A Fast Week

May 23 (Monday)

It's been another very frustrating week with my blog. I'm 2 weeks behind and I hate to think of how many hours have been wasted trying to get my blog from not locking me out or crashing. I've redone last weeks blog at least 3 times. Pictures aren't going in where I want them, spacing is not working properly, and the bold button is non existent. Blah, blah, blah...hours wasted! So much for me venting.

My p-day started off at 6:30 a.m. with a phone call from Phoenix. She wanted me to come get her and take her out of the hospital. I tried to explain to her that I couldn't do that. She said, "I'm all better now. I just want to go home." Dr. Yip called later in the morning to discuss with me her condition. They are starting her on some kind of drug. He said she is psychotic and delusional. Sometimes I wonder if these types of drugs are more harmful than they are helpful. Mental conditions are so tricky to deal with.

We hosted FHE tonight and showed the DVD "Quest for the Lost Tribes". It was very interesting and thought provoking, as they journeyed to many places around the globe in search of the remnants of Israel, many of them presumed to be in Asia.

Left to right, back to front: Gary Nielson, Kimball & Linda Orton, Georgia & Jerry James, Gary & Deborah Bodily,
Brent & Bonnie Hathaway, Shirley Ngai (Charles Ngai was taking the picture), Judy & John Chan
Charles and Laraine Chamberlain

May 24 (Tuesday)

We did an orientation today with a Thai group. 2 sisters and 1 brother came to take out their endowments. They were accompanied by their bishop who happened to have served his mission in Salt Lake and had 2 companions from Lethbridge, Elders Turner and Edwards. Unfortunately I didn't get their first names, so I'm not exactly sure who they are or who they are related to.

Thai names are very difficult to remember, spell or pronounce,
hence no names for these folks.

It's only 2 weeks from today that we will be heading back to Canada. Got some last minute shopping to do. Shopping time is very limited and it's hard when you don't know where to find certain things. We stopped at Amaroni's for an early dinner.

I phoned Ricky Ma, my go-to computer fix it guy. But he informed me he was leaving for Europe tomorrow and won't be back for a couple weeks. But then we're gone, so I guess I'll just have to get it fixed when I get home.


May 25 (Wednesday)

We were coming home when I heard a loud voice say, "Hi missionaries." I focused in on the voice coming from a large group of young Americans from BYU. They were here for a few weeks as part of their course. I recognized some of them, as they had been to the Temple that morning. John asked if anyone was from Alberta. No, but Taylor Shumway served in Lethbridge. Just as they were about to leave he said, "Oh wait, you're the people that own Subway!" How cool was that, that he made the connection. Every p-day at our Subway, we treat the missionaries to a free meal.

Always fun to run into fellow Americans from BYU

May 26 (Thursday)

Time is flying. Just can't seem to get things done. We've been pretty busy at the Temple. Dr. Yip's nurse called and wanted to set up an appointment with him to discuss Phoenix. I guess we've been appointed her "adopted" family or guardians. Just after that phone call, Phoenix called. I wonder if it would just be better to let her out and she could continue living her own little life, the way she was used to. At least she was relatively happy in her own mind. We will meet with Dr. Yip on Monday.


May 27 (Friday)

Happy 68th Birthday, John (aka "Bruce")! This is our last OAD. We went shopping in hopes of getting all the requests from the kids fulfilled. Some kids asked for nothing, others had a big long list. Interesting how they all differ. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. We bought a new suitcase to carry all our treasures home. Crazy...4 large suitcases. Good thing we have this opportunity to take some stuff home now. I'd hate to see how much we would have if it was all left till the end.


Couldn't resist this Bulldog shirt, just had to buy it

May 28 (Saturday)

Category 3 typhoon warning. Not much to worry about. Basically, that would be like a heavy rain fall with Lethbridge wind. haha. We went out to celebrate John's birthday tonight with the Bodily's and Rancie's. Our numbers have shrunk. Nora's finished. The Lee's have left to prep for their 3 year tenure. The Ngai's had family commitments and the Hathaway's were under the weather. It was really nice to have a small group for dinner because now you could all talk to each other. When the group is so large, you basically only talk to your neighbour. We dined at the YMCA Salisbury Restaurant and had their seafood buffet. John was in heaven...crab, shrimp, halibut, sole, clams, sushi, roast beef and tons of other stuff. And he did stuff with all the stuff. Well, after all, it was his birthday!

