I am over Referrals, which means logging into the computer, the names and addresses of those interested in learning more about our Church. It is my responsibility to assign them to the appropriate missionaries (2) in that area, and provide them the address and phone information. I then check back on a regular basis on the progress, updating the computer with that information. I also coordinate the medical needs of the missionaries. By the way, those missionaries are young men, ages 19 - 25, and young women, ages 21 – about 25. They come from all over the world, with a high percentage from other areas of Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of the Pacific, but also quite a few from the United States. The young men serve for 2 years, while the young women serve for 18 months. We also have about 5 or 6 senior missionary couples, along with 2 single senior women (senior meaning past retirement).
Just one interesting story of a young lady missionary from Mongolia. She had difficulty getting her visa, which took 12 months! So she worked as a missionary in her home country of Mongolia for 9 months before coming here. She has a beautiful voice and has entertained us a number of times with acapella renditions of our hymns in her native language. Absolutely beautiful!
DeVon is over the finances for the Mission, and is responsible to see that all the bills get paid. This consists of the rent and related expenses for over 40 apartments (or flats as they are called here), as well as all the other costs associated with running the affairs of the Mission throughout all of Western Australia (comparable to nearly all of the western part of the United States).
We also attend many meetings scattered throughout the Perth area. By the way, Perth and its associated suburbs have a population of around 2 million people. So far we have never driven far enough to go beyond the reaches of this huge city. We are at the mission office from 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. Saturday is our Preparation Day, or the day when we do all our chores, clean the apartment, go shopping (because all the stores close at 5:00 every night but Thursday), and any extras we want to cram in. On Sunday we attend Church meetings and do some studying from the scriptures, and have some personal time.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sites Around Perth
We want to share with you some of the scenic sites around Perth .
The Mission President has assigned us to attend the Doubleview Ward for church activities. After attending several times, we discovered why they call it Doubleview. As we left the Sunday meetings, walking toward the parking lot, we looked out toward the southeast and saw this amazing view of downtown Perth.
Several weeks later, we drove up the coast, viewing the beaches. We had heard about Hillarys, a large boat harbor with shopping and food courts. We made several stops along the coast highway, enjoying the view and the beautiful “winter” weather.
At one stop, we noticed a large rock formation that looked like a shipwreck.
Last Friday afternoon we attended zone conference in Thornlie (about 30 minutes south of Perth ). DeVon has always wanted to drive at high speeds and he was even able to legally travel up to 100 (kilometers per hr). On the way back Judi talked DeVon into getting off the freeway (outside his comfort zone) and see the nightlife in Perth, which is only open late on Friday nights. DeVon kept taking the wrong exit (three times) causing us to double back, right along the Swan River . The view was so beautiful that Judi took a picture right out the car window.
We have gotten into the habit of taking a picnic lunch to enjoy on Sundays following church. We try to choose various locations to enjoy while having our lunch. Jackadder Lake has become a favorite and is very close to the Doubleview Chapel. Many of their lakes have walking trails around them. Jackadder also has 6 or 8 activity areas along their trail where they have installed colorful exercise equipment which is used by young and old alike.
We love the unique malls here in the suburbs of Perth . This mall is entirely underground, with parking tents being the only portion visible above ground. We found this candy shop and had to share this taste of their British heritage with you.
The Mission President has assigned us to attend the Doubleview Ward for church activities. After attending several times, we discovered why they call it Doubleview. As we left the Sunday meetings, walking toward the parking lot, we looked out toward the southeast and saw this amazing view of downtown Perth.
Later a member of the ward explained why it is called Doubleview. If you turn around to the west, you have the second view…the Indian Ocean . We haven’t yet found just the right view for this picture.
Several weeks later, we drove up the coast, viewing the beaches. We had heard about Hillarys, a large boat harbor with shopping and food courts. We made several stops along the coast highway, enjoying the view and the beautiful “winter” weather.
Last Sunday we discovered another lake, which is actually a reclaimed swamp area. Herdsman Lake is quite large and famous for its “black swans” which are one of the symbols of Western Australia . Today, Sunday, we did catch a quick glimpse of some black swans while driving, but not where we could stop and get a picture. Winter has truly hit here, which means we have had lots and lots and lots of rain for the last three days, and colder temperatures.
We will try to get some pictures of the black swans in future visits (and sunny weather) at the lake.
