It has been a sweet but quiet week.

Our mission is so lucky to have Sister Janet Ah Mu who will be serving as the new mission health specialist.  She is very knowledgeable and is excited to be here.  She is a New Zealand resident and comes to the mission from Whangarei.  She is going to be a wonderful asset.   She has worked as a nurse and is familiar with New Zealand’s health services.

We have worked together for several days.  She has her phone and email set up and will be ready to take over as soon as she gets her access to the missionary medical website.  She is a quick learner and I have enjoyed her immensely.  

We had lunch break one day at Blindbasket.  Yummy!

It will be transfers this week so there have not been too many calls or health problems.  It always seems to be calm just before transfer day.   Been to urgent care and dental appointments but nothing major.

Everyone in the mission is making my last days brighter with kind words, dinners/lunches, and hugs.  I have had opportunities to see missionaries at the office and when I’m out and about.  I’ve also had lunch with some of them.

Elders Kendall and Waterson

Korean BBQ with Sisters Roebeck, Ah Mu and Heath

Elder and Sister Mayberry took me to Thai food in Auckland.
Sister Lucas joined us for a wonderful evening and delicious pad Thai.

With only one week left as a missionary, I have been reminiscing.  Everyone asks me what my favorite part of the mission has been and my answer is always “the missionaries.”   I have expressed my love for these young people often but their spirit and enthusiasm is contagious. 

I have loved seeing this gorgeous and clean country.  The citizens take pride in keeping the roadsides, cities and their homes clean.  The people/drivers are kind and considerate.  

I have a difficult time picking one or two or even 20 special moments or favorites from my 23 months here in New Zealand.  The whole experience has created cherished memories.  

My cousin, Steven Bailey wrote a poem that I like:

Memories (C)

As one grows older, memories of times
past often come to mind.

Memories of playing in the mud
and just having fun,

Playing Cops and Robbers,
Cowboys and Indians and hide and seek,

The trips we had to visit family on
a Sunday afternoon,

Memories of fresh-mowed hay
on a warm summer day,

The smell of a light rain falling from
clouds in the sky,

Old Western Movies and
Driven-Theaters, 

The fun of making a snowman and
throwing snowballs,

Memories of riding a sled or skiing
on a snow-covered slope,

Camping trips with family and friends,
sitting around a warm camp fire,

Enjoying the day with cousins
at the family reunion.

Fishing for the elusive trout along
a quiet river stream,

Memories of a quiet walk on the beach and
listening to the waves kiss the shore,

And receiving the advice of loving parents
when leaving home.

Planning a trip to faraway places and
traveling there with friends.

These are a few memories that come to mind
as one grows a little older.

Steve Bailey   
2021

I can add memories of my New Zealand Auckland Mission to my memory bank and look back over this time as one of joy and learning.   The Lord has surely blessed me beyond measure!

Besides the missionaries both young and senior, the memories of beach walks will be some of my most fun things to think about.

A dear friend gave me this fridge magnet.  LOVE IT!!!

I don’t have many beach pics this week because we have been going before sunrise so it has been pretty dark most days.

The beauty of a rose, a flower, a bird, the clouds, green hills, trees all create memories.

I look forward to seeing my family and friends to start a new chapter of memories in my book of memories. 

As Easter approaches, I wish to express my appreciation for my Savior -  For his sacrifice, Atonement, and resurrection.   As I was studying today, I read a quote by President McKay that I liked:

“Easter is a sacred day, a day of thanksgiving and divine worship,” President David O. McKay once said. “It is not a day just for rejoicing because of the opening of springtime, not merely an opportunity to display beautiful hats and fine clothing—it is an occasion for the expression of gratitude to God for having sent His Only Begotten Son into the world to be ‘the way, the truth, the life.’”  

I love my Savior.  I love you my family and friends.