Rae & Rob Rancie , us, Deb & Gary Bodily

Pictures speak 1000 words...

May 29 (Sunday)

Another typical day at Pen 3. The sisters were cooking up a storm. I made pulled pork on a bun. They celebrated the May birthdays. John and I were in charge of the FHE activity, so we did our usual 9-book game though I amended it to do on the white board, and we used titles of church books. A few picked up on the solution quite quickly, but the majority had to be shown. Only one more Sunday before we go home for summer break.

John and the girls of Peninsula 3 Branch



RyeyahTuliao, Sister Perez, Maytos Beacom, John, Brenda Smart

Catching up on photos from last week. We had a baptism, Lanie Delmonte. Such a sweet young lady. She has a fiancé in B.C. Canada. This is the second baptism in our branch since we have been here.



 

John, Judy, Sister Molina, Lanie Delmonte, Sister Perez, President Smart

Sister Molina, Sister Perez, Lanie Delmonte, Rommel Jacinto who baptised her.

 

Comings and Goings

May 16 (Monday)

Another farewell...all too quick. Elder and Sister Lee will be heading home to Texas on Wednesday. They will have 5 months to prepare to return to Hong Kong as the new Temple President and Matron. We're so excited for them, but will miss them. We will only be able to work with them for 5 days after they return before they give us our Temple release. Of course, we had to all go out for dinner.





Back row: Sisters Yuen, Tsang, Wong, Poon, Cheung, Lee, Hui, Ngai
Front row: Sisters Chan, Pun, Hathaway, Bodily

Back row: Pres. Hui, Bro. Pun, Richard Lee, Brent Hathaway, Charles Ngai
Front row: Pres. Wong, John Chan, Rob Rancie, Gary Bodily

Around 6:00 pm we got a call from Constance informing us that his mother, Phoenix, had been missing for a couple days. He didn't know what to do, so he called us. We went to meet with him to find out what we could. We decided he should report her as a missing person to the police. So we took a taxi to the police station. After filing a missing person report, we were about to go home, but they called us back and said they'd give us a ride. I never imagined I would get to ride in a Hong Kong police car! (too bad, no photos allowed)

 

I think the ride back to Constance apartment had an ulterior motive. When we got there, they came up and thoroughly searched the apartment, nosing around and asking all kinds of questions. I sat there quietly in the middle of a very crowded little room and listened as they interrogated him. It felt like I was in the middle of a very bad movie. You know the kind that is like a nightmare...person files a missing person report, and the suspicious police interrogate the poor person and makes him out to be the prime suspect. No sympathy for his situation, no compassion, just suspicion. 

 

They asked us what our involvement with Constance was. We explained we were just missionaries for the Church and became acquainted through sharing the gospel. One of the officers said he had heard about our church when he was approached a couple years ago by two elders "one Chinese and one white guy wearing badges just like you," he said. He had the whole Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon story all confused. He remembered something about seeing an angel in a forest. We tried to clarify things but he said he only spoke with the missionaries briefly on the street. At least he remembered something. I gave him a pass along card, but he said they were not allowed to accept anything of the sort.

 

Meanwhile, back to the investigation, they took our contact information and dismissed us. However, they took Constance back to the police station and said they had to finish up some paper work. I hope he will be ok, and they don't do something crazy, like throw him in jail. It seemed like they were so suspicious of him. Maybe I just watch too many movies. We'll pray that Phoenix will be found safe and sound.

 

 

 

May 17 (Tuesday)

 

We got home as quickly as possible from our shift at the Temple today so we could help the Lee's load up the van. They were moving a bunch of stuff into storage at the Temple. However, by the time we got over to their place, two of the maintenance workers had already come and loaded everything up. With nothing left to do, we just had to go out for the "last supper". We went to Yui Wah Restaurant. The food was good, the company great. Farewell till we see you in October.

 

Future Temple President Richard Lee and Matron June Lee, Me and John

 

After we got home from dinner, I called Constance to see if there was any news on his mom. He said the police had located her in a hospital, but were not releasing any further information at this time. Great relief that they found her.

