Highlights from End of Winter!

Highlight #1
A Baptism(2 in fact)

Mosiah 18:8-10 ...as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;...to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places...what have you against being baptized...that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

At the end of August we had the awesome opportunity to go down to Greymouth for a baptism. In fact is was 2 baptisms. A couple who live in Greymouth were baptized. Peter said that he had been looking for the true Church for over 40 years and was so glad to have finally found it. Peter and Marilyn MaCrae have been searching for a long time. The missionaries said they were a golden couple. They still are a golden couple. They love the gospel. They both bore their testimonies at their baptism. It was a truly spiritual experience. Below you can see them with the missionaries in their whites. From left to right there is Elder McLean, Marilyn, Peter, and Elder Fullmer. They were confirmed the next day and we also went down for that. When President Kinikini found out we were coming I was asked to be one of the speakers. It was nice to talk to a branch with heaps of people including little ones that wander around. The Greymouth Branch is full of life and we enjoy the times we have been down there.

Highlight #2
Flat Inspections
The week following the baptism we did our 6 week flat inspections. We find this a fun time to associate with the elders and check their flats and cars and bikes for safety. This time we were saying farewell and have a great rest of your mission to two young Elders. Elder Booth is from Australia and has been in Nelson since he came as a greenie at the end of April. That seems so long ago but it was only 3 transfers--each transfer is 6 weeks. Below you can see him with Elder Archibald. Elder Booth is obedient to the T and drove some of the other elders crazy but we enjoyed him and his little quirks. This flat was awesomely clean when we inspected and after they passed it looked like a hurricane had blown through as one of the Elders cannot find his "stuff" when things are neat and tidy.
The elders had their P-day after inspections and we came back later to cook them "tea". We did a chicken cashew Thai stir fry over pasta. Below you can see them enjoying the "tea".
Closest to us on the left is Elder Metikingi. He is from Porirua and was in our mission waiting for a Visa to go to Guam. When he went to Auckland for an interview his Visa was denied and so his call was re-issued and he left for the Perth, Australia Mission at the end of transfers. He was so excited and even more so as we have been teaching a lady, Tui, and her 2 daughters. Tui was inactive until she came back to Westport. Her young daughters are 9 and 7. She has been coming to Church and her daughters have been being taught since she came and she wants her girls to be baptized together in January when the youngest turns 8. They are going back to Perth at the first of October. Her daughters names are Marina, 9, and Shakira Rose 7. They are just darling and love learning about the gospel. So we have their address in Perth and will email Elder Metikingi when they leave for Australia.
Also, in the above picture you can see Elder Berryman in the foreground, Elder Saxton, behind Elder Berryman, and Elder Booth. Elder Saxton is one of the traveling assistants to the President and he was visiting Nelson with his companion Elder Cook. Elder Cook and Elder Prebble had a tea appointment.

Highlight #3
The Seal Pups
When we went to Blenheim to clean the mold a month or so ago we came home by way of Kaikoura. About a half hour before you arrive in Kaikoura, there is a large fur seal colony. We had noticed it on our way home but the next day I was reading in the paper about how the seal pups navigate their way up the Ohau Stream to a pool at the base of a 30-metre waterfall. They play in the pool at the base of the falls all day while their mothers are out fishing. Knowing that the elders would be traveling this way on the way to the Christchurch Zone Conference, I told them about it and they stopped and saw these cute seal pups. They said it was one of the best things they had seen and done in New Zealand. We had not seen the pups, only the adults lazing on the rocks. After the elders told us about their fun time we decided that when we did flat inspections we would again come home by way of Kaikoura and watch the pups. So we did. We took many pictures and I did about 5 minutes of video. They were just fascinating to watch. Things you see in the zoo or at Sea World being done in the wild. It was great. The water was just "boiling" with young seals. They were curious about us and came very close. Below you can see just one of the many photos I took. It was just amazing.
Highlight #4
Watoto Children's Choir
A week ago we went to a choir concert of Ugandan Orphans. This group tours around and raises money to sponsor some of the many children left orphans in Uganda by Aids and war. The children are delightful. We went mainly because Andrea and Gene are in Africa. We were hoping they would sing and dance of the culture. They did dance but in unison to the songs they sang about how Jesus loves the children. I was amazing at the uniformity of their movements and knew how much work it would take to train a choir as such. They sang very well, a little loud for my husband, but nevertheless delightful. I just love to hear children sing. I loved listening to them talk as they told their stories. This group is well looked after. This institution places the children in a family environment with 8 other children and a "house mother" who helps care for them. Also, in the village are classrooms, medical clinics, a nursery school, teachers homes, playgrounds, and churches. It was quite interesting. Mostly, I loved the children.
Highlight #5
A couple of the end of winter flowers
I am constantly amazed at the flowers that are blooming at the end of winter. Below you can see an orchid. It is the smallest orchid I have ever seen. It is about the size of the end of my finger. Frank O'Connell grows them in pots on his front porch. It is so delicate. Also, below you can see the lilies, I think, that are growing in my front yard. They grow wild all over the West Coast.


