FHE With President & Sister Wong

March 14 (Monday)

Today we had a very special Family Home Evening with President and Sister Wong. Sister Wong shared her conversion story. It is easy to see how she became the Temple Matron.

One day when she was waiting to catch a bus, she saw the door of a church open. Something inside caught her eye and she entered to look at the picture on the wall. It was a picture of 5 beautiful buildings. Two missionaries approached her. She asked them what these buildings were. They told her they were Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: the Salt Lake Temple, Logan, Manti, St. George and the Kirtland Temples.The Salt Lake Temple was her favorite. The missionaries told her about temples. She was curious and wanted to learn more. She decided she wanted to get married in the Salt Lake Temple. She was only 12 years old, not yet a member, but she knew she wanted to be married in the Salt Lake Temple. She took the discussions and was baptized.

Back then, Sunday meetings were held in the morning and afternoon. Even though she lived far away from the church in the New Territories, she was determined to attend all her meetings. One dark evening when she was walking home past an ancestral hall, she saw a man with a bag on his head. He looked like a ghost. It frightened her and so she stopped going to the afternoon meeting. Shortly after that incident, the family moved to the Tsim Sha Tsui branch.  It was there that she met her future husband, Patrick Wong. And as she desired, so many years earlier, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple!

Sister and President Wong of the Hong Kong China Temple

About 5 years ago, she had a dream and saw President Hinckley. He spoke to her saying, "It won't be long." One week later, they were called to be Temple workers in the Brisbane Temple. Shortly after that they received a call from President Eyring to be the Hong Kong Temple President and Matron.

Miracles happen in the Temple every day. Sometimes we hear of them and sometimes they are just to sacred to share. Sister Wong shared this one with us.

About 1 1/2 years ago, a family from India came to the Temple with their 3 children ages 10, 13, and 14. Their eldest daughter was  confined to a wheelchair. The family was sealed, and baptisms were performed for their ancestors. The 2 daughters sat in the lobby while the son and parents did baptisms. Sister Wong decided to ask the daughter in the wheelchair if she wanted to do baptisms.
Though afraid, she agreed to try. Sisters Castleton and Soloman helped get her dressed. Her father came and carried her to the font. Petrified, she sat on the stairs for 1/2 hour, waiting till she had enough courage to enter the water. She tried several times unsuccessfully. Then finally, she succeeded! There was such a big smile on her face. Everyone had tears in their eyes.

The family returned the next day. This time she did 2 baptisms; on the third day, 3; then 4 on the forth day, then 5 on their final day.  The mother hugged Sister Wong and said she never thought she would see her daughter be baptised. Then the mother shared with Sister Wong the vision she had. She saw her daughter in perfect condition.

Yes, miracles happen every day. We just don't always see them.

President Wong was called in 1992 to be Stake President in Hong Kong. That year President Hinckley announced that they would build a Temple in Hong Kong. As they looked around for an appropriate location to build the temple, it was decided that it would be built in Kowloon Tong. President Wong was rather concerned about the location, and informed President Hinckley that this location might not be very desirable because of all the hotels. Pres. Hinckley replied that that would be good because many people from far away would be coming. "No, Pres. Hinckly, you don't understand. These are not the kind of hotel that you or I would stay at. These are 'love' hotels."
Don't worry, it will be OK. As construction of the temple began, one by one, the hotels disappeared. I

In 1996, the Hong Kong Temple was elected as the Best Building in Hong Kong. During the Open House, a man from Sweden came to see it. President Wong had escorted him through the temple. He wanted to see more. He wanted to know more about the Church. Because it was an Open House, there was to be no proselyting inside the Temple, so Pres. Wong could not tell him anything. He kept asking to see more, so he showed him the basement. He still wanted to see more, so he was shown the garage. Still not satisfied, he wanted to know more. Finally, as they stood outside of the Temple, President Wong was able to tell him a little about the Church. Upon his return to Sweden, his whole family joined the Church.

President Wong also shared a story about a couple on the verge of divorce. As they entered the temple, you could literally feel the tension between them. But one trip to the temple and under great inspiration and wise council, hearts were softened, a divorce diverted, a family was saved. Another miracle. The temple will not change challenges, but can change attitudes.