 

 

May 18 (Wednesday)

 

I had a wonderful day at the Temple. I was privileged to do the initiatory ordinances for one Indonesian sister and one sister from Thailand. There's always such a special spirit there for this ordinance. Now that Sister Nora Chan has left, it feels like they are using me to fill her position. It's such a joy to be able to serve these new patrons.

 

With Nora leaving last week, June leaving this week, then the Bodily's, Rancie's, Ngai's, and us, all leaving this fall, there will only be the Hathaway's left of our current group. There are only 2 couples coming so far, but 6 leaving or already left. So if any of you have a desire to serve a Temple mission, come to Hong Kong! You'll have the experience of a lifetime.

 

Update: Phoenix wasn't feeling well, so she checked herself into the hospital. I don't know why she didn't tell Constance where she was. The doctor called him today to let him know she was delusional. We already knew this since she had met with a church psycho-therapist a couple of weeks ago and he had diagnosed her with paranoia schizophrenia. At this point, they are keeping her in the hospital and he has no idea when she will be released. This is certainly a blessing in disguise. At least now she is getting medical care. I pray they can help her condition.

 

 

May 19 (Thursday)

This morning we did our first orientation for patron housing. When patrons come from out of town, they can stay in patron housing which is right across the street from the Temple. We just have to give them basic rules and regulations for staying in the housing unit. It costs $10.00 HKD per person per night. (less than $2.00 CAD) This group was from Thailand.

 

The young couple on the left were sealed for time and eternity.

Mongolian and Indian - just a few of our other international visitors this week.

We had an  Indonesian family at the Temple today. The parents were having their daughter sealed to them. She is a slightly mentally handicapped young adult. She doesn't speak much, but the spirit spoke loud and clear. As we finished doing her initiatory tears were streaming down her face. My heart was full. Her sister-in-law invited us to participate in the family sealing. What a special privilege.

In 1973, President Funk served a mission in Indonesia and was among the first missionaries to open that area. The father of this family was baptised by the young Elder Funk. Now 43 years later, President Funk, sealed this family together. There wasn't a dry eye in the sealing room. What a blessing..."Families Can Be Together Forever".

We wanted to get a picture with this precious family, but just couldn't get it timed together. We are not allowed to take pictures inside the Temple, nor are we allowed to go outside of the Temple with out Temple whites.

Mongolian Group - Lkhagvajargal Dalaichuluun (far right) served a mission in Mongolia at the same time as
Cal and Anne Stewart.



We tried to get photos of all the different groups this week at the Temple, but it was hard to get everyone. We did manage to speak with one of the Mongolian sisters. She could speak English. We mentioned that Dr. Cal and Sis. Stewart served in Mongolia. She said, "I know them!" I shouldn't be surprised. It's a small world within the Church. I usually don't get people's names since they are so foreign and hard to pronounce, but this sister gave me her business card. This is her name: Lkhagvajargal Dalaichuluun. And no, it's not a typo. She's the office manager of a tour company, so if anyone is planning a trip to Mongolia, I can hook you up.



May 20 (Friday)

 A big surprise in the all the Temples around the world today. For all you temple goers, you'll have to go and find out about it.

 Sister Ng, who has been working with Phoenix, called me tonight. Apparently Phoenix was trying to get a hold of me all day. But since we worked the late shift, we weren't home. Sister Ng informed me that Phoenix wanted to get released from the hospital, but they will only release her to a family member. Apparently she was wanting me to be that "family member". I couldn't get a hold of Constance to speak to him on this matter.

 

May 21 (Saturday)

 I received an early morning call from Phoenix today. She was still in the hospital and wanted us to come pick her up. We suspected that she wasn't released, but thought as long as someone came to get her she'd be able to leave...not. We had just missed visiting hours but the nurse let us in just to say "hi". She said she was all better and wanted to go home. The nurse/receptionist scooted us out but we were able to talk with the nurse once we were outside of the psych ward. She said the doctor had tried to get a hold of us, but since it is now Saturday, he will not be available till Monday. We will try to contact him then.

