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He Works with Our Best Efforts

Written by Faye. I had a learning experience this week that I need to record. The head of the legal department approached me in the middle of November asking me to help him choose some music to sing at our area Christmas devotional on December 11th. The legal department is super busy and with COVID, their work is overwhelming. He’s a good musician and singer and was asked to head up a senior missionary choir. I was happy to delve into the music of Christmas so I chose a few pieces for him to look at. We chose one we thought would be easy to work up with a few practices.

One problem I saw was that we don’t have the strong senior missionary choir we used to have. Three couples just went home and two of those couples were very strong singers. I wanted to have a small group so it would sound good and he wanted to have all the senior missionaries sing. I said to him once on the phone, “Do we want an all senior missionary choir or do we want it to sound good.” He was in charge of this so I just went with it… worried.

During the practices, we struggled. It was frustrating for me. It’s always been important to me to make sure a piece is sung well because, I think (in my music-snob brain) it’s distracting and detracts from the Spirit if the music is not sung right.

I’ve learned that is not the case at all if the Lord is involved. He works with our best efforts and I have been chastened, lovingly, carefully and kindly about this very thing.

Yesterday, December 11th, we sang our number at the area office devotional that was recorded and will be sent out to all the Pacific Area church members. I had been doing lots of praying about this performance…”Please bless us beyond our natural capabilities”…”Please let the Spirit be there in spite our our weakness.”

I saw people getting teary and smiling. We got lots of compliments afterward.

The head of the legal department guy knew of my worry during the practices and he approached me afterward and told me, “The reason all of us needed to sing was because these people in the Pacific remember all those senior missionaries who have come and taught and loved them. When we walk in a room with our badges on, we bring a presence with us that we don’t realize we have. They feel that presence. When we come together like we did in this choir, we are powerful. They needed to see and hear all of us.” I knew that was true then and I thanked him for his vision.

It wasn’t about the music. It was about our calling here. It was about who we represent. I saw and felt that reverence too when the area presidency and their wives came in right before the devotional started. Everyone was quiet and we felt the power of their calling.

I’m grateful for this experience. I feel so ordinary here. I’m just a person living in New Zealand right now who’s been called to wear this badge. It’s so ordinary and every day for me. I don’t feel special at all. But Christ is the one Who’s special. I loved being reminded that Who I represent is what’s important. We are around the area presidency and their wives quite often that it is just a normal day with them. But, again, I felt the power of their calling during this meeting. I needed that experience.

Here are some quotes from Elder Ardern at the devotional:

This is not some mundane work we are doing here. (Speaking of the work done by everyone in the area office) Cumulatively, we are building the kingdom of God.

Christ deserves more than our passing thought. He deserves all we can muster.

The best exercise of the day is to fall on your knees (speaking about “O Holy Night” that was just sung) and then act on what you have received.

It is a sweet blessing to end this 2020 year celebrating our Savior. It is just so fitting.

Christ is the real gift of Christmas.

Here’s the link to an article written about the Christmas devotional. There’s a picture of our choir.

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The pohutukawa trees are in full bloom and are so beautiful!

Shell ornaments
A picture taken of us at the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre after the RS camp last week.


Carter with some men at our ward Christmas party at Long Bay Beach. They are making Samoan Cocoa, made with real crushed cocoa beans. It’s a little bitter with some chunks of the beans. They add a little bit of sugar. The one in the reddish hat is razzing the man stirring the cocoa.
A Facetime call with little Jacob Antonio! He doesn’t say much but he’s really cute!

First section written by Faye: We had a sweet Sunday today. We got up earlier than usual because Bishop asked us to attend their ward council meeting, which started at 7, to help with the ward emergency plan. It was good to see how they worked together and hear and feel the bishops mantel for the ward. He’s a good man. Those people can laugh and joke around. They are fun!

Our friend Valda came to church today! We are wondering if we were sent to this ward just for her, to bring her back to Christ. She seems to respond well to couples from the US who wear the missionary name tags. I think it’s because she used to work with Elder Loren C Dunn when he lived here. She talks about him and his wife ALL THE TIME. The other members couldn’t get anywhere with her, but we have always felt welcome whenever we visit her. She is 83 and is trying to get her life in order for when she dies. She stayed for both meetings & choir practice. She said she felt really good being at church and taking the sacrament again. She wants to come back next Sunday. I sure love her. She is trying to show her love for God by the little things she can do. I had a good conversation with her about that a few weeks ago. God will know she is willing and doing her best with all the struggles she has had in her life.

There’s a Spanish speaking sister that moved into our ward this week and she attended our ward for the first time today. She just joined the church 4 months ago. Her name is Susana Jimenez. We took her and her 10 year old son to the ward Christmas party at Long Bay beach yesterday. She has been in NZ for 2 years now. She’s from Monterey, Mexico. Her English is about like my Spanish, we can understand better than we speak. She is trying to learn English so she can get a job in her field which is accounting. She’s a great lady and the ward members have embraced her. The way they introduced her was, “We have a new member of our ward that speaks Spanish!”

