Slowing the daily pace

On Wednesday Kristin sent me this picture.  Her son, David, found it in a box in the basement.  I am not positive if it was taken in the Dominican Republic or Hawaii, but either way, it conjures up memories of fun times. 

I enjoy thinking about past memories and the times spent with Kay, family and friends.  With this slower pace of life, I find I am enjoying the “travel” I can take through my memories, reading, and videos.

Jim and Deanne and I were talking one afternoon this week after Jim had posted some pictures on FaceBook of trips he had taken.  We began to talk about trips that Kay and I took.  Just before Kay became too weak to travel, Jim took us on a trip to Florida and particularly, Key West.  Jim sent me some pictures that caused a lot of joy in the remembering.

Visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home / Museum in Key West

Kay loved to fish.  We went deep sea fishing off the coast at Key West.

The fish were biting like crazy.  Kay was so excited.  This cast he caught 3 fish at one time.

Sunset on the Gulf.

On Monday I received the following FaceBook message.

On Wednesday this Emergency Alert came to my phone.

I have had very few medical calls this week.  I am not sure if everyone is immediately healthy or if they are too caught up in being in lock down and preparing to return home.  All younger missionaries are to return to their home countries.  The missionaries from Australia, Hong Kong, California, Hawaii, and some other US destinations have left in the past 3 days.  More are scheduled to leave at intervals over the next week.  However, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Philippines, and a few other countries have locked their borders even to their own citizens so missionaries from these countries will remain in the mission.  After all have gone that can leave, we will have fewer than 50 missionaries remaining in our mission.

Like everything else in the COVID-19 environment, this is a unique and strange situation for a mission.  This is certainly a learning time for all.  Speaking of memories, we are creating memories like never before right now!

One of my dear friends and my travel buddy here in the mission, Sister Bunker, finished her mission.  She was scheduled to fly out on April 8 but since we were going into lock down, she decided to move her departure.  She went home last Tuesday. She will be missed.

Sister Bunker showing me a souvenir that she was given after she visited Kiribati to help
with the English curriculum in the Church schools.

Several other senior couples in my mission have also chosen to return home.  Sister and Elder Packard left on Friday.  Their mission was to end middle of April but again, because of lock down, they opted to depart early.  Sister Packard has been my mentor.  For several months between the time the previous nurse left and I arrived, she acted as medical coordinator, so she was familiar with the health care system and insurance procedures.  It made my mission so much easier to have a knowledgeable teacher to help me get started.  She and her husband also helped missionaries without cars to get to and from doctor appointments.

It is so difficult to tell those you love and admire good bye.

I have tried to create a new routine for myself.  In the past, my day usually started with texts and calls from missionaries and then I usually remained busy the remainder of the day.  Now with fewer calls, I am beginning my day with 20-30 minutes on the recumbent bike.  Then I do stretches and some floor exercises.  (I have to do something to offset my increased “grazing” throughout the day.)  I do the daily chores that need to be done such as laundry or cleaning or taking out the rubbish.

Then I spend some time studying and trying to prepare for general conference coming up next weekend.   I have liked having time to study and read and ponder.  Maybe I will get better at “pondering” about scriptures and such. 

I like to buy a rotisserie chicken each week, take the meat off the bones, and use it throughout the week in salads or sandwiches because it is quick and easy.   I had some chicken left in the fridge so on Friday I made Italian chicken soup.  I froze most of it in meal sized containers to last through the lock down. 

I had some cake mixes in the cupboard that I bought when I first came thinking I would use them but I have had no occasion to bake so I decided to make some oatmeal raisin cake mix cookies on Thursday.  Now I have cookie dough in the freezer.  When I have the oven on, I can bake a couple and eat them fresh. 

While I made the cookies I watched a National Geographic show on Disney +.
It was a great documentary about how dogs get their shapes.  Since I love dogs, it was fun. 
If you want something good to watch, I recommend watching it.

I have been walking to the beach with Sister Lucas in the evenings.  I see families with their children out playing and running on the beach but those of us who are single walk at least 2 meters apart.  Because the foot path is not wide enough to separate by 2 meters, we walk in the streets as they are empty more or less.

