Just Another Week

August 24, (Monday)

P-day activity:  Got my hair cut and coloured. I found a great hair stylist, Mark. Got a great new cut and colour. Love it when people comment to me that they like my hair...it made my day. Went grocery shopping in the afternoon. Worked all night on the September schedule. Looks easy but it takes lots of juggling to make sure everyone gets balanced shifts and time off.

August 25, (Tuesday)

Financially, it seems like the world is in crisis. China has been devaluing their currency. Speculation- will Wall Street crash? Went to the ATM to withdraw money to build up our cash supply. Our poor Canadian dollar is only 5.84308. The last time we were in HK it was at 7.75+.

Tonight we invited Elder and Sister Inouye to dinner with us (Dwight and Jeannie). He is the mission doctor. Jeannie is a "Lee" and her family is also from Taisan. She will introduce us to her brother and wife so we can connect and hopefully tie into our family line. He lives in Hong Kong. Dwight and Jeannie live in Utah and are finished their mission next Thursday. I'm so sad they're leaving. We just connected so well and had a wonderful evening together. I will certainly miss them, but hope to connect in the future.

Dwight and Jeannie Inouye with us at Hunan Garden Restaurant.

August 26 (Wednesday)

Gary and Deborah came over this afternoon to help me with my blog. We finally were able to down load our pictures from John's new ipod onto my computer so I could get them into my blog. Nice to have pictures again. The Bodily's are the co-ordinators for our special statutory opening and we are the assistant co-ordinators. Basically, they do the work, we watch, still learning new ropes.

I can honestly say, today was the first day since we have been in HK that I was not sweating...the first day... no sweat! What a great feeling. Maybe autumn is on the way.


August 27 (Thursday)

Busy day. Got up at 6:00, caught the shuttle at 7:00, transferred to the MTR, caught the bus to work at 7:45. Off at 2:45 headed over to Central by MTR to pick up our "business cards".Wandered around for a bit then caught the taxi to Wan Chai. Had a quick bite to eat then headed to our PR meeting in the Church Office at 6:30. Meeting over about 9:00. Walked to catch the Star Ferry then the shuttle back to our condo. Got home around 10:00.

We saw people burning incense and other offering along side of a very busy street. We found out that there had been an accident there and someone died. I suspect the burning of incense was either for respect for the departed or to ward off evil spirits from the area since it was such a tragedy.

The Wan Chai Church Office Building is the red building in
the background - angel Moroni on top.

I was excited to be invited to participate in the Public Relations meeting for the planning of their Christmas event. This was the first meeting and we just did a lot of brain storming. Lots of work ahead. Looking forward to having Wayne Burton as our guest artist to kick off the Christmas season.


August 28 (Friday) 

Can't believe the week is almost over. John has been slightly under the weather lately, Hope it all clears up soon.

Happy Birthday to our niece Hannah who is living in our house while we're on our mission. She is currently in Norway of a bike riding tour to raise money for libraries. She is the librarian in Coaldale. Happy Peddling!


August 29 (Saturday)

John decided he had better stay home today to nurse his cold and tummy issues. This will be the first time that I'm on my own. Fortunately, the other missionaries are all going in at the same time today, so I guess I won't be going alone.

I tried contacting Phoenix and Constance to no avail. The phone number she gave us is to her cell. I think she has it turned off all the time except when she wants to use it. So this is what missionary life is like. Excitement, then hopes dashed. If only people could realize how much better their lives would be with the gospel to guide their way.


August 30 (Sunday) 

People hurt people. That's how pain patterns gets passed on, generation after generation. Break the chain today. Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, cruelty with kindness. greet grimaces with smiles. Forgive and forget about finding fault. Love is the weapon of the future.

Shopping and Bruce - The Best of Both Worlds

August 17 (Monday)

Happy Birthday to our dear little Ellie, 5 years old and starting kindergarten next week. Hard to believe. She's our little miracle baby who overcame so many challenges in her first 2 years. We thank our Heavenly Father that she is a healthy and happy normal little girl.

