Relief Society Christmas Party

We had a most wonderful Christmas party for the Relief Society Sisters with the theme, "Angels Among Us". Andrina, our RS President had worked so hard and long. There were angels on the trees and decorations. Her mother came from Hamilton, to cater it, and had prepared "heaps" of the most wonderful food, and wee homemade fudge take home favors. Andrina had prepared a video presentation to the song, "Angels Among Us", with pictures of all the sisters in the branch. It was really beautiful. It made Pres. Pongia and me, and many others cry! Amost all of the sisters came, and the young women served in their special t-shirts! Lots of people helped in many ways, and it was really a lovely evening.

We are thankful

We had a good Thanksgiving in New Zealand! We skyped with all our kids and grandkids who were at Donevan's house, and it was really wonderful to see and hear them all, and know they were together and having fun. We fixed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner here, and invited our friends, the Stauffers, who are CES missionaries from Bountiful, UT, and the two new Sister Family History Missionaries, who just arrived from the States on Wednesday, Sister Chelius, and Sister Nation, and our two Sister Missionaries, here in Ashburton, Sister Fetu'u, and Sister Holladay, and Terry Leach, who is from the States, and a recent convert. We had a really nice day! We bought some beautiful peonies that made me so happy!

We feel so thankful and blessed. We are thankful for our wonderful family and love each one. We are thankful for each other and we grow closer together and appreciate each other more each day. We are thankful for the gospel, and the great blessing it is in our lives. We are thankful for our Savior and brother, Jesus Christ. We are thankful to be in Ashburton, New Zealand, and serving a mission. We are thankful for the many new wonderful friends that we have made here, and the sweet experiences that we are having. We are thankful for dear friends and extended family and loved ones at home. We are thankful for the love and support from everyone, as we serve this mission! Our hearts are full of gratitude and love !

Happy Sunday

Sunday, we were sitting right behind the row of deacons, so we had a good view when the little 20 month old brother, in this family, followed his 12 yr old brother, up to the sacrament table, and squeezed in between his brother and the boy he was standing next to. He just stood there, like he was part of it. Then he followed his brother around while he passed the sacrament, and again went and stood between his brother and the other boy, when they came up in front of the sacrament table again. It was the sweetest thing-this tiny little guy, standing with all the big boys and his big brother. When they were done and sat down, he climbed up on his brother's lap. The whole thing was the sweetest demonstration of brotherly love! I wished I could have taken a picture because it was so darling. This sweet family were part of our temple prep class and are going to the temple in December!

Another great family came to church, after several years of not coming, and it was amazing to watch the love that was shown to them. The Branch President welcomed them and got teary when he said how happy everyone was that they were there. Everyone hugged them and told them it was so wonderful to have them there. It was truely a royal welcome home!

Another beautiful young couple who just came from Samoa, this week, were also given a royal welcome to the branch, and they bore sweet testimonies.

A wonderful Sunday in Ashburton!!

Spring flowers

The flowers this spring have been unbelievable! There are huge flowering bushes in nearly every yard, and in the Domain, and every color. It's been so beautiful and amazing. First it was the daffodills, and the flowering trees. Now the peonies and roses have all started to bloom - great big blossoms and amazing varieties and colors, and so many! Even Kenny has been amazed!!

A wedding!

This sweet couple, John and Cindy got married and it was fun to help and be part of it. The sister missionaries, helped Cindy fix her hair, and get dressed. The relief society president, made the cake. Our branch president performed a lovely marriage, and everyone was very happy for them. Sister Pongia and I helped set things up, and put flowers around the cake. I got some calalilies from my neighbors yard for her boquet and also a vase for the chapel. Cindy's aunt made wonderful cakes and others brought food too. They have two beautiful children and the little girl was so darling. The husband, John, is not a member, but is planning to be baptized this month.

Halloween and Primary programs!!

Sunday was the Primary program, and it was so cute. The littlest kids were in the front, dressed in red, the medium age kids were next dressed in yellow, and the bigger kids in blue. They wore dresses and hair bows and boys ties in their color. They all sang and had their parts memorized so well! Afterwards, they had lunch at the church - everyone bring a plate (with food) and they had two roasted pigs! All was yummy!

Monday we had a Halloween/FHE party at the Edes back yard and about 70 people came - most in costume! They played games and everyone had so much fun.