June 7 2020 Tauranga

We have emerged from the Lockdown! Things are starting to get back to normal… We have adopted an empty flat over in Tauranga (Pronounced Toe-Ron-Ga) so we get to explore another area…

Tauranga -

We saw a seal frolicking in the surf at Mount Maunganui (along with a ton of other people getting out the first weekend – it was a super nice day!)

Check out these waves!

And a new Waterfall walk (with the requisite New Zealand stairs!) –

Yes, a crazy person repelling the waterfall (Not Linda)!

Crazy Person

We found a walk in some BIG trees (& Leaves) – 

 Some to climb (That’s Linda) –

See Mom?

And a bunch of Christmas Trees!?!? Which would be your favorite?

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Some have massive pinecones, so big that they have warning signs! (>20 lbs)

  

Pinecone Warning!

>10 KGs!

We found more beaches and lots of seashells

Even a Castle!

This is in an old quarry –

Great Balls of WIRE!

We love the chance to explore New Zealand while we are here!

Elder & Sister Despain

May 14 2020 ❤ Our Hearts are FULL

I've focused during the past week of those people who have completely impacted my life and made it better!   Thank you.   We love you.   We're grateful for friends and family who laugh with us and cry with us.  We're so grateful for eternity and the hope of reuniting.   I loved the many tributes on Mothers Day from family and Missionaries who have become a part of our lives!

Our hearts are full.   Today is DAY 50 of Quarantine/Isolation.   Today we have finally moved to NZ level 2.   Social Distancing still remains, but we can now meet together in groups of 10 with 2 meter separation.   We can enter restaurants with proper distancing.   Our prime Minister has stated that borders remain closed and ongoing tracking and distancing will stay in place EVEN at level 1 and for a very long time.   However, Our missionaries can AGAIN teach, meet with others in person, and most importantly BAPTIZE.   This is what they've been called to do, this is what their HEARTS desire.  We are committed to assist in Gathering Israel. 

We have continued indexing NZ rolls and love seeing familiar names and places.   I encouraged our children and grandchildren to participate. This is something our son used to do and was always his first choice when he needed to do service.  So we found it appropriate to create an Indexing Group in his honor.   Did you know you can participate in several different groups?   You request the ones you want to be a part of, some of them even have access to projects that are unique to their group.   We named our group "Nates Group" and although you have to "request" to join it, we will approve anyone who is interested in adding your numbers to something Nate continues to assist us with!

Our 8 and 10 year old grandsons were excited to have their own account and be able to help in indexing.   One day our very competitive 8 year old was beat at a game of chess by his 6 year old brother.   He was beyond aggressive and upset.  Nothing would calm him down.  After several other attempts his mother gave him the laptop and told him he could index some more names.   He immediately calmed down and focused on the enjoyment and satisfaction of something he knew he did well. Indexing has a spirit that will bind our families together and calm us in visible ways.


I've had a deeper appreciation for the story of the 10 virgins lately.   I love the reality of choices we are all faced with everyday.  D&C 88:92 tells us in the last days ALL things will be in commotion before the Bridegroom cometh, "prepare ye, prepare ye" and go ye out to meet him.   Matt 24:42-43 tell us "Be ye also ready".   If you knew the Savior was returning tomorrow, what would you do different today?

Elder Despain and I have spent the past week discussing what we often do to "take care of the missionaries" as members.    We're really good at making sure they have meals and food.   That seems to be our priority and focus.   However, there are many days these valiant missionaries spend FASTING for the work to move forward, for their investigators, and for you.   
Food is only ONE of the things we can focus on to help the missionaries. 

Consider these things for Missionary Calendar sign up:
twice a week feed missionaries
twice a week have them come teach in Member homes:   This can include Gospel lessons, English lessons, Family Home Evening Lessons, Addiction Recovery 12 step lessons, Family history/indexing lessons and missionary preparation lessons
Twice a week have them do service projects:  Cleaning church, roadways, yards, cemeteries, gardens, (Many of missionaries just knock doors and offer service without any other obligations)
Twice a week invite them to join or lead youth activities, primary, and ward activities.   Often there are non members present who can see them interact without obligation, but it will also bond a relationship between you and them so you can make suggestions and become comfortable with them.

