Sunday, June 1, 2014

Looking west toward Karekare Beach

It’s Sunday evening about eight o’clock translating to Sunday morning 2:00 AM where you are so I write this as you sleep.  Tomorrow, Monday, June 2^nd is the Queen’s birthday (that would be Elizabeth).  It is a national holiday.  The area office is closed and we have the day off.  Imagine being on a mission and having a day off.  Another anomaly versus being a 19 year old proselyting missionary and I must admit while nice, unexpected.

Last week was a full one.  In late June, we are organizing a Young Single Adult (YSA) to Parliament two day activity involving 25 LDS and 15 Catholic NZ YSAs in Wellington.  The highlight is a meeting with Prime Minister John Key, the NZ equivalent of President Obama. Other activities include observing a parliamentary debate and lunch with a number of MPs (members of parliament).  A service project for the Wellington Night Shelter for the Homeless will be completed as well.  

Inside the Parliamentary Chamber

Trappings of Power

 

Friday we spent the entire day in NZ capital organizing, logistics review, accommodation inspection, etc.   This is typical of our public affairs assignment.  In addition, we have invited the Archbishop of the Wellington Dioceses, John Dew and fully expect his participation, probably at the evening dinner.  This is typical of interfaith efforts in NZ.  You will see them much stronger in the future as people of faith band together in common interests. 

On May 26^th, Labor Party leader David Cunliff spoke to approximately 1,000 YSAs gathered in the Robertson Road Stake Center.  Mr. Cunliff is the equivalent to the Democratic  presidential nominee, the election to be held this fall.  He was invited by the Director of our Public Affairs Coordinating Council and accepted. (See a full article written by Carol and together with pictures on the website, www.mormonnewsroom.org.nz .)  One thing should strike you as highly unusual: a Church building being used for a quasi-political event.  Although not a political meeting but a devotional, still, even the slightest political association would not be allowed in the US.  Not in NZ apparently.  His speech was excellent.  Area Seventy Paul Coward spoke as well.  Mutual goals and objectives were identified.  A framed copy of the “Proclamation to the Family” was presented.  Read the article!!!

As stated in an earlier blog, we are completely settled in and very comfortable.  This includes attending a 98% Polynesian ward (man, you ought to hear these folks sing), taking the full-time missionaries assigned to the ward to a weekly dinner, driving on the left side of the road and locating an outlet mall.  New Zealand is as close to life in America as you could be anywhere in the world.

Yesterday (Saturday), we spent the day in Hamilton with 10 other senior couples, attending a temple session and visiting a famous ice cream parlor on the way back.  Another full day.

Today was fast Sunday.  The testimonies shared were so heart-felt.  The members truly embrace the Gospel.  A young man and his wife, who were baptized last week, shared their testimonies.  It was inspiring to hear of their conversion and what being a member means to them.  You realize how much we take for granted.  We hope we are making a difference in hastening the work, but one thing is certain, our lives will be changed forever.

Waterfall at Beach

That’s it for this report on the underside of the world where the next stop going south is Antarctica.  Winter is here, daytime temps in the mid-fifties, nighttime high thirties.

We miss you all.  We are now in our fourth month. Pictures of the Karekare Beach area and waterfall included.