Almost Home Again!

Dearest Family and Friends All, 

We're serving the Lord the best that we can; 

During these 18 months we've learned much and understand

That in serving, we're the ones who are truly blessed!

This reliable truth you can also put to the test.  

The Australian Latter-day Saints shine from within,

Though for most, this is not where their lives did begin.

They've gathered from China, Pacific Isles & Philippines;

Happily serving the Lord on His Aussie latter-day team.

Our young missionaries too hail from far and wide--

We've 36 native languages spoken from where they reside!

Our missionary couples come mainly from the states,

And many local Oz couples give full time service so great.

Focusing on Self-Reliance to help others progress 

Has been our main purpose, and we feel very blessed

To witness hearts and lives change day after day---

Watching them use their agency in positive ways!

Our love for the Lord has grown even stronger still

As we strive to learn and do our Heavenly Father's will.

To serve without distractions has been a remarkable gift,

While simultaneously giving others an encouraging lift.

Now we're busily winding up and having many "lasts"---

This week's last Pathway lesson we teach has come too fast!

Our last English class, our last meal with loving members

Are all precious memories we'll treasure forever! 

Our Feb. 7th plane ride will deliver us HOME

To those loved ones from whom we've roamed.

Grand kids and "big kids" and friends we love---

Be ready to receive our heartfelt hugs!  

We've got lots here to love in Australia as well,
So a few of our favorite things we'll tell...
'Pet' kookaburras, baby koalas, and kangaroos,
Scary spiders at arm's length, pelicans, and cockatoos!

 More favorites: Our office in the stunning Karawatha  Chapel, crimson sunsets that glow;

Elusive echidnas, and dancing butterflies in every hue of the rainbow!

We adore teaching our PathwayConnect classes,

 and outbound missionaries about to leave, 

Speaking at firesides, and devotionals----

Even with Brad Wilcox, if you please!! 😊

How we appreciate Brisbane's international culture
With hemispheres of the Earth seamlessly blending;
Kilometers of artistic murals painted along the motorways
Which delight us until our journey's ending!

We appreciate working each day to spread the gospel's light;
Our trunk's tightly packed with projectors, supplies, and the mic.
Still some evenings find us eating way past dark as we bless
Our meals amidst a burgeoning, productive working mess!


Twelve faithful senior couples who daily lengthen their strides
Threw us a "fishy" party  to say their sweet goodbyes;

Long walks and talks in Karawatha's enchanting forest;
Our Manager Carl Maurer & wife who kindly look o'er us!


Baptisms we attend weekly, seeing lives upward reach;
The Shearing Family we were privileged to help teach.
Our one 'golden' contact is dear Brother Ray
Who very soon will experience his own baptism day!

There's so much more to admire, but we'll leave you wanting more
As we'd not want to overload you with wonders 'till you're bored.
Too late, you say?  You've reached your limit?  Oh, just you wait until
You serve the Lord and you discover, there are endless joys to tell!     

          With great anticipation we look forward to seeing you once more;
          We send our love in fresh flowery bunches to your door!

          Elder and Sister Yates                           Dad and Mom       

          Grandpa and Grandma Yates               David and Marsha