Fa'a Samoa (That's how it goes in Samoa)

What a beautiful country Samoa is.  Definitely worth the 4 hour plane trip to get here.  The thing I noticed first is that there are fales everywhere. Many of the homes have their own fales in addition to  one larger one in each village. Many of the homes seem to be indoor/outdoor where half is completely open-air.  The kids all look so nice wearing their school uniforms with boys wearing lavalavas.  The men do too.  We were able to attend an English session at the beautiful temple.

Samoa Temple

Sheraton Aggie Grey Hotel - our lodgings for the week

We've met three young male RM's working at our hotel.  Leo, Villiamu, and Soofa (pronounced Sofa).  Leo told us that he's in the Nauvoo 1st Ward.  I told him that is a great name for a ward in Samoa. The first night I asked for restaurant recommendations.  Petals, just down the street, was highly recommended so we walked down the road looking for "Petals".  A boy on the street that happened to work there took us and we saw that the place is actually called  "Paddles".

The restaurant was all reserved for a big group except for a few tables.  We were fortunate to get one.  The waiter brought us a "Samoa Observer" newspaper to look at after we ordered.  While glancing at a few articles, (since we've been taught to have a "nose for news") we saw one about Leo's ward and a special Mother's Day program they had held.  And we learned that it's the Navu (not spelled Nauvoo) 1st Ward.  Another funny language mixup.

Well, while eating dinner, one table of young people sitting in the reserved area noticed we were wearing missionary badges. One of them, Rachel, came up and introduced herself.  We learned that her group is here from BYU on a study abroad program, "Rheumatic Relief Samoa".  They are going around to many different villages and holding clinics to check the villagers for Rheumatic Fever.  So interesting.  We were able to talk with the cardiologist that brought the group over and are going to go to one of their clinics and take photos, get quotes and then write an article about what they are doing here.

The following day we went to a local primary (grade) school where the children were being screened for rheumatic heart disease (RHD). It was amazing to see the students, doctors, nurses and technicians in action. The kids are first "entertained" by some of the BYU students who teach them a catchy song that helps them know that if they have a sore throat they need to tell an adult. If not treated, strep throat can lead to RHD.

As they teach the song the BYU students also dance around, creating excitement among the students. A puppet show reinforces the message to tell an adult if they have a sore throat.

The purpose of the singing, dancing and puppet show is not only to teach, but also to put the students at ease for what is to come. At the next station the students are brought into a large room where they must patiently wait while they are checked in. Their name, birth date and other identifying information is taken before a nurse uses a stethoscope to listen to their heart. If it is believed that a heart murmur has been heard an orange dot is place on them, indicating the need for a more extensive echocardiogram. If no murmur is heard  a simpler echocardiogram is performed.

We were shown a young man undergoing one of the extensive echocardiograms. A heart murmur had been detected and the echocardiogram showed that blood was flowing backward through the heart valve. The young man would need surgery.

Results of the screenings are entered into a database so follow-ups can be done in the future. If early-stage RHD is detected, the individual is referred to the local health care system for secondary treatment. requiring 8 - 10 years of antibiotic treatment. Follow this link to read the story in Pacific Newsroom.

We were surprised to run into two other groups from Utah. One was a BYU professor of biochemistry who has developed a spray that is being tested in Samoa. It is believed to cure diabetes-related injuries within 30 days.

The other was a UVU professor who was discussing with the Samoan government a revolutionary Thorium-based nuclear power plant that is purported to have resolved all of the safety concerns of nuclear power plants. He said it would reduce the price of electricity from $.45 per KWH to $.03 to $.04 per KWH.

Interesting that we ran into so many Utahns all trying to help the people of Samoa!
We ran into Joan and Howard Collett at the hotel.  They are on a short assignment from Salt Lake to look into the diabetes initiatives and their progress both in Samoa and Tonga.  It was good to have friends to hang out with a bit.  Villengas are busy Humanitarian missionaries in Apia.

