Tuesday went rather well. The day started off right with some good study at the president’s house and having some breakfast. I was still very full from the stupid pizza feed, but made it throught with a bit of fruit. After breaky we went to Transfer Meeting, which started at about 10:00 a.m. I got to see lots of people and say all my goodbyes (see ya laters). I really felt blessed that day for a few reasons. All the New Zealanders got together after the meeting and for the first time in a long time did the Hauka for us — an ancient New Zealand war dance — sort of as a goodbye. It was really good to see it, because it brought back memories, plus, I almost cried for some reason. At the transfer meeting I poured my heart out to the missionaries. I was really amazed at the way everyone was so attentive when I bore my testimony. There were three of us going home this month.
I can’t believe I’m in America again. I think this fellow next to me is a really good guy and needs a Book of Mormon. I’ve got one and we’ve talked a lot. I just need to introduce him to the book and get him to take it and read it, plus, get the missionaries to go around his place. I can’t concentrate now on anything. I’ll be sure to write later on tonight.
The airport was one of great excitement. I was really happy when I got off the plane. The first person I saw was my “big” brother Jonathan. The reason I call him my big brother is because he’s bigger than me. He’s only fifteen years old — I’m twenty-one. Anyway, to say the least, he’s changed. I couldn’t believe it; I still can’t really. Next I saw my dad, who was going to hug me, but I said, “Wait, Mum’s first, then you.” So I went around and hugged everyone. Then we went on our way. Even Vaughn was there, which was neat, with his new wife. James and Vicky were there as well. When we got out a little I saw Grandma and Grandpa. It was so neat to see them; I gave them both big hugs. I had to check with baggage service, because my bags were supposed to be left in Sydney because they didn’t get on the plane in time. They brought two of them by that night, so we were able to look at some photos. The family all came over that night and said hello and all the rest. I told them all my Australia stories about the kangaroos and the rest. It was pretty good. That night I went to bed at 10 o’clock and woke up at 4:30 a.m. the next morning and couldn’t get back to sleep, so I read a little bit. When my mum took everyone on their ride — Dad to work and Andrea to school — I went downtown to the temple and had a really, really great time. I thoroughly enjoyed it; very, very much. I learned so much.
I forgot to mention that when we landed in Sydney, we rented a car for the day and went to the temple. Then we went to the city and crossed the bridge (Sydney harbor) a few times trying to see the opera house; it was great. On Thursday I was going to go get the job from Merriott, but I decided that I would wait until Monday to give me some time to sleep. On Thursday, after the temple I spent some time in Temple Square; it was really neat. I can’t wait for Conference, so that I can go and see it. Saturday I went out to get some clothes, like shoes. Basically my third bag came and I discovered some clothes in my boxes, so no need to worry about clothes for a little while anyway. I went to Wendy’s Hamburger shop and had a feed; it was so good. I really missed Wendy’s; I had a large Frosty also.
And now it’s Sunday. This morning first thing I got to give a report to the High Council up at the stake office; it was pretty neat. There was this other lady who just got back from Haiti on her mission. After that we all (me, Mum, Dad) went down to the hospital and did some good stuff there. Already since I’ve been back, I’ve been to the hospital with Dad three times; I actually quite enjoy it. This morning after we were done I walked home and on the way I saw this lady who I caught up to and started talking to. It was really neat; I was just talking to her. She was a student from Asia somewhere, going to the U. of U., which I think I’ll probably be doing.
Church was pretty neat. I got to see everyone again; they’re all still pretty much the same. Everyone knows my homecoming will be next week; it should be great. I’ll have to think of some neat things to say. The highlight of the day, next to F[amily] H[ome] E[vening], was when I got to speak with Elder David B. Haight. Just before Sacrament Meeting I went up and shook his hand and said hello and gave him a little side hug. He said how great it was to see me. Then I slept through Sacrament Meeting and after was able to talk to a few people: Stephen Zobell, from High School; Kevin Bergeson, old friend. After that out in the hallway Elder Haight caught us again and started talking to us again (me, Jon, Andrea). I was really surprised when he said he would be talking to the mission presidents of the West Coast and California, and then asked me my advice as a newly returned missionary. So I told him what I thought; it was really neat. He asked me also what I was planning to do and I told him: work at the Marriott and a little school. His number one advice to me was to get an education. Plus, he told me to put him on the application for a reference. He actually is friends with Bill Merriott — owner of Marriott Hotels.
But basically that was my week. I’m starting to get back into the swing of things. I’m getting my American accent back, so I’ll have to practice this week to keep it Australian for at least Sunday next. It’s great being home; I really enjoy it. The first day I was back, while walking around the town, I was really spaced out; it was incredible. I probably won’t go through anything like it again so not to worry. I’ll be adjusted very soon; I’m sure.
