Adventures in Paradise Volume 2 #33

Kia ora! Our excellent adventure continues with a departure from the norm.  Usually, I would create our blog, hoping that my words would possibly strike some sort of responsive cord in the reader. We would add a few photos to aid in your visualization and then I would close by expressing my gratitude that all of you are part of our lives. As I viewed the myriad of images that I wished to include this week, I realized that very little text was needed as the children spoke for themselves. So, by way of a simple tutorial, may I just explain that the body of these photos were taken at an area gathering located in the tiny village of Te Araroa. It was a Sunday morning and the special conference afforded the opportunity for a reunion. Tents were erected, as the tiny chapel could not possibly accommodate so many visitors. It was a beautiful day and the joy was palpable as old friends greeted each other. I have often said, or rather warned, that when we finally leave this island, there will be one less child in residence. That one child will be tucked away in my suitcase as I return home with the sweetest of souvenirs. Perhaps, as you pour over the faces of these charming children, you may want to imagine which one of them you would tuck away in your luggage if you were given the chance to spirit one of them away with you. 

May I just mention, also, that most of these children are considered to be full-blooded Maori, although eye and hair color may surprise you. Many have an European ancestor or two tucked away in the family tree and that relative has added to the gene pool in lovely and exotic ways. 

This is Kahu. We were privileged to teach him before he was baptized.

This is Andres. It was cold and Andres came to our home for FHE "rugged up" to keep warm. He is wearing flannel pajamas, socks, and a hooded bathrobe. It is not at all unusual for sleepwear here to have a hood, so that one's head can be kept warm while sleeping. 

This is the Whanga family. Young John was our first baptism and we have grown to love this little group. Notice that of the three sisters in the front row, one is blond. In attempting to pronounce the family name, you might be interested to know that in Maori, the "wh" sounds like an "F". Also on a touching note, the baby was named "Halo" and she is a little angel! 

This is couple is blind. They know that their boys are beautiful, without ever having seen their little faces. 

Perhaps you may have picked out the child who has most captured your attention. As for me, I can say that while I have threatened to bring one of them home with me, I can assure all parents that their children are safe from kidnapping as Sister Belliston would not be able to choose one over another.

As usual, we are happy and trying to work hard. We have learned to love the people here, especially the little ones, and we hope that you have enjoyed to opportunity of looking into their faces. We can tell you, also, that we have missed the opportunity of looking at your faces and hope that you have realized just how much you are missed.

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