On our travels in January 08 we stayed in a small town called Oamaru at a bed and breakfast. We were on our way home from visiting a young couple and their family when for the first time in two years we caught in our headlights a live possom. At first we thought is was a cat (they look similar, soft and furry) but to our delight it was a possom. They are an interesting animal in that they were introduced to NZ many years ago to combat a 'pest' and became a 'pest' themselves because they eat the bark of trees and kill them as well as eat the eggs of the bird. They are cute to look at (not bare and ugly like ours in North America). Although they are pests the Kiwis use their fur and combine it with Merino wool (the softest of wools) and make sweaters and other winter garments. These products are very warn, light and very, very soft. They are wonderful and I will be bringing home several purchases. :)
This group of missionaries is our most recent intake as of last week. They are eager and ready to begin their work. For the first six weeks (shift period) they will be learning the day to day schedule of a missionary. We love this week in our shift period where we get to meet them and give them a little bit of training as they begin their grand adventure of the next 24 months for the young men and 18 months for the young women.
The past three days we have been with all of our seniour couples and seniour single sisters that are serving with us. We had a grand time sharing our experiences and getting more direction from President Finnigan (Mike). The weather continued to be outstanding with 75-80 degrees, sunny and slightly breezy. It was a great memory and gathered by all.
