October 6, 2024

Home Sweet Home

 

Shoalhaven Apartments

We’re on the 5^th floor on the left.

The door opens into the kitchen and dining areas.  Obviously, this apartment is much larger than our 600 square foot residence in Hong Kong.

The kitchen suits are needs perfectly.  The refrigerator may be small, but we easily prepare the meals of our choosing.

Our table is quite large, especially for two.  We try to host dinner frequently to become better acquainted with other missionaries.

Last week Gina Truman, Ryll and Steve Croshaw, and Grant and Penny Owen joined us for dinner.   Gina departs in November, and we have no idea how the mission will survive without her.  The Croshaws started a foundation to help those with Pornography addiction.   The mission president requested their services here.  The number of missionaries they aid is staggering, this couple works full time.  The Owens, from Australia, serve in Self Reliance and Education.  Their family lived in Papua New Guinea for a few years.  We love to listen to them speak with their delightful accents.  The specialized skills of senior missionaries have been amazing to us.  We serve with ‘the cream of the crop’.  

Rick rests in our living area.  We enjoy the view of Auckland from our balcony.

Notice the large window in the living area.  It offers a view into another tiny room.

 I’ve claimed this small space for my own use.  Welcome to my office.

The second bedroom hosts Rick’s office and his rowing machine.

Most senior couples have a bed in their second bedroom.  Imagine that.  We have a dresser and a dryer in addition to Rick's office and exercise room.  The compact washer/dryer doesn’t do the job well.  So, I’m privileged to use this blessed machine.  (I suspect a previous couple purchased it) Oh, the things we take for granted in the USA.

Our bathrooms have heated floors.  Rick greatly enjoys that perk.

We each have a bathroom, not necessary, but very nice.

My bathroom is larger to accommodate these special closets.

Voila!  The washer/dryer fits in one closet.

Door number two houses the water heater, fuse box, and cleaning supplies.

The master bedroom is simple in every way.

Thankfully, the nice closet size holds our supply of missionary clothes.  The walk-in closet in the extra bedroom serves as storage with a drying rack for our exercise clothes.

 I’ve been making bread.  Irene Rytting shared her sour dough start and we enjoy the crusty loaves.  After all, it’s not the size, shape, or décor of our home that is most important, but what happens inside that blessed space.

Our swimming pool.  Yes, it’s as small as it looks.  The facility is currently closed, awaiting a new pool deck.  I’ve been swimming laps at the city pool.  The Olympic length makes one lap feel like a major accomplishment.  We hope our pool will open for the summer months.