November 8, 2015

On P-day, with a wrong turn, we happened upon this great little beach called Martin's Bay! There was a nice house for rent right on the beach, big enough for our whole family. In our next life we could rent it and all our kids could relocate here and we could live together in Martin's Bay! Hahaha!

At our last Ward Council, we talked about planning more activities to help activate people and one of the members suggested we have a Sunday School Family Home Evening. Great idea! So last Monday night was a BBQ/Gospel Principles class FHE/Goodbye party for Sister Palu at Ambury Park. I feel really bad that I didn't take any pictures of the people, only the farm animals at the park! 

Here's the wooly goat who ran over to us to get a friendly scratch! I gave him some nice pats instead.

This darling calf with the longest eyelashes ever!

A bunch (about 12) baby pigs squeezing for something to eat, and there was even a little runt.

And the momma pig finishing her dinner and completely oblivious to us and her babies!

The BBQ was really fun with tons of food, team games and lots of people. It was supposed to start at 5pm, but true to form, got under way at 6:30. Craig and I spent the whole day preparing for it with shopping and setting up. The Sisters invited a non-member family who attended and got to know lots of people. Sister Palu wrapped up the evening with her testimony and then we hugged her goodbye.

 

Goodbye Sister Palu!!! We love you and will miss you!

Hello Sister Trull! Sister Trull is just out of the MTC, coming from Houston, TX. She joined the church only a little over a year ago, and now she is in Auckland serving a mission! What an amazing life change for her!  We were joking with her about how NZ missionaries put on weight and when Elder Martin told her 80 lbs is the usual, she said “if I gain that much weight, I will look like a pumpkin." That was funny since she is so short.  We are excited to work with her and Sister Nakibae, and hope they're here for more than one transfer!

It was time this week for me to get a hair cut and dye, and I was really scared trying out a new hair dresser. This is a BIG DEAL! The first one I went to was a disaster, the second was good, but way too expensive, and now I'm pretty happy with this one. She and her partner are from Thailand, spoke good English and they did a good job. One did the cutting and the other the coloring. I will go back! 

All week fireworks have been going off everywhere, and Thursday night we had a fun time with the Kata family enjoying fireworks in their driveway.  It was actually Guy Fawkes Day and the kids were so excited to shoot off their stash of fireworks. It reminded us of the many 4th of Julys we turned into pyromaniacs with our neighbors, lighting tons of fireworks in our street in Missouri!. Those were fun times for our kids too!

I have to admit that I spent a day and a half making Kites last week with my weaving friend since she had the week off work.  We bought some new dye colors and were anxious to use them. While I was doing this, Elder Martin kept busy with lots of service. There were lawns to mow and trim, and windows to replace. A wonderful young widow in the ward had several broken window panes and Craig has been obsessed with replacing them. He's never done it before, but with the help of YouTube videos, he is now a pro. 

Saturday was the warmest and sunniest weather we've had since early June, so we spent the whole day with the other Senior couples exploring new places. They trusted me to be the tour guide and we had a great day! Starting early, we drove north an hour to the Parry Kauri Forest for a short hike through ferns, palms, kauri trees, and we could see what the bush was like when Captain Cook came to NZ over 200 years ago. 

We drove on from the forest to Omaha Beach, facing the Pacific, where we were the only people NOT in a bathing suit! It was warm, but not hot enough to jump in the water! There was a surf school out in the water but everyone had wetsuits on. 

Why is it that we never get tired of seeing the ocean and beaches? 

Martin's Bay is down a narrow peninsula and we came upon it by accident, and found it to be a gem of a beach! Boaters were heading out as we strolled along this short beach.

 

These trees with sprawling branches line the beach.

The Bath's and Sayer's were loving this day too! I can't believe I didn't get a picture of all of us together!

Our final destination was Scotts Landing. I thought it would be a quaint little village at the end of the pinensula where we could get some ice cream, but the road ended at this deserted beach. That's a little island across from the beach, and beyond is another pinensula that is only accessible by boat.

This restored house was The Scott Homestead run by the family as a hotel long ago for weekenders coming up on a steamer from Auckland to get away from the city. The house and property are maintained by the park service now. 

Residents dock their boats, but I'm not sure how they get to them when they want to use them! 

