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. 
Week 1 in Hong Kong
Today marks the one week anniversary of arriving in Hong Kong. I already posted about the warm reception we received when on arrival from the other missionaries.
Monday was our first official day at the office. It only took one day of escorting for us to find our way to and from our office. We have to walk about 3/4 of a mile to catch the bus over to Wan Chai where our 10 story office building is. The office also houses the chapels for the Philippino branches that all senior missionaries are called to serve in.
So let me explain about these Philippino women. Over 300,000 women are recruited from the Philippines to work as domestic workers. In order for families to live in Hong Kong both mother and father have to work to survive financially. These Philippine women are hired to tend children and clean the house as well as other chores. We met a woman today who has left her family back in the Philippines which truly is all of their stories. She has 7 children back home. The youngest is just one year old. She said they just don't have the means to financially support the family in the Philippines. So the wives leave the husbands to raise the children and sometimes these women are gone from their families for 20 years. They work and send the money back home. So these branches are full of these women. The branch we attended today had 3 men besides the missionaries, and probably 100 women, no children. It is such a sad situation. But these women smile and laugh, one of them kissed me today. So amazing.
So back to our week. Monday we were trained by Elder Rippy about our responsibilities. At noon there was a big going away party for the Rippy's. Then back to work. By the way, we are very jet lagged. Our days and nights were all messed up for several days, so we were really tired by the end of the day. We came home, crashed on the couch and awoke just in time to attend FHE which was a senior Jeopardy game. It was fun.
Tuesday was our first day without the Rippys. We worked on getting our computers set up and other orientation things. I believe we ended up coming home early because we couldn't get onto our computers. Tuesday evening two of the couples took us to downtown Hong Kong and we had Italian food. I think I told that story.
Wednesday we were back at the office calling missionaries and I started designing a Mental Health Newsletter for the Asia Area. Wednesday evening we had dinner with another set of couples. At their apartment this time. All the apartments are the same, same furniture and same set up basically. We forgot our key and couldn't get back into our apartment. The Chinese are sticklers for rules and they will not let anyone into an apartment whose name is not on the lease. And they won't change the name until the contract renews (happens sometime next year). So thankfully Elder Jackson had a spare at the office. We waited over an hour to get back into our apartment.
Thursday we sent a letter out to 10 mission presidents and their wives letting them know we were here. It was a fairly quiet day but we were able to stay busy. That evening another set of missionaries took us downtown Hong Kong and we ate Cantonese food with CHOPSTICKS!! It was an experience. And the food was really good. Even Carlos loved it.
Friday morning we had several missionaries scheduled to call so we arrived at the office about 7:45 and our phone rang off the hook! Apparently our outreach letters were very effective. The sister missionaries have an Institute class every Friday morning at 10:00 but I wasn't able to go due to having responsibilities to tend to. Carlos and I both were swamped the entire day.
It is Chinese National holiday this weekend. We had a special celebration Friday afternoon for that and our office is closed Monday and Tuesday. Carlos and I have tasks to complete however and will be working part of each of those days.
We are looking forward to the fireworks on Monday evening. We are told that they are spectacular and unlike any we have ever seen before. I will try to take pictures.
We did get some pictures of the office The first is of a giant picture hanging in the entry way. It looks like a tapestry. It is beautiful. We took a picture of a Jade ship that is in a display case also in the entryway. The other pictures are looking out our office window. Pictures just don't do the sights justice but they will have to do unless you choose to come visit with us.
Saturday we were escorted to the grocery store. We walk everywhere we go. We had to take a small cart with us and still bought more than we could carry home. We are going to have to learn how to pace ourselves...no more Costco runs for us. Can I just say that the produce is the best I have ever seen. We just love it!
We are having a wonderful experience. We each have little twinges of missing home but then get immersed in the sights, sounds, people, and responsibilities. We are both looking forward to getting better sleep this next week. I know that will help.
We are so grateful to be having this experience. We love the Gospel and our testimonies grow stronger with each experience we are having. We send our love to all.
