A Whirlwind in Five Days!

                                                      New Zealand, here we come!

On February 6th we headed to the airport for a 1:50 p.m. flight.  Jonathan drove us to the airport with our six pieces of luggage and 4 carry-on items.  We had been so concerned that our luggage not weigh more than the allowed 50 lbs. each and carry-on not weigh more than 15 lbs. each for naught.  The United Airlines attendant didn't even weigh it.  She just lifted it and said it was fine.

It was so difficult to say goodbye but we managed to remain composed as we hugged  our loved ones.  It's hard to leave our sweet grandchildren (and children, too, of course) who will be changing so much while we are away.   We  know they will be watched over from above while we are away.

Our flight to San Francisco was quick but the five hour layover there wasn't too pleasant.  And then, to try and sleep on the 12 1/2 hour flight to New Zealand -- easier for Jim than it was for me.  We arrived in Auckland around 5:40 a.m. and made our way to customs.  It didn't go so well.  We had brought a year's worth of prescription medications only to discover that only a three month's supply was permitted to be brought into New Zealand.  I learned that in the past most other senior missionaries had brought their year's supply but weren't asked the amount.  We were detained for almost two hours while things were sorted through.  We ended up leaving with three months worth of meds in our bags and nine months being held at customs.   We were told to find a physician and acquire the prescriptions needed.  So it is still a work in progress.

Once we were allowed to leave the customs area we were met by Elder and Sister Champlin, two amazing Public Affairs missionaries.  They helped us with our luggage and drove us to our apartment at Schoalhaven.  When we walked in we were so surprised at how nice it was.  The couple in it before us, Elder and Sister Preater, had left it beautiful decorated.  A basket of treats awaited us and then we discovered a frozen meal in the freezer.  We couldn't have been more grateful.  And this great place has heated bathroom floors and towel warmers.  Below are a few pics of our home away from home.  

Though we wanted to get right to work there were a lot of housekeeping details to attend to such as getting a few groceries, setting up internet, unpacking, getting plug adaptors and numerous other things.  We did manage to get to the office our first day for a few hours.  We are going to love our work but have much to learn.

Okay, this is  for my beautiful sisters!!  Somehow the "International Travels of the Sisterly Satin Bonnet" snuck inside my luggage and made the trip to New Zealand.  Ya'll got me good!

                                        Jim enjoying his breakfast on our cozy little balcony.

It's been a few years since Jim haws driven on the opposite side of the road.  The first few times out were a nail-biting experience.  Even now, I still try to get in the car on what is now the driver's side.  I haven't attempted to drive yet but may give it a try before long.

                                                                          Milford Beach

The Public Affairs Department in the Pacific Area Office is a great place to serve.  Though we aren't proselyting, the work we are involved in is vital to the great effort of inviting all to come to Christ.  We are a part of changing others' incorrect perceptions of the Church, mainly through governmental interaction and news releases.  Though it is only our first week here we are already learning to write articles for the Pacific Mormon Newsroom.  The Polynesian names are beautiful but very difficult to spell and pronounce.  Tomorrow Church representatives will present to the Samoan government Ministry of Education, Sports and Education microfilm containing Samoan birth, death and other records from as far back as 1862. Amazing things are happening in the Pacific.  We are grateful to be a part of it.

                                                                                                                 At Milford Beach