("Fah-no" means family")
It sounds like it's been a great week and that you're having a wonderful start to the summer!
It's been a great week here, and we're having a good winter. It's not at all as cold as everyone says it is. I think the worst it really gets here is 6 degrees, and of course that's in Celcius.Yesterday, however, there was snow up on the mountains! I wasn't able to get a picture though, but will try for next week. The back mountains, the ones behind the hills are usually hidden by the clouds, but when they're uncovered, they're pretty majestic and almost Utah-ish.
I never imagined that New Zealand would be cold. But the only cold thing about it is not having insulation in the house. I think it's colder sometimes in our house than it is outside. I can usually see my breath in our bedroom in the mornings. But it's cool. We've got gloves and big coats. And a heater in the room where we study. Luckily, biking around warms us up pretty well. So I'm not freezing or anything, but I wonder what it will be like when I have a Utah winter again.
Anyway, it's been a good week. We've had some disappointment, but some wonderful lessons as well. Ace and Jackie are doing great and love having us come over. We hope to set a baptismal date soon with them. The main concern it seems with most Kiwis is the big change in lifestyle they have to make. But I'm sure that's the same all around the world. Marriage is not a very popular thing among young couples. That is true with Ace and Jackie, as well as their smoking problem. So it's going to be perhaps a long road for them to take before baptism. But we had a wonderful lesson with them yesterday and Jackie had the biggest smile on her face after Ace said the closing prayer. But the Church is true and the Atonement is real, so I can't wait to see the change that will happen with them as they come unto Christ and work towards baptism.
The Book of Mormon is such a powerful tool in missionary work! Sadly many people automatically reject it as a book "replacing the Bible", whereas other readily accept it and are excited to read another amazing book that testifies of Christ. If only people knew of the wonderful message the Book of Mormon contained, and would at least give it a try and read from it. I don't quite know how to express my disappointment/frustration with those people who are punishing themselves and denying themselves marvelous blessings by not picking it up and learning from its word.
We haven't been able to get in contact with Chris this week, we don't really know what's going on.
The ward started doing a meal calendar (I don't know why it had stopped), but we've been getting fed more by the members and have been able to form a better relationship with them, and in effect improve the work here.
We had a meeting with Bishop Helu yesterday and talked about how the ward can help. So we're excited. The ward's excited, and I think things aren't going to get rolling here in Levin again. So it's great!
Give Eric and Mary my love/congratulations! And thank Aunt Marianne for the wedding invitation (or whoever sent it.) Where are Eric and Mary living? That's pretty great that they'll be in the good ol' 4th ward.
Happy Happy Birthday to Sara and Kathy! Sara is getting so old and Kathy is getting so young! It's crazy!
Thank you so much for everything you do,
I'll talk to you later,
Dont' get sunburned and drink plenty of fluids
Just remember:
"True happiness comes only by making others happy"---David O. McKay
Keep doing what is right, and praying day and night!
Have a wonderful week!
I love you all so very much!
Love,
Elder David John Rowe
No comments:
Post a Comment