Monday was our first official day at the office. It only took one day of escorting for us to find our way to and from our office. We have to walk about 3/4 of a mile to catch the bus over to Wan Chai where our 10 story office building is. The office also houses the chapels for the Philippino branches that all senior missionaries are called to serve in.
So let me explain about these Philippino women. Over 300,000 women are recruited from the Philippines to work as domestic workers. In order for families to live in Hong Kong both mother and father have to work to survive financially. These Philippine women are hired to tend children and clean the house as well as other chores. We met a woman today who has left her family back in the Philippines which truly is all of their stories. She has 7 children back home. The youngest is just one year old. She said they just don't have the means to financially support the family in the Philippines. So the wives leave the husbands to raise the children and sometimes these women are gone from their families for 20 years. They work and send the money back home. So these branches are full of these women. The branch we attended today had 3 men besides the missionaries, and probably 100 women, no children. It is such a sad situation. But these women smile and laugh, one of them kissed me today. So amazing.
So back to our week. Monday we were trained by Elder Rippy about our responsibilities. At noon there was a big going away party for the Rippy's. Then back to work. By the way, we are very jet lagged. Our days and nights were all messed up for several days, so we were really tired by the end of the day. We came home, crashed on the couch and awoke just in time to attend FHE which was a senior Jeopardy game. It was fun.
Tuesday was our first day without the Rippys. We worked on getting our computers set up and other orientation things. I believe we ended up coming home early because we couldn't get onto our computers. Tuesday evening two of the couples took us to downtown Hong Kong and we had Italian food. I think I told that story.
Wednesday we were back at the office calling missionaries and I started designing a Mental Health Newsletter for the Asia Area. Wednesday evening we had dinner with another set of couples. At their apartment this time. All the apartments are the same, same furniture and same set up basically. We forgot our key and couldn't get back into our apartment. The Chinese are sticklers for rules and they will not let anyone into an apartment whose name is not on the lease. And they won't change the name until the contract renews (happens sometime next year). So thankfully Elder Jackson had a spare at the office. We waited over an hour to get back into our apartment.
Thursday we sent a letter out to 10 mission presidents and their wives letting them know we were here. It was a fairly quiet day but we were able to stay busy. That evening another set of missionaries took us downtown Hong Kong and we ate Cantonese food with CHOPSTICKS!! It was an experience. And the food was really good. Even Carlos loved it.
Friday morning we had several missionaries scheduled to call so we arrived at the office about 7:45 and our phone rang off the hook! Apparently our outreach letters were very effective. The sister missionaries have an Institute class every Friday morning at 10:00 but I wasn't able to go due to having responsibilities to tend to. Carlos and I both were swamped the entire day.
It is Chinese National holiday this weekend. We had a special celebration Friday afternoon for that and our office is closed Monday and Tuesday. Carlos and I have tasks to complete however and will be working part of each of those days.
We are looking forward to the fireworks on Monday evening. We are told that they are spectacular and unlike any we have ever seen before. I will try to take pictures.
We did get some pictures of the office The first is of a giant picture hanging in the entry way. It looks like a tapestry. It is beautiful. We took a picture of a Jade ship that is in a display case also in the entryway. The other pictures are looking out our office window. Pictures just don't do the sights justice but they will have to do unless you choose to come visit with us.
Saturday we were escorted to the grocery store. We walk everywhere we go. We had to take a small cart with us and still bought more than we could carry home. We are going to have to learn how to pace ourselves...no more Costco runs for us. Can I just say that the produce is the best I have ever seen. We just love it!
We are having a wonderful experience. We each have little twinges of missing home but then get immersed in the sights, sounds, people, and responsibilities. We are both looking forward to getting better sleep this next week. I know that will help.
We are so grateful to be having this experience. We love the Gospel and our testimonies grow stronger with each experience we are having. We send our love to all.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
We sure love each other, don't we?
That was what my grandfather used to say to me. Uncle Garth and I carried on that tradition after grandpa died. Uncle Garth was a true hero. He loved his family and friends deeply and tenderly. He was like a second father to my siblings and I. He will be truly missed. Thanks Uncle Garth for everything. Your example is woven into the most tender parts of who I am. I love you much and will forever be changed by your example of love and integrity. Uncle Garth passed away yesterday morning after a very long battle with kidney disease. This picture was taken September 9 the day before we left for our mission. 
