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.

 

Mother's Day in New Zealand



 

 

 

It's Sunday, May 11, 2014 here in New Zealand, Mother’s Day and a bright, beautiful day.  As you know, it’s Saturday at home so we are celebrating one day early depending on your perspective.  We attend the Glen Innes ward, a suburb of Auckland where the congregation is 98% Polynesian; great people, great spirit and hugs together with cheek kisses for greetings.  Just envision that in your home ward.

Yesterday, we flew to Wellington, capital of New Zealand, for a training session with multi-stake directors of public affairs.  Public affairs is foreign to most members in Salt Lake since for the most part, the Church handles all issues.  However, outside Salt Lake it is a vital part of Church relationships intra- country and more specifically with governmental, media and community opinion leaders.  This is accomplished through local members since as missionaries, we are gone in 18 months and the relationships are ongoing.

Dedication of the local leadership is truly inspirational.  For example, our director for Wellington and the South Island is Sister Riwai-Couch.  Sister Couch, maiden name McDonald of Scottish descent, is the mother of five, a middle school principal, Phd candidate, wife of a bishop and 11 year public affairs director.  The area seventy is President Thomson (yes, no “p” in Thomson for those with a critical eye), a bank officer and a delight.  Before beginning the training meeting, we met in the high council room with 6 stake presidents and the Wellington Mission President to review public affairs and solicit additional support.  Well received.

Last week we reviewed public affairs training provided to general authorities prior to General Conference.  Apostle L. Tom Perry is head of that committee together with Apostle Tad Callister.  Both are visionaries and see clearly the power of social media.  They spoke of the “millennial generation”, young adults between the ages of 18 – 35 who are less committed to the principals of faith but faithful to social media.  It is a tool to spread messages of faith which leads me to a second topic.

Public affairs primary mission is three-fold:  faith, family and religious freedom.  I have addressed the topic of religious freedom in a prior blog so I won’t bore you again save to state the Church is coming together with NZ faiths to form interfaith councils.  The idea is we have common interests, values and objectives.  To that extent, we should work together.  While we have theological differences, secularly, we have much larger battles to fight.  In June, a large NZ inter-faith council will be held in Dunedin.  We are also busy organizing inter-faith roundtables in various communities.

Today, Sunday, was somewhat unusual.  Carol and I spoke in Sacrament Meeting, then taught Gospel Doctrine (wow, never a dull day in the Old Testament) and then, due a sudden absence, taught   priesthood.  Full day.

On May 5^th, we celebrated our 44^th wedding anniversary by having dinner in the Sky Tower.  The Sky Tower is the tall, 722 foot monolith in the picture above on the right side.  The restaurant makes a complete circle every hour.  The attached pictures are from the observation deck taken through the windows and therefore, reflect some interior lights.

We miss you all but are both blessed and glad to be here.  As they say in NZ at the end of a conversation, “cheers”.

 

 

 

 

 



 

Auckland at Night

 

Easter Sunday

Today is Easter Sunday.  Hard to believe we have been missionaries almost two months now.  Our MTC date was February 24^th, the date from which all others have relevance!

 Easter in NZ is a national holiday in combination with Good Friday and the following Monday.  So, there is a four day period where virtually everything is closed.  Since we are serving in the Area Office and it is closed as well, we literally have a four day period of discretionary time which brings me to the subject of senior missionaries.

There are thirteen senior missionary couples in the Auckland area, six of whom office together with us on the fourth floor of the Area Office.  The assignments include public affairs (us and another couple), CES working with the young adults, welfare, a doctor, a psychologist, area legal counsel and his assistant and self –reliance.   The Auckland Mission office is just around the corner.  Two senior couples serve there and are very busy given growth in missionaries assigned to the area.

The Area Office includes approximately 55-60 full time Church employees as well as the Area Presidency.  It is located on the north shore in a suburb of Auckland named Takapuna, an upscale suburb at that.  I admit I never envisioned this type of an environment.  My vision included the austerities of a nineteen year old proselyting missionary in South Germany. (You California RMs can’t relate.)  Quite to the contrary.  New Zealand could not be more modern.  While more expensive by about 30%, every creature comfort you find at home is readily available in abundance.  As an example, the Area Office is across the street from Shores, a large upscale shopping mall including a food court.

Our day begins with a ten minute walk to the Area Office arriving at 8:30 AM.  We have a car but parking is for the most part unavailable.  The day typically concludes at 4:30 PM with an hour for lunch.  Frequently, we will pack a lunch and eat in the downstairs break room.  Our evenings and weekends are generally free unless we are on assignment which in the past has taken us to Christchurch, Hamilton (location of the temple) and in the near future to Wellington, the NZ capital.

