Elder and Sister Baxter in New Zealand

Home Again

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 02:34:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

We arrived at home on 29 January, 2021; thus ending our New Zealand mission experience.

Our arrival at an empty Lexington Airport

Two of our Moko's

Los Angeles Airport - Also very empty.

The long flight from New Zealand

Forgive me but I had to include one more cycling photo!

We went from Summer to Winter

In three days.

Our Final Few Weeks in New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:17:00 +0000

26 January, 2021

Dear Friends and Family,

We have only a few days left here in New Zealand. Our mission experience cannot be captured in words alone.

We formally completed our mission on 14 January 2021 then took a week to tour the South Island. Many of the photographs below are from that trip.

We will give another update after we journey home.

Love,

Elder and Sister Baxter

Sisters making English Toffee

Priesthood Meeting

The TSS Earnslaw. A steamship in Queensland.

Lake Pukaki

Thunder Creek Falls

Pancake Rocks near Punakaki

We visited the Harrison's who are serving a mission in the South Island of New Zealand

Our most recent baptism.

The Center of New Zealand Monument in Nelson with the Harrison's

Mt. Cook - behind the clouds

Our newest Deacon - Ready to pass the Sacrament for his first time.

More Christmas 2020

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 03:34:00 +0000

Here are some more photographs of our Christmas Day 2020 Activities.

Our district missionaries gave us a Christmas Present. Hoodies!

This is a view from the back yard of our dear friend and branch member who lives in Omori.

We were invited to a Christmas hangi and the home of our dear friends. The beverage is sparkling grape juice with a home made, knitted cap!

This kind shop owner donated some items that we needed at the last minute.

My two young helpers and I are setting the tables for the community Christmas dinner.

Christmas Eve Dinner at the Branch President's house.

The Christmas Day diner at the Senior Center. We helped to set-up and serve the meal to over 100 people.

Christmas 2020

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 22:35:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

As we enter this Christmas time we acknowledge the wonderful gift of The Son of God into the world.

In the days prior to Christmas we were very busy with a number of projects which we will describe in the photographs below.

On December 14 we took a break to climb Mt. Tauhara, an extinct volcano. If you look off to the left of Sister Baxter you can see four other volcanoes (Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro, and Pihanga) and lake Taupo, a volcanic crater. We hope to have broken out of the rainy season.

Elder Baxter with the lead marchers in the Christmas Parade and the float designer and organizer - our dear Primary President.

The parade crew. You will notice the beautiful missionaries who helped by distributing candy and flyers for our upcoming Christmas Sacrament Meeting.

Elder Baxter and his young friends.

Very photogenic I might add.

Sister Baxter and some of our missionary friends.

Our float took 2nd Place this year. $300 prize.

Our Food Box Project - In the rain no less. We received funding for 60 food parcels to be distributed to needy families.

On two separate Wednesdays we delivered 30 food parcels. These were substantial packages which included meat, fresh vegetables, and other staples. Each recipient received two large boxes and two bags of foods and dry goods.

The sign says: Donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Church Humanitarian Fund and several other local organizations provided funding or food.

October 2020

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 20:57:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

Looking back on my last posting I realize that I need to update y'all. It's been almost two months since then.

My skin cancer removal scar finally healed which allowed me to go swimming again and to wear a cycling helmet again. Those two things have opened up exercise options that were heretofore unavailable to me for months.

Shortly after that I was working our usual Saturday afternoon shift at the Hospice shop when I was testing a donated knife sharpener and sliced a deep wound on my left index finger. It's been about three weeks now and the wound has finally closed.

"If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.” (Albert King)

Things aren't all that bad. In the last several months we have resumed full church services. On a typical Sunday Sister Baxter and I will either speak, teach, lead the singing, our all of the above.

We experienced our first Tangihanga. On the first night, we participated in a funeral for the father of a dear family in our branch. They have been so kind to us and have accepted us as one of their own. We held a short service in their home where I said the prayer, the Branch President gave some impromptu remarks, and Ruth Ann lead us in singing a hymn. The next day we travelled to the Korohe Marae where were "called" onto the marae (powhiri). This was our first experience with this wonderful Maori ritual. It was all spoken in te reo (Maori language) but I think we understood the sentiment. We greeted everyone in the building, about 60 people, with the traditional hongi. We spent the morning visiting the family and guests then were fed a sumptuous lunch. I was asked to assist the local tohunga as he blessed the waka (literally translated as 'canoe' but was actually a minivan carrying the body). We left for a few hours so that we could purchase and deliver a birthday gift to two children whom we are teaching. We returned later in the afternoon for another large meal. I was asked to preach a sermon. No other guidance was given so I felt impressed to speak on the purpose of life and the importance of families.

We have been doing a great deal of driving for our missionary duties. There is a companionship of elders in Taupo that do not drive so we take them to the district council meetings in Rotorua or Tokoroa, or Taupo. We have twice driven them to Hamilton for transfers. We drove to Hamilton for a missionary conference. In the last month we drove over 2000 kilometers performing missionary support.

We are still teaching the gospel two young children on a regular basis. We are praying for them and their family.

The weather is starting to warm up and spring is in full bloom. The variety of trees in bloom is beautiful. At times the sidewalks are covered in petals giving the appearance of pink snow.

The Korohe Marae
where we honored the passing of our Maori friend.

Our service project. Many hands make more work!

Getting around town is usually best via
bicycle. Is that a safety violation by
Sister Baxter?

General Conference watching at our branch.
American waffles included as an added bonus.

Stores in the small towns are always interesting.
The one behind us is specializes in merino wool goods.

A short hike to Okere Falls.
I don't think the warning is for hikers
but rather for rafters and kayakers to
avoid going over the falls.

Our friend has built a solar-powered bicycle.
Testing starts this week.

Elder Baxter working in the "depot" of the Hospice Op Shop.
His job is to sort, test, price, and repair stuff.
Note the image in the mirror!

Sister Baxter sorting and pricing items at the Hospice shop.

August 2020

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 22:47:00 +0000

August 2020 in New Zealand

Dear Readers,

It's deja vu all over again. New Zealand discovered several COVID cased in the general population which could not be traced to a known source so they moved the city of Auckland to Level 3 (forced isolation) and the rest of the country to Level 2 (mandatory social distancing plus other limitations). Our church services were suspended. Other than that, our daily activities are not negatively impacted. We still visit people, exercise outside, and serve in our community.

OK. You will notice the rather obvious addition to my forehead. Looking back over photographs I can see a red mark as early as mid-may though at that time I was not aware of it. It continued to grow and become irritated. We thought it might be a boil but eventually decided that was not correct.

!!! Spoiler Alert!!! The following contains more detail that any of you need to know. However, I wanted to document the details for my memory's sake. Skip over this if you are so inclined.

