Mon, 18 Jun - Early morning seminary - we not only attended, but we taught seminary this week. Elder Haley led the class on Monday. We discussed Alma 23-26 which dealt with the Lamanites taught by Ammon/Aaron/etc being converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and taking on the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehies. They buried their weapons of rebellion and would not take them up again. What are our weapons of rebellion against the Lord - will we give them up and not take them up again?
After Seminary, Sister Haley went to declutter for 5 hours. Then back to the flat and grocery store to get supplies for dinner with Scott Howard. During dinner we discussed a little politics, religion and philosophy - it exercised our brain a bit.
Tue, 19 Jun - Early morning seminary was taught by Sister Haley. It was a doctrinal mastery day and we learned/talked about Dispensations, Apostasy and Restoration. We found that there is a cycle that runs through the 3 periods, and that we as individuals also seem to run through a cycle very similar to that of the world - We find a way to be close to God, then we may/tend to drop off and then we pick our selves back up and start all over again. Hopefully make progress in our growing closer to Heavenly Father as we go through the cycle; however, it is best if we can just stay close to Heavenly Father and not go through the cycle. The rest of the day was spent preparing for the next day of seminary and getting ready to do some errands and play taxi driver.
Wed, 20 Jun - Elder Haley taught seminary this morning. We discussed Alma 27 through 29. We touched on two principles: (1) God allows us to make choices based on our desires, whether those desires will lead to our salvation or not, and (2) When we are fully converted to the Lord, we keep the covenants we have made with Him. We then watched a 10 minute video about the LDS saints in Ghana during 1989-1990. The Ghanaian government closed down the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints (LDS Church) (and some other church denominations, as well), locked up all the meeting houses and expelled all the missionaries. The saints in Ghana had to pull together and support each other during this time, and it was questionable if the Ghanaian government would ever let the LDS Church open back up. The LDS Saints rallied around each other, kept the faith and when the Ghanaian government found out that they made the initial decision based on incorrect information, the government allowed the Church to reopen and the growth in converts was very significant because of the publicity and action of the members during the Freeze. We then went out to visit one of our old neighbors, Maureen. Home for lunch then off to the Primary activity - we played sport, 4 square and the number game today. Later in the evening we attend Family History and Young Women.
Thur, 21 Jun - A day of rest - at least we did not have to get up at 5 am for seminary today 😇 We helped with the family history centre (FHC) and then in the early afternoon we drove out to the Binskins near Lawrence to see the new baby Alpacas (called cria or crias, if more than one). They are cute little buggers and we had a good time seeing, holding, petting them. We will go back one more time before we have to leave Grafton. Then home for dinner. Elder Haley went with Peter Arnull to give one of the sisters a blessing. Sister Haley is working on a purse made from short-shorts and a dress made from a pillow case - the RS is still into learning how "to fix it up, wear it out, make it do or do without". Elder Haley is also fasting for the recovery of one of the YSA kids in Hyde Park, Sydney who is in the hospital - we got the notice last night that Andy Mildenhall was in hospital and Bishop Akroyd asked the YSA ward members to fast for Andy.
Fri, 22 Jun - Sister Haley is taking the declutter lady to Coffs for a doctor's appointment. Elder Haley is helping with the weekly cleaning of the meetinghouse. Sister Haley did not make it back in time for a taxi pickup, so Elder borrowed a car and made the Taxi run. We got a call from one of our old Aussie friends who gave us a referral for a lady in Grafton - her first cousin.
Sat, 23 Jun - Played handyman for one of the sisters this morning. Went to the Branch activity in the afternoon, sponsored by the Young Women. It was a lot of fun with a number of outdoor games (Please see pictures below).
Sun, 24 Jun - a normal Sunday in Grafton - Church meetings, after Church meetings and some visits with members.
Willow & Arielle playing on a swivel chair at the meetinghouse
Oops. Something went wrong and now we have them giggling and on the floor
Part of the Alpaca herd at the Binskin's in Lawrence. The little Alpaca in the background (brown & white) is 2 days old
Elder Haley, 2 day old Alpaca & mum Alpaca. Note the "cool" drizabone vest worn by Elder Haley
One of the "shy" Alpacas in for their time with the guests.
Mike taking a photo of the young Alpaca
Margaret checking out the softness of the Alpaca baby (called a Cria) fleece
Some 'roos in the field on our way home
Pecans from the Binskins. Soon to be a Pecan pie (Mike hopes)
Branch Activity. Donut on a string eating contest
Note the white flour on Sister Haley's chin. She got her face pushed into the flour on the plate in front of her.
Now it is someone else's turn to get the gum drop out of the pile of flour
Oh, Willow - looks like you have flour on your face.
Egg in the spoon race.
Here she comes with the egg still in her spoon - Hurrah
The next race with the egg was to hold the spoon in your mouth. And Margaret did well
So, with the eggs left from the race we now have an egg toss. The grass is thick and most of the eggs would not break easily when they landed on the grass.
More egg toss. Note the egg in the air in the middle of the photo - just about head height on the 3rd child from the left. (great job with the photography there Elder Haley)
3 Legged race. Tama & Sage
Arielle & Willow - looks like they are having fun
Joyce & Beth on a stroll down the yard
Passing the ball through one set of legs, then over the head of the next person, then through the legs. Look at the racing form of Scott as he carries the ball to the front of the line.
Pass the balloon from between your legs
Good pass by Arielle to Willow
After all that fun, it is time to sit, eat and relax. Elaine Jones with Sister Haley
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