During the day, we work on a variety of activities.  However, our primary effort centers on the Church pacific newsroom site,  www.mormonnewsroom.org.nz.  Please log on and amaze yourselves at all of the articles which for the most part are the effort of Elder and Sister Wallace.  I am sure a Nobel Prize in “literature for newsrooms” is in the offing although I have yet to hear from Sweden.  This could be reasonably compared with Obama’s Nobel Prize for Peace after less than one year in office but I digress.   In addition and from time to time, we plan for particular public events.  The next is a Young Single Adults to Parliament to be held in Wellington in May.  There, fifteen young adults from various stakes together with ten Catholic young adults will observe a parliamentary session , host a luncheon where Elder Kevin Pearson together a member of Parliament will speak and participate in a debate concerning religious freedom.

 Our ward assignment is Glen Innes, a suburb of Auckland.  The membership is mostly Polynesian.  These are some of the most kind and humble people on the planet.  We have two sets of missionaries and we alternate weeks taking them to dinner at – wait for this – Carl’s Jr.  I told you this place is “modern”.  By the way, three dollars NZ for a large diet coke at McDonald’s. 

Every month on a designated Sunday evening, the missionaries gather together with investigators and members for a “Come and See” meeting.  Tonight was the night.  These are held in a stake center, and both times we have attended, the entire chapel and recreation hall have been filled.  Two beautiful musical numbers were followed by testimonies of recent converts.  The convert from China gave an inspiring account of his journey to find the “truth”.  Our favorite part of the evening was listening to over 200 missionaries sing “I Stand All Amazed”.  The program ended with a video of a talk given by  Elder Holland on Christ and the Atonement.    

After two months, we are comfortable and settled.  While we miss family, friends as well as certain things at home, we feel an opportunity to make a contribution and look forward to the next sixteen months. 

Good friends and senior missionaries, Jim and Renee Arveseth went home last Friday.  There is a real camaraderie amongst the seniors and we dearly hated to see them go.  However, two new sets are due within the first week of May with four others departing in the next four months.  A real revolving door!

We hope all is well with you.  We appreciate your love and support.  Have a wonderful Easter.  Here is a short video we posted on the newsroom about the importance of this special day.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXrOG02NMB0

In case you haven’t seen the new video the Church produced this year ……

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3TI4bYerU

Elder and Sister Wallace, 

Keith and Carol

 

 

Hamilton Visit - April 3-4, 2014

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. 

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Carol and I have discussed the frequency of posting and determined when we have something pertaining to our calling and, in our view, of general interest, we will write. 

A public affairs calling raises the question, what do you do?  Having spent the better part of one month with the Public Affairs Director, Pacific Area, we are in a better position to understand as well as contribute. The Church together will all religions, Christian and non-Christian, face a strong rise in secularism.  This is especially strong in the current generation, i.e. those between the ages of 15 – 45. Secularism basically intends to disenfranchise religion and society.  Therefore, moral standards, the notion of right and wrong and similar traditional values associated with religion become degraded and those who champion them, in a pure sense, mocked or at the minimum, challenged.  All of us have witnessed these events historically and ongoing.  The Church has chosen to “fight” and we are not alone.  In New Zealand and primarily through the effort of public affairs activities, there is a three pronged approach:

1.       Build relationships with key opinion leaders both public and private.  Educate them as to our concerns and solicit their support.

2.       Build relationships with key members of the media.  Educate them as well.

3.       Work in tandem with other faiths through inter-faith organizations to promote common interests.

Our role is to engage, train and support priesthood leaders and their related stake organizations in these endeavors.  We are not the lead since we turn over every 18 months and these relationships must endure.

Last week, we traveled to Chirstchurch, the second largest city in NZ to meet with the Area Seventy and the Multi-stake Director of Public Affairs.  Our meetings were centered on the stake support of the objectives. The stake center is pictured above, a former estate purchased by the Church.  Truly beautiful and in the words of the mission president, “worth 8 missionaries”.

Christchurch is on the south island and approximately seven hundred miles south of Auckland. We traveled by air.  In September 2010, the city was hit with a 7.1 magnitude earthquake; however the epicenter was 40 miles to the west and while damage was sustained, no loss of life. Six months later, a second quake, 6.3 with the epicenter 2 miles below and almost centered on the central business district.  185 people lost their lives and the city was devastated. Seeing this firsthand is one of those experiences where the mood is tangible, a feeling of deep sadness and shock.  Imagine 80% of the buildings in downtown SLC either demolished or in such a state they would be fenced off and scheduled for demolition.  More than 15,000 aftershocks.

