Paul and Mar Jean Lewis: January 13

Monday the Senior Temple couples, under the direction of the Victors, went to Sai Kung for the day. We took the MTR to Diamond Hill then caught bus 92 to the fishing village. A beautiful place. We walked along the promenade, thru the village and took a junket boat out to a small island, walked across the foot bridge to another island, climbed to the top to see the beautiful scenery and then back to the boat. Our captain was a 78 year old Chinese woman.

We had lunch at Anthony's Ranch where we all had pulled pork or brisket with fries, coleslaw, drink and soup or salad. Very yummy. Really fun day together.

Waiting for the MTR

Steps going into Diamond Hill Mall

A little vegetable/fruit market where we tried beet juicer and mango.

The boat we took out to the island

Scott and his daughter Abgail who took us around the village. They are friends of the Victors from Oregon years ago.

Tuesday we were invited to speak in the Victoria 2 Every Day Branch. It was very small (maybe 8 sisters) but very strong spirit. We so admire Elder & Sister Walker and Clark. They do a wonderful job with these sisters. They have church every day, Tuesday thru Saturday and work about 16 hrs. a day.

Paul preparing his talk

Sisters from the Branch. They were surprised when Elder Lewis bore his testimony in Tagalo.

Sunny Wed and Ken, Security at the WanChai Bldg.

We had some wonderful groups at the temple this week. One family which Paul had contact with were from China. The father is in a wheelchair and Paul was able to help him several times. Their daughter served a mission in Australia before they were members. The father was so angry at her he would not talk to her for a year and then his heart softened and they joined. During this temple trip the family was sealed. Paul got to participate in the sealing and be the proxy for his father. They were all really overcome by the spirit. We have seen them every day in the temple. Also we meet a lovely girl from Thailand, Pinky Saociwit. She has been here for two weeks. She has been a member for 20 years. Her son is a member but inactive at the present time but very supportive. He gave her this temple trip for Christmas and makes it possible for her to attend church every week even though she has to leave her home on Saturday in order to get to Church on Sunday. A bus does not leave her city in time to make it to church. Such dedication.

Brother & Sister Choi, temple assist recorder and Bishop

Saturday after the temple day we had a wonderful dinner and testimony meeting with The Temple Presidency, recorder and three couples who are going home. It was a wonderful evening, great food made by the sisters and wonderful testimonies of how the Lord provided a way for each one of us to serve here in HK.

Patrick and Kathy Wong, Temple President & Matron from Brisbane, Australia

President Wong shared with us again how he was serving as Stake President in HK the second time when President Hinckley came to look for a site for the temple. They were in a Priesthood meeting and President Wong mentioned that where the Stake Center and Mission Home were was not a good area. lots of motels. Pres. Hinckley said "that is great, we will have lots of people coming and they will have a place to stay". Another Brother said, not that kind of hotel, these are love hotels." As President Hinckley left he turned and shook his head and said "I come for advice and you confuse me." After the temple was begun one by one each motel shut down. Not only is the temple holy but area around it.

President & Sister Yuen, 1st Counselor

TheYuens have been members for 40 years. Pres. Yuen said he learned early to never turn down a calling. They had to have special permission to serve in the presidency because they are not yet retired. He is temple security and she is custodian of the temple and patron housing. Finer people you could not know anywhere. So humble and loving.

President & Sister Hui, 2nd Counselor

President and Sister Hui also had receive special permission. To be in a temple presidency you need to be 55. He was not turning 55 until December. They saw the Lord's hand in their lives preparing them for this call at least two years ago. At the time they did not know it. Their daughter graduated and took a job in HK. He came to find her an apartment. They had always lived on HK Island before immigrating to Canada but he found an apartment in the New Territories. They had a large home in Toronto and his mother lived with them. He had decided to go back to work since they have a son serving in Irvine, CA and would be traveling into China a lot. They were able to sell their home and get his mother settled and then the call came to serve in the HK Temple.

Brother & Sister Lee

Brother Lee has been the temple recorder since the temple opened. Sister Lee and her children went to the States for 7 years but Brother Lee would not come because he would not leave the temple. She is an ordinance worker one day a week and finds many answers to her prayers in the temple. She has just been called as RS president for the 4th time.

Sister & Elder Hoskins (Jackie & Jerald)

Jackie thought this mission was Jerry's mission. He served here 50 years ago as a young missionary but she thinks she is the one who has grown the most.

Elder & Sister Victor (Sue & Mike)

Elder & Sister Victor serve the Lord with zest and love wherever they go. They are great ambassadors and missionaries to everyone they come in contact with. They speak to everyone on the MTR, buses or stores. What an example of love for the Savior. We love Mike's sense of humor, he is fun to be around.

Mar Jean & Paul

This is the best time of life--serving the Lord and being together. We complement each other in our abilities and support and love each other. We are truly blessed. The examples we have seen of humility and love for the Savior have changed our lives forever.