Awesome August!

This will be my last posting from Hong Kong. We leave for home in just a few weeks . . . and I'll add the final chapter some time after we arrive in Draper and reunite with our family. I do want to conclude this blog with the events of these last weeks as well as the time we will spend with our son Brad and his wife Kristin, who arrive on September 18th. Also, I will add our final good-byes with many dear and treasured friends.

Recentlly I taught a group of wonderful women "how to become better teachers" and it was pure pleasure. They were so receptive and seemed to appreciate my presentation. After the one-hour spent learning and discussing, they provided (unexpectedly) a delicious meal complete with a special "thank you" cake and accompanying traditional Filipino song.

Oh, how I will miss the hugs these women freely give!

A Saturday outing to the Hong Kong Museum of History was exceptional. The displays were impressive -- everything from traditional clothing to . . .

an explanation of the opium wars and Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in the 40s -- to the traditional wedding carriage where the bride and groom met each for the first time other on their wedding day. An excellent docent provided information that really gave us some important information.

Some beautiful artifacts were enjoyed . . .

traditional lanterns were admired . . . and we thoroughly enjoyed spending a few hours indoors on a hot, muggy and rainy Saturday.

Sister Elaine Dalton, General President of the Young Women worldwide, came to Asia for about 12 days. Her stopover in Hong Kong was significant with many young women enjoying a devotional in the afternoon, followed by a dinner I provided for her and about 25 others. Later, there were several hundred in attendance at another leadership meeting. She is such a magnet for the girls, freely giving hugs, smiles and her undivided attention. What an outstanding role model she provides for these special young women!

Having never been in the IFC (International Financial Center) previously, Ned took me over one Friday afternoon so I could see the harbor and views from this incredible building, the 8th tallest in the world. It was used in the "Batman" movie (remember those the "claws" on the top). The views from the lookout point were quite spectacular.

And looking to the harbor, it was fun to see the junks, boats and the tall buildings on the Kowloon side.

Our "still to do in Hong Kong" list included Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden -- which we visited a few Saturdays ago. Terraced farms were created when the Chinese returned to Hong Kong after the Japanese occupation in the 1940s. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of Chinese civil war refugees came to the area. These people worked hard to terrace the mountain side and were given starts of plants and some animals for their personal use. Over 56,000 interest-free loans were given by a humanitarian group so the Chinese could begin a new life on their own. It was an incredible program begun by two Europeans in an effort to help in repatriation. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the zoological gardens, the botanic gardens and taking a shuttle bus to the top of the mountain where we could "see forever."

One of my all-time favorite flowers!

A pagoda "up top" provided a good backdrop for a photo op.

There were beautiful flowers everywhere!

Intrigued by columns and "all things Chinese," we especially enjoyed a few minutes at the top of the mountain.

Coming back to Hong Kong from the New Territories where the Kadoorie property is located, I noted the long aisle of "legs" through the various cars on the train. As you can see, the trains are beautiful, clean and are extremely well-maintained.

A highlight of August was the marriage of Delia and Delbert. Both from the Philippines and both returned missionaries, they are a special couple. We have enjoyed getting to know her and participating in their marriage in the Hong Kong Temple as well as at a reception at the Church after the marriage. We wish them both "all the best!"

Looking up in Hong Kong!

We have discovered the need to "look up" in Hong Kong. There are bustling streets and countless intriguing shops; it is easy to lose your bearings if you don't look up! Spotting a favorite building, you can regain a sense of direction living in this metropolis.

There are many magnificent buildings; we can even see some "mountains" in the background.

At Times Square, looking up reveals a gorgeous mosiac "glass ceiling" -- large and beautiful.

Some time ago, our Area President, Elder Perkins addressed the studentbody at BYU-Hawaii. He spoke of the need to look up. He likened the need to physically "look up" in a world filled with diversions. He quoted a former general authority who said: "The eye must be trained to look upward. We must look to God and live."

Then he suggested a few ways to do this: Look up to Heavenly Father in daily prayer. We need to make time to speak to our Father in Heaven each day. He also spoke of the temple and the need to "stand on high ground" like The Peak in Hong Kong. It is from the temple (our "peak") that we gain a true perspective

The view from the top is incredible. The lessons we learned from Elder Perkins' talk will help us both physically and spiritually.

In the heat of July . . .

The last Saturday of most months, the senior couples have an activity together. It was our turn to plan, so we organized a harbor cruise at 7 p.m. Everyone that was in town attended -- a fun evening was spent on the water enjoying the sights on both sides.

