Family Home Evening

Every few weeks the senior couples have a Family Home Evening.  This last week we were able to watch the trailer to "Meet the Mormons".  We are hoping that it will be coming to New Zealand soon.  After watching the trailer, we had "Meet the Nielsen's"  Elder Gifford Nielsen, a member of the Area Presidency and his wife told us a little about their life before his call to service.  It was a great home evening and everyone enjoyed themselves.

On Tuesday mornings we have a devotional service.  This week our speakers were the Area Presidency, Elder Pearson, Elder Halleck, and Elder Nielsen.  They each reported on what they learned at General Conference.  Each gave an inspirational report.

Our weeks have become more routine, which is good.  Gary usually goes into work about 7:30 AM.  Susan takes a little longer and tries to get there by 8:30/9:00 AM - the afternoon shift.  Our apartment is near the Area Office.  Since there is limited parking at the office, we usually walk to work.  It takes approximately 10 minutes one way.   While at work we spend our time organizing, planning and communicating with the couples we support in the South Pacific Islands.  This week we had the opportunity to present for approval several humanitarian projects which our missionary couples had submitted.  It is great to be involved in helping people in this part of the world.  Two projects approved included emergency funds for supplies to help flood victims in Vanuatu and Kiribati.  Our days usually wrap up around 5:00 PM.  We then walk home.  Gary feels this is like having a real job.  The only difference is now he pays to do what he used to get paid to do.

We pass some interesting sights on our way to and from work.

Some rather large succulent plants

The weather has started to warm up and it makes for an enjoyable walk.  For our exercise we usually change into more casual clothes and take a walk along the beach.  It is less than a 5 minute walk to the beach from our office.  We can do this on our lunch hour.  Yes, as our children say, it is a mission-cation.  We love serving here.

We are not the only ones enjoying the warm weather

Shells encrusted in the lava rock

Our selfie at the beach after work

Saturday morning we drove north about 1 hour to the town of Matakana.  Every Saturday they have a Farmers Market, which has a wide assortment of breads, cheeses, sausages, fresh fruits and vegetables.  In addition there are all kinds of olive oils, honey, alcoholic beverages, coffee, and of course chocolate.  This Saturday we enjoyed live entertainment as well.  While there we were able to watch a group of children (4th - 6th grade) from the local school perform some lively Maori song and dance.

 

Shopping at Farmers Market 

Children from School performing for us - in the rain!

Not my best side - checking out the Chocolate

After the rain let up we went in search of a place to eat.  We were hoping to find a place by the beach.  We were not able to find anything, but we did find the town of Omaha.  So we had an enjoyable walk and talked to a few people on Omaha Beach.

Omaha Beach

Loving our walks

Susan and Tangaroa

Gary and Tangaroa

Plague which tells about wood craving of Tangaroa

Gary and large Norfolk Pines

Gary and a form of Lupine

Sunday we taught our first lesson in the Gospel Principles class.  We feel truly blessed to be able to serve in this beautiful country at this time.  Life is good.

On a final note, our daughter, Reachel and her husband Andrew received the "Extraordinary Property"  award from the City of Mesa for their hard work in renovating their home.  Way to go guys!

With Mayor Giles