March
Before the Coronavirus hit Australia, we enjoyed a quick trip to Coff’s Harbour. Elwood had a doctor’s appointment and so we decided to make it a fun trip. We stayed at the Opal Cove Resort and had a perfect view of the ocean. Walking on the beach we met a crusty old fisherman (Elwood said he was probably younger than us) who handed me his fish to examine.
One amazing experience, on March 2nd, was the birth of the Ugochukwu’s baby. We were with Helen at the hospital because her husband had just started a new job and was not able to be there. Penny was there for the miracle of Emmanuel’s birth. Elwood was excused when labor got intense. Elwood had baptized Helen and Christopher Ugochukwu in February.
We held regular church services through March 12th. At that point the government and church leaders informed us that we could no longer meet. We then delivered the sacrament to a number of people who didn’t have priesthood holders in their home, but tried to follow the safety guidelines. One of our favorite people to visit was a sister who lives three hours away and who greatly appreciated our coming. When we were instructed not enter anyone’s home we were no longer able to continue this practice.
All of the young missionaries assigned to Australia and New Zealand were instructed to return to their home countries. However, about 50 were not permitted to return because of their home government restrictions. The senior missionaries have a choice of whether to stay or not. We have elected to remain here as long as we are allowed.
April
Almost all the missionaries have been sent home. There are still 5 or 6 couples here, 20-25 young missionaries as well as the mission president and his wife. We are all confined to quarters except for grocery shopping, trips to the pharmacy and exercising. This is not what we expected on our mission, but then this is an extraordinary time for people all over the world. We are grateful that we and our family are healthy and agonize for those affected by this virus.
We have had two Zoom conferences with our mission president and the missionaries that remain. We communicate electronically with the members of our branch since visits are no longer possible.
One of the blessings we have experienced is living in an area with beautiful mountain trails with waterfalls where we have been able to hike. Armidale, where we live, is located in the Great Dividing Mountains.
Below are pictures from some of our hikes:
