Training Couples

Part of our assignment in the Area Office is working with senior couples who serve as humanitarian missionaries in the various islands of the South Pacific.  After the couples have gone to the MTC and received basic training, they come to Auckland, NZ for a few more days of specific hands-on training.  It is a good way for us to get to know our couples, provide answers to their questions and hopefully help them begin the adjustment to life in the Pacific.

On March 4th Elder and Sister Leben from Hanover, Germany, arrived and spent 5 days with us.  They are preparing their departure to Port Vila, Vanuatu for the next 18 months.

Prior to that we had Elder and Sister Crooks from Cardston, Alberta, Canada, with us for 5 days as well.  They came to Auckland on February 8th and left late the night of the 12th for the Marshall Islands.  We would have posted the Crooks' visit much earlier, but Susan decided our lives were not exciting enough and if you have read the earlier postings, you know the rest of that story.

We help orient the couples on principles of great humanitarian projects, basic Church Welfare principles, the Church humanitarian database, their country responsibilities and workings of the Church in the Pacific area.  We have the most wonderful couples in the Pacific and the Crooks and the Lebens are no exception to the rule.  We enjoy so much the opportunity to be able to work with these fine people who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and their fellow man for the next 18 months.  At night after a days training we take our couples to see the signs of Auckland.

Crooks arrival

Elder and Sister Crooks in front of office building

Lebens arrival

Takapuna Beach

Dinner 

This is a huge Moreton Fig Tree

Gary taking our picture

Looking at Central Auckland from Devenport Auckland

Auckland from Devonport Harbour

Statue at Auckland Airport

Hat Shopping in Henderson, Auckland

Gary and Elder Leben on Lion Rock at Piha Beach

Elder Leben on Lion Rock

Lion Rock and Piha Beach

Elder Leben enjoying the surf

Susan in the Kauri grove

One Tree Hill

Lebens and One Tree Hill

On the top of One Tree Hill

Carved Pouwhenua at Achilles Point

That is it for the week.  Susan's hand is doing good.  She gets a new cast on Thursday.  She is now learning how to and mastering how to do things with one hand.  Hopefully with the new cast she can have a wee bit more freedom.  Her fingers have returned to normal size and they can grip things most of the time.  Thank you for all your kindness in her behalf.  

There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize.  Thus the commandment.  "Judge not."  Thomas S. Monson