We love the unique malls here in the suburbs of Perth . This mall is entirely underground, with parking tents being the only portion visible above ground. We found this candy shop and had to share this taste of their British heritage with you.
We are really enjoying our work here, and as you can see, we are truly taking advantage of every opportunity to see the sites. We try to include our sightseeing attempts during our assigned travels, to keep our mileage (as well as the cost of gas!) down. Hopefully, sharing our adventures makes you feel closer to us. We think of each of you often and include you in our prayers. Love to all, Elder and Sister Nielsen, Judi and DeVon, or just Mom and Dad.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Aussie Lingo June 18, 2010
Well, it’s Friday night and we’re facing a hectic weekend! Tomorrow morning we go down south for a ward activity at an indoor volleyball centre (owned by a ward member). It’s about an hour’s drive from here. Dad’s big problem is that he has to drive through the center of downtown Perth to get there, and he hasn’t even been brave enough to take on the challenges of driving in the BIG city yet. There is one freeway interchange that looks twice as complicated as the SLC “spaghetti bowl.” This event is part of their ward conference weekend, beginning with the volleyball activity, with ward conference meetings Sunday, to be followed by Soup Sunday. Everyone brings potluck soup, or other meal items to go with soup, and stays for the social gathering after church.
We have been having fun collecting all the interesting and unique expressions, etc. (Aussie Lingo) that they use here. We have been dying to show you what they have for shopping carts here.
Here they are called “trolleys” the same as in the UK. Grocery stores are mostly in the malls here, and so people drag trolleys all over the mall. The problem is that they are impossible to steer because all four wheels swivel. So people are going sideways down the aisles of the mall, taking twice the width. We have tried to steer them forward, but they have a natural tendency to go sideways.
While driving, especially at round-a-bouts, their yield signs say “GIVE WAY”. At their fast food restaurants, they don’t have take-out; it’s “TAKE AWAY.” If you want breakfast at McDonald’s, it’s “BREKKY.” KFC doesn’t offer chicken breasts as we know them; they are boneless fillets, pronounced “FILL-ITS.” They also have unique crosswalk signs for “DUCK CROSSINGS” picturing a mother duck followed by her ducklings.
They don’t have mow strips between the road and the sidewalks. There is a grassy area between the road and residence that is about three or four times the size of our mow strips and called “THE VERGE.” Because there is no shoulder on any of the roads, people just pull up onto the verge to park their cars – even for a day at the park to watch their child’s game of soccer (football in Australia).
Here they don’t say “knock on wood.” They say “TOUCH WOOD.” We found out today that it originally referred to the Savior’s Cross. (Interesting, huh!) They also use the phrases “NO WORRIES, CRIKEY, DINKY DI, BARBIE, and G’DAY MATE.” Of course, much of the time I can’t understand all of what they say, so it doesn’t matter anyway. At the Mission Office, when I have to talk to people on the phone, I often ask them to “please spell that for me” because I can’t understand the Aussie lingo. I have to admit though, that the really tough ones are those who have come from other countries with their own accents, and have blended it with the Aussie lingo, making it even tougher!
According to our reckoning, in three days we should be to the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year). But just picture this flowering tree in full bloom in your neck of the woods in mid-winter!
Winter season here is their rainy season, and this week we have had several rainy days where the mosquitoes have come out of the woodwork! And people wear everything from winter jackets to tank tops, shorts and flip flops!
Each day we discover more unique and wondrous things about Australia. We really are enjoying each and every day here on the other side of the world from Utah.
Lest you think it’s all fun and being tourists…we’ve also had many wonderful experiences. As the three years of service for our Mission President and his wife are ending, the emotions seem close to the surface for all here and we are being swept up in the tide of things. What a time to be here in the Australia Perth Mission.
Love to all….Elder and Sister Nielsen and Mom and Dad to our kids…Love ya!
We have been having fun collecting all the interesting and unique expressions, etc. (Aussie Lingo) that they use here. We have been dying to show you what they have for shopping carts here.
Here they are called “trolleys” the same as in the UK. Grocery stores are mostly in the malls here, and so people drag trolleys all over the mall. The problem is that they are impossible to steer because all four wheels swivel. So people are going sideways down the aisles of the mall, taking twice the width. We have tried to steer them forward, but they have a natural tendency to go sideways.
