Blessings in Whangarei Stake

As soon as we were finished with our part of the PAO Christmas festivities,  we took off for Whangarei.  We came up again to do the leadership training we planned with the Stake Presidency last week.  It turned out to be one of our best ever.  We met at the building in Hikurangi.  During the planning meeting President Poutou has said he didn't want the people coming to the training to simply hear another talk about Family History.  He wanted them fully engaged in doing it.  So he had us set up a bunch of lap top computers right in the foyer where people would have to walk by us to get in and out of their meeting.   In the opening he had us both give some brief remarks.  But then once the leaders broke up into the various groups he asked that they take turns stepping out of their meetings to work on their 15 in 15.

1st Counselor, Eldon Whittaker, Stake President Anthony Poutu and
 Exec Sec. Peter Rouse

Whangarei Stake 2nd Counselor, Ronald Reti

Teara Armstrong - Stake Assistant Clerk / Technology Specialist

Rihimona Davis - 2nd Counselor in Bishopric of Hikurangi wa

   We helped MANY of them to find family names to submit to the temple.  Hearts were touched.  Even some who were sure there was no way they could find a name saw that it was possible.  The Spirit of Elijah was so strong as we worked with them, it was amazing.

Then today on the way home we stopped for a short hike to see another lovely waterfall.  The trail head to Waipu falls is just 6K off the main road. There are about 60 steps down into the gorge followed by a short walk along the river, then it opens up to a lovely spot for a picnic. It was as gorgeous end to a really special trip.

As we bring 2015 to a close we are feeling very grateful for all these experiences.