On Friday, between meetings, we drove to KaiKoura,  a spectacular beach city.  The views were breathtaking.  We did not have time to take a boat ride for the whale watch.  However, we were able to enjoy the company of several seals as we walked along the beach.  The topography in New Zealand is fascinating.  Flat, to rolling hills filled with cattle and sheep, to beautiful beaches. 

We fill so blessed to be serving here!  
Love and health to you all.

Finally we are posting!

March 22, 2014

 
 

Ga’ Day Mates,

Yes, the New Zealand and Australian word speak has been working its magic.  As I write this, it is Sunday, March 23^rd.  Since we crossed the International Date Line and given day light savings in the northern hemisphere, we are 19 hours ahead, i.e.  it is 6:30 PM here on the 23^rd and 11:30 PM on the 22^nd in Utah, just one of the many changes being 7,000+ miles away and only 3,000 miles from the southern tip of Antarctica. 

On the 24^th, we will have been missionaries for one month, having entered the MTC February 24^th.  The MTC was an interesting experience.  The Church treats seniors with a great degree of respect.  I guess they think you will break.  The reality is they acknowledge the sacrifice.  We attended with approximately 50 couples, 60% of which were called in their home stakes for member support.  Because our area includes the islands of Vanuatu and possible exposure to malaria, we took malaria training together with five other couples going to Liberia, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Papua New Guinea and Katmandu/Nepal.   Wow!!  The primary MTC focus is Preach My Gospel and missionary role playing.  It was worthwhile and a good transition to the new life.  We traveled between SLC and Provo every day.

We left SLC on March 1, 2:00 PM for a 19 hour trip to New Zealand, including 6, 50 pound bags and 2 carry-ons.  Thank heavens for Delta Medallion!  No baggage fees.  We flew to San Francisco, 4 hour layover, then 13 hours to New Zealand in a Boeing 747-400, economy class, arriving 6:30 AM, Monday the March 3^rd.  Brutal.  The couple we replaced was waiting with great big smiles … and the big adventure began.

In transition, the Church placed us in a nice hotel just around the block from the Area Office and Mission Office.  We were there for five days.  After the five day period, we moved into our apartment (flat in New Zealand), a nice two bedroom, two bath (shower) located within walking distance to the Area Office.  The apartment building contains 75 units in a 4 story structure, located in Takapuna, a North Shore, upscale suburb of Auckland.  We are on the 3^rd floor with an incredible view of downtown Auckland approximately 5 miles away. For the most part, the apartment was well furnished, at least 2 other senior couples having preceded us.  We have spent a considerable amount of time, however, getting situated including bedding, internet connection, etc.  I am pleased to announce we are there including the Vonage phone connection complete with our home phone number … yes that’s correct, you can dial 801-943-0745 on your home phone and reach us directly, no charge.  Additionally, Face Time works beautifully.  I intend to thank Steve Jobs at my homecoming.  Technology is an amazing thing.

We are public affairs missionaries working in the Pacific Area Office, a four story building owned by the Church which includes the Area Presidency as well as approximately 50 Church employees.  We report directly to Richard Hunter, the Director of Public Affairs for the Pacific which includes Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Fiji, approximately 9,000 square miles.  The mission of public affairs is to promote the Church with opinion leaders and media.  This is done through a variety of approaches including inter-faith councils, interaction with the New Zealand parliament, Mormon Helping Hands projects and website newsrooms.  Log on mormonnewsroom.org, click on International in the upper right corner, go to English – Pacific and there we are, updating almost daily.

Unless on assignment, our weekends are free.  Last weekend we stayed home because of a possible cyclone.  Luckily it missed our area but we did experience wind and heavy rain.  This weekend we set out for our first adventure.  We drove to Muriwai Beach.  It was breathtaking!  Muriwai beach is where the ganets (a beautiful white bird) nest on the rocks.  There were hundreds of them.  On the way home, we discovered a great little deli that serves the meat pies that are so famous here.  We tried a steak and cheese pie and a chicken, brie and cranberry.  New Zealand also has wonderful ice cream so we stopped by a place called “Phil”s” that serves fresh strawberry ice cream and smoothies.  They grow their own strawberries right next to the store.  Beach and food…..who could ask for more!!!