June 24 - 30. 2013

Our second week of shutdown for the temple.

Monday morning at 6 am we got up to watch on computer the World Wide Training for Mission Presidents on "The Work of Salvation".  It was well worth our time.  Elder Holland conducted the meeting. Elder Perry talked about rearing up a special generation.  Follow the Savior and preach His gospel.  Missionaries will now use the internet to teach and will open meeting houses for tours during the day.  There are now 405 missions throughout the world.

Members and missionaries will be a cooperative team--one in purpose--love for others.

Elder Andersen talked about it being a spiritual work.  It's His work.  He will not let us fail.  "I am a God of miracles."  "Wishing will not make it so--the Lord expects action"  "Plan and rescue".  President Monson.  Elder Nelson the greatest teaching is done by mothers.  "The word of the Lord came into my mind".  The atonement is a mighty healer.  Now is the time--ACT In FAITH.

As the broadcast went on and scanned the audience we saw President and Sister Blickenstaff there.  We look forward to seeing them in Hong Kong when all the Mission Presidents come together twice a year and they always attend the temple.

Tuesday we took off for Shenzhen, across the border into mainland China.  We stayed at the Best Western right by the border and the great and spacious building.  We tried to get to the Science Museum.  They put us in a taxi and he let us off a few blocks away.  We finally talked to a girl who could speak English and she actually took us to the building where we found out it was not open on Tuesday.  We went across the street and walked through a mall for awhile and then headed back to the hotel.

Enterting the Park.  It was very hot and humid.  We always use an um

Wednesday we hopped a bus and went to the China Cultural Center and Splendid China and spent the day there.  We stayed until after the last show which started after dark.  It is on the same format as the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii.  We are entering the park.  It is a hot and humid day and we always use an umbrella to keep the sun off us.  

This is one of the major shows.  A reenactment of battles in China.

This is one of the village shows.  

Upon entering Paul wanted to rent one of these.  Problem was you could only get it for an hour.  Instead we opted for the train/shuttle ride instead.

Walking to one of the village shows we had to cross this bridge and found all these men taking a rest.  We assume they are workers who were on a break.

A Chinese mother and son who were at one of the shows with us.

There Merry-go-round.  Click in to see the animals.

At the end of the evening all the performers come together in a grand show.  The effects are quite wonderful. 

We came back to Honk Kong on Thursday.  Spent the day resting and shopping for food.

Friday we hooked up with the Hoskins and went to Ocean Park around 4 pm.  We also stayed to closing so we could see their water show which is done after dark.  It was again hot and humid and we were glad we went later in the afternoon.

Mar Jean, Jerry and Jackie having a cool refreshment.

The Hoskins entering the park.  It was their first time.  It was not here when he served 50 years ago.

Red panda.  Unfortunately the other pandas were all resting. 

Turtles

Parrots

A beautiful flower which has a wonderful smell.

Three tired warriors leaving the park.

Saturday we slept in, worked on an assignment we received from Pres. Aki for Monday and generally relaxed.  I finally walked over to the Wellcome store for a little food.  Had to get out for a minute or two.
Paul left for Church early, he had a meeting.  I waited and came about 12:45.

Allehya and I.  She spoke in church today on obedience.

Some of the girls after church.  Allehya, Lia, Yuli, Lingling, Bem Bem, Nova, Kristie Baby and Alma

Me and Baby

We were all wearing such bright colors today.  Lingling, Rhyssa, Nova, Me, and Alma

Elder Lewis on our way home from Church on the train.

He gave his 2nd Gospel Doctrine lesson today and learning by faith and study.  Did an excellent job.  He's a really good teacher.  We had a joint RS Priesthood meeting today which President Collins taught.  I went with my Primary girls.  Paul said the message was on family.  Our individual goal is salvation but our family goal is exaltation.  If the Savior came today and asked you to hold FHE every Monday, what would you do?  Well, a Prophet of God has asked you, what are you going to do?

We are excited, the temple opens tomorrow on the special holiday schedule.  We are ready to get back to work.