This afternoon Constance called to give us his new cell number. We had a good conversation, more than he has ever spoken to me before. He still has not gone to see his mom. We discussed her condition and he informed me that this isn't the first time this sort of thing has happened. There was a similar incident when they lived in the US. He really opened up a lot and said that we were the closest he has to family. That really touched my heart and I felt such empathy for him. He also said that the missionaries are the only friends they have. 

This brings to mind the Savior's admonition to "love one another", and "inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." It is so sad to think that even though people may have family, they are so disconnected. So sad to think that in a world with billions and billions of people, one would have not a single friend. So sad, so very, very, sad.


May 22 (Sunday)

Today was District Conference (equivalent to Stake Conference). Pres. Benjamin Tai was released as our District President and will take a seat as the Asia Area Seventy. Our new District President is Pres. Holyoake with Brad Hillam and Bruce Larson as counsellors. President Sam Wong was the main speaker for the Saturday evening session. He was very entertaining. Brad Hillam also spoke. He was so fun to listen to. Sunday speakers included Pres. and Sis. Tai, Pres. and Sis. Holyoake, Sis. Hillam, Pres. and Sis. Lam, Pres. and Sis. Wong, Sis. Rogers and Elder Williams from BYU. If one was to put a theme to the conference, it might be "seeing the end from the beginning."

 

 

 

 

The Thai's are Coming...The Thai's are Coming

May 9 (Monday)

Today there was an outing planned to go visit a fishing village and go on a boat ride. However, at 2:00 a.m. I had to make a quick dash to the bathroom. And then again, and again, and again. Guess we'll have to cancel. I didn't think it would be a very good idea to be on a boat, and not have access to a bathroom when needed. We stayed home all day and by evening, all was well and we decided to venture out to Ladies Market to do more shopping for gifts to take back home.


May 10 (Tuesday)

With Elder and Sister Lee going home soon, their responsibility over patron housing has been handed over to us. Patron housing is the housing facility available to people coming to the Temple from out of town. They will have a bedroom, bathroom, and access to a common kitchen facility. It's right across the street from the Temple, so is convenient for them. The building also houses the Hong Kong Mission office and distribution centre and chapel. It will be our responsibility to give an orientation to those who use the housing. We look forward to this since we will get to meet with all the visitors from Mongolia, Thailand, India, Cambodia, and anywhere else in the world who come to the Temple. This week we had 2 from India and 36 from Thailand and 2 from North Carolina/Singapore.


Some of the members from Thailand - I love this sweet little poi poi in the wheelchair. She's so precious!

May 11 (Wednesday)

With the large group from Thailand, it was necessary to run 2 extra sessions today. There were also 15 new endowment patrons. These people are so dedicated. Two of the sisters were in wheelchairs. One was in an accident so the wheelchair is temporary. The other was an elderly sister, probably around 90 years old. She was such a sweet old lady. She had a "perma-grin" and was always smiling and with palms together, always bowing in gratitude. So sweet. Even at her age, she still managed to do 2 sessions each day.

After a very busy day, we got home and I went for a swim to cool off. Then off to get some groceries.


May 12 (Thursday)

Again, 2 extra sessions had to be run to accommodate all the patrons. I suspect that will be the case all week.

Today is also moving day for Jade and Mike. Finally, after much back and forth negotiating, things were finally finalized. They have a lovely new home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. We look forward to seeing it next month.


May 13 (Friday)

For some Friday the 13th is a bad luck day, but in our family, it is Good Luck. Happy birthday to my brother Byron, and to John's brother Steve.

I went for my morning swim, but my tachycardia kicked in and I cut my swim short. Good thing it didn't last long.

A former student of John's (Tonya Thomson) came to pick up their son (Elder James Holmes) from his mission in Singapore/Malaysia. They planned to travel a bit before heading back home to North Carolina where they now live. They stopped by Hong Kong to visit the Temple. After our shift, we took them out to dinner at a Korean BBQ Restaurant, then a quick tour of Ladies Market and Tsim Sha Tsui. It was a fun evening. I was so impressed with James...what a wonderful, outgoing, charming young man. I know he was an awesome missionary, and is still in missionary mode as he stopped people in the market and just struck up conversations with them so easily.

