Elder Hamblin and Elder Burkhardt posted an advertisement offering free service 

in Wellsford. Multiple people responded, so we jumped in and spent much of 

our time performing meaningful service in the community the past few weeks.

Lot's of weed pulling!

Our painting crew, sprucing up Kate's Place, 

a local community center that helps those in need.

Elder Burkhardt  from Germany giving Elder Hamblin and I "Rückenstärkung"

 or as he says in English...Moral Support!

Lisa the log stacker!

Elder Hamblin taking his turn splitting firewood.

Our Elders are so creative when it comes to teaching lessons! I participated in a lesson on CPR at the Fletcher's home....Elder Hamblin taught the importance of Church, Prayer and Reading the Scriptures in order to revive our Spirits. He then did an object lesson using 3 knives, 3 cups and a book. Supporting the book on the knives without moving the cups...to show how important each of the components of the  CPR are when used together.

Elder Burkhardt teaching about building a stable foundation 

on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

We were asked to go to Auckland to help film a "Flash Mob" of Elders and Sisters.

The Book of Mormon Musical is currently being performed in Auckland, so our Mission President asked some of the Senior Missionaries and several zones to come up with something to show what "Real Missionaries" are really like. Everything was planned and practiced at a local Church building, and then we headed to the predetermined park to perform. Everyone split up and wore jackets and sweaters , as to not draw attention to all of the missionaries. When we arrived at the park,  a local radio station was set up with an Orchestra and performers helping to support the local public radio, so....we headed to another park, which was not ideal....then headed to another strip mall  where we were finally able to perform! Satan has his ways of trying to hinder the work of the Lord! We will post the final video once it is edited and shared with us.

Sister Whatcott lead us through the streets of Auckland to this little shop, where she and Lisa were able to bond....and find more yarn to knit!

We took the "Mail Boat" cruise to Kawau Island and after cruising around the Island making mail and supply deliveries, we stopped at the Mansion House. We ate lunch at the only cafe on the island, and took a hike through the hills to an abandoned copper mine. We wandered the gardens at the mansion house, tried to avoid the pesky peacocks and watched a group of teens playing cricket.

The Dargaville branch spent several hours doing a thorough cleaning of the Church building and the parking lots.  Tavita Lisiate taking a break as Lisa cleans chairs.

Fish and Chips for all after the cleaning was complete!

After the Church cleaning, Lisa and I did a hike from the Kai Iwi Lakes to the beach. The land is so dry, we are still waiting for rain! The trail takes you over a dozen or so hot wire fences , up and down several hills, then up a steep incline of 98 steps (Lisa counted them)  and down to the beach.

A very small water fall

Surf fishing for Snapper, these fishermen caught a stingray, which they carefully released and prodded back into the water with the butts of their fishing rods.

We drive past Tokatoka peak every time we go to Dargaville, 

so on the way home we finally stopped to climb it! 

Slick and very steep incline.

A panoramic view from the top. The top is only about 8 feet in diameter, so we tried to stay right in the middle to avoid being blown off by a gust of wind!

Lisa heading back...straight down. Those little dots on the road are cars!

A picnic table with a Mosaic of Tokatoka in a little park by the river.

Another quilt from Lisa, for Gloria Pratt's new great grand-baby.

Bits and pieces of New Zealand....but, it could be Arkansas!
Yes...those are toilets hanging as decorations.
If a vehicle breaks down anywhere,
everything that can be removed, is stolen and only the "Carcass" remains.

Happiness is the new rich
Inner peace is the new success

Health is the new wealth

Kindness is the new cool