10/11/26
I can hardly believe we’ve already been here for EIGHT transfers! And even crazier—we officially have just ONE year left! Our mission ends on October 31, 2027! How is that even possible?!
I have to admit, during my month of feeling especially homesick, I actually considered asking if we could come home after 18 months instead of 23. But something has changed in my heart over these past couple of months. I have experienced so much PEACE and JOY in our mission that now I just want to soak up EVERY moment! I know October 2027 will be here before I know it, and I don’t want to wish away a single day of this incredible experience!
It’s interesting how much my perspective has changed. For a while, all I could see were the things Sydney DIDN’T have—my grandkids, kids, family, friends, favorite foods, favorite stores, and the comforts of my own home. But somewhere along the way, I began to see and appreciate all the wonderful things Sydney DOES have! The beauty of this city, its incredible diversity, the endless places to explore, and, most importantly, the AMAZING people we have met and grown to LOVE! I’m even growing attached to our little, old apartment. It’s not fancy, but it’s HOME for now! ❤️
I think I’ve also finally settled into the unique rhythm—or lack of rhythm—of our mission life. I’ve stopped feeling like I always need to be doing “MORE” and have learned that every day looks DIFFERENT—and that’s OKAY!
Some mornings, we’re able to get up early and “win the morning” with exercise, companionship study, and personal gospel study before joining the missionaries for lessons or attending meetings throughout the day and evening.
Other mornings, we’re rushing out the door to drive across Sydney—or even out of town—to teach our junior missionaries emotional literacy and other important life skills. Some days are filled with Mission Leadership Council meetings, Zone Conferences, and hours of training.
Then there are days spent preparing lessons and trainings, planning Young Women activities, creating newsletters for our wonderful senior missionaries, or shopping for and preparing food to feed our junior and senior missionaries. (We do seem to feed a LOT of missionaries! 😂)
Some days, we’re blessed to attend the temple with a new member and then enjoy homemade Chinese noodles together at the mall across the street. Other days, we’re at the church for hours, decorating, cooking, and preparing for a group activity.
And then there are those wonderful days when we get to explore this beautiful place we temporarily call home—walking to a museum, wandering along the harbor, enjoying gelato, taking a ferry, discovering a new restaurant or shopping center, or strolling along the ocean boardwalk.
Every day is different. Every day has its own purpose. And every day is a GIFT!
I’m finally finding PEACE in our unpredictable schedule (or non-schedule!) and learning to embrace, appreciate, and LOVE each moment for what it is.
And I am SO grateful that I get to share this adventure with my best friend, partner in crime, and wonderful husband, Eric! ❤️ He has been incredibly patient with me as I’ve worked through the ups and downs of adjusting to mission life. One of the sweetest blessings of this experience has been watching HIM grow, too. Seeing the way he loves and serves the Lord and His children has been absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I love him even more for it!
We’ve also been making a greater effort to spend a full hour, whenever possible, studying Preach My Gospel along with the accompanying scriptures. WOW! What a difference there is between simply READING the scriptures and truly STUDYING them!
I LOVE how immersing ourselves in the word of God—through the scriptures, gospel study materials, and the words of living prophets—draws us CLOSER to our Savior. It brings such POWER into our lives to withstand the adversary, navigate challenges, and find peace even when life is difficult.
God’s promises are REAL! I am learning, over and over again, that whenever we make an effort to draw closer to Him, He blesses us with His love, peace, comfort, and guidance. Sometimes our circumstances don’t change, but our HEARTS do. And that changes EVERYTHING! ❤️
I’m so grateful for this mission, for the people we love, for the lessons we’re learning, and for the opportunity to serve our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, together.
One year left—and I want to make EVERY day count! 🥰
Here are some highlights from our week!
Monday, October 5 –
Our friends, Joann Ramsey and Mark Micheal, came to Australia for a visit and vacation, so we had a wonderful time showing them around Sydney!