Dinner with Villengas and Colletts at Giardano's

We tracked down the building at the Viloa School that I had written a story on.  Off to the side of the school was a rundown building where mothers would hang out while their children were in school. They spend most of their time playing Bingo to pass the time.  They make good use of bottle-caps.

Food! I really miss good ole American food.  We opted to not get the breakfast at the hotel because it is 60 Tala which is $24.00.  But in speaking to the receptionist we have just learned that they will add breakfast to our hotel stay as a package price.  Wish we'd known sooner.  But we can still enjoy 4 days of a big buffet breakfast.  With some food restrictions that I have it's been hard to find a lot that I can eat.  I eat mainly meat and kumara here.  Give me some cheese, please!

I had to chuckle the other day as we drove by the Dog Management Centre here in town.  I think they should consider changing their plan.  Not working too well.  Lots of thin dogs.  I feel bad for them.

While visiting with Elder and Sister Villenga in Welfare Services here we learned of the Dental Clinic on the Church's Pesaga Campus. We were curious and tracked it down.  We walked in and there were two Carmelite nuns there, one waiting to see the dentist. Elder (Dr.) and Sister Spencer are there serving for 18 months.  The Renchers (he's a dentist) are volunteers there for two months. They are so busy.  People come very early to get their name on a patient list for the day. What a service they offer and one that is so desperately needed.  By the way, as we left we asked the sweet nuns what they do.  They said they contemplate and pray.  And would pray for us.  We always need more prayers!

You can read the Pacific Newsroom story about the dental clinic here.

The past two days have been spent mainly working on getting an accurate list of the villages here that have religious restrictions.  What a job!  One list we have from the Area side does not agree with the list we were given from the Mission side.  They could play better in the sandbox.  We have been tasked with figuring it out. It's been fascinating to learn about certain villages that won't allow missionaries in.  Some fine those who join the Church.  Some won't allow conversions. Some won't allow villagers to crossover (attend in next village). Much of this is determined by the Premier Chief or the Chief Orator.  The Samoan Constitution allows for religious freedom but some ignore that fact. Oftentimes it is for the village preacher's financial benefit.  With help, we have been going straight to the horse's mouth (the Stake Presidents of these villages) and asked for their input. It's helped tremendously.  We think that we are down to 17 villages now rather than 18 that have religious freedom restrictions.  Progress is being made.

Elder Fata, Sapele, and Elder McGuire

A little about Samoa. There are over three hundred villages, each headed by a chief and chief orator. They are the decision-makers. Fales dot the landscape.  And what I love is that many of the families bury their deceased in their front yard. Our children might really love that idea but I wouldn't want them fighting over who would actually get us so I guess we'll hold on to our plots over at Larkin!

The land is lush and mountainous with scenic sights worth taking the back roads that lead to them.  There just can't be a coconut shortage ! Coconut trees are everywhere and they are full of fruit just for the taking (If you're brave enough to shimmy up the tree).

Cute mama pig with babies

Near To Sua Trench

 Fuisipia Falls were spectacular. It was worth the hike in and even crossing the treacherous stream to see it. The mud on the trail was 2 inches thick in places and I'm hoping my sandals aren't ruined. I finally wised up and took them off and sloshed through the mud barefoot. During part of the short hike Jim was chivalrously helping me cross the stream by stepping on slippery, moss-covered rocks.  As luck would have it he slipped and cut himself up pretty badly.  But he did save the camera from going in the water.  We know what's more important. Not me - but the camera!  It was a pretty funny sight to see us tumbling off the rocks and into the water.  The picture doesn't do the sight justice.  So beautiful  A little neosporin that the Colletts had brought along saved the day.

Sauniatu, a lovely, well-hidden interior village on the main island of Upolu, was worth the journey - even without a four wheel drive car.   "Sauniatu means 'a place to prepare.' The early Saints who established Sauniatu had a vision about the importance of this place in the Samoan history of the Church. They knew they needed a place where they could prepare and build strength. In 1904, when they established Sauniatu, they had been expelled from their villages, persecuted, and unfairly taxed for being Mormons. Later they started a school at Sauniatu, and it became one of the Church schools in Samoa. From time to time, during the ensuing years, the people of Sauniatu and the various school administrators talked about the advisability of keeping such a remote school operating.

