The Final Countdown...updated

October 31 (Monday)

Time's a Tickin' - I don't have any pics to post.
Photos still won't download.

Updated: December 3 - finally got around to inserting pictures. Took a while to figure things out.

Happy Halloween...though it's Halloween, in Hong Kong, there is no trick or treating from door to door. We see costumes being sold and candy in the stores, but we don't see any signs of Halloween out in public. John and I decided to do our own version of trick or treat by putting on masks which Harbourfront was giving out to all the tenants. I packaged up some candies and went "un-trick and treating" to all the senior temple missionaries apartments. Instead of them giving us a treat, we gave them a treat. I kinda miss this day of insane candy collecting. I'm sure all our grandkids back home got tons of sugary treats.

*Use your imagination here since I've been unable to download any pictures. (John wearing a black spider mask, and I'm wearing a pink masquerade mask.) If I ever get my picture problem solved, I'll have to go back and edit and insert missing photos.

Our dear friend Coco who we had met early in our mission wanted to do lunch before we finish our mission. She's a sweet young single sister. We decided to invite her mom and a set of Elders and Sisters to join us. It seems like the YMCA is a central convenient place to meet, so we dined there at their lunch buffet.

Coco and her Mom

Sister missionaries and Elders and Sister Yam and Coco

Time's running out. After lunch we headed to Kwai Fong so John could pick up his new glasses. Then a quick trip to the jade market, then to see Mark, my hairdresser for my final hair cut before going home. After trick and treating, spent the rest of the evening trying to pack up more stuff.


November 1 (Tuesday)

Today is the first day for the new Temple Presidency: President Lee, with Pres. Ng as 1st Counselor and Pres. Nihipali as 2nd Counselor. It's an exciting time.

This is our last week. It will be the last for many things. It's kind of sad to think our mission is so close to being over, yet there is an excitement with thoughts of returning home.

We did our last orientation to 17 members from Thailand. They were an amazing group with 8 new sister endowments and 2 brothers.  My heart is full as we get to participate in these sacred ordinances. What a start for the new presidency. They were so busy and having to run double sessions.

I didn't think we had a lot of stuff to pack, but as I start trying to fit things into suitcases, I soon realize that another packing box will be needed to send stuff home.


November 2 (Wednesday)

I think it's going to be like this all week, double sessions for most of the day. It's wonderful to be so busy. Temple work is so important and to see the dedication of these faithful saints that come from near and far warms my heart and strengthens my testimony.

Another tick off my to do list before leaving Hong Kong. We had heard about people coming to Hong Kong to learn about our Church. They would often come in the morning; meet with the missionaries to be taught throughout the day; then be baptized that evening before returning home. We were privileged to meet 2 young ladies and 1 young man today who did just that. To witness their baptism and hear their testimonies was one of the highlights of our mission. Though they only spoke Mandarin and I couldn't understand what they were saying, I could feel through their spirit, the sincerity of their testimonies. Later John presented each of them with one of his Hong Kong Temple pictures. This would be our last baptism we witness before going home.

Tonight we picked up President and Sister Nihipali from the airport. Their flight didn't land till 10:30 and it was close to midnight by the time we arrived back at Harbourfront. They're a warm loving couple and I feel an easy friendship developing. Because of the late arrival time, there was no welcoming committee. With so many couples coming and going lately, it's hard to keep track of all the transitions.

November 3 (Thursday)

Happy Birthday, Gin! (my eldest sister). Hope the weather is good so you can go golfing. Today is our last late shift at the Temple. We've been receiving so many farewell wishes from those we have worked with. It's hard to imagine that we only have 2 shifts left. Another last is our last meal at "Charms", a late find, but it became one of our favorites.

It was good to talk to June (Matron Lee) on the phone. We sure missed each other. So sad that now she is back, we are about to leave. I know we must have been buddies in the pre-existence. I'll sure miss her again. We could talk to each other on the phone for hours. She'll be an incredible Temple Matron.