After we left the beaches, we finally got some ice cream down the road in Puhoi, a little dairy village. 

We had a great day being together, caravaning in 4 cars. We feel very privileged to serve our mission here in this beautiful country with wonderful couples who like to get out and have fun. 

Last week, we were able to attend Transfer Meeting and President and Sister Bali spoke to the old and new missionaries who attended. Sister Bali spoke about miracles that happen every day around us. She told the story of Matthew Cowley, who as a young missionary in NZ, blessed and healed a child  who was blind. "He asked the question, 'Why not, why can't miracles happen?' Then offered a clumsy blessing and felt the guidance of the Spirit and said, 'God wanted this baby to see again,'" Elder Cowley's descendant was one of the new Elders in the audience. 

Our own Sisters witnessed miracles with a family they are teaching. By fasting and praying, they helped the father quit smoking completely and the mother is reduced from 20 cigarettes down to 2-3 a day. They are still working on ways to help her. Also by fasting a praying, a young woman had the courage to set her baptism date and tell her parents about it. They were against it and she was fearful of them, but their hearts were softened and she was able to be baptized. Miracles are happening all around us. How is our faith, and do we believe we can achieve miracles!

Everyday we are with members doing all that we can do. Some days are fuller than others, but daily we ask the Lord to direct us where we should go? We are so blessed and love this missionary life! We know this is the true church of Jesus Christ, and we are so thankful for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for answering a young boy's, even Joseph Smith's prayer, to know which church to join, which brought the Restored Gospel back to the earth again, with the Priesthood, Apostles, and Prophets.  We are so thankful for our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, who leads and directs our church today. We have been blessed our whole lives, from our membership in this church, as have our children and their families! 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a happy message - it brings happiness! 

We pray for all of you to be happy as well!

Love,

Elder and Sister Martin

November 1, 2015

We 

Not too far from our stomping grounds is a historic place called Stone Fields. It is literally fields full of volcanic stones that blasted out of a nearby volcano long ago. Maoris used the stones for their "village" and remainders of this use are still seen in the fields.  

Today is the birthday of our beautiful first born child! Christy, we love and miss you and hope you have a wonderful day! You are our favorite child (family joke)!

Happy Halloween everyone, a day late! This house and the one next to it are the only houses we've seen with even one Halloween decoration! Halloween is celebrated here, but not at all like we do. We saw some groups of children in costumes going to homes, but without decorations or lights on, and since it is daylight here until 8pm, how do these kids know which houses to knock and which to avoid? I think it is only celebrated if the parents encourage it.  I have to say that as a young child and youth, Halloween was a huge holiday for me! We've been enjoying all the Halloween photos and comments sent from home, and miss all the fun. I mostly miss all the Almond Joys my grandkids would give me out of their candy stash!

This is Alex with us, celebrating his 90th birthday! We drove 40 min. to Devonport, one of his favorite places, to have lunch and a look-see! It also happened to be New Zealand's Labour Day holiday, and this little port town was busy. Alex joined the church a few years ago when he was befriended by the Missionaries, and he enjoys coming to church and any social event. He is happy being on the go! We visit him every week and help out when he needs something. He often tells us that he "hit the jackpot when we knocked on his door," I don't know about that, but he is a good man and we like to help out. 

Devonport main street in front of the pier where the ferry docks. People often take the ferry across the Auckland Harbour to visit Devenport. There is only one road in and out of Devonport, so it can be a traffic jam at peek hours. 

I'm standing at the end of the Devonport pier with downtown Auckland behind me. The Skytower behind me is a prominent structure, always showing us where downtown is from wherever we see it. 

Just a little beach close to the main street in Devonport with islands in the background and several boats sailing by. 

Monday evening was a Family Home Evening with the Senior couples who live only in South Auckland, and I made enchiladas. It was one of the few things I've made here that was good. I struggle with ingredients here sometimes. For the lesson, we all told about experiences we've had on our mission. Each comment was different, but heart-warming. For the two couples who are almost ready to go home, it was a struggle to talk and very emotional for them to think about going home. Finishing a mission is a love/ hate thing! 

A service project every week is just great! With the help of the Sisters on Tuesday, we were able to stain a sister's deck and railings in a few short hours. With the weather getting warmer, we should have many opportunities to help with outdoor projects. 

