New Zealand - Great

There are moments, days, and/or weeks that bring fond memories of goodness, positive growth, rejuvenation, and surrounded by a beautiful environment.  This is one of those weeks.  Spending four days in Auckland, New Zealand has been an incredible blessing.  Happened at a needed time!

We had an uneventful flight as we left the Majuro Airport on Sunday morning.  

Pres/Sister Larkin flew to
Tarawa with us.

Flew to Tarawa, Kiribati, which is in our mission, but is another country.  Stayed on the plane as some exited and others entered.  Then flew to Nauru, where we got off our plane in a country that states in it's constitution that it mandates "freedom of religion."  Unfortunately that is for all religions, unless you are a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints.  We left a little over an hour late, but had a wonderful conversation with Elder Johansen of the 70's, who was waiting for the same flight to Fiji.  He was raised in Tonga by an auntie.  He was able to give us some necessary insights to the native islanders, which helped us understand more fully the people whom we serve.  He is serving in Fiji at this time. (We had to change planes, but really we just got off our plane, went through customs, and returned to the same plane with a new flight number.)

Nauru Airport

We arrived in Fiji a little late, but still had ample time to get our luggage, go through customs, go out of the airport and come back in, get new set of tickets, and travel our last leg to Auckland, New Zealand.  We were supposed to arrive at 12:35 AM on Monday morning, but it was a little later, so we got to our hotel at 2:30AM. Life is good!

Monday was a great day!!!!!  After arising, we were able to walk the area, pick up items from the mall and electronic shop that we cannot purchase and/or afford in Majuro - which is most things, and just enjoy the absolutely beautiful city.  Clean, English-speaking, with good food.  Craig found a Burger King, so you know where we ate lunch.  

Beautiful walk
along the sea.

Collecting seashells

My handsome man.

Beautiful!

At 6:30PM we arrived at the NZ headquarters for the Area Presidencies and staff for LDS Charities, which is us.  Had an enjoyable dinner with all the other senior couples and country welfare personnel that have traveled from Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guiana, Marshall Islands, and Kiribati. The staff did a remarkable job of feeding all of us breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days.  The food and snacks were all nutritional and tasty.  They worked so hard.  The last meal on Thursday, we skipped and had NZ fish and chips done English style.  So yummy!!!!!!

We all shared and I think that we obtained some good ideas for projects and/or to enhance our already planned projects. 

There was a huge convention taking place at the beginning of the week, so there was a group of us who stayed in a smaller out of the way hotel, which was close quarters, but so nicely done and the bed was one of the finest.  

Then on Wednesday morning we had to put all of our luggage in the conference room at our hotel and it was to be moved by Sam while we were in our meetings.  When we went to Spencer's Hotel at the end of a busy day, I had this feeling that we wouldn't be registered.  (I had said nothing, because I didn't want to sound negative.)  You guessed it!!!!  Everyone was registered except Craig and Nancy Preston.  The young lady at the desk was trying so hard, but I could tell that she was close to tears.  The stars were aligned, because there were two rooms left and we were put a huge suite which had an incredible view.  We enjoyed the pool and hot tub in the evenings. 

From our hotel suite.

Hotel suite view.

I was so excited to go to the New Zealand Temple which is in Hamilton, NZ, about 2 hours south of Auckland.  Three couples planned to meet in the lobby at 7:45A and Elder Reese retrieved the office van and would be our driver for he is used to driving on the left side of the road.  He had decided that he was going to drive north, make a large circle and beat the heavy early morning work traffic. Now, let's review this plan.  There is one - yes, only one- major highway/freeway that goes from Auckland to Hamilton.  How he thought he could do this - I can't even imagine.  All I know is that we never left the city for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until he finally decided to go the route that the map and the GPS stated was the only way.  We barely made the session.  I am so grateful that they actually waited for us.  The room was packed.  I LOVE THE TEMPLE!  At the end I could hardly speak, for I was so filled with emotion.

We made a stop at the beautiful gardens before we left Hamilton: 

Hamilton Gardens

We stopped on our return trip to Auckland and purchased a NZ ice cream.  Good Day!!!