November 4 (Friday)

Our second last day in the Temple. It's a strange feeling of mixed emotions. It doesn't take much for me to become very teary eyed. Suddenly I realized just how close I've become with the sisters, even though there is still a great language barrier. The language of love holds no bounds.

Last minute shopping to the jade market, then met with Gaylon and MaryAnn Ball our trainers when we first arrived in Hong Kong. They had returned this week with Nora Chan who also served with us. They're going on a tour into China. We had dinner at Nomad's Mongolian Grill, another favorite dining place.

Dinner at Nomad's with Gaylon and MaryAnn Ball 

Traditional Jade Discs

November 5 (Saturday)

So this is it...what do I say? The last day...happy, sad...sad, happy... However you look at it, it's been an amazing journey. It's been a crazy hectic week with double sessions each and every day. With trying to pack and saying good-byes, and preparing for a trip, and ... so on. So much to do. Emotions are running high and I'm starting to feel very tired and worn out. I guess it is time.

It was around 1:00 pm after our shift had finished that we sat down with President and Matron Lee in his office for our formal Temple release. 17 months ago, it seemed like it was going to be a long time, but here we are at the end of our mission. It's hard to express these kinds of feelings, but for all of you who have experienced it, you'll know exactly what we're feeling. So blessed. We've been so blessed!

No time to relax though. As soon as we were changed, we rushed across the street to the Kowloon Tong Chapel to help set up for the Annual Devotional and Dinner for all the Temple workers, Temple Missionaries and staff. It was a lovely devotional with all the new Temple Presidency and their wives introducing themselves so we could all get to know them better. Sister Yuen (former Temple Asst. Matron) prepared one of her famous feasts. She's amazing.

The amazing Sister Yuen 

Richard and June Lee - new Temple President and Matron

Larry and Peggy Nihipali - 2nd Counselor in Temple Presidency

Temple Presidency: Nihipali's, Lee's, Ng's

Brother and Sister Choi, us, and Shirley & Charles Ngai (also released today)

The "Last Group" standing: Ng's, Nihipali's, Chan's, Ngai's, Lee's, Chan's
and four faithful temple workers (I'm bad remembering names)

Dinner ended early but we weren't ready to say good-bye to the Lee's yet, so we planned to go out for dessert later that evening. We met in Whompoa and went to a popular little dessert spot and each filled up on a couple traditional Chinese desserts each. Seemed like we just didn't want to depart as we ended standing out on the street just shooting the breeze. Thanks for a wonderful evening.

November 6 (Sunday)

This one's for you Jade, 11:11, we left Harbourfront for the airport to catch our flight to Singapore. After arriving in Singapore, we caught a taxi to our hotel, Sheraton Towers. Time for dinner so we were directed to the Newton Hawkers Food Center, all kinds of Asian fare in an open market.

At the Newton Hawkers Food Center 

We had a wonderful meal from the "Goodman" food kiosk.

It's been a hectic, emotional week. I'm ready for some R&R.

10 Shifts and Counting...

Happy Helping Hands

October 24 (Monday)

Another p-day, another meal. We met Rosana Li for lunch today. She took us to a very exclusive, members only, Japanese restaurant. We had our own private dining room, sealed off by sliding doors. The servers/attendants peak through a small window in the door to keep an eye on how your meal is progressing. Before entering, they knock, then bring in your meal, tea, or attend to any needs which they deem necessary. They bring you hot towels to wash your hands or wipe your face. Nothing like being pampered! And the food was excellent...a 6 section Bento box with raw sushi (John ate mine) and tempura and vegetables. Besides that it came with the yummiest salad ever, a bowl of rice, a bowl of soup, and a bowl of steamed egg. Hot lemon tea to wash it all down.

Frustrated yet once again...photo downloads are giving me grief. Sorry no photos. If I ever get this figured out, I'll have a lot of post photo editing to do.