The day will come when our missionaries will have more work than they're able to complete.   People will be lined up to meet with them.   They will recognize the truth of Christs' church and desire to be a part of his church and kingdom.    Today, we are preparing for that day.   Our missionaries have been called home to their own countries where they are familiar with the language and customs and confident in their knowledge and ability to interact with others.   Help them open doors and "Prepare the way of the Lord".

We love you
💚❤💜 The Despains

Apr 26 We seek after these things

We're humbled and GRATEFUL at the number of resources we have to study and learn.  People have shared their talents and we have benefited from them.  While right now, I simple write to communicate with friends and family, I seek any suggestions for better online communication. There are talents we wish to gain, learn and strengthen in ourselves.

 ‘If there is anything virtuous, lovely, 

of good report or praiseworthy, 

we seek after these things.’  

Philippians 4:8

During this Lockdown/Quarantine we've seen people learn new talents, computer skills, improved fitness, rediscover board games, crocheting/knitting, and lots of sewers making face masks.  We've walked to the river a lot, communicated more with family, read books online with them, watched short videos, shared puzzle accomplishments, shared recipes, and shared church discussions.

Some of our current sources of learning include:

https://scriptures.byu.edu/  Citation index full of links to talks and searchable topics cross referenced with scripture

https://www.agospelcenteredhome.com/  Good suggestions for family or individual study, short or long.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/video?lang=eng&clang=ase    Limitless Spiritual Video topics

https://speeches.byu.edu/most-viewed/  Past Devotionals and Speeches

https://rsc.byu.edu/  Religious studies center Articles, videos, podcasts .... AMAZING

One I studied this week that impacted me deeply "Spiritual Rebirth":

https://rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-message-four-gospels/spiritual-rebirth-have-ye-been-born-god

We're enjoying Fall and Harvest in New Zealand.  We're grateful for the abundance of fresh fruit and learning to enjoy new ones like feijoas.  

The fall colors are beautiful and the walks along the river are fresh and stunning.   We're grateful that we're close enough to enjoy the beauty and peace of this area.

A lot of homes have bears in windows for us to spot as we go by.   On one of our walks we captured a picture of two bears in a vehicle that entertain walkers.   

We continue to have online district meeting and even had a flu clinic this week where we observed social distancing, but were able to get half our missionaries protected with a "flu jab" as they call it here.    The other half look forward to it in the coming weeks.  

Since we are in New Zealand, we took time this week to watch the three Lord of the Rings movies for entertainment.  April 25 is Anzac Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps)  We acknowledge those killed in war, and honor returned servicemen and women.  It is commonly celebrated the following Monday with festivities and parades.   This year, at midnight, we celebrate going from Level 4 to Level 3, which enables to expand our "bubble" slightly and have some restaurants open for take out and drive through.   We've been preparing our own food for over a Month since restaurants were closed and we DID IT successfully, but we're looking forward to some good Fish and Chips!

We're grateful for the peace we feel.  We're grateful for family and friends to talk to, We're grateful for love and direction of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Find the personal direction for your own life.  Seek the knowledge gained from studying the doctrine of Christ.   And compile your own list of sources to share with others. 

Seek, and ye shall find  (Matthew 7:7)

With Love, 
The Despains

Apr 11, 2020 Things We LOVE

Many things we miss being in isolation/quarantine/lockdown:

Fabric .... I'm in the mood to sew. 
Yarn .... I would like to crochet.
Piano .... I could practice a little
Riverwalks .... The peace and tranquility of a lake, river or beach walk.
Voices.... Talking to people.

Things we LOVE and appreciate: 

Missionary humor and inspiration and pictures!

Random concerts by the neighbors in the cul-de-sac that we can hear or go observe at a distance.   Music, dancing and just seeing our neighbors together.