After it had grown to the size of a large "Fruit Loop", in early June I scheduled an appointment with the local clinic. I chickened-out and cancelled the appointment not wanting to let the Kiwis think I was a sissy American thinking it was only a monster pimple. After a few days is was obvious that it was not a pimple and not going away. I scheduled another appointment. However, being a small clinic, it took another week to get to see a doctor. It was now mid June. In the doctor's office we were assigned to a young resident doctor. He looked at the lesion, poked at it, and said he was going to get a colleague to look at it. The second doctor came in, looked at it a little longer. At that point he summoned a third opinion. By that point we had every doctor in Turangi in the room. They told me it was skin cancer, not too dangerous, a Basal Cell Carcinoma. They scheduled an appointment for a week later to remove it in the clinic.

On the day of the scheduled removal the resident doctor and his supervisor both examined the lesion. The more experienced doctor seemed concerned. He looked, thought, looked again, pondered for a few minutes and then decided against removal. I will soon tell you that was a miracle #1.

A biopsy was taken. That in itself was painful. One stitch was used to close the wound. We waited for a week. In the day of the stitch removal we met with the doctor who now had the lab results. Squamous Cell Carcinoma which is more severe and required a larger area of removal of the cancer. That procedure was beyond the scope of the local general practice. Our doctor submitted an "emergency" order to the nearest facility that could perform the operation - Rotorua Hospital - two hours away.

We now began waiting. The expected plan was for a team of Rotorua staff to travel to Taupo (only 45 minutes drive for us) to perform the outpatient operation. That sounded good. But it was another two weeks before we heard from the hospital. Could we come to Rotorua on Thursday? At this point, any option was good because we were starting to worry about the delays.

August 6th. We were on the road by 7 AM for a 9 AM appointment. The trip was foggy; for most of the way the visibility at times was as low as 200 meters. We arrived safely and a bit early. The staff was ready for us. We met the surgeon and two assistants, we assume nurses. The doctor was a native of Sierra Leone but was raised and trained in Britain.

He got to work quickly. Ruth Ann was sitting is a chair not 8 feet from the operating table. He removed a mass the size of a small walnut. He said he had to go to the bone to get it all. When sewing my head it felt like the surgeon was roping and tying an unruly calf. With the pressure he was putting on the sutures, I thought he was pulling with his legs. Within an hour we walked out of the operating room.

So now we began waiting for the wound to heal and to hear from the lab regarding the examination of the cancer. Our hope and prayer was that the lab would tell us that all the cancer was removed.

Thinking that we would hear from the local clinic to check up on my wound, we waited until the next day (Friday 7 Aug). We received no communication from anyone so we walked over the clinic. Miracle #2 is that at the same time we were about to enter the clinic our GP Doctor was returning from a break. We spoke to him and showed him the un-bandaged wound (with 5 stitches). He examined it on the spot and set an appointment for Monday (10 August) to have it examined again. He wrote a prescription for the antibiotic cream we liberally applied to the wound. As a side note, one young man in our branch on Sunday thought it looked like the wound was closed with "hot glue". If you look carefully at one photo below you can see why he thought that.

Monday came and it appeared as if an infection was starting so I was issued a prescription on oral antibiotics. Another follow-up appointment was set for Wednesday. Wednesday came and so did COVID alert level 2. The clinic rescheduled my appointment to Friday while they sorted out the implications of the new alert level.

On Friday the incision looked good and was starting to heal at the edges. The nurse decided to pull one of the 5 stitches. The pathology report came back from the operation. The margins were clean so the opinion is that the cancer was completely removed. We set another follow up for the next Monday.

On Monday, 17 August we went in to have the remaining 4 stitched removed. THey were painfully removed. I was feeling good so we went for a walk. About an hour after the removal of the stitches, I felt stabbing pains in my head for about 30 minutes.

The next day (18 Aug) we examined the incision and the source of the pain was revealed. The inclusion had separated by up to 1/3 inch at the widest point. I was able to get into the clinic later that afternoon. There wasn't much they could by then so they cleaned the area, bandaged it and sent me home to heal.

At the date of this post, things look good but my incision recovery is probably a month away. I tell people that I won't need much makeup when I play a pirate at Halloween.

Trout Fishing Capital of the World

Sign Says: "Please stand on the grill! Thanks". Gotta love NZ. There is documentation for everything.

Outside the Hospice Shop where we work one shift per week.

Kia Hiwara = Be Careful!

This is the gathering place for seniors in the community. COVID restrictions require us to sign in.

Post-Op day - Skin Cancer.

Bicycle repairs

Our happy friend on his working bicycle!

Our garden harvest of carrots

One of my bicycle mechanic proteges.

Another beautiful winter day in Turangi.

July 2020

noreply@blogger.com (ruth ann baxter) — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 20:36:00 +0000

Kia Ora to each of you reading this!

Elder Baxter usually pens the blog but today I thought i would give it a try. We’ve just celebrated the 4th of July which also happens to be my birthday. Thank you EVERYONE who sent birthday wishes. Your remembrances were heartfelt . I have taken a break from social media so I was late in seeing them. Please forgive me for my lack of immediate response.

Missionary life in New Zealand continues to fill each day. “Post covid-19 missionary life” brings with it a new normal. I have had to be reminded that we are here as witnesses of Jesus Christ and represent Him and His Gospel. Heart breaking news from the USA fills the news feeds here in New Zealand and as we meet people and they recognize our accents, they immediately want to talk about “the horrors” happening in America. I have a great deal that I could say about this but now is not the time to expound on it. In short, I will say that these encounters provide opportunities to testify that Jesus Christ and His teachings will bring the solutions to the heartaches of the world. Each one of us can make a difference in the space we occupy. I have been profoundly taught that the United States of America stands as an example to the world for good and/or evil. It is sobering.

All the restrictions we felt during lockdown have been lifted here. It is a great blessing to go and do the things we need to. We do miss the daily river track bike rides and recognize that we were gifted many beautiful days to be outside during the lockdown.

It is winter here which brings cold rain and snow to the volcano mountains that surround us.... Beautiful but not as pleasant to be on a bike. The thermostat in our hallway read 4 degrees Celsius on the 4th of July. A new experience quite different from the Arizona 4th of July temperatures of my childhood.

We’ve received some returning young missionaries to our mission. They all are New Zealand citizens who were called home from their foreign missions. It’s been a blessing to get to know them and seek ways to support them. We are spending more time in the car traveling as a part of that support. Some are unable to drive so we help out as much as possible .

Recently a skin carcinoma was discovered on Elder Baxter. He will have that surgically removed this week. Thank you again for your support with your faith and prayers. We feel the effects of them often and are so grateful to be loved. We pass our year mark on our mission this month. I have a feeling the next 6 months will speed by. We pray we can do the work we were sent here to do. We love you all! I’ll have elder Baxter add some more recent photos.

Kia Kaha,

sister and elder Baxter

Pure Beauty

Who says bikes cannot be fixed in the dark?

