Beauty, Peace, Kindness. Everywhere we go we feel a sense of luxury and simpleness.
Even the Maori language is beautiful and simple.
Kia Ora .... Hello, Good luck, Good Day
There are some simple fun facts about New Zealand and more Maori words here:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/friend/1972/02/friends-in-new-zealand?lang=eng
We went to our first Maori Marae (Sacred meeting place/gathering). We also saw our first official live Maori Haka. (Maori war dance). All the Hakas are different and each tell a unique story.
The longest name of a place in the world is Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauatamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu It is the Maori name given to a sheep station on the North Island. The translation is: The summit where Tamatea, the circumnavigator, played his flute to his beloved.
Wednesday we made a van trip to Auckland where the remaining missionaries were finally vaccinated for measles. In a country with an Outbreak where our missionaries are exposed regularly, I'm very grateful to have them all protected. It's been a long wait, because so many people needed them and children under 4 are the most vulnerable and ill. and they became priority for any available vaccines. We celebrated with Pokenos ice cream.
We had a big ward party celebration for the kickoff of the world cup. People brought different foods representing the country they were cheering for. It was some of the best food I've had, and an abundance of it! We started the evening by singing the New Zealand National Anthem in first Maori and then in English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCB-gQhWaIU.
We took our 2nd complete district photo in anticipation for transfers in another week. I hate watching these missionaries come and go so often. There are some very good missionaries whom we learn from on a regular basis. I take notes from them. There wisdom and planning and good teaching represent all the good that is coming from the next generation.
We drove down to Taupo where we celebrated with families and friends with a fireside and missionary milkshakes.... A cement mixer really is a great tool for "heaps" of ice cream.
President Erekson rewards them well.
We're being introduced to more of New Zealand customs and their integration with Maori people and an ever diverse population from all over the world. There's a local TV show who has done a look into many of the religions in NZ. He did a decent representation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'd say it's appropriate to share anywhere. https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/yours-faithfully/episodes/s1-e5
We love you. We love New Zealand. And we especially love God and his son Jesus Christ and invite all to Come unto Him.
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