That’s one thing about NZ that I really love. There are so many languages spoken here. The NZ people are so welcoming to everyone. There are 2 Brazilian families in our ward, some Filipino families, Asian, tons of Polynesian and of course Maori. There are lots of Indian people here too.

It’s starting to get hot here. It’s hot when it gets in the 70’s. We got the fans our of our storage unit. The Christmas season is under way. I attended a stake Christmas concert Sunday night. The music of Christmas makes it Christmas for me. There are some talented musicians here. The sisters and I got together and made angels out of shells. I also made a miniature nativity. It was fun! I felt like an Activity Day girl! So fun to do some crafting.

Second section written by Carter:

We had some nice video conversations this week with our children & grandchildren. I sure do love them!

Several people recently have commented on how their lives have been blessed because of the pandemic. One older man said this: “I’m grateful for being in a pandemic lockdown with my wife. We have had a lot of fun together!” A young wife and mother also commented on how she and her husband had gotten closer than ever as they spent time together during the lockdown. A sister bore her testimony today, mentioning that she has returned to Church activity largely because of the pandemic, which allowed her to choose to “settle down” and re-evaluate her priorities.

This week, I fell in love with President Oaks’ talk, Love Your Enemies. I especially love this thought: It is possible to obey and seek to improve our nation’s laws and also to love my adversaries and my  enemies. While not easy, it is possible with the help of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Yesterday I called a 90-year-old widow from our church congregation St. David, AZ. I was getting Facebook messages from her that made me concerned that her account had been hacked…and it had; she had taken care of that when I called her, but we then had a nice conversation. She’s still quite physically active: walking outside when weather permits and riding her stationary bicycle inside the other days. Good for her! She’s one of my heroes!

For some reason, I was struck by the scriptures that clarify that my cleansing is made possible by the Atonement of Christ, but the actual cleansing and refining is done by the Holy Ghost…as I allow Him into my heart to do that. I knew that…but that concept especially resonated with me this week. I love it when the Holy Ghost teaches me like that!
As I was reading 3 Nephi 18:10, which says, “…and this [partaking the sacrament] doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you,” I had this thought: That small act of eating a small piece of bread and drinking a small cup of water is symbolic of my willingness to keep Christ’s commandments. My willingness can start small and then grow. Paraphrasing: “I am willing; Lord, help Thou my unwillingness.”

Our bishop is from Tonga, where he taught high school. When he immigrated to New Zealand, he did not have the English skills nor NZ teaching credentials to continue that same job here. He learned how to weld and now owns a fabrication business. He shared this experience in ward council today as an example of striving to be flexible in our career paths. The context was a discussion about a sister from Mexico who was an accountant there, but cannot find that kind of work here because she lacks adequate English proficiency. The ward leaders want to help her find work, but it may not be in the same field as when she lived in Mexico. Right now, she is cleaning a gym because her husband lost his IT job during the pandemic.

As I have accepted President Nelson’s invitation to search the scriptures for what the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel, this scripture in Jeremiah 24:7 touched me: “And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.” How does this apply to me personally? One thought is that God will work upon me so that I will want to return to Him (repent) after I have sinned — as all mortals have and do and will. I love that thought! I would also love to hear some of your favorite promises from the Lord to His covenant Israel.

I humbly testify that Christ’s New Testament Church was restored in 1830 through the Prophet, Joseph Smith. As a young man prior to this restoration, Joseph had searched for the truth; like many of us today, he wanted to know God’s will and his standing before his Creator. His searching led him to the Bible, which encouraged him to ask of God. When Joseph did kneel in humble prayer, God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ did in reality visit him and speak to him. They called Joseph to be Their instrument in the promised latter-day restoration of all things. Once again, there was a prophet upon the earth who could authoritatively speak in the name of God because he was called personally by God. Other heavenly messengers also personally visited Joseph and restored Christ’s ancient priesthood, which was necessary to organize Christ’s Church again upon the earth. That same priesthood authority is possessed today in a living prophet named Russell M. Nelson. The main purpose of this priesthood and this Church is to prepare the world for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

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Camp Tuhikaramea

View from our 6:00 am sunrise testimony meeting on a pavillion overlooking the Hamilton temple
Watching the camp cook while making Polynesion chop suey.
We stopped at the Matthey Cowley Pacific Church History Center on the way home from camp
Mission presidents seminar with most participating virtually from the islands and Australia (mentioned in a post several weeks ago).

Written by Carter. Faye and I attended a 3-day ward Relief Society camp at Camp Tuhikaramea, adjacent to the Hamilton Temple grounds. It is a beautiful, spacious area owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and managed by a volunteer senior missionary couple who have served there for 4 years now. We stayed in cabins and had some very fun activities: a sunrise testimony meeting overlooking the temple; an obstacle course; amazing food prepared by men from the ward; the new Mulan movie; sitting around a firepit to warm up in the cool night air; stopping at Pokeno on the way home for ice cream — the latter apparently a tradition for trips to the temple for many years. The first night, everyone took turns singing karaoke. Grandma Amy would’ve been proud as I sang Mac Davis’s song (with minor editing), It’s Hard to Be Humble! The most impressive activity was a water slide that is built on the side of a hill: water is sprayed on a tarp that lines the bottom and sides of a half-pipe-shaped ditch in the ground and then slicked with liquid detergent. There’s even a curve in the track, with the further edge banked up to help keep sliders on the track. However, many of the sisters were going so fast that they went over the bank and landed in the grass on the other side! Then they got back up laughing — and many did it again and again! These sisters know how to have fun! One of my purposes for being at the camp was in case someone needed medical attention; with some of those landings, I thought my assistance might be necessary…but fortunately, everyone came out without major injury. These ladies are also tough!

