My Memory Card

These weeks go by in a blur and sometimes, when it’s time to write another blog entry, I struggle with remembering what we’ve done the previous week.  When this happens, I just pull the memory card out of my camera, download the pictures onto my computer, and remember the sights, sounds, and feelings of the past seven days.  I’m pretty sure that it wasn’t called a ‘memory card’ for that reason, but it seems so suitable.

Last week, we attended seminary and institute in Ashburton.  This little seminary class of Samoan students is quite remarkable.  One of the fathers picks up each student every morning and delivers him/her to the church for seminary.  The kids come dressed in ‘Sunday best’; shirts and ties for the boys and skirts for the girls.  Their teacher, Mata, is like a tiny drill sergeant.  She takes her calling very seriously and her class responds well to her methods.  Discipline is never a problem.  I recorded them singing a ‘scripture mastery’ song; a fun way to learn D&C 8:2-3.

While driving to Ashburton, we passed this beautiful bush. The color was so vibrant and beautiful, that I made John pull over to take a picture.

The picture does not do it justice.  Here’s a close up of the blossoms.

I have been watching out for them ever since and have found them in many glorious colors.  They are azaleas.  I’ve seen azaleas before, but none like these.  They are in the same family as the rhododendrons which are spectacular here as well.  We took a walk through the botanical gardens at Hagley Park where the azaleas are in full splendor. 

Friday night was the YSA Halloween party.  The institute building was transformed into Hogwarts and we had a Harry Potter night with classes on magic and wizardry.  Because I am not a Harry Potter fan (I know this statement will open me up to all kinds of criticism, but I read the first book and could make it no further), I felt a little out of touch the entire evening.  Those of you who have read the whole series will recognize the following members of the faculty:

Headmaster Staufferdore (John’s costume once again from the versatile ‘handi wipe’ cloths here at the institute.),

Severus Snape (Trevor should be an actor.  He is in his element when he’s in costume.),

and Professor McStauffergall.

Tui in the sorting hat.

David Campbell learned the art of shrink wrapping from Professor McStauffergall.  (Thanks Uncle Scott for this activity that has been a family favorite for years.)

A walk through the campus for more beautiful sites.

A momma Paradise Duck watches over her babies.

Tomorrow, November 1, it will have been a year since we entered the MTC.  What a year it has been; two new grandchildren, 9,000 earthquakes with weeks of boiling water, deaths of well-loved family and friends, hospitalized granddaughter, new friends, homesickness, adjustments, growth, and learning.  When Elder Holland promised senior missionaries “the experience of a lifetime”, he was speaking the absolute truth.  If anyone out there is looking to escape the doldrums, come along.  You will never be bored!