Service with a smile

The afternoon following the dance a few valiant souls gathered at the Stake Centre for the service project. To remind us why we were all there in the first place, we began by hearing a few thoughts on service from Lego, after which we divided into our teams and selected our victims - I mean- interviewees. A few moments were taken to load up on questions to be asked, then with directions in hand, the various groups split up to interview these members of our stake: Ray Baldwin, Brian Townsend, Ian Oates, and Murry & Betty Docking.

Back at the Stake Centre each group shared what they learnt about their interviewees and each reported a very interesting and pleasant experience. Freddo frogs were awarded for the most random facts and funniest stories (so basically each group got a prize because our people were just too interesting!) and one person from each team volunteered to do a write-up for the Stake website, so watch that space! Thanks to all who found the energy to be there after a big night.

Re-living childhood through Nursery Rhymes

Hey diddle-diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon... Who writes these nursery rhymes anyway?

Despite not knowing the answer to this thought-provoking question, many YSA put on the wigs or ears or suspenders or tiaras on to dress up as nursery rhyme character or, in some cases, object. From mice to Mary to Miss Muffet to Missionaries (perhaps from a modern chinese nursery rhyme?), there was a great variety of creativity and colour.

Throughout the night there were a few games played from those primary school days, such as What's the Time Mr. Wolf and Bob Bob Statue, as well as a Humpty Dumpty pinata, which did have a great fall! Towards the end of the night the costumes were paraded and four favourites carefully chosen by our Panel of Impartial Judges and announced by a very twinkling Maz: Elle as Incy-Wincy Spider, Lauren as Little Bo Peep, Amy as Old Mother Hubbard and Sam as Little Boy Blue. Other nursery rhymes and characters portrayed include Wee Willie Winkie, Hickory Dickory Dock, Jack (and Jill), "Four" Blind Mice, The King of Spades Daughter and Ring-o-ring-a-rosies (more importantly, a pocket full of posies!). Thanks to all who helped make it a successful night!

Foreign Correspondance

From Elder Michael Watson

"Hello Hobart Stake YSA,

Thanks heaps for your letters or notes, it feels good to know more than my family think about me every now and then.

I have see Elder Docking a few times since being here but missed Sister Gresswell by 3 days, she had already left for Sydney when I went to the temple, the MTC missionaries are usually there on Mondays when we go as missionaries once a month.

Keep that flamin' Sam Watson under control, cause I ain't there to do it.

Well how is everyone, you all sent a lot of love but not much info on what's crackin down there. From what I received I can see everyone is alright and there's a new family in the legendary GLEN HUON ward. I got a little letter from a girl of the member of the family, but it had no name, all I know is they're trying to buy my old house.

Today me and Elder Stuart (Melbourne) went into Hamilton and met up with 10 other missionaries and two sisters as well, we all played ten pin bowling and The Little Tassie Devil beat everyone, closest was 32 points away from me - 145. Anyway after that we had a go at Laser Tag. In the first couple of mins I ran around a corner and ducked to dodge any incoming laser beams and in the process ran straight into Elder Stuart and headbutted his gun and vest. Put a big old shiny & cut lump on my forehead, but I was alright, kept playing the game dazed out of my mind, just following these pretty blue and red lights haha darn classic. We then headed off to the chapel for some sport. More people got hit in the head there, one got a fat lip from a frisbee too LOL I was having a good laugh when I seen these things happening LOL. That's just some of the stuff that happened!! Some of the other stuff youse don't need to know LOL.

Well it's winter time now, are youse planning a trip to Mt Field this year?

Um I know Brodie sucks at getting dates with girls, but what about the rest of you, what's happening in this area of YSA? Has that crazy little girl named Elle got a boy yet? The little nut case she is, at least she is good for a laugh.

Man you guys I am pretty trunky right now, my comp is going home next Tuesday, I got letter from you all so I'm totally flabbergasted, my comp is always talking about home. Your letters make me think of home and I ain't allowed to drive a car yet so I'm having major withdrawal symptoms from that!!

Next week I have to take over two areas, one area is dead and the other is booming, so I have to keep that area booming and fix the other area! Well my mind is all over the place.

The gospel is true and that's all that matters! Jesus is the Christ, saviour and redeemer of mankind, the only way back to heaven. He is a perfectly purified resurrected being who leads and guides this one true and living church on the earth today by revelation. Of that there is no doubt in my mind. No other church has the priesthood nor the Holy Ghost gift of! to head the church. Pray always and never cease, especially in this time of your lives in choosing an eternal companion. Do so wisely and wisdom is to have the spirit with you.

See look at that, my testimony don't even make sense, my mind is scattered all over the place. Well I might finish there before I confuse y'all.

Man I love you guys, keep doing good.

Elder Watson."

Foreign Correspondance

From Elder Scott Docking

"Myself and Elder Watson"

Hobart Stake YSA

It's great to hear from all of you, it makes me feel loved to open up a letter and have many letters fall out onto the desk.

Things are going great here in New Zealand, there was a baptism a few weeks ago, in the ward I'm serving in. Hopefully there'll be another one in a couple of weeks.

I've served in 4 areas now and they are: Hamilton Glenview Stake, Paptoetoe Stake in South Auckland, Manurewa Stake in South Auckland, and the Tauranga Stake. I'm serving in a little town called Whakatane at the moment. Note: The WH in Whakatane is pronounced as an F.

Every day my companion and myself meet a lot of crazy people, and a lot of hot chicks I mean nice people. The mission is going really good, I'm learning heaps about the gospel that I didn't know, and things I never would've thought of. I've been blessed to see 2 apostles; Elder Cook & Elder Scott Docking I mean Elder Richard G. Scott.

Anyway stay strong in the faith. Fight the good fight.

Cheerio. Elder Scott Docking.

Alma 57:27

"Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually."

"Burning a shirt at 1 year"

"Having some fun"

"Having some more fun"