Saturday 16th July - Testimony Meeting & Home

Having gotten back up from the Valley floor, we held the closing testimony meeting for the Youth Conference in the Scenic World Cinema. It was great listening to the youth share their testimonies. Being in the small group that came back on the second Cableway ride, we missed the start of the testimony meeting, so I didn't get to hear all of the testimonies. Some of the things that I do remember include:

• Many of the youth being thankful for the Conference and the Leaders
• Bearing testimony of the Temple, and of striving to get the Temple again
• Many of the "Tough Poly Boys" being humble enough to bear their testimonies of the Gospel despite the "tough image"
• One of the youth admitting to thinking at the start that "The Conference was going to be boring" and then thoroughly enjoying it
• Youth sharing their gratitude for their friendships
• One of the youth talking about being challenged about their testimony during recent work experience and realising that they do have a strong testimony of the Gospel

I made the comment that the youth on this conference had been a great example. Everybody had behaved themselves. They had been friendly. They had done as they had been asked. I didn't hear any complaining. Everywhere we went, people commented about their good behaviour. Both Elissa and I were very blessed to be able to have been a part of this Youth Conference.

Pres Horsburgh closed off the testimony meeting sharing his thougths and feelings. The statement he made that stood out to me most was his analogy about a rising tide lifting all boats. That we had all been a part of that rising tide, and had been lifted up as a part of this conference. Now, we needed to take these great thoughts and experiences home with us and put them into use in our everyday lives.

We closed off our meeting on a spiritual high. The youth packed onto the bus, whilst the families got into their cars. It was now about 4:30PM - an hour and a half later than we were meant to have left - ooops. We were going to begetting the kids home late. We were due abck in Canberra - 3 hours away at 6PM. We had originally panned to drive back to Canberra via Oberon - the back way from the Blue Mountains to Canberra, however the bus driver advised that the road was too dangerous with kangaroos at dusk this time of night, and so would be going back into Sydney and the down to Canberra - making it an even longer drive back - double oops :) I believe the bus eventually got back at 9PM - 3 hours late .. still, hopefully the youth developed friendships, learnt the value and joy of service, felt the spirit and had fun during their three days at Youth Conference.

Saturday 16th July - Afternoon - Scenic World

As the bus drove up into the Blue Mountains with the Horsburgh and East cars not far behind, Pres Horsburgh received the news that it had been decided that Joseph S needed to be admitted to hospital, and that he was going to be having surgery. Joseph had not improved overnight, and was kept behind from the Temple for observations. We were fortunate that Bro Thayer from Tuggeranong Ward, a "Doctor-in-training" had decided to stay at the Temple accommodation on the Friday night and was able to assist with confirming Bro Moir's belief that Joseph had symptoms consistent with appendicitis.

It was a bit of a race up the freeway into the Blue Mountains - the double booking at the Temple meant that we were running late. We all eventually arrived at Scenic World in Katoomba near 2:30PM. We were meant to be leaving here at 3PM - that wasn't going to be happening. We were also a bit concerned about how cold it was going to be in Katoomba, with forecasts of showers, and a maximum of 7 degrees.

Scenic World is a tourist centre built on the edge of the Blue Mountains - it features a number of different attractions. We had arranged for us to take the Scenic Railway down into the rainforest in the valley, take the Scenic Walkway through the rainforest, and then to take the Scenic Cableway back up out of the valley to the entrance on the cliif tops. Being our last stop on the Youth Conference, we had also planned to have a testimony meeting as well. Elissa had booked the Rainforest Room - down in the valley along the Scenic Walkway - for the testimony meeting. Pres Horsburgh advised however that this was open to the public, and may not be suitable. Scenic World had offered us the free use of their cinema to hold the testimony meeting instead. The scenery wouldn't be quite as pretty, but it would be private (and warm!). We milled into the entrance overlooking the valley below - the tourist shop got a good workout from the everybody as we waited.

