From Out My Widow

We arrived 24 hours ago. The world here was still pretty much asleep. But what a bauty it was when she awoke. From out my window I can see the sky needle up close and personal. It was a lovely morning with lots of bright sunshine. Only about the time we went to the office (2 p.m.) did it begin to mist a bit. (I would include a picture here but have not located that little thing I need to transfer pictures yet.) Ever since we got our call to NZ I have heard "I hope Al and Pete's is still there". Well it is. This is a little hole in the wall burger, fish and sandwich place. We had fish and chips there for lunch. (Picture to add....just imagine how great it woild be!) This is an amazing place. We are so excited to be here. Hope to hear from you coon. Comments on the posts are allowed!

"oh my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..."

I'm reminded of the old song from the 60's (Sorry for memory lane): "I'm leaving on a jet plane". The list is long for the day. The goal is to be completely packed and ready by the closing of the eyelids tonight. We can finish the carry-ons on Monday a.m. I've been mentally preparing for the change. New words for familiar items. The boot for the car trunk, a footpath for the sidewalk, tomato sauce for ketchup and biscuits for cookies. We both had the ability to drive a right-handed car on the left side of the road from our years in Singapore so we are counting on muscle memory to help us out. There are memories of a small little fast food joint in Auckland that serves the best fish and chips. Again we are hoping memories hold true and that the experience will be repeated soon after our arrival. And then there is the unknown that is both exciting and a bit nerve-racking. Oh it is all good. This is such a different experience from our first mission. We had twice the time to prepare to leave but we also had to move from Asia back to the states, secure a storage unit for all that we owned, attempt to learn another language etc., etc., etc. Preparations are much different but the leaving is still real. I find emotions close to the surface and am grateful for the promptings of the Spirit that remind me of things and words not to forget.

- 70 hours and counting...

It is Friday afternoon in cloudy Provo. We are running around trying to get everything in order for D-day...that is departure day for our mission in New Zealand. It is amazing to see how many things we cannot do without. Because of that the number of suitcases that will be in the belly of the plane continues to increase. I am embarrassed to admit to my materialiatic needs and will not admit to the number. How sad it is that the airlines will no longer let a 70 pound bag through the check-in process without adding additional fees. Matt and Julie and their four kids are here helping us. They will be the first to admit that we are not being very good hosts. Lunch for the kids was slim pickings but they seemed to have been happy with it. Dry marshmellow maties make a great afternoon snack. Nate is acting valet for his father today, helping him to keep track of the errands and focued on the goals at hand. The main goal is to get something in his suitcases before the night is over. We hope you will enjoy following us in our adventures in Auckland, New Zealand.