Korean BBQ with Tonya (Thomson) Holmes &  (Elder) James Holmes

Shrimp, Sausage, Steak, Pork, Bacon, Chops

Grillin' N' Chillin'

 

Of course, it is Friday the 13th, so it wouldn't be complete with a little bad luck...well, not bad luck, but sad news to hear that the Lee's will be heading home next Wednesday, 2 weeks sooner than anticipated. June's mother is not doing well. She's 92. We will certainly miss them, but they will return at the end of October as the new Temple President and Matron just in time to release us in November.


May 14 (Saturday)

It's been a great week. With the Thai people and the couple from India, they made it very special for us. They are such great examples of dedication. We really felt their spirit.

Every time we go up the escalator at the Central MTR station, we see this mouth watering ad with a picture of BBQ ribs. So tonight, we decided to treat ourselves to a rib dinner at the Spaghetti House. It was not disappointing. We had each ordered the rib dinner, but when they brought out our meal, they only brought out one platter. It was huge! John and I looked at each other and John inquired, "Is this just one order? We ordered two, one for each of us." Still looking at the platter in front of us, I said, "I think one is enough for both of us." The waitress was very good and figured it would be, enough for both of us so she put in the order for one. Yummeee!

Since we had just had a wonderful meal, we decided to make it a formal date night. We strolled down the street to the newly renovated theatre and watched "Captain America - Civil War". Lots of action, some comic relief thanks to Spiderman, and super graphics.

May 15 (Sunday)

Happy Birthday, Molly! Hope you have a wonderful relaxing day. You deserve it!

Today we attended the Regional Broadcast at Wan Chai from Salt Lake. It was for the Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan area. President Gong, Presidency of the Seventies, Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Robert Gay of the Seventies, and Sister Marriott of the YW presidency were the speakers. It feels just a little more personal now to hear President Gong speak, having met him a couple of times. It was mentioned that church membership in Hong Kong is now around 24,000, and in Taiwan it is around 57,000. A good start, but still a long ways to go.

Big, Tall, Short and Small - The Lord God Loves Us All

May 2 (Monday)

Today we went shopping at Kwai Fong. Jasmine and Emmy had requested more "comfy pants". I guess they must be out of style now, because we couldn't find any there. I did however find a couple dresses, so all our time there was not wasted.

We decided to check out Shum Shui Po since John wanted to pick up his favorite wonton noodles for dinner, and I wanted their yummy mushrooms. We just walked around a bit then luckily found an outdoor vendor who just happened to have a rack of (drum roll), "comfy pants". Yeah. Search over...best part was the price $2.80 CAD each. So I picked up 5 pairs of long pants and 5 pairs of capri length...and they are really comfy.

It was another hot and sticky day. So went for a quick swim after we got home.


May 3 (Tuesday)

Start of another week at the Temple. Not much to report today. Here's a little gem you might enjoy reading:

The man whispered, "God, speak to me," and a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, "God, speak to me!" and the thunder rolled across the sky. But the man still did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you." And the sun shone brightly. But the man did not see.

And the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle," and a life was born. But the man did not notice.

So the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God and let me know you are here." Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But the man brushed the butterfly aside and walked on.

This is a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted. Don't miss out on the blessings because it isn't packaged the way you expect.


May 4 (Wednesday)

We have a work schedule for all the Temple Missionaries. However, as needed, it is always subject to change. Sister Rancie has been away for a few weeks tending to her family back in Australia. Her daughter has been going through a tough time with cancer. Good news though, her last report was she was all clear. Now she's just waiting the arrival of a new grandbaby. Sister Hathaway took ill this week, so we are short 2 workers. Then to top it off, 5 local sister temple workers were also booked off today for various reasons. So being 7 workers short, Sister Wong requested that switch my OAD from Friday to today (Wednesday), which I was more than happy to do. I love having Friday's off anyways.


May 5 (Thursday)

It's hard to keep up on my blog. If I don't make an entry each day or two, I forgot what has happened. This week is one of those weeks when I'm trying to fill in a week's worth on entries and not remembering much.



Some of our Thai patrons. They are here all week.

May 6 (Friday)

I'll remember this day! It was our OAD and I was going to sleep in. However, the phone rang and John got out of bed to answer. All I got from overhearing the conversation was, "What?... Say that again. Congratulations!" Then he called me to the phone. It was Sister June Lee informing us that they had been called as the new Hong Kong Temple President and Matron! What exciting news. They will be awesome in their new position.