Elissa did a head count of all the youth and leaders, came up with a number, and the tickets were bought ... the only problem being that the number was wrong. As we filed down into the Railway area, it became apparent that we were one ticket short. Pres Horsburgh volunteered to go back, get the extra ticket and came down next ride.

The Scenic Railway was scary and/or fun, depending on your point of view. It's a funicular railway, not a normal cabin/locomotive setup, and the carriages themselves were surrounded with mesh. Made it hard for the taller ones in the group - I couldn't sit up straight in the carriage, but had to have my head at an angle wedged in under the metal mesh. We soon found out why the mesh was above us as the train started and then dropped ... this is the steepest inclined railway in the world - 52º - less of a ride and more of a controlled drop. As a part of the drop, the train went through a pitch black tunnel. There was a mixture of screams, cheers and the "tough boys" chanting "Boring! Boring!" for humorous effect. 415 metres later we came to our stop, perched above the rainforest.

Here, the group got fragmented up along the Rainforest walk. Fenton was left behind to wait for Pres Horsburgh, as the others moved on through the lush undergrowth. I don't know what transpired at the dance the previous evening, but there were a few of the youth "pairing up" into couples along the walk ... ;)

After walking our way through the rainforest and arriving at the departure point for the Scenic Cableway, we waited for Pres H and Fenton. Knowing that they could be a while, one set of leaders and youth went off to check out the Rainforest Room to see if it was suitable for the meeting. The rest of the youth and leaders waited at the Scenic Cableway .... and waited .... and waited. And neither of the two missing groups returned ... Hmmmm . What to do? We decided that Elissa would take those that were there back up via the Cableway to the Cinema and start the testimony meeting, whilst I would wait behind.

(Almost) everyone packed onto the next Cableway car and then left., whilst I waited ... and waited. Eventually, just as the next Cableway car was about to arrive, and I to depart, all of the remaining youth and leaders arrived at the Cableway station. Off we proceeded, back up to Scenic World on the Cableway, on a much less scary trip than the way down.

Saturday 16th July - Morning - Temple

There were a lot of bleary eyes and late sleep-ins from the youth, recovering from both the Dance and the long walking the previous day. Shame, those who did sleep-in missed out on the usual good food fare that Bro Mckean had served up. They also missed seeing the daily ritual of the lunch sandwiches being prepared.

Pres Horburgh called us in at 8:30 to let us know that the Temple had called him earlier in the morning, to make sure that we were ready for our 8AM session at the Baptistery. No, he said, adding that we had been told in writing that we had the 10AM session. Unfortunately, our time at the Temple appeared to have been double booked with one of the Sydney Wards. We had to rush the youth to get ready, pack and to clean their rooms, before once again heading on to the bus.

We eventually arrived at the Temple about 9:30AM. I went in and helped the Minchinbury Ward who were already there but short some workers to get started with their session. In the meantime, the other leaders helped the youth get ready for the baptistery session. For those who were unable to go into the temple, an activity was put on out in the Temple Annex. I believe that a member of the Temple Presidency came down to speak to those in the Annex about the purpose of the Temple, following which they watched part of the movie "The Other Side of Heaven". They didn't get to finish the movie by the time the rest of the youth finished in the Temple, which I know that Jayde was disappointed about - she wants to see the end of it.

It's always a great experience going to the Temple. Being able to cast off the things of the outside world and feel of the peace inside. It was an interesting contrast that for the Youth Conference, the opening activity was performing a clean-up in the Rookwood Cemetery, whilst the closing activity in Sydney was a Baptistry session in the Temple. Both activities involved providing service to those who have passed one - one in a physical sense in helping to care for their earthly remains, whilst the other was in a spiritual sense, helping to open the door for those who wish to accept the Gospel after this life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is marvelous in that sense, catering for all of Heavenly Father's Children - past, present and future, through his Church, Temple work and missionary work.

The youth were finished in the Temple about noon, then it was a matter of changing back into street clothes, quickly visiting the Distribution Centre and having lunch.  Then, ready for the final leg of the Conference - a trip up into the Blue Mountains.

