Adventures in Paradise Volume 2 #44

Kia ora!  Our excellent adventure continues with a backstage look at the inner workings of a mission. Most of us who have at least a rudimentary knowledge of missionaries are aware that the young elders and sisters do not spend their entire tenure in one place or with one companion. While there are many reasons for the transfers, the process of each particular change is a monumental undertaking and requires great orchestration.

This week, Ward and I had the rare privilege of participating in this ritual and we were both touched and overwhelmed by what we observed. Every six weeks approximately one third of our mission force faces reassignment. Young people who have learned to love not only the people that they serve in a particular area, but hopefully, their companions, are given a new directive and they are expected to pack their meager possessions into two suitcases and face new challenges. Some will be given new leadership responsibilities and most everyone experiences a case of jangled nerves to one extent or another.

I have, I will admit, a love-hate relationship with transfers. While I am always excited to meet new young people and I welcome that interaction, I am at the same time so sad to say goodbye to those whom we have learned to love. These sweet kids depart from Gisborne, knowing that they are taking a piece of our hearts with them. Our bonus this week, was that we were asked to transport two sisters back to Hamilton where all of the exchanges would take place. We looked forward to a six-hour drive and the opportunity to interact with them a little longer. We smiled as we observed these two sisters as they spent last precious moments saying goodbye to their companions. There was laughter and tears and it was a touching interlude. 

I might mention here, that Gisborne is as far away from the mission headquarters as you can get, so our mission president has the extra concern during transfers of assigning the most trustworthy and diligent missionaries to this area. So, as we drove our six hours, we had the unique opportunity to gain a little more insight into the emotions that were running so high with our young sisters. By the actual day of the move, everyone knows where they are going and with whom they will be working, but questions concerning the new areas and the personalities of their new companions are still a mystery. The best way that I can describe the tension is that it seems to be a cross between nervousness similar to that of anticipating a blind date and the excitement surrounding Christmas Eve.

What is not apparent at this juncture is the process that has led up to the transfers. The mission president starts the process by fasting and praying for Divine guidance in meeting the needs of the missionaries, the people and the new areas. He must also consider medical needs of some of the missionaries and personalities. On a more mundane note, he must also consider who is allowed to drive in New Zealand and who is not. Often, finding a driver for a certain companionship is not easy. And while many of the missionaries are expected to bike, some areas are just too large and spread out to make that feasible. It is a daunting process that President Rudd repeats every six weeks!

In addition to the process of assignment, there is the challenge of actually moving young people, their baggage, bedding and bicycles from one place to another. Rental trailers are arranged for and the hope is that all transferring missionaries have remembered to pack everything. In our district, everyone meets at our home for a treat and last minute instructions. The stress became evident, for example as one sister remembered at the last moment that she had forgotten her bicycle! Add one hour to travel time! Wednesday, one Elder realized that he had forgotten his suit, so he had to go back to the flat for that! Then he was hungry, so as we all waited, he stopped for a little lunch on the way back to our house. I remarked to Ward that I really don’t feel like I have retired from teaching high school, as I seem to again be dealing with young people who still need a little (or a lot)  mothering!  Finally a prayer is said and the caravan was off and I spent the next hours at the end of the caravan praying for the safe passage of teenagers who have only been driving for two years or so! 

In Hamilton, at the chapel we find organized chaos. The parking lot has been sectioned off into districts with the accompanying trailers. Old friends and former companions are calling to each other and there are many tearful reunions. We were so happy to be part of several of those encounters and we found ourselves struck by how much so many of our young friends had grown. In between the hugs (Elder to Elder, Sister to Sister), handshakes and back slaps, suitcases were being transferred and bicycles were scooting across the parking lot only to be reloaded in another conveyance. The whole scene reminded me of a very happy street fair.

At some point, it became time to find new companions and settle into the chapel for a few words from the president.There is an introduction of the new missionaries, who I will admit, resemble deer in the headlights. At the end of his remarks, the president invited everyone to enjoy the lunch that has been provided and then to “Get outta here”.  President knows that there will be more hugs, handshakes and back slaps and while he appreciates the affection behind it, he is also concerned that everyone arrive at their new destinations safely and before dark.

Finally and very gradually, the crowd thins and tearful goodbyes turn into waves from departing cars. The ride home for us involved getting to know two more lovely young women who have chosen to spend time far away from families in order to represent their Savior. It did not take our six-hour car trip  home for us to begin to love them. And so the cycle repeats itself and we are back to life as we know it.

