July 8, 2020 – Wednesday

It has been raining on and off most of the day. You know how in some movies you can tell when it’s fake rain, like Singing in the Rain? Sometimes the rain looks like that here, but it’s definitely not fake rain. It must be constant rush hour traffic up in the cloudy skies of Auckland because it will rain hard and fast for 2 minutes, then the sun comes out for 5 minutes, then cloudy again, then rainy. But just a sprinkle or a misty rain. The weather is super unpredictable by the minute. I find myself quite often thanking Heavenly Father for all the rain. This Arizona girl is loving it!

There are beans soaking on the stove and I have been making applesauce. Apples are in season and I found some really good Pink Lady apples. They are my favorite for applesauce. 

While washing and cutting up apples, I’m listening to Elder Anderson’s talk “Spiritually Defining Memories.” It’s the talk we will be discussing in our Sisters Scripture Study tomorrow. I’m remembering an experience I had with prayer and the Book of Mormon from when I was a teenager that I feel I should write down and share.

In high school, our seminary teacher asked us to find out for ourselves if the Book of Mormon was true. I remember hearing about the “burning in the bosom” that could happen when praying to get an answer and I wanted to feel that. Over a few months time, I prayed quite a few times what I felt were sincere prayers. But never got a burning or what I felt was an answer. I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to feel. I don’t know how many times I prayed but finally I got my first ever experience when the Spirit spoke to me and the distinct thought came to my mind, “You already know”.  I then realized the I DID already know. I knew that God knew I knew it too. I haven’t ever felt a need to pray about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon since then.

We are told that we all have one or more spiritual gifts and I have always wondered what mine was. I had hoped that I had one but never really knew. It wasn’t until maybe 8-10 years ago when I was secretary in the YW that the YW president, Jeanine Tracy,  told me I had the gift of “Faith to Believe.” I had no idea, but after much thought and reflection, I realized that maybe I do have that gift. I do not have a big need to pray and get my own answer when we get a new prophet. I just know he’s the one. That story above of praying about the Book of Mormon is another example. Ever since she told me that, I have felt a little more confident in my faith and in my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That was a very kind thing for her to tell me. I may not ever have known. I hope I get the chance someday to point out a spiritual gift for someone else. That was a great blessing for me.

I’m looking out the window, smelling the apples cooking in the crockpot and hey……IT’S RAINING AGAIN!!! ️

Sending Oceans of Love…. Faye

Written by Faye.

Still here…. still busy, but with different things than I thought I would be busy with. Some missionary applications are still coming in from the islands and some from New Zealand but they don’t take that much of my time. The sister I work with who gets the list of mission calls tells me that right now missionaries are getting calls to their own islands and countries.

Quite often during the day I am wearing my apron in our little kitchen cooking or baking something. Cooking anything used to be a real chore after Ashton died. I couldn’t wrap my brain around cooking. But my love of it is coming back! Carter asked me to make another chocolate cake. I didn’t want to make another one because who needs chocolate cake EVERY DAY? No one does! But then a friend helped me realize THAT’S HIS COMFORT FOOD… and then I totally understood. I got it! MY comfort food is anything involving corn tortillas. I get it! His is chocolate and mine is Mexican food. My mom made lots of Mexican food when I was young. We have been eating tostadas a lot and now I’m finding new enchilada recipes. Tonight we are having taco salad. There’s a store here that sells imported food from the US, with some Mexican food ingredients. I can get some really good corn tortillas. They don’t have good chili powder though. I’m still trying to find some chili powder. 

I never would have thought that the highlight of my week serving a mission would be what I was cooking! But times are weird right now and that truly has been the highlight. I want to document it. It’s Saturday and there’s some shredded Mexican beef in the crock pot right now. I finished making that chocolate cake, it’s been cooling on the counter and I just poured the chocolate ganache over it. Carter has been licking up the chocolate that dripped on the counter. I had fun making it and he is already having fun eating it. It’s so interesting … the things that make us happy these days! Just for the record… after the initial slice which we will have tonight….Carter puts it in the freezer and eats a sliver every day after dinner. That’s so Carter. I eat some too, but not every day like he does. 

It’s winter here and one thing nice about our apartment is that the bathrooms have heated floors. There’s a switch on the wall that turns on the heated floor. Kinda nice. We keep it on all winter. There’s no central heating. We just have little heaters that we plug in the wall, but we don’t use ours very often. We are on the sunny side of the building and the sun does a good job shining in between the cloudiness and rain.