Flowers bloom even in winter.

Fish and Chips on the go!

The moon and rainbows hanging out with my favorite person.

Hangi at the school.

COVID-19 Under Control

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:23:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

As you may have read, New Zealand has scored a victory in this bout with COVID-19. The virus seems to have been eliminated from the general population. What that means for us is that we are now free to move about and do the things we did before the arrival of the virus - with a few exceptions. We won't be going to any large rock concerts in the near future (not that we would have done so anyway). The country's inbound border is still closed to anyone not holding a New Zealand passport. Anyone who arrives must remain in isolation in a government-specified hotel where they are tested and monitored for 14 days.

We went to our first sacrament meeting in almost three months. The church members here were dearly wanting to return to church. Their reactions were mixed. Some had taken up their old social behaviors such as hugging, kissing, handshaking, and so forth. Others maintained their cautions distance. We had about 40 members in attendance - that is about 10 to 15 more than usual.

The photos below show some of the activities since our "lockdown" has ended. At one point there were no junior missionaries within 3 hours of us. Now that the country has relaxed the travel and movement restrictions, the junior missionaries are being re-assigned to the field. So far, the missionary force is from those who could not go home and those New Zealand citizens who were sent home from other countries. You can see a photo of those in our region below.

We have been introduced to the FEIJOA fruit. It is grown ornamentally all over town. It is nearing the end of its fruiting season. It looks like an slender kiwi fruit but without the fuzz. It has a taste like a strawberry but with a tartness. People bring it in bags for others to take home - much like zucchinis in July in the USA. Ruth Ann made some freezer jam from them. It tastes remarkably like strawberry jam but a little more tart. It was delicious. I would grow in Kentucky, but i doubt it can survive that climate.

Ruth Ann and I have been volunteering at the local Hospice Opportunity Shop (second-hand goods store). They asked if we would deliver some letters to local addresses. The photo below shows Sister Baxter delivering a letter into a "letter box". Normally we work one 3-hour shift on Saturday afternoon.

We will update you again - soon.

First Sunday back at Church

Walking around the town of Turangi

Delivering letters for Hospice

Our winter attire - Kiwi style.

Inside our house. The top number is the temperature (Celsius) in the attic. The bottom number is the temperature in the hallway . 0 C = 32 F, 7 C = 44 F

We now have junior missionaries back in Taupo.

Trees are always interesting. This one is a Eucalyptus or gum tree, imported from Australia.

Sunsets were gorgeous this Autumn.

It does get frosty here.

Feijoa - We have become fans.

This is our current District/Zone as of June 2020. They are wonderful.

26 April - Still on Quarantine

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:53:00 +0000

Dear Followers,
We have decided to stay on the mission in New Zealand. What that looks like after quarantine is still not known. For now we hunker down.

For us in New Zealand, it is day 32 of the lockdown. Lockdown seems too harsh. Some have called it quarantine, isolation, lockdown. It has been so long now that we are used to it. I fear that when things loosen-up here and we have to get back to a more regular regimen will be the shock. But you all probably know a lot about these times of social isolation, social distancing.

New Zealand has four (4) levels of alert during this crisis. We have been in the most restrictive level for 32 days. However, the country will move down a notch - to - level three (3) next week. they have set a target of two weeks thereafter to move to Level 2 which will allow more freedoms.

So what have we been doing? We are still missionaries but greatly restricted. We do walk or ride our bicycles every day. In the going we still meet and converse with people (with the obligatory 2-meter separation). We have made some lovely contacts.

Here are some things we have and are doing:

Elder Baxter facilitates a Sabbath Day "Zoom" devotional for the local branch.
We expressed solidarity with our Kiwi allies on their ANZAC day. At one level it is like the US Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. More specifically, it is a day to honor the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the First World War. It was a costly defeat for the allies. Even though the country was still in Level 4 (Isolation mode) we stood at the end of our driveway at 6 AM on a very dark and cold morning. We tuned into a broadcast (while standing outside) sponsored by the local community which included a bugle solo and a bagpipe tribute to honor the fallen soldiers. To me, personally, it was a moving experience even though we could only detect one or two others on the street at that hour. There may have been more but it was too dark to see. What was special for me since coming to New Zealand was that we became friends with a very humble man in our branch who served in the Kiwi Army during the Vietnam War. He believes that his health was irreparably damaged by contact with Agent Orange. On another occasion I met a man who served in the Kiwi Army during the Gulf War. We have also become friends with a man who is currently serving in the Army at a base about 40 minutes south of us. These men heeded the call of their country to serve in conflicts to assist Americans. For that, they have my profound respect.
We have been making telephone and FB Messenger calls to local people, elderly, ill, or just alone, to check on them. We joined with the local Maori Tribe, Ngati Turangitukua, to check on families.
We have delivered meals, assisted people in dire situations, and offered comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
As I mentioned earlier, we do walks and bike rides. When we can, we wave at the people in their houses whom we know. We meet people on the trails who are walking their dogs.
We have a weekly call with the members of our Missionary District. That district consists of 4 elders (all pacific islanders) and two other senior couples like us. The mission has lost probably 150 young missionaries who were sent home to their native lands as a response to the COVID-19 crisis.

I want to give praise to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern. She has shown leadership, rarely seen in the world today, as she leads her small country through this pandemic. We listen to her daily press briefings. She is actually speaking to the nation, not just the press corps. She speaks with candor and compassion. She and her government have decided to, in her words, "go hard and go early". Their decision was to, first, save lives and to second, preserve as much of the economy as possible by smashing the virus as soon as possible. Going hard means they have taken extreme measures to control their borders, keep people at home, close businesses and recreation. To date only 18 people have died. The following curve shows the growth and decline of new cases in New Zealand. This is, perhaps, one of the safest places in the world regarding the COVID pandemic.

New Zealand New Covid-19 Cases

Scripture Studies on the river bank

Raking Leaves

The pandemic shopping experience

The grandchildren like our video calls

Karate Elder - Crane Kick

Autumn in New Zealand #1

ANZAC Day Celebration

Fall Day

Another Fall Day

Autumn Brilliance

29 March 2020

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 23:47:00 +0000

29 March 2020

It is Day 4 of the COVID-19 Quarantine. We are in good shape. Our supplies are adequate. However, we had an unplanned stop at the grocery store. An elderly woman called us and asked us to go to the grocery store for her. We are trying to stay out of harm’s way -- and going to the store violates that rule. After a short, silent prayer we decided that we would help this woman and trust that the Lord would protect us.

We stopped by her little house in a remote place called Korohe to pick up her list.

We then proceeded to the New World Grocery Store. A light rain was falling. There was a line of people waiting to get in the store all standing the required two meters away from the person next to them. The store would only let a limited number of people inside and no one was allowed inside until someone left. Once inside, Ruth Ann was generally treated with courtesy but there were a few people who were less than courteous. She was glad to be out of there. I am hoping we can avoid the experience in the future.