My lazer hair treatments are about finished. No time to do more. Overall, I can feel the difference in having a thicker head of hair, but there wasn't much they could do about my dreaded cowlick. Why do they call it a cowlick? Anyways, that's permanent and annoying, permanently annoying.

Went again to ladies market to pick up a few more children's springy chopsticks. Rode the new expanded MTR line to Whompoa. It's nice and convenient to where we live. Treated ourselves to Haagen-Dazs on our walk home.

October 25 (Tuesday) 

Tuesday, another orientation day. We had 4 patrons from Thailand and 25 from Indonesia. It will be a very busy week. Aside from the Thais and Indonesians, there are a few from Mongolia that didn't need to be orientated. Patron housing was full.

We were asked to be mentors for Elder and Sister Stevens. After doing the orientations, I took Sister Stevens on a tour of the Temple. It can be very confusing at first with all the different floors and different elevators that only go to certain floors. It will take her a little while to get used to which elevator will take you where.

Elder and Sister Stevens

Tonight's dinner was with Elder and Sister Nielson who are also serving in Pen 3 with us, and Sister Lee, who is a single sister serving in the Mental Health department. My wish came true, in returning to Charm's Cafe for another meal. I wasn't disappointed. My fish and chips were awesome with the grilled portobello mushrooms with bacon and melted cheese.

October 26 (Wednesday) 

Most of the day was spent trying to familiarize the Temple floor plan and basic assignments with Sister Stevens. I can sure appreciate the work that the Bodily's had done with training new missionaries. There is a lot involved.

While in initiatory, I had a "thot pop", which is when a thought randomly pops into my mind. It caught me off guard why this thought would come during initiatory. It was but a fleeting moment, but it seemed like the plan was all laid out for me in that split second. It was about a business for the Filipino sisters called "Helping Hands."  It got me so excited. I will pursue it when I get home. This may be a pathway to bringing them to Canada.

We met Richard and June, or should I say President and Sister Lee, for dinner tonight. It felt so good to have them here again. I really missed June when they left back in May. But now they are back as the Temple President and Matron. They will be super in their new position.

October 27 (Thursday)

The young missionaries have been attending the Temple all week. They come in groups and along side of all the other visitors and patrons, we've been running double sessions every day. I love it when it is busy.

Dinner tonight was with Auntie May Soo. I'm going to miss her. We plan on one more meal together before we leave for home. Hopefully the rest of her family can join us. John finally got his Peking duck. It was pretty awesome, and we had the whole duck. There was so much left, so he had enough to feast on for lunch the next day. Everyone was jealous.

October 28 (Friday)

Another week is almost gone. Sister Stevens is still trying to figure out how to navigate the Temple. Once in awhile when I start thinking about how little time we have left here, I get a little choked up and teary eyed. Wish I wasn't so emotional. It takes very little to trigger the tear ducts.

We've been handing out John's Hong Kong Temple picture to all the people we've been working with during our time in the Temple. We didn't realize there were so many, so we'll have to print more pictures. We had made 200, but I guess that wasn't enough.

Tonight's dinner was with Sister Chui. She's the one who's been helping John with his genealogy. What a wonderful lady. She said she will take us back to our village in China and help research our family records. We hope to return sometime in 2017.

Sister Chui gave us a booklet on the Chan Ancestry Hall.

October 29 (Saturday)

It's a sad day. It's an exciting day. Many mixed emotions. Out with the old, in with the new, as the Temple Presidency changes over. President Wong, his counselors President Yuen and Hui, along with their wives were all released today. They have served well, and we will all miss them.

Part of the Saturday Temple Shift

Working along side these wonderful sister temple workers has been such an amazing blessing 

The Presidency with Brother and Sister Tsang.

The Presidency with all the Senior Couple Missionaries.

Fun with Brother Choi (Temple Recorder)...just being sassy...

They each conducted the final three sessions in the Temple. Tears flowed freely. After, we all went outside for a massive photo shoot and final goodbyes. "Well done my good and faithful servants." Well done!