One day an 80 year old father and his 40 year old son came to the temple wanting to be sealed to his deceased wife and daughter. Normally, this would not be a problem, however, the son was deaf and dumb. He could neither read nor write. It had taken 5 years for him to learn the gospel well enough to be baptized.  President Wong called his technology staff together to figure out how they would be able to communicate with the young man so he could understand the endowment. They finally had a plan worked out, but it would take doing the session in slow motion, perhaps 3-4 hours. The father however, having much faith, said to just do it normal, make no special concessions, he knew his son would understand. Because of his great faith, his son understood everything. The miracle: he had never spoken, but this day, he mustered all his strength to form a word and said his name. Never having read or written, he requested a piece of paper, and wrote. Yes, miracles happen every day.

Of course, Family Home Evening would not be complete without refreshments. In our tiny apartment, we set a new record of 20 people breaking the old record of 17. Unfortunately, we didn't get everyone into the picture.

Refreshment: Chocolate pudding cake with whip cream topped with dragon fruit, kiwi, and strawberries  

I just included this pic because I look thinner at this angel (but I'm not really.)

March 15 (Tuesday)

The Ides of March - This date became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC.
In our family, it is a month to many celebrations.
March 12 - my Dad's birthday (Jimmy Lee)
March 14 - my brother-in-law's birthday (Victor Mochizuki)
March 16 - my granddaughter's birthday (Azia Burton)
March 18 - my mother-in-law's birthday (Lili Chan)
March 24 - my birthday (Judy Chan)
March 25 - my grandson's birthday (Beckham Chan)
March 30 - my sister's birthday (Jane Devonshire)
March 31 - my uncle's birthday (Jack Lee)


March 16 (Wednesday)

Happy Birthday to our little Azia Bunner...Sweet 16! She's now old enough to drive, and has access to my car. I'm not worried though. She has always been responsible.

There was a special session held at the Temple today for all the Asia Area Mission Presidents and the Asia Area Presidency. Also Elder Brent Nielson of the Seventies was here. He's over the Mission Department of the Church. Unfortunately we weren't assigned to do their session, but I did get to see everyone as they filed past my post as I was on hallway duty. There's always a special feeling when the church leadership are in the Temple.


March 17 (Thursday)

OAD. It was a cloudy, dreary day so we spent most of it inside. It gave me a chance to catch up on the stories of the Sisters of Pen. 3. Around 5:00 Shirley called and invited us to go out to dinner at an Indian restaurant. I was more than ready for an outing after being at my computer all day. I learned something...I'm not a fan of Indian cuisine.


March 18 (Friday)

A quiet day at the Temple. Saw a couple from India who had spent the week coming to the Temple. It always warms my heart to see people from other countries coming to take out their endowments. I may not like Indian food, but I sure love these people!


March 19 (Saturday)

Up at 5:00 a.m. for an early shift.  Not my favorite time of day, and my least favorite shift to be on. But once I get going, it's great to be in the Temple.

One benefit of the early shift is getting off earlier. Went to get groceries and ran into a sale on the street...2 pairs of shoes, 2 pants, and a dress...and the bonus being that the Canadian dollar is on the rise! Yeah!!


March 20 (Sunday)

Another fun class with the Sisters in the Self Reliance Program. We're getting near the end, and I can feel their excitement building as they work towards getting their certificate. They have given their proposed business a lot of thought and I hope they will keep in mind and apply the information from this program into developing a very successful business for themselves and their family.

Famous Failures and Fancy Cars

March 7 (Monday)

After going for my lazer hair treatment, we went shopping at Aeon. John got a smoking deal on two pairs of dress pants, a sweater vest, a polo shirt and a Chinese jacket, all for $100.00 CAD. No such deal for me.

Looking "Chinesey"

"They call me Bruce"

Not much news to report on so I'll just share this post I received on Facebook.