Monday, September 24, 2012
These are all pictures taken of our apartment complex and the hallway leading to our apartment. Carlos is standing in front of a gorgeous and huge swimming pool that is surrounded by trees so you can't see the pool. No one is ever in the pool. I know there must be a way to put several pics on a pot with labels. I haven't figured that out yet. Sorry for the multiple posts. Hugs and loves from Hong Kong. 
Whew! We made it!
Friday evening we boarded a huge airliner in Los Angeles at 11:50 PM, chased the sun all evening and arrived at the beautiful Hong Kong airport Sunday morning at 5:20 just as the sun was rising. Although it was long, it was a great flight. We were served two meals on board that were not that bad, in fact, I quite enjoyed them. I (Alane) watched three movies that I had been wanting to see and two documentaries. I did sleep some. I think the total flight was just under 15 hours.
We took a train from the airport (if you want to know about this incredible airport, watch Extreme Engineering season 1 episode 2...so interesting what they have been able to do). We arrived at our apartment around 7:00.
Other senior missionaries met us there. We found our refrigerator filled with food...enough for the entire week. You should see the carrots here, they are bigger than potatoes and so yummy (we are told). We haven't needed to cook yet because we are invited to dinner every night this week (and I was hoping to lose weight...ha!). The missionaries are friendly, supportive, kind, and make sure we are safely escorted to and from the office.
We spent the morning unpacking and organizing our things and then attended sacrament meeting at 1:00. Now remember we have not laid down since leaving our room at the MTC on Friday afternoon...not slept in a bed for I can't even calculate how many hours. Up to this point we were running on adrenaline, when we sat down for the meeting both of us struggled terribly to stay awake. During the closing prayer I (Alane) fell so soundly asleep that I tipped forward and caught myself just prior to falling on the floor, we were seated on the front row facing the speakers (bad planning on someone's part).
We were escorted home by wonderful Sis Jackson and we slept off and on for the next 12 hours.
A challenge has been getting our computers working at home and at the office. Funny we have only been without them for a few days...we felt lost without our ability to email or use our wifi. Hopefully those challenges will be overcome soon.
This is an amazing place. I wish I had the words to describe it. It is very crowded, people everywhere yet their system is effective and we have spent very little time standing in lines. We walk a great deal and always seem in a hurry to catch a bus...which there are hundreds of double decker busses. It seems the majority of the population rides public transportation. The busses can be very crowded but it doesn't seen a bother as we aren't on them long.
I've included some pics of our apartment. I am going to try some other posts with labels and pics to give you some idea of our adventure.
I want to add that we learned Katie and Walter have some friends whose parents are serving as the medical advisers here. They came to FHE last night with a picture of Katie's Bella playing with their granddaughter when I saw the picture, spontaneous tears welled up in my eyes and I couldn't talk for several minutes. How grateful I am for small tender mercies that the Lord loves me and is interested in my happiness. Ok pics to follow. Love you all
We took a train from the airport (if you want to know about this incredible airport, watch Extreme Engineering season 1 episode 2...so interesting what they have been able to do). We arrived at our apartment around 7:00.
Other senior missionaries met us there. We found our refrigerator filled with food...enough for the entire week. You should see the carrots here, they are bigger than potatoes and so yummy (we are told). We haven't needed to cook yet because we are invited to dinner every night this week (and I was hoping to lose weight...ha!). The missionaries are friendly, supportive, kind, and make sure we are safely escorted to and from the office.
We spent the morning unpacking and organizing our things and then attended sacrament meeting at 1:00. Now remember we have not laid down since leaving our room at the MTC on Friday afternoon...not slept in a bed for I can't even calculate how many hours. Up to this point we were running on adrenaline, when we sat down for the meeting both of us struggled terribly to stay awake. During the closing prayer I (Alane) fell so soundly asleep that I tipped forward and caught myself just prior to falling on the floor, we were seated on the front row facing the speakers (bad planning on someone's part).
