Steps leading to our mission call.

On October 30 the River Ridge Stake YSA held a trunk or treat for the stake.  Paul and I took Brody, 5, over to it.  The other boys were busy with football and other things.  While there Paul saw President Soffe, he had just been sustained as our new Stake President, and Paul had not had an opportunity to meet him.  They had a quick visit.

The next day we received a call from the Stake Executive Secretary asking us to come in for an interview on Sunday.  Sunday arrived and we went in to meet with President Soffe.  We had a nice visit getting acquainted and then he asked if we would be willing to serve a mission in the SLC South Mission and live at home. He said he had been thinking about this calling and when he shook Paul's hand at the trunk or treat he knew we were the ones. I was very surprised but Paul immediately pulled out a quote he had in his scriptures from President Joseph Fielding Smith "Never refuse to serve. When a presiding officer asks your help, be glad to accept and give the best you have to that labor.  The Lord expects this of us, and we are under covenant to do so.  ...He who refuses to perform any labor or shirks responsibility when it is given him in the Church is in grave danger of losing the guidance of the Spirit....Your service does not go unnoticed by that God whom you serve and in whose work you are engaged."

I think President Soffe was very happy.  He had said earlier that President Chambers had called and asked him for at least one couple to serve in the stake.  Things moved quickly from there. Paul had asked Bishop Jackson to get us into the computer system two days before he saw President Soffe at the trunk or treat activity. He called Bishop Jackson to see if he had opened the computer for us to prepare to serve another mission. He did that night after we told him about the meeting with President Soffe. As soon as he did we completed the paper work.  Because we will be serving from home we did not need the medical forms.  We had our interview with Bishop Jackson.  He forwarded it on to President Soffe and the next Sunday we had another interview with him and the next day he submitted our papers to Church headquarters.

Our son-in-law, Gary Radford, Bishop of the Jerome 7th Ward, had invited us to speak on the 5th Sunday in his ward.  We were in Idaho for the week and give our talks.  When we returned after Church, Kelly called and said, "It just hit me.  I think your mission papers are here".  I think they came yesterday, Saturday."  We said well open them for us, which she did.

We skyped our son and Kelly and she read the letter. "You are called to serve in the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission as Member Leadership Support missionaries for the period of one year and you will enter the MTC on January 5, 2015."  We were excited to receive the official call.  We came home on Monday and had to stop at the Mission Office where we met the three couple missionaries serving there, The Halls,               and DuPaix.  President and Sister Chambers had already been to the office. While visiting with them we learned that there would be a MSL training meeting on Wednesday.  We asked if we might attend and they said yes.

We have been on the Missionary Portal to see what we need to do to prepare and there is a list of things we need to do before entering the MTC so we have been working on them.  Immunization records, make an "I'm a Mormon" blog, review family search and print a fan, watch "The District" six segments 30 minutes each, and study Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel.  As of today, Sunday Dec 7, we have completed everything but Preach My Gospel.  That's going to take the rest of the time we have left.

Wednesday the mission had a training meeting for the MLS missionary couples and we were invited to attend.  What an inspirational meeting and so many great missionaries, over 40 couples.  We are going to love serving with these fine people.  President Bishop from the mission presidency and his wife are over all of us and we will be under Elder & Sister Lucking.

Yesterday was a wonderful day with family.  Riley Meier, 8, had his birthday and was baptized by his father, Rob Meier, at the Stake Baptism Day.  He has been so excited about this day.  We are so proud of him.  Today at Church he got to sit on the stand next to Bishop Jackson.  Saturday after the baptism Rob also gave Blake a blessing and name.  Really a special day for us.  Afterwards about 45 family and friends came back to the house where we had lunch.

Mar Jean, Rob, Riley, Paul

 Riley and Blake

Rob, Robbie, Kelly, Brody, Blake, Riley

 Lewis Family

Rob, Blake,Kelly

Today, Sunday, we were called up to announce to our Ward our mission call and where we would be serving.  Our prayer is that the Lord will bless us to do our very best.  

February 17 - 23 - 2014

Another wonderful memory from one of our Peninsula 3 Sisters:

"My dearest sister and elder Lewis.  I thank God for having you both a part of my life.  Thanks Heavenly Father for giving me another parents in the Church and in the gospel.  Thanks god for having you as my family and dear friend to me and for all your good example, your faith, your service to us specially to me.  Thanks is not enough for al lthe thing you have done in my life.  You really touch my heart.  I learned so many many things from both of you.  I love you with all my heart.  I know your family were very happy now and I am happy too.  I do pray for your safety to your journey to go back home.  I'm gonna miss you both.  I never forget the words "please continue to good, thank you so much.

