One year ago today . . .

On April 6, 2009,we entered the MTC in Provo, Utah -- then 10 days later, arrived in Hong Kong. What an unbelievable, stretching, learning, growing experience this year has provided! We've loved our association with the Area Presidency, the Filipino members, and the Chinese people! Our love for all people in all places has grown and expanded.

Today, April 6, 2010, we had a public holiday and decided to spend a few hours exploring a place we'd heard about -- Kowloon City Walled Park. This is a beautiful place where thousands (perhaps as many as 100,000) had lived in cramped and difficult situations until the "city" was demolished and people were relocated in the 1990s.

On this peaceful day, many adults were spotted doing their tai chi exercises in the park.

Fortunately, we met a most kind, interesting man who told us of growing up in the city. He spent his life there until the city was demolished and the population relocated. His English was very good and we were appreciated learning of his "life in the walled city." In his current situation, he comes to the beautiful park each morning for his exercise and daily walk.

We continue to marvel at all the experiences and opportunities available in Hong Kong. The last six months of our stay here will continue to be filled with seeing and doing new things. Of course, the most important part of our being here is the day-to-day blessing of serving in the Area Presidency offices, working with our dear Chinese friends, and associating with the wonderful senior couples.

Spring is in the air . . .

On a recent Saturday, the senior couples visited Hong Kong's Heritage Museum in the New Territories area of HK. Exceptionally well done, the museum gave us an overview of Chinese history and the arts.

The history of opera in China is very interesting. We enjoyed learning about the characters and the costumes.

Ornate and beautiful, there were displays of a large variety of costumes. Of special interest were the headpieces for both men and women.

A large fan made from US$1 bills was a gift from the USA to Hong Kong.

The Chinese art was incredibly beautiful with the featured exhibit by a well-known artist. We both enjoyed all of his art.

The many statues were impressive!

The artifacts were old! Some were several hundred years old, but many others dated back to ~500 BC. It is amazing that these treasures have been so well preserved.

A short distance from the museum is a Hakka village -- this group of people still live in the enclave, and we quietly visited their ancestral hall. There is much to learn from the Chinese regarding family and reverence for their ancestors.

Our group appreciated the visit to this small village.

Our final stop in the museum area was a Buddhist temple -- always interesting are the various sections and areas where worship takes place.

Flat Stanley is visiting from the USA -- he enjoyed the view from Elder & Sister Perkins 24th floor apartment over Repulse Bay. During the month of April, he will travel with us and experience Hong Kong; his adventures will then be reported to our grandchildren!

The Hong Kong Flower Show 2010 exhibit was a sight to behold during a week in March. It is amazing what creative and imaginative minds and hands can construct, and reminds one of the Tournament of Roses parade floats.

Topiary trees and bushes in all shapes and sizes abounded!

Whimsical and delightful characters brought smiles!

Lots of families enjoyed the flower show.

We spent a short time enjoying the show, and came home with new orchids. There was a market stands around the periphery of the exhibit area with many options of reasonably-priced flowers to purchase. We love this part of Hong Kong -- a 12 month growing season means we always have some flowers in bloom!

The facade of a building near our apartment is being renovated -- the bamboo scaffolding covered with green netting always amazes us. This particular building has over 20 stories of this hand-lashed support.

On a recent Sunday morning, I looked out our window toward the harbor and saw a marathon event taking place. According to the local paper, over 30,000 people ran either the marathon or associated shorter races that day. Needless to say, traffic was affected greatly!

Steve and Cami came for a visit in March! Their first full day was Sunday and they were just getting off the elevator at church when I snapped this shot. More about their visit will be posted later!

Park Island, a 30-minute ferry ride from HK Island, is a lovely spot -- the Tsing Ma Bridge connects this island to other land. Of special interest, Noah's Ark is located there. This is the only full-size replica of the ark in the world and we thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits, instructional movies and displays.

The ark itself is massive; the grounds are incredibly beautiful and the experience was great!

Life-sized animals (two by two, of course) were situated in the garden settings.

The animals were extremely well-crafted!

Groups of Chinese school students waited in line to enter the "ark" and view the exhibits. Everything about our time on Park Island was pleasant and enjoyable.

At the end of Chinese New Year, the Wan Chai police station next to our office presented a dragon dance for invited guests. We went to the patio on the 11th floor of our building and watched below. Colorful and imaginative, it was fun to view.

A view to another direction while on the 11th floor showed the beautiful and bustling city below.

How lucky we were to be invited to board the USS Nimitz when it was in the South China Sea for a short time in late February.

We joined Elder and Sister Watson and boarded a launch boat to travel about 40 minutes "out to sea" -- but still very close to Hong Kong, to tour the Nimitz.

The size of the carrier was incredibly large and it was impossible to snap a photo as we were approaching. All photos were taken "from" the aircraft the Nimitz.

Many guests were gathered in a huge area where beautiful food was served (every bite was delicious). The US Consul General welcomed all . . .

A special cake was cut by the dignitaries.

The playing of the national anthem was a moving experience and reminded us once again of the blessing of being Americans. We were grateful for the opportunity to be on the aircraft carrier that had recently been located in the Persian Gulf and was headed back to San Diego.