This last weekend Brother Stephen W. Owen, the
General Young Men’s President, and Brother Brian K.
Ashton, the Second Counselor in the General Sunday School Presidency begin their visit to the Pacific Area. They started here in Auckland and arrived on Saturday morning. On Tuesday, they left for Vanuatu, then they go to Fiji, and they return back to Salt Lake Sunday night.
Elders Pearson and Haleck were gone on other assignments this weekend, so Sister B. and I helped out with the visit. She provided them an awesome welcome basket!
They did some "rescue" visits on the day they arrived. We were going to go out to dinner with them to the Sky Tower, but the Bradfields (from the Ward) offered to take them on a sailing trip. So, we did that instead. I picked up dinner for them at a Thai restaurant.
And then we were off on our sailing trip. I had reserved a van from the office and I was the chauffeur. Here's a few pictures from the sailing trip.
Sunday was a busy day with us going to the Epsom Ward, the Sunset Ward, and then a country wide devotional for all the YM and the leaders. We had the devotional in the Redoubt building and it was broadcasted throughout all of New Zealand. Again I'm the designated driver and here are a few pictures from the day.
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| Popsicles for all ... after the devotional! |
On Monday they did a devotional at the office and had some activities during the day. We ended off with a FHE at the Nielsen's. It was a great trip!
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| Sister B's famous lasagna - this is the 3rd time she made it for an event here! |
They are gone now and we are back to work. Sister B. is working on her weekly batch of letters that have to go out, we have agendas to do, calendars to submit, emails to send, follow-up to complete, an area plan to get ready so it can be reviewed next week, and numerous other items to finish off.
Here's a super nice note from Elder Nielsen (we worked together everyday on this event ... which included many hours of effort before they arrived). I know it's personal note, but I thought I'd record it here since I don't want to forget it associated with this event:
<< Where do I begin? Let me feebly try. Words cannot
adequately describe my feelings for the two of you. It is not easy doing what
we do but the Brereton's are always first in line willing to take the load off
everyone's plate.
With our recent effort to host two of the general
auxiliary presidents Steve Owen and Brian Ashton, you lifted a heavy load and
you do it will great attitudes. Sometime we bob and weave a bit but you adjust
beautifully and just make things workout. So from the bottom of my heart, thank
you for always being there and adding the strength to survive some grueling
schedules and relentless events.
A couple of weeks ago in our Area Council meeting, I
looked at the two of you sitting together with an arm around each other during
the sacrament and I got tears in my eyes wondering how we were going to carry
on without you. Your consecrated efforts bring light and happiness to so many
people. We all marvel at what you get done and you do it with smiles bigger
than the state of Texas....that's BIG!!!!
Wendy and I feel richly blessed serving shoulder to
shoulder with you in this wonderful cause. With gratitude in our hearts, we
express our deepest appreciation to you for always being willing to not only
jump in to help but also to do it FIRST CLASS!!!!
We love you and express our sincere heartfelt gratitude
for your friendship and the joy you bring to those you serve with in the
Pacific Area.
Much love, respect and appreciation,
Giff >>
