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 Week 70

Siblings in New Zealand

 making Christmas Memories

21 December 2025

This one may be a little shorter than normal as we have been a little short on time with the planning of many activities and events.  The Area Office is now on Christmas break.  It shuts down for two weeks and we have the wonderful good fortune of having family come during the break.  My siblings are here for Christmas! Being together at Christmas, doesn't happen very often.  The thought of lining up shortest to tallest to walk in Christmas morning in our small apartment, makes me smile. We have some sweet things planned. It's sooo great to have them here!!!!! 

Maybe everyone will help us write this week.


I shed a few tears seeing this beautiful group come off the plane. 

This is Bob: After a 12 hour flight it was wonderful to be back on solid ground and to get through customs...and then see Elder and Sister Shaw with candy leis and huge smiles was such heart warming and welcome site!  The tears weren't just Launette's.  Flying into Auckland and looking out the window it was so lush and green.  New Zealand has just gotten more amazing as each day has progressed.  The welcome from the Shaws was a wonderful kick off! 



Auckland Temple Sealings


Hamilton Temple Grounds on Sunday

This is Norene. In our minds, our temple pictures together were beautiful...and then we saw the pictures.








Elder Shaw like to pose for Norene.



Matakana market and restaurant


The Night Market.  It is a deep dive into South Auckland cultural experience.  


Elder and Sister Wakolo Christmas Sunday. Wonderful people.  Elder Wakolo is never seen without a Book of Mormon in his hand. Their daughter Jasmin is in our YSA ward and such a joy to be around.


Elder Jaggi with his daughter Emma and son-in-law, Justin Jones from Eagle, Idaho. Small world. 
Christmas Sunday.


Waitomo Sky, NZ


Suspended Bridge Redwood Tree Walk, 50 ft above the ground.

This is Judene: New Zealand is a nature Disneyland.  This sky-walk through redwood trees was magnificent and so unique...and a testament to God's creativity and wonder with His creations. 


Mitai Cultural Lunch and Entertainment


We want to wish you a beautiful and sacred Christmas. The uniqueness of Christmas on a mission is that the worldliness of Christmas is stripped away and you are able to focus on the Savior.  You spend everyday with His name on your chest and we honor him by trying to spend each day in His full-time service. That naturally makes Christmas very different, more meaningful.  This year we hope you feeling the blessing of love from our Heavenly Father and grace from His Son and our Savior. 
Merry Christmas. We love you.

Elder and Sister Shaw



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