Yesterday, we had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with the other senior missionaries…and some other people in the area who are from the US. The food was delicious! I also had a wonderful time getting to know several of the other attendees better. We went around the table expressing what we were grateful for. One of the senior missionaries said this: “The social aspect of a senior mission is well-kept secret!” I agree! We have made some dear friends on our missions!

Last week, I met one of the first converts to the Church in the South Pacific island country of Niue (pronounced “new-way”). He’s in his seventies. His daughter-in-law is going to loan me a history of his conversion story. I love stories of the Church’s pioneers in any location and era. They help blaze the way for the rest of us to follow. I’m grateful for their sacrifices in the face of sometimes-overwhelming opposition.

I’m listening to the recordings from a recent webinar sponsored by the Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition’s “Hope Conference.” One of the speakers entitled his remarks, “Remember the Dash.” On most grave headstones, there is a birth date, then a “dash,” followed by the death date. His point was to focus on the person’s life — and not on the manner of their death. That was a good reminder for me.

Every week, I fall in love with a new general conference talk. This week, it was Elder Rasband’s talk, “Recommended to the Lord.” I am grateful for a living prophet, who encourages us to prepare for and live worthy of a temple recommend. In my experience, doing so has been a great protection and strength. After Ashton’s suicide, the temple was one of the few places I could find peace. I’m also grateful for my parents’ examples of maintaining a current temple recommend. Dad loved to deer hunt, so always made sure he had a current hunting license in his wallet. Only half-joking, he sometimes said, “My temple recommend is so important that I keep it in my wallet — right next to my hunting license!” Those who knew Dad also know how important that temple recommend must have been to him!

I solemnly testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. When He lived on the earth as a mortal Being, He restored and taught the same gospel that had been taught to prophets before Him. He performed many miracles. He called Apostles and gave them priesthood authority to preach the gospel and perform saving ordinances such as baptism. He established His Church. After His crucifixion, His Apostles were rejected and killed. Without Divine Leadership and revelation through a prophet, the people collectively fell (and individually fall today) into spiritual darkness, or apostasy. With the death of Christ’s ancient Apostles, His priesthood authority was taken from the earth for a period. This is known as the “Great Apostasy,” which was foretold by ancient prophets and apostles. (Stay tuned next week for some “good news” in this ongoing story of God and His people!)

With love, I humbly invite all to choose to stay by God’s “Tree of Life.”

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Healing Gratitude

Pictures from our trip to Muriwai Beach to see the gannet colony.

Written by Carter. We had a wonderful visit to the gannet (bird) colony at Muriwai  Beach on the west coast of New Zealand yesterday. What a beautiful and amazing experience!

Faye and I had a wonderful experience listening to Elder and Sister Bednar during the weekly missionary devotional. They talked about patterns in the scriptures. One of those patterns is that we often do not know beforehand the things we should do. This gives us the opportunity to prepare beforehand, then trust God in the moment of decision. Their counsel to the missionaries was this: “Be good and do good. Be a little better today than you were yesterday and a little better tomorrow than you were today. That’s enough!” Love it!

This week, I studied Elder Quentin L. Cook’s talk, “Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity.” A takeaway for me: As I strive to be one with the Savior, I will be one with Faye, my family, and other covenant keepers. I very much want this blessing of unity with Faye.

I also studied President Russell M. Nelson’s talk, “Let God Prevail.” I enjoyed discussing this talk in our church’s “men’s group” (elders quorum) today. 
What a treat to listen to God speak through President Nelson yesterday as he gave a message of hope and prayed for the world! How inspiring! I know that President Nelson is a prophet of God! In his message yesterday, President Nelson encouraged everyone in the world to share something on social media every day for the next seven days for which they are grateful. This is what I shared on Facebook today: 

I am grateful to be Ashton Richardson Mayberry’s dad. I am grateful for everything I learned during his lifetime. I am grateful for everything I learned from, since and because of his suicide, on January 28, 2014. I am grateful for what I will yet learn from my grief, whether it be from Ashton’s suicide or whatever other sorrows and tragedies life will bring me…and I am grateful that I don’t know now what those will be. I am grateful for the opportunities to choose how I will respond to my challenges, weaknesses and setbacks. I am grateful for the opportunity to choose to trust God and the knowledge that that is one of the very purposes of life and its trials. 

I am grateful for the “enemies” I have had, now have and will yet have in my life (people who don’t like me very much and people I don’t like very much). My “enemies” give me the opportunity to be introspective about my personality and how my response to a given situation may have been less-than-ideal. My “enemies” give me the opportunity to forgive…and to ask forgiveness. My “enemies” give me the opportunity to look at situations from another person’s perspective. My “enemies” give me the opportunity to repent and strive to improve where I have made mistakes. 

