Saturday, November 17, 2012
Fun Chinese people.
Carlos took the pic of the little girl with the Winnie the Pooh hat on our way to the train to begin our day today. She was with her grandma who said"pose" and this is what we got. Isn't she adorable? The lady was walking up monkey mountain and laughed when Carlos ran after her to take her pic.
Monkey mountain
We had a great day today and we wanted to share it with you. It has been a busy week so let me start there. Last weekend was District Conference. We have a district rather than a Stake because of the large number of Filipino sisters. We don't have enough Priesthood brethren for a Stake. Carlos was called to the District Council. That is exciting and he is looking forward to serving with an incredible District President whose office is next to ours. He is an employee of the church. He heads up the legal team in the Asia Area.
We also had an assignment to speak Tuesday through today (Saturday) in the "Everyday Branch." Which really is just daily church to accommodate the Filipino workers who only get one day of work off per week. So different members meet on different days and we spoke everyday.
We also worked in the temple this week. A wonderful experience. A deeply spiritual experience. Especially since we, English speakers, are the minority. Imagine being the only English speaking worker during a session (or other ordinances) of the temple. So tender and humbling. I truly am gaining a testimony that Americans do not have a corner on happiness, love, and spiritual strength. I am learning so much.
So back to today. We had a Senior missionary outing this morning.
we went to a place called "Monkey Mountain." (I have attached pictures). So there is a mountain here that grows a plant that is poisonous to humans but monkeys love it. Monkeys are not indigenous to Hong Kong. People had pet monkeys, knew they loved this plant and let the monkeys go (or they escaped) on this mountain. The monkeys reproduced into the thousands. Sterilization projects have been utilized over the past several years to control the population.
The monkeys truly are everywhere. They come really close. There are fines (stiff fines) for feeding them. They can also be aggressive. Well rather than me go on and on just google Monkey Mountain Hong Kong there are some youtube videos or here is a pretty good article explaining the mountain: http://www.abctales.com/story/wevvywoo/monkey-mountain. It was great fun. We ended the outing with a yummy lunch at a Canadian hamburger place called Triple O. I thoroughly enjoyed my grilled chicken sandwich. It truly was a taste of home.
Carlos and I had to scurry back to give our last talk of the week. In the other meetings there were between 15 and 20 members in the congregation. We were well received every day. The women are just so tender and sweet. Many of them hugged me and kissed me on my face when they thanked me for my talk. Today there were around 100 in the congregation. I wish I could record their songs and prayers. They are so beautiful and tug at us. They were so tender, cried through my talk and afterward swarmed Carlos and I. For some reason the women each had one rose today. They gathered up some of the roses, hugged, kissed me and gave me the roses. One sweet lady wrapped her arms around me and sobbed into my shoulder Thanking me for my talk. (I have attached a copy of my talk).
We decided to take the Star Ferry home after our talks. Normally we would ride the bus but we wanted the extra walk on the way home. As we approached the dock we could see that there was a ferry and we were going to miss it. We walked faster but missed it anyway. We were a bit disappointed then heard, "Look! Missionaries!" Can I just say how hearing that thrilled me? We looked and sitting, waiting for the next ferry was an American family, mom, dad and four children (oldest was 12 and youngest was 2).
We got to sit and visit with them and learned that they were in Bejing for 2 years on a work contract. They are members of the church and taught us about how being a member of the church in mainland China was for them. It was so good to be around kids again, although it did make us miss our dear grandchildren even more than we already do.
On the way home a man came up to us and using sign language let us know he was hungry. Carlos took him to a store close to us. The man picked out some rolls, milk, and biscuits of some kind, bowed and escorted us back to where he had met us.
I am grateful, grateful, grateful; for the spirit I feel, this great opportunity, and to have a wonderful, loving companion to share it with.
We also had an assignment to speak Tuesday through today (Saturday) in the "Everyday Branch." Which really is just daily church to accommodate the Filipino workers who only get one day of work off per week. So different members meet on different days and we spoke everyday.
We also worked in the temple this week. A wonderful experience. A deeply spiritual experience. Especially since we, English speakers, are the minority. Imagine being the only English speaking worker during a session (or other ordinances) of the temple. So tender and humbling. I truly am gaining a testimony that Americans do not have a corner on happiness, love, and spiritual strength. I am learning so much.
