Mon, 13 Aug - It is time to leave Grafton and head for Sydney. Our mission is coming to an end. On the way out of town, we stopped at Hanks Kitchen to pick up our last provision of Hanks. We stopped to see Barry Ward and the dogs one more time. Mike was able to administer the sacrament to Barry - a pleasure and great way to leave Grafton. Today was Barry's birthday as well. The drive to Sydney was uneventful and we arrived at Rhonda Crosbie's home safely. Rhonda's will be our headquarters until we leave Sydney on 30 August.
Tue, 14 Aug - We were released by President Paul Jordan via Skype this morning. We had a lovely chat and debrief with President & Sister Jordan. It was good closure for Mike and made him ready for the next adventure in the Church. We then took the car into Carlingford and turned it back to the Mission home along with our phone. We had lunch with the Ellisons and Grants, and the Botts stopped by unexpectedly.
Wed, 15 Aug - We went to the Sydney temple this morning and did some temple work for Kerry Arthur's (Grafton) family members. The rest of the day is foggy in Mike's brain.
Thu, 16 Aug - We took the train up to Leura, in the Blue Mountains. We are spending the next few days with Anita & Keith Thompson. Just getting some down time and a nice quiet visit with some of our long time friends. We did some walking along the edge of the Blue Mountains and visited with the Three Sisters for the last time this trip.
Fri, 17 Aug - more Blue Mountains and we got a hat stretcher for Keith, which he gave to me to take back to the USA. I will use it with my Akubra so it will continue to fit on my head. Again today was just a nice relaxing day doing some window shopping and walking.
Sat, 18 Aug - Relaxed in the morning with the Thompsons. They drove us back to Rhonda Crosbie's in the afternoon.
Sun, 19 Aug - We took the train into Hyde Park so that we could attend the YSA ward and see as many of the YSA kids as possible. We walked over to Hyde Park to visit with Deshao & Shawn for a few minutes. They gave us some photos of when they came up to Grafton to visit. We really love all the Chinese YSA kids - they are great people. We then had Paella with Cristina de Godos and Jose. It was a good time. Cristina is doing well and now has her Permanent Residence visa for Australia. She is a lovely young lady.
A statue of the Saviour, whom we served in Australia
Mike with Hanks - his favourite pastry place
Some of Hanks goodies
And some more
And finally, some more
Arriving in Sydney we are greeted by Koloti and Micah Crosbie - grandsons of Rhonda
Rhonda Crosbie & Margaret
Margaret overlooking the Blue Mountain valley
A part of the Blue Mountains valley - just a large as the Grand Canyon, USA, but not quite as deep
Keith & Anita Thompson and Mike
Margaret on part of the trail along the cliff
Part of the cliff in the Blue Mountains
The valley and the Three Sisters (on the right)
The Thompson's rental house in Leura
The Hat Jack used to stretch the head bands in our leather/felt hats
Leaded glass windows in the Thompson's home in Leura
The dining area & kitchen at the Thompson's
Mike & the Blue Mountains valley
One of the cliffs in the Blue Mountain valley
Keith showing off his All Blacks shirt
Keith & Anita Thompson and Haleys
Hannah Lu, Margaraet, Ka Yi Ng, Emma
Bishop Anthoney & Waireka Akroyd with Haleys
Vivian, Margaret, Karli, Vicky, Mike
Mike, Klaus, Karli, Margaret
Mike, Andy, Rina
Paella at Cristina's. Home made it is and delicious
Margaret, Cristina, Jose (the Paella chef)
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