April 17, 2025

Farewell New Zealand

Mount Albert Ward hosted a Primary Activity and farewell in one event.  Bishop and Sister Otulau presented us with beautiful Tongan Leis, kahoa.  She made tiny, detailed flowers for each of the 11 'bouquets' - there are 16 small flowers in each bouquet. We value these beautiful creations.

TeRina demanded a photo with Rick, her Charlton Heston.  Liz Lambert agreed.  I can see the resemblance.  These lovely Primary sisters stayed in class for nearly every lesson we taught.  Liz, a member of only three years, claimed she learned as much as the children.

The Saddler Family.  Lang, age 4, answers every question with “Jesus”.  That is truly the best answer to nearly every question asked.

The Wetzel family.  Emlin, age 6, likes to color and dance.  She wants to be in the middle of every activity.

Zeke, Hazel’s grandson, listens intently to everything we say.  He offers the sweetest prayers and loves to help with puzzles.

The children enjoyed musical chairs and passing around the gift.  Hazel is incredible with a party.  Her daughter came to help with the event.  Unfortunately, Hazel can't be seen in these photos.

Jessica Lal, from Fiji, plays the piano in Primary.  In a few months she will finish nursing school.  What an impressive woman.

Siale Watch and Rhonda connect anew as they are now in different wards.  Siale works in the Area Office.  She was born and raised on the Pacific island of Niue.  We often enjoy eating lunch with her and several of the other employees.

The third-floor employees and missionaries hosted a farewell lunch for us.  These four “musicians” performed one of Rich Hunter’s original songs with ukulele accompaniment.  Rich jokingly said they tried to create a clever name to symbolize the power of four ukes.  His only suggestion was ‘The Pukes!’  I loved the volume of the ukulele music, but I mostly love these individuals.

Lunch choices were fabulous.

The chocolate cake and individual blueberry cobblers were magnificent.

We serve with outstanding people.  Notice the huge conference table.  The newly remodeled room includes a massive table that prevents intimacy in meetings.  We feel like we’re shouting across the table.

We spent one morning at the New Zealand Food Network.  This location supplies food banks in Auckland.  As we packaged, and boxed, I felt gratitude that I always enjoyed plenty of food.  I’ll ponder that blessing when I open a package or can in my well-stocked kitchen.

My last day of pickleball with this marvelous group.  Saying “goodbye” pulls at my heart strings.

The Real Estate team hosted ‘Morning Tea’ for us.  They LOVE Rick.  He was their Superman.  We recounted great memories of time together in Kiribati.  Their memories of Papua New Guinea were fresh and full of laughter.  Rick will miss associating with these outstanding employees.

The charcuterie boards (in a box) presented the food beautifully.  I should have snapped photos before we ate.  The pistachio-honey cheese loaf was especially delicious.

The OGC weekly online council meeting focused on bidding farewell to the Hafens.  Paul and Irene Rytting have successfully created a family feeling.  Some serve in Australia and the rest in New Zealand.  I always look forward to this weekly meeting.  I greatly respect these marvelous people.  Saying ‘Goodbye’ to dear friends and fellow laborers tears at our hearts.  We look forward to ‘family’ reunions.