It is just starting into spring and many plants are beginning to bloom. I find myself taking my camera when I go for my morning walk. Everyday there is something new blooming. This has been the most amazing winter we have ever spent. We have only had 2 or 3 days of frost. We are into September now and it has been rainy a lot. They say that September is one of the rainiest and it is doing so today. We are blessed to be living on the West Coast and only felt the tremors of the earthquake in Christchurch almost 2 weeks ago. When Merle woke me up I told him to quit shaking the bed. I had been dreaming that I was on a ship and the rolling from the quake felt like it should be. But the creaking of the flat and the rolling of the bed went on for over a minute; it seemed longer when we were in it but it was not. They keep talking of the "Big One" that is supposed to be coming. I pray that it waits until we are home. It is supposed to be 10 times stronger than the Christchurch Quake and it is supposed to be close to this coast. We have our Emergency Packs ready to go and so we are sort of prepared. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear!"

So we will go on about our work and enjoy our time here in this beautiful land.

Being Fed In Christchurch

Last week we were able to have a new adventure. Elder Hamula of the Area Presidency was doing a mission tour and our Zone joined with the Christchurch Zone. It was great. We were able to go to Christchurch via Arthur's Pass and come home via Lewis Pass. It was a beautiful day when we left for Christchurch. We stopped in Greymouth for Merle to get a haircut. We stopped along the way to take pictures.
Arthur's Pass used to be more winding than it is now. They built this viaduct so the road would not have to wind via switch back up the mountain side. We stopped near the top so I could take this picture but I had quite an adventure to get to where I could take the picture. I opened the door to get out and there was a Kea at my feet. I screamed, and slammed the door. Then the Kea lit on the bonnet of the car and trotted up to the windshield right in front of me. I was a basket case and my dear husband was laughing. Then he got out with the movie camera to take pictures of this brave bird.