Famous Failures

A teacher told him he was "too stupid to learn anything" and that he should go into a field where he "might succeed by virtue of his pleasant personality." (Thomas Edison - inventor of the incandescent light bulb)

After being cut from his high school basketball team, he went home, locked himself in his room and cried. (Michael Jordan - 6 time NBA Champion, 5 time NBA MVP, and 4 time NBA All Star)

He wasn't able to speak until he was almost 4 years old and his teachers said he would "never amount to much." ( Albert Einstein - Theoretical Physicist and Nobel Prize Winner)

She was demoted from her job as a news anchor because she "wasn't fit for television." (Oprah Winfrey - host of multi award winning talk show & most influential woman in the world.)

Fired from a newspaper for "lacking imagination" and "having no original ideas." (Walt Disney - creator of Mickey Mouse and Winner of 22 Academy Awards)

At age 11 he was cut from his team after being diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, which made him smaller in stature than most kids his age. (Lionel Messi - 3 time FIFA World Player of the year)

At 30 years old he was left devastated and depressed after being unceremoniously removed from the company he started. (Steve Jobs - co-founder of Apple Inc. & Co-founder of Pixar Animation Studio)

A  high school dropout, whose personal struggles with drugs and poverty culminated in an unsuccessful suicide attempt. (Eminem - 13 time Grammy Award Winner, sold over 90 million albums worldwide)

Rejected by Decca Recording Studios, who said "We don't like their sound...they have no future in show business." (The Beatles - the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band in history)

His first book was rejected by 27 publishers. (Dr. Seuss - best selling children's author in history)

His fiance died, failed in business, had a nervous breakdown and was defeated in 8 elections. (Abraham Lincoln - 16th President of the United States)

If you've never failed, You've never tried anything new!

Her grades were barely passing, she dropped out of university. Years later returned to college and passed with great distinction. She was involved in 3 businesses that failed and ended up in bankruptcy. Some things failed, but some things ended in great success. This is my life. Failures: Season's Restaurant, The Rib Cage, and Chopstix. Successes: Rainbow Tees, Panda Restaurant, The Massage Clinic, and Subway. Don't be afraid to  try! 

March 8 (Tuesday)

Ahhh...the perfect way to start the day...nothing like a massage.

Ricky Ma came today to fix my computer. After 2 hours of doing this and that, it appears that my issues have been rectified...I hope. Good feeling to be caught up on my blog before I forget everything. Now I just have to learn how to navigate the new format.

Since I don't have any pictures to post, I thought I'd show you some of the cars that people in our complex drive.

 Alston-Martin  (what 007 drives)

March 9 (Wednesday)

Seems like we've been away from the Temple for a few days. Friday was our OAD, Saturday was only 1/2 day, Sunday off, Monday off - Pday, Tuesday off - OAD. Just a reminder, OAD is Other Assignment Day to be used if we have other church assignments, but usually, it's free time to get our shopping and cleaning done or do more exploring. Sunday isn't really a day of rest. We usually spend about 10 hours at church. We leave at 9:45 in the morning and usually get home around 8:00 in the evening.

Since we had the late shift today, we decided to go out for dinner. I felt like having pizza which is weird, because I usually don't care for pizza. We went to Ameroni's since I had sampled their pizza a while back and quite enjoyed it. Elder and Sister Lee joined us. Pizza and caesar, great dinner, great company.

 Maserat

March 10 (Thursday)

We got an early call this morning from President Wong. He wanted to make a schedule change for next week. John had gone out for his morning walk when President Wong called back again all in a panic. He wanted us to come in ASAP, 10:15 if possible. It was almost 9:30 and it usually takes about 40 minutes to get to the Temple, so we (Lee's, Chan's, Ngai) were told to take a taxi. He sounded quite anxious. Apparently there was a large group of sisters that come in for a conference. We ran 2 extra sessions.

Tomorrow, there is also another large group coming so all OAD's have been cancelled and we will all be working from 3:00 - 9:00 pm. We usually do not have to do the evening sessions, but this is an exception.

Next Wednesday all OAD's will be cancelled again for a special session for all the mission presidents and their wives from Asia, the Area Presidency and their wives, and Elder Brent  H. Nielson, Executive Director of the Mission Department and his wife, including 3 general authorities. It's always exciting to have special visitors.

