We are here - in beautiful green New Zealand at last. We know why it's so beautiful as it has rained most of the time we have been here so far. That nice big umbrella and great camera our kids gave us are so appreciated and will be put to good use. Speaking of the umbrella, I had to take it away from dad as he kept walloping people with it at the airports, mostly me. He had it
stuck in his bag, with the ends sticking out both sides and every time he turned he would wipe someone out without even being aware and I was constantly apologizing or saying "ouch." It was pretty funny in retrospect.
Packing for 18 months was a challenge and our 4 bags were right to the limit of 50 lbs, with the check-in attendant being extra nice. We each gave away a "pass-a-long card on our travel. Dad gave one to a cute young Italian guy who was a trapeze artist for a circus during our lay-over in Las Angeles and I gave one to a young girl from India On the plane) whose husband was just getting out of the military and he was going to meet her in Australia to live. The trip was 17 or 18 hours long, counting the layover in LA. The airline captain assured us it would only seem like 6 or 7 hours, then added "that is if you sleep." Well, it was the bumpiest plane trip we have ever been on and we didn't sleep, even with a sleeping pill. Sherilyn, Brady & family gave me a travel comfort bag of stuff for Mother's Day that helped, especially those slippers.
Don now typing:
A mission office couple, Elder and Sister Hunzinger met us at the airport with a new Toyota and to help with our luggage. We had a devotional at the office and spent a few hours in orientation. In going from the airport to the office they traditionally take all new comers to a high spot in Auckland, called "One Tree Hill". Check out the picture. Even though it is Autumn, every thing is just so green. I am already loving the variety of plants and flowers.
We meet with President Lekais on Friday morning to receive our first assignment. The mission staff however had leaked it out that we would be up north three hours in a little town called Kerikeri. We have been told that it is a coveted place to be. We plan on being there Friday.
Today we are getting our cell service activated and that will give us GPS capability to find our way and to return home without to much worry. Mid morning we are going south a couple hours distance to Hamiltion where the temple is.
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| looking at downtown Auckland from One Tree Hill |
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| Elder and Sister Hunzinger with Dian and me. |
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| sunrise from One Tree Hill |
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| obelisk atop one tree hill |
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| panorama from one tree hill |
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| one of many ocean inlets into Auckland |
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| our temporary apt at the end of the lane |
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