September 1, 2024

OGC goes to the temple in Hamilton

Pokeno.  Just before we enter Hamilton, Pokeno is now a required stop.  Ice cream is delicious in New Zealand.  This small town boasts a few simple shops along the main street with many flavor choices at a small price.  One senior couple declares stopping to and from the temple is the best tradition ever.  We met several people visiting NZ and heading to the temple also.

The Church College of New Zealand filled a great need in the country many years ago.  Inadequate education inspired leaders to begin the school which served Pacific Island students for fifty plus years.  The campus buildings were also used for countless community events.  In time, the country raised its level of education, and additional schools were not necessary.  Many were offended by the closure, hoping their children may also attend.  The buildings needed extensive renovations, including seismic requirements.  Costs would have been astronomical.   Time has not yet healed all wounds.  The Matthew Cowley Museum, located on the former campus, requires days to fully grasp and enjoy the exhibits.  Progress often challenges our personal wishes. 

The walk from the museum to the temple is serene and beautiful. 

 

Paul Rytting served as photographer, unseen, most of the OGC office traveled to Hamilton on a cloudy Friday Afternoon.  MacLennans stand in the back.  We are in front, Irene Rytting, Ruby Hugo (our amazing legal secretary) and Lily Sloan (service missionary from Auckland who serves in our office two days a week).

The New Zealand Botanical Green Houses boast unusual flowers and other plants.

The presentation is spectacular.  Peppers stand tall amid the floral bouquets.

Rick admires the variety, shapes, and colors of the greenhouse.

More peppers emerge from behind the flowers.

Note the striking color, shape, and texture of these lovely plants.

It was my honor, and a small miracle, to meet and interview Ruth Cross Kwansing while we were in Kiribati.  She had just started her campaign for Parliament.

I’ve been following her progress.  The candidate must win at least 50% of the vote to avoid the second round.  Only a few achieved that goal on the first voting day.  Ruth made the cut, the top six progressed to round two.  There were 22 candidates in her district.  

Ruth poses with members of her campaign team.

Ruth prevailed in the final vote.  Two other members of the church were elected, totaling seven members in the current Parliament.  This brilliant woman will provide marvelous service to her country.  Her extensive business and service experience will prove valuable.  She also shares her testimony easily and freely.  Kiribati is a God-loving country, and she fits into the political area beautifully.  I feel honored to call her my friend.

 

August 25, 2024

Bastian Point and Achilles Point

We’ve explored several outlying areas of Auckland.  Bastian point offers gorgeous coastal views and this vast park, perfect for families.

The peak reveals the monument to an earlier governor.  Notice the fresh fruit as an offering of remembrance. 

Well-kept grounds enhanced the reverence of the memorial location.

The ocean view beautified the spot also.

Rick always enjoys seeing a deserted military bunker.  Unfortunately, graffiti covered what should be a sacred site.

The pier at Achilles point offered a perfect view of Rangitoto Island.

Another lush island – we don’t know the name – always more places to explore.

The Māori flavor of several locations always delights us.

The beautiful homes in a serene neighborhood highlighted our walk to the point.  This is prime real estate.  It reminds us of Repulse Bay in Hong Kong.

Notice the huge window – the same size as the garage door.

Many homes were adorned with garden areas containing beautiful blooms.

The lovely beach view from the Achilles point pier.

We enjoyed our picnic lunch on that beach with children playing and families relaxing together in this remarkable spot.

Every child of every age raced to play on the rocks.  Parents and grandparents tried to monitor the youngsters but could rarely keep up.

Jack and Charlene Welsh are in the final days of their mission in Hamilton.  They served as our church group leaders in Jinan, China.  We’ve always looked up to them and appreciated their kind care of our entire group.  Rick went home sick and missed our dinner together with Welshes and Hutchinsons of Auckland.  He was the Medical Advisor when Bruce Hafen served as Pacific Area President.  When they saw my nametag, we were instant friends. 

Our chef created a steam chimney by stacking onion slices, then pushed them along the grill as he blew his train whistle.  Dinner was delicious and entertaining.  We treasure these wonderful friends.

 

 August 18, 2024

Trash Talk

New Zealand takes their trash seriously.  MaryAnne would be so proud.  Citizens are respectful of proper waste disposal.  I’ll share a few points we’ve discovered, thus far.  Mary, this post is for you!!

