Elder Bednar Visit - Real Aussie Scout Leaders

The first half of March 2008 has been quite the month for us. We have been very busy with a variety of projects and tasks. We have been busy with our new roles as Aussie Scout Leaders, being fully invested with uniforms and titles as Associate Leaders in the Cub Scouts. We have also attended meetings and assisted with firesides relating to the visit to Australia by Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spoke at a fireside in Sydney which was televised by satellite throughout the country. We also were able to take a short trip north of Sydney to Clint's ancestral home in the Hunter/Williams River area where we met Warby relatives. Clint also kept having his blood checked to regulate the dosage of warfarin needed to help reduce the risk of a stroke because of possible heart problems. He had a stress test that showed his heart was doing fine but still needs to take his medicine. Life continues to be good. We love the weather, the people and this great land!

Heart Problems - Aussie Scouting

On Valentines Day, Elder Warby wasn't feeling well so he went to the doctor and discovered he had arterial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythm. As a result, he wasn't allowed to go to Papua New Guinea but started treatment with warfarin which decreases the risk of a blood clot. It requires numerous blood tests which are done at a nearby pathology center which we have started humorously to call The Vampire Place. He has since recovered but still requires the numerous blood tests to determine the optimum dosage. He has also visited a cardiologist and will be going back in a few weeks for a stress test. In the meantime, we have been quite involved with Australia Scouting, participating in the 1st Ermington Scout Group, a neighborhood organization with Joeys (6 to 7 1/2); Cub Scouts (7 1/2 to 10 1/2) and Scouts (10 1/2 to 14). We are working with the Cubs and enjoying it very much. We helped with an Open House and are also taking Basic Training to become real Australian Scout Leaders. Though we have taken numerous courses with the Boy Scouts of America, this is a great opportunity to get to know a new system plus make many friends with other adult Scout leaders. We also helped with a visit from an important delegation from Papua New Guinea who were here to learn more about the Church's involvement with Family History and preserving records.