This is the car next to us and Merle followed the Kea and another fellow as the Kea explored the parking lot. They are persistent, smart, and tough birds. Their beak is a hooked beak and their claws are enormous. They have been known to tear a car apart as they go for the rubber--around the windscreen, and the wipers and rubber underneath the car. Last night there was an article in the newspaper about how clever these birds are. A psychology researcher studied the birds and found them to be great problem solvers. The Kea is a New Zealand alpine parrot. They are quite beautiful. The have a beautiful red under their wings. But as you know I would only watch them from a distance.
The day before we left for Christchurch it had snowed a metre at the top of the pass. It is so beautiful. This picture was taken along the way. The snow is right at the tops of the mountains and there are ski hills back there. We saw many cars coming out from a grand day of skiing. I know my brother and his son would love to go there sometime.
As we drove along and were coming down the Christchurch side of the pass we saw people out building snowmen. I snapped this one. He had a tie and a cap and a black nametag. I thought it looked like a missionary snowman and the next day the Greymouth Elders showed me their snowman they had made. I was right--it was a missionary snowman right along the road.
We arrived in good time to the Ormsby's. We were blessed to stay here for 2 nights. Because we were a little early we decided to see if we could find the Chapel and how long it would take us to get there the next morning. It was about 25 minutes from this lovely place to the Stake Centre in Christchurch. The Ormsby's live on an acreage in West Melton. It is a beautiful home. The Ormsby's are a lovely family. They have 2 children, Sarah who is 3 and Jaden who is 13 weeks. It was lovely to stay with a family with children. Sarah latched on to Elder Archibald and took him around their home and told him stories and played games with him. Then it was my turn. She had trouble saying our names so when she wanted us she would say, "Missionaries, Missionaries!" Then whatever she needed. I went to her room and she showed me all her pictures in her Disney Princess Room. Then she read me stories. She didn't want me to read to her, she wanted to read to me. She told the parts of the story that she liked and skipped the rest. When I tried to read she said "No, I will read and you listen!" We had pasta for supper and she loves pasta, but not vegetables. She wanted more and more pasta but only got one serving of seconds until the veggies were eaten. After tea we had scripture reading--Sarah reads one verse each night and she is getting to recognize some of the words like "and it came to pass." She kissed us good night and said she would see us in the morning.
Here is Sarah. She is helping me get ready to go to the Zone Conference. She was very curious about what we were doing. I could hear her from the other room saying to her mother "What are the missionaries doing?" She came back to check and I had a shadow while I finished getting ready. Then we were off.
Beside the Stake Centre is a park called Mona Vale. This is it. The Church used to own this land too but sold it to someone who established a park here. It is so serene in the middle of the city. We were the first ones at the chapel and so I did a bit of wandering. It is just ending winter and so there are not many flowers out but the river is so pretty and the trees and shrubs have new buds on them. There are benches to sit on and beauty to partake of. It was breathtaking.

This is a picture of Elder and Sister Hamula. They live in Auckland now with their 2 youngest children--Jared and Joseph who are 15 year old twins. He is in the Area Presidency. It is a treat to learn at the feet of a general authority. At Zone Conference Sister Jolliffe spoke about her favorite song "How Great Thou Art" and told how much she appreciates the "little bits" that are in the world such as birds, and flowers, and songs. She told of an experience she had when they first got chooks. She had a coop for them and at night they would go out to gather in the chooks. The chooks weren't ready to be gathered and it took them hours. Then after they had had them a while she went out just before dusk and the chooks had gathered themselves in the coop. They were ready to be gathered. She also spoke about clay. You can work out the mistakes as long as it hasn't been fired. Isaiah 64:8 "But now, o Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." She reminded us that it won't be until judgment day that we are fired. President Jolliffe spoke a little about obedience. He told the missionaries that he was so glad that we are obedient and that we would be blessed because of that obedience. Sister Hamula spoke next. She spoke of the importance of showing gratitude. Gratitude alters the experience. She remembered fondly of an experience she had with President Hinckley when he came to Arizona for a visit. He got up to express thanks and didn't just do a blanket thank you. He expresses thanks for all parts of the meal--the bread, the meat, the salad, the flowers. As he expressed thanks for each bit he said a little about it like the bread reminded him of his mother's homemade bread. She suggested we make a log of what we are grateful for and spoke of Elder Bednar's talk about having a Prayer of Gratitude. We had surely been fed this morning.
Elder Hamula was our next speaker. When you see yourself as unable to do something then you can't do it. That is so true. He reminded us not to be an Eeyore. Do not forget the miracles that have brought you to where you are in your life. He asked "Do you see the land you are called to serve in as a "Land of Milk and Honey" or do you see it as "full of giants". We need to be as Caleb and Joshua. Stories in the Bible have spiritual relevance to what we are doing today. He told us of the need to be obedient with exactness. We need to be humble and realize who knows best. Be mindful of "Well, we shall see." Lucifer is always watching to see if we can be taken down. We learned that it is through diligence and obedience that we gain knowledge and intelligence. We learned many things this day. All things we teach hinge on the Plan of Salvation. After we had been spiritually fed for the morning we were physically fed.
Here you can see the line of Sisters and Elders for the food. A Maori couple had prepared the meal and had steamed it in baskets--called a hangi. It was good. There were almost 40 people to eat. That is way different than when the Nelson Zone of 10 meets.
It was nice to see some other sisters. Here is Sister Tauiliili from Samoa and her companion Sister Bwebwetara from Carabas. Sister Jolliffe and Sister Hamula are also in the picture. Sister Tauiliili knows our nephew Nathan Tanner. She says her brothers taught him how to speak "real Samoan". She spoke very good English.

