March 21 Kia Kaha

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Matthew-Cowley-Pacific-Church-History-Museum

This picture is in the Matthew Cowley Church History Museum which is in the same Building as our Mission Office.   It depicts children from all the islands around NZ Running to greet the Savior.  It brings me joy to see the cultures merge and meet together to worship One Lord, One God. Especially at this time when the world is unsettled.

flipboard.com

New Zealand closed it's borders at midnight last night.   Not even connecting flights are allowed if you're not a resident of NZ.   Island missionaries have to fly through NZ to get home, so they are now stuck on their islands. 
All of NZ covid-19 cases have come from out of the country.   Current details today show 53 cases:  https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-current-cases
                                   
We are in preparation mode still.   We anticipate eventual isolation, but are still preaching and teaching and baptizing.   Baptisms are the only meeting still allowed in the churches.   We feel peace.  Senior missionaries are told they can return home if wanted, but they are likely safer here in isolation if they choose that.   We have helped missionaries prepare and have food and necessities available when needed.
I accompanied a missionary in the middle of the night to urgent care this week, where we saw many workers dress in PPE and go out to different vehicles to do a swab and test a patient.   We then spent 2 days in the hospital and felt they were prepared and handling any requests well.  The stage of covid19 in New Zealand is behind the states, but still optimistic.

We still have other health issues to battle.  Some are more serious than others.  We have a deep love of the Lord and his wisdom in sending missionaries where they can have medical care that they didn't have before.  We're grateful for the added strength and peace we receive in situations for which we're unprepared.  We acknowledge the many resources that are available and skilled doctors whom we've come to not only admire, but love.

Elder Despain still has a "heap" of pictures to upload.   A week ago we were blessed to spend time with another senior couple who showed us the beautiful area where they live at the Southern tip of  Lake Taupo.  We came back to extra meetings and preparation and planning.  Every day has new directives and guidelines.  We are safe.  We are following the prophet and following the government guidelines. 

We're grateful for friends and family.  We pray for you.  We thank you for supporting us in this journey, and when the borders re-open, consider coming to paradise for a visit.  We'd love to show you the beauty and peace we're surrounded by.  Until then .... seek that peace through another medium.   The word of God.  We happen to know a few missionaries who would love to correspond, call or drop by in your confinement and say hello!          We love you!   The Despains

https://twitter.com/kiakahamy