I am grateful for the people I have met and the experiences I have had because of Ashton’s suicide and my other trials: they have helped me become a better person. One of those people I have met…is Carter Mayberry: my trials have helped me get to know myself better. Another person I have met (more deeply, that is) is Faye Richardson Mayberry: she is one of life’s true “warriors” who is a wonderful travel-companion on this life (and grief and healing) journey. Our marriage has been strengthened in spite of…and even because of…Ashton’s suicide. Most of all, I have met more deeply my Heavenly Parents. I have felt Their perfect love for me and for Ashton. I have felt Them grieve as I have grieved and weep as I have wept. I have met my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I have felt Him gladly and willingly shoulder, lift and bear my burdens. I know that He knows perfectly what I have felt…because He has felt it all (and more) personally and intimately Himself…more completely than I can comprehend. I have met the Holy Ghost, one of Whose titles is “The Comforter.” I have felt that comfort in very personal and real ways.

In summary, I am grateful for this invitation to choose gratitude. #GiveThanks

I solemnly testify that God calls prophets to teach His gospel in every dispensation (periods of time when prophets have taught the gospel, or “good news” about Jesus Christ). Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and other ancient prophets all taught the gospel. All previous dispensations have ended in apostasy, where the people rejected the prophets and the gospel. 

I humbly invite all to choose to stay by the tree of life.

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Primary Questions

Faye on a retreat with the other sisters.
At a Korean BBQ restaurant with the guys.
Carter, after the rugby match.
We attended a farewell for the 4 couples in front. The ladies in white with red ribbons were flight attendants! These people know how to have fun! Our ranks are dwindling. We have people leaving and no one is coming in. After these couples leave there will only be 4 couples and 5 single sisters here in our apartment complex. When we arrived there were 15 couples living here.
Our sweet grandboy, Jacob Antonio.

Written by Carter. We had a nice video chat with our children and grandchildren. It was wonderful to see them and hear from them. We asked them what they would like us to pray for…in their behalf; they also asked us the same question. It’s wonderful to feel that mutual support among the family.

I was home when a 40-year-old apartment inspector had his appointment with us. He was a very nice Maori man who was raised with friends who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I asked him if his friends shared their beliefs with him and he said they had. I told him that, if he ever wanted to know more, I could arrange that. He said, “I’ll bet you can!” I said, “Yes, that’s why we are here.” We had a nice chat about his family. His three children are very interested in sports, including baseball, which is rare here in NZ. In retrospect, I should have been more “bold” in asking him what he knew and if he wanted to know more…rather than speaking generally.

For some reason, Saturdays tend to be a “down” day for me. As I was partaking the sacrament (like a communion) last week, I asked God, “What do I need to start doing that I’m not now doing? What do I need to stop doing that I’m now doing?” I felt like I should plan something specific I to do on Saturday to serve someone else. When Saturday came, I did a couple of small, deliberate acts of service…and my day was much better! Imagine that: as I strive to follow Christ’s example, I feel better!

I had a video chat with one of my Venezuelan “sons” who lives in Peru. It was his birthday. He, his wife and son are all doing well. It was wonderful to see them!

After about 2 months, I finally finished another 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. It was much more challenging than the first one, but it was so satisfying to finish it! It’s a beautiful photo that I relish even more because I feel like I contributed to putting it together!

Yesterday, I attended my first rugby match. The son-in-law of a man who works at the area offices is on a semi-pro team and got us complimentary tickets. That man sat by me and explained the rules. What an interesting game!

We listened to two missionary devotionals this week: one was by President Ballard and Elder Holland, who both spoke prophetically on the power of the Book of Mormon. Another one was by Mark L. Pace, Sunday School General President (and his wife), who both spoke about the Holy Ghost and prayer. I’m grateful for the Holy Ghost, who has helped me know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and, along with the Bible, is Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

I’ve been gradually writing my life story. A grateful memory: when we considered potential medical residencies (30 years ago), one of the main criteria we used was whether they were a “reasonable” distance from a temple. I’m grateful for God’s help in selecting that criterion. Keeping that focus on the temple has been symbolic of my efforts to keep my focus on God and the covenants I have made to keep His commandments. He has blessed me beyond measure for those efforts…and has strengthened me in those efforts.

This week, I studied Elder Bednar’s general conference talk, “We Will Prove Them Herewith.” I’m grateful for his reminder that my priorities cannot be defined by the world; if the world thinks “x” is important …it’s probably not that important. I need to keep my priorities aligned with God.

I also listened again to a talk by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, “Stand Forever.” What a powerful talk! He talks about the different ways to learn truth. He emphasizes the difference between “primary questions” (of which there are only a few) and “secondary questions,” which are endless. Four primary questions that he asked are profound; I am grateful for God’s help in knowing the answers to these questions: 

  1. Is there a God who is our Father?
  2. Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Savior of the world?
  3. Was Joseph Smith a prophet? 
  4. Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the kingdom of God on earth?

I solemnly testify that God is our loving Heavenly Father; we are literally His children, created in His image. He loves us and will help us make right choices. Through Jesus Christ, we can live with God again.

