BYU-Hawaii Choir visits New Zealand

"In this work there must be commitment. There must be devotion. We are engaged in a great eternal struggle that concerns the very souls of the sons and daughters of God. We are not losing. We are winning. We will continue to win if we will be faithful and true. We can do it. We must do it. We will do it. There is nothing the Lord has asked of us that in faith we cannot accomplish."

-President Gordon B. Hinckley-

 The US Ambassador to New Zealand, David Huebner, welcomed the BYU Hawaii Concert Choir to New Zealand. He emphasised the importance of such visits to deepen the people-to-people connections that are  - and always have been - the foundation of the warm, strong relationship between our two countries. We need some of our returned missionaries in this choir!

The the 45 member choir performed at the marai at Te Papa and at Porirua's Te Rauparaha Arena. Their performance was enthusiastically performed and well received. 

Some of you will remember this returned missionary. Our daughter went to the reception of Dave Rowe this week and sent us this picture! Congratulations Brother Rowe!

Two great new intakes this week! From the MTC in Provo - Back Row-Assistants to the President Elder Petaia and Elder Howard. New Missionaries:Elder Johnson (Orem, Utah), Elder Dutson (Rexburg, Idaho), Elder Sio (Anaheim, California), Elder Parker (Ontario, Oregon), Sister and President Kezerian. Front Row- Elder Hepworth (Sunnyside, Utah), Elder Dunbar (Zillah, Washington), Elder Sauvao (New Zealand), Sister Haacke (St. George, Utah), Sister Unsicker (West Point, Utah)

Auckland MTC arrivals- Back Row- Elder Tilini (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Elder Savage (Panguitch, Utah), Elder Pelo (Heber, Utah), Elder Bearnson (Highland, Utah), Elder Hopoate (Auckland, New Zealand), Elder Medley (Tooele, Utah), Elder Harrington (Sandy, Utah), President Kezerian. Middle Ro- Sister Vila (Tayug, Philippines), Sister Olamaleva (Apia, Samoa), Sister Niutupuivaha (Tongatapu, Tonga), Sister Manuo (Whangarei, New Zealand), Sister Kezerian, Front Row- Sister Housman (Keaau, Hawaii), Sister Manu'a (Melbourne, Australia).

Dear Missionaries and Family-Thank you for the kind Mother's Day, Father's Day and birthday wishes. We love and appreciate you all!

Beautiful sunset in Nelson

Aotearoa

Land of the long white cloud

Farewell Elder and Sister Turner! They have served so faithfully and tirelessly.

I will finish this blog entry later but you can enjoy the pictures!