In 1921, when Samoan officials were wondering about continuing the village, Elder David O. McKay and Hugh Cannon visited Samoa on their around-the-world tour of the Church. It was on this visit that Elder McKay pronounced an apostolic blessing on Sauniatu and its inhabitants. Among other things, he blessed them that they would have an abundance of food and clothing, that their plantations would be fruitful, and that peace would abide in their hearts and homes." (See Improvement Era, May 1966, p. 366.)

A model Samoan village to commemorate President McKay’s 1921 visit and his apostolic blessing was built.  A special chief’s house (fale) with ornate carvings was built and named the McKay house. In the center is a bust of Pres. McKay. 

We discovered a hidden paradise in Apia - Robert Louis Stevenson's home during the last few years of his life.  The garden areas were so lush and beautiful.  He moved to Samoa from England to convalesce because of his Tuberculosis.  Ironically, he died a few years later from a brain anurysm.  Now I'm  eager time to read some of his books.

Home of Robert Louis Stevenson

On our last morning in Samoa we were finally able to meet with more of the PA team. Such a wonderful group accomplishing great things.  Glad we could finally meet them and learn of their efforts there.

National Public Affairs team in Samoa (George, us, Sam, Sapele, (not pictured - Elder Fata and Motisha)

We've loved spending time here in this beautiful country. Family and loyalty is everything here. We'll never forget the faithful people we have met on Upolu.  Maybe we'll get to Savai'i sometime.

Goodbyes at the hotel

A Change of "Coaches"

JM:  (Monday, May 8, 2017) We just learned that Elder S. Gifford Nielsen and Sister Wendy Nielsen will be released next month. They'll return to Salt Lake City and be assigned to work in the Missionary Department. They will really be missed! Elder Nielsen has been the counselor in the Area Presidency responsible for Public Affairs. He has been very supportive of our work and it will be interesting to see if that changes under new leadership.

The Nielsens spoke at our senior missionary family home evening. Sister Nielsen talked about their courtship, family and what a privilege it is to be able to testify of the Savior. Elder Nielsen explained the eight quorums of the Seventy, including the mandatory release age of 70, how Area Authority Seventies function, who of the Seventy hold keys and what the General Authority Seventy's responsibilities are.

Elder Nielsen told of a conversation he had with Houston Oilers Coach, Bum Phillips a short time before his death. Bum was concerned about what would happen to him when he died, so together they read and talked about Alma 40, where Alma tells his son Corianton about the Atonement and where the righteous and the wicked go after death.

He also talked about his very close relationship with Coach Lavell Edwards and how difficult it was not to be able to be there as Coach Edwards was passing away. He credited Lavell with having a great deal to do with who he has become.

A very touching part of Elder Nielsen's talk was about the mother of a young man in the stake where Elder Nielsen was then Stake President. She was concerned that her son had chosen a different path that was leading him away from the Church. After taking some time to reflect on the mother's concerns, Elder Nielsen was inspired to read her 2 Nephi 10: 1-2, where Jacob says that "God will be merciful unto many; and our children shall be restored, that they may come to that which will give them the true knowledge of their Redeemer." She left having hope in Christ's Atonement and that her son would come back into the Church. Elder Nielsen indicated that her son has been married in the temple and now has four children.

After the Nielsens spoke, a group photo was taken and Elder and Sister Nielsen were kind enough to take the time to take photos with each of the senior missionary couples. It was a very special evening with one of the Lord's chosen servants and many dedicated missionaries!

SM:  Good morning world!  The sun rises on New Zealand before any other country in the world.  So we really are the first to greet the new day because of our location near the international dateline.  Our friends recently returned to Tahiti after being here for a week.  It was so good to see the Thomsens who are serving as public affairs missionaries there.  Because they were crossing the International Dateline to come here to NZ and then return, they experienced three Sundays in one week.  Heavenly!

