June 1, 2014 Week 2
in New Zealand
This has been a great week!
Elder B and I are trying to establish a routine. We get up early (5:30am) and get ready for
the day. We catch a shuttle from our
flat to the office at 7:30am and spend the day there. Elder B is quickly gaining an understanding
of the procedures for legal work here and seeing his workload begin to
rise. I am finding my place in the
office. I have helped the Family History
Missionaries with Roots Magic and helped Elder B with some of his
assignments. He is great at “Sister Do’s”
(replaces Honey Do’s J). We usually eat lunch in the cafeteria with
many of the other Sr. Missionaries, although we have ventured out on walk
abouts to see what we can find nearby.
Takapuna has many small shops and eateries. We have found a fabric/knitting store nearby,
and Elder B found a barbershop and had his hair cut. All the food we have tried at the different
places is remarkably fresh and delicious.
Fish and chips is a popular staple here.
Elder B is getting more accustomed to driving on the
left. I hope to get my chance soon, but
am not pushing it. We spent yesterday
(Saturday) at the temple in Hamilton, with about 8 other Sr. Missionary Couples. It was a two-hour drive to get there. We drove with another couple. He is the area physician. It gave both Elder B and I a chance to stare
out the windows without taking concern for driving. The countryside is beautiful; rolling hills
of green, dotted with cows of many colors.
The Temple is beautiful.
It is small and rather old (1958) and surrounded by the church school as well
as many small older homes. We were able
to enjoy an endowment session as well as do some sealings. The Temple is on a hill, which gives you a
great view of the surrounding countryside.
All the missionary couples traveled in caravan home. We stopped at New Zealand’s biggest mall for
a late lunch. We didn’t see much of the
mall, but it wasn’t as big as Fashion Place at home. Although we left with full stomachs, everyone
stopped in Pokeno for ice cream at the take-away. I guess it is a tradition. While we were eating lunch a man approached
our table and said that his little girl wanted to meet the missionaries. She would soon be 8 and planned on getting
baptized. Her smile was as big as her
face as she circled our large table of 16+ shaking each missionary hand. It was almost 8pm by the time we returned
home, tired and fed both with food and the spirit. There was just enough time to shower and get
ready for Sunday.
Today is Fast Sunday.
Unlike last Sunday when the car wouldn’t start, we were to our West
Harbor Ward early. The West Harbor Ward
is wonderful. It is filled with smiling
faces of many ethnicities and cultures.
They are so loving and kind. They
have been very welcoming to us. Being
Fast Sunday today, there was a baby blessing and a convert confirmation. The testimonies shared were powerful. I was touched by a sister who expressed
gratitude for her Samoan heritage and culture with a plea to not forget the
language as it represented who they are and where they come from. When the Bishop closed the meeting his
testimony was powerful and taught a beautiful message.
Bishop Sotongi spoke of his father who passed
yesterday. His father had been Bishop of
the Ward when Bishop Sotongi was a boy.
Although his father had come from Samoa to New Zealand, he wouldn’t
teach his son the language. He told him
that his Samoan heritage was his ethnicity, but his culture was the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Matai (chief) he was to follow was the Priesthood authority over him whether it was the Prophet,
Bishop or Deacon’s Quorum President. These people have a great respect for the
Priesthood and those who serve and preside over them. Many had mentioned in their testimonies their
love for their Bishopric. I am grateful
for the message they taught me.
We attended the investigators Sunday School class. Two very capable Elders taught the lesson to
two investigators (men) and the young lady who was confirmed in Sacrament
meeting. After the lesson, one of the
elders, from Marysvale, Utah, offered to give me some advice he wished someone
had told him when he started his mission.
Thinking he had some sage advice, I listened intently, to him explain
what soap to purchase to really get your white shirts and garments clean and
how to spot clean your ties. I smiled,
thanked him and held in my chuckles until I was out of earshot. It is amazing to me how these young Elders
and Sisters can go from mature spiritual giants one minute to fumbling,
although well intentioned young men the next.
We have a holiday Monday, tomorrow. New Zealand is celebrating the Queen’s
birthday so the office is closed. Since
Saturday was our fun day this week, we will be using Monday to clean, shop for
food and catch up for our regular week that begins on Tuesday. Tuesday, we are taking Sister Daynes (from our home Ward in SLC) and her
companion to dinner. We are both assigned to the same Ward here. We are excited
about the time we will have with her. I
love seeing her at church and smile like a proud mother hen as I observe her
spreading the gospel with enthusiasm. I
told the Ward members today in my testimony that I had Sister Daynes in Primary
and Young Women and I couldn’t let her go on her mission without following her
here. Really, I am learning from her and
trying to follow her example of sharing what she knows will bring true
happiness, the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ and his teachings.
How blessed I am to be in this beautiful land, among
wonderful people! Wish you could all be
here too. |
| In Hamilton at the Temple |
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