Five Families Sealed!

This has been one of our favorite weeks because of these remarkable people from India.

 Magendran Manickam is a Branch President and came to the temple for the first time.

 Jabasteen Mary Ramesh is a R.S. President and also coming to the temple for her first time.

 Janci Rani Ganesan Premkumar is a counselor in her branch's YW presidency.

They are setting good examples for their families and to those who they have stewardship over.

We are grateful that time permitted us to attend all five family sealings.

Unfortunately, we were not able to get a photo of Sister Premkumar or her husband Thivyanadhan

 before they had to leave. 

Johnson Perumal & Lakshmi Illayaraja and daughters Natasha & Evangeline

Magendran Manickam & Lavanya Roopa Pirangulla and their daughters

 Mary Anglelina & Melissa Harriet

Kodhandapani Monagaran & Suganthi Devaraj and their son Kodhandapani Varshan

Ashwin Ramesh (parents not pictured)

Suganthi Devaraj, Jabasteen Mary Ramesh,
Lakshmi Annal Iiayaraja Perumal, Johnson Iiayaraja Perumal,

Natasha Nivedha 5, and Evangeline Eidel Queen 2

Suganthi Devaraj Monagaran, Kodhandapani Monagaran, Kodhandapani Varshan - 3,

Ramesh Veeraraj, Johnson IIaiyaraja Perumal, Evangeline Eidel Queen Perumal - 2, Natasha Nivedha Perumal - 5,  Ashwin Ramesh - 9,  Jabasteen Mary Ramesh Veeraraj

Johnson Perumal and his daughter, Evangeline

Brother Perumal's other daughter Natasha

Suganthi Monagaran and her son, Kodhandapani Varshan

Ashwin Ramesh is only 9, but he is already preparing to serve a mission when he grows up.

He is a delightful boy, and was a tremendous help to Sister James and I at calming little ones in the Youth Center as they waited to be reunited with their parents.

His parents are teaching him well.

This is Chapati, made fresh by the hands of loving Indian sisters.  It is an unleavened flatbread made from wheat flour, and topped with potato and onion with a ketchup sauce.

It is delicious.

Even though we insisted the family join us in eating, they would not.  Jabasteen seemed to find joy in preparing this meal for us and then watching us eat.  We are learning this is part of the Indian culture.

Sister Ramesh has made it clear that if we ever come to visit her family in India, she will prepare a meal for us, and we will enjoy it together.

___________________________

Brother Kodhandapani Monagaran shared with us the difficulty he and his family had 

prior to coming to the temple.

He and his wife had been saving and preparing to come to the temple, but a short time ago he lost his job, and they worried they would have to put off coming to the temple for their family's sealing.  However, he was blessed to be able to get another job which turned out to be better for his family.

Then the week before he and his family were planning to come to the temple, he was in a car accident, then a motorcycle accident, each time being protected from harm.  But, it became necessary to pawn Sister Monagaran's precious gold jewelry to pay for the unexpected expenses.  Then on the morning they were leaving for Hong Kong, he was opening the door to get out of his car and another car passed by too closely, and knocked the door off.  Miraculously, he escaped injury once again.

It is clear that the adversary was trying to prevent the Monagrans from getting to the temple,

but the Lord blessed Kodhandapani with a better job, and with protection all along the way. 

The Lord sent another 'tender mercy' to Brother Monagaran 

as he was being sealed to his wife and son.  

He saw the presence of his deceased grandfather in the room.

A gift from a loving Heavenly Father.

Our lives have been touched upon meeting these families, and a feeling of love and friendship has been made.  

We may not see them until the next life,  but we can always hope.

Rancies and Rugby!

Rugby is a big deal in Australia, therefore its a big deal to Elder and Sister Rancie.

So, when this professional rugby player showed up at church today, 

they recognized him immediately, 

and couldn't pass up a photo opportunity.

Sister Rae, Rancie, Denzel Minu, Elder Rob Rancie

You never know who you will end up seeing right here in Hong Kong.

Helping Out The Rancies!

One of our assignments is to help the new arriving missionaries to get acquainted with the area.

That includes showing them how to use the MTR, getting an Octopus card, a phone, where to buy groceries, send mail, and most important, how to get to and from the temple.

Ran into E/S Ngai and their son, James and his family before we got through the lobby.

We both wonder where James gets his height.

A little grocery shopping at Super Park & Shop 

(aka The Rat Shop to Elder Bodily)

Found lovely bed covers too.