Now for our trip home: We had to arise at 2:30A on Saturday and be in the lobby ready for the arrival of our shuttle to the NZ Airport.  We arrived before the gates were open.  I think our schedule was a little early, since our flight was not to depart until 7:35A.

                               

 We started in NZ and flew to Sydney, Australia. 

Sydney Airport
Hello granddaughter!

Changed planes and flew to Port Moresby, New Guinea, where we had a six hour layover.  The good part:  We were invited to the special lounge, where there were soft chairs, outlets to charge our devices, and free food of a wide variety that was fresh and nicely prepared.  I have to admit, we were very well fed on each of our flights. 

In the airport six hours.
Not allowed to leave because of
previous rioting.
Take pictures and walk.

At 1900, we boarded another plane for Pohnpei, and then our final flight to Majuro.  In Pohnpei as we sitting waiting for our next flight, I felt a tap on my shoulder.  A wonderful lady introduced herself as Sister Kristina who is a member of the church.  She has nine children; 3 live in her area; 7 live in the states.  She had me write down the name of relatives who work at the Majuro Airport and wanted us to meet them.  Then she gave us some handmade items that she sells in her shop at the airport. 

Sister Kristina and me with my
new halo.

Sister Kristina with her crafts.

We arrive home at 8:00A on Sunday.  This was a looooooong trip. We landed six times; had to go through customs and fill our immigration papers landing and taking of.  Craig only got off the plane four times.  I got off five.  Why?  I decided we were at our next to last destination, so I grabbed belongings and off I went.  At the bottom of the steps, the flight attendants asked me if I was going to New Guinea.  I said, "yes."  Then she said, "You don't want to get off here." I had to wait until all the people exited and then I went back to my seat as those left on the plane were either laughing or smiling.  I loved their laughter and joined with them.

Arrived in Majuro on time (8:00A on Sunday):  I don't think that I have ever been so tired.  Probably had 4 hours of sleep in the previous 48 hours.  My head was pounding; swollen ankles - specially by right one, which has had problems since we arrived; stomach just plain not doing well.  We unpacked, showered, and I rested for 20 minutes before we prepared to go to church - afternoon ward.

Poor Craig.  He was so tired and he could not stay awake no matter how hard he tried.  I have repeatedly tried to get him to take a bottle of frozen water

Frozen water bottle
works great!

in the creative little white freezer bag that Sister Doig made for each of us, but he won't.  Today, I think he wished he had.  He was sweating so profusely that it was running off of him.  He rested his arm on his leg and his pant legs were wet. I lay the cold bottle on my legs under my purse anywhere and everywhere.  Cools me down and keeps me awake on those HOT HUMID times in church, which is just about every time.

Survived all three meetings and as we were leaving the Stake YW president asked if I was coming to the Stake YW new beginnings at 6:30.  She mentioned that Sister Goodsell was speaking.  I told her that I would be there.  When we arrived home, Sister Goodsell invited us for leftovers for dinner.  So nice of her.  As we were talking I mentioned that I was going to the YW's conference to hear her speak.  She had no idea that she was speaking.  We all laughed.  Here is how it came about:

Sister Goodsell and I were sitting next to Bina, the YW's Stake president and she said to Sister Goodsell, "We one of you to speak at the YW's conference.  Sister Goodsell said, "Sister Preston could do it."  I said, "I'll be in NZ."

Sister Goodsell said, "You get home early Sunday morning."

Me, "True, but I will be dead tired."

Sister Goodsell, "I'll help if you need me."

Sister Goodsell never thought about it again.  No phone call or anything.  If I had not told her what Bina said she would have had no idea that she was speaking until she saw her name on the program.  I told her at 5:45.  The program started at 6:30.  Welcome to the Marshalls. Her talk was so powerful.  No notes just guided by the spirit and years of studying and living the gospel.

I have truly rambled today and for those who don't make it to the end of this long message, I completely understand.

All that really matters is that you remember how much we love you.