P-day again, and that means shopping. So many places to explore. Went to Li Yuen Streets East & West. Described in the guide as "compact, lively, lanes/alleys, where an abundant variety of casual wear, leather wear and knick-knacks are sold at very reasonable prices." Bargains: 5 ties for $20.00 CAN (that's $4.00 each) and  6 dresses for $25.00 CAN (that's $4.16 each)! Lunch was a bargain. Dinner was not.

This is my kind of shopping.

Chinese style lunch: soup, noodles and greens $41. HKD ($7 CAD)

American style: Burger, fries, & shake $216 HKD ($36. CAN)

A stroll after dinner by the Star Ferry Pier

 All in all it was a great day, finishing up at the Harbourfront Theatre with a presentation by Sis. Tai about her grandmother's miraculous survival through WWII and her conversion to the Church.


August 18 (Tuesday)

It was another beautiful morning. Hot already. It really never cools off through the night. We decided to go for a quick swim before our shift today since we didn't have to be to the Temple until noon. Nice to swim when you have this ginormous pool all to yourself!

August 19 (Wednesday)

Met with E/S Bodily this afternoon to work on the schedule for the Statutory Holiday Temple Opening. Every time there is a statutory holiday, the temple has a special schedule. It's a busy temple day since many of the people who don't have to work come to the temple. Scheduling can be quite complicated.

After working on the schedule for about an hour and a half, we decided it was time for a break. We took the MTR to Central and Gary showed us where to get our "business cards" made. Then of course we had to go for dinner. We found a nice little Vietnamese restaurant call "la Taste". Pretty good.

Deborah and Gary Bodily & us at "laTaste"

"Futbol" did they mean "Football"? Chinese are known for their spelling!

August 20 (Thursday)

We only had to work 1/2 day today, so we ventured out to explore more of HK. We decided to visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin. We chose to go there because...pictures speak  a thousand words... Can you feel John's excitement? A true blue Bruce fan, through and through! Unfortunately, they wouldn't allow any photography inside the Bruce Lee Gallery.

Escalator up to the Bruce Lee Gallery

August 21 (Friday)

Quote for today: Faith is like WIFI...it's invisible but it has the power to connect you to what you need. Be as quick to kneel as you are to text. (lds_lovin)

Another beautiful, hot, sunny day in Hong Kong. We have so much to be grateful for. We're so blessed to be able to serve in the Temple--what better place could there be! Life is good. No, life is great!

August 22 (Saturday)

After the temple closed today we had a little welcome party for Elder and Sister Lee from Texas, (prior to that, from Calgary). Sisters Wong, Yuen, and Hui all put on a fantastic spread of chicken wings, deep fried fish, BBQ pork, duck, shitake mushrooms, greens, mango pudding, potato salad and, get this...pizza! It was all so yummy!

The Matrons: Sisters Hui, Wong, and Yuen

After pigging out at our luncheon, we went out for dinner with Auntie Mai Soo, Agatha my cousin, Ernest her husband, Mike and Mark their sons, and cousin Louisa. Another incredible meal at the Hunan Restaurant. It was a new style of food to us from a different regtion of China, some very tasty and unique dishes. 

We called my Mom on Facetime at the restaurant because she wanted to see her sister (Mai Soo) and the family. Technology is so incredible...who could of thought such a thing would be possible just a few short years ago.

Ernest, Agatha, Mark, Mike, Aunt Mai Soo, Judy, John, Louisa

August 23 (Sunday)

The Sabbath, another week gone by so quickly. Elder and Sister Crocket received a surprise visit this week when their 3 children showed up unannounced at their apartment. What a wonderful surprise!

It seems all we ever do is eat. Another wonderful meal was prepared by the relief society this week for our monthly branch meal. I had hopes and dreams of losing weight while here in HK, but things are not going in that direction. For all that I sweat off, I seem to gain back. Eat, eat, eat. Oh my will power is so weak to the point of non-existent. I'm like the smiling Buddah, fat and happy. You can even rub my tummy for good luck!

