Comp Studies, Visits, Organize, and Hamilton Temple

It seemed to take a few days to "recover" from our getaway to Queenstown. However, we jumped in with both feet. Monday morning started with helping Leona with something she needed to finish up her Seminary reporting. We had a wonderful visit.  

I spent much of the working on preparation for several things on our calendar. We scheduled our Comp Study with our missionaries for this transfer. I planned with Sister Carlisle the menu and preparations for our upcoming Zone Conference. I also prepared things for Ward Council, Sacrament Meeting, and several trips to Hamilton, Auckland, and Kaikohe over the next couple of weeks.

We visited a sweet Sister in our Ward who is in the hospital and at the end stages of her life. She has been homebound for several years after suffering a severe stroke. She had a mini stroke that put her in the hospital this time. As much as her husband hoped she would get well enough to go home so he could continue to take care of her, he was told that she doesn't have very much time left. She has been a stalwart member for many years and will be greatly missed. 

We had a lovely video call with Sierra after we got home. We chatted about how Monty and Rebecca are doing. We also chatted about all the things we need to get done before our mission ends. 

After the call, we decided to lay out a plan to accomplish all the things we have left to do before our mission ends. Some of them are basic deep cleaning and sorting and packing. Some of them are things we need to do, places we need to go, and people we need to see. Getting it all on a calendar actually helped a lot. It looks very doable now.

We are changing a couple of companionships around for Comp Study this transfer. The Carlisles are assigned to the Riverside Elders, and we are assigned to the Denby Sisters. We are keeping the other missionaries the same. However, the Riverside Elders hadn't been notified of the change yet and showed up for our normal Comp Study Tuesday morning. 

We had lunch and took care of a few things before the Denby Sisters showed up for their Comp Study. In the future we won't have the Riverside Elders anymore. 😢The Sisters decided they want to read the book "Saints," as both of them want to know more about Church History. We read and discussed the first two chapters. 

After they left, we went to see Ben and his mum. They were a little down in the dumps, so I'm glad we stopped by and visited them. On the way home, we picked up some groceries and apples so I could make Apple Crisp for DCM.

Wednesday morning brought a wonderful DCM meeting. One of the Elders in Wellsford was not feeling well so they didn’t make it to Whangarei for DCM. Since that companionship has the South District DL, the South District met with the North District. I always like it when we can all meet together. I made Apple Crisp for our dessert. Sister Carlisle supplied some cucumber, carrots, and cinnamon apple slices. The missionaries loved it. 

Later, we had the Hika Elders over for their Comp Study. We did scripture highlights and talked about some of the members in our Ward that they are working with. Not long after they left, the Riverside Elders were back. They officially were notified about the Comp Study switch at DCM. Elder Tumanuvao made some apple muffins with a caramel topping for us. We warmed them up a bit for our evening snack. So yummy.

Later, we headed to the Chapel for our Book of Mormon Reading group. I have really been enjoying our group. I like the questions and the discussions we have with our reading. Tonight, we covered chapters 13 and 14 in 1 Nephi.

We had a very nice SPF Thursday morning as Sister Allen shared things about President Oaks. After SPF, the Zone Leaders came by for our weekly Comp Study. We decided to study one of President Oaks’ General Conference talks that were mentioned in the SPF meeting. It was called Good, Better, Best.  We had a great discussion. 

After lunch, we spent the afternoon starting on some deep cleaning. We took care of all three of our hall closets. We cleaned the shelves and organized all the stuff that will stay with the house for the next senior couple. We also started putting things aside that we will be taking to the Op Shop. When we finished that, we cleaned and organized the pantry. It helps us see what we need to eat before we go home. LOL I'm so glad that is done. 

We were up at 4:30am Friday morning so we could make the long trip to the Hamilton Temple. We actually got to spend two days at the Temple with several beloved friends. On Friday, Dallas received his Endowment. We had Dallas and his wife in our first Temple Prep class when we first got here. His wife was ready to receive her Endowment about a year ago. We kept praying for Dallas. Over the last several months we could see a lot of growth and were so excited when he said he was ready. After the Endowment Session, nine of us went out to lunch to celebrate. Such a fun time. 

Friday evening, we were back in the Temple to do some Initiatory work. I was able to finish up all my names! I was so happy. We went back to our hotel for a good night's sleep.

Saturday morning started with the sealing of Dallas and Wini and their three children. This is kind of the culmination of our mission. We have watched them both grow so much. We prayed they could be sealed before we went home, so this was an answer to prayer. It was such a lovely event. There was so much love in the room. They had great support from a lot of people who were willing to drive all the way to Hamilton for their sealing. An Aunt and Uncle came all the way from Australia for the event. 

After the sealing, we took pictures and visited nearly everyone who attended. Then we headed over to the dining room in the housing section of the Temple, where there was a nice little luncheon prepared for everyone. We enjoyed our two days at the Hamilton Temple. It is probably the last time we will ever be there. I’m so happy it was such a wonderful occasion to celebrate with such special friends. 

We had a nice drive home. The weather was gorgeous and even pretty warm. I think summer is just around the corner. … At least until the next storm. LOL

We had a great Ward Council meeting Sunday morning. I loved the training that Brother Holtz did. He gave us assignments for the last couple of days and then had us report in our meeting. It was very spirit filled. 

Fast and Testimony meeting was very nice. I enjoyed each and every testimony that was born. I almost got up to bear my testimony about Temples and the sealing of Dallas and Wini, but I know I will be bearing testimony next month for sure.

I spent the second hour in the clerk’s office taking care of several things for the Bishop. He is working hard to get our replacement. We have Stake Conference next weekend, so it will be at least two more weeks before that happens. 

At home I worked on a few more things for the Bishop before I did my weekly blog. Then it was time to relax before we start again next week…which looks like it will be even busier!

All Our Love,

Elder and Sister Wilcox