ONLINE free access.   Exercise classes, music concerts, Holy Week in Jerusalem, Lectures and Conferences, and YouTube.
        Speaking of Exercise .... Who knew that Psoas muscle pain is debilitating ?   Probably not until you've experienced it ....   Thought I'd take advantage of getting into shape and without even realizing it became nearly immobile.   Thank goodness for a hip mobility routine!   https://sixtyandme.com/try-these-7-movements-to-relieve-tightness-in-your-hips-without-passive-stretching/

Comedians.  Laughing and watching some that make me laugh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocyTbaVybig  --- After that .... Anything by Steve Soelberg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNJLj77wrMo 

Cooking!!   Thank goodness for garden produce, grocery stores,  online recipes and foodbloggers! .... I finally got Elder Despain to eat Waffles!

Family History and Indexing!
And yes, inspiration.   Online Easter Holy Week Focus and learning. 

Christ is at the center of who we are.   He is why we are here and to who we turn at all times, In praise, in prayer, in love, in devotion, in pleading for relief from this Global pandemic and Healing throughout the world.   That it may be controlled, caregivers and essential services personnel protected, the economy strengthened and life normalized.   We joined in a day of Fasting and Prayer on Good Friday and with our prayers united can expect God to intervene and provide miracles.   Now it is our job to open our eyes and see them.

This artwork of Christ done by our local friend, shows him surrounded by palm leaves and reminds us of our palms that we use to praise and honor him.   We remember him daily.  We praise His holy name.

NZ Artist:  Sharon Matthews

April 4, 2020 Covid-19 changed our lives

All missionaries who can get home have gone home.   What a blessing to see them protected and escorted by angels back to their families.  Schedules and movement was made during lockdown!  We are now in Day #10 in lockdown/isolation/social distancing.  During the first days missionaries were still here, they entertained us with their videos and phone calls and pictures.  What a lively bunch! I'm keeping a record of daily activities.   Covid-19 has changed the way we live.

Day #1 was Niks bday.    March 26.   It was supposed to be our "Finding Fast" for missionary work.  Instead, we had a record # of baptisms for the week .... in only 3 days, totalling 17.   People are yearning for the gospel and aware of the changing world we live in.    How long will it last?    How long will we remain isolated?
Different places are initiating different directives.   In NZ, all restaurants and stores are closed except grocery stores.   Essential services includes:  Gas, groceries, healthcare.

Several small islands have completely closed their borders and no missionaries can return to Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Philippines or Tahiti.   So we get to keep 55 missionaries.   2 of those are missionaries are exceptions.  One is from a war torn country where it is unsafe to attempt returning to Ecuador.   The other elder has compromised health which puts him in danger of returning on a 24 hour flight far away.   So he is staying.    Our missionaries are a little restless.   I was initially restless, but have found video teaching, training, learning, lectures, family history, indexing and information to keep me focused and engaged.   I have loved preparing for a Church General conference that promises to be life changing and unforgettable. 

EVEN fishing is banned in NZ.  I have found time to make meals we have indulged in and enjoyed.  We have played games and sudoku, and Elder Despain has done some challenging puzzles donated by ward members.   He discovered Backwards Jigsaw puzzles called WASGIJ ..... They don't show the picture of the actual puzzle, the show what the person in the picture is seeing from their perspective.    It's a delight for us to find new activities. 
We love connecting with our children and grandchildren.   We're grateful for their diligence in staying connected with each other and protected from the virus.   Daily the number of people infected and the number of deaths escalate.   It's all consuming everywhere we go. 

But our testimonies remain strong.   We gave talks in church last week.   Many congregations no longer meet together.   Two of the wards we attend, meet together online in ZOOM meetings.   I'm grateful we can connect and learn from each other.  People everywhere are thinking more now of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ than ever before.   We are turning again to them in a time of need.  So as we go to rest tonight, we are thankful for our blessings and grateful for a living prophet who leads us and receives revelation for the world.   We are anxious to hear his words and will rise at 4am our time so we hear him live.

We love you.    The Despains