hearts being knit together

It's over 100 degrees outside.  Even with the smoke outside it is hard not to smile because of the goodness in people's hearts that has been manifested.  We have had some experiences in the past 24 hours that I hope to never forget.  This morning began with a District Council Meeting at the Lyneham church.  It was wonderful to hear Sister Haridas lead the young missionaries in a discussion about growth.  She had found a picture of every one of us from before our missions, posted them on the board and then asked us each questions.  There was laughter and love in that little room!  Elder Palmer will be returning home in a few weeks and Sister Haridas will be returning to Singapore on the next transfer.  Elder Palmer had notified us that there was a service project to participate in after the meeting so we drove over to Gungahlin by 11:00.  Through Facebook it had been announced that people were gathering food, water, toiletries and other supplies to be sent to the communities that had been hit by the bush fires.  What an experience.  It was organized outside of a warehouse and people were pulling up, in the cars and trucks, filled with newly purchased supplies.  They had volunteers handing off the goods in a line that then put them into new cardboard boxes to be shipped.  Everyone was smiling, food and drinks were being distributed to the workers and even though the heat, and smoke, were rather intense it was incredible.  We made several new friends and one of them introduced himself as Mohameed Ali and then with a smile said, "just like the famous boxer".  He and his wife were everywhere at once and you just have to love the guy.  We told him how our church was having a special fasting and prayer this week and he immediately invited us to join them, at their mosque, today at 1:30 for Friday prayers and then a special prayer for rain.  How do you pass up an invitation like that?  We drove over to the Gungahlin Mosque and had a truly sacred experience.  It was overflowing with beautiful people but the moment we walked up they took us by the hand.  Men and women pray separately in their faith so Evelyn was taken one direction, and I the other.  There were dozens of men outside because the Mosque was already filled but they insisted that I go inside.  To be able to pray, ponder and be with those good people. was incredible.  I had my white shirt and tie on, along with my name tag so I was rather conspicuous and everyone was so kind.  After the first prayers, Mohameed found me and took me to another row, further up, to join in their prayer for rain and relief.  After that prayer he took me to everyone, including their wonderful imam.  All of the leaders were asking questions, sharing their phone numbers and Mohameed was taking my picture with everyone that was talking to me.  One fellow was a leader from the Melbourne Mosque and asked if I would come and speak to his people.  I said thank you and explained that our mission didn't include Melbourne.  Many of the men were asking questions about our mission.  I was starting to worry about Evelyn but I shouldn't have.  When I went out in the courtyard she still hadn't come downstairs where the women were.  When she finally came out it was with two women and their children in tow.  They had provided her with the necessary clothing for worship and they were chatting like lifelong friends. It was Evelyn's first time in a Mosque and the look on her face said it all; she had loved everything. One of the women invited us over for dinner and with phone numbers being exchanged we hope to meet them again. We will definitely be returning.

Yesterday, around 5:00 we heard a car drive up.  When I answered the door, there stood all four of our beautiful sister missionaries.  They came to "check on us".  Earlier in the day, Evelyn was making some food that was going to be a bigger dinner than we would need and she asked me who we could share it with.  It was a 3 cheese, mac and cheese and there was plenty.  Sister Christensen, Ballew, Sister Smith and Sister Haradis truly blessed us with their smiles and sweet conversation.  At the end Sisters Smith and Haradis sang, "There Is Beauty All Around" as Sister Haradis played the ukulele.  It really touched my heart because that's the song that we sang, for two years, in Texas as we were spreading the gospel through the Family Home Evening program.

What a day as our hearts expanded to include so many wonderful new friends.