We are having our 4th of July celebration on Monday the 6th with the senior missionaries. We’ve been asked to be in charge of the program. Carter will be the MC. We’re having a patriotic sing-a-long. One of the missionaries working in the Auckland mission office who used to be in the Air Force is speaking to us and I’m showing 2 of my favorite acapella groups singing some great patriotic songs. Then we will be having ice cream sundaes with all the toppings. This is my favorite Star Spangled Banner that will be played at the beginning:

Happy July 4th! I love my country even though it’s struggling right now. I know it’s the land God chose for the restoration of His church. I know who wins in the end and I’m so grateful I can trust God and His plan for our country and my life.

And…. Happy Birthday to our oldest grandchild Hannah, our 4th of July baby! She’s 15! Wow!

Written by Carter

It was sure nice to see most of my siblings on our monthly Zoom call Monday! I love and miss my siblings and their families!

I strained my hamstring muscle several months ago and it’s still painful sometimes. I started going to “physio” (as they call it here). She seems to know her stuff; I’m optimistic it will improve.

Faye and I are planning a trip to New Zealand’s South Island in a couple of weeks for an anniversary trip. One of the places we plan to visit is Milford Sound, reportedly one of the most stunning places to visit on earth! We are excited!

For our monthly fast today, we are fasting in gratitude for the blessing of being married to one another. It is fun to think of the things we have learned together and the good experiences we have had over our married lifetime. We will celebrate 37 years August 4! Wow! I was recently making a list of my spiritual gifts…and I was reminded that Faye is one of my spiritual gifts! What a blessing she has been in my life!   

I came across this quote by Rabindranath Tagore: “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and learned that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” Love it!   

Another quote, by I’m not sure whom: “Someone has said that it is possible to listen a person’s soul into existence.”

I had a nice phone conversation with another physician I worked with in Whiteriver. It’s been 22 years since we’ve spoken. It’s amazing how quickly our friendship picked back up where it left off. It was so good to hear from him again!

I also had a nice video call with my Venezuelan “son” who is living in Peru. We talked about giving to others spontaneously and willingly. We also discussed how to receive answers to our prayers about the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon.

I found a barber I like near our home and office. We talked a little about The Book of Mormon that last time he cut my hair. I asked him if he’d like a copy and he said “yes,” so I gave that to him when he cut my hair this week. I love The Book of Mormon! As a companion scripture to the Bible, it serves as Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

I finished Tommy Newberry’s 40-Day Joy Challenge for the second time this week and decided to take it for the third time! It’s Biblically-based. I feel like I learn something new every day and every time I take it. I highly recommend it…and it’s free! One of the thoughts from the challenge is to pray and ask God to guide me through my desires; that what I want to do right now will be in alignment with His desires for me.

Last Sunday was a wonderful “Lord’s Day” for me. I tried to capture as much of that spirituality as I could so that I could replicate it as many times as I can. What a blessing a well-spent Sabbath day is!

I was reminded of this thought this week: “I am a stranger here on this earth. I am not a physical being having an occasional spiritual experience; I am a spiritual being having a mortal, temporal experience. This earth is merely my temporary home; Heaven is my real home!”

Two hundred years ago, on a beautiful spring morning in 1820, young Joseph Smith, seeking to know which church to join, went into the woods to pray near his home in upstate New York. He had questions regarding the salvation of his soul and trusted that God would direct him. I believe that with all my heart! I’m grateful for Joseph Smith’s integrity. I’m grateful for his parents and other ancestors, who taught him about God and the Bible. He had faith that he could take his questions to God and that God would somehow answer him.

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.

Written by Carter: As the restrictions related to the pandemic are lifting, it was good to see and hear students playing soccer at the school across the street from our flat. Things had been so quiet here for so long that it was kinda “eerie.”

A doctor I met in South America called me to ask for advice about a missionary who was suicidal. The doctor knew about Ashton. He said something very kind: “There are others I could have called about the next steps to take…but I knew that you would help me bring compassion to those steps.” It was good to hear from that doctor/friend again!  

I am taking the “40-Day Joy Challenge” again. On one of the days, I was reminded that I am a beautiful, wonderful child of God! I am a kid of The King!…and so are you! What a liberating thought that is!   

