G'day Mate!

Hello from the Land Down Under! 

So this week has been pretty interesting. With P-day last week being on a different day, and then Sister Perkins getting sick the following day, I've been all confused about what day it really was all week.  Let me tell you, sick days aren't fun on a mission, especially when it's your companion who is sick.  But, we had some old Missionary Broadcasts that we could watch, that took up about 4 hours, and then we filled the rest of the time with the 30 minute videos that we have on church history.  The schedule that we go off of feels really short when you're working the whole time, but when you try to fill it with videos when you're sick... It makes for a really long day.  But we survived! 

This week we had a District Blitz in our area, which I thought was pretty special.  We all worked on different streets, but it felt different, like there was more prayers and spirit at work with all of us there.  Each companionship found some people for us to visit, so I'm excited to see where those visits and follow ups will go!  It also meant a lot to me that each companionship was willing to spend some of their time in our area to help us with the work. I really want to do the same for them, which we will here in the next couple of weeks. 

Aussie terms:  Sweet as (As sweet as... But they never finish it. It also is used with other words, but most commonly sweet.), Heaps (a lot), you's (Multiple people), and mate.  :)  They've really enjoyed talking to me, and watching my expression as I try to figure out what they are saying... Also!  Timtams are amazing cookies, but mix them with hot chocolate, and it's called a Timtam Slam, very yummy, but kind of messy. 

I think it's interesting as a missionary that as we walk into a home, people always comment that we bring a special spirit and feeling into their home, and that's why they invite us over so often.  Everyone here is so supportive of the missionaries, even if they don't have someone for us to work with.  The ward is very willing to help, and so we've been trying to visit with them to help them think of people we could visit with.  We've been able to meet with some people that felt really disconnected with the missionaries, and it's been good to talk to them again.  One recent convert that we met with yesterday has had a really hard time medically since her baptism, and it was perfect timing for us to visit and share a message of encouragement during this time of trial.  Heavenly Father is really aware of all his children, and will care for them in their time of need.  If you need help, don't be afraid to ask Him.  Fear cannot be in the same place as Faith, and through faith He will be able to answer our prayers. 

2 Nephi 2:27: Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

The middle part is something that stuck out to me this week.  Agency is a gift that has been given to everyone, and we are able to choose what to do with our lives.  How are we using that gift?  Is it for the best for us and others?  Are we choosing to follow our Creator, and our Saviour, who gave us everything?  Though following the commandments may be hard sometimes, they are enabling us to have liberty and eternal life.  I invite all you's to think of the choices that you make, and see if they are in harmony with Heavenly Father's teachings.  Change what isn't matching up, and watch as the blessings come. 

Love you all! 

Sister Hollee Talbot

Sad sick day for Sister Perkins

A random selfie

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TimTam Slam!