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Fly on the Wall

Huka Falls in Taupo, New Zealand. We visited it as part of the Mission Presidents Seminar
Our little pumpkin’s first Halloween!
A beautiful view at a park in Auckland

Written by Carter. I have been reviewing Michelle D. Craig’s General Conference talk this week. I am grateful to know the truth from God—that I am His son and that I have a divine nature and eternal destiny. As you ask Him sincerely, He can also help you to know those same truths for yourself.  

We watched the Pacific Area Youth Devotional, broadcast from the area office in Auckland. Bonnie H. Cordon and Steven J. Lund participated virtually from Salt Lake City. It was very inspirational. I’m impressed with the musical abilities of so many of the Polynesian youth! During the devotional, I was reminded of a commitment I had made mentally to myself, but am now putting in writing: I will always have a current temple recommend until the day I die.

As I mentioned last week, we attended the Mission Leadership Seminar in Taupo Monday-Thursday. It was a blessing to be a “fly on the wall” as these leaders were taught, and to feel guided as I contributed briefly on a few medical topics. Here are some highlights for me:

  1. Returned missionaries: Find your replacement with you return home…and have it be someone who was not already planning to serve a mission.
  2. The best invitations are tailored for the person…I thought of my suits that were tailored in Lima and of my racing bike, which was custom-built for my needs.
  3. The temple is the reason for becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. Generic “goodness” alone is not enough. We also need ordinances and covenants to return to the presence of God.
  4. One morning, we visited nearby Huka Falls, which was a very impressive example of the potential power of water that is unleashed as it rushes downhill. Specifically, it can be used to generate electricity, grind wheat, etc. One of the mission presidents compared the water in the calmer portion of the river to the of authority of the priesthood. When that water is channeled through the falls, it can be compared to the power of the priesthood, where God can use us to bless others as we strive to keep His commandments and look for opportunities to serve in His name. 
  5. One of the area presidency taught, “What is the simplest thing I did (when I served as mission president) that gave me the largest return? Building relationships with the young missionaries by teaching them doctrine of Christ.” I think that can also apply in families and in relationships with others we encounter in our lives.
  6. One of the mission presidents encourages missionaries who are being disobedient with this thought: “I cannot change you; I can only love you as you change.”
  7. Another thought-provoking question from a member of the area presidency: “If all that my children knew of the gospel came from me — as their only source — how much would they know?” He then referred to 3 Nephi 7:18, emphasizing that it is possible to have so great faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that our children and grandchildren cannot disbelieve our words. Of course, they still have their agency and can choose to act in accordance with their beliefs — or not.
  8. Being in the South Pacific, most of the young missionaries are Polynesians. Part of the training was on how to understand and love them as they serve…since their culture and upbringing is different than for most Pakeha (the Maori word for those primarily of European descent).
  9. One of the area presidency said, “Missionaries serving during the COVID-19 pandemic are the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies of this century!”

I testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration of Christ’s New Testament church — and act in faith — will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Does God really want to speak to you?

The only picture we have this week is a a very important one…..Jacob & Gracia’s baby bear! We sure love him!!

Written by Carter. Monday through Thursday of this coming week, Faye and I will attend a mission leadership seminar in Taupo, a place we haven’t been to in the central area of the North Island of NZ. I will speak briefly on a couple of medical topics. Last Sunday, I had a brief, “coincidental,” in-person conversation with Elder Ardern and asked him if he had guidance for me in what to present at the mission leadership seminar…and he gave me a suggestion. I don’t think it was a coincidence that we met. The mission presidents (and their wives — or “companions,” as they are often called now) from NZ will be at the seminar in Taupo in person; the others will attend via Zoom.

We had nice video conversations with the kids and grandkids this week. I sure do love them and am proud of them!

When I was on one of my walks, I passed a man sitting on a bench outside a nearby supermarket. He didn’t have any shoes on and his clothing was very dirty and shabby. I’m pretty sure he was homeless. I felt like I should ask him if he needed any food…so I went back and did that. He said, “No, I’m good.” I’m grateful for that prompting. I’m also mindful of a line in The Chosen, where Jesus says, “Don’t even congratulate yourself for doing something good.” I do that sometimes. Praise be to God (and not to me).

I met a lady on another of my walks who is looking for someone to watch her dog for a couple of months…while she is in alcohol rehab. I sent an email to the other senior missionaries to see if they know anyone in their local wards who would be willing to do that. I don’t think it was a coincidence that we started down the same path at the same time that day. I pray the Lord will bless and strengthen her as she works toward overcoming what must be a difficult challenge in her life.

This week, I read Alma chapter 60 and was impressed with Moroni’s character. The Holy Ghost gave me this thought: “That’s one reason why there are ‘war chapters’ in the Book of Mormon: to reveal the character of Moroni.” How would Moroni have known his own character had it not been for the adversities through which he passed? The same holds true for me and my adversities, which allow me to develop and reveal my character. Specifically, Alma 60:32 says, “…it is the tradition of their fathers that has caused their hatred…” This shows his great compassion toward his enemies. He’s trying to see the best in them.