We started the day by taking the ferry to Watsons Bay, hoping to continue on to Rose Bay for brunch at a yummy little café. Unfortunately, because it was a holiday, the ferry wasn’t running to Rose Bay. So, we changed plans and walked part of the beautiful coastal trail at Watsons Bay to see Australia’s first lighthouse!
After enjoying the scenery, we caught an Uber to Rose Bay for a DELICIOUS brunch! From there, we visited the absolutely GORGEOUS St. Mary’s Cathedral, just a short distance from our apartment, and then explored the historic Hyde Park Barracks.
Joann and Mark had an afternoon walking tour scheduled, so we headed home for a bit before meeting up again for dinner at one of our new favorite Italian restaurants, Criniti’s! Such a FUN day exploring Sydney with dear friends!
Tuesday, October 6 –
Today was transfer day! Eric was busy helping with missionary moves, picking up Elder Wood and collecting luggage from three other missionary apartments. There wasn’t enough room in the car for me with all that luggage, so I stayed home this time! 😂
Joann and Mark spent the day exploring the beautiful Blue Mountains. That evening, we had them over for dinner and enjoyed a relaxing night of visiting and catching up. It was so nice to just sit, talk, and enjoy each other’s company!
Wednesday, October 7 –
What a FABULOUS day!
We met Joann and Mark at the Australian Museum to explore some of the fascinating Aussie exhibits. Afterward, we headed to the famous Bondi Beach to walk along the spectacular coastal trail toward Coogee.
Oh. My. Goodness. It was SOOOOO WINDY! 😂 At times, it was almost difficult to walk! We only made it partway along the trail before we had to turn around and head home to get ready for our evening plans.
We had originally planned to join Joann and Mark for dinner before the opera, but decided to skip dinner out and enjoy leftovers at home instead. Ha ha! Sometimes you just need a little downtime!
Later, we met them at the iconic Sydney Opera House to see MY FAIR LADY! And WOW—it was absolutely FABULOUS! We had AMAZING seats in the second row, right in the center, and could even watch the orchestra performing! The music, costumes, acting, and entire production were just incredible!
What a treat to experience such a wonderful performance in one of the world’s most famous performing arts venues!
Thursday, October 8 –
Eric drove to the Mission Office today to pick up luggage for two of the new missionaries—our “Goldens”—who were assigned to our district: Sister Nebeker and Elder Jensen!
It’s always exciting to welcome brand-new missionaries to the mission. We look forward to getting to know them and watching them grow as they begin this wonderful adventure!
Friday, October 9 –
Today was a quieter day. We caught up on some errands and had the opportunity to sit in on a couple of missionary lessons.
One of the things we LOVE about our calling is being able to spend time with the junior missionaries and the wonderful people they are teaching. It’s such a blessing to watch testimonies grow and see the Lord working in people’s lives!
Saturday, October 10 –
Today we SLEPT IN! Woohoo! 😂
We spent the morning doing laundry, cleaning our little apartment, and catching up on things around the house.
Later, we enjoyed a beautiful walk to Darling Harbour and, of course, made a stop for one of my FAVORITE Sydney treats—salted caramel gelato with chocolate sauce from Rivareno! YUMMMMM! 🍨
Sometimes the simplest days are just what we need!
Sunday, October 11 –
We started our Sunday preparing our lessons for church, then enjoyed worshipping and serving with our wonderful Hyde Park Group.
After church, we headed home to prepare our traditional Sunday dinner for the missionaries!
The first Sunday dinner after transfers is always a little bittersweet. We MISS the missionaries who have been transferred to new areas, but we’re also excited to welcome new missionaries into our little mission family! It’s amazing how quickly these young men and women find a special place in our hearts. We truly LOVE them!
At 9:00 PM, we joined a Zoom Mission Leadership Council (MLC) check-in, which was FABULOUS! We always appreciate the opportunity to connect with mission leadership, share updates, and continue learning how we can better support the work.
Another full, wonderful, unpredictable week in the Australia Sydney Mission!
Life is GOOD. God is GOOD. And we are SO blessed to be here! ❤️🇦🇺
