Denise and Jodene Chase
We learned from our Saturday night visit with Denise and Jodene that Denise's husband and Jodene's father, Joe, had passed away 19 months earlier. Denise is still having a rough time and it was so good to hear her share memories of Joe. She told us about his unexpected death and how all of their 9 children had been so good to her. The tradition in NZ is to have the casket spend one night at the deceased person's home with their family and in Joe's case, 2 nights at the Maori temple called a Marae. Denise also shared stories about her mother, a Maori princess and her father, a man from Cornwall. We caught up on the status of the branch and the people Johnny remembered from his mission. Denise and Jodene are very special and strong women. I am inspired by their faith.
We were told the night before that we would see the rebroadcast of General Conference and then have a lunch together at the church the next day. The next morning we got up early to make a fruit salad to take with us to church. There were 10 of us in the small beautiful church building. We dressed warmly because it was so cold and the church had small wall heaters. The spirit warmed each of us as we listened to our faithful church leaders and by the love we felt for each other.
Johnny and Brittney in front of the church.
John and Veronica
These amazing women with Johnny are what I like to call "The Three Righteous Sisters"---they are Jodene, Denise, and Doreen Downs. Sister Downs is 82 and an Irishwoman. She has the best sense of humor and we all took turns teasing her as we ate our lunch together. She is quite frail and has to use a walker. She reminded us that we were treating her to "elder abuse" as we laughed and teased. She is a stalwart member and along with Denise and Jodene they are the strength that has held this little branch together over the years.
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