Porsche

March 11 (Friday)

The Asia Area Women's Conference was held this weekend. This bought a lot of sisters to the Temple and extra sessions were added. President Wong had requested that all Senior Couple Temple Missionaries come from 3:00 - 9:00 pm rather than working our usual day shifts. I spent 4 hours doing initiatory work. So glad when the night was done.

Mercedes 

March 12 (Saturday)

Today is my Dad's birthday. He would have been 97. Gone too soon, 26 years ago. Love you Dad, and still miss you so much even after all these years.

Just a normal Saturday. I was privileged to participate in doing the initiatory for Victoria, who was attending the Temple for her very first time. She was from Zimbabwe, such a sweet spirit.

Went shopping after and bought a Instax Mini 8 (polaroid type) camera. I wanted to take snaps of each sister as I interview them for their story. Time is running out so quickly. I only have 12 Sundays left before our summer break, and about 16 Sundays left after the break. That means I'll need to get 2-3 interviews done each Sunday.

Contrast - Porsche parked in front of a dilapidated business. 

March 13 (Sunday)

An exciting day for "Mamma Baby" Sarah, a sister in our branch who got married yesterday. The branch sisters put on a little reception for her and new husband Clay. Clay is from Oregon, and as soon as she gets all her papers processed, she will be moving there. It may take a few months. I'm so happy for them. Btw, that was the yummiest wedding cake I had ever eaten! Mmmm...

Sarah "Mamma Baby" and Clay

How To Do Hong Kong in 6 Hours

February 29 (Monday)

Leap Year! We can truly jump for joy today as we met up with Carol and Terry Steen and Sharon Gibb. We had a perfect day to spend together seeing the sights of Hong Kong. They are in HK after two weeks in China and on their way on a cruise through southeast Asia.

Terry and Carol Steen, Judy, Sharon Gibb, John

With only 6 hours, we did a whirlwind tour on the hop on, hop off, "Big Bus". After a typical Chinese scuttle to see who got to pay, the Steen's and Sharon won out and they treated us to our tickets for the Big Bus. We started off at Tsim Sha Tsui and the Star Ferry Terminal. We rode the ferry across the bay and hopped on the Big Bus. It was great to be on the top open air deck of the bus. With the warm sun on our face and the wind in our hair, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

Who gets to pay?

Warm sun on our face, and wind in our hair...a perfect day!

First stop was the famous Peak Tram.  Our package included tickets to the Peak so we had priority boarding and didn't have to wait in line! We rode up the rickety 128 year old tracks to the top of Victoria Peak for a bird's eye view of the city, a few quick photos, then down again.

On The Peak Tram

My new friend, Sharon...we're actually related through marriage!

Genealogy: Sharon was married to Max Gibb. Max's brother is Dave. Dave's daughter is Christie. Christie is married to Jeremiah Cundiff. Jeremiah's sister is Molly who is married to our son Rylan. Bob Gibb is also a brother who taught school with John for 25 years in Raymond. 

Gotta get in our shopping - Peak Gift Shop

View from The Peak on a rare clear day.

Then it was on the bus to our next stop. It was great riding through the concrete jungle through the hundreds of high rise buildings. We had a very scenic ride past Ocean Park and Repulse Bay, Stanley, then to Aberdeen for a ride on a Sampan (junk). Saw the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant, then back to the pier.

The Concrete Jungle

Our own little Sampan (junk) ride through Aberdeen Harbour

Chinese Junk. Notice the roof. Is that why they call it a "junk"?

Enjoying a great day!

Jumbo Floating Restaurant

The adjacent Tai Pak Restaurant

The fishing village in Aberdeen Harbour

Contrast - OLD

Contrast - NEW

We took a quick break for lunch at Subway! Yeah! Then off to our next destination.

Next adventure was riding through the subway system (MTR). Luckily it wasn't too busy. We took the blue line to Sheung Wan and walked through the old streets of Hong Kong. Up a few flights of stairs to the Man Mo Temple. It's one of the oldest Buddhist Temples in HK. It was packed full of people burning incense, making offerings to their ancestors. The air was so heavy with the smell and smoke of the incense, we didn't stay inside very long. This area was famous for old Chinese antiques. Shopped around a bit before heading back to the pier where Carol, Terry and Sharon caught the Big Bus shuttle back to their cruise ship. All in all, a wonderful day with wonderful people. Bon Voyage!