As always, we are happy and trying to work hard. We have a greater appreciation for the many hours and prayers that go into the planning and implementing of each transfer. We also have a heightened sense of the power that these dedicated young people possess as they go about each day of their lives in the mission field. We love them and we are grateful to have to the opportunity to get to know them. We have many of those same feelings where you all are concerned. We are grateful for the relationships we have with you and treasure our associations. These young people are the best and that can be said of all of you as well.

Love, Ward and Susan     Elder and Sister Belliston, serving in Gisborne, New Zealand 

The organized chaos of relocating one third of the mission. Think of the cost of the trailer rentals alone! Transfers happen every six weeks.

Old friends and companions have a few moments to reconnect. It is a happy time.

It's always amazing that everyone ends up with the correct luggage in the correct trailer.

The bicycles hang over the front bar of the trailer. 

 We were thrilled to see one of our favorite missionaries as we hadn't seen him for about six months.

These sisters are being transferred and we were fortunate to be able to spend time in the car with them on our trip down from Gisborne.

Sister Anderson on the right just met her trainee. They will be working in the visitors center. According to mission lore, where ever you start your mission is where you were born  and where you end it is where you die. Your trainer in your mother (or father) so here is Sister Anderson with her new daughter.

Elder Meek on the left, and Elder Mills served together but hadn't seen each other for several months. Elder Mills is Elder Meek's "son".

Good friends saying goodbye for now. We will miss them. 

Adventures in Paradise Volume 2 #43

Kia ora! Our excellent adventure continues with some thoughts concerning receiving sound advice. Last week, I did not have time to write a blog as my son Travis came to New Zealand to spend his vacation with us. Our mission president generously encouraged us to explore our island together while enjoying each others company. It was a wonderful visit, and from a mother’s viewpoint, a tad too short, but it meant the world to me to have my son here with us and we made the most of every moment. As we motored around the north island, I marveled at the ingenuity of the road signs that we encountered. I was impressed by the cleverness of their creators and the inventive way that this country has of leaving thoughtful messages for both residents and visitors alike. 

There are signs that remind the public that they are on holiday so there is no need to be in a hurry.  We smiled when warnings appeared notifying us of lurking seals and yellow-eyed penguins. Do seals somehow climb up steep embankments and wander across the road? I have no idea! Some serious signage reminds the reader that “Live is 4 Living, Stay Alert”, while another notes, “ Seatbelt on Safe Travels.” New Zealand also alerts drivers that there are older folks living in the area with “Elderly Crossing” cautions. This yellow sign is embellished with a stooped-over figure holding a cane. I just happened to snap a photo of Ward standing under that particular sign, but he has insisted that there is no way that I will be allowed to post it! There is another photo of Ward standing below a message from the New Zealand police that warns us not to speed. In that particular photo, Ward is holding his speeding ticket (who would have believed it?) and I was absolutely not allowed to post that photo, either. The truth is, that Ward only reads my blog after it has been published, so he will not know until it’s too late that I have shared his secret!

But I digress. For the most part, the creativity exhibited keeps us entertained as we drive, and hopefully gives us something to think about. Below is the Maori version of, “Attention, school bus unloading, 20 kph. Watch for children. Using childlike drawings was, I thought, a very clever and effective way of reminding us all to watch out for the little ones.

 

 But by far the most thought-provoking sign, for me personally, is one that I have been pondering ever since arriving in New Zealand.  And although I am almost positive that my interpretation was not the intent of the designer, I have wondered just how many others have viewed this particular sign with its powerful suggestion and found a deeper meaning in its few simple words.  

 

What a powerful lesson we are taught when we realize that where we will go is determined by the direction we are facing. What we do in this life depends in great part, on where we choose to look. If we have set goals for ourselves, we are much more likely to accomplish those goals if we keep focused on the end. Should we, like the biker on the sign, happen to look away or be distracted even momentarily, we may find ourselves headed in the wrong direction. We can become lost. We can find ourselves in situations we never imagined and in places that we had not desired to visit.

So each time that we pass this particular cautionary reminder, I try to remember to make certain that I am facing in the right direction. Sometimes, we may even need to slow down just a little, so that we don’t miss an unexpected curve or bump in the road. Those hazards are better managed when we are paying attention and taking them seriously.

