February 2, 2025

Sheepworld

The stunning hills of New Zealand display herds of sheep and cattle.  The sight is splendidly beautiful.

Our missionary zone visited Sheepworld, a working farm/ranch now affiliated with a school for troubled youth.  Notice the sheepdog who successfully brought this group to the barn.

The rancher invites all who want to pet this wooly sheep.  He then begins the shearing process.  Apparently, sheering sheep for 8 hours exerts energy equivalent to running two marathons.

He assures us the ewe feels safe and comfortable enough in the above position. 

The sheep doesn’t put up the slightest protest to this process.

The entire shearing process was less than 90 seconds.  It looked smooth and easy.

The rancher offers the chance to touch the less wooly sheep.  Elder Dewey (blue shirt) sorts the wool into what is kept and what is tossed.  His father sheered sheep, so He knows how this process works.  The rancher seemed thrilled for the knowledgeable assistance.

A group of senior missionaries smiles for the camera.  Rick opted not to attend this function.  Ranch life flows through his veins, no need to spend a Saturday seeing what he knows.  Note the large bins of wool near the bleachers.

English Connect class:  most of the students are Asian.  This evening, we enjoy a few treats as we bid farewell to Sister Pam Tanner, the main English teacher for the beginning class.

We try to challenge their skills.  Most need to improve in order to better their working positions.

During a rain storm, Gentleman Rick holds the “brelli” to escort everyone from the restaurant to the van.

We enter the van with only a few drops on our clothes.  Rick is soaked.

Meet my new friend, Fiona.  I met her on an early morning walk.  She wanted a picture to accompany a photo she had with another sister missionary.  I invited her to the temple open house.  She said, “You’re Seventh Day Adventist, right?”  I kept the discussion short in correcting her misunderstanding.