Sunday, September 30, 2012

Coming In and Going Home

"Never permit contention in your companionships. Some of your missionary companions will be your life's dearest friends. Be the kind of companion you would like to be with. Be unselfish in your relationship with your companions. When there is contention, the Spirit of the Lord will depart, regardless of who is at fault."
James E. Faust
 Arriving from Brisbane Australia we have Elder Mangakahia and from Kirbati, Sister Teaeki.
 Elder Mangakahia, Elder Hemi, Elder Windhausen, President Kezerian and Sister Teaeki after orientation, interviews and testimonies had been shared.
 Sister Teaeki was surprised by a visit from her good friend Sister Itaia who is serving in Paraparaumu.
 A little mix-up at the airport with their passports but everyone was able to return home.
 Elder Hemi introduces Elder Heinricks to his new responsibilities as Assistant to the President. Wow, they must have coordinated matching outfits or they are just already thinking along the same lines. 
Back: Elder Hopoate returning home to Auckland, Elder Falanitama to Australia, Elder Hemi continuing to serve as an Assistant, Elder Sayers returning to Australia. Front: Elder Rowe returning to Orem, Utah (A few blocks away from President and Sister Kezerian's home.), Elder Lammi to Australia.
Last Good-bye.
The Zone Leaders loading up on supplies before heading back to their areas after Zone Leader Council. 
Elder and Sister Watson and the Gastra Family at the Taranaki District Conference.
After District Conference it was beautiful to step outside and enjoy the lovely Spring weather. Elder Vui, Elder Ames, Elder Tukukino, Sister and Elder Watson, Elder Kaka, Elder Lammi and Elder Elkington.
Elder Ames and Elder Tukukino visiting with President Morley of the Mission Presidency and President Riggle of the District Presidency.
Elder Hemi and Elder Windhausen last week in the office.
President Kezerian hard at work answering emails in the office.
Elder Freeman already is an expert in all office matters.
Sister Freeman taking care of all the office business and more.
Elder Christensen and Elder Florian our office Elders.
It's amazing to actually capture the sheep looking forward. Usually by the time my camera takes a picture I only get the back side of the sheep.
Amazing! Here in New Zealand the have a Clinton Gore Highway. We think it actually existed long before the Clinton Administration.
When I saw this menu written on the board in Gore. I thought it was a list of what the missionaries got to choose from for the sisters to fix a meal. No, all of this was the actual menu that was served. Now that's above and beyond all that could be expected.
Invercargill and Queenstown Districts.
Sister Tito, Sister Chesley, Sister Kezerian and Sister Saulala.
After this awesome meal Elder Hingano and Elder Petaia still needed a little something for the road.
The beauty of the country on the drive to Picton.





Long one way bridges are a little scary.

Inter-island ferries to and from Wellington depart and arrive here by way of Marlborough Sounds.
Picton is a town in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand.

The world's largest pineapples are found in New Zealand
Elder and Sister Beckstead have been presenting firesides all around New Zealand. You know they are going to stay busy building up the kingdom.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Missionary Life

No matter how much an individual or family may sacrifice for a mission or anything else, unless missionaries choose obedience, consecrating all of their time, talents, and resources in the service of the Lord while they are in the mission field, they can not fully realize all the great blessings the Lord has in store for them.
Robert D. Hales
 Missionaries serving in Christchurch at the Institute Building. 
 Christchurch Zone Leaders Elder Vaemolo and Elder Greer.







The missionaries have been making Thank You cards for all the members and others who help support them in this wonderful work.
 
 Hard to recognize our missionaries after this muddy P-day activity.







 Riccarton Chapel in Christchurch. This is the building that has been closed since the earthquake. Hopefully it will be open in about a year.
 Who would think it's Spring