Kindred Spirits!

Sister Ngai and I have discovered we like shopping at the same places in Stanley, 

and we have similar tastes in clothing.

I think we may be 'kindred spirits' because I have loved this woman

since she and Elder Ngai arrived in Hong Kong.

Saying Goodbye To The Wilsons

We have come to love Elder and Sister Wilson in the short time we have been here, or at least it seems like a short time.  It has been 3 1/2 months already.

This has been their 2nd time to serve in the Hong Kong Temple as a couple, and Elder Wilson's 3rd.

It is clear that they have a great love for Hong Kong and it's people, and for serving in the temple.

We learned more about the Chinese people and their culture because of them.

They took their time to show us other areas of Hong Kong that a tourist might not typically see.

We saw where Elder Wilson lived as a young elder, and 

where the church held meetings in Sham Shui Po more than 50 years ago.

They shared facts and Chinese traditions that we found quite interesting and unique.

They took us to the Jade Market, and gave a lesson in bargaining.

The introduced us to Stroopwafels,

 and Elder Wilson personally escorted us to where we could buy some of our own.

President Wong passed their assignment to coordinate the Statutory Holidays on to us, 

and they have been extremely helpful in preparing us for this responsibility.

Their suggestions and advice in adjusting to missionary life in Hong Kong

has been appreciated and beneficial.

They have taught us much from their examples of dedicated missionary service.

 Elder Bodily, Sister Bodily, Sister Wilson, Elder Wilson

Walking to the train together, one last time.

Riding the train in First Class with a First-class lady.

We have made some happy memories with Elder (Bob) and Sister (Helga)Wilson, and we are going to miss them. 

 We wish them well, and look forward to seeing them again. 

Pies At The Ngais!

When Sister Ngai has an abundance of apples, she makes pie.

And then she shares it with the rest of us.

We saw for ourselves that Sister Ngai knows how to make a delicious pie.

This was our last casual evening with Elder and Sister Wilson

Laughter was all around.  That is what happens when temple missionaries get together.

This is a good group of missionaries, and we have a fun together.

The Ngais other assignment is to plan social activities for the temple missionaries, 

and they are fulfilling that assignment very well.

Thank you Charles and Shirley for an enjoyable evening.

Thanks to Elliott, We Have A Photo!

These are some fine young adults we met recently at the temple.  However, the day they came, I didn't have my camera.  But, not to worry because one of the guys agreed to send us a photo as soon as he could, and sure enough, he sent this today. 

 Thanks Elliott for being a man of your word.

Amber Ricks, Elliott Bliss, Megan Taylor, Daniel Whitlock, 

Logan Brown, Sierra Willis, Walker Wright, Alyssa Bailey

You can read a little more about them in our July 18th posting.

A Little Night Time Entertainment in 3D!

Tonight we watched something unlike anything we have before.

A laser show projected against the concaved side of the Cultural Events Center in Tsim Sha Tsui.

This was a free event.  So, the only cost was some time to walk 20 minutes from Harbourfront.

 It was enjoyable and lasted about 10 minutes.  Definitely geared for kids.

 Pandas are found almost everywhere we go, and tonight was no different.

Thought our grandkids might especially enjoy these.

An Unexpected Invitation!

Elder and Sister Wilson have two weeks before they go home, and had been invited to the Law's home for a farewell dinner last night.
We were a bit surprised, yet honored when asked if we would like to join them.
Of course, we said yes!
Sister Law is the coordinator for the ordinance workers on Thursdays, and Brother Law works at the temple on Friday evenings.
 They live up in the New Territories in a village in Fanling, which is a 40 minute train ride from the Hung Hom Train Station near our apartment.  We were pleasantly surprised when Brother and Sister Choi came over as well.  Brother Choi is the temple recorder, so we see him almost every time we are at the temple, and Sister Choi is an ordinance worker on Fridays.

 Two missionaries, Sister Choi, Sister Law, Brother Law

The Law's home is very warm and inviting with evidence of a happy family.  We enjoyed seeing photos of their family, and noticed their framed pictures are displayed right to left according to age.  The Law's three daughters and their families live in Lehi, Utah along with their three grandchildren.  So, Brother and Sister Law are acquainted with the Salt Lake Valley.