As always, we are happy and trying to work hard. We are finding joy in the journey and no small amount of amusement as we now, eagerly watch for and anticipate the next creative roadside admonition. We are grateful for all of you, who have impressed us with your navigational skills and your ability to keep from losing yourselves. We appreciate your examples and look forward to returning home so that from time to time, we might just be able to travel with you!

Love, Ward and Susan      Elder and Sister Belliston, serving in Gisborne, New Zealand

 And there is nothing more attention getting that simply seeing an exclamation point!

Adventures in Paradise Volume 2 #42

Kia ora! Our excellent adventure continues with thoughts concerning befores and afters. Many who know me will appreciate my saying that I am almost addicted to projects where there is a miraculous change.  I am mesmerized by photos featuring something or someone badly in need of renovation. The transformation possibilities pique my imagination and I can hardly wait to see the finished project. Having confessed my addition, I will readily admit that if I were forced to choose only one TV channel, I would, without hesitation, opt to live the rest of my life with HGTV.  One of my ideas of heaven would be continuous before and after decorating programs. The irony here is that I do even have cable at my home, so there is no way that dream could ever come true. I would have to depend on the kindness of others to share their cable with me!

Having made that confession, I would like to tie my addiction to the excitement I feel when someone we love chooses to change his before life into an after that is already bringing him great peace. Today Robert was baptized and we couldn’t be happier. When we first met him, Robert was pretty much a wild child. He was living with his brother and sister-in-law and they felt that his sole aim in life was to create havoc in their home. He was thoughtless and selfish. He contributed noting to the household save constant frustration and annoyance. It was not a happy before picture and there did not seem to be any hope for a remodel.

In truth, Robert is not a child. He is a young adult in his twenties who has lived the majority of his life without much direction.  When asked by the family to please turn down his head-banging music, he would laugh and turn it up. When the request was to find songs that had less vile lyrics so that the children didn’t have to listen, he looked for music that contained even more offensive language. He spent over 40.00 a week on cigarettes but when asked to contribute to the family income, he scoffed at such an idea, saying that he could not afford it. Robert is the father of a two-year-old born of a short-lived relationship and he has grown used to not being a part of that child’s life. When we first met him, he was rude to us and dismissive. If he knew that we were coming to visit, he would absent himself and if we happened to drop by unannounced, he would leave as quickly as he could. There was a darkness about him that seemed fed by his unhappiness and his lack of direction.

One day, after several months of avoidance, Robert approached us and simply asked when we were going to teach him. We were stunned, but recovered quickly enough to make an appointment for the next day.  Over the last few months, we have learned that one of the reasons Robert asked to speak with us is that he noticed that his brother, who had grown up in the same home had made changes to his life that had brought him peace. Even through the loud music and the questionable lyrics and the rudeness, Robert was able to notice that his brother and sister-in-law were doing things in a way that looked like a cohesive family. He was impressed that the children were well-behaved and treated with love and patience. He watched as the two little boys asked to say their prayers and volunteered to say a blessing on their meals. He watched as his brother’s little family played and worshiped together and one day, Robert realized that he had been wrong in maligning them. He actually wanted to know what they knew and he wanted to learn how he could have the same peace in his life.

So, Robert has become an “After”.  He no longer resembles the before that he once was. His change of heart has brought him peace and a new direction. He is happy and settled and almost the exact opposite of the person he used to be. We are not the only ones who have seen the change. Today at his baptism someone mentioned that his darkness has now been replaced by light. Robert having saved over 40.00 a week by not purchasing cigarettes, spent some of those savings on a new sound system for his sister-in-law, so that she could enjoy the music that she preferred. He is doing dishes and helping to watch over his two young nephews. He has said that he never knew that a person could feel this good.

Today at his baptism, Robert was warned that the water was pretty chilly. In speaking of it afterwards, he simply said that someone had said that the water was cold, but that he was totally unaware of its temperature. He said that all he felt was warmth.

As always we are happy and trying to work hard. Although Ward sometimes rolls his eyes when I mention how much I love renovations, he will admit to being pretty pleased about those renovated lives that we have been privileged to witness here in New Zealand. We appreciate the examples these “Afters” have been to us in our lives. We also appreciate the truly amazing examples you have been in our lives as well. We wish you all the peace that Robert is feeling at this moment.

Love, Ward and Susan    Elder and Sister Belliston, serving in Gisborne, New Zealand

Robert was baptized this morning by his brother Jason. The "Before" Robert would never have been smiling so braodly.