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.

Dragon Boat Races . . .

Each year on a date determined by the lunar calendar, the dragon boat races are held. The event forms part of the 2000 year-old Tuen Ng festival. May 28 was the date in 2009 and it was a public holiday (our offices were closed). Over 200 teams competed at Stanley Beach -- there were several other venues in Hong Kong as well. The local competitors live in Hong Kong, but often join a team from their home country, workplace, club, etc. After the locals have raced, it becomes an international open!

The teams race the elaborately-decorated boats to the beat of heavy drums. The boats, more than ten metres in length, have ornately-carved and painted dragon heads and tails and each carries a crew of 12-22 paddlers. Sitting two abreast, with a steersman at the back and a drummer at the front, the paddlers are urged on by the pounding drums and the roar of the crowds. We rode the bus to Stanley early on Thursday morning and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the first two hours of the race. An atmosphere of excitement, fun and anticipation prevailed. The weather was mild while we were there -- apparently the "heavens opened" in the afternoon and the wind kicked in.

Flowers, flowers everywhere!

When a new business opens, unbelievable floral arrangements are displayed outside the store. At the new wine shoppe located a short distance from our office, there must have been 20 huge arrangements -- beautiful in every detail. Because of the heat and humidity, the day after we saw them, they were definitely wilting, and by the next day, those still alive were inside. Now only the orchids survive!

Amazing!

Directly across from the office, we see some construction work on a very tall building. The scaffolding is made from bamboo, and we are amazed that the workers are climbing on it without obvious fear. OSHA would never approve! In Hong Kong, we see bamboo used everywhere!

Every day we see something new!

Gardens across from the office near the convention center are beautiful -- right in the middle of this huge city The red-brick building with a spire in the background is the church area administrative offices where we serve. The building is well-used by members all week long. We are so fortunate to be in a "perfect location" where thousands pass daily.

The waterways are filled with vessels of all kinds -- from large cruise ships to small sailboats. It is fun to look across the harbor and always see a "boat" of some kind.