Written by Carter. When I read the letter that Faye wrote yesterday, I felt like it needed to be all by itself. It was really good. I’m sending this out separately so her letter can stand alone.    

With recent events in the US, I’ve been thinking about what I can do to improve race relations. I participated in a webinar sponsored by The American Academy of Family Physicians on that topic, including how race can affect how people are treated in the community and even by physicians and by patients. That was eye-opening for me. I watched “Selma,” about efforts in the 1960s for Blacks to be allowed to vote. I am grateful for VidAngel, which allowed me to filter out swearing, racial slurs and sexual comments…but I didn’t filter out all the violence. After the movie, I realized that watching the violence was more disturbing to me than I realized. Then I felt grateful that it is disturbing for me: I hope it means that watching that offends the Holy Ghost and that not watching it allows Him to always be with me, as promised in the prayers said over the sacrament each week.   

As I thought of race relations, I also thought of the Prophet, Joseph Smith, who ran for president of the US in 1844. His campaign proposed the abolition of slavery by 1850. Elsewhere, he spoke of religious toleration when he said this: “I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination [as for a Mormon]; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves. It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul — civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race.” I believe that I have as much of a duty…if not more…to advocate for the rights of other races as I do to advocate for the rights of my own race. I’m not sure yet how to do that, but I am approaching that topic with study, humility, love and prayer; I am confident that the Lord will guide me.   

I continue to enjoy Tommy Newberry’s “40-Day Joy Challenge.” On one of the days, he encouraged me to be grateful for others’ successes, which bless my life. I made a list of four individuals with goals similar to mine. I will pray for their success for the next 8 days (or more). That has been a wonderful experience, one I recommend.   

I am grateful for the “crosses” I am called to bear. They have helped purify my “dross/impurities.” They are customized just for me! I trust God. His pattern is that my burdens are made lighter as I help others carry theirs. I don’t know how that works, but know that it does.   

For a fun movie, we watched “A League of Their Own,” also with VidAngel. Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors; he is so versatile and seems so natural. My favorite quote from the movie is this: “It’s supposed to be hard! If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it! The hard is what makes it great!” Boy, that can apply to a lot of things, can’t it…including life itself!   

Last evening, we went to a Turkish restaurant, then played “Codenames” with two other senior missionary couples. Wow! The caliber of people here is amazing…and they are a lot of fun to be with!   

Yesterday, I had my quarterly goal setting day. That is always an inspiring and fun day for me…but I realize that most people don’t really like doing that…and that’s OK. The world needs all of us…all personalities!   

On Monday (Sunday in the US), all of our children called me for Father’s Day. It was a special treat to hear from each of them; I love them all so much! I am so proud of them!   

Our Venezuelan “son” has been looking for work, so did not have any missionary discussions during the past week. I am praying he will find work. He is such a good man, good father and husband. I love him so much, as well!   

A quote from sacrament meeting today: “Embrace being uncomfortable because that is when we are able to change and move forward in our lives.”   

A phrase in the sacrament hymn today was “They crucified our Lord.” This is the only occasion I can think of right now where Christ allowed Himself to be “acted upon.” Otherwise, I can only think of His “acting.” What a perfect example for all the world!   

I solemnly testify that Jesus is my Savior, my Exemplar, and my Redeemer.   

Written by Faye

I made a discovery today. I need to listen to my prophet more than ever. Let me explain…

When the pandemic hit with all its changes, stresses and worry, I wanted to hear what my prophet was saying. I remembered and felt so much gratitude for all that he did to prepare us for this time. I took comfort in his every word. Listening to President Nelson helped me feel peace and hope for the future.

And then I started listening more to what the media was saying, reading about the pandemic issues. I was interested in knowing what exactly was going on in this crazy world. We all were. I did have some normal worries, being so far away in New Zealand, missing my family, wanting them all…especially my sweet parents…to be well and safe.

Then April conference came. I drank up those Spirit-filled words and the peace and hope came back. Everything was going to be OK.

Then looking back, I can see that slowly I got weary with worry again about my family and the future. You know how when as a child you were sick… you just wanted to go home to your mommy? I’ll be honest…I felt that way even though I wasn’t physically sick. My world was sick and I just wanted the comfort of home. A little depression set in. I didn’t have anything uplifting to write home, so sometimes I didn’t write. Scrolling through social media, I would skip the messages from the prophet and apostles in order to find info on the pandemic. I forgot to remember that we had miracles to come here. I forgot that we have been waiting 5 years to come on this mission. I lost sight of the plan I know God has for us.

