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.