Orewa Sand Castle Competition

Susan had her surgery on Wednesday, February 25th.  Everything went well and she is recovering nicely.  Thursday, February 26th, Elder David A Bednar spoke at a meeting for employees and missionaries in the Pacific Area Office.  It was a wonderful opportunity to be taught by one of the modern day apostles, one we sustain as a prophet, seer and revelator.  His message was for all of us to "buckle up" because the Lord is hastening His work.

On Saturday, February 28, 2015, we drove to Wenderholm  Regional Park.  It is about 30 minutes from our apartment on the east coast of the North Island.  We had a enjoyable walk to an overlook and then walked along the beach.

The tide is out. 

After our visit to Wenderholm we drove to Orewa.  Orewa is a small town on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island known for its windsurfing and beach activities.  Saturday happened to be their "Sand Castle Competition".  The objective is to build your particular project before the tide comes in and washes it away.

This was the winner.  Apparently shells are not part of the competition - it is what you make out of sand.

They announced the winner while we were there - we suspect this person was the judge.  He came and sat by the winning entry and did an excellent job of impersonating Mr Bean of TV and movie fame.  We googled him and he makes appearances on the island all the time.

That is it for the week.  Our quote for the week comes from President Thomas S. Monson -  We look forward to Conference in just a few weeks and the opportunity to hear from our living prophet.  

"May we return to our homes with a resolve in our hearts to be a little better than we have been in the past.  May we be a little kinder and more thoughtful.  May we reach out in helpfulness, not only to our fellow members but also to those who are not of our faith.  As we associate with them, may we show our respect for them.  

There are those who struggle every day with challenges.  Let us extend to them our concern, as well as a helping hand.  As we care for each other, we will be blessed.

May we  remember the elderly and those who are homebound.  As we take time to visit them, they will know that they are loved and valued.  May we follow the mandate to succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."  Until We Meet Again - October General Conference 2014.