I think everyone is very cautious - as they should be. People have gloves and bandanna masks. Shades of the old west train robberies. If you are on a collision course course, they will steer clear. Me too. The streets are practically empty.

The entire country is in quarantine. We are to stay inside except for exercise, or trips to the grocery, gas station, doctor, or pharmacy. The government is telling us this will last at last four weeks and possibly more. Domestic flights are cancelled. International flights are limited to New Zealand citizens returning home.As time goes on, I suspect flight in or out will dry up.

They want to flatten the curve of new infections. I am sure it will take weeks before we will see the effect.

Our mission is sending home all young missionaries. They fly home a few at a time. Our district of twelve has lost 4 in the past 24 hours alone.

The mission president gave us the option to go home or stay. We made it a matter of prayer and have told him that we will stay. So for now, we will do what we can for people here. Frankly, we have grown to love the people in Turangi and the thought of leaving is saddening. I can see why our young missionaries are so heartbroken about leaving. They are wonderful people.

Stay tuned. It is a wild ride!

Lockdown activities

Who you calling old?

Street in Taupo. Rahui means "prohibited"

The grocery in Turangi

The park next to our house.

22 March 2020 Update

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 20:25:00 +0000

22 March 2020

Dear Family and Friends,

Many have inquired regarding our status and well-being. It is heartwarming to know that we are remembered and that you all are keeping us in your prayers.

We are approaching the halfway point in our mission.

The short message is that we are safe and (mostly) well here in Turangi, New Zealand.

Tim is in week number two of what is probably a strong cold. He is improving and at about 80% strength. What is disconcerting about this is that this is neither the time nor place to be sick.

Ruth Ann remains well.

Regarding our status, most of what we were doing two weeks ago has been suspended because of the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the changes are self-imposed and some directed. Due to Tim's illness, we have decided to forego the Thursday and Friday reading sessions at the local Maori school (Te Kura O Hirangi) and our weekly Hospice Shop shift. We were asked not to come to the hotel for Family Home Evening and Addiction Recovery.

That leaves Branch (Tim is a counselor in the Branch Presidency and Ruth Ann in the Relief SOciety Presidency) duties and personal misistering. However, with church gathering suspended, our official church duties are limited. We continue to do personal ministering where appropriate.

Our mission status is questionable at the moment. It seems as if every day there is new news from the Church, from the US Government, and the New Zealand Government.

Regarding New Zealand, their incoming borders are closed to non-citizens with the exception of health care augmentees. If citizens do return, they are on 14-day self isolation. From what we can tell, other visitors are leaving on the few airline flights available. The country is at "level 2" (an internal scale where 1 is normal and 4 is lockdown). We are asked to reduce non-essential travel, practice social distancing, and don't panic buy at the store. High-risk people are advised to remain at home (those over 70 or those with other existing medical conditions).

Up until a few days ago, the number of cases of COVID were less than 10. Today, the number is 52.

At the present time, our mission has only asked us to stock up on essential food and necessary items. They have asked the missionaries not to hug or shake hands with people. Baptismal services are still approved so long as they are limited in numbers.

We have received no word regarding our long-term status here.

As you all know, each day comes with new news. We will endeavor to post our status more frequently.

We do ask that you remember us in your prayers. We are engaged in the Lord's work so we will trust in Him.

Sincerely,

Elder and Sister Baxter

Near Elephant Rock - West Coast New Zealand

February 2020

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 02:24:00 +0000

February 2020

Dear Followers,
The summer season is progressing. The locals are complaining of the "hot summer". The temperatures seldom get past 80 degrees F and the humidity is low. The nights are cool. I think they should spend a summer in Arizona or Kentucky to calibrate their internal thermometers! I will say that it is extremely dry as the summer progresses. I couldn't believe that last winter's lush, green pastures and forests would turn brown, but the weeks without rain and the thin soils have turned things very brown and dry.

We had a very pleasant visit from Aaron, Abby, Daniel, and Eve in February. Their itinerary was absolutely packed. We were able to do and see a variety of things with them: Hiking, ziplining, glow worm cave touring, jet boating, sheep shearing, waterfalls, and much more. We were thrilled to have them for a visit and sad to see them go.

We are staying quite busy with family home evenings, addiction recovery seminars, the Maori immersion school, the Hospice thrift store, visits to elderly, working in the art guild (pottery shop) and church assignments.

A little fun with the whanau (zipline)

Recognize this volcano from Lord of the Rings?

Sheep shearing in Taumarunui

Giant Kauri Tree. This youngster is 800 years old
(the tree, not Elder Baxter)

We gave these German Van-Campers a hot shower
and a hot meal

Recognize this place from Lord of the Rings?

Teaching at Te Kura o Hirangi
(the inscription behind says "the basket of knowledge")

Who says Senior Missionaries don't
do bikes?

January 2020 (So Far)

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 04:22:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

In January, we went to see if we could help at the Tuwharetoa Marae Sports Challenge 2020. This has been an ongoing athletic event among the Maori Marae's in the region over the years. There were around 20 Marae's participating. There were upwards of 2000 Maori competing. They competed in rugby, volleyball, petanque, basketball, table tennis, and some relay races. We helped with the timing of the relays. They asked us to play squash but had to claim ignorance of the game. We were asked to march in the Olympic style team march. We really felt out of place being what seemed to be the only non-Maori on the field.

We attended our first Zone Conference of the new year at the usual venue in Tauranga. You will notice Elder and Sister Yamashita at the center of. He is a general authority in the Pacific Area Presidency (HQ in Auckland).

We try do and see something new on our preparation day. The few photos below show a trek up Mt. Tauhara (an extinct volcano) near Taupo and a short hike (on another day) into the native bush in the Tongariro Forest Park.

We also helped with a meal preparation for the Maori at the Waitetoko Marae. We were assisted by the Taupo Sister Missionaries. This was our first time on a Marae. Elder Baxter set the table, including all the forks, spoons, knives, napkins (serviettes) and glasses in their right positions. Sister Baxter's long suffering instruction over the years regarding the proper table setting really paid off. Sister Baxter helped Auntie Frieda make the salads, cut pineapple, and tutored the young sisters in general kitchen work. We all washed dishes. We all worked under the direction of Aroha French and an amazing 78-year old Auntie Frieda.

Auntie Frieda

Zone Conference January 2020
Ruth Ann is front row, 5th from the right.
Tim is standing behind her.

At Zone Conference in Tauranga by the sea.

Happy Birthday Elder Powell!

We find the strangest
things in the Hospice
Shop

Our humble garden

Our trek up Mt. Tauhara w/missionaries

Wilson!

Trees are spectacular in
Tonagariro Forest Park

We marched with the local Marae.

