May 16

The outside of the church and view from the parking lot

We arrived in Tasmania at 5:00 PM last night. It was a long day as we left Rarotonga at 4:00 AM. We flew to Auckland and had about 20 minutes to catch our flight to Melbourne -- we weren't in New Zealand very long! It was about an hour flight from Melbourne to Launceston. We were met by John, a member of the Deloraine Uniting congregation. We are staying at John's and his wife Margaret's home for two nights and then we will move to our next home. We had a delicious lamb supper, great conversation and then off to bed. We had travelled through four time zones and across the International dateline. When we woke Sunday morning we saw why they call this town City of the Mist and Bruce went out to take a picture. After breakfast it was time for me to go to church. John and I got there early to turn on the heat -- electric heaters along the side walls. This is a very warm and welcoming congregation. Just like in the United Church of Canada they also put on a great feast following the service. This afternoon we are resting and then going for a walk. We met the family whose house we will be living in for the next two months. We move in tomorrow and will have access to their car, bikes, and fishing gear!!