Friday 15th July - Evening - Dance

Much of the Friday night happenings for us were hearsay only I'm afraid. Because the seating on the bus was maxed out, we'd actually driven ourselves as a family to the Sydney CBD for the Wesley Mission and Scavenger Hunt activities. When it came time to leave the CBD, we decided to stay in the city for dinner - our kids were too young for the activity scheduled for the evening - a Stake Dance with Parramatta Stake.

After heading back to the Temple Accommodation for dinner, the youth all changed into smarter attire, ready for the Stake Dance, before once again being whisked away in the bus.

The feedback I got was that the dance was really enjoyed by the youth. Apparently everyone from Parramatta Stake was just sitting around the edge of the dance floor ... then our youth arrived and their years of stake dance deprivation kicked into overdrive. The Canberra youth were "the life of the dance." Kind of surprised that many of the youth could even walk, let alone dance given the 7km+ walk they'd done just hours earlier ...

Further hearsay was feedback from the Parramatta Stake Leaders that given how well our youth behaved that "we were welcome back anytime." I belive our youth would like to take them up on that offer.

And as for the East family. We ate out at Ajisen Ramen, with Spicy Soft Shell Crab, Gyoza, Crab Claws, various Ramens (Volcano, Karaage and Salmon) and lots of Snow Ice desserts :)

I don't have any photos of the dance, so you'll just have to put up with photos from our family dinner :)

Something I almost forgot to mention though was Joseph - one of the youth. Apparently he started throwing up before the dance ... bit didn't tell the leaders - naughty, naughty. Throughout the evening he was in abdominal pain, getting worse and worse. Our resident nurse-in-training determined that the symptoms were consistent with appendicitis. We would have to see what transpired overnight and if he was going to need medical assistance.

Friday 15th July - Scavenger Hunt Part 3

This is Part 3 of the Scavenger Hunt activity write up from the Friday afternoon. Part 1 and Part 2 were posted earlier ...


Activity 9 - Circular Quay

Scripture and discussion: Mosiah 4:16 
16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
Read: Find a busker or somebody requesting donation and donate money to them.


And you wouldn't believe how hard it was to find somebody asking for money! Normally there are usually buskers, charities et al around Circular Quay, but obviously being a wet winters day, they'd all taken the day off. Eventually some groups found a busker at The Rocks. Nadija J in one group did do a little dance rotuine at Circular Quay, hoping for people to give money to her ...

Activity 10 - Walking Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Scripture and discussion: 2 Nephi 31:9

9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

Read: This is the last big part – just like in life – it's a long straight path. Sometimes we may feel weary, but if we want to reach the destination, we must endure to the end.

Activity 11 - Luna Park

Scripture and discussion: D&C 37:4

 4 Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come. Even so. Amen.

Read: Your next activity is to choose a ride at Luna Park. This a group choice - choose something that all will enjoy, and that does not have long wait times. Not everybody has to go on a ride but there will be only one option. If the group can’t decide, then the leaders will decide (Ferris Wheel is suggested). 

Luna Park was a bit of an issue for us. The lines to get onto some of the rides were deceptively long, and as a result after pulling some youth of lines, then putting them back in, all of the groups ended up missing the designated ferry that we needed to catch. There was an executive decision that we'd all just have to leave late. Unfortunately, only 4 of the 5 groups made it on the next ferry, and the fifth group had to wait at Luna Park for the bus to pick them up, missing out on the ferry and monorail rides.

Activity 12 - Sydney Ferry Ride (Luna Park to Pyrmont Bay)

Scripture and discussion: 1 Nephi 17:6 & 8

6 And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore; and notwithstanding we had suffered many  afflictions and much difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write them all, we were exceedingly rejoiced when we came to the seashore; and we called the place Bountiful, because of its much fruit.

8 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.