Tonight was District Conference. The theme was "Love Thy Neighbour". It's a simple commandment. I'm going to try to be more diligent in this. It should be easy. If we can remember to be a little kinder, be a little less judgmental, be a little more caring and considerate to those around us, be a little more aware of others circumstances, then we can be more loving. We are all God's children.

Elder Nielson, President Smart, Elder Roberts, Elder Chan - Pen 3 Presidency

October 30 (Sunday)

Our final Sunday before our release from Temple duties. District Conference continued with the same theme. I was feeling good and composed, knowing this was our last Sunday. But, at the end of the conference, as I looked around, we were surrounded by the Sisters of Pen 3. I lost it! Tears came rolling down my face as I knew this might be the last time I may ever see some of them. So many emotions. Hugs and kisses, and "ugly" photos of me with blood shot teary eyes. Feel the love, oh, feel the love! They are what I will miss most about our mission.

Later that afternoon, we met one final time with President and Sister Wong. We had to pick up their apartment key for President and Sister Nihipali, one of the new temple counselors. It gave us a chance for one final goodbye. No, let me correct that, not a final goodbye, but "till we meet again" and I'm sure we will. I know our paths will cross again.

Time's a Tickin'

October 17 (Monday)

It doesn't matter how many watches you have, it doesn't give you any more time!

...and so the trend continues. By now, you must all think that all we do on our mission is eat! Well, aside from our work at the Temple, it pretty much seems that way. Now that we are into our final month, there seems to be farewell dinners regularly with people wanting to get together before we leave. So far this month, we have 16 dinners booked. We haven't had to buy much for groceries. We're trying to use up what we have.

Another "final" but not really, lunch at the YMCA buffet. The Bodily's leave tomorrow. In the evening, Shirley made apple pie for dessert, so we all gathered at their place. She makes the best apple pies!

Sorry, still no photos! They won't download. I think something is wrong with the ipod which John takes all our photos on. They won't download to either of our computers.


October 18 (Tuesday)

The Mongolians are still here from last week. We had another group of Thai's come today. There is a new temple announced to be built in Thailand. It will likely take a few years before it is opens. That will take away a lot of our patrons. Then when they build a temple in Mongolia (hopefully, that will be announced in the near future), then that's another group that we won't see much of. By then, hopefully, there will be more Chinese members filling in the void.

The Church is growing each week and each week, we see more and more new patrons coming. The Filipino sisters also make up a large part of the attendees. When I think of the countless number of members that come from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Jordan, India, and other surrounding countries that so faithfully attend the temple, my heart is full, and I will miss this wonderful experience.


October 19 (Wednesday)

While sitting in the late afternoon session, I could hear the roar of thunder. Oh, that sounded so ominous. As soon as the session was finished, it was announced that the Temple would be closed for the rest of the day, cancelling the last 2 sessions. There was a "black" storm warning...heavy, torrential rain. Thankfully, President Wong offered to drive us home. Many streets were flooded, and traffic was backed up to a standstill in some places. Rivers of water were flooding the roads. This is typhoon season.


October 20 (Thursday)

We've been following the U.S. election. Watched the final debate. Don't have a clue who would be the better president. Out of the 300 million people in the U.S., this is the choice they have? So sad. It really does make you ask, "What is this world coming to?"

On our way home through Metropolis, there were a whole bunch of vendors selling food items and random wares. It's always fun to check out what they have. I found some cute little cloth pouches and stickers which I thought would make a nice gift for our little primary girls. We also couldn't resist the "duong" (sticky rice and filling wrapped in bamboo leaves), and "ngo mei guy" (sticky rice with chicken wrapped in lotus leaves). Yum.