So lovely, that they make us want to replace ours.

Nice happy looking couple posing on one of the numerous streets

in the Hung Home area.

After all that shopping, and we all are still smiling.

Had an enjoyable dinner at one of our favorite places, Dan Ryan's. 

 Learned that Elder Rancie can't get enough of lamb, but only if it must be prepared to his liking.

We have enjoyed getting better acquainted with our new Aussie Temple Missionaries,
and their friends, The Davises, who aren't from Austrailia, but come to the HK Temple regularly.

Meeting Someone Special!

Today was another special opening for the temple because it is a Statutory Holiday for China. 

It was our third holiday since President Wong gave us the responsibility for scheduling assignments for these special openings.

 Gratefully, the day went rather well, thanks to the efforts of our other temple missionaries, and the ordinance workers who gave up their holiday to serve in the temple instead. 

 This temple would not function without them.

It helped to have Elder and Sister Chan as our assistants, as well.

They certainly help to lighten our load.

It is E/S Rancie's first experience with special openings on just their 2nd day serving in this temple,

but they managed very well.

We had lots to smile about as we left for the day.

When my friend and former college roommate learned we would be serving our mission in Hong Kong, she told us about a remarkable man we should meet, 

and had asked us to tell him, "Hi, from the Montgomerys."

After serving here for 6 months, we finally met Sheldon Poon today at the temple.

He has known Karen and her family for many years, 

and considers them his 'American Family'.

Brother Poon invited us to join him for lunch along with his good friends, the Wongs and the Ngais.

Brother Poon was the first Stake President in Hong Kong, which was almost 40 years ago.

 Prior to that, he served as a Branch President with President Wong as his counselor, 

 and Elder Ngai as the clerk.  

In the short time we spent with him, we learned he has done a lot for the church here in Hong Kong.  He is also quite the entrepreneur, and extremely generous and kind. 

 Ironically, he has some kind of a connection with each of us sitting at this table.

I could hardly wait to tell Karen about us finally meeting this special man.

This has been an exceptional day.

Another October Birthday!

We have another birthday in our family,
And this time it is our adorable Hadley's.

Sweet little Hadley

Just turned three.

In our hearts we hold her so dear,

And can hardly wait to see her next year.

Sending happy birthday wishes to our sweetie,

With lots of love, from Grandpa and Grandma B.

Our Assignments Have Changed Again!

We are disappointed that we are no longer assigned to orient the Thais, Indians, and Mongolians at Patron Housing.  It has been our favorite assignment.  We have had some great experiences with those who come to the temple from far away, and many for the first time. We have met some incredibly faithful members of the Church.  The Lees have this responsibility now, and we are a bit envious, but they will be great, and will see blessings from this assignment.

We still administer the schedule for the Asia Area Missionary endowment session on first Thursdays.

But, with Elder and Sister Wilson gone, we are now the Coordinators for Statutory holidays, and Elder and Sister Chan are our assistants.

We have also been assigned to organize training for all temple and area office missionaries and English speaking ordinance workers.

Our list didn't get longer, but it did bring more time-intense responsibilities.  But its all good, and we are confident we can handle it, especially since we have so many great people to work with.

Natasha's Baptism!

Natasha Zoe is the daughter of Sister Nora Chan's former employee and friend in Beijing.

While Natasha was visiting Sister Chan a few months ago, here in Hong Kong, she attended Sacrament Meeting with her.  The next day she met with the missionaries to learn more, and they continued to teach her during her stay.  She recognized the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and as a result, we had the privilege of attending her baptism this evening.

Mr. and Mrs. Zoe, Sisters Taylor and Kim, who have been teaching her,

and Elders Graham and Johnson, who baptized and confirmed her.

Sitting: Sister Chamberlain, Sister Bodily, Sister Nora Chan, Mrs. Zoe, Sister Kim

Standing:  Elder Ngai, Elder Bodily, Mr. Zoe, Natasha Zoe, Sister Ngai, 

Sister Ma, Sister Wu, Sister Wu's parents

 A wonderful Spirit was felt as Natasha bore her testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Her parents are not members of the church, but they believe in Jesus Christ, and they each gave heart-felt prayers to open and close this baptismal meeting.
Seeds have been planted!

The Australians Are Here!

Elder Rob and Sister Rae Rancie arrived this evening all the way from Brisbane, Australia.

The Welcoming Committee!

Once again, we get a little goofy at times when we get together, 

and Sister Rancie didn't hesitate to join right in.

