"This little piggy went to market..."

September 12 (Monday)

Though today was p-day, no sleeping in for us. We met with Sister Kathy Roberts to take her shopping. Even though she's been in Hong Kong for many months, she has not ventured very far to discover the great little shops in Hung Hom, the area where we live. So today we took her around to some of our favorite places.

"This little piggy went to market"...

Fresh Veggies

Fresh Fruit

Hack a slab of Beef - pick your cut.

Fighting my way out of the fruit market.

After a couple hours of shopping we returned home to fry up some deep fried wontons for Sunni Wen, a good friend who works security at the Church Headquarters. He had specially requested these since he missed out last time we had them at church. Sister Roberts said she'd take them to him for us.

With time running out, we decided to visit the Space Museum. It's closed for renovations until 2019, but they were still showing the 3D imax movie. It was very disappointing as the quality of the film was extremely poor.

Outside the Space Museum

To my Alien Fan Club - Makumba Fans, eat your heart out...

"Makumba lives!"

It was hot and humid and one of the few days that we've seen the sun in a very long time, so we went for a swim. So nice and relaxing. A good p-day.


September 13 (Tuesday)

Our morning started off with a quick meeting with President and Sister Wong, before we had to do the orientation to the Arabian group from Jordan. 25 members have come to Hong Kong, some for their first temple experience. There were some American members living in Jordan that accompanied them. They work for the American Embassy. Thank goodness, they were able to interpret for us. 8 new endowments, family sealings, and other ordinances will keep us busy all week. It's so exciting to have these people come from so far away. They are a true example of dedication and a testimony of commitment.

Members from Jordan

September 14 (Wednesday)

There were many tears of joy over the last couple days. Husband and wife sealed, children sealed to parents, there's always such a sweet spirit present. Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father's plan! One dear sister lost her husband only 3 months ago. He never had the opportunity to come to the Temple, but today, through special permission, the one year waiting period was waived, and he was sealed to his dear wife. Sweet mercy of a loving Father in Heaven.

The new angel Moroni against a rare blue sky.

September 15 (Thursday)

Happy Moon Festival Day! There are moon cakes everywhere! Personally, I don't care for them. However, John can't seem to get enough. We've been inundated with moon cakes at the temple...all different kinds. The more modern style ones, I like with custard type fillings. The traditional ones with the egg in the middle, I pass off to John and he gladly devours them.

Home made moon cakes by President Hui.

Moon Cakes, Mangoes and Persimmons in Season

Being it was Autumn Moon Festival, a public holiday, the Temple was only open for 3 session, 9:00, 11:00 and 1:00. It wasn't busy at all. On our way home we run into 2 elders. Jasmine, our daughter had told us to keep our eyes open for an Elder Magrath who is serving in Hong Kong. His good friend, Sister Myers, is serving in her ward. They said he was a red head. Sure enough, it was Elder Magrath that we ran into along with his companion Elder Chou. They had just crossed paths with a young man who approached them and struck up a conversation about the church.

Elder Chan, investigator, Elder Magrath, Elder Chou

There might have been some special events going on in celebration of Moon Cake Day,  but we weren't aware of any, so we spent a quiet evening at home.

September 16 (Friday)

Today was a statutory holiday. I'm still confused about the difference between a public holiday and a statutory holiday. Anyways, we were on the statutory schedule which runs 5 sessions between 7:00 and 11:30 am. Unlike yesterday, the sessions were packed to overflowing. It was a very busy day. We finished around 1:00. Then came home and had a nap before heading to Tai Koo to have lunch with Aunty May Soo and family.

Very unusual - braised pomelo pith...interesting...

Their version of a sizzling go ba...not quite the same as ours.

A little camera shy? 

Mike, Agatha, Ernest, Louisa, May Soo, Judy, John

September 17 (Saturday)

After the temple closed today, we had a welcome party for Elder Charles and Sister Fanny Chan. They've already been here for a month, but things have just been too busy to catch them earlier. They are from Vancouver. We enjoyed another fabulous meal prepared by Matron Wong, and her assistants, Sister Hui, and Sister Yuen (chef extraordinaire).

Sister Fanny and Elder Charles Chan 

Asst. Matron Hui, Asst. Matron Yuen, Rae, Fanny, Bonnie, Judy, Shirley, Deb

Temple Presidency and Temple Missionaries with recorders Bro. Chan and Bro. Choi

September 18 (Sunday) 

Today we started another session of the Self Reliance program. Sister Roberts and I just did the introductory. After that, we are just in the class to assist, be the "fly on the wall". Next week, Maribel Reandino will be the weekly facilitator. Being the third Sunday, it was another Branch dinner.

My special friend Coco Yam

John, Nova, Mercy, Judy, Maribel, Masako, Taeia, Rona