Sister Law is an excellent cook and hostess.  She prepared and served 12 dishes for 9 people, with a two-burner stove.  She is incredible!  Everything she served was truly authentic Chinese cuisine, and delicious.  Our meal began with a carrot soup, which is to be drunk from the bowl with one hand.       We then put rice in the bowl we had just drank soup from and then topped it with each of the following dishes (one at a time):  Pork chops and tomatoes, Green onions with shrimp, Beef and Curry Stew, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Wings w/crab (which she deboned), Duck & Cucumber, Spring Rolls, Steamed Fish w/onion, Fried dumpling, and Eggplant with pork.  I will just add that I am not fond of eggplant, but the way Sister Law prepared it made it tasty.
Dark colored chopsticks are used to serve with, and light colored chopsticks are used to eat with.
I am a bit proud to say, that everything that was required to eat with chopsticks, I managed to accomplish.  It has taken me 3 months, but Elder Bodily has been proficient with chopsticks for awhile now.  

Dessert was Coconut and Cinnamon-flower Cheesecakes, served with forks.

Sitting L to R:  Sister Bodily, Sister Law, Elder Wilson, Sister Wilson
Standing L to R: Elder Bodily, Brother Law, Brother Choi, Sister Choi
Photo taken by Sister Law's sister.

It was delightful to see the Laws and the Chois in a casual setting, and we enjoyed getting to know them better as we ate a delicious meal together.

We thank Elder and Sister Wilson (Bob & Helga) for including us.
It was one of our best evenings since being here.

Island 1st Branch

From the time we got our call to serve in Hong Kong, 

we expected to learn something of the Chinese culture.

 Little did we know we would be attending a Filipino Branch and learning about their culture too.

There are considerable differences between the two,

 but one thing they share in common is they eat a lot of rice.

These are just some of our branch members.
 We have approx. 125 attending.
We meet on the 6th floor in Wan Chai.

This is what you will see happening on the 3rd floor, Sunday mornings.

 Our sisters are learning some basic sewing skills.

 Wilma makes me smile.

Our branch is divided into 5 families, and below are a few members from our family,
The Rollog/Bodily Family Group

A scrumptious meal is served after church

 on the 1st and 3rd Sundays.

Joy and Leonida and Elder Bodily

 

We have been trying to learn these beautiful ladies' names, but still have a ways to go.

We have about 30 in our family group.

 Rhonaliza, ?, Lea, Rowena (way in the back), Joy, and Princess Joy are among the few we do know.

Lorna

Jocelyn, Myself, Gloria, Jane, and Christy

We caught these three adorable triplets helping themselves to the water dispenser as we were heading home.  Amazingly, they weren't spilling too much on the floor.  They are not in our branch, but we couldn't resist taking their picture because they are so dang cute, and belong to someone in our
Wan Chai building.

A NEW EXPERIENCE AND A BLESSING!

Today I experienced something that I haven't before.  I assisted our Temple Matron, Sister Wong as a patron in the temple, serving as proxy for her own ancestors in the sacred work that is necessary for them to receive eternal blessings.  The Spirit was certainly felt.
Sister Wong graciously thanked me after each ordinance was completed, something I often fail to do.  I am learning from her example of humility, gratitude, and love.

In the past three months, I have had two other occasions to perform ordinances side by side with Sister Yuen and Sister Hui, the Assistants to the Matron, as well.  I have thought to myself, this would not happen in the Boise Temple, or at least it is highly unlikely.  But, what a blessing it is, and how grateful I am for these 'tender mercies'.

These moments make me even more thankful to be serving in the Hong Kong Temple.

Today In The Baptistry!

Where was my camera when I needed it?  We had a small group of outstanding individuals come to the Baptistry today, and I would have loved to have gotten their photo before they left.

A couple from Nevada who are the parents of, 9 children, are here in Hong Kong to adopt a child.  I failed to get their names, which I could kick myself for, but this good sister told me they began the adoption process 9 years ago, and after two previous disappointments, they are finally getting a little girl. These are special people who have already raised their children and yet want to give this little girl, who has some special needs, their love and a home.  They had a desire to spend time in the temple before they see this special little girl for the first time.

The rest of the group were young adults from Arizona and Utah, who have been in mainland China for a few weeks, and wanted to come to the temple before continuing on their journey.  The group included:  Daniel Whitlock, Amber Ricks, Logan Brown, Walker Wright, Elliott Bliss, Sierra Willis, Alyssa Bailey, and Megan Taylor.
They are here with the organization, Impact Exchanges, which is a non-profit organization where people volunteer to spend a few weeks teaching English throughout China.  They are teaching people of all ages.
Daniel Whitlock and his mom started this organization in 2011, which provides a great opportunity to tour China while giving service.  I would have liked to have had more time to visit with them about their experiences.