Good Week

Every morning this week, I have tried to quietly exit our bedroom to do my walking just after 4:30AM.  That way, I am done  early and can get ready for the day.  The challenge is not disturbing Craig.  It never works.  He likes to go after six, but he goes early because of me.  We walk in different areas.  I stay close to our apartment complex, because I do NOT like the dogs, cars, and trying to get around puddles of water.

As I walked my 3-3.4 miles, I practiced the talk that I have been asked to give for our RS 175 birthday celebration which will be attended by our entire Stake, plus the guest speaker Elder Adolf Johansson, Area Seventy.  I needed to get it down to 10 minutes, because my translator needs the my other allotted 10 minutes.  It was such a challenge.  It took a tremendous amount of preparation, prayer, and practice.  The 3 "P's" usually help.  So glad.  

Isn't it incredible that the Relief Society of the Church of Latter-day Saints is 7.1 million women strong!  One of the largest women's organizations in the world.  We are so blessed.

The night of our RS Birthday Celebration finally came, and our Stake RS president arrived 45 minutes late.  We all sat and waited quietly listening to the prelude music until her arrival, but it did give many others time to arrive, too.  Being very late is a common happening here.

After the devotional, we ate and were entertained by the women in each of the seven wards. They either performed a dance, much like the Christmas Day event or sang. These beautiful people know how to enjoy the moment!

Small part of the women patiently waiting for dinner.

The women in each of the seven wards provided a basket for any disabled sisters in their ward during the evening.  Both of the RS presidents in the two wards, where we serve, made a great tribute to the lovely sisters who received the baskets.

Uliga RS President

Stake & Delap Ward RS President

Our young sister missionaries did a wonderful performance. 

 

Young sister missionaries ready to perform
Wish I could have sent a video.
They were so graceful.
Have amazing rhythm.

Some of the dances got hysterical. Women would come out of the audience and start to spray the dancers with cheap perfume, and then laughed and tagged each other as they bumped into one another.

Rebecca Winchester, US judges' wife got involved.  She really became a part of the group. The crowd loved her.  She is the seated lady in the white top in bottom left hand part of picture.

Sisters from two of the wards threw sealed bags of yummy fruit into the audience and at the dancers, while performing.  The sisters loved the fruit and were very competitive in obtaining it.

One of my favorite senior missionaries
 on the far left joining her ward.

Had our Zone Conference this week.  

Elder Preston was to present on water conservation, but we had the CLP mtg, too. His presentation did not arrive before he had to leave, so I did his part. When we were previously discussing the water issue, (Please remember that we only have rain water, for there are no creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, or snow capped mountains.) I remembered how we used to tell our boys when they were young, "We need to hurry.  Take a Navy Shower. I shared the term with Elder Preston and he worked out a great presentation.  Do you remember the term?

NAVY SHOWER

When taking a shower

get in,

turn water on,

get wet,

turn water off,

lather, shampoo,

turn water on,

rinse, get out.

Then we told the missionaries that each flat should have 1 gallon of drinking water per missionary and 2 gallons of tap water to use when the water is turned off or the pontoon is empty.

Let's see how they do.

As I clicked save on the message about the water, the same 3 sisters that run out of water every other week knocked on our door to say - "We are out of water."  Quite the timing!  We have shared the water storage program with them for many weeks.  The one sister stated:  "I used our only gallon of drinking water to wash my face and brush my teeth this morning." They have been out since yesterday afternoon, but decided to let us know at 8:00P on Saturday evening.  So much for understanding!

E Preston taught a good institute lesson on Wednesday evening, and then we hurried to the one and only cultural event on this island per year.  The Marshallese young people presented OKLAHOMA under a director that comes to Majuro do just this.  So unique to see islanders singing the songs in English and then 99% of the speaking parts were in Marshallese.  Watching them dance to the western music of the early 1900's was delightful.  It was evident that they loved what they were doing.

It has been so many years since I have seen the musical that I had forgotten the script, but remembered the songs.

IPADs don't take great pictures in the dark.
Wish you could see their beautiful olive skin
and full smiles.

This has been a wonderful week filled with many humanitarian projects, spiritual highs, and moments of trying hard to stay positive.  We are grateful that we know the difference and how to stay happy work to walk with the spirit.  It is always our decision.

