IN THE GROOVE

We know, it has been too long since we posted but it seems like we are in more of a routine now and aren't taking as many pictures. The work is going forward though and we are scheduled for a baptism this coming Saturday for the Green boys that we have posted about before--Zerjay and Zander. We are pretty excited about this one since we have been working with them ever since we got here. So it's finally the right time.

Left to right: Zander-12, Zerjay-14 and Zack-16.

One of the highlights of our mission is sponsoring the Addiction Recovery Program. We have felt the spirit at those meetings stronger than anywhere else. The people in attendance are some of the bravest I have seen in the church and the humblest.

As mentioned above, we are in a routine, more or less, and attend District training every Thursday. Here is a  picture of the Dunedin train station that we pass on our way to district training every other week in Dunedin. The alternate week is in our home in Oamaru which is about 75 miles north of Dunedin. The train station is the most photographed building in NZ and is so wide you can't get it all in one frame at this distance.

Here we are in attendance at the session.

We just had transfers and said goodby to some very close friends-one of the hard parts about being a stationary senior couple. We work so closely with these missionaries and get so close to them that it is like saying goodbye to a son or daughter. Their back stories are often amazing. It has been astounding to us how many here who come from partially inactive homes or even part member homes. Their dedication is nothing short of amazing. 

One quick story about a missionary from South Africa is a good illustration of that. When we took him and his companion out to our "get-to-know-you lunch",we asked him about his family. In responce he mentioned his father had passed away. We asked him how his father, who was a former Muslim, had passed and he told us that he had died from loss of blood. That seemed like a very strange response so we queried him further and he said 

it was because of two bullet holes! Someone had shot him, they never found out who or why. That is just one of many stories these young men and women have shared with us. They truly are from the chosen generation.

While at the District meeting which was being held in the RS room we looked over at the wall and there was a picture of Auntie Mary Ellen. It made me think of Mom and back home for a minute. Just thought I would throw this picture in for the family.

There she is, third from the right,Sister Smoot. 

Not all is work though. We were able to watch the Super Bowl on Monday,our off day,since we are a day ahead of you. 

Just didn't have any good chips and dip to go with it--no Pace picante sauce here.

SOME UNIQUE FEATURES OF OUR HISTORIC TOWN OF OAMARU

Here is a unique feature of Oamaru and other NZ towns. New Zealand sent, as they say here, heaps of men off to war during WWI. Along the highway into and out of town you will find trees and adjacent to the trees, crosses to memorialize those who died in that war. An interesting side note is that the dates of their deaths are now over 100 years old. This town must have been pretty small during that time yet there are so many crosses. There must not have been one family that wasn't affected by this.

Notice the trees and crosses on the other side of the highway too.

Here is a shot of Oamaru stone which is quarried here and is world famous. Many of the buildings, both old and new, are made of it as many of the next pictures show.

Every year they have a VICTORIAN DAY celebration and parade that is similar to our days of '47 celebration. It celebrates their English heritage.

There is a train that travels around the harbor and through the town.

Here is an artist rendition commemorating the glory days of trains in Oamaru. It is associated with a museum, restaurant, and gift shop. These same people also designed and outfitted a harbor side play ground.

The harbor by the playground. It used to be for large ships but now it is just used for smaller craft.

A local artist's painting on the side of her shop in Oamaru. These type paintings are very common all over NZ. Here is the inside of her shop.

The oldest street in Oamaru and a major tourist attraction.

Perhaps the biggest reason to come to Oamaru as a tourist is to see the Penguin colony. Here is a cute shot of one with a bunny.

In their nest.

Sometimes you get to see a sea lion on the "beach"

 

That's about it for now. Next week we will be touring with Kresta and family so should have some great pictures and stories to share.