We can untape our ankles now that reinforcements have arrived.  The team is back to full strength now that Pinsons and our intern, Paesha Tuttle, have arrived.  Pinsons were delayed several weeks because of visa troubles.  They were ready and anxious to get here.  Hope they're going to love it here as much as we do.  They are awesome and it will be great to have them to share public affairs experiences and assignments with.  And Paesha is so talented. Oh, and beautiful, too.  Now we get to huddle up each morning with some all-star players and Hall of Fame Public Affairs Coach, Rich Hunter - who's one of a kind. What a team. Feeling blessed.

This morning we all headed to Massey University to cover a story for an event, Spirituality Week, being held there.   Religions from all over Auckland were represented.  Young missionaries were there to represent and answer questions about our Church.  Paesha took photos while Jim and Quin Pinson were getting photo releases from individuals in the event we want to use their photos in a media story. They also had an interesting conversation with a man that thinks our Church is a cult.  He expressed that he's worried about Jim's soul.  Jim shared that he, too, was worried about the man's soul but that he's sure he's a good man and will eventually see the light.

Jim, Pinsons and Paesha at Massey University

Look what I discovered at Countdown, a local grocery story close to our flat.  Duke's Mayonnaise.  Those of you from the south will appreciate this.  It's something I've really missed since I left South Carolina.  Yum!  Another thing we enjoy here is Tip Top Ice Cream.  My favorite flavor is "Hokey Pokey".  Makes me want to do the Hokey-pokey!

Duke's - another word for YUM!

Here's a beautiful Maori proverb that we love. "He aha te menui o Te Ao ku e Ma ku e Kli atu He Tangata , He Tangata, He Tangata."  It means "What is the most important thing in this world, I say to you, It is People, It is People, It is People."  That's the reason we have left home and family to go half-way around the world. For the people!

On Mother's Day Eve we went to a movie (Viceroys) and dinner at Aubergine with three other senior missionary couples.  Great evening and great company.  We all work hard and find a little time, now and then, to play hard as well.   We get to hang out with the most amazing people and we love the camraderie that we share.  It's wonderful that we can share stories of our families back home and they are willing to listen. Or maybe we have a cornered audience.  But they don't seem to mind. Thanks, Collins, Lovelesses and Pinsons.

I couldn't help but smile today at Church after seeing this beautiful Mother.  I've had a wonderful Mother's day reflecting on the love and sacrifices made by my beautiful mother.  Oh, to be like her.  All three of our children tried to reach us.  Two reached us on Facetime.  One at 5:45 a.m. our time.  Yawn!  It was wonderful to talk with them.  One left a message saying he tried to reach me but couldn't.  I'm  sure I'll talk with him and his family tomorrow.  Guess I'm loved a little bit!! What a joy it has been to have three incredible sons that have grown up to be such outstanding men.  Sounding proud? Yep, I am!

We took the Pinsons (the new Public Affairs missionary couple that were delayed in coming due to visa problems) for a drive to Muriwai.  Such a breathtakingly beautiful place.  Our favorite place so far.

JM: Had a wonderful Mothers Day with a wonderful Mother, my sweet wife and eternal companion. I am so thankful for the sacrifices she made to bring our three sons into this world! Not only did she spend countless hours loving and teaching them, but she cared for me and our home at the same time. I am blessed to have her as my partner!

I used a sports reference in the title of this post. Elder Nielsen was a successful athlete and sportscaster and has been providing such terrific leadership and example as a Seventy and a counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency. We have been privileged to get to know him and Sister Nielsen for these few months and will miss their influence here in the Pacific.

Now it's off to Samoa in two days to become acquainted with our public affairs team there. We'll update you on our return. 

Tape Your Ankles and Let's Go, It's Game Time!