We had a nice discussion with the two senior sister missionaries for our “home Sunday School” today. The topic was “I can be a positive influence in my community.” The Holy Ghost invited me to repent and do better. He reminded me that “…contention…is of the devil…;” that “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile…;” that the priesthood is not something I “put on” (like a cloak) when officiating in the ordinances of the gospel, but something I “wear” all the time and that my thoughts, words and actions should reflect the Savior’s influence in my life at all times and in all places; that I can disagree without being disagreeable; that the “collective wisdom” of society is usually better than my own opinions and perspectives by themselves. Other people bring experiences and perspectives that are valuable. I can learn from them, even if I don’t agree with them. Their different opinions don’t make them dishonest or ignorant; they just see things differently than I do. What a blessing to live (when not on a mission) in the United States of America, where we govern ourselves through a democratic republic! It gets kinda messy sometimes, but it’s still the best form of government when compared to all others; it’s the best humankind can do until the One Perfect King (Jesus Christ) comes to reign personally upon the earth.

We had another WhatsApp video lesson with our Venezuelan “son,” his wife and son who are living in Peru. What a blessing to be involved as they learn the gospel! The pandemic has been hard for them, but I think it has blessed them by allowing them to slow down and study the gospel. They had some great questions when we met! There are still restrictions in Peru that prevent their being baptized. Prayers!

I heard these two quotes this week:

1. “My faith is based on trust and not on blessings.”
2. “For the simplicity on this side of complexity, I wouldn’t give you a fig. But for the simplicity on the other side of complexity, for that I would give you anything I have.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.) My take: while we all face challenges in life, one of the positive byproducts is the opportunity to choose the direction we will take our lives on “the other side” of those problems. Many times, the answers lie in the simplicity of trust in God and His plan for our lives. That is a deliberate choice we have the opportunity to make.

I solemnly proclaim that God, the Father, gave us the divine gift, the incomparable life and the infinite atoning sacrifice of His Divine Son, Jesus Christ.

May 27th, 2020 – Wednesday

In one Zoom meeting I participated in during the pandemic, there was a sister who was the last to join. When her video came up on my screen, I heard these words, “Ask her to walk with you.” After the meeting, those words would not leave me. One little problem for me in asking, would mean I would have to walk too if she said yes! I was not walking at the time and was nervous about starting. I wanted to start though… so I sent her a text, “Would you like to walk with me sometime?” She did… and we have been walking buddies ever since. We know each other. We work together. She lives down the hall and up one floor. 

It turns out… she loves the hills! We walk hilly roads quite often.

I have to confess…. I’m a flatlander at heart. I love easy. I love comfort. I love strolling. Sybil Road is my favorite place to walk. Those from my little town will know what I’m talking about. No hills, just a long country road with big mulberry trees to shade you from the morning sun. My husband’s Mayberry family and others have pecan orchards, farms and animals along the way that make it a beautiful,  peaceful, happy walk. It really is a remarkable piece of heaven, not typical in the Arizona desert.          

I’ve had some “hills” lately, struggling with some aspects of Ashton’s organ donation. I sure was NOT thankful for this hill when I was climbing it. Well… that hill is behind me now and I can see God’s hand. I learned something. I learned the blessing that forgiveness is. It is freedom. I am free from that burden.

In my morning prayer I found myself saying the words that are the title of this post, “I’m thankful for the hills.” 

This same morning my friend and I walked in a light rain, up and down some hills with my umbrella for an hour. The first week I started walking those hills, I was exhausted. Had to take a nap in the afternoon. I am stronger now; I can walk those hills. I feel great when I get home.

In New Zealand they don’t let the rain stop them. They are out in it. They just put their raincoats on and go about their day. We are looking for raincoats. We plan to keep walking no matter the weather. Having a friend to walk and talk with on these physical rainy hills makes it more bearable and enjoyable.

I AM so thankful for both kinds of hills. Not while I’m climbing them, but it sure helps me really appreciate the “Sibyl Roads”, and the lightness of the flatlands of my life. The physical hills make my body stronger. The emotional ones teach me SO MUCH and help strengthen my spirit.

I acknowledge my God…. my Strength, my Guide, my Ultimate Friend, walking these emotional hills of life beside me and helping me climb them.

Written by Faye