3rd February 2019 - Wellington

As it was a Sunday and we were not moving on anywhere we decided to see if there was a local Methodist Church. There was, not far from the hotel, and it looked interesting. Normally 4 services on a Sunday morning, English, Samoan, Tongan and Fijian. On the first Sunday of the month though they come together as one congregation. We weren’t really sure what to expect, but decided to go. We arrived fairly early and could hear keyboard, drums, guitar and singing. It was the Tongan youth, up to 30 of them ranging from probably 5 to late teens, girls and boys, some in Tongan costume. They sang beautifully for 15 or 20 minutes, mainly in their own language, and all the time using their hands in some form of expression, although we couldn’t work it out! Then they came around the congregation, welcoming everyone.

Geoff took this photo as soon as we arrived, and a bit surreptitiously as we didn’t know if it would be approved of! The ladies in the white hats were from the Samoan community and were enjoying the music and singing too!

At the beginning of the service when everyone was welcomed, they also did a safety briefing. Not only what to do in the event of a fire, but also earthquake and tsunami! If you are reading this Russell, be thankful all you have to do is the occasional fire drill! I guess they are used to it and think nothing of it, but it is a serious matter and it does make you realise just how their lives have to be lived.

People came and went the whole service through and the young people all stayed in, unless they got up and went out and came back again. It was all very relaxed and yet a very traditional service with 3 old hymns played on a rather lovely pipe organ by a very accomplished organist. There were 2 readings, one in Samoan and the other in Fijian, but each printed out in English, and the Lords Prayer was said by everyone together each in their own language. That was quite moving. There was also music by all of the other 3 congregations but I have to say the English was not the best! It’s also the first time I have been in a congregation where those with a white skin have been in a minority!

At the end the Tongan youth sang again, a song from The Greatest Showman, “This is me”. It was lovely. Whenever we have that song at Zumba classes I will be transported back to a very special time!

We spent the rest of the day just ambling and enjoying the waterfront area of Wellington. This feels like a nice place to be. It obviously helps that we have again enjoyed lovely weather, but there is a nice feel to Wellington and there were lots of people around using the harbour for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking and having fun. They have created areas where you can just jump straight in, or in the case of some youngsters, try tightrope walking across water! Very entertaining to watch!

We also managed the walk up Mt. Victoria where you could see views all across the city and bays, and also over to the airport. There is something attractive about a hill that needs climbing to get a view!!