Atop Mt Tauhara.
An extinct volcano near Taupo

Build your foundation upon the rock. We did!

At the Waitetoko Marae

Anglican Chapel and Cemetery
near the Marae

Aroha's Kitchen Help

More Kitchen Help

Pineapple Cutter

This giant tree is on the Marae.

Anglican Chapel in Waietetoko

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 08:36:00 +0000

Christmas, 2019

I thought I'd open this posting with the response from Francis Pharcellus Church, newspaperman for the New York Sun on September 21, 1897 to the Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon.

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

This being our first Christmas in New Zealand, we have to examine the question, perhaps, as did Mr. Church. Is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge."

"Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, ..."

Let's start with the run-up to Christmas

Christmas Cards from Maori Students:
We spent time helping the 6th and 7th students with their reading. The last day of class before the Holiday break, they gave us hand-made Christmas Cards. These kids are so sweet. Here is a sample of one.

December Christmas ("Santa") Parade
Our branch council wanted to enter a float into the Towne Christmas Parade aka "Santa Parade". Apparently it is a annual event which travels about 800 Meters down the main street and ends at the High School where the evening festivities are held. It was not solely our work. Two great women did the majority of the planning and work to promote the idea, gather the materials, and organize the helpers.

Our theme, The Nativity, was the only religious-themed entry. All the others were secular or even commercial entities. Of the dozen or so floats, I think three were from the local fire brigade. There were a couple from clubs and I know the one in front of ours was from a real estate firm. We were met by a panel of three judges who could barely contain their optimism.

As the parade started we moved at a comfortable walking pace. We had the two missionary sisters from Taupo and the Senior Missionary couple from Taumarunui join us. There were also two or three sisters from the ward plus Ruth Ann and I walking alongside passing out candy and invitations to our special Christmas worship service. We delivered over 200 invitations. Unfortunately, none came to our Sunday service. They did, however, know who we are. In fact, we were judged first place and the award was given at the celebration that evening in front of, perhaps, 3000 people.

The parade participants

We Won First Prize!

The float builders. No, I'm not held at gunpoint.

Nativity Float complete with angels, shepherds, and wise men bearing gifts

Really good fireworks in
the evening

Building the Float

Float Participants

Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve day we drove to Rotorua for a Missionary District Council Meeting. We had training, a nice luncheon (Pizza and Fruit), and a "White Elephant" gift exchange. I needed the laughs that resulted from the exchange. It was comical that many had never participated in a white elephant exchange; and those that had, had differing rules. However, the game was hilarious, the gifts and wrapping were creative.

Following that, we went to a rest home to do some caroling. The residents sang along with us. I had the impression that Christmas caroling is not a normal activity for them. They all sang along and clapped. I suspect it was the highlight of their day.

White Elephant Exchange

There were some reluctant participants

And perhaps some questionable gifts!

Caroling at the rest home

After Rotorua, we were invited to a wonderful Christmas Eve Dinner at the house of our good friend's, Kim and Jim. We had a familiar roast beef meal and excellent company.

Jim and Kim and RAB

Feeding the Town on Christmas Day
We arose early on Christmas Day to help prepare for the community Christmas Dinner. It was extra special considering our float winnings were donated to the church that provided the meal. The meal was sumptuous consisting of ham, turkey, roast pork, potatoes, cole slaw, roasted vegetables, gravy and apple sauce.

A ham serving the ham.

Around 200 served

Volunteers. There were about 20.

Feeding ourselves on Christmas Day at the Tokaanu Hotel! The Metekingi whanau were so kind to think of us on Christmas Day. True to New Zealand tradition, a family 'barbie' is in order. With immediate and extended family plus a goodly number of guests, I would estimate there were 30 people there. We felt extremely welcome. The meal was definitely New Zealand cuisine. We had smoked trout (no doubt locally caught), lamb, beefsteak, many delicious salads, and traditional desserts like: "Ambrosia", Pavlova, custard pudding, and some chocolate eclairs.

President Metekingi is an
AWESOME Barbie Master

Merry Christmas from the Metekingi's

Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a new holiday for us. It is the holiday celebrated here on the day after Christmas. For us, it was another day to do our missionary work.

It may be winter where you
are but it's garden time here.

Our Boxing Day Guest.
He is a good friend.
Ruth Ann served a waffle brunch.

Yes Virginia, we found that there is a Santa Claus in New Zealand. Even though we hardly saw lights, house decorations, or decorated trees, we did see the manifestation of true Christ-like love, generosity, and devotion to those who have little resources at this time of the year.

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families. We wish you a prosperous New Year (Tau Hou koa).

Elder and Sister Baxter

Is It Really December?

noreply@blogger.com (ruth ann baxter) — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 19:52:00 +0000

IS it really December?!

The first week of December has been like a fast roller coaster ride, lots of highs and lows. Not sure where to start....

A visit from the David, Annie and Hans Baxter family was a definite HIGH. they brought with them a little bit of Christmas and we spent Thanksgiving with them exploring a "Living Thermal Maori Village" in Rotorua and our Thanksgiving meal was cooked in a steam vent. We were graced with the Pohutu Geyser showing off. WE also tramped the Tongariro Crossing, the Track which is rated the #1 one day walk in the world. It was a beautiful day!

The biggest low came when we received word that Jeanne Cameron’s fight with pancreatic cancer ended. She is An amazing example of what a disciple of Jesus Christ looks like. Evaluating life and what I would change if I only had 3 weeks to live has been sobering. Her life speaks to the kind of quiet service that she endlessly performed. Our family has received MUCH from her.We are so blessed to have Brendon Cameron as part of our family and know his mother will be greatly missed.

With heavy hearts we traveled to a 3 day Mission Christmas Conference where all 200 of the New Zealand Hamilton Missionaries met for celebration and instruction. This group included beautiful young (and some well seasoned) missionaries from all over the world. We were overwhelmed by the power and spirit these missionaries carried with them, and we came away feeling uplifted and ready to go back to work.

We got back to Turangi and received word that our Kentucky grandson, Atticus, had taken a fall and would need to stay in the hospital until his surgery to set the broken bones in his wrist and elbow.

Word came again that even though the broken bones took a little more to pin than expected, our prayers had been answered and Atticus was doing well. The real job is now up to Audrey to keep this little man quiet for a week at home before the hard cast can be placed on his arm.

Another text arrived alerting us that David Annie and Hans, who left the North Island to caravan tour the South Island were stuck between a washed out bridge on one side and a washed out road going the other direction. In New Zealand this road closure could last for a couple hours, days, weeks. They are on day 3 and have already missed their flights home to the US. We are hoping it won’t be many more days. A coworker in the hospice thrift shop told us yesterday that the last time this happened , the tourists ended up being helicoptered out. At least David and Annie are keeping the tradition of taking the “Baxter short-cut “ way home.

