Our mission experience in New Zealand came to an abrupt halt with the spread of the Covid-19 Corona virus throughout the world. This final blog encompasses the past 3 weeks prior to, and the start of a 6 week lock down in New Zealand.

March 15, 2020 we held a birthday celebration in Wellsford.

Elder Burkhardt turned 20 on the 12th and Elder Hamblin turned 20,

Ed turned 60 and Sister Burton turned ??? all on the 15th. 

We had BBQ ribs and potato salad and a fabulous cake Lisa found at New World in Orewa.

This is a rendering of the new Auckland Temple soon to be built.

The temple, which was first announced in October 2018 by President Russell M. Nelson,

will be located in Manukau. Once completed, the Auckland New Zealand Temple
will be the second temple built in New Zealand, following the Hamilton New Zealand Temple.

The temple will be built 14 miles (23 km) southeast of Auckland City, next to the New Zealand

Missionary Training Center, and the Redoubt Stake Center.
More than 114,000 Latter-day Saints live in New Zealand. They are spread throughout

225 congregations.

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints differ from meetinghouses or chapels,

where members meet for Sunday worship services.
Temples are considered sacred spaces where holy ordinances are performed,
including marriage to unite families for eternity.

Lisa and I, along with the other 3 Senior Missionary couples in the Northland  spent a day on a "Dune Runner" traveling along 90 mile beach, visiting Cape Reinga and enjoying the day together.

The Burtons, Barnes, De Loras and Crossleys on 90 mile beach

Lisa sliding down the sand dune on a boogie board

The tip of New Zealand , where the Tasman Sea (on the left)
and the Pacific Ocean (on the right) meet.

The light house at Cape Reinga

Lisa and Lori Burton enjoying ice cream cones in Kaitaia

Lisa and I stopped in Kerikeri for dinner on our way to Pahia
to celebrate our 38th anniversary.

We had not found a single Mexican restaurant in New Zealand that was anything close to authentic Mexican food, until we found this one!

We shared a platter of nachos that had  real tortilla chips, and guacamole! 

A panoramic view from flagstaff hill on Russell

Lisa and a 150 year old fig tree at Russell

An artist's home mailbox

The ferry from Pahia to Russell

Shared a slab of ribs in Pahia for our Anniversary dinner

While in Pahia, we took the opportunity to go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds before they closed due to the Corona virus

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds tells a story of challenge, resilience and acceptance – of two peoples coming together under the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the people of New Zealand are continuing to explore what the Treaty means, for today and the future.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds offers a unique and engaging experience, allowing visitors to connect through the stories, the people, the taonga (treasures) and the events that have shaped the nation’s history. The story of Waitangi  is the beginning of the story of modern Aotearoa New Zealand.

We followed this truck through Wellsford....The Possum Man.

A few days later we were traveling back from Whangarei and kept seeing what we thought were small rodents on the motor way. We finally pulled over to discover, what we thought were small rodents, were actually possum tails! Possum fur is blended with wool to make super soft yarn in New Zealand.

Apparently, the tails had blown out of the top of the truck

 as it was traveling through the Northland ?!?

As the pandemic lock down was one day away, Lisa put together bags of coloring pages, pictures, crafts and goodies to distribute to families with primary children who would be staying home for the next 6 weeks. 

We received 3 days notice that we would be returning home to the US. We distributed boxes and bags of food from our flat to some of our neighbors and friends.

Our sweet neighbors, Jolene and Michael and 2 of their 4 boys (#5 is on the way.)

We were able to do service for them, mowing their lawn, making meals etc. when Michael was down due to back surgery. We dropped off some of our food with them and they gave us some farewell cards that their boys had made for us.

Hanging out at the airport with fellow missionaries

At the Auckland airport with the Packards,who were returning to Inkom Idaho

A message from President Nelson

My dear friends, I know that concerns about your health, the health of your families, the economy, and your own employment weigh heavily upon your minds at this time. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect lives and disrupt normal activities. This is in addition to other challenges you are no doubt experiencing. The recent earthquakes in Salt Lake City are just one example of additional sources of stress that intensify our worries.

.These challenges are causing many to feel that the ground is moving beneath them. They wonder what they can count on in this time of turmoil.

.This reminds me of a conversation I recently had with a dear friend. This man was a senior government official in another nation, whom I have known for years. When I last visited him, I was surprised to see him being rolled into our meeting in a wheelchair.

.This friend then spoke. “I’ve been very ill for a long time,” he said. “Most days I just lie in my bed, look up at the ceiling, and long to know what is true.”

.During trying times, few things are as reassuring and comforting as truth. The Apostle Paul foresaw our day and prophesied that trying times would come. He added that MANY would be ever-learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

.What is true is that amid the gloomy darkness of a troubled world, the light of Jesus Christ shines ever brighter. He can speak truth to our hearts and minds as we seek Him and learn to hear Him.

.In this regard, we look forward to our upcoming general conference on April 4–5, where we will hear from Church leaders about the glorious Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how His gospel brings peace to our lives.

.Because large congregations cannot gather at present, this conference will look different. But the truth that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer—and that the fulness of His gospel has been restored to the earth—will be taught as always.

I extend a warm welcome to all, regardless of your faith tradition, to join with us through technology and to rejoice in the comforting power of revealed truth. I love you. I pray for you. And I assure you that the Lord is watching over us during these troubling times."

We enjoyed our mission so much! New Zealand is a beautiful country with beautiful people! We learned a lot about ourselves and the Gospel, and our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ were strengthened. We will miss the wonderful friends we made on our adventure. We are very grateful for our awesome children and grandkids who were such a great support and cheered us on. We look forward to what the Lord has in store for us moving forward, may His will be done!

Cheers!