Hugs and kisses

Mama Baby

Our Last Week in Hong Kong China Temple Mission August 20, 2012 - February 20, 2014

Monday we headed to the grocery store area to get some pictures printed up.

Walk to Wellcom store

View from the bus

 We eventually ended up in Stanley.  Needed some NYFries before we left and wanted to see the beautiful water front one last time.We walked around seeing if there was anything we couldn't live without and came back with nothing.  

View of Stanley from the bus

Harbour, Starr Ferry Mall

Last trip on the Starr Ferry to TST

On our way back home we stopped at "Dumpling Pro" for one last dinner of green beans and minced pork, sweet and sour shrimp and rice.  As delicious as we remembered it.

That evening around midnight Elder & Sister Wilson arrived.  Paul went down and got a cart for them and shortly thereafter Pres. and  Sister Wong drove up with them.

Waiting, waiting.

Pres. Wong, Elder Wilson,Sister Wilson, Sister Wong and Elder Lewis

 We took them up to their new apartment and showed them around a bit and then let them get settled in and ready for bed.  We saw them again on Tuesday evening.  I took them on a walking tour of the area to show them where the shopping is.  They had served in the temple two years ago and so are fairly familiar with Hong Kong but they did not live in this part of the city last time.

Tuesday morning we took our last trip to the temple as temple workers where we served all day.

Walking up Kent Road

Our last day in the temple was wonderful.  The Thailand family, mother, father, son and daughter who are going to SD and St. George on their mission were still there.  Also a brother from India who were were able to help be sealed to his father and mother and grandparents.  Many hugs and well wishes from the wonderful ordinance workers and coordinators.  It was a beautiful day.  We are going to cherish our memories here forever.  

Wednesday we finished up the packing even though we had been packing and getting rid of things for weeks it seemed.  We left for the temple and attended the 4 pm session where we were the witness couple and then met with Pres. Patrick Wong who released us as Hong Kong Temple workers.  A bitter sweet moment.  

Leaving the temple for the last time.

Thursday morning at 4:45 President Wong met us outside our apartment and drove us to the airport.

A pretty empty apartment

The mattress and scales are going to the Warners this morning.  

Luggage ready to head down.

President Wong saying goodbye.  

Our first stop was in Japan.  While waiting for the next flight we ran into these wonderful people.
Brother McLaughlin was returning from a business trip to Manila, Sister Cook and her daughter had been in HK and in the temple the day before.  The young Sister Cook is leaving for a mission to Chili in March.  The McPhies are returning from the Manila Temple.  Actually they were in the MTC with us.  Very small world.

Bro. McLaughlin, Sisters Cook, Elder & Sister McPhie

 Kelly, Rob and Brody met us at the airport around 1 pm.  So great to see them.  They took us home.  It was wonderful to see the Wasatch mountains again, covered with snow.  However the weather was a balmy 60 degrees. Around 4 pm Kory and Katie and kids arrived to greet us.  We then went to Dad's favorite place, Golden Corral for dinner then home to continue to unpack and go to bed.
Still don't have the time thing down.

Friday morning we got up and went to the Jordan River Temple for the 7 am session at which we were the witness couple.  We saw the new film (#2) and were so very impressed and moved by it.  We gained a greater understanding of God's plan for us.

From there we went to Robbie's school where he had a performance on Utah.  They played their recorders, sang and danced for us.

Kelly and Brody waiting for the performance to begin.

Robbie did a great job, so proud of him.  Mom, Dad and Brody.

 We then went to the movies, "Saving Mr. Banks" which Paul slept through completely.  Not a surprise.  From there we stopped at the Hoskins to drop off a Cantonese Book of Mormon for them which they could only get from the HK Distribution Center.  They are doing well.  He has started physical therapy and they are working him hard.  We will meet up again next week for lunch.

Friday night was cookie night in the neighborhood.  The Tuckers, once a month, sponsor a cookie night and invite all the neighborhood.  It's a great way to socialize and get to know people.  We are happy it happened right as we got home.

Saturday morning we went to Pleasant Grove for Tyler's last basketball game.  Unfortunately they lost but it was fun to see him play.  He had a good rooting audience, Both sets of grandparents, parents, aunt and uncle and cousins.

After the game we dropped Robbie and Josh off at Meirs grocery store where they were going to work for the rest of the day.  They help Grandpa Meier and Robbie's Dad serve up tasters for the store.

Saturday night I went to bed about 9 am.  At about 10 I got woken up by Kimberly, Gary and family.  They had come from Idaho to surprise us.  It was a wonderful surprise.  I had told them not to bother coming down for our talks, it was too far for such a short occasion.  But it was so exciting to have them all here together.  We are so very blessed.  Sunday morning found four of the grandsons upstairs on either their ipod or ipad.