While driving, especially at round-a-bouts, their yield signs say “GIVE WAY”. At their fast food restaurants, they don’t have take-out; it’s “TAKE AWAY.” If you want breakfast at McDonald’s, it’s “BREKKY.” KFC doesn’t offer chicken breasts as we know them; they are boneless fillets, pronounced “FILL-ITS.” They also have unique crosswalk signs for “DUCK CROSSINGS” picturing a mother duck followed by her ducklings.
They don’t have mow strips between the road and the sidewalks. There is a grassy area between the road and residence that is about three or four times the size of our mow strips and called “THE VERGE.” Because there is no shoulder on any of the roads, people just pull up onto the verge to park their cars – even for a day at the park to watch their child’s game of soccer (football in Australia).
Here they don’t say “knock on wood.” They say “TOUCH WOOD.” We found out today that it originally referred to the Savior’s Cross. (Interesting, huh!) They also use the phrases “NO WORRIES, CRIKEY, DINKY DI, BARBIE, and G’DAY MATE.” Of course, much of the time I can’t understand all of what they say, so it doesn’t matter anyway. At the Mission Office, when I have to talk to people on the phone, I often ask them to “please spell that for me” because I can’t understand the Aussie lingo. I have to admit though, that the really tough ones are those who have come from other countries with their own accents, and have blended it with the Aussie lingo, making it even tougher!
According to our reckoning, in three days we should be to the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year). But just picture this flowering tree in full bloom in your neck of the woods in mid-winter!
Winter season here is their rainy season, and this week we have had several rainy days where the mosquitoes have come out of the woodwork! And people wear everything from winter jackets to tank tops, shorts and flip flops!
Each day we discover more unique and wondrous things about Australia. We really are enjoying each and every day here on the other side of the world from Utah.
Lest you think it’s all fun and being tourists…we’ve also had many wonderful experiences. As the three years of service for our Mission President and his wife are ending, the emotions seem close to the surface for all here and we are being swept up in the tide of things. What a time to be here in the Australia Perth Mission.
Love to all….Elder and Sister Nielsen and Mom and Dad to our kids…Love ya!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Our Fancy Flat - June 13, 2010
Last Tuesday we moved into our “Fancy Flat” at 4 / 26 Montrose Way, Nollamara, Western Australia 6061. By the way, the 4/26 means the fourth flat of 26, and this type of address is common throughout Perth. Elder and Sister Miller, the Employment Centre Coordinators, flew back to Utah by way of New Zealand very early Tuesday morning. We packed up our bags (again!) and spent the day moving into our new flat, then unpacking, hopefully for the LAST TIME!
The view as you drive up Montrose Way, is one large garage door, but there is a narrow approach squeezed in to the right between the mailboxes and the garage door, allowing you to pass through to the six flats tucked into our paved driveway.
Our driveway is shared by those six flats, with ours being straight ahead at the top.
The door to our flat can’t be seen from the front, but is set back on the left. Not much front yard, RIGHT!
Judi’s view, as she is standing at the door, is all the paved (bricked) driveway out to the street.
As you enter the flat, you come into the dining area, with a view of the patio doors out the back. The patio consists of a table and chairs, with a few tropical plants in the corners. This comprises the complete covered back yard, only about 12 ft by 18 ft.
Then to the right of the dining area is the kitchen. (Pretty fancy, huh!) The large open space and the wooden floors make sounds echo.
On the left of the dining area is the living room. All Dad needs is his recliner. No real comfortable seating in this room! The heating and A/C unit is on the left near the ceiling. Australia has no central heating, and this is their deluxe answer to the problem, by adding a unit which will control the temperature for that ONE room. Only the more expensive flats have this type of unit; the rest have only space heaters or fans.
Down the hall, just past the living room, and on the right is the office (or spare bedroom). This is where we set up the computer and where Mom is SUPPOSED to exercise (but its COLD in this room in the morning!)
Next on the right is the HUGE bathroom. Notice the clear glass sink bowl. This sure seems strange to us, and hard to keep clean. There is also a shower (on the left of the picture) AND a bathtub.
At the end of the hall is our bedroom with LOTS of closet space. Dad gets the ONE door on the left; the other two are Mom’s. There is also a heating and A/C unit on the wall of this room, and it does manage to keep this room toasty all night long.
