October 13, 2024

September Events

Sunday afternoon on Takapuna beach.  Spring is coming.  The constant wind reminds us of that reality as we enjoy coastal walks.

A zone activity at the Zoo.  Rick missed this adventure.  Truthfully, these missionaries provide more entertainment than any animal in the zoo.

The scenic backdrop was spectacular.

The bird show was a favorite event.  I also saw my first Kiwi bird.  They are nocturnal so all surroundings were dark.   They look more like chickens than birds.

The monkeys climbed along the ropes overhead.  Towers connected the long ropes.  If a monkey ever loses grip, the result would be traumatic for all zoo visitors – no nets, just the hard ground two stories below. 

I brought my own sack lunch.  Who knew so many beautiful salads would be an option at the Elephant Café?

Activities provide an opportunity to become acquainted with some of the senior couples who live in Auckland and serve in a different capacity.

Wednesday evening pickle ball.  Sister Smith is a serious player.  She and Elder Smith travel to Samoa and Tonga frequently and this is the evening activity with the islanders who compete seriously.  Denise (front) is a local member who often comes because her health improved when she joined the game.

Meet a few of the Wednesday evening pickle ball players.  Elder Baldwin, on the end with outstretched hands, once ranked nationally in table tennis.  He applies a deadly spin to every return.  That weapon proves to be more effective than a fast ball.

Thanks to the Temple Patron Assistance Fund, the Wano family traveled from Papua New Guinea to the Hamilton Temple to receive temple endowment and sealing blessings.  The island members take advantage of this opportunity when temples are not in their midst.  Seeing these members come so far touches me deeply.  I once tapped a sister on the back while in the temple dressing room.  She looked at me strangely.  I simply remarked of my joy in meeting her in the temple. 

The Port Moresby Papua New Guinea temple, announced in 2019, rises on a small hill near the ocean.  There is no fixed date of completion, I would guess 2026.

My love of the temple has increased dramatically during my mission.  I feel the need and blessings of these marvelous buildings for our use now.  We all need the power and fortification these covenants provide.

Christina Wano says that when their children joined them in the sealing room “it was so wonderful. I wasn’t sure if the temple would really change me, but it did. I look at things differently. Everything is more beautiful.”