Robbie, Grandma, Riley, Brayden, Brody and Josh

 At 12:30 Paul and I met with Stake President Snow to be released from our mission.  He extended a heartfelt thanks for our service and said what a great example we are to so many.  It is so nice to be appreciated and loved.  We left from there and went to Church which started with RS/Priesthood.

Steve and Susan arrived and attended all the meetings with us.  When Sacrament meeting started and we looked out over the audience we saw many of our family and friends. Steve and Susan, (Brother and sister-in-law from Syracuse).  Cecilia, Cindy, Ethan and Maddie (friends from CA who now live in Orem).  Lynn and Pete (our friends from Slovenia mission living in Alpine).  Mar Jean, Kimee and Lizee (friends from CA who now live in Springville).  Our family, Kim, Kelly, Kory and grandchildren.  Big Daddy and Laurna Meier (in-law parents of our son-in-law Rob), Dave and Deanna Golden (in-law parents of our daughter-in-law Katie).  Paul's home teaching family (Dale Spanton).  We felt very very loved.

Morning Brunch provided by Kelly

Robbie, Josh, Mallorie, Brayden and Riley walking to Church

We returned home to where Kelly and Rob had provided a wonderful meal for all of us.  We had a great time visiting with everyone.

Mar Jean & Paul

Pete and Lynn

Cecilia

Gary, Kimberly, Kaylee, Courtney, Brayden and Mallorie

Josh, Katie, Tyler, Gage and Kory

Rob, MJ, Robbie, Paul, Kelly, Riley, and Brody

Steve and Susan Anderson

Ethan, Maddie, Cindy Chun

Dave Golden, Tyler, Deanna, Josh, Gage, MJ & Paul

Kelly, Kimberly, Kory, MJ and Paul

Mallorie, Courtney, Kaylee, Tyler, Kory

We spoke in Church and were able to share some of our wonderful experiences in Hong Kong.  The Lord has been e good to us.  We have met some of the finest Saints on the earth.  Firm, faithful, diligent and humble.  The Lord's Church is in great hands for the future and we are happy to be a small part of this great work.

This concludes our Hong Kong China Temple Mission.  We hate to see it come to an end but are looking forward to another great experience starting tomorrow.

February 10 - 16, 2014

Today we were invited to attend the Area Missionaries FHE at 6 pm in the Wan Chai Bldg.  We left the apartment at 10:15 after going down to the Victor's and singing Happy Birthday to Sue.  Paul went to the bank and made the deposit while I went to Prize Mart and got some candy for Dora who has been so very good to us these last 18 months.  She has gotten all the paper and printer cartridges for us for the Branch.

On the bus to Wan Chai

Dora, the receptionist on the 8th floor.

Elders and AP's we ran into at JoJo's having lunch.

A new business opening up with the Dragon dance to wish them success

From there we visited with Sister Harrington trying to get some family  history work prepared for Rommel.  We had a problem so will have to wait for some clearance in a couple of days.  Then off to JOJO's for lunch, a great India restaurant.  We also saw eight elders having lunch there also.  Then off to find some brocade with the auspicious patterns Sister Wong told us about.  Hoping to be able to use it on the quilt Connie is making for me.

Then back to the Wan Chai Bldg where Paul took a nap and I played on the piano for awhile waiting for the FHE.

President and Sister Gong shared some of their life with us.  It was a very relaxed and comfortable evening.  They met at the MTC.  She was preparing to serve in Taiwan and he had returned and was teaching.  They ended up collaborating on some projects and met up after her mission.  They have 4 boys, one married with three children.  They lived in Virginia where they raised their boys.  He is in the 1st Quorum of the Seventy.  Both really wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to the Lord.

Tuesday we were in the temple.  This week was a great week.

Ada from the Distribution Center, always so helpful and happy to see us.

 On Thursday Sister Carol Collins and many of the other English sisters who come every week were in the temple.  On this day I was the presenter at the veil and Paul was the receiver and we were able to bring her thru the veil.  What a special experience.  She is our Branch President's wife.

Carol Collins

On Wednesday the Victors were heading home.  Paul took the trolleys over to help them get down to President Wong's car.  He took them to the airport.  They flew out around 4 pm.

Paul, Pres. Wong, Sue, Mike and Bill Warner 

Now you can spy him.

Paul in the courtyard.

 This family were here from Thailand.  The brother and sister both have mission calls.  She is going to San Diego and he is going to St. George.  Pretty exciting for their family.  They came and the children received their endowment and the family was sealed.  They are here for two weeks.

 We were able to do sealings together on several occasions this week which is always special.

On Thursday evening the Salmons had us to dinner.  It was a delicious chicken curry dish and we so appreciated them.  Wonderful couple from Canada.  Have served in the West Indies and taught English in China for two years.