We took the Sisters the Stone Fields, since it is in their area, and it was a nice break on a warm afternoon. I think they enjoyed it! 

Getting a little silly after all the picture-taking.

I think we enjoyed our fresh strawberry ice cream cones from the Strawberry Farm afterward! Craig didn't have one because he was in the car too absorbed in his phone trying to get details of the first Royals win for the World Series! No one cares about USA sports here, but Craig is still hooked. 

After our "playtime", later that night, we had a wonderful FHE lesson with a family we visit often. The Spirit was so strong in this home as we talked about the importance of having a testimony that God is our Father and He loves us, that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, that Joseph Smith was a prophet who was called to restore the true Church of Jesus Christ, that the teachings of the church will lead us to the temple where we can be sealed to our families forever, and that President Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet who receives revelation from God and leads our church today! It was a lot to talk about, but the Holy Ghost was with us and we all know this is true! 

Sister Palu's last Zone meeting today, since she is finishing her 18 months next week! It must be that "love/hate" feeling for her. She loves her mission and hates to leave, but she has a twin sister who just finished her mission and she must be dying to get home to see her and share wonderful experiences!

We hate to see Sister Palu go, but love that she was here for Heta's baptism Friday night. What a spiritual experience that was for all who attended! The Sister Palu and Nakibae worked hard praying and teaching to help Heta set a baptism date, especially with all the conflict surrounding her family. Heta is a mature young woman, who loves the scriptures, and has a great understanding of Heavenly Father's plan for her. She has a testimony of all that I mentioned above and we love her! Times like this remind us of how wonderful it is to be a missionary!

Since we have a few new Senior couples, it was time to visit Piha Beach again to show them how beautiful it is. Some people were enjoying the water, but it's not quite warm enough for us. We were all wearing sweaters and jackets. 

We were brought here 7 months ago for our first P-day outing, and it seems like yesterday. 

We also hiked Kitekite Falls again like we did seven months ago, and they are as full and lovely now as then.  This whole area is like a rain forest and jungle. 

For some reason, the hike to the falls seemed easier this time, and we weren't too tired to finish the walk down to the pool at the bottom of the falls. 

One more excursion for the week was tonight after church and dinner, because we didn't have any appointments or commitments. We went for a short drive to a beach area I've been wanting to see and it was lovely! This home was one of many, but had the nicest landscaping. What a gorgeous view of the beach, the ocean, and the many islands beyond. Who lives in these places? 

It was almost sunset when we finished walking along Maraetai Beach, the end of a beautiful Sabbath Day! 

This is a long blog post with lots of pictures, but when I look back, I see what a magical week it was! 

Lifting and serving others, feeling the Spirit, seeing and experiencing the beauty of God's earth! We are so blessed to be here! I need this reminder every week, when I get a little discouraged, or I'm missing my kids. 

This scripture is my new favorite because it sums up our mission and what we do:

3 Nephi 18:32  "Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them." 

Thank you for all your prayers. We pray for you too!

Love,

Elder and Sister Martin

October 25, 2015

Craig and I with our island Sisters, Sister Palu (Tonga) and Sister Nakibae (Tuvalu). This is Sister Palu's last week before she finishes her mission. I won't tell you yet about how much we will miss her!

Elder and Sister Reeves (right) went home to Australia last weekend after serving for 2 years running the mission office. They welcomed us so sweetly when we arrived in New Zealand and we will miss them greatly. Beside them is our wonderful Mission President, President Balli and his companion, Sister Balli! They make our mission a delight!

When I saw this beautiful amaryllis I had to take a picture. Now that it is spring, I'm on the lookout for flowers I don't see in yards at home. When driving, I make Craig pull over (when it's safe, of course) if I see something unusual I need a closer look at.

One thing the Sisters love to do is service, wherever it's needed.  

Morris is the bearded guy second from the left, and although he is not a member, the guy next to him on the end volunteered us to help him with his lawn. Brother Lawrence is the Ward Mission Leader and he puts to practice Jesus' admonition to serve our fellow man. The grass was about two feet tall and our little army came to conquer it! It was a fun and quick task, and Morris was so appreciative. Yes, I'm wearing a skirt, because I was too lazy to change. 