Sister Lucas being funny with her “social distancing”
I’m surprised she didn’t pull out her binoculars.  Just kidding!

If you zoom in you can see how people are spread out across the beach. 

Empty streets

The temperature is cooling off and it is beginning to feel a little like fall.  There are showers now and then as well.  Saw a beautiful rainbow after a light sprinkle Friday as we walked along the beach.

 

I don’t mean to bore you with so many beach pictures but every day the colors are different and the sky and clouds are amazing.  The rock formations are fascinating to me. 

Everywhere I go there is beauty.

I have never seen oyster catchers at Takapuna Beach before.
Caught a pic of these two before someone scared them away.

I managed to get this Tui bird with a berry or seed in his beak.

It has cooled enough that I can use my oven again without making it unbearably hot in my flat.
My favorite way to eat vegetables is roasted in the oven.  I highly recommend trying it if
you don’t already know about this method of cooking.

Sunday with “social distancing” I went to Sister Lucas’s flat where Elder Mayberry administered
the Sacrament.  Otherwise a quiet day for study, reflections and rest.

Monday family Zoom conference call.  

A friend in Australia sent these thoughts to me by President Thomas S. Monson.

During the week I had studied about building stronger faith and testimony.  

As I studied Enos and Jarom one morning, this scripture in Jarom stood out to me:

4 And there are many among us who have many revelations, for they are not all stiffnecked. And as many as are not stiffnecked and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith.

It is important to me, especially in this troublesome time, to keep my faith strong so that I may be guided by the Lord and receive personal revelation.

This led me to think about how our faith and testimony are strengthened. I remembered a talk by Elder Neil L Andersen in April Conference 2014:

“In nature, trees that grow up in a windy environment become stronger. As winds whip around a young sapling, forces inside the tree do two things. First, they stimulate the roots to grow faster and spread farther. Second, the forces in the tree start creating cell structures that actually make the trunk and branches thicker and more flexible to the pressure of the wind. These stronger roots and branches protect the tree from winds that are sure to return. 

“You are infinitely more precious to God than a tree. You are His son or His daughter. He made your spirit strong and capable of being resilient to the whirlwinds of life. The whirlwinds in your life, like the wind against a young tree, can increase your spiritual strength, preparing you for the years ahead” 

So every obstacle and trial we have strengthens our faith.  However, we must also CHOOSE to learn and grow.  It is not just something that happens without effort on our part. 

Here is a thought from Elder L Whitney Clayton:

“Prophets across the ages have encouraged us and even implored us to believe in Christ. … The decision to believe is the most important choice we ever make. It shapes all our other decisions.  

“Belief and testimony and faith are not passive principles. They do not just happen to us. Belief is something we choose—we hope for it, we work for it, and we sacrifice for it. We will not accidentally come to believe in the Savior and His gospel any more than we will accidentally pray or pay tithing. We actively choose to believe, just like we choose to keep other commandments” (“Choose to Believe,” Ensign, May 2015, 38).

I pray that as we go about our week, we will take some time to think about the path we want to choose.  Have the courage to walk that path through our trials and to be faithful so we can be  guided by the Holy Ghost.

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

“…whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials…”

The full scripture found in Alma 36:3 reads:  “For I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.”

I know that even with all of the fear and uncertainty in the world today, there is one sure thing that we can count on:  Our Heavenly Father loves us and has given us the opportunity to come to this earth to learn and to grow.  As we experience the trials of health, economics, isolation just to name a few, we can grow in faith and trust as we conquer our challenges by staying close to our Savior and living in a way we can receive guidance from the Holy Ghost.

In my studies this week I chose to read a talk by Elder David A Bednar given in April 2015:  Therefore They Hushed Their Fears. 

In this talk he compares worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety with godly fear which is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence. Elder Bednar says:

“Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. 

The peace Christ gives allows us to view mortality through the precious perspective of eternity and supplies a spiritual settledness (see Colossians 1:23) that helps us maintain a consistent focus on our heavenly destination. Thus, we can be blessed to hush our fears because His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives. His ordinances and covenants fortify and comfort in times both good and bad. And His priesthood authority gives assurance that the things that matter most can endure both in time and in eternity. 

