Monday, May 6, 2024

May 5, 2024

Waiheke Island



April 25 was Anzac Day – similar to our Veteran’s Day – a national holiday.  Paul spearheaded a trip to Waiheke Island for all who wanted to go.  We drove to Devonport (rather, we went in another couple’s car – we’re still striving to gain confidence driving on the wrong side of everything).  We boarded the ferry and enjoy the pleasant, cloud covered day.  


The few homes we saw seemed modest in spite of their 20-million-dollar purchase price.  Apparently, Waiheke Island boasts 21 more days of sunshine per year than Auckland.  

Activities with these fabulous missionaries are always delightful.  They’ve lived incredible lives and continue to make a great mark in the world.

Pampas Grass!!  I felt like I could have been in Southern Utah for a moment.  The fall variety looks familiar.  We’re told the spring Pampas Grass seems much more native to New Zealand.  I’ll find out about that in October.


The beaches possess their own beauty.


Two of those pricey homes lay hidden in the hillside.  

The steep stairs presented no challenge for this seasoned group.


The trail art was rather interesting.


Breathtaking scenery!


New Zealand vigorously traps rodents.  The threatened Kiwi birds lay eggs on the ground, unprotected.  Those eggs provide a nice meal for rodents.  The government tries to protect the kiwi eggs by eliminating the mice and rats.  We saw a handful of these traps.


Three plus hours later we walked into the sweet beach town of Oneroa and enjoyed lunch outside on the patio

I had to walk along the sandy beach and feel that cool water on my feet.

This beautiful flower hung outside the restaurant.

The close-up view revealed it’s delicate nature.


We enjoy the diverse vegetation.


Tuesday evenings I attend English Connect class.  The communications missionaries teach the lessons and welcome all who want to help with discussion time.  We begin the class with prayer.  Students are invited to leave after the closing prayer if they choose to do so before a young missionary shares a scripture and spiritual thought.  I’ve never seen anyone leave.

The teachers in the beginning class need most of the help.  Many of the students come from Asia, some from South America.  I love seeing families learning together, though the teens are basically fluent upon entering the classroom.

I felt drawn to Yolong and Leticia, from China.  She’s lived here for a few years and speaks English fluently.  They married one year ago and she finally obtained a VISA for him.  He works as an UBER driver.  Leticia is patient and I push Yolong a little harder.  In many ways he reminds me of my son Thomas.  His nature is easy-going, he’s tall and slender, and his eyes light up when he smiles.   I open my scripture APP for them to read at the close of class.  I then ask Yolong to please read it aloud again.  When the Mandarin speaking Elder attends, he also shares his Book of Mormon with Yolong.  Leticia commented on the missionary’s excellent Mandarin.  He is one of the first to complete a Chinese dual immersion program from Utah. 


Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings members and missionaries join in casual matches of pickleball.  This provides a wonderful opportunity for social and physical interaction.  


Denise (far right) is a local member who never misses pickleball night.  She claims her health has rapidly improved since joining the action. 

 

We just completed week three in New Zealand.  The training feels a little easier with each passing day.  Paul is a marvelous “boss” and so compassionate with the “greenies”.  Truthfully, the entire legal team continues to cheer on our progress and adjustment to the Pacific Area Office.  Failure is not possible with this many cheerleaders.  



 

No comments:

Post a Comment