Sunday Afternoon

June 29, 2014

Auckland Pier and a Saturday Stroll

Greetings All,

It is Sunday afternoon and we have just finished the most intense and gratifying week since our arrival. There has been a “dearth of blogging in the land” primarily due to our intense involvement in a previously mentioned event, YSA to Parliament.  At this point, please go to following web address:

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.nz/article/mormonism-in-pictures--mormon-and%C2%A0catholic-young-adults%C2%A0visit-new-zealand-parliament

The article is entitled “Mormonism in Pictures: Young Adults Discuss Faith, Family and Religious Freedom at New Zealand Parliament”.  In attendance were 25 LDS youth, 15 Catholic youth, Sister Catherine Jones of the Wellington Archdiocese, Area President Kevin Pearson, 2 senior couples and 5 public affairs directors.  It was a two day event, Tuesday and Wednesday. Carol and I together with the other senior couple and directors arrived Monday.  That day was spent purchasing $5,200 worth of items for the service project as well as renting four vans.

Rangitotto, an extinct volcano in the Auckland Bay

View of Auckland from the 850 foot high crater peak

Most arrived Tuesday morning which meant airport pick up of 25 youth coming from all over New Zealand. After a Pizza Hut lunch ($5 pizza is alive and well), we completed a service project where 400 hygiene kits were assembled for the Wellington Men’s Night Shelter (see last pictures in the article). 

That afternoon and at the invitation of our Catholic friends, we toured the Wellington Cathedral and had a presentation from Caritas, a Catholic humanitarian group and one of several around the world.  Very impressive.  During the presentation, the Archbishop of Wellington, His Excellency John Drew came in and spent some time with the group. (I asked him if he knew Mike Bunnell and Jim MacInnis, two famous Utah Catholic golfers and former England employees. No response but he said he would pray for them.  I guess he got my drift.)

Then an early evening Chinese buffet for 51.  Thereafter, off to attend a 7:00PM devotional where two youth speakers (one from each group, Catholic and LDS) as well as Sister Catherine Jones and Elder Kevin Pearson addressed the gathering.   On to mass housing at the local youth hostel.  By the way youth everywhere are the same.  After the devotional, late night run to McDonalds ($1 large Diet Coke during the World Cup) as well as junk food at the local Pak ‘n Save, the NZ food equivalent of Costco.

The next day was spent entirely at Parliament.  The article and pictures speak for themselves. During the morning session and in the Grand Hall, various members of Parliament (MPs) spoke to the group including the Speaker of the House.  We were then treated to a guided tour of the facilities which are steeped in British tradition. As noon arrived, we hosted lunch and were addressed by John Key, current NZ Prime Minister (the NZ equivalent of President) and David Cunliffe, his September 20^th opponent for re-election.  Please see the “selfie” with one of our kids and imagine President Obama doing the same.

 The day was concluded by viewing a one hour Parliamentary debate while seated in the upper gallery.  For those unfamiliar, this consists of world class jeering and shouting between the party in power, the Nationalist Party and their would be successors complete with everything but a food fight.  One MP even got tossed out, a rare event.  According to those in the know, it was especially intense since the election is about 80 days away.

We then brought all to the airport in winds described as “gale force”.  Wellington, the capital, sits at the south end of the north island.  The two islands are separated by the Cooke Strait.  Because of this location, it is known as “windy Wellington”, a name clearly deserved as we experienced.

We are settled and life is good.  It is winter here but temperatures are mild, thus far daytime in the high 50s, low 60s. It seems new senior couples are arriving every other week, assigned to various capacities including executive secretary to the Area President, assistant legal counsel, Infield Service Representative and a seminaries and institutes couple.  Quite a group and while only here now for a bit in excess of 4 months, we are fast becoming the “senior of the senior couples”.

We love and miss all.  4 down and 14 to go!!

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.