After our shift today, we walked over to Wonderland to pick up some white envelopes. It was getting late, so it was a good excuse to eat out rather than go home and cook. Charm's Cafe is a relatively new restaurant in the area, so we thought we would try it out. Oh my, I was so pleasantly surprised! We both had an 8 ounce U.S. premium steak, grilled to perfection, with a yummy garden salad with sesame dressing, and the vegetables just burst with flavor. I give this place a 9.5. Where they lost the .5 was the dessert, which didn't quite match up to the rest of the meal. We might have to go there again before we head home.


October 21 (Friday)

Typhoon Storm Warning Category 8! That means stay home. Everything shuts down and the city is virtually at a standstill. On one hand, it's nice to get a day off, but on the other hand, we can't go anywhere or do anything because everything is closed. It's like when we get hit with a blizzard back home. Bummer. At least it gives me time to catch up again on blogging, except I still can't get my pictures to download!


October 22 (Saturday)

After our shift today we headed over to Kwai Fong to pick up John's new pair of eye glasses. They're cheaper here than back at home. Did a little more impulse shopping then went to get groceries. Elder and Sister Stevens arrive tonight. They are temple missionaries. With the Bodily's gone and the Ngai's and us leaving shortly, they will be needed.  As usual when new missionaries arrive, we stock their apartment with basic supplies and greet them upon their arrival. They are from Springville, UT.


October 23 (Sunday)

It was a boo hoo day. I've had a few of them lately. Today was our last day in Pen 3 Branch. John and I gave our farewell talks. Vilma and Sonny Wen's son, Parley, just returned from his mission in England so there was a welcome home dinner for him at the branch. There's always comings and goings, nothing stands still. Change is good, though sometimes hard. I will miss all the sister of Pen 3. As a parting gift, we gave each member of the branch a copy of John's pointalism picture of the Hong Kong Temple and a "Moroni Swish" pin.

Sorry, still no pictures.

Dinner, Then Another Dinnner, Then Another Dinnnner...

October 10 (Monday)

Today is known as 10/10, the Chung Yeung Festival. It is a public holiday when entire families congregate at cemeteries to engage in age-old practices of ancestor worship. We didn't do anything to celebrate this holiday.

The second U.S. presidential debate was on so we watched some of that. It's a crazy time and a scary time for the people of the U.S. Glad I don't have to vote there. It's playing out like a really, really, really, bad reality show. The saddest thing is, is that it is real.

Did a little more shopping. Each time I think I'm done, something else comes up that I think I need or some family member needs. We've already shipped home 2 large boxes of stuff since we can't take it all on the plane. I'm sure over the next month, there will still be a few items to shop for.

Tonight we had dinner with Constant (I just found out that it is Constant, not Constance), Phoenix, Elder White, Elder Shipp, Sister Ng, and Sister Terry. This might be the last time we see these wonderful people. Though at one point Constant had set a baptismal date of October 23, it seems like he is hedging on that, and it may not happen until after our mission is done. He has come such a long ways from a year ago when we first met him. He's come out of his shell and has opened up so much. Even if he doesn't get baptized, to see the change in his countenance and self esteem is rewarding. I consider this a success.

Phoenix Wong, Sister Ng, Sister Terry, Constant Wong

Elder Shipp, Constant Wong, Elder White

As for Phoenix, since she has been released from the hospital, I have notice a small improvement. She looks healthier and has put on a little bit of weight which is good. She dresses more normal, and not like she's hiding from something, though she continually wears a surgical mask. She doesn't talk about hearing voices from god or the devil anymore. When I asked her if she still hears the voices, she just shrugged and didn't really answer me. Constant and Phoenix are good people. I hope and pray they will find the joy and happiness they seek.


October 11 (Tuesday)

Today starts another week at the Temple. This is the Bodily's last week before heading home. I'm going to miss them. We've had such a wonderful time together.

We were supposed to give an orientation this morning to a group from Thailand, but it was postponed until tomorrow. My first post was in the baptistry. There was a family from the U.S. What a wonderful experience for their young daughter to be able to come to the Hong Kong temple. My next assignment was to help a sister from Thailand taking out her own endowment. What a special event it was for her. I love doing the initiatory with her. Such a special spirit.


