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| Tsz Shan Monestary - Guan Yin (Avalokitesvara) Statue |
September 26 (Monday)
And so the farewells begin...the Rancie's, Whitman's, Chamberlain's, Bodily's, and Brown's are all finishing their missions in October. The Temple Presidency (Wong's, Yuen's and Hui's) will be released October 29. The Ngai's and us will finish on November 5. That's a total of 10 couples leaving within a 5 week period. Big changes!
And of course, what's a farewell, without farewell dinners. More eating. Today was a farewell for the departing Temple Senior Couple Missionaries and Temple Presidency. With so many leaving all at once, we decided to celebrate everyone at the same time. The Kimberly Hotel Buffet was the perfect setting.
On behalf of all the Temple Senior Missionaries, we presented the Presidency with a parting gift - a framed picture of the Hong Kong Temple which John had drawn using his pointillism technique. Needless to say, it was well received.
After a wonderful buffet lunch, we had a 3 hour break before our next farewell dinner. This time it was at the area office in Wan Chai, to bid farewell to the Temple Missionaries as well as the area office missionaries.This being our FHE night, our activity before dinner was to participate in Chi Gong, a form of chinese excercise, instructed by Elder Thong.
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| Such grace and form... |
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| I can do this ... maybe |
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| Great "end" move... |
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| Loretta Nielson and Kathy Roberts |
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| We're singing this? But we haven't practiced! What tune? |
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| The Last Hurrah! Rob & Rae Rancie, Robert & Carma Brown, Charles & Laraine Chamberlain, John & Judy Chan, Dale & Marjorie Whitman, Charles & Shirley Ngai, Gary & Deborah Bodily |
September 27 (Tuesday)
The US Presidential debate was on TV this morning. Since we didn't have to be to work till 11:00, we were able to watch part of it. I think the US is in trouble. Guess it's just a sign of the times. There are so many prophecies that are coming to pass which are written in the scriptures for our time. We can see them unfold as the second coming draws nearer and nearer. I look forward to that day when the Savior will return to rule and reign in righteousness and peace shall abound.
September 28 (Wednesday)
Our last OAD of our mission. We went with the Bodily's to the Tsz Shan Monastery. What an amazing structure. The idea for the development of Tsz Shan Monastery germinated with Mr. Li Ka-shing, who as of mid 2015 has contributed over $1.7 billion HKD from his personal foundation to cover the development and daily operating costs of the Monastery. It took about 10 years to build and just opened to the public in April of 2015. Pictures just don't do it justice. There is a feeling of peace and tranquility.
Guan Yin has a compassionate and graceful demeanour and on her topknot thee is a small image of Amitabha, implying the blessings and protection received through his immeasurable power. In her right hand she holds a wisdom mani pearl and in her left hand a vase from which she ours pure water to cleanse the phenomenal world. She looks down from above on all beings, guiding them to enlightenment with her compassion and wisdom.
An illustration of the Maitreya Descending Sutra, reproduced with mondern technology from the Yulin Grottoes.
Right in front of the statue there is a large bronze water vessel known as the Thousand Wishes Pond. Visitors making a water offering to Guan Yin pour water into the pond.
We took a Chinese calligraphy class in the Universal Gate Hall. The walls are carved with calligraphy recording the Ten Great Vows. We graduated with our certificates.
October 1 (Saturday)
Today was fast and testimony Sunday. That also means that it is potluck Sunday. It was transfers this week and Sister Molina was transferred to Macau. Our new missionary is Sister Brojan. It was also Sister Bongo's last day in the Branch. She goes home this week.
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| Tsz Shan Gate |
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An illustration of the Maitreya Descending Sutra, reproduced with mondern technology from the Yulin Grottoes.
Right in front of the statue there is a large bronze water vessel known as the Thousand Wishes Pond. Visitors making a water offering to Guan Yin pour water into the pond.
We took a Chinese calligraphy class in the Universal Gate Hall. The walls are carved with calligraphy recording the Ten Great Vows. We graduated with our certificates.
September 29 (Thursday)
Slow day at the temple. Caught up on my blog, almost.
September 30 (Friday)
We met with Elders White and Shipp and Constance. They had set a baptismal goal of October 23. That's so exciting, but it still has not been confirmed. Constance has come such a long ways from when we first met him a year ago. He has opened up so much, come out of his shell, and is very talkative. We went for dinner afterwards, but Constance didn't want to join us.
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| Sad to be losing the Rancie's and Bodily's in October. |
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| We've had a good time together |
October 1 (Saturday)
Today is China's National holiday. After a busy day at the temple, we all decided to go out to dinner at California Kitchen. It was just a short walk from our apartment. On the way home, we stopped on the promenade to watch the fireworks.
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| Pre-fireworks security check |
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| More heads and hands than fireworks |
October 2 (Sunday)
Today was fast and testimony Sunday. That also means that it is potluck Sunday. It was transfers this week and Sister Molina was transferred to Macau. Our new missionary is Sister Brojan. It was also Sister Bongo's last day in the Branch. She goes home this week.
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| Me, Sister Brojan, Sister Bongo |
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