We said goodbye to the children at the Maori school. They will start their summer break next week. They gave us some pointers on the best swimming spots in the river and cautioned us to be careful of the fast current. Later that day they surprised us with handmade thank you Christmas cards. Elder Baxter helped cook a "sausage sizzle feed" for their lunch.

Happy 10th Birthday to grandson Sam Harris who sneaked a birthday into the middle of this roller coaster week.

Sometimes it is hard to be far from those you love especially when some extra help would be appreciated. I am grateful to my children, family, and friends who have supported all these happenings with prayers, and worked to sustain those in need. I wish I could have been present to celebrate Jeanne Cameron’s life. Thank you to all who were there! I will cherish the email she sent me last Sunday where SHE lifted MY Spirit with kind words and encouraged me to keep working hard.

I know that Jesus Christ Coming to this Earth and giving His Life that ALL of us will live again is what sustains me in the “lows” and fills me with JOY in the”highs”of life. Merry Christmas to you all! HE is the reason for this season of celebration!

Kia ora! From the land of the long white cloud (Aotearoa)!

With Much Love,

Sister Ruth Ann Baxter

Sausage Sizzle at Kura O Hirangi!

At the Mission Mission Conference

Our Student Readers

Post surgery

Hans brought the tree and David delivered the olive tree Nativity from Jerusalem!

Pohutu Geyser

Lake Rotopunamu

Sisters Nelson and Leilua going home soon

Beautiful Sisters

The missionary attire is definitely "island"

Missionaries From The Philippines (plus one)

Thanksgiving 2019

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 23:55:00 +0000

Dear Readers,
We hope that you are prospering wherever you are.

We have passed one of our most cherished holidays - Thanksgiving. While it is celebrated elsewhere at different times and ways, it is most prominent in America. The most noted was the celebration at Plymouth, MA in 1621. Sister Baxter's ancestors were there.

It is not recognized in New Zealand, I am sorry to say, but we celebrated it nonetheless. We were pleased to have our son, David, Annie, and mokopuna Hans with us. We celebrated the day in the city of Rotorua where we had a traditional Maori meal cooked in a hangi (a geothermal steam vent). Our meal consisted of chicken, potato, kumara, cabbage, stuffing, carrots, corn on the cob, and steam pudding. No turkey but the rest of the menu seemed appropriate.

While the whanau were here we did a number of interesting things that you can see depicted below.

Sincerely,
Elder and Sister Baxter

Pumice Lifting!

Taranaki Falls

We had extra help with a missionary teaching event.

Posing with King Tawhaio in Taumarunui

David and Tim at the Summit of Red Crater (6188')

Tongariro Crossing - Mt Ngauruhoe in background

Hangi Kai on Thanksgiving Day

Practicing our Haka Faces

Regularity

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 07:42:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

The time between posts is not because we haven't been doing things, rather,

because we have been kept quite busy doing many things.

We have been here for three complete months. Seems like only yesterday and 12 weeks.

We are just about settled into a routine.

Monday is theoretically our preparation day but we have done other things.

We spend a few evening hours in the pottery shop. We are learning to work

with clay; not to forget about the interesting people we meet there too.

George is the director and teacher, though he does not like to be called

that. He is an expatriate from Wisconsin that has been in New Zealand for

probably 30 or 40 years. He's a master teacher and Ruth Ann's favorite thing
about the "non-class". He has this way of telling stories while he demonstrates
making something out of clay and when the evening is over we realize we have been
well taught . We'll include photos of him and our work once they have been fired.

Tuesday is the day we travel to Rotorua for a missionary district meeting.

That takes most of the day. In the late afternoon we spend about an hour

cleaning our chapel. Some days we have help and some days we don't. We were

teaching a man after that but he has fallen by the wayside. We love him and

stay in touch but he must work through his difficulties as we give him some

space.

Wednesday, when we can, we spend a few more mid-day hours in the pottery

shop. We have the facility to ourselves with George. We often teach

the new-member lessons to a wonderful young woman. The sister missionaries

join us, usually there is a meal such as waffles and fruit - not common in

NZ. In the afternoon we teach a temple preparation class.

Thursday has no regular commitments right now but we'll tentatively do an

addiction recovery class soon.

Friday is our day to go to the Maori school (Te Kura o Hīrangi). We have

been helping 6th and 7th graders read. They are very enjoyable. Their

skills vary so we think we can do some good there. They were reading an

Ogden Nash poem about a dragon and a pirate. Very interesting choice, but the
more we work with the students, the more we realize there is much to be learned by a first time English reader. When the students break for lunch we go over to the RSA to mingle with the 'Older' folks. We have to leave some wiggle room as some may think we're old. We stay for lunch.
Ruth Ann has taken an interest in Rummikub. Tim plays Snooker with three other men. His

team actually won on Friday! After RSA we go back to the school for some

Too Good Not To Share

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 23:50:00 +0000

Nga mihi ki te katoa mai i a Aotearoa (Greetings to you all from New Zealand)

The theme for this post is somewhat random. We have had some wonderful experiences that we must share with you in pictorial form.

Catfish are outlaws here.

Not what you think!

Getting to the ROOT of the problem!

It is what it looks like!

Taken October 4th.

An NZ Hot Dog! A giant Vienna Sausage and a slice of bread.

Rainbows are commonplace.

That's a lemon picked from a neighborhood tree.

Corn. A rare commodity.

Missionaries

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 09:20:00 +0000

We were just visiting a family here in Turangi today, not far from our apartment. As we approached the gate we met one of the family members; he greeted us and invited us to wait by the gate while someone put away the dog. He said to the woman of the house: "The Elders are here". We are known as "The Elders" everywhere we go. At first it seemed inappropriate for Sister Baxter to be called one of "The Elders". However, that is the common view of us. We asked ourselves why is this?

First, I think Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ have been here for a long, long time. I know that because we received a phone call from a couple who have just been called to serve in this mission and the husband served in this town in the 1980's. This is a small town, about 3000 and the physical size of the town (or towne as they write it) is just over 1 square mile in size. Most people have been seeing missionaries walking, riding, and driving around town and they know who we are. In fact, the family we visited said they followed us while we drove from Taupo yesterday. Initially they knew we were from "out of town" because no self-respecting kiwi driver would use the brakes while driving around the hair-pin curves on the road that parallels the lake shore (more on that later). They then recognized the car we drove because it looked just like another missionary car in a different city. The brother said he was "cracking up" when he realized it was us.

Second, they don't think there is a gender distinction with the term: "Elder". To them, the title represents any badge-wearing missionary from The Church. We are OK with that. It's an exclusive club.

We mentioned "driving". It is a challenge. We find the roads are winding, narrow, and the drivers tend to go very fast ... kind of like Kentucky ;-). There are relatively few miles of what we would call "freeways". So most roads are two lane with occasional passing lanes. We are often horrified that people will pass vehicles - even big tandem-trailer rigs with a line of cars behind then. They will pass on blind curves, wet roads, even cars doing the speed limit. We did learn that there is a driving rule that says "If you are travelling slower than the speed limit and there are vehicles following you, you must pull over as soon as it is safe to let following vehicles pass." So we are pulling over occasionally.

