Family and Friends Are Forever

JM: Elder Steve and Sister Christine Streeter (couple on the right) were about to go home to Bountiful. We didn't want them to leave without having them over for dinner to tell them how much we enjoyed serving with them in the Area office. They have inspired us all.

Elder and Sister Henshaw joined us for dinner as well. They are another amazing senior missionary couple. This work can't possibly fail with such wonderful people helping to move it forward!

Elder Streeter has to be the best "selfie"-taker in the Pacific Area office! He also has the world's fastest "post" finger! The below photo was posted long before our plates were loaded with food.

One of the greatest blessings of a mission is meeting the other senior couples with whom you serve. We have been greatly blessed that way.

Eight people from the Pacific Area were chosen to participate in a three week-long Leadership Development Program. Each department in the Area office was asked to provide some training to the group. We were asked to provide training on leadership and communication. I gave a presentation on communication. I hope it was well received. It was a good sign that there was excellent participation.

Once a month we have a senior missionary couples outing to the temple.  Because it's a two hour drive from Auckland, many of us drive up the evening before and go to dinner in Hamilton.  While there we had time to visit the Hamilton Gardens, one of our favorite places in Hamilton.

Hamilton Gardens

"Magnolia Walk" at the Hamilton Gardens

Enjoyed a great steak at the Bluestone with the awesome gang

SM: A chocolate break was in order for the Area Public Affairs team last week.  After picking up Elder Odgers at the airport, we drove him to Auckland for a conference and then met with Rob Dudfield for a short meeting. As we were leaving downtown we took a wrong turn and headed back into town. The perfect excuse to go have an Italian Denso (hot chocolate) at the "Chocolate Boutique." We are going to miss that delectable indulgence!

Rich Hunter (Pacific Area Public Affairs Director), Jim, and Elder & Sister Pinson

We are still enjoying walks on the beach though the weather is turning a little cooler. We went on a late afternoon walk while the tide was out and ran across our first starfish on our own Takapuna
Beach.  Also found a few sand dollars. We hope to continue these walks as the weather changes and will just have to bundle up a little.

SM: Had a lovely Mother's Day.  Talked with each of our sons and was once again reminded of the joy and privilege it has been to be their mother.  I am continually inspired by them and their devotion to their family and to living the gospel.  Feeling very blessed! Our ward primary (photo below) sang "Mother, I Love You" and I was touched as I was reminded again of my wonderful mother whom I lost far too early in life.  She is the one I continually strive to be like.

In Relief Society our teacher, Leah Couch, explained the meaning of "Whaea" (mother).   In Maori, Whaea is prounounced "Fire" and means mother. Whaea also means being a mother to your siblings' children.  I love this.  It takes a village to raise children.  My sisters and sisters-in-law are a big part of my village and I'm so grateful for their "mothering" of my children and for their continued love for them.  I love their children and find joy in seeing them as they embrace the world and continue to be the wonderful individuals they are. The same goes for Nannie (or grandmother).  In the Maori language it means they are also nannies for their siblings' grandchildren.  A beautiful concept.

Our primary sang "Mother, I Love You" in Sacrament Meeting

JM: I love and honor the Mother of our children. I am the first to admit that her role in life was much harder and took much more skill and effort than did mine. Our children and grandchildren are much more a reflection of her goodness and teaching than they are of mine. I am so grateful for the sons that she brought into our lives and for their wives and children. They mean so very much to us both.

I also am eternally grateful to my own Mother. I wasn't the easiest child to rear, but she did it perfectly! She was always there for me and always supported me.I miss her greatly but know that we will one day be together again. I am so thankful for that knowledge! It gives me comfort each time I think of either Mom or Dad.

The Rowberrys, former Tabernacle Choir members, shared a great missionary couples FHE about their MOTAB experiences.