Paul fulfilling his first assignment as Branch Clerk. We
went out early to the Wan Chai bldg. to meet Elder Rippy and find out where the
bank is so Paul could deposit the Branch money.
We walked over with another couple and learned a new way to get to the
buses to get across the Harbor. We got
there a little early and were invited to the devotional which they were having
that morning. The Brother who spoke told
a wonderful Chinese folk story. We were able to meet up with Tim Fife. He looks good, doesn't he? Elder
Rippy then walked us over to the bank.
 |
| Tim Fife |
We caught the bus back to Hung Hom
station just in time to meet up with the temple missionaries. We were headed to the Terracotta Warrior
exhibit at the Museum of History. It was
fantastic. So well done and we learned a
lot. We went to lunch with everyone
afterwards and walked home in some rain along the promenade with the Hathaways
and Rhyasens.
 |
| Hathaways, Deans, Lewises, Sister Rhyasen, Victors (Elder Rhyasen took the picture) |
 |
| Outside the museum, the stairs are painted with the warriors |
Tuesday we finished our Big Bus Tour. We rode around on the red route first. That was a good choice because we missed some things the first time and fixed in our minds other places.
 |
| Central District on Hong Kong Island |
 |
| View of the Harbor from HK |
 |
| Our first dragon siting |
We switched to the blue tour which is of Kowloon Island. We dropped off at the Ladies Market and the Jade Market. I think I might have found the pj's and dresses for the kids. Also saw the ICC building which is the 4th tallest building in the world. On the way home we saw a couple of our Elders waiting for a train. We were in the train.
 |
| Paul carrying our groceries from the store, 18th floor by elevator |
Sunday was a great day. We left early and got to the building by 11 so Paul could get logged into the computer to do his Clerk work. When they went in for their PEC meeting Sister Victor and I were visiting with Sister Mildred and Marilyn, who is investigating the church. Mildred gave us a bunch of her recipes which I copied down. We are determined to try them. They are mostly chicken with vegetables or pasta. Should be good.
We were fortunate this morning to watch the RS Conference at 8:00 am our time. What a great meeting. I hope you all took advantage of the opportunity to participate.
Our theme for Sacrament meeting today was "Being Faithful in times of Adversity". We have the most amazing meetings. Three Sisters spoke and shared stories from their own lives and used D&C 122:7 as their basis. All things shall be for our good. The why and how of the question. All is well, God is in control. We are strengthened. Job--our trails are similar, family, health, wealth. No suffering will go unnoticed, all will be for our good. What am I to learn or change. Remember our blessings in time of trial. Trust, build integrity. The second verse of "I Know My Redeemer Lives". Care not what man can do for God is in charge. Adversity is a part of God's plan, if we have faith we will not be afraid of our trials.
Gospel Doctrine is always good. Claire does a great job. Our joint meeting for 5th Sunday was taught by President Collins. He taught a lesson from Gospel Principles about why did you join the Church? what is it Heavenly Father has in mind for us? what do we want from His plan? In the end it boils down to returning to the celestial kingdom with our families. None of us want to go back alone and our focus needs to be on how we can help our families spiritually return home.
Believe it or not after the block we had and Enrichment activity. It continued to build on providing a firm foundation for our families. Everyone was invited to bring a picture or something about their family. Many had pictures of their children, husbands, parents they have left in the Philippines while they are working here in Hong Kong. What sacrifices they are making. Then we were divided into four groups and given toothpicks and marshmallows and told to build a tall tower. It was great fun.
 |
Enrichment activity
|
Brother Barson from River Ridge 9th Ward sent us a wonderful letter this week reminding the couple missionaries from our Ward about the blessings of the temple. Here they are:
- In the temple, the Holy Ghost may grant us added light and knowledge, and the privilege of receiving answers to our prayers-
- Regular temple attendance will help us remember our temple covenants involving obedience, sacrifice and purity-
- A significant blessing of the temple: it serves as a place where we are taught our responsibility for others-
- In the temple, we learn that we are part of an inspired and very real plan, headed by the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
To those four, two others come to my mind:
- Our countenance changes from attending the temple (Alma 5:14,19)
- Our families are blessed while we're serving in the temple
And to those, we are truly blessed to have the guidance/instruction and the wonderful temple stories from President Thomas S. Monson, "Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, Copyright 2010 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.,
- In the temple we can feel close to the Lord
- The temple lifts and exalts us
- The temple brings peace to our souls
- ... in the temple(s), miracles occur --> the story of the Konietz family, who, living behind the Iron Curtain, received patriarchal blessings where many things were promised - during the time when political barriers between Germany and Poland prevented hope of the realization of the promised blessings, that is, hope without faith; miracles occurred, promises were fulfilled, sealings performed by the president of the Bern Switzerland Temple, President Percy K. Fetzer, none other than the same patriarch who gave the earlier patriarchal blessings to the members of the Konietz family.
We have had some wonderful experiences in the temple this week with 19 Mongolian saints being with us all week. Three brothers and six sisters received their endowment and four children were sealed to parents along with several wives being sealed to deceased husbands. What a great spirit they brought with them. Tomorrow and Tuesday are national holidays and the temple will be filled with many Filipino sisters who will have the days off. One of our own sisters in our Branch will receive her endowment, Mary Jane.
We love you. Make some good choices this week and remember Grandpa sends his love and "I am a child of God, I love Him and I know He loves me."
No comments:
Post a Comment