We were escorted home by wonderful Sis Jackson and we slept off and on for the next 12 hours.
A challenge has been getting our computers working at home and at the office. Funny we have only been without them for a few days...we felt lost without our ability to email or use our wifi. Hopefully those challenges will be overcome soon.
This is an amazing place. I wish I had the words to describe it. It is very crowded, people everywhere yet their system is effective and we have spent very little time standing in lines. We walk a great deal and always seem in a hurry to catch a bus...which there are hundreds of double decker busses. It seems the majority of the population rides public transportation. The busses can be very crowded but it doesn't seen a bother as we aren't on them long.
I've included some pics of our apartment. I am going to try some other posts with labels and pics to give you some idea of our adventure.
I want to add that we learned Katie and Walter have some friends whose parents are serving as the medical advisers here. They came to FHE last night with a picture of Katie's Bella playing with their granddaughter when I saw the picture, spontaneous tears welled up in my eyes and I couldn't talk for several minutes. How grateful I am for small tender mercies that the Lord loves me and is interested in my happiness. Ok pics to follow. Love you all
Sunday, September 16, 2012
My Heart Light is turned On!
We had such a beautiful day today that I just had to post another blog today. I truly feel like I am in heaven here. This morning in our Sacrament Meeting we had 8 young Elders (a whole district) that are going to Tonga sing a hymn in Tongan. The tears began to sting my eyes as I listened to their baritone voices with their testimony of Christ shining in their faces. I just can't describe the tenderness and feeling of peace and joy that is a part of this Missionary Training Center.
Tonight we attended a devotional that began with 4 young Elders going to the Philippines sing "Secret Prayer." It was just gorgeous. I feel like ET with my heart light constantly turned on. Then Tracy Watson bore powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. Truly inspiring!
We had a great visit with my nieces on the grounds of the Provo Temple and I wanted to post a pic of us. What a great day! Love, love, love it!
Tonight we attended a devotional that began with 4 young Elders going to the Philippines sing "Secret Prayer." It was just gorgeous. I feel like ET with my heart light constantly turned on. Then Tracy Watson bore powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. Truly inspiring!
We had a great visit with my nieces on the grounds of the Provo Temple and I wanted to post a pic of us. What a great day! Love, love, love it!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
The MTC Experience 1st week
In spite of my health challenges this week, the MTC has been such a positive experience for both of us. I love the spirit at the MTC. I would wager that there is no place on earth where you would find a group of 2700 people (everywhere we go there is a sea of white shirts and ties) in one place who are a happier people. The young missionaries just energize this place. They are courteous, friendly, laughing and jovial. I know this is no real disclosure but I have found myself struck to the point of tears over and over and you have to remember I have been in my room resting more than I have been out of it.
Let me break down the week for you. We arrived Monday morning and after checking in, I went straight to bed. Carlos attended various different orientation meetings while I snoozed.
The rest of the week was Preach My Gospel training (I missed all but Friday morning). Carlos loved his experience and felt that his counseling training was a great help and influence for himself and others.
We attended a devotional where Elder Carlson (a member of the Seventy) and his wife addressed us on 9/11. Elder Carlson was a General working in the Pentagon on the day that it was attacked. He bore powerful testimony as did his wife. He admonished the missionaries to look for the sheep and have discernment in choosing who to teach. I felt a love for my country and the Gospel as he bore testimony and gave direction.
As I said before, I am impressed by the goodness, organization, and general spirit of love that is present at the MTC. We have visited with missionaries headed all over the world. We met three couples at our Malaria training (how comforting is that?) who were headed to Africa. One couple, the husband was a farmer from Utah, will be an advisor for well drilling in remote areas in Africa. We met a young Elder who excitedly reported that he will be serving in the jungles in some remote place I had never heard of in Mexico. We have met two senior couples going to Russia and one to Finland. All expressed the same reservations that I have expressed to serving in Hong Kong. Today on the shuttle to the mall one young Elder (called to Honduras) said he was certain that when he opened his mission call it would say, "You have been called to serve on the dark side of the moon." We all laughed and I realized what courage, faith, and dedication it is taking to serve wherever we are called. What a testimony builder.