Activity:  Take the Ferry to the Pyrmont Bay Ferry Terminal near Darling Harbour 

Activity 13 - Monorail Ride (Harbourside to Paddy's Markets)

No scheduled gospel discussion here, but a chance to rest the legs as we headed back to the rendezvous point with the bus next to the Sydney Entertainment Centre. 

There were several more activities we could have done on our activity lists, but which we had to skip due to time constraints - we'll save these for the next Youth Conference ;) 

Friday 15th July - Scavenger Hunt Part 2

This is Part 2 of the Scavenger Hunt activity write up from the Friday afternoon. Part 1 was posted earlier ...


Activity 5 - Hyde Park Convict Barracks

Scripture and discussion: 2 Nephi 2:27-29

27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;

29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.

Read: This building has a lot of history. At one time it housed convicts. For many of those convicts, what might have been small decisions and choices, ended up having lifelong consequences, as they were sent to Australia, never to see their loved ones again. What seemingly small choices could you make, that will have lifelong consequences, good or bad?

Activity:  Find the Irish Famine Memorial in the courtyard and read the plaque. 

Activity 6 - Sydney Eye Hospital - Il Porcelino Statue

Scripture and discussion: John 9: 1-3
1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Activity:  Il Porcelino is a copy of a famous statue from Italy, meant to bring good luck.  Put a coin into the gaping boar's jaws with the intent to let it fall through the underlying grating for good luck and rub the boar's snout.  Point out to the youth, that we don’t believe in luck, but it’s a fun way to donate a couple of dollars to the Hospital.

Activity 7 - New South Wales Parliament

Scripture and discussion: Article of Faith 12 
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
Read: One month ago, Elder Callister, the Church’s Area President, gave a lecture here to politicians and many community leaders celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. The Master of ceremonies at that event, The Honorable David Clarke, one of the politicians from the NSW Legislative Council declared “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is welcome into our Parliament at any time at all.”


Activity 8 - Sydney Opera House

Scripture and discussion: D&C 25:12

12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. 

Activity:  Photo opportunity – Opera House and Harbor Bridge!

Friday 15th July - Scavenger Hunt Part 1

After lunch at the Wesley Mission, the afternoon session featured the "Scavenger Hunt" activity. The idea behind this activity was to give the youth the opportunity to see a number of tourist spots and experiences around Sydney, whilst also relating them to Gospel topics and scriptures. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Lehi uses the technique when he and his family leave Jerusalem and travel through the wilderness. To try and keep his sons focussed on the gospel, he named many of the landmarks and features around him after his sons, pointing out the characteristics of the landmarks that he would like his sons to have.

This activity involved walking around Sydney, visiting a number of different tourist locations, and relating a Gospel topic or scripture at that location. There were 5 groups of 8-9 youth per group, with 2 leaders. The ledaers were provided with a set of instructions that had maps, directions and a script for the various locations. There were a lot of things visited - it involved over 7kms of walking, as well as Ferry and Monorail rides, but it appears that most people enjoyed it. Because of the number of places visited, I'll break this activity up into a number of different blog entries, each including the script (in blue) that was read at each location.

Activity 1 - Queen Victoria Building
Scripture and discussion: Alma 12:24
24 And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.
Read: This scripture talks about how we spend our time, on Earth. The activity here is to go to the top floor and find the giant clocks representing how we choose to spend our time.

Activity 2 - ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park
Scripture and discussion: Alma 46:10 – 13
10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake.
11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—
Read:  Satan is constantly trying to destroy our agency, our freedom, and God’s church. This memorial remembers some of those Australians who have died protecting your freedom. Take a minute to reflect on what this means to you.

Activity 3 - Hyde Park Chapel

No scheduled gospel discussion here, but the opportunity to see one of the more unusual LDS chapels, occupying the 2nd story of the high rise Connaught Building opposite Hyde Park. Many groups were fortunate to meet up with some of the missionaries who had previously been in Canberra when travelling to the chapel.

Activity 4 - Hyde Park

No scheduled gospel discussion here, but several photo opportunities along tree lined avenues, picturesque gardens and the Archibald Fountain.