And then today…. Friday, June 26, 2020… I listened to a new video from President Nelson and his wife. Some things he said, “I’ve learned that these emotions of fear, isolation and danger are best handled by immersing oneself in the care of other people…..The road ahead will always be bumpy. So fasten your seatbelt, hang on through the bumps, and do what’s right and your rewards will be eternal.”

Listening to him brought so much peace to my soul. I felt a weight lift with his words. And I realized that I’ve missed my prophet. Can we just have general conference every 3 months instead of every 6? I’ve also realized that I need to plan and make an effort to hear and read his calming, positive words (along with the other apostles and leaders) while balancing the information I seek about the bumpy roads of our time right now. I feel closer to Heaven when I hear my prophet. I know President Russell M. Nelson speaks for our Savior.

On Saturday, while doing some cooking, I listened a few times to his talk, “Hear Him”. He asks, “Where can we go to hear Him?” He gives us some ways and places, but for me…right now…I am hearing Him through listening to “him”, my prophet. It feels like a new discovery for me, more like a re-discovery. 

I need to hear and heed my prophet in order to hear from Heaven.

We had our dental cleaning appointments this week. The dentist is a young lady from Ireland; she has a distinctive accent. She did a good job helping us take care of our teeth.   

We helped one of the widow senior missionaries celebrate her deceased husband’s birthday. She showed us some of her photos of him. That was a sweet evening.   

I enjoyed watching the webinar on Religious Freedom Review from BYU. It was very thought-provoking; I recommend it. You can find it on YouTube. 

We participated in a Zoom suicide loss survivor support group. It’s helpful for us. We hope our participation is helpful for others who are new in this “journey.” I commented on my admiration for them; they are “warriors” in this grief journey!

About 10 months ago, I took the “16 Personalities” test to better understand my personality, as well as how others approach life. I recommend it. Every few months, they send an email about how my personality tends to approach various life scenarios. Not coincidentally, the one this week was on “Grief.” It was very insightful.

Today is Father’s Day in the US. Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers out there! I’m grateful for my father and other good men who helped me become the person I am today. 

Speaking of Father’s Day, 20 years ago today, I was sustained as bishop of the St. David Ward. What a sacred privilege it was to serve. Our family was greatly blessed because of it. However, it was also a lot of work! Just thinking about that effort makes me tired!

While I am filled with gratitude for my father and for the privilege of being a father myself, Father’s Day has been somewhat difficult for me since Ashton died…so I was trying to prepare for it mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I bought an e-book, “When a Man Faces Grief,” which is concise and addresses how men tend to grieve. It was helpful. However, I noticed that I was feeling a little “down” the next day. Then Faye reminded me that Father’s Day isn’t celebrated until September in NZ. Knowing that I wouldn’t be celebrating Father’s Day today helped me feel better; it was insightful to observe how my mind and emotions operated around that theme. Going forward, I’m not sure whether to try to prepare for hard days…or just take them as they come.

About 4 months ago, I thought I pulled a muscle in my right posterior thigh, where it attaches to my “sit-down bone.” I thought it would go away, but I think it’s getting worse. I saw a nurse practitioner Friday. She ordered xrays and physical therapy. We’ll see how that goes.

Yesterday, we went on an outing with several of the other senior couples in the area. We went to Shakespear (that’s how they spell it) Park. Google it. It’s beautiful! The weather and scenery were beautiful…but I most enjoyed getting to know the other couples a little better.

Last night, we watched “The Sound of Music,” with Julie Andrews. I am sure amazed with her talent…and with that of Rodgers & Hammerstein! It was very uplifting! One of the songs in there was “Something Good.” I remember one of my sisters saying that about having met her husband: “I must have done something good.” They are celebrating their 52nd anniversary today!

The missionaries who are teaching our Venezuelan “son” and family are the assistants to the president, so have been busy with their administrative assignments; they had to reschedule several teaching appointments with our “son” this week. They are still planning on being baptized July 4, however. They are also still looking for work. The members in the area seem to be doing a good job at fellowshipping them.   

