July 1, 2015

Final Blog of the Mission!!

Hard to believe; however, the day of departure (July 25th) is fast approaching.  At the time of this writing, 24 days to be exact.  Where have 18 months gone?  To say the least, it has been a life altering experience.  As the anticipation grows, so do emotions associated with leaving great people and a wonderful country but being reunited with family again.

As previously described, we arrive July 25th in Los Angeles after an all-night flight, leaving Auckland 9:40 PM Saturday, arriving LA, 2:35 PM, Saturday (the day we lost coming over).  We then proceed to Newport Beach for a week with all of the family.  Great reunion time anticipated.

We have always desired to visit Sydney Australia before departing.  However, due to a variety of reasons, it was concluded not possible although still within the Pacific Area Public Affairs area (9,000 square miles).  Then fate intervened.  We were asked to go on assignment to Sydney to assist to the public affairs office.  (Please, “don’t throw me in the briar patch!”) These good couples are undergoing transition in offices, assignments and related logistics.

After three days at the Sydney service center, we took two personal days and with the assistance of Marriott reward points, toured one of the world’s greatest and certainly most cosmopolitan cities.

Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House

Kangaroo trying to read missionary badge.

Any of you boys remember Elder Thurman?
You say your great, great, great grandfather may have mentioned him?

Life in PA continues as we have become accustom.  In the coming weeks and months, the following will take place:

Time Out for Women event in Auckland; USS Mercy (hospital ship) coming to Papua New Guinea and Fiji; re-dedication of the Fiji Temple including cultural celebration and open house; BYU Living Legends performances early next year; Christmas lights at the Hamilton Temple; Auckland Symphony Orchestra Christmas performance with an LDS Choir; YSA and Parliament in Wellington; and the list goes on and on.

Just the next six months plus for PA assigned missionaries.

Since we are in the Area Office, the Presidency hosts a luncheon for departing missionaries.

At the far right is President Pearson, truly one of the most gifted speakers that Carol and I have ever witnessed. Elder Nielsen and his wife Wendy are on the left.  These men are exceptional.  The experience has been life changing.

Well, the next time we communicate, it will be in person!!  We can then bore anyone willing to listen with pictures and tales.

See you soon.  All our love and well wishes.

E/S Keith and Carol Wallace