Update From Down Under

This is the view of Mount Rangitota Island that we see from our living room and balcony. The island is uninhabited but is a popular tourist destination. To visit the island, it's necessary to catch a ferry boat from the Devonport Wharf that is about 5 - 7 km from our Mon Desir apartment in Takapuna.

The channel between our Takapuna Beach and Rangitoto is the route taken by the large cruise and cargo ships to the ocean. Two nights ago we watched as the Star Princes cruised past our beach.

This picture was taken in Vail at Tiffany's wedding reception. The photo preceded us to New Zealand and had been edited to eliminate the legs behind us.

We attended a 7:00 AM planning meeting this morning at the the East Coast Bay Ward that meets in Sunset Road Chapel. In reading the ward program I realized how different we Americans are even though we share a common language.

The ward bulletin had an announcement for the ward choir that said: "An injection of new blood is needed in the choir - we are launching a choir improvement campaign - practices are at 12:15 PM Sundays in the YW's room. The practice for today has been canceled!"

The bulletin also announced "Congratulations to the ECB Ward YM who came in 2nd in the Stake Dodgeball Challenge."

As I prepare for the Annual Public Affairs training meeting that I will conduct on May 12th and 13th, I have gained an increased appreciation for President Monson who reads the sustaining list of new General and Area Authorities at General Conference. The training meeting will be attended by our Area Presidency and 3 - 4 Area 70's plus several stake presidents from the islands. I have been instructed by President Condie to introduce each attendee myself rather than having them stand to introduce themselves. There will be between 30 and 40 in attendance and following are some of the polynesian names: Taumoepeau, Fineanganofo, Tokalol, Uele Va'aulu and the winner is - Tuahivaatetonohiti!!! I'm told the pronunciation is really very simple. All I have to do is: remember to pronounce each and every vowell.

In the category of things that never change, I saw a license plate frame on a mini van at Church this morning that said: Top of plate - "Mums Taxi Service" and bottom of plate -"On Call 24 hours/7 days." I think Shannon especially, can relate to that.