JM - Our friends and fellow Public Affairs missionaries, Elder and Sister Champlin, left on April 14. Their replacements were supposed to arrive before that but visas had not yet been received by Elder and Sister Pinson. When Elder Champlin told Elder S. Gifford Nielsen (of the Seventy and First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency - also a former NFL and BYU quarterback) that, his response was "McGuires better tape their ankles, have a pre-game meal and get ready to get in the game." Oh, how right he was!

On the day Champlins left for home we were in Tauranga preparing for the dedication of a monument to honor Matthew Cowley. Click here for a video of that event: Matthew Cowley Monument Dedication, Tauranga, New Zealand . Can you find Shirley and me, twice? Blink and you'll miss us!

These last two weeks have been good and very busy. As usual we would arrive at the office at about 8:30 and leave about 4:30, but those eight hours were action-packed.   It's not been unusual when I get home to be on my laptop working on stories.  We've had a ton of stories lately.  So much to do and so little time (especially for two senior missionaries still wet behind the ears)!

SM: As President Monson said, "When we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help.  Remember that."  We are certainly recipients of His help in so many ways.  And, oh, how our family is being blessed! We truly acknowledge the Lord's hand in our lives.

JM: As busy as it has been, this past two weeks has been a good teacher, providing accelerated learning. Previously Champlins had always been there to provide answers and help as needed. Now the work needed to be done and we were the only ones to do it. We taped our ankles, had a pre-game meal and went out onto the field of battle.

View of Auckland from Devonport

In spite of all we had to do we were able to enjoy a few excursions, though. We went to Muriwai for the second time. This time we went with fellow senior missionaries Cherri and Scott Loveless. They are seasoned Muriwai visitors and took us down to the beach where there is a "cave". Actually it is just a narrow opening in the cliff where, I suppose, the waves have cut through. The cave opens up onto the ocean on one side and the beach on the other.

Elder Loveless and Jim at Muriwai Cave

It was low tide and we entered from the beach. It was dark and we were wading in a bit water. As we approached the ocean opening the waves began getting bigger and water came crashing into the cave. It wasn't much water, but it came in with some force. It made quite a loud crashing sound as it  hit the walls of the cave. One of the waves cam in with such force that it almost knocked Shirley over. It was that wave that Elder Loveless said created a sound he had not heard before in his multiple times in the cave, a double crash. The wave crashed into the north wall of the cave and had enough force that it bounced of that wall and still made a crashing sound as it hit the south wall.

Prior to going into the cave we went to the south end of the beach where Lovelesses knew we would find starfish. Sure enough, we found many starfish clinging to the rocks as the waves came in and receded. Interestingly the starfish didn't have five arms like one might expect, they each had 10-12 arms. Wondering if it was alive, Shirley picked one up but quickly returned it to the water.

On our way home we stopped for ice cream (I love New Zealand, it has lots of ice cream). I wish I could eat it every night like I did as a young man. Now my pants are getting tighter and I only eat it less than once a week.

On ANZAC Day, April 25, we arose early to drive over the bridge into Mount Roskill and arrive at a commemoration that began at 6:30 a.m. ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps and ANZAC Day is similar to our Memorial Day. The two slogans, "We will remember them" and "lest we forget" can be seen throughout Auckland. One member of the Church told me that, with the exception of Iraq, New Zealand has fought alongside United States in every conflict since World War I. The commemoration we attended is documented on Pacific Mormon Newsroom as:
 "Church Members and Friends Remember Those Who Protect Freedom" . 

Cold sunrise service for Anzac Dat

Jim getting information for story

After the ANZAC Day commemoration we went to Matakatia Beach, Red Beach and dinner with another senior missionary couple, Elder and Sister Collins (Lynn and Karen). It was a much needed, relaxing afternoon at the beach. When we had gone to Red Beach with Elder and Sister Champlin a few weeks earlier we had found quite a few nautilus shells. Sister Collins wanted some nautilus shells for her collection and she was lucky enough to find two handfuls at Red Beach.

