Well here we are again. Obviously I don’t spend a lot of time here, and am still learning. Or having to learn all over again each time.
First mission chrstmas was a new event. #1 because had no family here to celebrate with. That’s a first for us. In my three years of US Army (a log time ago) I was always with family for Christmas. Christmas 1961 it was only my brother, but not alone. This time I had me wife, and we were just fine. Good for us.
I’ll add some pix now to show some Christmas flavor in Aussie land
Not a usual scene. My estimate less than 1% of Kalgoorlie is decoraed outside. Downtown has minimal lights. One big tree in town square erected and lited for the season.
Summer eve sunrise here. Actually taken at Super Pit overlook. Super pit is behind me.
One of many many batches of raised dough cinnamon rolls. On my third container of cinnamon. Great surprise, and “gift” for Christmas. Two neighbors received, and professed that they were new, and special. One neighbor said his daughter (age 10) took a taste and declared them all hers. Took two bathces to Branch Christmas feast. Carol took pumpkin pie. Both of these very common things are very unusual here. Say pumpkin pie to a child here and they turn up their nose. More for adults. Pumpkin is a veggie served quite commonly here. Have seen it on the table, and in the store. We would label it as squash, and children don’t like it any more here than they do there. So squash pie is a new event that will take some getting used to. All open minded adults loved it.
Christmas at kalgoorlie Branch. Thanks Branch Pres and Wife!
All the waifs. Four missionaries, Branch Pres and his wife (hosts) and their son and relatively new daughter-in-law, and second counselor in Branch Pres (from Phillapines) and one other couple (live in an RV), and a single chap that has the most welcome and friendly smile you’d ever want to see. A happy throng. As you can see Pres and wife (Kauwhata- prounced Kofata) out did themselves, and made it special.
Pres Kauwhata, Sandi, Arianna, and Frasier.
This be Pres and family (that they have here)
Yep them be oysters. I politely declined, and they said – oh great more for us. That table was full momnets later… sorry no Pix
The Papasin Family (Second Counselor in Branch Pres)
Lots of goodies on the table. Everyone had a party cracker. Pull it open to a crack, and inside was a small ‘gift” – think cracker jack toy – plastic car, etc, a hat and a joke or funny question (how to make a bandstand – take away their chairs). Bottles contain sparking grape of apple juice.
Way much food. Left stuffed and thing E-N-O-U-G-H for a great day.
I did not get pix of our breakfast that came to our door at 7:00 AM. Croisant sandwich of tomato, ham and pineapple with fruit (grapes and cherries) along with a dish of strawberries with a dish of chocolate to dip them in. Have we told you how good the strawberries are here. Mmmmmmmmmmmm good!!!!
The Harding famly with Elder Burton. Pitcher is apple juice.
Elders Fullmer and Burton. (Pix of Fullmer family sent to Elder Hoags email)
Current Missionaries in Kalgoorlie. Elder Fullmer leaves tomorrow morning (Monday the 29th) for second stop on his mission. He is not real excited to leave. They leave on the train at 7:05.. Burton and new elder arrive Wed afternoon train. Can not take bicycle via trail so Sister Hoag and I will transport bike via car rack on our next trip to Perth.
Now on to the last event of the day. As I sized it all up. Breakfast was very nice, and very thoughtful. Mid day at the meeting house was fun, and the result of a lobor of love. Then we were invited late in the day to a home we had just glanced by on a previous day. She’s a member, and he’s hard to discribe in a few volumes. Fun, energetic, warm, sincere, great reverence for his heritage. Tristan and Maihe had a Christmas feast, and house warming all rolled into one. The following pix will give a sample. Lamb, mutton (I asked the difference – two years), pork, chicken, corned beef, cray fish (looked like large shrimp, or lobster) and other great things . I called this part of the day special. Except for we missionaries all there were Maouri (Kiwi). Couples and a few children. After eating someone brought out a guitar and most of the men played a few songs, and many joined in (sing for their pudding). The ladies danced to a few of the songs. To wrap up the evening there was a hacka (my spelling) or war chant thinge. I took a video with my camera and it was dark, but I got the audio just fine. I may make a disc and send to some family members. What a wonderful wrap for a speicual Christmas in Australia
Christmas Freast
the cooking done. time to unload. Beer keg with top cut off gas burner on bottom. Cook time 5 hrs.
sing or dance for you pudding
I’ve paid money for entertainment that wasn’t as well done.
I sampled most of the food. Liked all that passed my lips. We missionaries sang “Called to Serve” for our pudding.
All in all a great christmas in Kalgoorlie. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay out here in the bush.
Carol got more jewels
Center piece was b-day gift. Ear baubles are Christmas gift. Aussie rocks – fitting!
Elder Hoag got a new toy… and all had a very very merry Christmas.
We wish all who go here to have a very happy new year. We have now started our mission for sure. 08 will soon be history. 09 will be all mission. The world is in some kind of economic mess, but for us as missionaries we could not be happier, or well cared for.
Not many scenic overlooks. This is on the edge of a small town, Kambalda, about 50 klicks south and a little west of here. Didn’t have patience for many pictures. A zillion flies are up you nose, in your ears, at your eyes, and all you want is out-a-here. The flies DO NOT like AC in car. Full blast gets shuck of them fast.
This has been a fun post. I tried to post a video of a special “prayer” at the last feast we attended. Not enough speed/capacity for this from waaaaaaaaaaaay out back. Later we’ll try it.
Love to all for now
Elda and Sista Hoag
