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.