The PRIVILEGE to work is a GIFT

July 16 (Thursday)

As we start into our second month, here are words of wisdom from President David O. McKay, one of our former Presidents of the Church:

"Let us realize that the PRIVILEGE to work is a GIFT; that the POWER to work is a BLESSING; and LOVE of work is SUCCESS."

There is no shortage of work at the Temple. Each day is new and exciting for those who come to worship in the House of the Lord. So many lives are blessed for those of us here and those who have passed before us. It warms my heart to see so many of my native people come to do baptisms, take out their own endowments, and seal their families together. What precious moments these are.


July 17 (Friday)

It seems like so much of what I report is about food. Why should this post be any different. They say laughter is the best medicine, so here is a little chuckle for you.

"In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow, and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Fresh Vegetable Market

Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan Smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

"Oily Sticks" - Chinese Doughnut served with Congee

So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts and let it out a few notches.

God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.

Today's Catch - Fresh Fish Market

God then created a light, fluffy white cake and named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food."

God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.

The NIKE Store

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep fried them. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, "You want fries with that?" And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good." And man went into cardiac arrest.

McDonald's at Kwai Fong

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created private medical insurance!!!"

The End. Amen.


July 18 (Saturday)

Today we had a farewell luncheon for Elder and Sister Shum who are going home to Vancouver, and Elder and Sister Wilson who are returning to Utah. We've only known these people for such a short time, but have grown to love them and will miss them.

Left to Right, Back to Front: Elder Choi, Sis.Nora Chan, E/S Ball, E/S Chan, E/S Shum, Pres. & Sis. Yuen,
 Pres. & Sis. Wong, Pres. & Sis. Hui, E/S Wilson, E/S Bodily, E/S Ngai, Bro. Chan, Sis. Yu

Today John was extended a call to be the second councilor in the Peninsula 3 Branch. It is the branch that we have been attending since we arrived in Hong Kong. Tomorrow we will find out who the new branch president is and also the first counselor.


July 19 (Sunday)

Elder Wilson came over this morning to train us how to do the schedule for the temple missionaries. E/S Wilson will be going home at the end of July, so John and I will be taking over the scheduling.

Today's the day...John is officially called to be 2nd Counselor in the Peninsula 3 Branch. The Branch President is David Smart and 1st Counselor is Greg Coffey. Looks like they'll be extra busy with this new assignment working with all the domestic workers in this struggling little branch. There are so many stories of their struggles and trials these faithful sisters endure. We hope we will be able to help them in whatever way possible.

Kind of ironic that I had titled this post "The Privilege to Work is a Gift". Looks like our work is being cut out for us. We will gladly accept it as a gift.

John Chan (2nd Counselor), David Smart (President), Greg Coffey (1st Counselor)