I have recently been studying the scriptures and Preach My Gospel (PMG) in an effort to learn to rely more on the Holy Ghost. A suggested activity from PMG was this: “Write a description of the nature and role of the Holy Ghost.” This was my response: “The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. He bears witness of the Father and the Son and of the truth. He helps me know the truth of all things. He warns me and comforts me.” I’m thankful for this activity and especially for the Holy Ghost’s influence in my life.

The Area Mental Health Advisor serving in Samoa told me about the Church’s course on “Emotional Resilience,” which I have also been slowly working through. It has been very helpful and insightful for me to do that. I recommend it to those who are interested.

Faye and I watched a 2015 devotional talk by Elder Kim B. Clark, where he talks about the importance of learning and teaching the doctrine of marriage, as taught by God through His ancient and modern prophets and apostles. I also recommend this to those who are interested.

I affirm that God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters. As President Nelson said, “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes!…Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know…” I humbly acknowledge God’s guiding hand in my life. I promise you that He earnestly wants to guide each of you, as well. He is your loving Father. He wants the best for you.

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It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home

We went on another trip to see more of the Botanical Gardens. Did you know that bananas grow upside down? They reach toward the light.

Written by Carter.
Yesterday was New Zealand’s national election. Jacinda Ardern was re-elected prime minister; she is very popular here. Her father is the twin brother of Elder Ian Ardern, our area president. She was raised in the Church, but does not actively participate currently. She seems to maintain a lot of her wholesome upbringing, however.

We had an activity at the area office with the other senior missionaries Monday evening. Elder and Sister Ardern were our guests: they both spoke briefly, then opened it up for questions and answers. I asked what helped them maintain a strong marriage. She responded that praying together from the earliest days of their marriage has helped greatly. He said to remember three, three-word phrases: “Let us pray,” “Can I help?” and “I love you.” How simple, yet profound!

Tuesday morning, I attended a devotional where the area presidency updated the area employees and missionaries on the status of the area…and their vision for moving forward the Lord’s work. It was very inspiring! A factoid that stuck with me: NZ’s population is about 20% Maori and Polynesian, 80% European and other ethnic groups. Conversely, Church membership is just the opposite: 80% Maori and Polynesian, 20% everyone else.

For some reason, I started listening to poetry: there is some really good stuff out there. My favorite collections (so far) are The Complete Collection of Emily Dickinson’s Poems and 101 Famous Poems by Roy C. Cook. My favorite poem (so far) is “Home,” by Edgar A. Guest. My favorite paragraph in that poem is this:

Ye've got t' weep t' make it home, ye've got t' sit an' sigh
An' watch beside a loved one's bed, an' know that Death is nigh; 
An' in the stillness o' the night t' see Death's angel come,
An' close the eyes o' her that smiled, an' leave her sweet voice dumb. 
Fer these are scenes that grip the heart, an' when yer tears are dried,
Ye find the home is dearer than it was, an' sanctified; 
An' tuggin' at ye always are the pleasant memories
O' her that was an' is no more -- ye can't escape from these.

Many times in the past… we’ve wondered if we should move to a new house, a new town, a new life. But we never felt like we should when it came right down to it. We have a lot of good memories in that home, that far outweigh the weeping part. After reading this poem, we are reminded that this is our home and we love it. It is sanctified from what we experienced with Ashton. We feel like we have made the right decision to stay. We also feel like it’s a significant part of our healing to realize that.

I accompanied the sister missionary I mentioned last week (who had a keloid/large scar related to a dog bite) to a doctor’s appointment. The plan is to administer low-dose radiation to the incision if/when the keloid is cut out — to prevent it from recurring. The appointment went well. Rather than drive, I rode the bus and had a beautiful view of the city, without the distractions of other cars, where to turn, etc. I had a nice, brief visit with the young man sitting next to me. I told him I could have driven, but decided to ride the bus, “…to sit next to you, I guess.” He chuckled at hearing that. I don’t know if anything will come of that interaction, but I hope to have left a good impression as I tried to represent Jesus Christ.

I have enjoyed following President Nelson’s invitation to “…make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel,” remembering that one of the meanings of the name “Israel” is “Let God prevail.” I pray that I will trust God and let Him prevail in my life. I pray that I can help Him find others who are also willing to let Him prevail in their lives.

I’m trying a different approach to help me learn from General Conference: In the past, I may have “sprinted” for several weeks after Conference, wanting to learn and implement as much as I could as quickly as I could. It worked pretty well, but I may have run out of enthusiasm at times. This time, I’m going to try to be more patient with myself, making it more of a “marathon,” giving myself time to adequately digest/relish/savor/absorb each talk (maybe several times) before moving to the next talk. I pray that the Holy Ghost will guide me to know the next small step the Lord would have me take to repent and become more like Him, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If any of you would like to share with me what you have found helpful to make the most of General Conference, I would greatly appreciate it.

With reverence and gratitude, I invite all to know—as I do—that the heavens are open. God lives. He has heard and answered my sincere prayers; He will hear and answer yours, as well.

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We are all in.

Written by Carter. No photos today.

