Signing Off

It's hard to believe our mission to New Zealand is essentially over. We left Hamilton on November 20 and flew to Christchurch in the South Island. Everyone told us we needed to see the South Island before leaving New Zealand so we are taking that opportunity now. More on that later.

Our last few weeks in Hamilton were unlike any of the previous 18 months. Because our replacement office couple arrived in the mission over a month before our release, we had plenty of time to train them. After 2 1/2 weeks of training there was really not much we could do to help them further- they just has to jump in and start doing the job. Sharon and I found many odd jobs to do, tying up loose ends and completing tasks we wanted to do but never had time to do. We tried to leave everything in good shape for the Atkins, our replacements.

The last week was rewarding as we received many expressions of gratitude from our associates but also very hard to say good bye to so many people we have grown to love during our time here. We had an especially close association with President and Sister Erekson and the Claytons(our office buddies), with whom we shared so many experiences. These treasured relationships we have developed are truely some of the sweet rewards of serving a mission as senior couples that will last the rest of our lives and beyond.

President and I were able to go on two awesome bike rides the week before our departure. First was a 32 mile ride on the Timber Trail. I have ridden it twice before but wanted President to be able to experience it. The ride did not disappoint. We had a great time.

The last ride was with Dave and Julie Spring. They are owners of Cycletime, the bike shop we use for all of our mission bikes. Dave had been trying for several months to take us out on a ride but between his, President's and my schedules we hadn't been able to work it out. Finally we got out to a great mountain biking park and we had a blast. On the way home we had a nice discussion about the Church and our teachings about families. I hope someday they will have interest in learning more.

So now we are in the South Island and we understand why everyone said we couldn't leave New Zealand without seening this amazing land. It is almost visual overload. Around every corner is another stunning vista to take in. We are currently in Franz Josef Glacier and if the weather cooperates, we will do a helicopter flight onto the glacier for a hike. Our trip started in Christchurch where we rented a campervan(a mini-motor home). We have made stops at Rakaia Gorge, Mount Cook National park, Dunedin, Cozy Nook, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Jackson Bay and now Franz Josef. Below are just a few pictures.

As we have just passed Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude to have been able to serve our mission in this wonderful land. It has been an experience of a lifetime. We love the Lord Jesus Christ and feel so blessed to have been able to spend this time time serving. As is so often the case, the blessings of serving have out-weighed any sacrifice we have made. The Gospel is true!