Some thoughts from Sunday meetings today: “Softening my heart allows God to do His job.” “I had my plans; He had His plans. I had my doubts; He had His re-assurances.” “As we worked on our marriage, I have learned more about myself.” “Everything will be OK…even if it’s not OK at this moment.” “What did I learn from my COVID-19 lockdown experience?” “What has Heavenly Father done for me since I was born?”   

Alma 14 tells about the prison falling on and crushing those of the order of Nehor (antichrists) who had imprisoned and tortured Alma and Amulek. As I thought of that experience in the Book of Mormon, I also thought of the outcome for those who choose the “great and spacious building” in Lehi’s dream in 1 Nephi 8 and 11. Figuratively speaking, don’t you think the same thing happens to us if we choose the pride of the world over the love of God? Doesn’t that pride also crush us spiritually?    

We recently listened to a missionary broadcast by Elder Kliebengat that I wish everyone could listen to, but it’s only for missionaries. It was an amazing talk! One of the things he talked about was weaknesses, which we all have. He mentioned 2 Nephi 2, which mentions a couple of times “things to act” (us) and “things to be acted upon” (our weaknesses). That was a profound thought for me!    

Elder Kliebengat also suggested reviewing the passages in the scriptures that list the spiritual gifts, match them to our weaknesses, and pray for the specific gifts we need to help us in our struggles with our weaknesses. I just did that…and it was an amazing, revelatory experience!     

I then also studied my patriarchal blessing (one of the ways I “Hear Him!” is through my patriarchal blessing!). I looked for spiritual gifts that were promised to me (I counted 36 of them!) and also matched those to my weaknesses. Among those mentioned was faith and trust in God. I’m praying for guidance in using those gifts (and others) to help counter my weaknesses. This was another amazing experience!   

Another thought from my patriarchal blessing: it counsels me to choose my companions and associates prayerfully and carefully. I realized that what I read, listen to and watch fit into that category; I am striving to be more prayerful and careful about that.    

I’m listening to Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography. What an inspiring example of how he approached his weaknesses and tried to strengthen moral virtues in his life!   

I re-read an Ensign article from January 1996 by Elder Holland, who said, “One of the things that will become more important in our lives the longer we live is the reality of angels, their work and their ministry…[including] those more personal ministering angels who are with us and around us, empowered to help us and who do exactly that.” I love being reminded of that great gift and promise from God!
 

I solemnly proclaim that, by the power of the Father, Jesus rose again and gained the victory over death.    I love you, Carter

Written by Faye:

Today was our first Sunday back at church in the Auckland ward! There were lots of happy people there and much rejoicing!! The first presidency has authorized the congregations in New Zealand to attend church meetings together with no restrictions. It’s been 23 days now with no new Coronavirus cases. As of Friday, according to Carter’s COVID-19 report, there’s a 95% chance that New Zealand is free from COVID-19! It’s been 14 weeks since we last went to church in our building, which was on March 15th. I hugged some of those sweet ladies and shook hands with many of the members. It felt good… but a little weird. There are now hand sanitizer dispensers around the building that weren’t there before and they asked us to use them. That is probably going to be our new normal.

Tears came as we sang the opening hymn, “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet, to guide us in these latter days…”. I love President Nelson. I want to follow him. I felt an extra measure of gratitude for my Savior as I took the sacrament with my ward family. I can’t adequately describe how good and right that felt. I have missed it.  We heard from 5 missionaries who have either been sent back from their missions or have not been able to return to their own country. There were 2 sisters from the Kiribati islands, one sister from New Zealand, sent home from her mission in the Philippines, one elder from Chile and one from New Zealand who was sent home from Ecuador. Their testimonies were filled with hope, knowing that the Lord is in charge. I felt deeply the words to the closing hymn… “Redeemer of Israel, our only delight…”. I have missed those hymns…singing them with my ward family. We only had sacrament meeting today and next week we will start the 2 hour block again. Many mingled afterward just being together and catching up on family news. Many of the members were surprised that we were still here, assuming we had been sent home. I’ve said these things before but I’m going to say them again…..What a blessing to still be serving when many senior missionaries had to go home. New Zealand is amazing and we are so blessed to be here. New Zealand it a great place to be in a pandemic!