A man who works at the Church’s area office in Auckland invited Faye, me and two other senior missionary couples to his home for dinner and a game of Pictionary this week. He and his wife are both from Australia, but have lived in NZ for 12 years. It turns out that he was missionary companion with John Fry, also from St. David! Small world! They have five children and are a “lovely” (NZ term I hear a lot) family. When he was growing up, his parents had the younger missionaries (mostly from the US) over a lot; I think he wanted to perpetuate that for his children…but with senior missionaries this time.

A pediatric kidney specialist who is also a member of the Church serves on a committee that is looking for ways to help meet the medical needs of people in the south Pacific islands. He contacted me on Facebook and I set up a conference call with the humanitarian services director here in Auckland. The Church is very “keen” (another NZ term I hear a lot) on contributing to projects where they can work with local partners to meet a specific need, while still helping people maintain as much self reliance as possible. He will get back with us when he has a specific project he’d like the Church’s help on.

I think I mentioned a sister missionary who was knocked down and bitten on the face by a dog several months ago. The scar is healing, but she has developed a keloid over part of it, which she may need to have cut out in a few months. I have been conferring with a US plastic surgeon, who recommended a couple of treatments that were a little different than what the NZ plastic surgeon was planning. English is not this sister missionary’s first language. Because of that and her young/inexperienced age, I felt like I needed to be with her at her appointment last week. I wanted to make sure we were all on the same page. The doctor seemed a little annoyed at first that another doctor — and one from the US — was trying to influence how he managed her keloid. However, by the end of the visit, I felt like the Lord helped soften his heart somewhat. I think he could see that my requests were reasonable and that I was really trying to help her — just as he was. I’m sure her sweet, sincere demeanor helped, as well. He even asked her a genuine question about what her plans were when she returned home. I had a prayer in my heart before and during the visit, and afterward prayed in thanks for the Lord’s help.

As I mentioned last week, my sick missionary workload has decreased because of COVID-19. One project I started working on this week is translating my father-in-law’s (Cecil Richardson) journal from Spanish. He served in Mexico in the late 1950’s. He wanted to immerse himself in the language, so kept most of his journal in Spanish…which has made it inaccessible to most of his family. My brother-in-law (Jeff Shepherd) worked his “technology magic,” scanned the journal and sent it to me to translate. It has been insightful to see Cecil through his 20-year-old missionary eyes. Reading his experiences also remind me my mission to Venezuela as a young man.

I made a list of things that are actually better because of COVID:

  • It has given me time to slow down so I can see what a treasure Faye (and her personality) is. When we served in Peru, a couple in their 80s had served 7-8 missions. Someone asked them what motivated them to serve so many. He said (perhaps only half in jest), “So that I can have my wife all to myself! When we’re at home, our children and grandchildren are clamoring, “Mom/Grandma! Can you help me with _____ ?” I can see a lot of truth to that! Being on this mission during COVID has been like a prolonged “marriage retreat”! We have spent more time together playing games, getting to know other couples, watching movies, discussing the scriptures, going on outings, praying together, etc. I feel like we have had a “strong” marriage, but I feel like the Lord has really blessed our marriage as we have served together. I would even say it’s in the “great” category right now!
  • After watching Saturday’s general conference session in our flat, I had more time to reflect on what I heard and felt without the distractions that sometimes accompany having other people around. I almost always enjoy being around other people…but it’s also sometimes nice to be just Faye, me and the Lord.
  • President Nelson said, “General conference last April was viewed by more people than any preceding it, and we have every expectation that will happen again.” COVID eliminated a lot of the competition for people’s time. Perhaps the overall adversity associated with COVID has turned people’s thoughts and hearts more to God, as well.
  • When COVID broke out, Faye suggested that we start saying a kneeling prayer before eating lunch…and we have mostly continued that habit since then. We have been praying together a lot more in general since COVID started, which has turned our hearts more to Him.

Elder Andersen’s April 2020 general conference talk on “Sacred Memories” really touched me. Since then, I have made an effort to record much of my life history, especially sacred experiences. Several of these experiences have been appropriate to record on Family Search and/or share with my family. Doing this has brought me abundant blessings. Elder Rasband said this in October’s conference: “I promise you as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that as you strive to redouble your righteous efforts, you will feel renewed in your devotion to God the Father and Jesus Christ, you will feel an abundance of the Holy Ghost guiding you, you will be grateful for your sacred covenants, and you will feel peace knowing you are ‘recommended to the Lord.'” I testify that all of these blessings have come to pass in my life. I acknowledge the Lord’s abundant blessings in response to my often-feeble efforts. Admittedly, I do not live in a COVID “hot-spot.” However, I still feel more peace than I think I would be feeling had I not been following the promptings from April’s general conference.

In Elder Bednar’s talk, he mentioned a family where a child had passed away, At the funeral, the father said this: “I want you to know that as far as the gospel of Jesus Christ is concerned, our family is all in. We are all in.” I couldn’t say it better. The same is true for me and my house/family: We also are all in.

Two hundred years have now elapsed since the Restoration of Christ’s New Testament church was initiated by God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Millions throughout the world have embraced a knowledge of these prophesied events. I gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation. The earth will never again be the same, as God will “gather together in one all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).