Matakatia Beach with Collins

Red Beach on Anzac Day

 
SM: On Saturday, April 29, we drove up to Hamilton (1 1/2 hr drive) to attend the temple.  We went to the 1:30 session and were surprised to learn that it was a Samoan language session.  It wasn't lost on me that I'm in New Zealand, a land of many Maori, and as a Palangi attending a temple session surrounded by a room full of beautiful Samoan members and I'm acting as proxy for my French ancestor, Cedulie Bernier.  A wonderful experience! It was reiterated to me that Heavenly Father loves us all - those on the earth now, those who lived here before, and those yet to come down.

We drove back to Auckland and went to a Mexican Restaurant, Little Mexico, that had been recommended to us.  Hard to find good Mexican food here.  Downtown Auckland is quite the happening place at night.  And parking is a nightmare.

We are going to Samoa in a few weeks to meet with the national Public Affairs Director, Sapele Longi, and his team.  We are also trying to determine how many villages there will not allow missionary proselyting.  One list shows 29 villages.  Another list shows 18 villages. (And only five are on both lists.) Some villages fine those who join the Church.  Some will allow members in their village but demand that they attend meetings outside of their village.  A Pacific Area Goal is to make progress toward establishing religious freedom in those villages.  Once we determine which villages don't allow the Church to operate in them, then goals that are more specific can be worked on and the Public Affairs team can become involved in that.  We are looking forward to the trip even though it will be very HOT!

Cyclones, Alarms and Smoke - Oh My!

SM:  Red Beach is a great place to spend a few hours.  We packed a light lunch and drove over with Champlins. The beach is very unique in that the shore is made up of coral that has, over time, eroded.  The coral has interesting grooves running through it.  We actually found a starfish and knew we had to "save that one" by getting it into the water.  We also found a lot of nautilus shells and a few sand dollars.  Very unique place.

The night market is something one must go to at least once when in Auckland. A group of us went to see what it's like.  It's held in a parking garage (car park) on the weekends. Imagine tons of people and lots of food stalls.  I bought a spiral cut fried potato on a stick Yum!  Jim had ice cream that was rolled up like a fruit roll-up.  Lots of unique food there.  The squid body and tentacles look awful!

Cyclone Cook is bearing down hard in the South Pacific!  The Area Office closed up today at noon and sent everyone home and told us to hunker down til it passed.  Six hours later and nothing.  But we think it's still coming.  It's supposed to hit hard in Tauranga, which is where we are driving south to tomorrow.  It's about 3 hours away.  We are going to cover the Matthew Cowley (Matiu Kouri) Grove and Historical Marker dedication. Hope we don't get rained out.  We've been told that if the storm is too bad that we shouldn't go.

We've been writing pre-stories, coordinating with the local public affairs people in Tauranga, arranging to get location permissions for videoing, meeting with Publishing Services department about photos, videoing, etc.  It's never just a "show up and take pictures" type event, it seems.  Lots of planning beforehand.  Part of the event will be held in the Marae, which requires that each person that enters has to have already been through a particular Maori ceremony.  Those that haven't already, will do so before the event. Looking forward to it.

A YSA Face 2 Face Pacific Area broadcast event was held the other night.  This particular one was a family home evening with local young single adults and Elder and Sister Nielsen of the Area Presidency. One of the local youth that attended is named Thummin.  I learned that he has a brother named Urim.  Hmmm.

Well, I almost burned down our apartment complex today.  Sort of!  I put some eggs on to boil.  After 6-7 minutes I took one out to eat while the others finished cooking.  We quickly finished getting ready to go  and stopped by the store to pick up some cake for a little farewell party in our office.  While in the store I suddenly remembered that I left the eggs boiling.  I was in a panic.  We hurried back to the apartment and opened the door to smoke in the room.  I hurried and opened windows and our balcony door.  I am so amazed that the smoke alarm didn't go off.  Had fire department come it would have cost me $1200.  I am so grateful I suddenly remembered.  A tender mercy, I'm certain!