Love this starburst, pin-cushiony flowering bush, which I believe is a member of the Protea family . It is stunning!

Found this guy at a local park and I was hoping he would spread his feathers for a beautiful show, but not a chance. He seemed perfectly fine dragging that heavy train behind him, and didn't care one bit about my presence. 

This little troop crossed the street in front of our car (Craig slowed down for them) and then waddled off. So cute! Springtime is sweet! 

This is our adopted "Aunty Alice" from Tahiti, and we love her. She has so many relatives, practically the whole island of Tahiti, and they love to visit her in New Zealand. She is constantly picking someone up at the airport and hosting them. Sometimes they stay in a hotel instead of her little house, but she will pick them up to eat breakfast at her house anyway, and then drive them where they want to go. One relative is buying her a new car so she will have it for when they visit.  We asked if we could call her "Aunty" and she would fix breakfast for us! She is so good to us, though, and feeds us lunch often. 

We were with Alice three times this week, and loved it! One day she taught us (the Sisters) some simple island dance moves for our activity Saturday night. The next day I taught her how to make dinner rolls and she taught me how to make amazing tiramisu (a French/Italian dessert). The third day she fed us a delicious Tahitian salad and we taught her a spiritual lesson. Craig told her, "When people ask us where we went on our mission, we will tell them, 'To Aunty Alice's!"

Instead of our usual sight-seeing P-day, a few senior Sisters went shopping for New Zealand souvenirs. We had heard of a few cool places, so we were on the hunt. Sister Sayer drives, so she was our chauffeur. It just so happened to be the NZ Labor Day weekend and a cloudy, drizzly day, so the malls were mobbed with people. Finding a parking spot was next to impossible and there were sales everywhere.! We all found something interesting to buy, and had an international lunch selection from the food court. I don't know if we ate Japanese, Chinese, or Korean food, but it was good. Our husbands, too, got together for lunch, but shopping wasn't on their agenda. 

 

Saturday night was our ward missionary event. Each Auxillary was assigned a different decade and asked to perform one song, and they could choose their song. Our missionary group had the 80's decade and we performed the Beach Boys song, "Kokomo". Craig and Brother Lawrence lip-synced the words while we danced in the background. The evening was a success! All auxiliaries participated, except Primary, and we had 8 non-member guests attend. Craig was pretty entertaining doing his own signature "moves" during our number!

The Relief society wasn't shy dancing to 60's music and doing the Limbo! 

For dessert, we did something really unusual - we only served bakery cookies and lemon water, instead of having sisters bring gobs of food! They got a night off from their kitchens! 

The following floral arrangements were in the chapel today for services. The incredible thing is that they aren't bought from a shop. Someone from the other ward (that shares our building) provides flowers each week. Most times the arrangements are made just from garden flowers and shrubs. Next year it will be our ward's turn to do it. I am always amazed at their beauty. 

The Sisters have a baptism scheduled this coming Friday. Yaay! It is for a darling 16 year old who's older sister is a member. She wanted to be baptized a few months ago, but her parents were against it. We've been fasting and praying with her for their hearts to soften, so she could have their blessing. 

She is pretty determined, so we will see what happens.

We've been doing FHE at a certain member's home once a month, and they have a lot of children ranging in all ages. Instead of the usual lesson from the FHE lesson book, we chose 4 parables from the many that Jesus taught. Involving the parents, we each read a parable and then discussed it.

The Prodigal Son and Good Samaritan were the favorites that brought the most discussion. We really enjoyed this lesson and hope to do it often for other members. 

For our game, we taught them "Farkle", but they already knew it and call it "Zilch". Farkle has a few different rules though, that they really enjoyed. Then I told them about making a "consequence" for the loser, and they really liked that. It was a great evening together and reminded us of how rewarding it is being on a mission and sharing times like this with these great people! 

We love and are so thankful for our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and for his patience and love towards us! We know He is beside us everyday, wanting to help us more, if we will just ask Him more. Our work is His work, and  there is no place else we would rather be! This is the true Church of Jesus Christ and we love the joy it brings into our lives and the lives of others. We cannot be lazy, but must all be dedicated and consistent in our Sabbath observance, which will keep us on the straight and narrow path, enduring to the end. 

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf and for all missionaries. We love you!

Love, 

Elder and Sister Martin