So back to today. We had a Senior missionary outing this morning.
we went to a place called "Monkey Mountain." (I have attached pictures). So there is a mountain here that grows a plant that is poisonous to humans but monkeys love it. Monkeys are not indigenous to Hong Kong. People had pet monkeys, knew they loved this plant and let the monkeys go (or they escaped) on this mountain. The monkeys reproduced into the thousands. Sterilization projects have been utilized over the past several years to control the population.
The monkeys truly are everywhere. They come really close. There are fines (stiff fines) for feeding them. They can also be aggressive. Well rather than me go on and on just google Monkey Mountain Hong Kong there are some youtube videos or here is a pretty good article explaining the mountain: http://www.abctales.com/story/wevvywoo/monkey-mountain. It was great fun. We ended the outing with a yummy lunch at a Canadian hamburger place called Triple O. I thoroughly enjoyed my grilled chicken sandwich. It truly was a taste of home.
Carlos and I had to scurry back to give our last talk of the week. In the other meetings there were between 15 and 20 members in the congregation. We were well received every day. The women are just so tender and sweet. Many of them hugged me and kissed me on my face when they thanked me for my talk. Today there were around 100 in the congregation. I wish I could record their songs and prayers. They are so beautiful and tug at us. They were so tender, cried through my talk and afterward swarmed Carlos and I. For some reason the women each had one rose today. They gathered up some of the roses, hugged, kissed me and gave me the roses. One sweet lady wrapped her arms around me and sobbed into my shoulder Thanking me for my talk. (I have attached a copy of my talk).
We decided to take the Star Ferry home after our talks. Normally we would ride the bus but we wanted the extra walk on the way home. As we approached the dock we could see that there was a ferry and we were going to miss it. We walked faster but missed it anyway. We were a bit disappointed then heard, "Look! Missionaries!" Can I just say how hearing that thrilled me? We looked and sitting, waiting for the next ferry was an American family, mom, dad and four children (oldest was 12 and youngest was 2).
We got to sit and visit with them and learned that they were in Bejing for 2 years on a work contract. They are members of the church and taught us about how being a member of the church in mainland China was for them. It was so good to be around kids again, although it did make us miss our dear grandchildren even more than we already do.
On the way home a man came up to us and using sign language let us know he was hungry. Carlos took him to a store close to us. The man picked out some rolls, milk, and biscuits of some kind, bowed and escorted us back to where he had met us.
I am grateful, grateful, grateful; for the spirit I feel, this great opportunity, and to have a wonderful, loving companion to share it with.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Pictures of my first hair cut and color
Carlos colored and I cut my hair. It actually is bearable. I did ok with the front but got frustrated and gathered it into a pony tail and chopped the ponytail short which made it short in the center and long on the sides. Here are the pics. 
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Another exciting week in Hong Kong
We are so loving our time in Hong Kong. I certainly feel my understanding and knowledge increase as I watch and interact with another culture. Our duties at the Area Office are exciting and fulfilling. We have been assigned to a Filipino (I learned how to spell it correctly see how much I am learning) Branch. This coming Sunday will be our first week with the Pennisula 3 Branch. Our branch does not meet at the church office building. We understand that we will have to take the MTR (train) or taxi to our building. We are serving with two other couples that are on our floor (both are part of the legal team). They love the branch and are excited to have us attend with them.
This week our Area Presidency has returned from Salt Lake and we were able to experience devotional led by one of our beloved presidency for the first time. Elder Gong led a discussion that summarized messages from conference. Afterwards the medical team had a meeting with Elder Gong regarding missionary support where we each gave a report of what we are doing. Elder Gong had Carlos and I introduce ourselves. He learned for the first time that we are fairly newly married. He asked that we talk about how we met and our families. His interest in us was tender and sweet but I was very uncomfortable being so personal in that group where there were some that we were meeting for the first time.
On Wednesday, we were invited to have dinner with the Area Presidency in President Watson's apartment which is on the 11th floor. Elder and Sister Heiner, the mission doctor and his wife, attended the dinner with us. Elder and Sister Heiner have finished their mission and are returning home this coming Saturday. It was a most incredible evening. I felt the love of my Savior as strong as I ever have as we sat around President Watson's living room, sang songs and bore testimony to each other. The feeling of love is just indescribable.
