Week 42
District Growth and Winter's Coming
1 June 2025
This week was a full in-office week and that hasn't happened in awhile. It was nice to catch up on some items we have been putting off for awhile. We are headed out of the office again this coming week for a conference with our entire department. The other change is that the weather has changed. We put an extra blanket on our bed and are wearing a jacket everywhere we go now. We are grateful that it has been such beautiful weather. We are preparing for the rainy season.
This is a follow-up to the BYU Women's soccer team visit. The team left about 50 soccer balls and some soccer cleats for the refugee center and we finally got around to delivering the donation. They were very thankful for the gifts and appreciated their time with the team.
This is John and Linda Leach. They serve in the Area Office with us and are wonderful people. They are from Las Vegas and he serves in the legal office and she is area mental health advisor.
This is Tania Torea, a full-time employee in the communications and public affairs department with us. Her best asset is she knows just about everyone in New Zealand or she is related to them. She is a princess down a royal line. She lives in Wellington and visits the office once a month.
I thought I saw a kiwi until I remembered they were nocturnal and Kelly's Google search told him they don't have tails. Pretty darn close, though.
I decided to write an article on service missionaries in the Pacific after I listened to these amazing young adults speak in sacrament meeting. They give and give all day, everyday. Their coordinator said, "Regular missionaries are the voice of the Lord. Service missionaries are the hands of the Lord."
Saturday we took a long walk around a lake near our home. We have a wonderful French bakery by our flat. On our way home the smell was so tempting that we weakened for a almond croissants. Unfortunately, once you have partaken, it becomes easier to continue to partake.
We were asked to teach at a YSA camp on Finding Power in Jesus Christ and your Covenants. We taught 3 rotating classes. The red stool is the "Hot Seat". The person on the stool answered our questions on a given subject until they wanted to tap out. They could choose the next victim. Most actually stayed on the seat longer than we anticipated. The YSA were amazing with very profound comments. It was inspiring to be with them.
Something you may not know about New Zealand is that Kiwi and Polynesians love Kentucky Fried Chicken. KFC is a huge hit here and they talk about it with reverence. We heard a gospel analogy in a lesson today that KFC stand for Keep Following Christ. She said, "We love KFC and we love Christ." Funny analogy.
Ida and Brad Anderson from Mesa on the right. Linda (Gilbert) and John Leach on the left. Both of the ladies dated Stan, my brother. One in high school and the other in college. I just had to get them together for him! 😂😂 Kelly was dying to bring it up, but he is learning to be so proper and polite these days. You wouldn't know him.
The Anderson's arrived yesterday to our mission.
We have four new couples arriving in our district this week. When a new missionary couple comes, we arrange 3 welcome dinners for them, and then deliver a welcome packet to their home. This also means we have four couples going home. So sad to say goodby to new friendships. At the same time, we are excited to get to know the new arrivals and welcome them to the district. Our district has 18 couples and all of them are very committed. It's inspiring to watch the work of the Lord move ahead from this view point. Our experience here has been humbling as we have so little to offer to our assignment. Just happy to be a part of "The Work."
June brings the lazy days of summer. I hope they are nice and relaxing for you all. Take my grandchildren to the park, play yard games, and make s'mores. I love summer.
We love you and MISS YOU!
Elder and Sister Shaw
Comments
Post a Comment