June 6, 2009. Sister Kathleen Smith went to the Temple in Melbourne for the first time. She has worked so hard for this blessing and was touched by the Spirit there. Sister Nielsen went along as her escort. After the session those who attended met a the mall for lunch.

L-R : Ali Ziegelbauer makes arrangements on the phone,

Sister Nielsen, Kathleen Smith, Lisa Smith (no relation)

L-R Sisters Sykes and Zhang, Vincent Ezou, Kevin Clacy, Sister Nielsen, President Nielsen.

Monday, June 1, 2009 was the baptism and confirmation day for Vincent Ezou. Vincent is from Togo, Africa. He is thirty years old and totally delightful. He has a strong testimony of the Gospel and is eager to learn more. His brother, Joseph and two of his kids attended the baptism. The rest of his family lives in Togo. The Spirit was so strong in the meeting most of us were in tears. Vincent will be a great blessing to this Branch. We have enjoyed teaching him and getting to know him.

The weekend of May 29-30, 2009 we were blessed to be taught at the feet of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. He came to our mission conference and we feasted upon his words for two days. We were amazed at his insight, humor and delightful personality. What a wonderful weekend.

We found some time to go to the Dandanong Market. It is a place of many sounds, smells, sights and textures. Wares of every kind are one sale there usually for pretty reasonable prices. Here President Nielsen tries to decide which veggies he wants to take home.

On the last day of the Senior Couples Conference we attended the Temple. It happened to be our Branch Temple Day as well. Brother Thickins and Brother Bishop went through for the first time in many years, Alfred George did baptisms and Robyn Williams did confirmations. No way was she getting in the water again! L to R Sister Zhang, Marg Goode, Don Thickins, Alfred George, Robyn Williams, Sister Nielsen, Sister Sykes and Rob Bishop.