June 30, 2014

On Thursday, the 19^th, I had the opportunity to travel about 45 minutes away with  Elder and Sister Ward and Sister Reeve from the Auckland Mission Office to President Leikias’ last transfer meeting.  I helped Sister Ward sort, set-up and deliver mail and packages to the young missionaries after the meeting.  I really wasn’t much help, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to just be there.  It was fun seeing all the young, enthusiastic faces of so many varied missionaries.  They have a tradition in this mission that they sing the mission song (creative and original) to all the new missionaries just in.  When it came time for the song, all the missionaries gathered in the cultural hall and made a large circle with the new missionaries in the middle.  Sister Reeve insisted that I go into the center since this was my first transfer meeting.  I was reluctant, but did.  There is a part about ¾ way through the song where the missionaries sing very loudly “thrust in your sickle” and they all jump toward the center and the poor new missionaries about jump out of their skin because they aren’t expecting it!  I did jump a little, but had an idea something was up, because of the snickers between Sister Ward and Sister Reeve.  They were a little  “cheeky”! (picture below: Elder & Sister Ward and Sister Reeves)  

After the meeting we stopped at what is affectionately called the “American Store” because it’s only a couple of blocks from where the transfer meeting was held.  This is a store that brings in and sells American products, mostly food, but you pay about 4 times or more as much as in the states or even here where things are already expensive.  I tried to keep my hands in my pockets, but couldn’t resist a $11.50 bottle of sugar free syrup and a box of Lipton Onion Soup mix for $4.50.  I also found a small can of pumpkin to make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for $7 a can.  Funny what you are willing to pay when you are having a craving :-)   

I was glad I had the chance to hear President and Sister Leikias express their love for the missionaries before they leave.  The new President arrives June 30.  The new Mission President is President Balli from Colorado.  I am sure there will be differences, but change is always a good experience.

“Pinch Me!  Am I really in New Zealand?“  These were my words to John as we traveled across the harbor to downtown Auckland last Saturday.  We took the ferry from Devonport, a small town about 20 minutes from our flat to the other side of the harbor to downtown Auckland.  It took about 15 minutes.  The weather had been a bit threatening earlier, but as we entered the ferry the sun came out.  On the water of the harbor bobbed maybe 50+ sailboats with their colorful sails up and ready to catch the breeze.  Before we could get across the harbor we were playing a reverse game of “Frogger” between the sailboats and the ferry.  It was an amazing sight.  You could almost reach out the windows and touch the sailboats as they whisked by.  It was almost magical.  (picture 2-4)

Almost close enough to touch!

Right out the window!

Auckland right across the bay. Beautiful!!!

We arrived on the other side of the harbor and visited some of the small coastal shops before we ventured a little farther into Auckland to eat lunch.  John had heard about a hamburger shop called “Burger Fuel” and wanted to try it out.  Lucky for him, there was one right on our path.  They have crazy combinations for their burgers.  He had one that he named “The burger whose name the missionaries may not speak”.  Suffice it to say, it was a swear word.  It had 1/3 lb grass fed beef (prepared in accordance with halal), cheese, bacon (closer to ham), beetroot, mango sauce, aioli, lettuce and tomato.  He couldn’t get his mouth around it which made for a messy, but humorous lunch.  

Another view of Auckland from the ferry.

Below Motobites instead of fries.  (Mix of carrots, sweet potatoes and ginger)

Our $35 lunch!  A Bargain!

We took a city bus ride around the city because it had started to rain again, didn’t see a lot, but enjoyed the local people on the bus.  Our ferry trip back wasn’t as pretty because of the rain, but the whole experience was delightful.

Monday night was Family Home Evening with the other Senior Couples.  This one was at the Institute building on the University of Auckland campus.  It is always fun to be with the other Senior Missionaries from all over the area.  The Institute building is a beautiful, new building right in the middle of the campus.  It is an interesting story as to how it came about.  This University serves 67,000 students and is located right in the middle of downtown Auckland in multiple high rise buildings. 

Well enough of our travels and experiences for this post.  Sorry that it is so lengthy.  Special blessings to those who read the whole thing and a hearty “I understand” for those who just got bored.  Looking forward to a new week and new experiences to come.