We went to visit Valda after church and took her a gospel principles manual and Joseph Smith story pamphlet that she asked for. Some one told me that she is very picky about who visits her but she’s always happy whenever we come. We have never felt unwelcome. She asked for a blessing because she’s having knee problems. She also asked to have a prayer with us before we left. She said the prayer, telling us afterward that she feels funny praying by herself. She likes to pray when other people are with her. She’s so funny… last time we visited her, she asked us to bring Brad Pitt when we come back. Today when she saw me through the sliding glad door, she yelled, “Did you bring Brad Pitt?” I pointed to Carter. He’s pretty darn close. 

With all the joy of going back to church comes the little sadness of the end of our beautiful bubble. That is one of the highlights of the pandemic for me. I will never forget our gospel discussions with Kate & Marie and partaking of the sacrament in Marie’s home. I will remember those times for the rest of my life. They are sacred to me. I felt like we needed to take a family picture and celebrate one last time with our pandemic family bubble. I want to remember….. On Saturday we all went out to eat at a Thai restaurant and did get a family picture. I love those ladies. They are warriors. If I ever have to live my life for a while as a widow on this earth, I want to be like them. I want to emulate their example of service, perseverance and dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We still play games in the evening sometimes and today they are coming over for Sunday pancakes.

Have you had the experience of doing something really wonderful or experiencing something really hard and then when it’s over, you ask yourself… did that really happen? Was that a dream? Did I really do that? I’ve had those thoughts today about our past experience with this pandemic. It DID really happen! The lingering hand sanitizer dispensers in our apartment building, grocery stores and now church building are proof of that. It’s not quite over for much of the rest of the world and there’s the possibility of a 2nd wave, but for now it feels like it’s the beginning of it being over in our world. Having said that… we are still not back in the office, but it’s coming soon. I’m super happy working from home. I am not one who enjoys getting dressed up each weekday to go in to the office. If we have to work from our apartment for the rest of our mission… it’s fine with me.

We have been praying for our Tucson temple to be protected from the fire on the mountains around it. I know there are many praying for that same thing. So far, it looks like it will be OK.

We just watched the groundbreaking program for the new Auckland temple. If you are interested, there’s a virtual choir number that is pretty amazing! It comes at about 30:20 minutes into the program. You can find it on this site: https://pacific.churchofjesuschrist.org

Written by Carter:

 We had a nice Zoom Family Home Evening with the other senior missionaries. Everyone told a summary of how they met and something about their mate that others may not know. I said that Faye is a really good whistler…like her dad! Last night we played some new games with two other couples (Resistance and Werewolf). I sure do love serving with these other good couples! I’m grateful for the technology that has permitted us to “meet” with one another during the lockdown…but am also grateful that the pandemic has eased enough here that we can now meet in person!
   

The sister missionary that was bitten on the face by the dog is doing better; she is healing nicely. The area mental health advisor told me that, when she talked with the missionary, she was thinking of a way to serve the owners of the dog that bit her! There’s an amazing attitude for you!
   

When I was about 15, our Sunday School class was quite rowdy. We ran off several teachers. Lonnie Hawkins was then called…and he subdued us with appropriate boundaries, the pure love of God, and teaching correct doctrine. One of the speakers in October 2019 General Conference mentioned the leaders who had influenced his life for good…and I thought of Lonnie. I’ve been trying to find a way to contact him since then. I finally was able to get his number from his brother, Deryl, who is a year older than me. Lonnie lives in the Phoenix area. I called him and we had a nice chat. I told him “thank you” for his influence in my life.

I continue to be grateful for my eternal companion (and best missionary companion), Faye. I feel like our marriage is growing stronger as we serve together. I’m grateful for her love, her faithfulness and her desire to do what is right.

President Nelson has asked us to notice and record how we follow God’s invitation to hear His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. As I mentioned last week, one of the ways I “Hear Him” is through memorizing significant scriptures and proclamations from His living apostles. Another way is to learn more about Christ’s great atoning sacrifice for all the world…including me. This week, I finished listening to “The Infinite Atonement” by Tad R. Callister. That is a profound book, one I cannot recommend too highly. I am grateful for that Atonement, which makes the Father’s plan possible. I also “Hear Him” through my patriarchal blessing, which I received when I was 17 years old. Several years ago, I committed it to memory. This week, I have been re-memorizing it. What profound promises and counsel have come to me through that blessing. It is another evidence to me that God knows me and loves me and desires only the best for me. To see the blessings promised over 40 years ago come to pass…sometimes again and again…is a humbling experience. I am grateful that I can continue to learn and grow during this lifetime; I will never know it all. I am grateful to better come to know He who DOES know it all…God.   