After the very good meal we had a Zone Picture taken. I will include it in the next post as the President hasn't sent it yet. After the meal Elder and Sister McIntire and Merle and I met with Elder Hamula. He just wanted to get a feel for what we were doing and how we felt about our mission. He was very interested in my connection with New Zealand. When I told him I had a scanned copy of my grandfather's missionary journal he got excited and asked if I would be interested in sending him a copy. He said some people are putting together a history of the Church in New Zealand and are wanting as much information as possible to make the history authentic.

That evening we were able to attend a fireside. That too was was excellent. We were exhausted when we arrived back at the Ormsby's. We followed President Ormsby and so did not have to figure out how to get back to his place we just followed. It had been a great 2 days.



When we got ready to leave the Ormsby's we saw this bird that had made a nest in the middle of their lawn. It was kind of like a Killdeer but larger. If you went to go towards the nest she would act like she was injured and lead you away from the next. Also, it didn't sound like a killdeer. There are many, many birds in New Zealand. It is an awesome country.


Above are winter flowers for our Chapel. Nature is truly a manifestation of God's great creations.

Mold--What's That/ QUEEN CHARLOTTE DRIVE

At home you hear talk of mold but I had honestly never seen any in homes, just what grew on old food in the fridge. Here in New Zealand it is a real problem. When we do flat inspections we check for mold but I had never really seen any that I recognized. Now my eyes have been opened and I see it everywhere. We even had some growing in our cupboard above the stove. There is no fan there and the steam rises up the cupboard. We have cleaned it and now it is good. When we did our flat inspection in Blenheim the last time we noticed mold growing in a bag of flour. Then we got to inspecting closer and there was black mold on the wall where they hung their clothes to dry before they got the drier. There was even some in the bathroom on the ceiling and walls. Well we put our work clothes on and the elders put their work clothes on and we went to work. Now the Blenheim flat is mold free. Hopefully, it stays that way. After working Elder Archibald cooked pancakes for Elder Hill and Elder Kavaefiafi. He even did scrambled eggs.
After breakfast, we departed and headed for an adventure on our way home. We went to Havelock and drove the Queen Charlotte Drive in the Marlborough Sounds. It was so beautiful.
Merle had a treat this day as I did the driving and he was the tourist. We traveled this road through the sounds from Havelock to Picton. Sometimes we could stop and look around. We saw the port at Picton where ships come in and out of. This is also where the ferry comes connecting the North Island to the South Island.

This is the map of our drive. After we drove this we headed South to Blenheim and then on to Kaikoura. We had never driven this way before and wanted to see new country. At Ohau Point there is a fur seal colony. For miles along the road there are seals resting on the rocks. I am not sure how they get on top of some of the rocks. Also, some of the inquisitive pups have started swimming up the Ahau Stream to a pool at the base of a 30-metre waterfall while their mothers are out at sea fishing. They are so fun to watch.

Then we journeyed on and came over Lewis Pass back to Westport. It was a fun day of work and sightseeing. We were going to stay somewhere overnight but we were close enough to home we just drove on home. We are sure blessed to be able to serve in this beautiful land. I can see why grandma loved it so. We were in her stomping grounds today.