October 12 (Wednesday)

This morning started off with the orientation of 16  members from Thailand. I love it when we get these groups from other countries.

We finally met with the tailor from Shenzhen for our first fitting of our temple dress. Mine needed a few minor adjustments. It's unfortunate that he lives so far away. It would be so much more convenient if he were local. However, local tailors charge a lot more for custom clothing.


October 13 (Thursday) 

This afternoon the contingent from Mongolia arrived, so John and I stayed to orientate them. There were 24 members including 9 members coming for the very first time to receive their own endowments. We were privileged to be able to administer their initiatory. This is one of my favorite assignments. There is always an air of excitement and anticipation with a sweet spirit. For those of you who are not members of the church, perhaps it is hard for you to understand what I am referring to, but suffice it to say, it is a sacred ordinance which brings great blessings.


October 14 (Friday)

Friday always denotes the weekend, so the Bodily's and us decided to go out for dinner at our favorite restaurant Korean #1 BBQ. It's bitter sweet that this would be our last dinner together before they go home.


October 15 (Saturday)

With both the Thai and Mongolian groups here this week, it was a very busy morning. We had to run double sessions. Love it when were packed to overflowing.

I thought all our farewell dinners had been taken care of earlier this month, but I was mistaken. Sister Yuen, the assistant to the Matron, cooked up another luncheon for all the temple workers. She's amazing and good thing she likes to cook.

After a nap, Deb and I went to meet Sister Chau at the MTR since she had picked up our dresses from the tailor in Shenzhen. Sister Chau has been amazing in taking so much time for us to get our dresses. Mine fit OK, but it doesn't look as good as I had hoped. Perhaps I should have chosen a different style. Maybe it's the perfect dress, just not the perfect body. haha.

With Bodily's busy packing and doing last minute stuff, we decided to make dinner for them. It was a lot more convenient just to take dinner to them and not have to take time out to go out and eat. Did I mention we're going to miss them? Boo hoo.


October 16 (Sunday)

Sister Roberts was away in Mongolia, so I was left "to do" the self-reliance class. Good thing Antonio was back from the Philippines and he was the facilitator. He's amazing and is a natural leader. The Branch is lucky to have him as one of our priesthood leaders.

The sisters in the Branch surprised us this week with a going away gift. Maribel Reandino made a beautiful cross stitch quote for us and presented us with 2 very special t-shirts. It's hard to imagine that next week will be our last day in Pen 3. Such mixed emotions have been running through me over the past couple months. Next Sunday is going to be very emotional.

John and I were in charge of Family Home Evening today. We decided to play Charades. The girls loved it, and are so-o-o competitive. Most bids got down to 5-10 seconds. One even got down to 3! Love and laughter...such great memories to take home with us.

(Photo transfer is giving me grief! If I ever get it resolved, I'll have to go back and insert pictures.)

The Countdown is on...

October 3 (Monday)

Today we went to have lunch with Auntie May Soo. Emy Gabasa, a member of our branch met with us. We had hoped she would be a good helper for Auntie. However, as we all discussed her needs, and Emy's availability, we came to the decision that it wouldn't work for either of them. At first Auntie thought a part time helper might work, but with further discussion, she realized that she really needs a full time helper.

John, Judy, May Soo, Emy

October 4 (Tuesday)

After work today we took a trip to Central for a lazer treatment, then over to Mong Kok to Ladies' Market. Still had a few odds and ends to pick up before time runs out on our mission.

October 5 (Wednesday)

Back to Ladies' Market...again...picked up a purple ukelele for Emmy. I wouldn't sleep this night so I decided I might as well just get up. I started to write my farewell talk and had it finished in 1 1/2 hours. Guess it was worth getting up.

