Lo And Behold, We Are Half-Way!

276 Days Past, 274 Days Ahead

Today marks the half-way point in our mission.  Some call it Hump Day.  I actually visualize a camel when I think of humps.  Nevertheless, I realize this means we have reached that point in time when we have fewer days until the end of our mission, than we do from the the time we started.  Our time does seem to be rushing by.  We have 274 days until our mission comes to an end.

We spent the day like most days, serving at the temple, except this is a Wednesday, and on Wednesdays we stay a bit longer to train Elder and Sister Orton , and Elder and Sister Brown.  These two couples have just recently been set apart as ordinance workers to work in the temple one evening a week.  They have been delightful to get to know a bit better, and we enjoy the opportunity to make them acquainted with this temple and help them prepare to work in whatever capacity that is needed.

In the past 9 months we have learned a little about the Chinese people, their culture and traditions.  We have unexpectedly learned a little about the Filipino culture too.  We have tried a variety of Asian foods.  We have learned how to find our way around this big city, or at least from Kowloon to Wan Chai.  We have attended a few cultural events.  Hiked a few trails on P-days.  Met some wonderful saints in the gospel, and love serving with them in the Hong Kong Temple.

These are just a handful of the good people we serve with:

Talented Sister Chow is one of our fabulous coordinators

 Sisters Lam, Lau, and Yau

Sweet Sister Chan and happy Brother Cheung

Sister Sanders, our 1st hiking partner and serve with on Wednesdays

Brother Lam is such a great guy, and its a pleasure to be around him.

Sister Concepcion was our tender mercy.

Sister Lin is also an opera singer

 Brother and Sister Pun are a generous couple

Another one of our fabulous coordinators, Sister Poon

Sister Janet Lung has an amazing attitude

Brother (Wan Chai) Chan knows at least three languages

Beautiful Ma Jiemei (Sister)

Brother Ko with Elders Bodily and Rancie

We have also met members who come with great faith to the temple.  Some have made sacrifices to come in order to make sacred covenants with the Lord.

 We have seen miracles take place in this temple, and so often see the Lord's Hand in His work.
We are grateful and so blessed to be serving here.

Is it possible that the last half of our mission will be even better than the first?

A Token of Friendship!

We have so much admiration for this family because of their faith and the sacrifice they have made to come to the temple.  It is easy to love these good people.

Elder Bodily came up with the idea that exchanging ties would be a token of friendship.

Brother Baatarchuluun agreed.

Not sure Elder Bodily's pink tie was a fair trade for Bro. Baatarchuluun's Mongolian tie, 

but he was a good sport about it.

Two happy looking brothers in the gospel.

Mongolian For The Balls!

Elder and Sister Ball's mission is about to come to an end.  So, in keeping with tradition we went to the restaurant of their choosing for one last dinner together.

Nomads was the place this time.

After the first bite, it was clear this was a great choice.

Besides, it seemed fitting to eat Mongolian Barbecue since we have a large group of Mongolians at the temple this week.

This place is steps above Mongolian Barbecue found back home.  It has impressive decor and more like that of a fine dining restaurant.  The chairs are covered with what looked like wild sheep hides, and quite comfortable.  The lamp shades are made from some kind of animal skins, and tanned hides are hung on the walls. 

 The concept of filling your bowl with whatever you choose is the same, but in addition, there are

appetizers, soup, salad, and even pizza is included.  Oh, and of course, dessert too.

Just when we were about finished and feeling stuffed,

Sister Lee talked Sister Chan into sharing a pizza.

Not sure how they had room for any more, but theirs looked good enough to Elder Rancie that he just had to make one too.

It was okay because it gave us more time to laugh together.

It was a good evening with delicious food, and good conversation with our fellow missionaries who we always have a good time with.

Finally Found Paulines!

Pauline's Shop on Li Yuen Street has a reputation for being the ideal shop for sister missionaries in Hong Kong.

I've been wanting to find this place ever since Sister Edwards raved about it.  I even ventured out on my own one day to find it.  But, without success.  

Sister Ball offered to show me where to find it today.

Now I know why I couldn't find it before. 

 There is no sign anywhere that reveals this shop as Paulines.

What little signage there is shows  Nice Co.

Pauline is certainly nice, and quite the expert at convincing me 

why I just have to have something she has to offer.

She even had me considering this wrinkle-free shirt.

I really don't need anything, but I sure would like some of what she has to offer.

Sister Ball & Pauline

Maybe I should start a new fashion trend.  Semi-formal worn over unmatched-casual.

What do you think?
I think I'll pass on this one and go for the Chinese style jacket.
I'll take two of them, please.
Thank you, Sister Ball.  I'll know how to find Pauline's next time I need something with an Asian look.

We Have A Top-Notch Cleaning Crew!

It was our Branch Family's turn to clean the 6th Floor.

We hardly have to lift a finger because these ladies insist on doing it all.

But, we really can't bring ourselves to allow that since they work so hard all week.

Lota, Jane, & Juliet do such a great job with smiles on their faces.

Team Effort

Of course, there is often clowning around

Christie working away.

The job is done, and the church looks ready for next week.  So its time to go.

 But, not before one computer-related question is asked.  Shockingly, we are technology challenged, 

so before we leave, our sisters insist on helping us out.

They are terrific and quite computer savvy, with kind and helpful hearts.

A Gift From Naraa!

 Sister Naranchimeg Tsend, from Mongolia, came to the temple this past September, and we thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with her.  She served a mission in Ukraine and has been known ever since as Ukraine Naraa.  She asked Brother Ganbold, who is here at the temple for a week with other Mongolian saints, to deliver a gift to us from her.  She is a wonderful and kind woman, and has taken us by surprise.

This is made from sheep's wool, and is a treasured token of friendship.

'We love you.'  Mongolia Nara 2016 was written on the back.
A note was included which was written in Mongolian and addressed to Elder Gary and Sister Bodily
Translation:
Good morning, Elder and Sister Bodily,  Thank you for your great service.  You are God's angels.  We are proud of you. Your smile was so grateful.  We will love you always.
Sister Naranchimeg, Mongolia

We didn't realize we had left an impression on Naraa, but she has certainly left one on us.
Our lives have been enriched because of her kindness and love.

Naraa is on the right.

Naraa's plans are to come back to the temple next fall,
and we hope to see her before we leave Hong Kong.

James Reaches Double Digits!

Its been ten years since this handsome boy was born,

And instantly brought with him a heart of gold.

He is smart, caring, talented, and likes to eat corn,

And, his ability to make others happy is a sight to behold.

James sure has a liking for playing the piano,

Which we enjoy watching, more than he may know.

We hope there is lots of fun coming his way,

On this, his first double digit birthday.

May there be food, laughter, and games

to celebrate the 10th birthday of our grandson, James.

Wishing you a Happy Birthday, Bud!

From Grandpa and Grandma with love.