AND THE BEAT GOES ON

First of all an update on Alecia's health. We did go to the specialist in Dunedin who performed a gastroscope on her. In doing so, he was able to rule out both IBS and Chrones disease--that was good news for us. He did find out that she had Thush in her stomach, esophagus, and intestines. This is a very serious and painful disease which can attack your internal organs and is most likely why she has been so sick and has lost 25 pounds. Luckily, there is medication for it and she has started that with the expectation it will be out of her system within a week or so. She has also cut down on her polymayalgia medication because she has been loosing her hair as a side effect of that. The trade off, however, is increased pain from her polymayalgia. One of the things we have started doing to increase our immune systems is juicing for one to two meals per day. Here is a picture of our first pitcher of green "health"! Actually pretty good.

 As she has started getting better we have resumed our missionary work together. Our highest priority is the Phillipino family we told you about in our last blog. The single mother, Zylla Green and her oldest son, Zack (16), have already been baptised and are quite active. We are primarily teaching Zerje (14) and Zander (12). They are a beautiful family and we are encouraged they will all accept the gospel. 

Notice the Christmas tree. It is common for Phillipino families to put one up in October.

We also had the District training meeting in our home Thursday last. We truly love our association with these incredible Eldes and Sisters. Sister Shaw (with the candy board) is leaving after 18 months of dedicated service and returning home to Ogden. She has attended Dixie State in St. George and worked at the "world" renowned Swigs. She will be greatly missed. It is so hard for us on transfers because we grow to love these missionaries so much.

We also had a fun branch activity day for the Oamaru 1st branch. A bunch of really fun,crazy games inside since it rained outside.

Musical chairs

Part of an obstacle course 

A spoon race

The most impressive thing for me was the total, uninhibited, participation by EVERY ONE, young and old. We had such a good time with lots of laughter.

Sunday, the Oamaru 2nd branch had their primary program and it was just outstanding. Almost all the 26 kids had their parts memorized and they all sang at the top of their voices. Thought it was going to raise the roof right off the chapel. Also several of them dressed up in their native Tongan dress for the occasion--including the branch president, President Kautia.

Spring is trying so hard to come. Here are several pictures of the city garden--Eden Garden. We like to walk the paths on warm days, Heath permitting. It covers over 100 acres and is so beautiful and peaceful. Pictures don't do it justice but we tried.

Well that is about it for this post. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. We grow in the strength of our testimony daily as we serve and study. The mysteries of the kingdom seem to unfold before us. It truly causes godly sorrow to see those who have fallen to the wayside and become lost in the misty paths. This truly is the pearl of great worth.

 In closing, we wish you a happy holiday season from our house to your house.