Shrek and Princess Fiona

At the end of July our small branch held a Mid-Winter Medieval Festival. We were to all dress in costumes such as what they wore back then. We were also to bring a plate. My costume box is non-existent here in New Zealand and I wracked my brain for what Merle could dress as. I finally came up with an idea, but it included my clothes. He would have a large shirt over some tight pants like the pages dressed in the Medieval Times. He had problems with the shirt as it buttoned on the opposite side to what he is used to. I had seen pictures on the internet. That night as he was getting ready, I laughed until tears ran down my cheeks. He was so cute. I thought it was great and he was such a good sport.
However, one of the sisters thought he reminded her of Shrek. Notice, the broomstick. That is his horse and he is ready for the jousting competition. The children really didn't get the jousting, they just wanted to whack each other with the noodles. We had also bought a piece of foam and made 5 swords. They were the hit of the evening with the children and they were not lethal.
We had many games for the children. Above, you can see them getting ready for the wheelbarrow race. You can see Levi, Kahn, Lydia, Thea-Rose, Bailey, Nathaniel, Amelia, and missing is her partner Jake. The children had so much fun and when the adults did boring things like singing and visiting the children went outside and played their own games. All the children went home that night and told their parents how much fun they had had at the Church.
Here I am with Thea Williams, who is the Activities Chairperson. She couldn't stop laughing that night. She had planned such a fun activity. She said that perhaps she could never take "President Archibald" seriously again as she would forever picture him in costume. In fact she woke up the next morning giggling at the image.
The above picture might be another reason she was giggling. You can see "Shrek" and Sir Reginal. Reg went into the grocery store where his grand-daughter works and went up to her till. She was so embarrassed that she knew this man. Gina has it recorded on video. What a grand pair to participate so fully in the evening.

Above is on picture of many of the group. for my memory there is on the front Thea Rose, Thea, Bonnie, Joy, Bev, Maraea, Levi, myself, and Kahn. On the back there is Ann, Steve, Peter Stack. Jonny, Brian, and Elder Archibald.

We had such fun together this night. We sang old songs, played games, visited and ate. To go into the eating portion of the evening we played the Grand Old Duke of York--kind of like a folk dance we do at home, the Virginia Reel. Some people had even gotten recipes of food from the period--steamed pudding, something with cabbage and mashed potatoes, drumsticks, and mutton. There was other normal food as well.

It was a grand night. We had 3 less actives and 7 non-members in attendance. It is helping to grow our small branch.

This and That!

When we shifted here we wondered what to do with the garbage. Many people hire "Clean Green Bin". We put our garbage in the bin and when it is full we call "Clean Green Bin" and they pick up the bin and give you a new one. Merle being the bargain hunter that he is learned quickly that if he did the "Garbage Stomp" we only had to get a new bin every two months. Also, each Tuesday the town comes by and picks up recycling plastics and paper. That lessened the amount that was going in the "Green Bin". So above you can see Merle doing the "Garbage Stomp". The first time I saw this I laughed and laughed and forgot to take a picture, but I was prepared last time. It costs $13.oo to get the bin dumped and it is going up to $14.oo next month. We can get 2 months out of a bin. That is pretty economical.

We have purchased a digital projector and speakers so we can show free movies at our building. Last week was our first movie. We showed "Suits on the Loose". We made buttered popcorn and waited for guests. The Elders were up from Greymouth and did some inviting and we did also. We had 6 active branch members that didn't come. We had 4 non-members come and one inactive sister come. We also had others from the branch. In total we had 17 people at our movie night. It was a great success. There was also heaps of socializing done after the movie and we are going to continue to have these activities. Tomorrow the District Presidency is coming for a visit and they suggested an activity tonight. Since it is Pioneer Day at home we are going to show Legacy. With the projector we can make it large screen. People who have been to the theatre here say our picture and sound is better than the theatres and we have popcorn. Can you believe a theatre without popcorn? We have again invited many people and hope for a great turnout again tonight. I love Legacy.

Here you can see Trevor, our friend and investigator, holding his wife's rock. She is like Mom and loves rocks and collects them as she walks on the beach. She found this rock one day on the beach. Trevor carried it for a while then walked back for the vehicle and drove back to get the rock. It is quite heavy. I can understand Sue's fascination with rocks--there are many beautiful stones and rocks on the beach. I have even started my own collection. I am just not sure how I will get them home with weight restrictions. Maybe I'll mail them. Can you just hear Merle when I try to get some of them home?