President and Sister Wong will finish on October 30, and the Lee's will begin their 3 year term on November 1, 2016. We will serve with them for 5 days, then they will release us from our mission. Well, there goes our plans for going on a cruise with them before we go home in November. They will finish their Temple mission this month so they can go home to Dallas, Texas to prepare for the next 3 years. We've become such good friends. I will surely miss them.


May 7 (Saturday)

Nora's final farewell. It seems like we've been saying good bye for the past month with so many farewell dinners. The sisters on the Saturday shift had a potluck lunch for everyone. It's going to seem strange not having Nora at the Temple. She'll be missed by all.

Steamed Rock Cod with Veggies over Hot Plate

Spicy Pepper Chicken Hot Pot

One of Nora's many favorite restaurants.

Summer didn't take it's time getting here. Already it was 90F and high humidity. We, yes WE, John included went for a swim to cool off. OK, technically, I went for a swim, and John just got wet to cool off.


May 8 (Sunday)

Happy Mother's Day! to all the moms, grandmothers, daughters, aunts, and sisters. FaceTime is awesome. It's so nice to talk to loved ones face to face. Now, if we could just reach through cyber space and give each other a hug, that would be marvelous. Maybe next year someone will develop that technology.

Today we had our Self-Reliance Graduation during sacrament meeting. We're so proud of our grads. They are: Emma Arzadon, Leonida DeLa Cruz, Veronica Delrosario, Mercy Flores, Marilyn Mariano, Quennie Navarez, Diwata Plucena, and Maribel Reandino.

Diwata introduced the grads and presented their name and theme. They named their class DBWA which stand for Diligent Business Women in Action. They recited their theme:
 "And this is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. (D&C 104:15). With faith in the Lord, we are working together to become self-reliant."

Leonida (Nyda) was their 'valedictorian' and spoke on the 12 step program to Self-Reliance: Starting and Growing My Own Business. Then the grads sang, "Because I Have Been Given Much". This song always brings me to tears.

Emma Arzadon, Marilyn Mariano, Leonida De La Cruz, Mercy Flores, Diwata Plucena, Quennie Navarez
(missing: Veronica Delrosario, Maribel Reandino)



Leon Au and President Smart then presented them with their certificates from the LDS Business College. This is such a great achievement for these girls. Because Elder and Sister Coffey's mission ended before the course was completed, John and I were blessed to be able to instruct the last 4 lessons. We wish all these Diligent Business Women success in their future businesses.

And once again, Sister Janet Leung cooked up a wonderful meal to celebrate Mother's Day. After a quick bite to eat and a few photos, we ran off to Wan Chai to catch the Devotional put on by the BYU Women's Volleyball Team who are travelling through Asia. It was a wonderful, delightful evening.

Me and Amy, their tallest player

Bro. Lewis, Pres. Tai, Sis. Concepcion, us

We wanted a picture of the team...it turned into a photo bomb!

Alexa Grey from Lethbridge 

Pictures say a thousand words...

"Another One Bites The Dust"

April 25 (Monday)

It wasn't a perfect morning, but at least it was not raining. I love Mondays. I can sleep in and just take my time doing whatever I decide I'd like to do. So at 11:11 this morning, (Jade will understand that), I went for a swim. There were only a handful of people in the pool, 2 kids and 3 adults. I did my usual 60 laps. The water was cold, but so refreshing.

John had gone with Elder and Sister Lee to the genealogy library. Since I can't read Chinese, there was no point for me to go. This gave me the whole afternoon to catch up on the stories I've been writing. It's hard to write when you're not feeling motivated, but once I start, I can usually keep going.

Sister Chiu helping Elder Lee at the Genealogy library.

Lunch Break - doesn't get any better than Subway!

Big news..there's a Burger King that just opened at our MTR station. Yeah! So we tried it out for dinner tonight. John had a Whopper and I tried the mushroom swiss burger. Just like back home. Mmm.

April 26 (Tuesday)

Stopped by MOKO mall after work to pick up some crystals we had ordered. Of course, since we were already at the mall, we might as well grab supper at the food court. We've really gotten lazy here since it is so convenient and fairly inexpensive to eat out, if you avoid the big restaurants. John had his favorite noodle dish, and I had Pepper Lunch, my usual.

