IBefore we left for our north island visit, we had to say goodbye to a couple of great elders. Elder Simpson, third from the left standing, and Elder Filipo, far right sitting, were transferred while we were on our trip. Elder Simpson was the DL and had been here over 9 months which is a very long time for an elder to stay in one area, that's like 6 transfers. Needless to say, he was greatly loved by all the members in Oamaru and especially by us. Elder Filipo was also an outstanding missionary and had been here for 3 transfers. It remains one of the hardest parts of our mission to say goodbye to those we love so much and have grown so close to. This picture was taken at a district training meeting held in our home.
We had a heads up that Elder Simpson was leaving so we were able to give him, and his companions, a going away dinner. As they were about to say goodnight, he asked if he could sing us a song to which we enthusiastically agreed. He then proceeded to sing How Great Thou Art in the Maori language. Of course, it was one of the best moments of our mission.
We flew up to Auckland the next day, rented a car and drove down to Hamilton for a week at the Hamilton temple with our three wards from Oamaru and Timaru. We Arrived about noon on Tuesday the 5th of July, got a session in and then proceeded to do 2 sessions or sealings per day through Saturday. It was an amazingly spiritual feast made even more special by members of our wards serving as workers on several of the sessions.
All of us stayed in temple housing for the week. These housing facilities were built years ago for the purpose of providing housing for those who had so far to travel from not only NZ, but also the pacific islands of the Pacific Island Area. Housing was free of charge for those who needed it because a trust fund was set up years ago by a wealthy member to cover the costs for those in need. The fund also covers airfare in the same way. If you can pay, you do so, if not, you get to come to the temple with your family anyway. What an awesome gift from a very giving and unselfish person that has blessed so many families over the years and continues to do so.
Here is a picture of Alecia standing outside of our "dorm". An other unit can be seen in the background.
Three other Sr. Couples from the newly formed Dunedin Stake also came for a week. They were the Edwards, the Wards, and the Christensens. We would meet in the common kitchen area for "rousing" games of Uno in the evenings. I have to tell you--there were a couple of Uno Sharks there.
One evening we planned on going to a fine dining restaurant for "Tea", or dinners as we call it. The trouble was that it was on Wednesday and the restaurants close in NZ on Wednesdays until 6 or 7 and we were there at 5 with no reservations for later. So we ended up eating at a type of food court. Fun, but not what we were shooting for..
After the other Sr. Couples had returned home we stayed a few extra days on the north island for some tourist stuff. That Saturday night we finally got our fine dining experience in by going to one of the best restaurants in Hamilton. Alecia really liked the Decor.
A unique shopping street in Hamilton.
A picturesque gazebo in a Hamilton park. We danced in one in Washington state once to fulfill a dream of her's. Came from the movie Groundhog Day.😏.
After church on Sunday, we drove over a mountain pass to the East coast to the seaside town of Tauranga. We treated ourself to a luxury hotel stay right on,or over, the water. We had an in-room dining treat and a movie. Spoiler alert----SUPERMAN IS DEAD, and it's Batman's fault. He is the one who started it all!
Breakfast in the cool town of Tauranga.
Then on the road again to The Shire in Hobbiton.
After our tour of the shire, we drove up to Auckland for the night and stayed in the Skycity hotel at their famous tower.
On the observation deck of the tower.
Alecia caught this sky jumper in mid flight as he jumped from the top of the tower to a landing platform on the ground level. They are guided down with cables, but it is a free fall till the end where they hit a braking apparatus and finish up with a bungee drop. I couldn't get Alecia to even think about having the adventure of her life!
An absolutely special time with Elder Egbert from our home Ward. We met up with him and his companion and took them to a Denny's for a late breakfast. Like most food in NZ it was ALMOST like American food. The sausage and bacon--not so much! But what a treat to meet up with this special man. Can't wait to compare more mission stories back in St. George.
Our "new" missionaries for the Oamaru district. We love these amazing men so much.
Elders Hebertson, Wilkinson, Higley, Moller, Benjamin, Alban (DL), and Reese
Zone training in Dunedin
After zone training with the amazing Elders, Sisters, and Sr. Couples--a lunch break by the seaside in Dunedin with the Wards.
Peli Lutui who has religiously attended our institute class and just received her call to serve in the Hamilton mission. She is absolutely one of the most spiritual individual we have ever known. We will miss her so much but know she will be a friend for life.
This is Peli's mother with her brand new granddaughter. The newest addition to the great Lutui family.
Andrew and Mel Kaufana
Get this one-- Bisop Kaufana on the right and Sister Kaufana on the left.
A few weeks back the Bishop of the Timaru Ward brought the youth down to Oamaru to meet and mingle with the Oamaru youth on Sunday. After church we brought them over to our house for dinner--spear of the moment. The girls wanted their pictures taken on our stairway. Cuties for sure.
They were so full of gratitude they compiled days of Mormon quotes, made individual envelopes for each of them and sent them in a package wrapped in a map of Utah.
Sister Osburn sewing and mending Elder's pants and suits. Some of the younger Elders are still growing out here, and I don't just mean there bellies.
This is Elder Filipo, from Samoa, just before he was transferred. We really love this guy and already miss him heaps.
It was an honor to stand in the circle to ordain Angus Reid with his father Ferguson, Bishop Kauiti, and Jason Gaskill's-the young men's president, home teacher, and former second counselor of the Dunedin District.
Sharon Lavery and her granddaughter. We have become great friends with Sharon who had us over for Christmas dinner last Christmas. Her granddaughter is a troubled youth who we tried to help by talking, treats, and priesthood blessings in support of Sharon. Sharon is such a caring grandma and has also received several priesthood blessings to help her through some pretty hard times.
Some picturesque churches in Oamaru. This country was once a very religious country. Most of the churches, especially in the smaller towns are now closed up and not in use for lack of support and congregations. Sadly, NZ is now known as one of the most atheistic countries in the world. If it weren't for the islanders, Tongans, Samoans,and Maoris, the church here would really be struggling. But they happen to be among the most faithful and dedicated on the planet. How we love them!
No comments:
Post a Comment