Friday we stayed at the temple all day, took a short break from 4-5 and then came back for the evening session to help out.  We have enjoyed doing this for the last couple of months.

Saturday I was able to help with an own endowment, Levy from the Island 2 Every day Branch. Pres. Walker and Sister Walker were both there for her.  It is so exciting to see these women come to the temple.  It is not easy for them.  It costs money to get there and to rent their clothing but they are so faithful.

These following three sisters are at the temple every Saturday morning doing a session or initiatory.  

Christine Conception

Sister Tagaron 

Venus has been working on her family history and finally has names of her grandparents printed out ready to go to the temple.  She is in Pen 3.

Venus, Sister Walker

 Velma was also at the temple on Saturday.  She comes early and we met her in the foyer around 7:30.  There was a big baptism group so she had to wait awhile but did.  We are so proud of her.

 When she finished she went on to Wan Chai for church.  I left the temple around 3 and went to meet her.  I got there in time for the last part of Sacrament meeting.  Pres.Walker and Pres.Tai were speaking.  Afterwards they had a wonderful RS activity Miss Valentine of 2014.

These were the candidates.  They modeled, did a talent and answered a question.

Paul arrived a little later and we got some pictures with him and Ami and Velma.  They also had a wonderful dinner after the program.

Our last Saturday.  It is hard to say goodbye to these wonderful women.  They are like our children. We are so very proud of them.  We are glad we have Facebook, tangle, face time and all those other great things where we can keep in touch easily.

Sunday was our last Sunday in Peninsula 3.  Paul continued to do his clerk job. Sister Collins took over the program and Gospel Doctrine class and did a great job.  I taught my Primary girls one last time and Lingling invited me to come into RS at the end and bear my testimony.  "Be true and faithful and endure to the end.  Every blessing the Lord has will be given to you if you stay faithful."

After RS I taught a brief Enrichment lesson on writing your life story.  I passed out YW journals with some ideas in them and let them begin.  I hope they take the challenge and continue on.

Primary: Crockett, MJ, Nida, Yessie, Watkins, Lisa, Shannon, Michelle, Megan, Gillian

They all converged on the other side.

Janet Lung and Carol Collins

Lingling

Madel, new Enrichment Counselor

Jacinto Family, Paul, Shannon, MJ, Rowena, Rommel, Megan, Gillian, Michelle

Mama Baby

Mary Ann and Carol

Nayda 

My Primary Girls, Shannon, Michelle, Megan, Gillian

Taeia Kong

Vilma Wen

Yessie and Michelle, Paul & MJ

A wonderful last week.  I gave out my crocheted bookmarks to the sisters in the temple each day as a special reminder of our love for them.

Several of the Sisters gave us lovely gifts and cards.

Dearest Elder and Sister Lewis!
How days and months gone so fast.  You are almost home...It's like you just came here in our Branch. I remember those words that Elder Lewis was first asked to me, "He said, Are you coming here every Sunday?  and I answered, "Yes" I am and he smiled.  And we have a choir that time at the sacrament and you said we shared those copies of the hymns to sing. and you appreciated it!

I love you both, you are a good and kind loving parents to us all and to you Sister Lewis.  you gave courage and comfort from your advises.  It's always in my heart and all the good example that you gave me.

How wonderful you are, I can feel your strong faith from to God.  You are a great example to all of us.  How grateful I am to know you, to feel your love.  Even just 18 months to feel it.  I will treasure that forever.  From both of you I felt I have my parents with me...because at home I never have.  I only have Mom.  Even though I am sad that you leave but I know we will still see each other someday!  Your children were so blessed to have you.

And we are blessed to have you here in our Branch.  We are your family!!  Thank you so much for all your help, love, kindness and service to us!  Maybe you are not here around us but in our hearts, you will always be here.  Stay in touch on Facebook!  "We love you.!  I love you! Your daughter.

Nova Saldana

Dear Elder and Sister Lewis,

I just can't find the right words to say for my deep love and gratitude to both of you.  I am very thankful to my Heavenly Father for bringing you here in our Branch and knowing you personally is such a blessing.

Please accept my simple token of friendship and memory that you'll leave behind.  Yes, you have left a great impact in my life and I will cherish this as long as I live.
May this remind you how grateful I am for all the lessons you've shared, the testimonies you bore and I really am teary eyed and touched every time I take a bite of the bread you happily share each week.  You don't know how touched I am, and my son whom I shared this act of love and kindness you do to me and he was also touched.

I love you dearly and hope you will keep in touch.  I love you and I pray that we'll meet in Jesus' feet someday...  I'll pray always in Jesus name, Amen.   Sincerely Fe Marzan

Have a great week.  REMEMBER  LIVE TO LEARN, LIVE TO LOVE, AND LIVE TO SERVE!!