And speaking of smoke, it's not unusual for the building to be evacuated because a smoke/fire alarm has gone off in our apartment complex. The other day the speaker came on saying leave the building so we took our wallets and headed to the grocery store close by.  We were out of town when the alarm came on late at night.  We've been told that it does happen during the night once in a while. Not looking forward to that.  

JM:  Our wonderful friends, mentors and companion public affairs missionaries, Jeff and Linda Champlin, leave tomorrow to go home. They have mentored us for these first two months and we have come to rely on them a great deal. It will be quite an adjustment for us and we will miss them terribly . Since their replacements, the Pinsons, haven't gotten their visas yet, we will be without any help for the next 2 or 3 weeks. It will undoubtedly be a very busy time -  we just hope we are up to speed enough to carry the load alone. We'll see how things go.

SM:  On Friday April 14 we drove down to Matamata for the night.  Surprisingly, the weather wasn't a problem but the traffic was!!  It took us three hours to go 50 miles of our 120 mile drive.  Everyone was leaving town for the long Easter weekend.  Saturday morning we headed to Tauranga for the dedication of the Matiu Kauri (Matthew Cowley) Grove and Historic Marker Dedication Service.  Matthew Cowley was a well-loved missionary in New Zealand and translated scripture into the Maori language.  He later served as mission president in NZ.  His motto was "Kia Ngawari", a Maori appeal to be loving, kind and humble.

The gathering began with a traditional welcome on to the Marae.  Here's an explanation of a marae:
In Māori society, the marae is a place where the culture can be celebrated, where the Māori language can be spoken, where intertribal obligations can be met, where customs can be explored and debated, where family occasions such as birthdays can be held, and where important ceremonies, such as welcoming visitors or farewelling the dead (tangihanga), can be performed. Like the related institutions of old Polynesia, the marae is a wāhi tapu, a 'sacred place' which carries great cultural meaning.

Marae in Tauranga

All newcomers to the marae must be invited and greeted formally by the tangata whenua (hosts). It's interesting to be part of a processional led by a host chanting and singing to the host standing in front of the Marae.  Shoes were removed to enter in the marae.  Men sit on the front rows and women behind. Guests sat on one side and Marae elders and others sat opposite.  There was more chanting and then Elders sang to guests.  Then Guests stood and sang to elders.  Fascinating culture.

After Marae ceremony everyone walked down the hill to the "Grove" for the actual dedication. Elder Haleck, of the Seventy and Pacific Area President, Elder Nielsen of the Seventy and Elder Steven E. Snow of the Seventy, and Church Historian were in attendance. Elder Haleck and Elder Snow spoke then Elder Haleck gave the dedicatory prayer. We, or course, were taking notes, photos and initiating video interviews with the visiting Church authorities and local government leaders.  Jim can now add a new skill to his resume.  He interviews guests for video. No experience required - teehee!

Elder Haleck

Deputy Mayor of Tauranga

Elder Snow, Church Historian

Matthew Cowley Marker

Following the dedication service we drove 60 miles to Hamilton with the guests to tour the Church History Center that's almost completed. It's a beautiful building and the only other Churchwide.  It will be dedicated in June. Expecting more guests from Salt Lake for the event. Needless to say, we felt very fortunate to participate in the activities of this day.

 Easter is always a wonderful day for me.  In the office we have been making arrangements for the "Prince of Peace" campaign to be carried out in the different islands throughout the Pacific. It was wonderful to see banners of the Savior and the campaign phrase on church fences in Tonga before we left.  There were billboards in many of the islands. I am so grateful for the beautiful reminders of the Savior's gift to all through His atonement and resurrection.  The comforting peace that we all desire comes only from Christ, truly the "Prince of Peace". Five of us local missionary couples got together that evening for a delicious dinner at Hendersons' flat.

Forget the chocolate Easter bunnies. NZ has chocolate kiwis!

*As for the cyclone, fortunately we were spared the high winds and torrential downpours that hit further south causing flooding and power outages.
**Interesting New Zealand phrase - "Hoisted by one's own petard".  Shakespeare quote - Meaning to do something that comes back to haunt you.  I do that now and then, unfortunately.