This time its the sisters riding the cart, 

with our littlest and newest missionary pushing.

The Rancies are a delightful couple. 

 They spent three years living in Beijing teaching and volunteering, and learning Mandarin. 

We have been assigned to be their trainers, which will be a first time experience for us.

They will be of great service here in the Hong Kong Temple,

and we are excited to be serving with them.

Our 17th Grandchild Arrived Today!

What was to be an ordinary Monday of cleaning and running errands

 turned into a day of excitement and joy.

It all began with an unexpected call from Kevin this morning, letting us know Paige was in labor, and they were preparing to go to the hospital.

This wasn't suppose to happen for another 2 weeks, but

seven hours later at 9:16pm (Sunday in Laramie),

 our adorable little granddaughter came into the world.

Meet Timber Rylan Bodily

5 lbs. 14.9 oz.

Our daughter-in-law and newest granddaughter -

both are so beautiful.

Gratefully, mommy and baby are doing just fine.

Congratulations Paige and Kevin!  

What a blessing for our family.

We are so happy for you. 

Give her kisses from her Grandpa and Grandma B

We love you!

More Mongolians!

It has been a pleasure serving these beautiful Mongolian sisters for the past week.

All but two came to receive their own endowment.

They speak very little English, but we are able to communicate with our hearts.

Tugsjargal Borya, Badmaanyambuu Namjirmaa, Munguntuya Maidar,

Myself, Sunjee Norov, Ulambayar Vaashaa

(Sis. Udval Erdenechimeg and Sis. Oyunbayar Erdenetsogoo are not pictured)

The day before the Mongolians headed back to their homes,

we went to Patron Housing with Elder and Sister Lee to say goodbye.

President and Sister Wong had the same idea.

President and Sister Wong with 

Sis. Oyunbayar Erdenetsogoo and Bro. Sukhzorig Sumanjav and their daughter, Ariunhishig

Udval Erdenechimeg with President and Sister Wong

We relied on Udval to translate for us.  She was so helpful.

Sister Borya presented us with this gift.

We have discovered the Mongolian members often bring gifts.

Their gifts have ranged from a wall hanging, pictured above, to key chains, 

and even candy brought from Mongolia.

They are so warm and thoughtful, and delightful to meet.

Our Six-Month Mark!

It is hard to believe that we have been on our mission for 6 months, but it is true.  Six months today! 

Others have told us the time would go by fast, and that is true too. 

 Time is flying by, and a third of our mission is over.

The following photos are a glimpse of what we have been doing and seeing when we finish for the day at the temple.

Getting a picture with those we meet at the temple.

 Sometimes on the steps of the temple.

Sometimes at Patron Housing.

Having dinner with our fellow missionaries is a must.

Asian posing at an American eating establishment.

Even in Hong Kong a good hamburger can be found.

Some claim The Butcher's Club is the best place to get one.

I'm going to see for myself if thats true.

There is that Asian pose again.

We joined the club and got ourselves a selfie stick.

It took a few tries, but we got the hang of it.

Walked through a hotel lobby and 

saw possibly the most compact and largest flower arrangement I've seen.

There are some elaborate hotels in this city.

Getting together to for some casual socializing.

Heading to the pool to get in some exercise,

but might as well use our new selfie stick before we go.

A workout in the water leaves this elder out of breath.

Two Idaho guys having a deep conversation about, who knows what.

Gathered at our place for Mango Cake thanks to Sister Mak!

Went to one of Hong Kong's main attractions on P-day:  THE BIG BUDDHA

We've had a few lunches with the other missionaries,
 and it is always delightful, especially with Sister Nora.

Eating with the Chans can be fun too.
We hadn't heard of the Asian Pose until they came.
They are the best at it too.

Two senior missionaries doing what missionaries do.
Sharing a message and offering to help.

Watching the boat races with one of my favorite ladies, Sister Ngai.

Watched one of our favorite movies, The Best Two Years. 

 It was filmed in Holland where Sister Wilson grew up.

During our first temple closing,
we went to another of Hong Kong's most sought after tourist spots:
THE PEAK

Idaho has the best designed license plate, and we saw one while at the Peak in Bubba Gumps.

This one is from one of Idahoa's prettiest areas, Kootenai County.

Strolling through the park in Tsim Sha Tsui after a farewell dinner for Elder and Sister Wilson.

Getting used to carrying an umbrella for protection from the heavy rains

 that we've been warned about.

Walking to the train station after a wonderful day at the temple.