Saturday we had a group outing where we traveled to Shek-O beach. We took a train ride and then transferred to bus into the countryside. I have many pictures that I will post of our trip. I got a few pictures of a golf course just for Ben. I knew he would be interested. The problem was I was taking the pictures from the second floor of a speeding bus and it was hard to get a good picture. I also took a picture of a bus coming towards us. It is identical to the bus we are in. Please notice how narrow the road is and how much space there is for each bus. I have grown to have a great admiration for these bus drivers. They are expert at getting around in tight spaces.
I have included a picture of our friends standing outside the bus. I wanted a picture of the Chinese woman and her hat. Carlos and I are in the bus and our friends are outside of the bus. I know to you they are just pictures of people. I want you to know that I have the tenderest of feelings for these dear missionaries. They feel like family to me and I can't help but glow with love when I look at them in these pictures.
We had another national holiday yesterday (Tuesday Oct. 23). Carlos and I didn't know and scheduled appointments. So we worked in the morning (it was quiet at the office since most were celebrating the holiday), then went grocery shopping (a nearly daily task since we can only buy what we can carry and have no room to store things anyway), then sat at home and watched the debate (I'm ready for this election to be over, it is exhausting).
Today we began practicing for the Christmas program. Sister Gong is leading us as we play the chimes. It is so fun. I am middle C. We are playing "Away in a Manger" and "Carol of the Bells." We practice every Wednesday until Christmas. We will need the practice.
We are just having a great time! Every day is a new adventure. I am filled with love just about all the time. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this great opportunity to learn and grow in such a rich environment.
This week our Area Presidency has returned from Salt Lake and we were able to experience devotional led by one of our beloved presidency for the first time. Elder Gong led a discussion that summarized messages from conference. Afterwards the medical team had a meeting with Elder Gong regarding missionary support where we each gave a report of what we are doing. Elder Gong had Carlos and I introduce ourselves. He learned for the first time that we are fairly newly married. He asked that we talk about how we met and our families. His interest in us was tender and sweet but I was very uncomfortable being so personal in that group where there were some that we were meeting for the first time.
On Wednesday, we were invited to have dinner with the Area Presidency in President Watson's apartment which is on the 11th floor. Elder and Sister Heiner, the mission doctor and his wife, attended the dinner with us. Elder and Sister Heiner have finished their mission and are returning home this coming Saturday. It was a most incredible evening. I felt the love of my Savior as strong as I ever have as we sat around President Watson's living room, sang songs and bore testimony to each other. The feeling of love is just indescribable.
Saturday we had a group outing where we traveled to Shek-O beach. We took a train ride and then transferred to bus into the countryside. I have many pictures that I will post of our trip. I got a few pictures of a golf course just for Ben. I knew he would be interested. The problem was I was taking the pictures from the second floor of a speeding bus and it was hard to get a good picture. I also took a picture of a bus coming towards us. It is identical to the bus we are in. Please notice how narrow the road is and how much space there is for each bus. I have grown to have a great admiration for these bus drivers. They are expert at getting around in tight spaces.
I have included a picture of our friends standing outside the bus. I wanted a picture of the Chinese woman and her hat. Carlos and I are in the bus and our friends are outside of the bus. I know to you they are just pictures of people. I want you to know that I have the tenderest of feelings for these dear missionaries. They feel like family to me and I can't help but glow with love when I look at them in these pictures.
We had another national holiday yesterday (Tuesday Oct. 23). Carlos and I didn't know and scheduled appointments. So we worked in the morning (it was quiet at the office since most were celebrating the holiday), then went grocery shopping (a nearly daily task since we can only buy what we can carry and have no room to store things anyway), then sat at home and watched the debate (I'm ready for this election to be over, it is exhausting).
Today we began practicing for the Christmas program. Sister Gong is leading us as we play the chimes. It is so fun. I am middle C. We are playing "Away in a Manger" and "Carol of the Bells." We practice every Wednesday until Christmas. We will need the practice.
We are just having a great time! Every day is a new adventure. I am filled with love just about all the time. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this great opportunity to learn and grow in such a rich environment.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
More pictures
Here is a picture of the swimming pool at our complex. Also a picture of us with other missionaries waiting for the fireworks on National day. And pictures of us at the Hong Kong temple. 