But can we hush the fears that so easily and frequently beset us in our contemporary world? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. Three basic principles are central to receiving this blessing in our lives: (1) look to Christ, (2) build upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) press forward with faith in Christ.”

When I was a teenager studying in seminary, and I must confess even as an adult, I skipped over those scriptures that talked about the “last days” with descriptions of eathquakes, floods, darkened sun and moon and stars falling from the heavens.  It gave me such angst that I couldn’t dwell on it.  I still don’t like to think about it deeply but now my testimony and faith are stronger.  I know my Savior and the depth of His love and grace.  I have hope for the future.  I know that we will get through these times and emerge stronger than ever.  By relying on one another, we can draw closer to the Savior and care for each other as He would care for us were He in our midst.  I love my Savior.

I have mostly stayed in my flat this week.  I did venture out on Tuesday to take a sister missionary to stay with the sister training leaders until she flew home on Wednesday.  I coerced the three into going to lunch with me.  The departing sister chose the place, a Mexican restaurant.  It was not exactly tacos as I know them but it was good.  They even served horchata!!  Fun day.

Sisters Aresgado, Stone and Kulihaapai

Because all of my family members at home are staying in as well, the family meals and get togethers aren’t happening.   With Jim’s help, we have done “family” conference calls.  What a joy for me to be able to talk to so many people at once.

Wednesday we had a representation from each family.  And of course, we got a little silly with lots of giggling and good times.   Kristin and Alan didn’t quite get in to this conversation due to technical difficulties but Jim FaceTimed Kristin and Alan so we talked to them through Jim’s phone for a few minutes.

BTW, while I’m thinking about it - Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone.  I’m a little belated but still sent with good luck wishes.

Friday we did a smaller version of family phone time using our iPhones this time instead of Messenger.

I have spent a lot of time on the phone this week.  I am trying to arrange flu vaccinations for our missionaries in April.  Sister Packard is helping me with a clinic in the south part of Auckland.  I am working with one here in Takapuna and another in Northland.  (I think I already mentioned this last week but I’m getting old and old people repeat themselves.)  Now that we aren’t having zone conferences I will need to work out another method of getting this accomplished.  Before the ban on large gatherings, the clinics were scheduled to send nurses to administer the vaccine during the zone conference lunch time.

Also had quite a few colds, flu, stomach virus, rashes, etc calls but not any accident calls as the missionaries are not gathering to play sports on p-day so much.

The Prime Minister made an announcement Saturday afternoon requesting that people 70 and over remain in their flats. Since I fall well within this “70” category, I am following that request as much as possible.

Now having stated that I am following that request…  Saturday evening the senior office missionaries got together to discuss how to conduct mission business within the restrictions being given. We also included in that meeting a drive to a nearby beach where there had been scheduled a sand art festival. The festival was canceled but the organizers of the festival were in town so they went ahead and made a really cool work of sand art.

After viewing the beach area, with social distancing, we went into a restaurant that was empty of customers.  We had an enjoyable dinner.

I ate Thai beef salad.

The couples Lewis, Wright and Packard

Sunday I met with Sisters Bunker and Lucas, and Elder and Sister Mayberry for Sacrament and then we discussed Jacob 5.

I was blessed with another phone party with family that afternoon.

Monday I changed the sheets on my bed and did some laundry.  My cupboards and refrigerator are full.

I am blessed with all of the necessities of life!

I send my thoughts of love and happiness to all of you.  Don’t give up hope!!  This too shall pass.
I love my Savior.  I love you my family and friends.

This picture hangs on my wall.  It makes me happy to look at it and remember these sweet friends.
One in Heaven and one at home in Sandy.

My family and friends have been worried about me and often inquire as to my well-being.  The missionaries as well have called and reminded me to be careful.  I have received several texts and calls but this one is especially appreciated!  They had sent me a picture of the food supplies that they had in their flat.  I responded that now I would know where to go when my food supplies dwindled.  This was our text messaging. I love this opportunity to be with these cute missionaries!!