This is Sue with her Taro. It is just massive. She does a lot of cooking with the Taro and will share with us. The elders were impressed with her stand of Taro and she gave them some starts to take to Greymouth. They are going to give it to President Kinikini as he has Taro, but the elders say it is not nearly so big. Granity has a better climate than Greymouth. Sue and Trevor say it never freezes there. Can you believe how green it is for mid winter?
We are truly blessed with our abundance of friends and family and health and the gospel.

Memories with the Marvelous Missionaries

We have learned that Monday is a fun day for all the young missionaries in our Mission. They do their studies until 10 a.m. and then they are able to do things that need to be taken care of. One of their most important things to do is email--they save their money so they can go and do emails. Internet access is free at most libraries but they have to book in a time and are limited to 1 hour. So most opt to go to an internet cafe where they have to pay for time. They also use the computer to do photos and update their ipods with good music and talks from conferences. They are very good with what they need to do. Another things that they do is play sports--favorites here in New Zealand are touch rugby and basketball. They also play soccer and grid-iron. As I have watched rugby I am impressed with the athleticism of the players. Some of the missionaries in our zone played rugby before their missions and they have massive leg muscles and are in great shape. They run each morning before they shower and eat and study. They are dedicated young men. One day they met in Westport to do exchanges and play. We have a field just down the street. After playing for a while they walked to the library. They met the gentleman in the photo below. He told them he was a "War Lord". He obliged them by standing with them in a photo taken by Elder Booth.
In the photo are Elder Mataupu, Elder McLean, Elder Berryman, "War Lord", Elder Tamale, and Elder Fullmer. This is on Palmerston Street in Westport. Elder Archibald and I have seen many men with a lot of hair on their faces. The missionaries stand out because we are clean cut and smiling. On days other than P day they have on their white shirts and ties and dress pants. So I guess we do stand out.
This photo is taken in the Nelson flat. It was on a P day. This time the Blenheim Elders were in Nelson to help out with evening appointments. The Nelson Elders had over-booked themselves because 2 were being transferred the following Thursday. In this photo you can see Elder Booth, a friend from Nelson, Elder Mataupu, Elder Hill, Elder Tamale, a friend from Blenheim, and Elder Kavaefiafi. They had just finished a day of sports and we were there to inspect vehicles and the flat. Wow, when they know we are coming they have their flat in ship shape.
In order for the flat to have hot water for the shower the hot water tank uses propane. Every time we go to Nelson we fill the 4 bottles and hope it lasts until the next time we are there. We are hoping to get a large tank put in at the back of the flat so that it is checked regularly and serviced by a professional who checks the tank and tops it up on a regular basis. In order to get to the back of flat we had to clear a pathway and so had to move the 4X4 and boat and small trailer. The elders wondered how this could be done as we had no keys for the boat and ute. Elder Archibald said, "Testosterone, boys!" They laughed but everything was moved safely. Above you can see Elder Berryman, Elder Hill, Elder Archibald (without the tie), Elder McLean, Elder Mataupu, and Elder Fullmer. Elder Archibald is not much of a rebel but has difficulty wearing the tie when it is not necessary. It chokes him. He does wear it when we are at meetings and appointments. We even have an emergency tie in the car.
Last week we were able to do flat inspections. We went back to the Nelson flat for pictures the next morning as Elder Mataupu and Elder Tamale are being transferred. Merle and Elder Mataupu have developed quite a bond and it was a sad day for all. But we are excited to see their growth. Elder Mataupu is going to Wanganui. Then Elder Archibald and Elder Booth and myself. Elder Tamale is going to the "Hutt" and will be close to his little brother--10 minutes away from each other. He hasn't seen his little brother since he came out November, 2008. Elder Tamale is going to be companions with Elder Pitcher from Cardston. Elder Tamale has been in Nelson since January, just after we got here. Elder Mataupu has been in Nelson since the end of February. They are great missionaries. In our mission we have several sets of brothers. Elder Mataupu's older brother in in Queenstown. I am getting to know the names and how to say them. There are lots of islanders and their names have many vowels. You just have to let it flow without really thinking.
We hadn't told a joke, Elder Archibald was just checking the fabric in their shirts. This is in the Blenheim flat. You can see Elder Hill, Elder Archibald, and Elder Kavaefiafi. Their flat was pretty clean except for the mold. We have to go back and help them take care of that little problem. They were hungry when we got their--had a kitchen full of fresh veggie but didn't know what to do with them so Elder Archibald taught them a little. We also went to the Bin Inn and got ingredients for them to make hot cereal and taught them how to do that. At least they can have a healthy breakfast. We had planned to do a little touring after the flat inspection but the rain clouds were moving in so we came home--I even drove most of the 3 hours home.
This photo is taken at Greymouth. What a nice setting for their chapel! On the sign you can see Elder Tamale, Elder Berryman, Elder Fullmer and Elder McLean. It had turned out to be a beautiful day. When we arrived in Greymouth in the morning it was so cold. A wind blows down the Grey River. They call it "The Barber" as its chill can cut you to the bone. But around noon the wind quit and it was a really fine day. The picture below is of Elder Tamale and Elder Berryman. Elder Tamale started his mission in Greymouth many months ago and he loved it there. He was also able to come up to Westport once a month for a week to help with the work here. He probably won't get back here before he goes home and he was loving this last time where he started his mission. I asked him if he saw more of New Zealand on his mission or when he lived at home in Auckland. He said in Auckland they never go south except to go to the temple. He was glad to be able to serve in New Zealand. His mom lives in Auckland and his father lives in Australia. Island people don't really travel much to see the sights. I think the Elders see more of New Zealand than the people who live right here. Most of them make sure they see what there is to see in each of their areas.
We are so blessed to be able to serve here in this beautiful land. We are having rich experiences.

