Australia

Hi - I'm still here and loving it in Australia. Today I finally got to go to the Ballarat Wild Animal Park and played with kangaroos and koalas. I'll send pictures to Jaime and she'll do her magic so you can see me in Australia. I even saw a joey in her mums pouch. She really was cute, but quite shy. This saturday Sister Brooks and I are planning for our first baptism. Exciting isn't it. How are you all coming at reading the Book of Mormon? I haven't gotten commitments from anyone yet, but haven't given up yet. Please remember to get together often so that you can support and strengthen each other. Even the most independant of you need to share your strength with your family. I miss being able to see you, but I know you'll be fine and that you know that I love you lots. My mailing address is still - Sister Condie, P.O. Box 354, Niddrie VIC 3042, Australia. I think mail takes about 2 weeks to get here. Sister Condie

Blog Posts

If you would like to be able to post on the blog, I just need your email address. So give me a call or email it to me and I'll add you. (jaime at condie dot net)

April 14, 2009

I'm still here in Ballarat, Australia. We had transfers today and one of my companions was moved to another city, but I'm still in my comfortable flat with Sister Brooks. This is her second mission and is from Canada. We get along well. We are kept very busy teaching investigators and visiting less-active members. Baptisms are fw and far between here, but we have just started teaching 2 people who seem to be ready to accept the Gospel. It is really exciting as we teach them to see that in their hearts they already believe that in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.

Some of you have strong testimonies of the truthfulness of the Church and some don't. But I would love it if all my children and grandchildren would read the Book of Mormon while I am on my mission. As you email me please let me know if you will do that. Wasn't Conference great! We went to the ward building to watch it just last weekend.

I bought some postcards and am sending one to each family (about 3 a week). Posting international mail is very expensive so please send me emails, and each monday (p. day)I'll respond. I do love hearing how you are doing and what's going on with you. Those of you who don't have the internet please do send letters and I'll send one to you. Bobbi, will you please give Sister Sumsion my email address? Thanks! David, I can't find your address and your email address. Please contact me so I can communicate with you. I love each of you lots and pray for your peace and safety. Oodles of Love - Sister Condie

I got an email from mom today, I'm going to post the WHOLE thing. Enjoy!

Bobbi - Sorry it took so long for me to email you. I finally got to a place where it would work (the Ballarat Library). When I sent the blog by the time I figured it out and typed my message the time was up. Please tell everyone hi for me. Ballarat is really a beautiful city with lots of trees and flowers. My 2 companions are wonderful and I'm busy but very happy. Thanks for the letter. Has Mike found a job yet? I don't know if I'll be staying in the same area, but mu Sr. Companion has been here for 9 months. Times up! I love you lots - Sister Condie

She sounds happy and like things are going well.

Austin - Preschool

Austin made this at preschool.  I thought it was cute.

Letter from Mission President

3/6/09

Sister Lee and I are delighted to welcome your mother, Sister Condie, to the Australia Melbourne West Mission. It was a pleasure to meet her at the airport.

I am most grateful for her sincere desire to serve our Father in Heaven and to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know of the sacrifice you have made but testify that many wonderful blessings will be realized for you and your family as Sister Condie serves.

Sister Butler from Arizona and Sister Brooks from Alberta are your mother's missionary companions and are very qualified to provide the initial missionary foundation that will help contribute to her success.

The receipt of encouraging letters from home each week is an extremely important element in missionary work. I know your mother would be most grateful for mail from home.

Please address all mail to:

Carol Condie

Australia Melbourne West Mission

PO Box 354

Niddrie Victoria 354 AUSTRALIA

I hope you enjoy the enclosed photograph of Sister Condie taken with Sister Lee and me shortly after her arrival.

I am so very thankful for the opportunity of having your wonderful, faithful mother serve here. Sister Lee and I already have a great love for her and we look forward to sharing many wonderful and rewarding missionary experiences with her.

Sincerely,

President Barry Lee

Australia Melbourne West Mission

(Thank you passing on the info, Jim!)

Letter from Sister Condie

I got a letter from Mom today and I thought I'd just post the whole thing. You'll see that she wanted me to share it with everyone. It's dated 3/9/09:
"Dear Bobbi,
I'm here and I've survived the long flight, though I was in the hospital for about 6 hours Thursday night because they suspected that I had a blood clot. But after 2 or 3 tests they decided the pain was from muscular problems. Each day I'm feeling better.
My first companions are Sister Butler, from Arizona, and Sister Brooks, from Canada. They have been great teachers and have allowed me extra time to rest (jet lag). Presidant Lee picked the best two sisters for me to be with. We are in the city of Ballarot, a beautiful area with very friendly people.
My address is: PO Box 354
Niddrie, VIC 3042
Australia
The cost of sending mail to the U.S. is almost $3.00. Until I get on the internet- will you be my contact? Share this letter with all interested.
I'm so thankful for so many friends and family members, who support and lift me by their love.
This is where I really want to be. I'm loving this experience.

Oodles of Love,
Mom