June Happenings!

Not really very far from the bustling city of Hong Kong are beautiful mountains and lakes. Ned and three of the senior missionary men went for a hike on a Saturday in mid-June -- it was too hot and humid; heat exhaustion was the result. However, he thoroughly enjoyed the incredible scenery and the change from high rises and concrete. Riding the MTR (subway/train) and making several transfers . . . and magically, they were away from the city.

Another time during the month, we rode the ferry to an island and enjoyed eating yummy Mexican food sitting on a terrace surrounded by palm trees and overlooking the bay. This is truly a city of contrasts and is so vibrant. We've decided most of the exploring and sightseeing we want to do will be put on "hold" until the weather moderates -- hopefully by mid-October when Blake and Becky come for a week! Hooray!

Amanda was an extern from BYU law school and spent five weeks working in the legal counsel office. She was a delight, and one Saturday we rode the "ding ding" tram to North Point (about 20 minutes away) to visit a fabric shop (perhaps the smallest place ever with the most "stuff" per cubic inch possible) and to have a few items of clothing "custom made." Amanda looked smashing in her Chinese-inspired dress (she served as a missionary here until a year ago) and I had a couple of skirts and a blouse made! Getting around in the shop and finding appropriate fabric was a real adventure!

On another continent, in far away Paris, some of our children were together in early June. Steve, Cami, Madeleine and Drew spent a week in France and were there for Maxwell's blessing. A great time was had by all, as the Highland Arnolds explored the museums and other sites and spent a day in Brugge (as Brad and Kris had done a few weeks earlier). During the months of April through early June, all of our sons and wives have been in Paris (at different times). Lucky them . . . they've seen Max! We are enjoying the opportunity to get to know him via SKYPE and we almost feel that we can reach through the screen and touch him!

On June 1, we hosted a lunch for the Hallstroms after they spoke at our Monday morning devotional. The variety of food was excellent with salads, chips and salsa, many Chinese dishes, and homemade desserts "from USA recipes." There was something for every taste!

Plates were heaped high (about 80 attended). These social events give us a better chance to work with and become better acquainted with our capable and incredible Chinese staff.

These are some of the wonderful people we are privileged to serve with -- the Area Presidency of Asia. President and Sister Hallstrom would be leaving June 22 to return for a new assignment in Salt Lake City.