I was impressed with each of these remarkable individuals, and their examples of giving of their time and service to others, whether it be to provide love and a home for a child in need, or to teach a language to provide greater opportunities, or to perform the sacred ordinances in the temple for those who can't for themselves.

I am so glad I got to spend time in the baptistry while they were here.  It made for a great way to end our Saturday at the temple.

Farewell and Welcome!

Our temple presidency along with our Temple Matron and her assistants graciously provide a delicious meal, complete with table linens and centerpieces, in recognition of our departing and/or newly arrived temple missionaries.

This time it is the Shums and the Wilson's turn to be recognized.  The Shums are leaving next week, and the Wilsons two weeks after that.

We also celebrated Elder and Sister Chan's arrival last month from Canada.

Those coming and going!

President Wong usually requests a few words before we eat.

Sister Shum spoke emotionally of the treasured gift she had just received.

A book complete with her family's genealogy for hundreds of years.

Sister So presented this book to her. 

It truly is a treasure. 

Elder Shum gave me a quick lesson in reading the Genealogy of Sister Shum's family.  

It was quite impressive and fascinating to see.  

Our group before Elder and Sister Shum return to Vancouver, BC

Sitting: S. Nora Chan, S. Ball, S. Judy Chan, S. Shum, S. Yuen,

 S. Wong, S. Hui, S. Wilson, S. Bodily, S. Ngai, S. Yu

Standing: B. Choi, B. Ball, B. Chan, B. Shum, P. Yuen, P. Wong, P. Hui, 

E. Wilson, E. Bodily, E. Ngai, B. Chan

Some candid shots from the evening.

 Sister Wilson shows off her Asian pose!

If only you knew Bro. Choi what Sis. Yu is up to.

This is a side we haven't seen of Sister Yu before.

President Hui, what are you thinking?

Sister Nora Chan, Sister Wilson, Elder Wilson, Sister Wong

Su Jie-mei!

This post has been edited for religious purposes.

I want you to meet Su Jie-mei (Sister Su).  She is one of the ordinance workers here in the Hong Kong Temple, and is a great example of making sacrifices because she loves the Lord.  She must ride a train for 24 hours in order to come to the temple.  She serves everyday for two weeks, and then she goes home for two months before returning again to serve another two weeks.  Sister Su speaks Mandarin, but has learned the ordinances also in English (Yingyu), and that is impressive.  She acknowledges that she can speak a little English, and has been patiently teaching me a few Mandarin words. 

 We aren't able to carry on a conversation, but we are able to communicate with our hearts.

She has a wonderful countenance, and I thoroughly enjoy serving with her. 

 The sacrifices she makes, and her devotion to serving here in the temple, has touched us both.

Mainland China!

 What made us think that just because we had Visas for Hong Kong, we had permission to enter Mainland China?

We expected to see The Great Wall of China before our mission ended, but have since learned our visas are not valid for Mainland China.  We have a lot to learn about traveling the world.

The Balls were turned down when they applied to go across the border, so we had decided not to bother.  But, when others told us if we have Vivian at the area office help us, there wouldn't be a problem.  She takes care of getting visas for all the missionaries,

 and knows the proper steps in applying.

So with her help, we each applied for a 1-year visa.

The process seemed to be going smoothly, that is until we picked up our visas.

We were told to expect a long wait, but when we got there, we were pleased to see the line was short, and we didn't have to wait long to be directed to the next available clerk.  We paid what we thought was the normal cost for visas, only to find out later that $2200HK is an exuberant amount.  We were then directed to another window to be handed our passports.

We were thinking that was easy.  However, when we looked closely, we discovered our visas were only good for a 1-time visit, and not to exceed 10 days, and expired in 1 month from that day.

We wouldn't have 10 days available until the next temple closing 6 months later.

A lot a good these visas were to us.

The best we could do was go to Shenzhen at the border for a day.  

We teetered between going and not even bothering with it.  But, when a few of the other missionaries encouraged us to at least go to see the Cultural Village in Shenzhen, we decided to go ahead.

Besides, this would give us another stamp in our passports, and that has got to be special.

