G’Day (again)
Last week we had an assignment in Hamilton. Hamilton is an important site for the Church
in NZ. It is home to the first NZ temple
built in 1958. It is also the site of a Church school together with dormitories
and support buildings all completed by labor missionaries during the 50’s and
60’s. The school has been closed and is
scheduled for demolition which has been controversial. In addition, it is the primary site for the
activities surrounding LDS apostle Matthew Cowley well known by both members
and non-members alike for his dedication to the Māori people.
There are now 3 missions in NZ; Auckland, Hamilton, and
Wellington (the South Island).
Our first stop was the mission office. It was fun to talk with the senior (we seem
to use these term often) missionary couples serving there. We talked with the Labrums who at one time
lived in the Cottonwood Heights area. Kent
Labrum shared office space as a CPA with
Paul Kasteler. Their children attended
Brighton High with several of our kids.
Their son Justin and his family are in Becca’s ward. Small world!!
We then visited with a wonderful woman, Rangi Parker. She has been collecting and cataloging the Church
history of New Zealand, focusing on missionaries who have served here. The church is in the process of constructing a
museum to house her work. Her collection
includes valuable journals and pictures dating back to the first missionaries
in NZ. Many missionaries have and
continue to contribute. Her latest
addition was a picture of the Wallaces so when our grandchildren’s children
arrive in NZ, they will have an historical reference. This may be our “Andy Warhol” fifteen seconds
of fame!!
Rangi has a strong love of the gospel, and since a terrible
car accident, has devoted her time to this work. She told us a few faith promoting stories
from journals and some of the miraculous events that have led her to connecting
with these missionary families. She used
to be a well-known singer, and before we left she sang a beautiful song for us
about New Zealand. We hope to visit her
often. She
really touched our hearts!
Across from the temple is the Visitors Center. We met the
mission president’s wife, Sister Rudd, and the directors of the center, Elder
and Sister Hawkins. The Hawkins and two
other couples have been in NZ under 6 months, so we had a lot in common. We are all adjusting, but it seems to be
getting easier.
Yesterday we were introduced to the “wood carver”. He and his family moved to NZ from
Bethlehem. He does incredible carvings
from the wood of the Kouri tree. Certain
Kouri trees date back 800 – 1,500 years.
Before coming here he did carvings made from olive wood. The couple we
were with, the Arveseths,who are headed home in 2 weeks, purchased nativities for their children. We also drove to Piha Beach. Piha is on the Tasman Ocean side of the
island and world famous for international surfing competitions. The sand is black is color due to the
proximity of ancient volcanic activity. The beach is known for “Lion’s
Rock”. This large rock shaped like a lion
adds to the amazing landscape of this beautiful beach.
It sounds so beautiful. Where are the Hawkins' from? My maiden name is Hawkins. We are busy and have met about 1/3 of our less actives. The actives like to invite us for visits which take up some time but are very appreciated. They give us the branch history which helps somewhat.
ReplyDeleteMy brother Wade was in the stake presidency with Charlie Rudd (mission president) in Hamilton for almost 10 years. Great guy. I've golfed with Charlie quite a few times.
ReplyDelete