Our trash “room” is found in the basement carpark.

One must have a key fob to access the room.  Obviously, the owners don’t want just anyone dumping their trash in our special place.

Note the neat arrangement and organization of the varied trash receptacles.

A camera monitors this room.

Recycling is an important part of

New Zealand rubbish. 

Then, there is general rubbish.

We even have a special place for large pieces of cardboard.

Aha!  The pink-lined bin.  This holds all food, meat, and organic scraps.

The small, lined receptacle fits under our kitchen sink.  It stands about 10 inches tall, and we line it with the pink bags available everywhere.  We’re grateful they have developed a successful composting system.

We’re diligent about properly sorting our trash.  This bin seems to fill quickly as we eat so many fruits and veggies.

We also have bins in our apartment for general trash and recyclable items.  Taking out the garbage requires several hands and 14 flights of stairs.

Public parks require carrying out your own trash.  We seldom, if ever, see loose trash anywhere.  We have no idea the cost of fines for improper disposal of waste, nor do we want to find out.

This bin threesome is seen at all functions and several public places.  I’m amazed at how little odor accompanies any trash bins.  The pink-lined cans can become malodorous, but they are emptied so frequently.  We appreciate the sorting and reusing skills of the Kiwis.  We’ve learned a thing or two.

Kiribati.  Trash handling is different in this 3^rd world country.  These raised “baskets” line the lone street of the island.

Collections seem to occur a few times each week.

My good friends Letitia and Aaron Lin.  They attend English Connect class regularly. 

Now they will take off several weeks for a most important season:

Aiden Lin arrived July 26, 2024.  I asked her to consider using my grandson’s birthday.  She actually honored Hans by delivering on his special day.

Two weeks old – Aiden looks serene and resembles his Daddy.  We enjoy the English students.  I’m amazed at how quickly I become attached to these sweet people.   

Paul took the OGC office to the Hamilton temple Friday afternoon.  I can’t get there often enough.

We then met at a Mexican restaurant for dinner before the drive home.  There is very little Latino food here.  When someone finds a good place the word travels quickly.  Note Sister Sloan on the right.  She’s a service missionary from Auckland working with our office two days a week.  

 

August 11, 2024

Special Birthdays

Ramona celebrates her 96^th birthday on August 11.  We’re honored to be part of this amazing woman’s family.

Debbie Crane celebrates her birthday this week.  I’ll never reveal her age.  However, it’s one thing we share in common.  

Well-loved Uncle Matt enjoys an August birthday.  He’s flanked by his brothers Jeff and Kevin with nephew Trevor on his left. 

Are we in the desert again?  This unusual bloom stands out in a xeriscape landscaped yard near the entrance to Shakespeare Park.

The rolling hills of Shakespeare Regional Park.  We spend five days a week in an office, so we explore our surroundings every Saturday. 

 

The silver backed fern, a symbol of New Zealand.  The Māori believe the fronds stand for strength, stubborn resistance, and enduring power.  Apparently, the undersides reflect moonlight, making them useful if navigating pathways at night.  We see them used on clothing and in every souvenir shop.

We hiked up and down the beautiful farm-like hills.  Rick feels perfectly at home in such settings.

Not Kiwi birds, but fun to watch.

The beautiful waterfall splashes serenely in a secluded part of the park.

Yarbroughs, Smiths, Tanners, Saunders, Rick and I met at Wild Fire restaurant in downtown Auckland to bid farewell to the Saunders.  The menu is similar to The Rodizio Grill, with a lot of meat choices.  The company provided the best part of the evening.

Sister Hillier’s husband serves with the Area Presidency.  They attended important meetings in Papua New Guinea last week.  So, we played hooky and headed to Hamilton for a Wednesday afternoon session.   I drove the car, and she provided all navigation.  There are countless round-abouts.   It does take two to navigate the roads here.  We made a fine team, and I enjoyed becoming better acquainted with this amazing sister. 

I enjoy every opportunity to visit the beautiful New Zealand Temple.  As we drove home later that evening, the scaffolding-free Auckland Temple lights illuminated the freeway.  We look forward to its dedication.