May 15, 2021
We've had a very busy past couple of weeks celebrating new babies either being born or soon to arrive; Mother's Day & a special Family History fireside. It's been wonderful to participate in activities where everyone comes together to show love & appreciation for mother's, friends & family in so many ways...a testimony that what matters most in our lives are the relationships we are so blessed to have. It increases my gratitude for & knowledge of our divine origin & the love our Heavenly Parents have for us as their children...they have provided us w/the perfect plan to guarantee the continuation of the family unit here on earth & into the eternities!
My English student, Yue & her husband Henry, welcomed their little cherub a bit early & very quickly! When little Ethan was ready to come into the world he only took about two hours & caught everyone unprepared for the quick delivery! He is a beautiful little boy w/fat cheeks & lots of black hair & his parents are very proud of him. His big sister Amy is still deciding whether or not she likes the competition!
Our dear RS sisters jumped in immediately to help out by bringing in meals. The Chinese are very unfamiliar w/the concept of service, but because of our friendship & the trust they have developed w/us, it was a wonderful opportunity for this young couple to experience true charity & discover there are many people who will look after them when we are no longer in Kalgoorlie. The Chinese have a tradition of new moms staying at home the baby for 40 days & not having company, but they made an exception for us/RS sisters. Yue will be very bored & anxious to get out of the house & I think they will come to church & some activities to say thank you & mingle w/the good sisters they've met. We're very hopeful after this experience they will find new friends & strong support among the members when we're no longer here & simply be loved into this ward family.
The Saturday before Mother's Day we had a wonderful baby shower for CeCe & Josh's little princess, who's due mid-June. It was a lovely party w/lots of delicious food, laughter, fun activities...a good time was had by everyone. CeCe received some beautiful gifts, including a couple dozen onesies w/darling personalized messages. She's going to be a beautiful, much loved & very pampered princess! We're so very hopeful we'll still be around, but chances are we'll be passing the stork the plane as we head back to the States when she arrives.
Our beautiful Elder's Quorum prepared/catered a very lovely Mother's Day dinner for all the RS sisters & we had a wonderful turnout w/about 50 women! Many were less active or not members of the Church & weren't quite sure what to expect. The food was delicious & plentiful; there was much laughter, great entertainment; silly jokes/some unexpected dancing by a couple of our more reserved sisters...overall, it was such a lovely evening & everyone had a wonderful evening & are already looking forward to next year!
Here's a few of our RS sisters w/little Mother's Day key rings my friend Cindy made for them all. Sister Baker & I, such a lovely lady & friend. It was a great weekend filled w/joy & memories to last a very long time. Elder Meads & Elder Amitua made candy leis for all the mom's, too! How sweet was that?!
Here are a few pictures of people in the community we've met & become friends w/who help us out so much. The couple below, Grant & Anna, own/operate the bike shop & take such good care of the missionaries! Heaven knows those bikes take a beating & need some tenderness!
This is Birgit (front) & Mandy from the Women's Shelter. Mandy is the manager & her grandfather was full Aboriginal, so she has a rich heritage & close relationship w/the women who come to the shelter seeking refuge & safety from domestic abuse & violence. Birgit is an employee & recently received her citizenship, so now has dual citizenship w/Germany & Australia. They came over last Friday evening to share a meal & socialize. It was a lovely evening. We will miss these good people & are very grateful for the opportunity we've had to get to know them.
It really doesn't take much to become friends with people & bring them into our circles. We've learned that everyone likes being treated w/respect & kindness, regardless of background, religious affiliation, race or culture...ultimately, we're all children of a loving Heavenly Father & should treat each other accordingly.
As we prepare to return home in about a month, our hearts are always so full & tears close to the surface as we consider we may never see some of these good people again in this lifetime. While this is sad to contemplate, our sadness turns to joy to know this life is just a small dot on the eternal journey we are all upon & we will all be together in the eternities w/full knowledge of these relationships.
The understanding of just how much our Father & the Savior love each of us & long for us to desire to return to live w/them again has brought us strong desires to serve others so they, too, can gain this understanding. Of course not everyone recognizes or even desires these truths we have to share, but that's ok. We still love/serve & know their time will come when they are ready to listen & #HearHim.
May you all feel of His eternal love & the joy that comes as we draw closer to our Savior. Our appreciation for your support, encouragement & love can not be expressed adequately...but we certainly feel blessed to have such wonderful family & dear friends. Until next time....Hurrah for Israel!!
Love to you all....Elder & Sister Tate
I have so enjoyed occassionally getting to read your blog of your mission experiences. Hopefully we will see you at the CGHS Class of 1970 reunion in August.
ReplyDeleteOur mission was also a wonderful experience and we miss all the good people of Texas but it is easier to return to than Australia!
Thanks you. We are looking forward to the reunion! Then perhaps I'll learn who you are, too!
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