We have been supporting, interacting, meeting, teaching, assisting, and generally spending significant time with the young missionaries. We have no reservations saying that they are truly amazing. They have seemingly boundless energy on their P-Days. When teaching, they are confident, spiritual, and hard-working. They are teaching us a great deal about this generation of Saints. Surely President Nelson is correct when he said: "They are the children whom God chose to be part of His battalion during this great climax in the longstanding battle between good and evil—between truth and error. ... They loved the Lord so much that they promised to defend His name and gospel during this world’s tumultuous winding-up scenes. One thing is certain: They are of the House of Israel and they have been sent here to help gather God’s elect."

The ratio of sisters to elders is about 1/3 in this mission. The number of non-american missionaries is significant. Many are of Polynesian descent. They come from Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, and "The Islands" as they are called. To a missionary, we have grown to love them, enjoy being with them, and they give us energy and vitality.

Three very good sister missionaries

Rotorua District (6 Aug 2019)

The Rotorua District (12 Sep 2019)

Our first baptism.

P-Day at Tarawera Falls

Lunch following the baptism.

P-Day for the Tauranga Zone (16 Sep 2019)

Mission President Making Missionary Milk Shakes!

Missionary mischief (before) ...

After

Mission Sisters: Preparation Day is a Play-Day

New Zealand Food

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 06:39:00 +0000

This posting is dedicated to New Zealand Food

In the spirit of full disclosure, we are Americans. As such, we carry the baggage, rightfully or wrongfully, of all the stereotypical food habits of Americans or the American Food Industry. With that said, we are probably not the typical consumers. We generally don't buy highly-processed or pre-prepared foods.

The familiar are here: McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway, more.

Why go to American style food places when there is so much to sample in N Zed?

High Spots:

Chocolate
Fresh vegetables tend to be lower in price when in season. We have had very good results with oranges and apples. They are far better in taste and slightly lower in price especially honey crisp.
Yogurt is better quality and cheaper in NZ.
All dairy products are better tasting, fresher.
Ice Cream is smoother and softer. We don't need the industrial strength ice cream scoop to get it out of the container. And better tasting. The down side is there are not as many choices in flavors; maybe about 1/4 of the choices one might find in a big US store.
Cold Cereal (breakfast) is more expensive but much better in taste and lower in sugar and preservatives.
The number of choices are limited. In fact, across the board, the number of choices of any food type are limited here. But then, I don't understand why we in the US need to have dozens of different sugar-laden breakfast cereals?
There are not that many corn-based foods.
No Mexican food.
Hot Chocolate with Coconut Cream (Non-Dairy)

Low Spots:

I have checked the price comparison tools which seem to say that NZ food prices are lower than USA. We have data points in three different food chains and three different cities. Even when considering the "red-hot: dollar ($1 NZD = $0.64 USD) our experience is that food prices are higher. Perhaps it's what we buy, but on average, we say food is more expensive here.
Meat, Eggs, Milk are all higher here. Meat can be double the price.
Tomatoes are about $4/LB, for example.
Not many corn chips and those there are, aren't as good as we are used to.
Can't find dried beans. In fact, when we asked people about beans, they give us blank stares.
Bacon is called "streaky bacon" while sliced ham (6" x 4" oval) is called bacon. And Streaky Bacon is $9.50/LB. I haven't been able to find bulk breakfast sausage. The link sausages are not like anything in America. Thank you , thank you Jimmy Dean.
No Mexican food.

Why is this?

We have been told that New Zealand prices in general are driven by the European Union but, oddly enough, the Union is not the major trading partner. The dairy industry went wild sometime since WWII. They are the world's 8th largest milk producer. That's astonishing when considering the country has the same area as the state of Colorado (same population as Oregon).

It's heritage! The Maori cultivated a type of sweet potato (Kumara - which looks like a sweet potato but tastes more like a potato. They harvested what they could find in the forests, rivers, lakes, and ocean. The British colonizers (pakeha) brought the foods they were used to eating. That probably explains why there are not many food items like corn, hot peppers, dried beans, etc.

Prepared Food:

Most places have "Take Aways" which are usually places with little of no seating. Hence: you buy the food and you take it away. They come in in many cuisines: Fish/Chips, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean,

Dairy Stores = Ice Cream Places
Bakery = It is what you think of a bakery except you can get savory dishes such as meat pies, sausage pies, etc.

Random Food Terms:
Mince = Ground Beef
Kai = Food, Meal in Maori
Pumpkin = What we would call squash
Hangi = Slow cooking underground - Unusually a volcanic geothermal steam vent

Food from a Chinese "Take Away"

Banoffee Pavlova and Chocolate Mousse

Yes, that's a duck hanging in the background

Hangi

Kumara - Kinda' Sweet Potato

Roast Lamb

Hamilton Mission "Red Neck Milkshake"

Winter is Still Here

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 02:18:00 +0000

When I say Winter we have to frame it in New Zealand terms. Here in Turangi, Winter means occasional frosts but no deep freeze. Since coming here we have had to scrape the frost from the car windscreen twice. The usual temperature spread from high to low is 10 degrees F. We have seen much rain but even in those rainy days the sun will peek out occasionally. Often the rain is mixed with strong wind; the kind that turns your umbrella inside out. The up side is gorgeous rainbows.

The town of Turangi was built in the 1960's to provide housing for temporary workers on the Tongariro Power Scheme. We are only a few miles from the Tokaanu power plant. It's population then was over 9000.

The town today has a population just over 3300 people. It's not a large town. Ruth Ann and I walked the perimeter this morning in about 90 minutes. It has most of what we need. For some items we need to travel to Taupo or Rotora.

Now that the power project workers are long gone, the town is supported by tourism and a two prisons. It is billed as the Trout Fishing Capital of the world. There are always people fishing the river but we have not been in the right place to see anyone catching.

The people are the best thing here. Most are Maori. They are very friendly, open, and spiritual people. The more we get to know them and study their culture, the more we love them. We are often greeted with warm hugs and and occasional Maori kiss.

Our duties have been varied. Primarily we are here to support the small branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Secondarily we support the proselyting efforts of the Hamilton New Zealand Mission. To that end we have been ...

Teaching/ hosting an Addiction Recovery Group (this has mostly been Ruth Ann)
Teaching a Temple Preparation Class
Teaching missionary lessons
Teaching returning members basic gospel principles.
Helping with genealogy or as they say here, whakapapa.
Visiting local members of the church

We have been supporting the local missionaries in a number of ways. This Thursday, for instance we drove to Hamilton (2 1/2 hours away). We helped serve pizza to the large group of missionaries involved in "transfer day". Then, I drove separately in a mission car to Taupo with two elders inside while Ruth Ann followed. The reason for this strange arrangement is that one of the missionaries was a non-driver, and the other one, a brand-new elder, just arrived from a country that drives on the left and his driving experience was limited. The mission leadership wanted to assess his capabilities before turning the keys over to him. It rained heavily the entire trip.