We went to church on Sunday in Elder and Sister Ngais branch, and then took the train with Sister Nora Chan to Shenzhen.  It is only a 45-minute train ride from Hung Hom, but after going through customs, Nora showed us a few things to know about, and then we waited in a long line for a taxi.  So, it was evening before we actually walked into our hotel room.

As we stood facing this large building, we were standing in Mainland China. On the other side of this building is Hong Kong Territory.  

Sister Nora Chan escorted us past the border, and showed us around a little before 

we went on to our hotel.  

We had a little hiccup with checking in though. We discovered the hotel would not accept our credit card.  Something about needing to notify our bank about traveling to another country.  We kind of thought Hong Kong and China are all the same.  Guess not!  

Glad to say, we had enough cash with us.

Nora accompanied us to our room to make certain everything met our expectations before heading back to Hong Kong.  She is quite the lady.

To our surprise, our hotel room had a bath tub in the middle of the room.

We couldn't resist doing something we just recently learned from Elder and Sister Judy Chan - its the 'Asian Pose'.

Nora and Shirley were both looking out for us, and wrote down several questions in Chinese that we might possibly need to communicate to someone.  You see, not near as many speak English in Shenzhen, so there was a possibility we might not be able to find our way back to Hong Kong.
Nora said if we didn't show up to the temple on Tuesday morning,
she would have to come looking for us.
The next morning we took a taxi to the Chinese Folk Cultural Villages,
which wasn't far from the hotel.
It was actually built after a Chinese government official had visited the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii, and wanted something similar for China.
Sidenote:  It was 20 years ago on this day when my mother passed away.
She had hoped to travel to Hawaii.  She would have enjoyed seeing China too. 

The guy on the right wearing the cowboy hat, stared at us for a good couple of minutes.  With a serious look on his face, he took a picture of us without saying a word.

I guess he had never seen Americans before.

The Wei Village - The Tianshan People

I was summoned to participate in the dancing.  I wouldn't say my performance was all that graceful, but it was fun.

This is Lin-dah.  She came running up to us as we walked through the villages, and said very clearly with a smile on her face, 'Helll-oh!'  We said hello back and told her she had a pretty dress.  She immediately lost her smile and ran back to, who we guess was, her grandfather. We ended up at the same village minutes later and sat next to each other.
She had a beautiful big smile except for picture taking.

Lin-dah gave her own performance as we waited for the show to start.  I would guess she was about 6 or 7 and was adorable.

This woman tried to coax this little girl (possibly her granddaughter) to smile for our camera, but she would have no part of it.  She refused to even look our way.  

Tibetan Village

Prayer Wheels on the back tables are spun for luck and health.

The Tibetan's Tug-o-War

The Long Sleeve Dance

Elder Bodily just had to walk on this grassy area.  The most grass we have seen in China.

Notice the hedges shaped in Chinese characters in the upper left?

Still using ancient methods in modern times.  Great balancing!

Can you find Grandma B?

Heartwarming cucurbit flute singing in the Peacock Kingdom

Thousand-Hand and Thousand-Eye Guanyin Buddha

The Va Village

Weaving demonstration

The black princesses' charming dancing and swinging their hair with wooden drumbeating, brings you good luck and best wishes.

Can you find Grandpa B?  This one is for the little ones.

'I'd be more than happy to smile and wave for your camera'!

This poor little donkey looked like he could hardly pull this carriage loaded with people.

He stopped just shortly after we took this photo, and refused to go any further.

Quite the outfit for an elephant.  

That is one big tree!

Colorful Chinese umbrellas hanging from the trees.  It really was quite pretty to see.
Umbrellas date 2,000 years ago in China.

We sat next to this woman during the Va Villages performance. 

 We don't know her name, but she was always smiling.

This is a real Chinese Checkers board game.
 Clay balls are used as playing pieces rather than glass marbles.

Bamboo Tubes shown below.

An interesting device developed by villagers in southwestern China.

This tree had hundreds of colorful ribbons attached to the branches.

They may have been prayer ribbons, but not sure.

A nice young man took our last pose before we left The China Folk Culture Villages.

We were dripping wet from the heat, but we had a good time in spite of it, and learned a thing or two about Chinese history, culture, and folk arts and customs before heading home.
We can say we have been to Mainland China now.
Maybe after our mission is over, we'll have an opportunity to see the Great Wall of China.