Tidbits from Hong Kong
I have been a bit remiss on posting. I think it's been nearly two weeks. So, I have some catching up to do. I'm going to break it into categories so that it seems a bit more organized. First let me talk about transportation:
Hong Kong has an intricate public transportation system. There is an underground railway called the MTR. I have had the opportunity to ride the MTR on two separate occasions. The interesting or should I say important thing to know about the MTR is that it will take you to the destination and then it has several exits and if you take the wrong exit at the right stop, you will not be where you want to be. It is a bit like the airport with all the different gates. All the exits are labeled and you need to pay attention to exits. We are hoping to get more acquainted to the MTR in the near future. There is also a subway system. It isn't what you would think. Subways are underground walkways. There are millions of pedestrians here. Everywhere you go you have to do a considerable amount of walking. For instance we walk 3/4 of a mile to catch a bus that takes us about 6 miles (under the harbor). The bus does drop us right in front of the office. On the way home we walk another 3/4 mile from the bus stop. We use the bus system daily. Another option for transportation is taxi. There are hundreds maybe thousands of taxis. The roads are filled with buses and taxis. By the way, pedestrians do NOT have the right of way in Hong Kong. If you are run over by a bus (which I am shocked doesn't happen daily) you are at fault. It is a busy bustling place. Some times of the day are busier than others. Carlos and I are beginning to be a bit more brave and wander off the beaten path. But mostly we are escorted by other missionaries who are familiar with the area.
I find the people to be delightful. Most times they seem aloof and distant and then I am surprised by their interest in me and their warmth of each other. They seem to be loving and family oriented with each other. It is common to see a group of women or teenage girls walking arm in arm or holding hands as they walk down the street. They are happy and smiling and friendly with each other. On the other hand, they can stand 4 inches from your face on the bus (they crowd a hundred or more on each bus) and not acknowledge you at all. It really is quite humorous mostly because I have to quiet my childish urges to get them to engage with me.
The variety of food is interesting. Last night while the men attended Priesthood meeting, we (the sister missionaries) went to dinner. There were 18 of us. The Chinese are a rigid rule following people. A favorite restaurant of the missionaries here is an Italian restaurant called Al Dente. One of the more persuasive sisters had to talk the manager of the restaurant into letting us eat at their restaurant. He would not, however, let us each have a separate ticket. He wanted us to double up so he didn't have to write 18 tickets...and then he booted us out at 6:30. We laughed and had a good time. I forgot when talking about transportation, the ferry was the option last night after our dining experience. We went out with other friends on Friday night to an American restaurant called Dan Ryan's. Great food, very spendy. We spent over 300 Hong Kong dollars for a hamburger and a salad. Carlos had the hamburger and I had the salad. For reference 100 Hong Kong dollars equals $12.88...so the dinner wasn't really that bad...just feels like it when you are forking over the money.
I am including some pictures and will try to label them but haven't really figured this out yet.
Carlos and I are doing well. I had a bit of a setback this week but am totally recovered today. In our mission office is a doctor who we can walk in and consult with whenever he isn't busy. He is a wonderful, friendly and kind man. If we know what is going on, he recommends an antibiotic and then we find a drugstore willing to give us antibiotics without a prescription which most are willing to do. So Carlos talked with Dr. Heiner who told Carlos what he recommended and Carlos went hunting and was home with the needed medication.
So here are pictures. Katie and I were talking about a vegetable and I told her I would post a picture of it. I have no idea what it is but it is wonderful in stir fry..