Incense Cones in the Man Mo Buddhist Temple

Burning Incense offering to ancestors

We rode on a junk boat. This is a junk shop...wagons and wheeeeels.

Chinese arts, crafts and antique store.

Spices anyone?

Looking for ginger candy for Carol's cough.

March 1 (Tuesday)

We've been watching the US primaries. It's been very interesting with Donald Trump running for the nomination of the Republican Party. He's ahead in the polls. It will be very interesting...either you love him or hate him.  Today is Super Tuesday, which will have a very dramatic effect on what happens today.

March 2 (Wednesday)

Super Tuesday is over, and not surprisingly, Donald Trump was the clear winner. We'll see if he makes it to the end, and then probably go up against Hillary Clinton.

I heard from Elder White today. He wants to get together again this week with Constance. We had asked them to join us for dinner with Constance, so that's planned for Saturday. Constance continues to make good progress. He attended church this past Sunday. That was a huge step forward. I'm so excited to hear of his progress. He's a deep thinker and actually does ponder the scriptures.

We also ran into Sister Ng who was teaching Constance before they turned him over to the Elders to teach. She informed us that Phoenix continues to show up at church. That's the good news. The bad news is that she avoids seeing a certain person, and reports to the bishop that this certain person is an evil spirit. Well, that's Phoenix. She has a very complicated mental condition. If we could just get through to her, that she has this problem, maybe we could actually help her. She refuses any professional intervention. We will continue to pray for her.

March 3 (Thursday)

Though I'm fairly technology challenged, I'm glad I know how to use Face Time. We Face Timed with Rylan this morning and saw their new home. They just moved in yesterday and are still unpacking and setting things up. What a huge job! The house looks wonderful and it has an incredibly large back yard, about 1/2 an acre. The kids all seem to be excited about their new home.

Then my Mom Face Timed just to say Hi and see if anything was new. John's Mom had Face Timed my Mom by mistake, as she was trying to get a hold of John's sister. Great to see these 2 ladies, ages 91 and 95, using Face Time.

The third call was from Jade. She informed us that they received a third offer on their house. With each offer, the deal is a little sweeter than the one before. Anyways, they are already under contract with the second offer, so unless it falls through, they won't be able to accept the higher third offer.

March 4 (Friday)

Today I'm going to commit to trying a laser hair restoration therapy. It's very expensive, so hope it works. They say I should see results in 2-3 months. If it works, there's another missionary who will take the therapy too. Guess I'm the guinea pig. 


March 5 (Saturday)

We had another meting with Constance today with Elders White and Phung. Constance attended church for the first time in many years. He still has many questions but I see progress being made. As I looked upon his face, it seems to be a little brighter and more life coming into his countenance. He's opened up so much. We invited him to come out to dinner with us after, but he declined, still not feeling all that comfortable in public. Maybe next time. We'll work on it.


March 6 (Sunday)

Today was fast Sunday and the Coffey's last Sunday before going home. They have been a great example, so dedicated and faithful in serving. The branch will certainly miss them. We taught the Self Reliance Class for the first time. The sisters are all so diligent in learning the principles of starting their own business. I continued with interviews for my book on the Sisters of Pen. 3. The primary girls said they missed me not teaching them today. That made me feel good, to be missed. I love these little angels. They are so precious!

Elder and Sister Coffey with farewell gifts.

In recent months we have had a number of investigators come to our branch. Frankie and Stanley are from Ghana or Nigeria, memory fails me yet again. The last time I visited the investigators class there were 4 new investigators. So exciting to see people interested in the church. I'll have to get Frankie's pic next week. The sisters love to take photos with our new black friends. You've heard of "Flat Stanley"? Well is is "Tall Stanley"... (and I'm on my tip toes).

Finally, after redoing this post 4 times, I hope the issues have been resolved. My cousin Steven gave me the name of his friend Ricky Ma who is a computer whiz. He came and did whatever he does to fix computers. I'll keep my fingers crossed, that next weeks blog will go smoothly.