Dear Readers,
Looking back on my last posting I realize that I need to update y'all. It's been almost two months since then.
My skin cancer removal scar finally healed which allowed me to go swimming again and to wear a cycling helmet again. Those two things have opened up exercise options that were heretofore unavailable to me for months.
Shortly after that I was working our usual Saturday afternoon shift at the Hospice shop when I was testing a donated knife sharpener and sliced a deep wound on my left index finger. It's been about three weeks now and the wound has finally closed.
"If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.” (Albert King)
Things aren't all that bad. In the last several months we have resumed full church services. On a typical Sunday Sister Baxter and I will either speak, teach, lead the singing, our all of the above.
We experienced our first Tangihanga. On the first night, we participated in a funeral for the father of a dear family in our branch. They have been so kind to us and have accepted us as one of their own. We held a short service in their home where I said the prayer, the Branch President gave some impromptu remarks, and Ruth Ann lead us in singing a hymn. The next day we travelled to the Korohe Marae where were "called" onto the marae (powhiri). This was our first experience with this wonderful Maori ritual. It was all spoken in te reo (Maori language) but I think we understood the sentiment. We greeted everyone in the building, about 60 people, with the traditional hongi. We spent the morning visiting the family and guests then were fed a sumptuous lunch. I was asked to assist the local tohunga as he blessed the waka (literally translated as 'canoe' but was actually a minivan carrying the body). We left for a few hours so that we could purchase and deliver a birthday gift to two children whom we are teaching. We returned later in the afternoon for another large meal. I was asked to preach a sermon. No other guidance was given so I felt impressed to speak on the purpose of life and the importance of families.
We have been doing a great deal of driving for our missionary duties. There is a companionship of elders in Taupo that do not drive so we take them to the district council meetings in Rotorua or Tokoroa, or Taupo. We have twice driven them to Hamilton for transfers. We drove to Hamilton for a missionary conference. In the last month we drove over 2000 kilometers performing missionary support.
We are still teaching the gospel two young children on a regular basis. We are praying for them and their family.
The weather is starting to warm up and spring is in full bloom. The variety of trees in bloom is beautiful. At times the sidewalks are covered in petals giving the appearance of pink snow.
 |
| The Korohe Marae where we honored the passing of our Maori friend. |
 |
| Our service project. Many hands make more work! |
 |
| Getting around town is usually best via bicycle. Is that a safety violation by Sister Baxter? |
 |
| General Conference watching at our branch. American waffles included as an added bonus. |
 |
| Stores in the small towns are always interesting. The one behind us is specializes in merino wool goods. |
 |
| A short hike to Okere Falls. I don't think the warning is for hikers but rather for rafters and kayakers to avoid going over the falls. |
 |
| Our friend has built a solar-powered bicycle. Testing starts this week. |
 |
| Elder Baxter working in the "depot" of the Hospice Op Shop. His job is to sort, test, price, and repair stuff. Note the image in the mirror! |
 |
| Sister Baxter sorting and pricing items at the Hospice shop. |