We have run into some people, not that we knew personally but people we love and care about know. My nephew, Justin Turley's mother-in-law and her husband were here. We became fast friends. We have looked all over for and now continue to run into Soren Jorgensen whose family is great friends of Katie and Walter in Cortez, Co and who Amanda developed a deep friendship with and I served in the temple with and grew to love Pam Ditmar (hi Pam) and sat by her sister and husband twice in the cafeteria. Everyone feels like family here. We sat by a couple of young sister missionaries yesterday and got a hug from them today. It is a marvelous place.
Carlos and I attended three days of language training with a young man, Br. Fong who is a native of Hong Kong. He was so patient with us. Bless his ever loving heart. Neither Carlos or I feel we have an affinity to Cantonese. Br. Fong looked frustrated with our pronunciation more than once but was so patient with us.
There was a testimony meeting last evening where the senior couples in language training were expected to bear their testimonies in the language they were learning. Ha Ha! Everyone in the room got up and struggled through a testimony in a foreign language until the only two left who hadn't born their testimonies was yours truly and her beloved husband. Silence has never been so loud to me. Finally I jumped up and bore a short testimony in English and Carlos followed suit. What a powerful and wonderful experience. I wish I could express it in words.
For those curious about my health. I am getting stronger. I was able to talk with a gastrointologist (not sure that is how it is spelled) yesterday on the phone. What a great guy. He talked about my symptoms, my medication, and my diet. What a relief! He educated me about diverticulitis and how to avoid it in the future.
I feel the Lord's hand in our lives. I know He is aware of each of us individually. How I miss my friends and family and how I am looking forward to new and challenging experiences.
Let me break down the week for you. We arrived Monday morning and after checking in, I went straight to bed. Carlos attended various different orientation meetings while I snoozed.
The rest of the week was Preach My Gospel training (I missed all but Friday morning). Carlos loved his experience and felt that his counseling training was a great help and influence for himself and others.
We attended a devotional where Elder Carlson (a member of the Seventy) and his wife addressed us on 9/11. Elder Carlson was a General working in the Pentagon on the day that it was attacked. He bore powerful testimony as did his wife. He admonished the missionaries to look for the sheep and have discernment in choosing who to teach. I felt a love for my country and the Gospel as he bore testimony and gave direction.
As I said before, I am impressed by the goodness, organization, and general spirit of love that is present at the MTC. We have visited with missionaries headed all over the world. We met three couples at our Malaria training (how comforting is that?) who were headed to Africa. One couple, the husband was a farmer from Utah, will be an advisor for well drilling in remote areas in Africa. We met a young Elder who excitedly reported that he will be serving in the jungles in some remote place I had never heard of in Mexico. We have met two senior couples going to Russia and one to Finland. All expressed the same reservations that I have expressed to serving in Hong Kong. Today on the shuttle to the mall one young Elder (called to Honduras) said he was certain that when he opened his mission call it would say, "You have been called to serve on the dark side of the moon." We all laughed and I realized what courage, faith, and dedication it is taking to serve wherever we are called. What a testimony builder.
We have run into some people, not that we knew personally but people we love and care about know. My nephew, Justin Turley's mother-in-law and her husband were here. We became fast friends. We have looked all over for and now continue to run into Soren Jorgensen whose family is great friends of Katie and Walter in Cortez, Co and who Amanda developed a deep friendship with and I served in the temple with and grew to love Pam Ditmar (hi Pam) and sat by her sister and husband twice in the cafeteria. Everyone feels like family here. We sat by a couple of young sister missionaries yesterday and got a hug from them today. It is a marvelous place.
Carlos and I attended three days of language training with a young man, Br. Fong who is a native of Hong Kong. He was so patient with us. Bless his ever loving heart. Neither Carlos or I feel we have an affinity to Cantonese. Br. Fong looked frustrated with our pronunciation more than once but was so patient with us.
