Happy New Year from New Zealand

It's New Year's Day in New Zealand. Our family and friends at home are still awaiting the new year to arrive. We celebrated the new year at Elder and Sister Burton's flat in Devenport. Elder Burton is the Area Doctor and as the custom goes, he and Sister Burton get the flat which is on the 10th floor of the only high rise building in Devenport. It's the best place to be on New Year's Eve to be able to see the Fireworks over Auckland harbor. We joined the other Senior Missionary couples for this great event.
Rain and I can't believe that another year has gone by. It seems like we just got here and now we only have two months left of our mission.






This is a picture at dusk of Auckland Harbor. The tall building is the Sky Tower


Elder Rowe and Sister Nance

A game where we had to find someone that met the requirments on a sheet that was provided. You had to interview people to see if they met certain requirments like; Someone that speaks three languages, someone who has served three or more missions. three broken bones, played high school sports etc. It was a great way to find out more about the other couples who serve here.

Another game we played was where you had to find someone with a card that had the name of an animal on it that was the same animal that was on your card. You couldn't talk, you had to act out the animal. Some of them were pretty funny!

Rain and Judy Shepherd (a great Kiwi Missionary and friend)

The Shepherd's. They've been married 16 years and have served 4 missions together.

The Sister's preparing the banana splits.

Elder Strieff and Mangrum (Dennis)

Elder and Sister Streiff

Elder and Sister Starley and Sister Ronnencamp. They're all set for the clock to strike twelve!

The fireworks over Auckland Harbor. They were incredible!!

We made t, we were able to stay up till midnight. I guess we're in better shape than we thought. We wish you all a Happy New Year filled with Love and Peace in your lives.

Rick and Rain