March 30, 2025

Flat Stanley Visits New Zealand

Our grandson, Hans, sent a paper representative of himself to join us for a few weeks.  We’ve photographed and written the journal for Flat Stanley.  We’ve enjoyed this chance to connect with Hans and Mrs. Dodd's 2^nd grade students.  I’ll share a few of our experiences.

The Seniors participated in croquet tournaments in Takapuna.  The group photo is on top. Rick is holding Flat Stanley.  Sister Garner really wanted to hold him after our match – which the Garners won.

These sisters willingly held him during our refreshment break.

Everyone in our Primary class wanted to have a piece of Stanley during the photo.

See Stanley stand on our 5^th floor balcony with Auckland in the background.

The double-decker bus is normal transportation for us.  Cedar City doesn’t see such buses on the streets.

We’re traveling over the Auckland Bridge.  Notice the sailboats in the background.

The upper level of the bus provides a bird’s eye view of the scene below.

Stanley participated in English Class.  Terry, from China, and Ashini, from Sri Lanka, gladly held his hands at the end of class.

Some afternoons I slip away to the first floor to practice the piano.  The diversion lifts my spirits.  Notice who helped turn pages.

Our days are not filled with outings.  The boring office tasks must be completed.  Stanley smiles as he sits on Rick’s knee to observe his work on three screens.

‘Veggie Stanley’ stands among the eggplants in an open market.

He even came to pickleball.  If he gets in the way here, he clearly earns the name ‘Flat Stanley’.  We’ve enjoyed the journey.  Next week we’ll send his pictures and journal back to second grade where he’ll give his report on New Zealand, Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud.

Look who popped into our office a few weeks ago.

Elder Ulisses Soares visited the Pacific Area and made the rounds on our floor.  Such visits always uplift the Saints, especially in the Islands.  The itinerary is kept quiet.  I knew a few more of his location plans as members of the communications department accompany him for video, photography and reporting purposes.  Yet, I stood in awe when he entered our working space, smiling and so personable.