We are back again with another exciting episode of Bartlett's on a Mission in New Zealand. There is a controversy in New Zealand whether they should celebrate Halloween. Well at least in several Wards we saw the tradition of Trunk-r-treat alive and well. Our Ward actually did it the Thursday after Halloween and it was great fun. This "turkey" got into the act. Elder Bartlett decorated one of his Missionary Bikes and got into the occasion. That isn't actually Elder Bartlett, it is a turkey who laid a golden egg.
Elders Peterson and Tu'tuila, Sisters Romauldo, Gorrela, and Tapu (Missionaries in our Ward) along with the Ward Mission Leader and his wife Brother and Sister Tavaga, went with Book of Mormon Characters. Quite appropriate.
Of course the children loved it also and not just the adults. What is better than candy? Elder Bartlett was dishing out candy from the bike basket and every time he wasn't paying attention someone was putting candy in the basket. He was finally able to give it all away and only had a few donuts, cupcakes, and chocolate.
Brother Sau and his father dressed up their car as a big scary mouth. When Sister Bartlett took this picture the lights on the Chapel make it look like two glowing eyes.
We were able to drive up to the Kauri forest on our preparation day with the Stahle's, a senior couple from the Office. We dropped in to see a kauri wood turner, who made these beautiful bowls and objects. It is illegal to cut down kauri trees, but they dig these trees up that were covered when giant tsunamis hit New Zealand thousands of years ago. This wood was from buried trees about 3800 years old.
Elder Bartlett is standing in front of some trees we saw that were covered by knitted decorations. We thought it was quite unique.
The tree behind us is the Tane Mahuta. It is a Kauri tree which is estimated to be several thousand years old and is the largest living Kauri tree. We are standing some 50 metres from the tree so it doesn't look so large in this picture. In the past these trees were decimated by the logging industry as great wood for building. They are now protected by the government.
This grouping of Kauri trees is called the Four Sisters since there are four trees growing close together. These trees remind me a lot of the giant redwoods.
On our way we stopped by Rainbow falls, which was quite spectacular. It is amazing that these falls were right next to a new housing development.
Sister Bartlett (alias the bird lady) saw some cute baby ducks and went to take their picture. After she took their picture the baby ducks started following her.
When we were going to take picture with them, Elder Stahle threw part of a muffin to them and the chickens and seagulls all of a sudden appeared and ate the muffin. The baby ducks didn't get much.
We happened to see these wild turkeys as we were driving. It was fun and every time Elder Bartlett would try to imitate their gobble they would all stretch out their necks and gobble back.
For my brother-in-law, I am showing this picture of beehives. Yes they produce Manuka honey here and it is very expensive.
This is a very unique picture where the Tasman sea meets a large river so you see the river going out and the waves coming in. My picture doesn't show it very well.
When you let the Missionaries borrow your phone for District Meeting you often get back selfies like this one. Sister Tapu, Romauldo, and Gorrela who are the Sisters serving in the same Ward as we do. Great Missionaries!
This is Elder Sully who comes from Australia. He has a unique scripture cover that he made himself from kangaroo fur.
This is one of our wounded Missionaries, Elder Peterson, who had a bicycle accident. Sorry to say we have had many bicycle accidents the last couple of weeks. Three resulted in broken hands or wrists and one in a broken foot. We even had an Elder bitten by a dog instead of flees. Gratefully, some are just scrapes and bruises. These Missionaries are not discouraged by this, they just keep on going and doing the work they are called to do.
We have spent a lot of time fixing bikes and bodies. We pray every day for Heavenly Father to help and protect our Missionaries. We love the work and are staying very busy. May the Lord bless you all.
Love Elder and Sister Bartlett