I had to stop for gas in our car about 2/3 the way there. Being the good Scotsman, I found the lowest priced station. It wasn't until we stopped that I realized there was no cover over the pumps and it was raining heavily. After fiddling with the credit card readers and moving to another pump, I finally started pumping gas. Needless to say, by this time I was soaked and chilling. We pulled into a nearby McDonald's to go to the toilet. Since we were there I treated the four of us to some food.

The menu was somewhat recognizable though made with local ingredients. My bacon, cheese, and egg McMuffin had ham instead of bacon. In this country, bacon is round, thinly sliced ham. "Streaky bacon" is what we call bacon. Nonetheless, I was cold and hungry and the international menu difference was mute. It tasted great.

We deposited the elders at their apartment and told them that we would be back tomorrow to do a driving evaluation an practice for our new elder. Even though I didn't specifically say not to drive, I assumed they wouldn't.

The next afternoon when we arrived at their apartment (which is 45 minutes for us to drive to) they and their car were gone. After about 30 minutes, here come the two elders driving their car. I was on the telephone talking to a Māori woman who I had been trying to teach for several weeks. I couldn't interrupt the call so I asked Ruth Ann to go speak to the elders. The next thing I know, they are driving off again.

After another half-hour, they returned. They must have felt confident that the new elder could drive without further training! So we left them to their own devices.

The real success was that Ruth Ann got about 6 hours of driving on the left side of the road. You will notice that I didn't say the wrong side. That is not well received here. New Zealand roads are what you might expect in Kentucky; little or no shoulder, winding, two narrow lanes. I still don't feel completely at ease while driving. That's a shame because the countryside is absolutely gorgeous. Where we are there is not much traffic, so that's a blessing. Around town we usually walk or ride our bicycles if it isn't raining. Thank goodness for bicycles.

We have been about the town. We go one day per week to the RSA here in Turangi. On Fridays there is a gathering of senior citizens. They chat, play games, and there is always a lunch served. Attendance is around 25 people. We have met many people who have introduced us to local lore and have given us some handy tips for life in this area. We've made some good friends too.

I'm sorry that we don't have many photographs of actual missionary work. We don't always have our cameras available or in a position to snap a picture of walking, biking, or teaching. We'll try to do better.

Tongariro Volcano

Trout Museum just up the road from us.

We will wait until Spring before trying this hike.

There is a walking path with about a dozen mosaics.

Hill overlooking Turangi with Lake Taupo in the distance.

This is one fish that didn't get away.

This is the town's Welcome sign.

First Two Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 23:50:00 +0000

We have been here for two weeks now. I can honestly say that we have strongly felt the love that God has for these people. Ruth Ann and I are expanding our capacity to love others.

We have been involved in teaching members of the church as well as those who are not of our faith.

The branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints here in Turangi is small but the members are very faithful and devoted to Jesus Christ.

We are trying to properly speak the geographical names. For example we live on the street named Puataata in the town of Turangi in the district of Waikato, near the river Tongariro which flows flows into the lake Tauponuiatia (the great garment if Tia) which is also a volcanic crater. We live in the shadow of an extinct volcano Pihanga (which has snow on it from time to time).
We have travelled for meetings and/or teaching appointments in various cities: Tokorora, Rototua, Hamilton.

Rain in the Winter is a constant companion

... but the rain brings occasional rainbows

Missionary work!

They do use different terms

The Rotorua District Missionaries

First Full Week in New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 07:15:00 +0000

The first week in New Zealand was very busy.

Traveled to Rotorua for our first Missionary District Meeting. We did some shopping In Rotorua and Tokoroa for home goods for our flat.
Taught our first Temple Preparation lesson to a beautiful Maori woman.
Had a steak dinner at the home (Tokaanu Hotel) of the Branch President.
Traveled to Hamilton for a Senior Missionary Training Meeting. We left on Thursday afternoon and returned on Saturday evening. The round trip was 449 KM. We now have two bicycles. Oh boy! Gasoline prices were a real sticker shock. $7.98 (NZD/Gal) which is $5.27 (USD/Gal).

The Hamilton Temple (Under renovation)

Sister Baxter, Sister Rangi Parker, Sister King of the Pacific Church History Museum

Elder Baxter at the Whakamaru Dam

President Metekingi cooking potatoes in a natural steam vent

Sister Baxter, Sister Adlard, Sister Sapoi with unknown flower

K-Mart shoppers are happy!

We Made It To New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:39:00 +0000

After a two hours from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA and then another grueling 13 hours to Auckland we made it to New Zealand. By the time we made it to our beds it was 44 hours without sleep and we lost a calendar day in the process.

We were met at the airport by a wonderful senior missionary couple (The Taylor's from Orem, UT). They drove us to Hamilton, NZ where we had a shower and a change of clothing.

We next went to the mission office where we met the President Erekson the mission president and his wife and most of the office staff.

We were given a car and sent on our way south to our new home in Turangi.

Oh my! Driving on the left side of the road was nothing less that intense, especially since we were sleep-deprived.

We are in our new flat now and starting to meet people and get used to the metric system, high prices of everything, and re-adjusting to winter again. Note that it was in the 90's in Salt Lake when we left and the nights here are in the low 40's.

More to come ...

Auckland Airport

Lake Taupo

Steering wheel on the right

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Turangi

Our Flat in Turangi

While Waiting to Travel to New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (BaxterNewZealandBlog) — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:24:00 +0000

Since we left our home in Kentucky on 4 June, 2019 and July 25 , the day before we travel to New Zealand (51 Days), here are some highlights...

Our son David's Graduation from USAF Test Pilot School
Eve and Daniel's Graduation from BYU Idaho
the beach (Malibu, CA)
Moab, UT to see the Cameron's

Float the Colorado River
Hiked the Canyon

Family Reunion (Ruth Ann's Family)
A wedding Reception (Dan and Cassie - Ruth Ann's Brother)
funeral of our sweet Sister-in-Law Mydona in Jerome, ID
Sun Valley, ID (re-united with wonderful life long friends (McMillen)
Craters of the Moon National Monument

We went to Four
temples...

Twin Falls, ID Temple

Salt Lake City Temple

Provo UT Temple

Monticello UT

Arches National Monument UT

Sun Valley, ID

Beach Near Malibu, CA

Test Pilot School Graduation

F-16 Pilot Sister Baxter and Test Pilot David

Elder Baxter, Pearl, and DeNae in front of my former "office"

Graduation from BYU Idaho