We are really living it up! And NO we aren’t on vacation. But after working in the office all day, Monday through Friday, it is like HEAVEN coming home to our “Fancy Flat.”
The view as you drive up Montrose Way, is one large garage door, but there is a narrow approach squeezed in to the right between the mailboxes and the garage door, allowing you to pass through to the six flats tucked into our paved driveway.
Our driveway is shared by those six flats, with ours being straight ahead at the top.
The door to our flat can’t be seen from the front, but is set back on the left. Not much front yard, RIGHT!
Judi’s view, as she is standing at the door, is all the paved (bricked) driveway out to the street.
As you enter the flat, you come into the dining area, with a view of the patio doors out the back. The patio consists of a table and chairs, with a few tropical plants in the corners. This comprises the complete covered back yard, only about 12 ft by 18 ft.
Then to the right of the dining area is the kitchen. (Pretty fancy, huh!) The large open space and the wooden floors make sounds echo.
On the left of the dining area is the living room. All Dad needs is his recliner. No real comfortable seating in this room! The heating and A/C unit is on the left near the ceiling. Australia has no central heating, and this is their deluxe answer to the problem, by adding a unit which will control the temperature for that ONE room. Only the more expensive flats have this type of unit; the rest have only space heaters or fans.
Down the hall, just past the living room, and on the right is the office (or spare bedroom). This is where we set up the computer and where Mom is SUPPOSED to exercise (but its COLD in this room in the morning!)
Next on the right is the HUGE bathroom. Notice the clear glass sink bowl. This sure seems strange to us, and hard to keep clean. There is also a shower (on the left of the picture) AND a bathtub.
At the end of the hall is our bedroom with LOTS of closet space. Dad gets the ONE door on the left; the other two are Mom’s. There is also a heating and A/C unit on the wall of this room, and it does manage to keep this room toasty all night long.
We are really living it up! And NO we aren’t on vacation. But after working in the office all day, Monday through Friday, it is like HEAVEN coming home to our “Fancy Flat.”Sunday, June 6, 2010
Sunday
The Mission President assigned us to the Doubleview Ward which is just a few minutes drive from the Indian Ocean. Our first Sunday here, May 30, 2010, we drove to the beach following our meetings. It was a clear day, with a chilly breeze blowing. Our first panoramic view of the ocean was spectacular: lots of blues, some white clouds in the sky, and a few Aussies surfing. Because of the chill in the air, there weren’t many people enjoying the beach. We enjoyed a light sack lunch and traveled south on the beach road.
Beautiful Scenery
We have a beautiful view of the “bush” from our patio door, which includes a walk through “paradise.” The birds greet us as soon as we awake in the morning, and their cry sounds much like a child’s squawk. There are several ponds interlaced with walking paths and bridges. For being fall weather, with its cooler temperatures and leaves of the deciduous trees changing colors and falling to the ground, the remaining foliage stays green year round. There are also many flowering plants that bloom throughout the winter months. In the early mornings when we go walking, there is a mist rising from the ponds that produces a fairyland appearance. Some mornings there is a little bit of chill to the air, and Elder Nielsen wants to hurry back to the flat.
The Imfamous MARANGAROO Flat
“The Imfamous MARANGAROO Flat.” (That’s apartment to those of you from the states.) Last spring, one of the senior couple’s flat was flooded. It’s still can’t be used, so the mission was short a flat for the senior missionaries when we arrived. One set of Elder’s had to move out of their flat and in with another set. We are temporarily staying in their flat until another couple leaves next Tuesday. Needless to say, “it’s the PITS” (inside joke). The furnishings are VERY sparse, mostly second-hand (DI type), and no creature comforts. The first morning, we discovered THERE WAS NO HOT WATER! And the temperature in the flat is FREEZING! Australia has no central heating, just space heaters, which don’t heat up anything! Our bed consists of two twin beds pushed together with a queen mattress laid on top, and two heavy wool blankets, and we still sleep COLD. Because we were only going to be here just under two weeks, we haven’t really unpacked, just hung up enough clothes to get us by. The spare bedroom serves as “walk in closet” with suitcases laid out on tables, etc. The Mission President’s wife purchased a live bouquet of Australian flowers, a bowl full of Australian treats, place mats and towels, along with cereal, juice, and toiletries to get us started.
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