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A Divine Reset

This is a native Kauri tree that is 800 years old. This tree is so big and tall you can barely see us.
A beautiful hibiscus flower at the kauri museum.
We also went to Tawharanui National Park. The sea was a beautiful blue!
We got there at low tide and were able to walk through come caves that the water usually fills at high tide.
The McMurrays took us with them to see the Kauri forest. They work in the legal dept. and will be going home in a month.

Hasn’t General Conference been a treat?!

On Monday, We joined Candace and her family via Zoom as they sang happy (36th) birthday to her. Later that day, we joined Jacob and Gracia via Zoom as Jacob blessed their baby, Jacob Antonio. It was wonderful to see all the love and support from friends and family. And our baby boy is growing up; he’s 26 and a father himself now! Wow!

After the baby blessing, I sent a text to Jordan and Jacob: “I’m glad you have a son; now you have some idea of how I feel about you!” Then I realized that Heavenly Father can say the same thing to me…and about me! I’m grateful for His divine plan, which centers on families.

I asked my father-in-law, Cecil Richardson, to check our yard — and pull up any goathead (vicious, thorny weeds) that he found; I didn’t want them to become seeds for plants to grow next year. He called me and told me that he didn’t find even one plant in the yard! It occurred to me that Heavenly Father has been watching over our belongings while we are gone. Heavenly Father took care of it before my earthly father (-in-law) needed to do anything. When we were set apart by Pres. Trejo, Heavenly Father promised, “Your family and belongings will be watched over and protected while you are gone.” Thank you, Heavenly Father! I have seen that over and over as we have served here!

I’m grateful for my in-laws: what a blessing they have been in my life…as has being married to one of the wonderful daughters they raised (Faye)! As I was praying with Faye this week, the thought came into my mind to express gratitude for Faye, who is a “wonderful travel partner in this mortal journey.” 

Candace introduced us to 16 Personalities, which helps people understand their own (and other’s) personality. I enjoyed learning about mine, but have especially enjoyed reading about Faye’s personality with her. It has been fun to learn together about her personality! We are enough alike (especially in what is “really important”) to get along, but just enough different to keep things interesting and to help us grow. I’m grateful for Christ’s Atonement, which helps bridge the gaps in our personalities. 

Our sweet granddaughter, Hannah, has a YouTube channel. Her videos are really good! After she shared her thrift-store-shopping experiences, she asked for comments on what she bought and suggestions on content; I responded, “My favorite “outfit” is my beautiful granddaughter’s adorable personality! More Hannah is my content request! I love you, Hannah! (I hope it’s okay that your grandpa is one of your biggest fans!)” Similarly, what the world needs from every one of you is more you. Nobody else can do it!

We discussed 3 Nephi 17 this week in our couple scripture study. That is currently my favorite chapter in the scriptures because Jesus heals their sick and ministers to their children one-by-one. If I were there, I would have brought Ashton! That thought brings me to tears! Even though I could not bring Ashton to personally be healed by Christ, it gives me great comfort to know that Ashton – and I – will be judged by the same Being Who performed all of those miracles with the people in the ancient Americas.

In a recent training by Elder David A. Bednar, he commented that apostles are sent all over the world to visit stakes, wards and missions. He said something like this: “As important as that administrative work is, I try to always remember that I am there to represent Christ, who never missed an opportunity to minister to ‘the one.'” I’m grateful to have been ministered to by one of Christ living apostles, Elder Renlund, when he came to Lima in 2018. I feel very much that God is mindful of me and my circumstances. I had to go to Peru to visit with one of the apostles (also from the US) who had recently spoken on the subject of suicide. I have no doubt that the Lord put everything into place so we could meet with Elder Renlund there. I felt like I was “the one” that day.

I listened to some training by Elder Weatherford T. Clayton, the Seventy over Missionary Medical. He mentioned that the earth, the Church and missionary work is experiencing a “divine reset,” giving us an opportunity to re-assess priorities and practices. One example of an improvement because of the pandemic is this: previously, when general authorities would conduct mission tours, they were not able to meet personally with very many missionaries. Now they can only conduct virtual mission tours, which allows them to interact with many more missionaries.

I participated in two mission health councils this week: with the Samoa Mission and the Vanuatu Mission. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the missionary numbers in Vanuatu has decreased from 160 to 29, with 4 over-stayers (they can’t get home because their country’s (Kiribati) borders are closed) and 5 locals assigned there temporarily until they can travel to their permanent assignment. It has been challenging, but they have been able to help connect some over-stayers with My Path and English Connect, which has the potential to bless their lives and their families’ lives for generations to come.

Because there are less missionaries in the area, my workload had decreased. I’ve tried to spend that time in productive pursuits, including family history. I have been writing down my own life history and researching the conversion stories of my ancestors. In April General Conference, President Nelson said this, “I promise that as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him [the Son, Jesus Christ].” I humbly report that I have witnessed that in my own life.

I love this quote by Abraham Lincoln: “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” That’s one of the purposes of adversity, isn’t it — to allow us to choose to turn to God for His strength, wisdom and comfort?

I declare that Jesus Christ invites all of us to come unto Him and His Church, to receive the Holy Ghost, the ordinances of salvation, and to gain enduring joy.