Excitement...Coincidence? Answer to Prayer?

August 10 (Monday)

I love p-day. We usually go out shopping for groceries or other stuff. Today we just shopped in our local area. Came across an awesome shoe sale and ended up buying 3 pairs of comfy all leather shoes, hair cutting shears, 2 tops, and a few miscellaneous kitchen items.

Just one last stop before heading home...it was a crowded little store with super narrow aisles. I accidentally bumped into a lady. Said, "Sorry" and continued on my way. She followed me and as I turned around, she inquired about my name tag. Not knowing quite how to answer in Cantonese, I had her follow me to John who was patiently waiting outside of the store. To our delight, she wanted to know more about our church. I was so excited! She wanted us to meet her son and said she lived just down the street. So we followed her to her home where we met Constance her son. We asked if they would like to meet with the missionaries on Tuesday, and they were happy to do so.

As soon as we got back to our condo, I called Sister Pack who is in charge of the young proselyting elders and we arranged to meet all together on Tuesday at 4:00. I can hardly wait for our meeting. I had prayed that we would be able to find someone who was ready to receive the gospel. Looks like someone found us.


August 11 (Tuesday)

We had a short shift at the temple today and hurried home so we could be ready to meet with the missionaries and Phoenix, our investigator. John went to her apartment to walk her over to our place. Unfortunately, her son Constance, excused himself from joining us. We met for about an hour. Most of the time was just spent getting to know her better and understand her situation. It's very personal so at this point I will not be sharing it in this blog. The good part is that she will meet again with us tomorrow. I still feel very positive. There was a reason why she approached me about our church. She seems to be a genuinely good person.


August 12 (Wednesday)

John went to pick up Phoenix, and again she asked him to go up to the apartment to talk with Constance. He said he didn't want to meet with the missionaries. He is very shy and didn't like to be in a group setting. He said he would be more comfortable just talking with John. I wonder if he just needs a father figure. So John said he would just meet with him one on one on Thursday. As they were leaving the apartment, Phoenix said good-bye, which caught John off guard because he was under the impression that she would be coming back to our place for another discussion with the Elders. I don't know if she felt that there wasn't enough time to meet since she had to go to work, or if it was just an excuse. Of course, we were all disappointed, but will continue contacting them.

August 13 (Thursday)

Happy Birthday to "DEBO" our good friend and also know as Grandma Deb to some of our grandkids. It's always nice to have a spare grandma around. Thanks for always being there when needed.

Today John went to meet up with Constance. He left around 3:30. We were supposed to meet the rest of the senior missionaries at 7:00 to help set up the apartment for Elder and Sister Lee, a new senior couple coming on Friday. By 6:00, John still wasn't home. Me, being a worry-wart, began to worry about what was taking him so long. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea meeting one on one. Isn't it missionary rules that you always go two by two, never alone. What if Constance was a real weirdo? 6:30, and still no John. By 6:55, I finally called Elder Bodily and said that John wasn't home yet, and asked him to come pick up the supplies from me that we were supplying and I told him I wouldn't be going to help set up until John returned. 7:05...finally, he shows up. Lesson learned...never leave your companion. No one on one meetings. That rule is there for a reason.

Anyways, about Constance. John and him had a very lengthy visit and he got to know a lot about him and some of the issues between him and his mother. Hopefully, we will be able to help both of them. We will try to meet again next week.


August 14 (Friday)

We had the late shift at the temple tonight, so ate out 'cause we didn't feel like cooking when we got home. Good excuse. Elder and Sister Lee arrived around 9:30. All the senior temple missionaries were there to welcome them. They were originally from Calgary, but moved to Texas. Small world, Elder and Sister Ngai are also from Calgary, the Edwards from Red Deer, then there's us from Lethbridge. Alberta is well represented. Hard to imagine, just 8 weeks ago, we were the new ones just arriving.

