Kia Ora

Traveling to Mission Transfer Meeting, the skyline of Auckland was in full view across the bay.  It was a beautiful clear day.  The sunshine was much needed after many days of rain.  New Zealand winter stretches until September and we are looking forward to Spring J

August 12, 2014

Wow, where does the time go!  Sorry I am a little delinquent in posting, time slips by when you are busy.  (Maybe most of you are grateful for a break from the Beckstead dialogue J )  Just so you know, we are happy, healthy and engaged in the work.

We decided to let you get to know some of the wonderful people we find ourselves surrounded by.  We are going to try to feature at least one individual each time we post in what we will call

 “Meet OUR Mormons”

Raymond is everyone’s friend!  He works for the Pacific Area and is over all maintenance for our building, all Senior Missionary flats and the Area Presidency, the Mission President and Area Legal Counsel’s homes.  When someone has a problem whether it is a need to have a light changed or an oven that doesn’t work, Raymond is your man.  He is gregarious, kind and funny.  He always seems to have something funny to tell you.  He speaks kiwi English and French.  Originally from Tahiti, Ray came to New Zealand to attend school at Church College (secondary school equivalent).  After a mission back to Tahiti, he made his home in New Zealand where he met his wife and raised 4 children.  Ray loves to fish, although he has little time (because we keep him too busy).

When President and Sister Hammula were leaving to return to Salt Lake after 5 years of service here, Sister Hammula said with tears in her eyes, “Ray was my first friend here.”  That is just how everyone see’s Ray.  He truly epitomizes the phrase “Everybody loves Raymond!” 

Elder Beckstead celebrated his birthday the end of July.  The Senior Missionaries had fun teasing him about his “clown” status and he and I had dinner at a “Mexican” restaurant (I use the term loosely, since true Mexican food is hard to find here.)

The Sister Missionaries (our own Sister Daynes) continue to bring those they meet into the church family.  After baptisms here our Ward has a tradition of what they call “Bring a Plate”,
 which means potluck of sandwiches and goodies.  

Bring a Plate after baptism

Bailley (ctr, maroon hoodie) was baptised.  He will be a great addition!  Sister Daynes and Sister Heal on ends.

Two crazy men! Bishop Sotongi and Elder Beckstead teasing me because of my finger gesture.  A story for another time.

Brother Prassad, a spiritual giant and Sister Brown (David's mother, see below)

David is a favorite 7 year old (yes, I have his age right).  He came with his mother, who was helping with the food.  He is the youngest of about 12 children (I am not sure just how many), of a family in our Ward.  His parents are Stake Missionaries.  His father recently celebrated his 80^th birthday (yes, I have his age right) and his mother is in her late fifties or early 60’s.  We love to hear his father sing with his beautiful, deep, Samoan voice.  He mostly speaks Samoan and so it is hard to understand him, but the tone is beautiful. 

On P-day, we traveled with the Brobergs to the Auckland Botanical Gardens. (Much like Thanksgiving Point in Utah) Although it is winter here, there are parts of the garden in bloom.  The magnolias were just coming into bloom as well as other beautiful plants.  There seems to be so much to see in this beautiful land.

For all you UTAH fans…..I am sure you will remember Sione Talamaivao who played for the Utah football team.  This mountain of a man is a missionary here in the Auckland New Zealand Mission.  As intimidating as he was on the football field, he is a powerful witness for Jesus Christ here.  He is a gentle giant, with a powerful testimony and amazing leadership skills.  Discipline and hard work learned on the football field have translated to success as a missionary, now serving as an assistant to the Mission President.  He was kind enough to let me have my picture taken with him at the mission office.  GO UTES!!!  

Elder Beckstead continues to work on real estate matters for The Church in New Zealand, Australia and various other Pacific Area islands.  We are both enjoying the work in helping our Ward members here with their family history.  Recently, I have been asked to be the Health Specialist for the young missionaries.  Outfitted with a phone, I get calls at all hours with health questions asking for direction.  Basically, I am the missionaries’ M & M (medical mom).  I love my association with these valiant young adults, but I will be glad when cold and flu season subsides.

What a blessing it is to be here in this beautiful land.  We miss you all, but love, love, love New Zealand!  I will try to be better at updating our blog. 

E kite ano matou ki a koe……( Maori for we will see you again)