single adults. Apparently we're also going to be teaching English and helping strengthen the community wherever we can. We also had time to go shopping for some groceries as we'll be here in Sydney for a week.  We bought the smallest bottle of Vegemite on the shelves and it looks like we've got our years supply. 

This morning,  in our scripture study we were reminded of things that matter most and so grateful for the knowledge of our Savior. My heart is full. Thinking about those missionaries back in the Idaho Pocatello mission.  Tell Elder  Willson that I am figuring out this driving on the left and dodging kangaroos.