Pres. & Sis. Wong, Ngai's, Bodily's, Ball's, Nora, Chan's,

Elder and Sister Lee - front centre.

August 15 (Saturday)

Another week over. Tomorrow will be our special Sunday Opening at the Temple. It happens once every quarter. Because so many of the domestic workers only have Sunday off, this gives them the opportunity to go to the Temple at least once every three months. It will be an extremely busy day.

August 16 (Sunday)

Coincidence or an answer to prayer?

Today is our special Sunday Opening at the Temple. Once every 3 months, the Temple opens on Sunday to accommodate the domestic workers, who are unable to attend the Temple because their only day off is Sunday, and the Temple is always closed on Sunday. The Hong Kong Temple is the only Temple which was granted special permission by the First Presidency to open on Sunday to give these special sisters the opportunity to go to the Temple.

Because of the large number of sisters that attend on this special day, we had to recruit missionaries from other departments to come and assist. One of the recruits was Sister Chamberlain from the Public Relations department. She was assigned to work with me in the same session. We had a few minutes before our session began, so it gave me a chance to visit with her and get to know her.

I told her that John and I had originally requested a Public Affairs mission. But as it turned out they needed someone ASAP, and we weren't available until June, and the Chamberlain's were available immediately, so they were assigned to that department. Then to my delight, she invited me to write for them and submit any faith promoting stories to their department for publication. So, I guess I get to do some PR work after all.

As our conversation progressed, I mention that some of our family were coming to Hong Kong. I mentioned that Wayne would like to set up a fireside. I briefly told her about him and his music. Tears began to fill her eyes as she told me how she'd been praying over the past few days, not knowing how she was going to tackle this assignment. President Lam had wanted to put on some kind of faith promoting event around Christmas time, to invite people and introduce them to our Church as part of the PR program. She had no idea who to contact or what to do to put on such a big project. When I mentioned Wayne, everything just seem to fall into place. She was so excited.

I also mentioned that Elder Zak Love, a member of Beyond 5, had been called to the Hong Kong mission and that he and Wayne are good friends. Perhaps they could perform together. More tears. So coincidence? or an answer to prayer? I think the latter.

"Once Upon a Time"

August 3 (Monday)

Happy Birthday to my sister, Ilona! Hope you had a wonderful day. I'm getting to know a little more about Hong Kong now, so when you come visit, we can show you around. We were in the Royal Plaza Hotel last week, where we all stayed when we toured China together in 2008. Great memories.

We found this restaurant called "Mr. Steak" and they served hamburgers and fries, so we got the gang together for lunch there. (Ball's, Bodily's, Nora and us). We were all excited to have a hamburger, but were so disappointed when they informed us that they were out of hamburger, and wouldn't have any till next week! Are you kidding me?!?!?! We haven't had a burger since we left Salt Lake.


August 4 (Tuesday)

Finally, my burger craving was finally satisfied tonight. It was just McDonald's, but it was a burger: Big Mac, fries and a strawberry shake!


August 5 (Wednesday)

Today we went to the Apple Store at Festival Walk. This place is amazing! Over 100 employees cruising around to help the hundreds of customers. This place was packed. The customer service was incredible, second to none. Daniel spent almost 2 hours with us one on one getting our new ipod touch set up and all John's information transferred and downloaded. We had a great conversation with him. The amount of product being sold was unbelievable, a steady stream of iphones, MacBook Air, computers, watches,  and anything Apple were sold non stop. This was their smallest of 4 stores in Hong Kong. Their largest is 4 floors, with 4 times the area and 4 times the staff. You have to see it to believe it.


August 6 (Thursday)

I was privileged to work in baptisms this morning. What a joy it was to see this little 12 year old boy come to do baptisms for his first time. You could see the excitement in his eyes. He just beamed. He had such a sweet spirit about him. As he entered the baptismal font, you could see and feel his excitement. Upon arising from being immersed, he blinked the water from his eyes, raised his head and looked at his friends who were watching his every move. Then the biggest smile came across his face...it was priceless!