Look who we found in the mall - Captain America! 

Iron Man

Anxious to get home to see this one..

Phoenix and Constance called tonight to thank us for the clothes we bought Constance. He didn't go to church yet, but maybe next week.

Then the Elders called and wanted us to meet with Constance again, so that's set up for Saturday. It must be a phoning day, because the phone rang again, and it was the Sister missionaries wanting to set up an appointment with us to meet with Phoenix. So that's set for Friday evening. Things seem to be progressing slowly, but at least its progressing.


April 27 (Wednesday)

We had a big farewell dinner for Nora at the Crab Kitchen. Wow, you should have seen the lobster dish! It was pretty impressive. We'll all miss Nora. She's one of those persons that everyone just adores. She does so much at the Temple, she will certainly be missed.

L O B S T E R

Mushrooms, Abalone, and Shanghai Bok Choy

Longevity Buns

One of many farewell dinners.

We walked home from the restaurant. It only took about half an hour. It was a lovely evening except for the heat and humidity which wiped me out. My body did not like the heat or humidity and I broke out in a hives all around my middle. Man, I hate it when that happens. Itch, itch, itch. Took a double dose of antihistamine because it was so bad, then went to bed.


April 28 (Thursday)

We had the early shift today and I really struggled to get up. My first assignment was follower in the first session. I struggled to stay awake. I could barely keep my eyes open, so the coordinator told me to go upstairs and have a rest. I laid down and woke up 1 1/2 hours later. I felt bad for literally sleeping on the job, but I just couldn't stay awake. The antihistamine always seems to puts me out of commission. Guess I shouldn't have taken a double dose. I could hardly wait to go home. When I got home, I went to bed and didn't wake up until 4 hours later! Had a late dinner, took care of some urgent emails about grad, and now I'm ready for bed again. Good night. zzzzz


April 29 (Friday)

OAD - Went shopping in Central back to "Italian Town", where there were tons of Italian restaurants. It smelled so good. Stopped by Paisano's Pizzeria (authentic New York style Pizza). Best pizza we've had here.

Nothing like good ol' Hawaiian Pizza

Going up the mid level escalators

Sister Mendoza got transferred and now Sister Ng has a new companion, Sister Terry from Springville, Utah. She just arrived 3 days ago. They came to our apartment with Phoenix for a discussion. Phoenix really wants to get baptized, but there are some serious issues we need to clarify with her before she can be baptized. It's a touchy subject when it comes to mental health conditions. We had a great visit then went out for dinner at the same restaurant we had taken the Elders to last week. It's convenient to where we live and is very good. We weren't disappointed. It was just as good the second time as the first which isn't always the case.

Me, Phoenix, Sister Ng, Sister Terry

Such happy Sister Missionaries

May 30 (Saturday)

Busy, busy, busy. Our day at the Temple started out with a large group of over 100 youths coming to do baptisms, You'd think that with that many, things might be a little harry. However, it was amazing how well organized they were, and quiet and reverent. There was such a strong spirit there. I love being in the baptistry at times like that.

The Temple closes at 2:00 on Saturdays. All the senior temple missionaries then had a meeting with President Wong. As we all sat in his office, I could feel of his love he had for each one of us. He is an amazing man. I was so grateful to be serving with all these wonderful people and have truly grown to love them. It will be sad to see Nora leave us as she finishes her mission next week.

After our meeting, it was "party time" as we had another farewell dinner prepared by Sister Yuen and her helpers, Sisters Wong and Hui. Another amazing meal. Nora will return to Seattle, but we won't be surprised to see her back in Hong Kong before the end of the year. She travels back and forth a lot so I hope we will see her before the end of our mission.

She's happy to be going home...

I'm sad that she's leaving...boohoo.

The Temple gang...another farewell.

May 1 (Sunday)

We had a special treat today at church. A group of youth from the Asia Area were in Hong Kong for a youth conference. As part of their service project, they came to cook a wonderful chicken curry meal for the whole branch. It was wonderfully delicious. They also sang a beautiful blended musical number of "As Sisters in Zion" and "The Army of Helaman". It was so moving, it brought tears to my eyes.