July 24, 2016

Kia Ora Whanau,

Wairoa is really good over here.  The people are always super nice and they're always up for a chat.  It's always about their whakapapa (mo'okuaukau - genealogy).  They can pretty much trace their family back. . . way back to almost Adam and Eve.  It's crazy, but they're always respectful to the Elders.  The weather is fine in the day.  I can just wear a sweater because the sun is usually out but after five 'o clock it gets pretty cold and the coat is warm.  At night I wear my thermals to sleep and use two blankets.  It's hard to get up in the morning for a run sometimes because it's so cold in the mornings.  My comp is always on the look out for me, correcting me all the time and giving me advice at the end of the day at planning.  He is an egg though, and he makes me laugh lots.  Our conversations get out of hand arguing about some deep doctrine questions we have sometimes.  For example, What is the name of the brother of Jared? and Where is it found? or Who is Gazelam? Mean questions.  

Our flat is not too big but it works.  We have an AC with a heater.  No fire place.  We have a kitchen, a dish washer, a washing machine, and a dryer so it's all good.  At the flat we have bikes but one of them is out of order and not working so we can't ride even though I want to.  We have a car so we park in the area and walk here and there.  I'm lucky.   Something I'm not lucky about is that everything in this country is expensive as nothing barely every goes on sale.  Yah, I have to spend wisely.  

As for the address, BOXES, you can send it to the mission office at:
131 Ward Street, 
Hamilton Central, 
Hamilton 3204, 
New Zealand.  

LETTERS, you can send it to:
PO BOX 9542, 
Waikato Mail Centre, 
Hamilton 3240, 
New Zealand

I'm glad everything is going good over there.  Looks like fun, just not the storm part.  About the mowers, that was my biggest question. . . What was going on with the mowers?  But all good that you got our mower back and got to use one over from Steve's.  Funny thing, if we were to look for bids here in Wairoa we would get none because basically everyone cuts their grass every other day.  They don't have anything else to do lol!  Looks like Aukele is doing good in working.

I hope all is good.  I just wanted to say thanks to you and Dad for bringing me up in the gospel.  It's awesome teaching people about it and sad to see people fall away from it.  Pretty much what I learned out here is that the gospel is so simple.  It's only hard when you aren't living it fully.  I am thankful for you and this gospel and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  It helps me everyday.  I like the video THE REFINER'S FIRE  

It is so true!  Our values and our Heavenly Father's love can shape us to who we are and who we will be. I love you all and this gospel!  I hope to serve Him with my all and be obedient.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Ka kite and ofa atu.

PS:  Can I get another journal as well and some cookie recipes?  By the way, the rubber pancakes are a big hit! :)