October 6 (Thursday)

Off to Kwai Fong after work. Seems like the shopping is never done. We sent a huge box home already by slow boat from China. It'll take about 2 months. I keep thinking I'll have lots of room to pack up, but with all the shopping, a little here, a little there, I may be running out of space.

Sounds like Hurricane Matthew is closing in on Miami. Hope there will not be too much destruction.

October 7 (Friday)

There was a Hong Kong Mission Reunion which we were invited to. Ed Lai was a missionary here about 40 years ago. He arranged for the meal and program and covered all the expenses personally. What a wonderful time for all former missionaries. It's exciting to see how much the church has grown here in Hong Kong. There seems to be a real "family" for all those early HK saints. It reminds me of Southern Alberta, where in the Mormon community, everyone seems to be related to everyone.

Ed Lai organizer extraordinaire.

Daniel Pun (Temple worker) and Sheldon Pun (travel agent)

Bother Cheuk and his RM Son, Joshua

Sister and Elder Chan - Hong Kong China Temple Mission 2015-2016

Sister Yip, Me, Julia Shum (super friendly new friend), Deb

Good times...great memories...

My Brother Cheuk story: This past Wednesday as I was going up the stairs to the fourth floor, Brother Cheuk (whom I didn't know), was behind me. He commented to me, "You are a beautiful angel." I turned to see who was talking to me. I smiled and  thought to myself, what a lovely compliment. 

Then on this Friday, Brother Cheuk told John this story about me. He said he had come to the temple hoping for a spiritual experience. I was the celestial room attendant. When he entered the celestial room and saw me sitting there, he said he saw my countenance was aglow, and he felt a special spirit. I don't know what he meant by it all, but I'm glad he was able to feel like he had received the spiritual experience he was hoping for.

October 8 (Saturday)

Early this morning, the Bodily's, Chamberlain's, CFChan's, and us boarded the ferry to Macau. This was our "last hurrah" so to speak before our mission ends. Hathaway's joined us at Fernando's. The plan was to have lunch at Fernando's then just chill out and relax and we were each going to go do our own thing. However...even the best laid plans don't always work our the way we hoped. 

Macau here we come!

 We didn't think lunch would take as long as it did. By the time we got back to our hotel, The Venetian, to check in, there was a long lineup. Check in was at 3:00 and we didn't get our rooms till around 4:00. Our afternoon of R&R was basically shot...wasted! Awwh! So we basically just ended up exploring the hotel, which was huge.

Lunch at Fernando's

Black Sand Beach across from Fernando's

 We had planned to take a gondola ride through the canals, but were so disappointed when we saw the canal. It was a piddly little indoor canal and didn't even circle the hotel. We had entertained the idea of a spa treatment, and found that there was no spa in the hotel. It was closed for renovations. We were going to just relax poolside, but by the time we finally found the pool, it was 5 floors up, walk the distance of 2 football fields, then 5 flights down. By now it was time for dinner before going to see STOMP which was the whole purpose of this trip. We never did find the mini golf course.

We had dinner at one of the numerous restaurants in the hotel. It was pretty good and we had a nice friendly waiter which made it very enjoyable. Then off to the show...At least STOMP was worth coming for. It was fabulous. We loved every minute. The creativity was amazing!

Stopped for ice cream after the show and before heading to our Venetian suite. It was pretty deluxe. These suites were priced at $8000.00HKD/night, but we got a package deal which included the suite, buffet breakfast and our STOMP tickets for a mere $3660.00 HKD. So I think we got a pretty good deal. 

October 9 (Sunday)

We had a wonderful buffet breakfast before heading back to Hong Kong. 

We had a dinner engagement at President and Sister Wong's that evening. A great home cooked meal and a lovely time to spend with them along with the Bodily's, Ngai's and James'. As a farewell gift, we received a beautiful porcelain vase. We've been so privileged to serve under President and Sister Wong. We've enjoyed hearing all their stories about the Temple and the Church as it has grown throughout Asia. We will miss them dearly. There tenure as Temple President and Matron will finish on October 29.