Monday morning we headed out to the church for Paul to take care of some letters and work he needed for President Collins. We also researched out the Kwai Sing Theatre where the BYU Young Ambassadors are going to be performing "Remember, too, the life’s lessons that the Sacred Grove teaches:
We also ran into an opening of a China International Bank, They have lots of flowers and a dragon dance group to celebrate. We hung around and watched. These guys were quite incredible jumping up and down on these poles. I need to learn to use the video on my camera.
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| There are two young men in each dragon. |
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| We had to pass by the fish market. Haven't been brave enough to try any of it. What are the white pouches inside the fish? |
From there we went to the Dr. Sun museum which we plan to take Kim and Laura Bergeson to when they come in a couple of weeks. We wanted to be sure we could find it. We also had lunch at the Mexican restaurant up by the mid escalators.
Thursday Paul and I took a bus ride to Shau Kei Wan which is south east on Hong Kong Island. The Hathaways had been there and said it was a fun little village. So we took off about 10 and returned about 4. It was a very sunny day and we were glad to have our umbrella to keep the sun off us. Once we got to Shau Kei Wan we caught another bus #9 and headed over the mountain to Shek O.
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| The end of the Shau Kei Wan line. |
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| Beautiful beach with wonderful white sand. Lots of people out today. |
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| We walked through the village to the end . Around the corner was a pagoda but it was too hot for us to walk there. |
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| View going home. |
Stopped at one of our favorite markets and the fish were out in full force again. Actually what we like is down a little further and is a nut vendor.
Saturday and Sunday was the Hong Kong International District Conference with Pres. Tai, Hillum, and Ganzon presiding. They were just sustained a month ago when President Barrett was called as mission president in India. Saturday afternoon after the temple we went to the Wan Chai Bldg. for a social. They had taco salad which was really good and we got to visit and meet several new people.
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| Elder & Sister Victor |
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| Velma and I |
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| Bro. Cox is here from Mainland China to get a visa and it is taking longer than he expected so we brought him with us from the Temple. |
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| Brother Sanders and Paul |
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| Velma, Katherine Conception. I met her at the temple this week. Her husband died when he was 31 and she has 4 children and have sent them all on missions and now she wants to go. |
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| Paul helping to clean up after the social. |
Only three of our Branch members were able to come. They were all there on Sunday. Saturday night focused on being obedient. No exceptions to God's commandments, obedience in spite of difficulties, using agency, how to teach obedience to our children, and don't stand near the edge of danger.
Sunday the theme was preparing. Preparing spiritually, preparing for the Melchizedek Priesthood, preparing for a mission, preparing to magnify our callings and Pres. Tai reminded us that the Lord will stretch us but never give us more than we can handle.
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| Venus, Paul & I. Met her boyfriend on the telephone tonight. |
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| Paul & Paul |
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| Rizza, a new convert and an amazing girl. |
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| Some more of our amazing girls. |
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| Parley Wen spoke in Conference this morning on how to prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. |
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| Patrick (our SS Pres.) & Paul. |
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| The Balad Family from our Branch, Russell and Ika |
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| President & Sister Collins |
A walk to the Hong Kong MTR station.
We had a great week at the temple. Paul and I were able to do sealings and several sessions together this week. That is always a special privilege. Sister Tai, Assistant to the Matron, has been gone to Utah for two weeks for her daughter's graduation from BYU and we have missed her. Sister Aki has been with us every day and has treated us to watermelon down in the lunch break room. We are so blessed to serve with such wonderful people.
Just finished listening to Elder Marlin K. Jensen's CES Devotional talk to Young Adults May 6, 2012. It brought back so many memories of our time in the Cradle of the Restoration (2007-2008). We also spent many hours in the sacred grove and other historical sites. Bob Parrot also took us on a walk through the grove pointing out the lessons Elder Jensen talks about. We are so very blessed. His message is well worth reviewing.
"Remember, too, the life's lessons that the Sacred Grove teaches: Trees grow to the light. When powers of darkness seek to destroy you--as they once did an inquiring young Joseph Smith, stand in the Sacred Grove and remember the pillar of light, 'above the brightness of the sun'". Trees will compensate for adversity that comes into their lives. "When opposition and adversity hedge up your way and hope dims, stand in the Sacred Grove and remember that 'all things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.'" Trees and ground cover grow best when they help each other. "When loneliness and isolation are your lot and you struggle to establish fulfilling human relationships, stand in the Sacred Grove with the community of Latter-day Saints who have covenanted to help bear your burdens and comfort you in your need." "And when experiences or people or conflicting truth claims challenge your faith and create doubt concerning the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, stand in the Sacred Grove and take strength and encouragement from the generations of faithful Latter-day Saints who have steadfastly stood there before you."
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| Leonard & Cindy Hayes and me at the apostle tree in the Sacred Grove |
We have been so very blessed by the Lord to be on the earth at this time and doing what we are doing. All roads in the Church lead to the temple. It is there we will find peace, security and the love of our Savior. It is the way back to His presence. Be faithful and obedient!!