Wonderful Winter Wonderland

We are constantly amazed by the beauty of the winter we are experiencing. The cows are able to eat green grass all through the winter. At least where we are. The last 2 days this week Westport has had the high temperature for all of New Zealand. On this "post" I am going to share some of the beauty that we are experiencing. As is usually the case it is even more beautiful in person. Many people think of New Zealand as one of the south sea islands. It is in the south seas but is not as tropical as many people think it is. Today we were 17+ Celcius. We have had a few frosts but the only snow we have seen is in the mountaintops. Further south there has been heaps of snow. We feel very blessed to be able to serve our mission here in this "Garden of Eden".

This picture was taken a few weeks ago. The pine trees at the bottom of the picture had turned yellow and the last time we were by the needles had fallen off. We'll see if the needles reappear in the spring.
This pretty little bush is almost in full bloom. It is in the bed by our chapel. I have been watching as each week more and more blooms have appeared. The pink blossoms are so delicate. Can you believe this is winter time. Where we live in Westport is as far south from the equator as Glenwood is north of the equator. Wouldn't I love to be able to grow this beautiful bush at home.

They tell me this is a Camilla Tree. They are just starting to bloom here. It is just amazing!
This stand of bamboo is being cut down so that Jim can see his back yard. We were just amazed at how thick the stand grows. We commented to others about this and apparently this is how it grows. They say it is easy to grow--just take a stem and plant it in damp soil. You have to burn the roots out or it will come back even thicker than before.

The picture above is Sue's taro. She lives in Granity and can grow anything that she grew in Samoa. She likes the climate in Granity as she can grow her plants but does not have to put up with the intense heat. Sue has amazing plants in her yard.
There are not a lot of wild, four-legged creatures here. But there are heaps of birds. As many of you know I am not a great fan of birds but there are many beautiful ones here in New Zealand. Above you can see a rare wood pigeon. It is huge and so pretty.
We have seen many beautiful sunsets and here is one we saw this past week. In the distance you can see the Tasman Sea--the shiny bit between the trees. It is so beautiful here as you can see.