Elder and Sister Baxter in New Zealand: January 2020 (So Far)

Dear Readers,

In January, we went to see if we could help at the Tuwharetoa Marae Sports Challenge 2020. This has been an ongoing athletic event among the Maori Marae's in the region over the years. There were around 20 Marae's participating. There were upwards of 2000 Maori competing. They competed in rugby, volleyball, petanque, basketball, table tennis, and some relay races. We helped with the timing of the relays. They asked us to play squash but had to claim ignorance of the game. We were asked to march in the Olympic style team march. We really felt out of place being what seemed to be the only non-Maori on the field.

We attended our first Zone Conference of the new year at the usual venue in Tauranga. You will notice Elder and Sister Yamashita at the center of. He is a general authority in the Pacific Area Presidency (HQ in Auckland).

We try do and see something new on our preparation day. The few photos below show a trek up Mt. Tauhara (an extinct volcano) near Taupo and a short hike (on another day) into the native bush in the Tongariro Forest Park.

We also helped with a meal preparation for the Maori at the Waitetoko Marae. We were assisted by the Taupo Sister Missionaries. This was our first time on a Marae. Elder Baxter set the table, including all the forks, spoons, knives, napkins (serviettes) and glasses in their right positions. Sister Baxter's long suffering instruction over the years regarding the proper table setting really paid off. Sister Baxter helped Auntie Frieda make the salads, cut pineapple, and tutored the young sisters in general kitchen work. We all washed dishes. We all worked under the direction of Aroha French and an amazing 78-year old Auntie Frieda.