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

I'm here!

(Ballarat Main Street)

Hi - I'm here in Ballarat, Australia and loving it. Lots of great experiences and wonderful people. After a scare about possible blood clots (from the long, long 15 hour flight) and being in the hospital for several hours, I'm in good health and getting my energy back. No blood clots, just muscle soarness. I have 2 great, patient companions and I'm getting the schedule down. Working together teaching is not too intimidating and our investigators and the less active brothers and sisters we visit have been wonderful. The only kangaroo I've seen was road kill. I love you all and hope you are continuing to spend time and support each other. Please give all the grandchildren hugs for me. Love Ya ! Sister Condie

Exports from Australia

I'm going to start a new series called: Exports from Australia. While we are waiting to hear from Carol, we'll be able to read about various contributions in arts, entertainment, customs, etc from Australia.

For the first edition, I'd like to introduce you to Australia's own: The Wiggles.

That's right! Greg, Anthony, Jeff and Murray Wiggle hail from Australia. Greg, Anthony and Murray met in college in Sydney while studying early childhood eduacation. For a music project, they wrote some children's songs. They collaborated with Jeff (who had played in a band with Anthony) and they formed The Wiggles. Read more about The Wiggles here. (You know you want to.)

Greg eventually left the Wiggles a couple years ago due to health reasons. Now Sam joins the gang in Greg's yellow garb.

The Wiggles now have Gold and Platinum Album status, they are the most popular performing act in Australia and they travel the world performing Wiggly Concerts.

She has arrived!

After a very verrry long flight, Carol arrived in Melbourne Australia. After a few days of jet lag, she (probably) is now recovered and excited to begin the work. Her companion is great (I'm sure). They live in an apartment that overlooks the street. She's been introduced to local cuisine and has already eaten 20 different kinds of foods cooked on the barby, (or not).

I got nothin' here people. Has anyone heard from Carol???