Sorry, no pictures to post this time. I think we need some training on how to get the pictures to transfer to my blog. We must be doing something wrong since it's not working. I'll have to come back later to insert pictures once we get things figured out.


August 7 (Friday) 

A long day today. We didn't get home till after 8:00. I don't know if this picture is attached to the right day, but I finally got pictures uploaded so I'm plugging some into the blog. The BEST burger since we've been here are at the "Butcher's Club". Awesome! With jumbo fries cooked in duck fat.

Now that's BURGER!

August 8 (Saturday)

Being on a mission is great, but sometimes it means missing out on important events. Today is our granddaughter, Addy's birthday. She turned 8 and got baptized on her birthday. This is the first grandchild that we will miss her baptism. Happy Birthday Addy! Hope you have an awesome day.


August 9 (Sunday)

I had the privilege to speak in Church today. I was asked to tell about myself and my conversion to the Mormon faith. I had shared my story many times before. Sometimes I feel that it is repetitious, but each time it is to a new audience. So this time I wanted to take it from a new angle. The theme of my talk was not just my conversion, but that Heavenly Father has a plan not just for me, but for each one of us. We all have a story to tell. Here is the prologue to my talk but I won't go into the full talk itself.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, there was a young man living in China. With hopes and dreams of a better life, he eventually made his way to Canada. The Chinese called it the land of the Golden Mountain, a land of milk and honey, where one could prosper. His journey took him from China, to Mexico, to Vancouver, Canada. He worked for the rail road and eventually settled in the small little community of Lethbridge, Alberta and started a dry cleaning business. That was my grandfather.

Then, once upon a time, long, long ago there was a young girl living in China. Her father was an opium addict (so the story goes), and in order to support his habit, he sold his daughter to another family as a maid. She was very fortunate for they treated her very well. She was like one of the family. That was my grandmother.

Grandfather became a successful business man. With a wife back in China, and he now living in Canada, he wanted a wife here too. So he took a second wife who was my grandmother. (I guess it wasn't only the Mormons who were polygamists.) He eventually ended up having 4 wives. My grandparents had 4 sons and 4 daughters. My father was the oldest son and as a teenager was basically running the business.

When my father was 19, it was decided that it was time for him to marry. So as it was in those days, one family was introduced to another and it was agreed that they would have their children marry each other. The first time that my father and mother met, was the day before their wedding! Mom was 18 and Dad was 19. They grew to love each other very deeply. There's a lot to be said about arranged marriages. They had 8 children, 2 sons and 6 daughters, myself being the 7th child.

Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. As I think back into my family's history, I can't help but think that He was there preparing my future, planning where He was going to place me on my mortal journey.

Why didn't my grandfather settle in Vancouver where there were many Chinese immigrants? What made him come to a little place on the barren prairie to settle? There were only a handful of Chinese in Lethbridge at that time. Why here? I am convinced that it was because I needed to be introduced to His church.

Growing up and going to school in the 1960's, I was the only Chinese person in my class. The only other Chinese in our school, were our cousins. Some of my best friends, though I didn't know it at the time, were Mormons. I had no idea what a Mormon was. As I progressed into junior high school and met new friends, some of them were Mormon too, and so the trend continued into high school. Why were these Mormons always popping into my life? When I started my working career, my employer was a Mormon. Was there something that drew me to them? Were they drawn towards me? .......

(My conversion story.....rather lengthy so I won't be recording it on my blog at this point.)

.....so in conclusion, Heavenly Father does have a plan for each of us. Each of us has a story to tell. As you think upon your own life story, you will find the hand of the Lord leading you, guiding you, walking beside you, for He does indeed have a plan for you. Perhaps at this moment, you may not realize or understand what His plan is, but believe and have faith. And as all good stories end, "They lived happily ever after...eternally as a family."

From Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

"HELP WANTED"

July 27 (Monday)

41 years ago today, a beautiful baby boy entered our family. Happy Birthday Rylan! 31 years later to the day, a beautiful baby girl entered Rylan's family, couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. Happy 10th Birthday Aubrey! May your day be full of fun and festivities. Love you both!

P-day, AKA shopping day again. Shopping in Kwai Fong was so much fun last week, that we just had to return again and finish going through the areas which we missed last time. Bargains of the day include a pair of super silky lounge pants for $3.00, a long silky skirt for $6.00, and a comfy jumper for $12.00.

What do you think of this one?

Really cute "pioneer" style clothes with bloomers.

Shoes galore...

July 28 (Tuesday)

Today a group of members from Thailand came to the temple. I had the privilege of working with the new sisters coming for their endowments.What a special time for all involved. Then I also got to help with baptisms and go though a session done in the Thai language. It is incredible how one can relate even though you don't speak the same language. God's language is the language of love, and we certainly felt it today. Every day is exciting. You never know who's going to show up or from which country.


July 29 (Wednesday)

Today marks our 43rd Anniversary. It only seemed like yesterday... Now, 3 children with 3 spouses and 13 grand children. I'd say we did pretty good. We've been so blessed.

Happy 43rd Anniversary Selfie

Thought of the day:
"Woman was made from the rib of man. She was not made from his head, to top him; nor from his feet to be stepped upon. She was made from his side, to be equal with him; from beneath his arm, to be protected by him; near his heart, to be loved by him!

Woman, indeed was made as an helpmeet to man, to be his companion, his feminine counterpart, his true partner in the important role of human beings--that of rearing strong families in good homes.

But woman's place is that of wife as well as of mother. She is the helpmeet of her husband, as the scriptures say, and will always recognize the appropriate presiding position of the priesthood in the home. True womanhood, cooperating with the priesthood in righteousness, can work the miracles in family life which God designs." (Church News, 15 Sept. 1979)

This still holds true today, even though modern liberalism will try to speak out contrary to the laws of God. I couldn't have been blessed more having John as my eternal companion and love the fact that we are married for time and eternity, sealed together forever with our families. I couldn't ask for anything more.

We invited Helga and Robert Wilson for dinner tonight. They go home on Saturday. So sad. After dinner we all went to Shirley and Charles Ngai's for dessert - home made apple pie and ice cream. M-m-m good.


July 30 (Thursday)

Times are changing. We had a meeting with President Wong today. Because there have been 2 sets of Temple Missionaries who have just finished their missions, we are extremely short of help in the temple. Therefore, our "other assignment day, OAD," is now another temple assignment day. That means we will be working 5 days a week instead of 4. We are expecting another senior couple to arrive in mid August and another senior couple in November. But until we get more help, looks like our time off will be abbreviated. No complaints - it's great that we are so busy at the temple. It's exciting to see the growth of the Church in this area.

HELP WANTED

SENIOR MISSIONARY COUPLES

Come Experience the Exotic Orient

Tropical Weather

Resort Like Accommodations

Endless Chinese Food

Serving in The House of the Lord - A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth

 Apply through your Bishop. We would love to have you join us.

The Palisade outside of our condo along Victoria Harbour.

View from our 20th floor condo.

Lush pool area.

We had dinner with Aunt Mai Soo again tonight. It's always nice to visit with her. Dinner was ma-ma-de...so-so. It certainly wasn't worth the price, almost $100.00 CAD per person! It's now on our bad list of places to definitely to stay away from.

July 31 (Friday)

Today's Chuckle: I hate it when I think I'm buying ORGANIC, but when I get home they're just REGULAR donuts.


August 1 (Saturday)

We've been in Hong Kong about 6 weeks now. Summer is half over. I can hardly wait till the weather starts cooling off, probably towards the end of September.

August 2 (Sunday)

Fast and Testimony meeting at church today. We left at 11:00 am since John had a meeting at 12:00. By the time we finished all our meetings, did our home teaching, and John had to do the tithing receipts, it was 8:00 pm when we finally got home. Who said Sunday is a day of rest?