Well, the trip was way long and they gave us meals based on Australian time, so it was weird to be woken up at 1:30 to eat chicken. Speaking of the time different I think we're 17 and a half hour ahead of ya'll. The half hour difference is way weird.
When I finally arrived in Adelaide I got off the plane and right there was President Quinn, his wife, and the APs. I didn’t know that the security was less serious in Australia. I didn’t know they could meet me at the gate, no worries though. While making our way to my bags I learned that this was President Quinn’s last day as President of the Adelaide mission and that the new mission president would be coming in later that evening, which makes me wonder why I didn’t just fly with him.
From the airport we drove to the mission office, there I had the privilege of being the last missionary President Quinn had a first interview with. From that interview and all that I’ve learned this last week I know that he is a great man. Yeah, I don’t really know how to explain. He just is truly a man that is lead by the spirit.
After the interview I met my companion Elder Murphy and a group of us when out for lunch, there we had some famous Adelaide pie floater. It’s a type of thick vegetable soup with a meat pie in the middle of it. You put tomato sauce (ketchup) on it and the eat it. It’s sweet as* (Australian phrase).
Then I filled out paperwork, got my bike, bedding, and my Australian drivers licence. After all that was finished we finally drove down to my area Hackham west. Hackham west is a rather poor area in Adelaide. You’ll see kids as young as twelve smoking, hear stories of violence, and see graffiti all over. Also in our area is a more middle class area, this area is so beautiful. I love the small homes and every yard is well kept. Adelaide is beautiful… At the edge of our area there are sheep fields that are so green. I really need to get ya’ll some pictures.
Anyway, we arrived at our flat and quickly dropped off my suitcases. Then we got our bikes (yep, I’m in one of the few areas that don’t have cars in Adelaide, which will help my exercise.) and made our to the Lister house, an older couple that were working with. They were less active and are now doing pretty well; they are working toward being sealed in the temple. Great people, but they’re a bit of a pack rats.
After visiting them and teaching them we went to dinner with two Elder’s, Elder Sevy and Elder Knotson in an area next to ours that have a car. =) We ate at Hungry Jacks, which is basically a Burger King or at least it’s the same company and look. Both of the Elders are legends*. Elder Sevy in particular blows my mind.
After eating we taught a Book of Mormon class at the church for new investigator, new members, and less active members. Elder Sevy taught and he was sweet as*.
Then we finally made it back to the flat, planned the next day, and went to bed. Keep in mind that I was dead tired for the time difference.
My companion Elder Murphy is a good hard working missionary. He follows all the rules and knows how to plan. He knows area so well and he teaches by the spirit. He’s from Idaho and has been out 7 months. He’s starting to gain weight, and has a bit of a belly now. This is because he doesn’t like to exercise in the morning and because he was in Elisabeth for one transfer. In Elisabeth the members feed you tons and basically force you to eat all they give you, scary stuff.
Its sad how many less active people there are in this area. That’s basically what task we’ve been given, to help reactivate the less active and get the members involve. We’re also teaching investigators to be sure, but a lot of the work is with less actives.
I’ve had vegemite and am not a fan, but it’s part of the Australian experience.
On the fourth of July we had a Tea date* with the Fekners. Ann is the only member of that family and we’re working on teaching her husband and children. While at the Tea date they cooked us hot dogs and ribs to make us feel at home. We had America flags, sang American songs, and even lit sparklers. Good times.
I’ve got so much to learn, about the geography of my area so that I can get around, about the scriptures so I can use them while teaching, and so much more. It’s a little overwhelming at times. At least I have a lot of direction from my companion Elder Murphy, Elder Sevy, and the spirit.
I love Australia heaps* and heaps.
Love you all,
Elder Kelm
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