Alma chapter 9 highlights the importance of remembering. One of the manuals I used to study this chapter encouraged me to make a short list of significant spiritual experiences I have been privileged to have and then asked the question, “What blessings might come from regularly reviewing these lists and continually adding to them?” This exercise was a wonderful blessing for me; I commend it to you.

This week I have also re-memorized Ether 12:27, where God promises to help make my weak things become strong…through the grace of Christ and my humility and faith in Him.

Our Venezuelan “son” and his family continue to take the lessons and plan to be baptized July 4. The lockdown in Peru has been very difficult for them; both parents have lost their jobs. The local members are helping them find work. It has been humbling to see their faithfulness, cheerfulness and concern for others who have even less than they do. I am so proud of them!

I watched the 1960 Disney version of Pollyanna, with Hayley Mills. I have heard Pollyanna’s name used as a caricature for someone who is unrealistic in their optimism. I didn’t get that out of this portrayal: she was a sincere young girl who looked for the good in others and in life’s situations. It was a very uplifting movie for me. Was it “realistic”? No…but how many movies really are? Think of the adventure films where the “good guy” always wins, doesn’t get shot (or gets minor wounds), etc. The point is entertainment and sometimes (as in Pollyanna) to teach us moral principles.    For those who want to send us cards and letters, you can do that through a “pouch” in Salt Lake City. It will take 3-4 weeks to arrive, but you will only have to pay US postage. You just can’t send packages to this address. The pouch address is: Elder and Sister Mayberry, Pacific Area Pouch, 50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150.

The last portion was written by Carter

I participated in a video call with the Samoa Mission to discuss the health of the missionaries. I talked to one of the mission presidents about his personal health. A sister missionary was knocked down by two dogs, which gave her some facial lacerations that required plastic surgery. I’m praying that the wound will heal without excessive scarring.   

We traveled to Hamilton, which is about 90 minutes south of Auckland. New Zealand sure is lovely…especially when you get outside the cities! We visited the Church History Museum near the temple there. The stories of the Pacific island Church pioneers are very compelling! No wonder the Church is so strong here! I was also able to meet the Hamilton Mission nurse, with whom I collaborate frequently regarding missionary health concerns.   

We had another video lesson with our Venezuelan “son” and his family who are living in Peru. A very good young man who is a member and who lives nearby also joined the lesson. My “son,” his wife and son plan to be baptized July 4. More prayers!    

It took about 3 weeks of working about 30 minutes per day (on my morning walks), but I finished memorizing the Proclamation on the Restoration of the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What a beautiful, inspired document! The Spirit whispers to me that it is the inspired words of God! As I memorized it, my method was this: As I progressed, I would start at the last sentence I had memorized and say it aloud as I went for my morning walk. Then I would say the last 2 sentences aloud (from memory, looking at the text if I needed help), then the last 3, then the last 4, etc., working backward through the text. That worked well for me as it gave each sentence a lot of repetition. I’m curious: for those of who memorize long passages of poetry, scriptures or other material…what method works best for you?   

We had a nice discussion with the two widowed senior sister missionaries today. Some thoughts: When I was about 12, I was shocked to learn that my father didn’t know that the light from the moon was reflected from the sun…or maybe he was just making me feel good for knowing that. Anyway, sometimes the light from the moon is more “full” than other times. From Alma 5, the “light” we “shine” to those around us isn’t really our own light; it ultimately comes from Christ, Who is the Ultimate Source of all light and truth. I think He understands and is patient with me as I’m sometimes a better “reflector” of His light than at other times. That’s why He atoned for my sins…so that I can repent and strive to reflect more clearly His image in my countenance. I also read recently about thinking of Him by our side (like a faithful friend or mentor) as we pray: think of the love He would have in His eyes. What would He say to us? How would He say it? What words? What tone of voice? I love that thought!   

I solemnly proclaim that, by the power of the Father, Jesus rose again and gained the victory over death! Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives!

Photo captions written by Faye. Post written by Carter.