May 30 (Monday)
P.day. We had a meeting with Phoenix's doctors, Dr. Yip and Dr. Lam. Phoenix has named us as her contact people. They were interested in trying to find out anything we could tell them about her past. Unfortunately, because we have only gotten to know her since being here in Hong Kong, we couldn't offer up much information. We told them what we knew of her relationship with her son, and that this type of behavior has been going on for awhile, though the exact number of years is uncertain. She doesn't have any friends that we know of, and the relationship with her sister who lives in Hong Kong is pretty strained as they don't communicate one with another.
They indicated to us that she is undergoing treatment. They say she is psychotic, delusional, and schizophrenic. They suspect she will be detained in the hospital for a number of months. Though at this point she is not a danger to society, they fear she may be in danger to herself. As she seems to listen to the voices in her head and act upon what she hears, she could potentially hurt herself and others if her condition becomes more aggressive.
Later we went to the Jade market and shopped around for gifts. Only one week before we head home.
May 31, (Tuesday)
What a wonderful start to a new week at the Temple. We did an orientation to a group from India. Right from the time we met them in the temple waiting room, I could feel the spirit. There were 14 adults and 5 children altogether. For 8 of them, they were there for the first time to take out their own endowments and then to do family sealings.
I now know why everyone who gets assigned to do patron housing, gets so attached to the patrons. You are their first contact when they come. There seems to be an instant bond. As you instruct them, then take them into the temple and prepare them for their initiatory and endowment session, then their sealing, you feel like they are family. And that's exactly how this group treated us, like family.
We had a wonderful 5 days with them. It's so amazing to me how strong the Church is growing in India. With dedicated members like these, the Church will continue to grow and prosper.
June 1 (Wednesday)
The calendar says that it's not summer yet, but the temperature tells me otherwise. When it's 90 F with 90% humidity, that's summer to me!
Besides the group from India, we also had 4 sisters from Thailand. The 76 year old sister came for her first time endowment. Such a blessing. You're never too old, and it's never too late.
Sometimes it seems like trials never end. Elder and Sister Rancie were blessed with a new baby granddaughter just 2 weeks ago. They were just informed that the baby has a 1 cm hole in her heart. How devastating! The doctors have tried to reassure them, that this is not rare, and it can be fixed. The baby will have to undergo surgery in a few weeks. We're all fasting and praying that all will be well.
June 2 (Thursday)
Just before the end of our shift today, I was privileged to do some initiatory work for a mother and daughter from the U.S. They were here because another one of the daughters had just adopted a baby from China. She was waiting downstairs with the baby. As John and I were leaving, I noticed the family standing by the recommend desk with the baby and I wanted to see her. She was actually 3 years old. Her name is DanElle.
There seemed to be some commotion. The new mother was in tears. DanElle had a heart condition and was having trouble breathing. She was limp and her colour was bluish. They wanted to get a blessing for the child. I suggested that John could give her a blessing and he could find another priesthood holder to assist.
Brother Chan, the assistant Temple Recorder suggested that we go across the street to the chapel to do the blessing.
We went there and went to the mission office where we found Elder James. He was more than happy to help with the blessing. DanElle was fussing and so uncomfortable. You could tell she was not well. John anointed her with the consecrated oil and Elder James sealed the anointing and pronounced a beautiful blessing on her. It seemed instantly, as hands were placed upon her head, she became totally calm. A special peace could be felt in the room. As the blessing ended, DanElle, looked so much better already. A pinkier colour returned to her face. She smiled and was happy. The power of the priesthood is real. I testify to that.
June 3 (Friday)
Photo shoot. Then off to the Jade market to finish shopping before our trip home.
June 4 (Saturday)
It's hard to believe that it was our last shift at the Temple before our 6 week break. It came so fast. Suddenly there seems to be so much that needs to be done before we go home. Another trip to Li Yuen street to exchange a top and pick up something for my mom and John's mom.
Then it was off to dinner with Auntie May Soo and Steven and Louisa. I was amazed at how much Louisa and I actually talked this time. I guess we're finally warming up to each other. It was a good evening. I'm still sad that Auntie will not be coming back to Canada with us. Maybe next time.
We met the Chamberlain's at the shuttle stop and briefly spoke with them. They were off to serve dinner for some special guests at Wan Chai. For a moment, I was jealous, but only for a moment. If we had been called to public affairs as we had initially applied for, we would be the ones doing the dinner. Often church officials come to Hong Kong, and we'd be putting on receptions for them, rubbing shoulders with general authorities.
But then I reflected on my week. Yes, meeting and greeting presidents and seventies would be exciting, but meeting and greeting the humble faithful members that come to worship in the House of the Lord, is oh, so much more fulfilling! To be a part of helping a sister through the initiatory process, to see husband and wife sealed together for time and all eternity, to see children standing around the alter as families become sealed as eternal family units, to see the bright smile on a young deacon as he goes into the water of baptism for his ancestors, and to witness miracles of faith and healing. What a blessing I've been given to have been called to serve in the holy House of the Lord, to be an instrument in the Lord's hand. Yes, my heart is full!
June 5 (Sunday)
We went to church early. John had a meeting and I was to meet with Sister Roberts. She is going to help me with my little book project. I'm running out of time. Being away 6 weeks will really back me up. So I'm thankful she has offered to help. The sisters in the branch are always there early. It's always fun to visit with them. Sometimes some of them just need someone to talk to and unload on. Today was one of those days, so I was glad I was there early. These are all my girls. I feel like the "mother" to some of them. I'm thankful that they feel confident enough to confide in me.
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| Family Home Evening Lesson - Our Favorite "Is it This One? Game" |
I got 2 more interviews done today and Sister Roberts sat in on the interviews since she will be doing them for the next 6 weeks. I feel so relieved. I know my time back in Canada will be so busy. I don't know how much blogging I will get done but hopefully, I can keep it up.
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Another Pen 3 meal...to finish off the week.
(It's been a long time trying to finish this weeks blog. We've been back in Canada for almost 5 weeks now so I have lots to catch up on. My memory fades quickly, and there are some pictures that I can't find, and some pictures might be out of sequence. Guess I didn't need to mention that, no one would know the difference.)
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