The pictures reminded me. Carlos and I frequently walk what is called the promenade. It is a walkway that goes along the harbor. If we walk to both ends of it, we have been told that the complete walk is about 5 1/2 miles. When we go west it is called the Avenue of the Stars and like Hollywood Boulevard has handprints of Chinese stars in the cement so one of the pictures is of that. The promenade is fairly new, I think within the past 5 years, so Bruce Lee had long passed away prior to its creation. His star is there without handprints but there is a statue of him. The one picture I got of handprints are of Jackie Chan. Most of these pictures are along the promenade including the boat with red sails. The other pictures on the water are taken from the ferry. It is the year of the dragon which is the picture of what looks like a rock dragon hanging from a frame
Hong Kong has an intricate public transportation system. There is an underground railway called the MTR. I have had the opportunity to ride the MTR on two separate occasions. The interesting or should I say important thing to know about the MTR is that it will take you to the destination and then it has several exits and if you take the wrong exit at the right stop, you will not be where you want to be. It is a bit like the airport with all the different gates. All the exits are labeled and you need to pay attention to exits. We are hoping to get more acquainted to the MTR in the near future. There is also a subway system. It isn't what you would think. Subways are underground walkways. There are millions of pedestrians here. Everywhere you go you have to do a considerable amount of walking. For instance we walk 3/4 of a mile to catch a bus that takes us about 6 miles (under the harbor). The bus does drop us right in front of the office. On the way home we walk another 3/4 mile from the bus stop. We use the bus system daily. Another option for transportation is taxi. There are hundreds maybe thousands of taxis. The roads are filled with buses and taxis. By the way, pedestrians do NOT have the right of way in Hong Kong. If you are run over by a bus (which I am shocked doesn't happen daily) you are at fault. It is a busy bustling place. Some times of the day are busier than others. Carlos and I are beginning to be a bit more brave and wander off the beaten path. But mostly we are escorted by other missionaries who are familiar with the area.
I find the people to be delightful. Most times they seem aloof and distant and then I am surprised by their interest in me and their warmth of each other. They seem to be loving and family oriented with each other. It is common to see a group of women or teenage girls walking arm in arm or holding hands as they walk down the street. They are happy and smiling and friendly with each other. On the other hand, they can stand 4 inches from your face on the bus (they crowd a hundred or more on each bus) and not acknowledge you at all. It really is quite humorous mostly because I have to quiet my childish urges to get them to engage with me.
The variety of food is interesting. Last night while the men attended Priesthood meeting, we (the sister missionaries) went to dinner. There were 18 of us. The Chinese are a rigid rule following people. A favorite restaurant of the missionaries here is an Italian restaurant called Al Dente. One of the more persuasive sisters had to talk the manager of the restaurant into letting us eat at their restaurant. He would not, however, let us each have a separate ticket. He wanted us to double up so he didn't have to write 18 tickets...and then he booted us out at 6:30. We laughed and had a good time. I forgot when talking about transportation, the ferry was the option last night after our dining experience. We went out with other friends on Friday night to an American restaurant called Dan Ryan's. Great food, very spendy. We spent over 300 Hong Kong dollars for a hamburger and a salad. Carlos had the hamburger and I had the salad. For reference 100 Hong Kong dollars equals $12.88...so the dinner wasn't really that bad...just feels like it when you are forking over the money.
I am including some pictures and will try to label them but haven't really figured this out yet.
Carlos and I are doing well. I had a bit of a setback this week but am totally recovered today. In our mission office is a doctor who we can walk in and consult with whenever he isn't busy. He is a wonderful, friendly and kind man. If we know what is going on, he recommends an antibiotic and then we find a drugstore willing to give us antibiotics without a prescription which most are willing to do. So Carlos talked with Dr. Heiner who told Carlos what he recommended and Carlos went hunting and was home with the needed medication.
So here are pictures. Katie and I were talking about a vegetable and I told her I would post a picture of it. I have no idea what it is but it is wonderful in stir fry..
The pictures reminded me. Carlos and I frequently walk what is called the promenade. It is a walkway that goes along the harbor. If we walk to both ends of it, we have been told that the complete walk is about 5 1/2 miles. When we go west it is called the Avenue of the Stars and like Hollywood Boulevard has handprints of Chinese stars in the cement so one of the pictures is of that. The promenade is fairly new, I think within the past 5 years, so Bruce Lee had long passed away prior to its creation. His star is there without handprints but there is a statue of him. The one picture I got of handprints are of Jackie Chan. Most of these pictures are along the promenade including the boat with red sails. The other pictures on the water are taken from the ferry. It is the year of the dragon which is the picture of what looks like a rock dragon hanging from a frame
Monday, October 1, 2012
Hong Kong National Days
Not really sure what the holiday is. I heard two different things. One was a Fall festival the other was National Day. Anyway here are some videos of the incredible fireworks last night that is if I can get this to post video. It may just be pictures. 
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Pictures
Here are pictures of our office building. The picture of the road is the road directly in front of the office. 
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