There was a testimony meeting last evening where the senior couples in language training were expected to bear their testimonies in the language they were learning. Ha Ha! Everyone in the room got up and struggled through a testimony in a foreign language until the only two left who hadn't born their testimonies was yours truly and her beloved husband. Silence has never been so loud to me. Finally I jumped up and bore a short testimony in English and Carlos followed suit. What a powerful and wonderful experience. I wish I could express it in words.
For those curious about my health. I am getting stronger. I was able to talk with a gastrointologist (not sure that is how it is spelled) yesterday on the phone. What a great guy. He talked about my symptoms, my medication, and my diet. What a relief! He educated me about diverticulitis and how to avoid it in the future.
I feel the Lord's hand in our lives. I know He is aware of each of us individually. How I miss my friends and family and how I am looking forward to new and challenging experiences.
Monday, September 10, 2012
At the MTC
Let me get to the end of the story first. We are safely at the MTC. It is raining like crazy. The last three days have been exciting, full of spiritual experiences and challenges.
Saturday all who could attend the temple with us did. It was a tender and touching experience for all who attended. We then fed everyone at our home. The boys watched the BYU game. Go BYU!
Saturday evening I (Alane) began having pains in my stomach...I ignored them hoping they would go away. Sunday morning I was in the ER and was released just in the nick of time to give our talks for our farewell. (Thanks to all that came to support us and for those who couldn't come, we missed you). To make a long story even longer, I have a condition called diverticulitis, basically an infection in my large intestine...very painful. I was put on antibiotics and clear liquids (no cake for me). We presented our talks, Amanda sang through sweet tears and then Carlos and I were set apart as missionaries. We received sacred and inspiring blessings from our dear Stake President, President Pitcher.
We had the most wonderful family gathering afterwards. Thanks to MaLeesa, Geneva, Kristina, Janene, Emily and all those who helped to set up, clean up, and direct traffic.
We especially enjoyed our visit with Uncle Garth who was accompanied by Shane (so great to visit with her). Uncle Garth confidently and humbly reported to us that he most likely would not be on this earth when we get home. He said he would be on his next mission. Oh how I love him! We all shed big tears as we said good-bye.
We were up at 4:00 this morning to catch an early flight. I felt awful. It was a tough flight for me but we made it and I passed out (not literally) on the shuttle to the MTC. We managed orientation and lunch and then I slept all afternoon. I am pleased to announce that rest, medication, and food are marvelous healers and I am much improved.
Carlos and I are truly grateful for this experience. It is hard to leave our family, for sure, but we are excited to learn and grow as we have new experiences in a new culture that we know will help us grow spiritually and emotionally.
Saturday all who could attend the temple with us did. It was a tender and touching experience for all who attended. We then fed everyone at our home. The boys watched the BYU game. Go BYU!
Saturday evening I (Alane) began having pains in my stomach...I ignored them hoping they would go away. Sunday morning I was in the ER and was released just in the nick of time to give our talks for our farewell. (Thanks to all that came to support us and for those who couldn't come, we missed you). To make a long story even longer, I have a condition called diverticulitis, basically an infection in my large intestine...very painful. I was put on antibiotics and clear liquids (no cake for me). We presented our talks, Amanda sang through sweet tears and then Carlos and I were set apart as missionaries. We received sacred and inspiring blessings from our dear Stake President, President Pitcher.
We had the most wonderful family gathering afterwards. Thanks to MaLeesa, Geneva, Kristina, Janene, Emily and all those who helped to set up, clean up, and direct traffic.
We especially enjoyed our visit with Uncle Garth who was accompanied by Shane (so great to visit with her). Uncle Garth confidently and humbly reported to us that he most likely would not be on this earth when we get home. He said he would be on his next mission. Oh how I love him! We all shed big tears as we said good-bye.
We were up at 4:00 this morning to catch an early flight. I felt awful. It was a tough flight for me but we made it and I passed out (not literally) on the shuttle to the MTC. We managed orientation and lunch and then I slept all afternoon. I am pleased to announce that rest, medication, and food are marvelous healers and I am much improved.
Carlos and I are truly grateful for this experience. It is hard to leave our family, for sure, but we are excited to learn and grow as we have new experiences in a new culture that we know will help us grow spiritually and emotionally.
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