Your love, prayers, and communications always rejuvenate us. 

Love to all of you.

New experience

Week of March 6-12, 2017

Blogs are new for us, so please be patient as we learn the ropes.  Our good friends, Kenny & Becky Kapp, who are now serving a two year mission in Tonga, have tried to teach us the process.  Just remember, if we aren't successful, it is certainly not because of our teachers.

We have had a productive week and are grateful for all the good events that have happened.  

March 6th is a very special day for me.  My dad would have been 101 years old.  I wonder how old he is eternally.  I doubt that years are calculated except by earthly men and women. We would have celebrated mom and dad's 71st wedding anniversary, if they were still with us.  This is a wonderful miracle.  I'm sure there were moments in their lives that they questioned their lives together, for their backgrounds were so different.  Time, humility, serving, and turning to the Lord changes lives.  I am so grateful that they are together, and that my siblings and I had the opportunity to be sealed to them.  What a great eternal blessing!

Craig prepared his caramel pie for FHE and he presented the lesson on the barges built by the Jaredites.  It was a good lesson and promoted good conversation.  If you haven't ever seen it, please go on Utube.  

This week Community Lifestyle Program (CLP) had three health screening opportunities (The CLP consists of the Wellness Center, which is run by the Canvasback Mission- 7th Day Adventist; the Ministry of Health; CMI College representatives; and LDS Charities, which is where we are added):
1. We had 53 people, mostly employees, come to our screening at EZ Price (Market/Store), and 12 were referred to the health clinic for blood glucose levels and/or high blood pressure.  The morning went by quickly.
2.  A new experience was ours, when the CLP offered free car washes for many taxi drivers, if they had a health screening.  It was a slow start, but a great event. It was delightful to see Dr. Lusi, nurses, newly added intern doctors from Taiwan, and all of us washing cars or doing the health screening at the same time.

Sign along the only main road.
Inviting participants.

Washed Elder Preston's glasses, too. 

 

Screening started slowly, but took off.

CLP Team ready to work!

Great team of professional car washers.

A clinician & medical doctor.

We had a few referrals to the clinic, but one lady had to be taken immediately to the clinic, for her blood glucose read 600.  The meter stops at 600, so we don't really know how high it was.  She kept saying that she felt fine. This event takes 3-4 hours, plus the hour of travel to and from.

Health Screening in process.

We attended our first Marshallese Wedding on March 10, 2017 at the Delap/Uliga Ward Building.  It is not unusual in this part of the world to have a common law marriage, where no legal ceremony has taken place, but the couple considers themselves married.  

As the bride to be started to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, when she was taught by the missionaries, she realized that being legally married was important.  This is a big step for her and now her husband, for they have been together for awhile. Did I get a picture of the bride and groom together? Unfortunately - no! Here is a picture of the sister missionaries who taught her the gospel.

If you look really hard, you will see the new groom with the circle of men in the far back of the women.

Hurray!  I did obtain a picture of the wedding couple coming into church today.  Life is good!

We were looking forward to the baptism of the lady who was married yesterday.   Due to the fact that we received incorrect information, we missed the baptism and all the talks except for last talk by Bishop Ned, because, it really started at six but we arrived at seven.   It seems that most of the time we are early for everything because of the local timetable,so when we thought we were arriving on time, we missed most of the event.

I thoroughly enjoy the writings of good solid authors, who rejuvenate me.  Today, I would like to end with another quote from Robert S. Wood's book. 

Every day in large and small ways, each of us makes choices and undertakes "works" that reveal the source and depth of our faith.  and, perhaps without thinking, we also act according to things not seen and with a confidence born of our reliance on Christ, His word, and the testimonies of His servants.  Accepting a call to serve in a position for which one feels inadequate, resisting a temptation to cheat in at school or in business, freely forgiving the unrepentant---these and many more decisions show forth not only honor but an abiding confidence in the Lord's promise, "and great shall be thy reward"  (D&C 42:65).

Please feel our love and prayers,
n & c or our titles for the next 14 months - Elder & Sister Preston