Though it was a warm day, the breeze and the water combined to make a very pleasant cruise.

The views from the water are really spectacular!

A happy group!

President and Sister Uchtdorf visited Hong Kong for several days (personal vacation) and were kind enough to speak to the missionaries and the members here. It was my pleasure to prepare the gift basket for their hotel room. We had a special few minutes with them and their twin grandsons in our office area and received a very kind personal note from President Uchtdorf after his return to Salt Lake City. They are truly marvelous people.

The two of us ventured out on a recent Saturday to find the Sai Kung Country Park Nature Trail. It was a nice walk, though the weather was very hot and humid. We were grateful for the trees that provided some shade.

The scenery was truly beautiful and we weren't that far from the hustle and bustle of the city --about 45 minutes from a busy subway station!

Bananas were growing in the trees.

A resort complete with accommodations, swimming pool and a large recreation area was just across the river.

Near the end of the nature walk, we arrived at the Hakka folk museum and village ruins from 150 years ago.

The buildings were well-kept and depicted life in the area during an earlier time.

A SERIES OF INTERESTING SIGNS!

This building a few doors from our apartment is not "opulent!"

Reflexology is very popular and "massage salons" can be found in almost every block. This neon sign did catch my attention. The foot massages here are great!

If you are hungry, try the "Little Sheep" for dim sum! We did and enjoyed it when Steve and Cami were here.

This one is really something -- American Restaurant with Peking food! We wonder just what is on the menu??

At Ocean Park, you have no reason to trip or stumble since you are warned to "mind the road hump!"

If you are shopping at the wet market, you can spot a place to buy pork because of this sign!

It does look like a Giant Foot is featured here -- along with some "baby" ones!

This sign is on lots of buses throughout Hong Kong. Thank goodness we have "sincerity and eternity" at the rear of the public transport!

We've had many items cleaned here -- and I guess that the Chinese laundry is trying to compete, or at least measure-up, to American standards!

Thank goodness for Sincere Insurance Company!

Who wouldn't want "cute hair??"

Can you argue with this one?

Thankfully, we have Honest Pharmacy -- though we haven't used it! But who could argue with that name?

A favorite sign . . . for a shop across the street where you could get a light meal and some delicious items made from milk! Things we had never before eaten, but very tasty!

Weekend in China

A couple of months ago, I was asked (and given permission by the Area Presidency) to join a group traveling to mainland China for a weekend service project. Liana, the Church HR director for Asia, and her husband were going and invited me to be a part of the group. Our sponsoring agency, Asia Minerals Limited, provided over 30 people who were hard workers and friendly souls! It was a most pleasant experience.

The rain did not dampen our spirits, but it did last the entire weekend, so umbrellas and sturdy shoes were essential.

Our project involved setting up English Learning Centers in two rural schools. Since it was a Saturday (in April) the children were not there initially.

Cleaning and painting, decorating and detailing was the focus of the group. We brought lots of supplies and gifts for all the children. Some teachers were being trained (by some professionals in our group) to help them learn skills for effectively teaching English as a second language to primary school-age children.

A plaque was ready to be placed on the wall in the room where we were remodeling.

The children gathered in the afternoon, walking from their homes which were in a poor, rural village. Many wore their "sport" uniform.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was quite impressive -- certainly different than any I had previously seen!

Our group of volunteers -- those of us from Hong Kong and others from the local Women's Federation, gathered for a photo. I was the only American in the entire group.

Many children wanted a photo with an American -- their standard "two-finger" pose was evident again.

I was lucky to be invited to teach the children (a group of about 70 in this particular room) several songs. They were very responsive as were the adults in our group. Even the CEO of Asia Minerals Ltd. participated in songs such as "Do As I'm Doing," "If You're Happy and You Know It," "The People on the Bus," and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." They kept wanting more and especially liked "If You Chance to Meet a Frown." I had taken a few simple visuals with me, and I felt like I was back in Primary music again!

Home visits were part of the experience -- several outstanding students had been earmarked as potential scholarship recipients to possibly attend college. They lived in remote areas, and it would have been impossible to find their homes, but we were fortunate to have local guides.

Living conditions were not great, but the Chinese women and children, whom we mostly saw, were pleasant and appreciative that we would visit them. TV camera crews accompanied us and did a story the following week. Word was that I was on China TV!

Kitchens were not convenient . . . I'd have a hard time making chocolate chip cookies in this oven/stove.

The countryside was beautiful with rice paddies everywhere.

When you have very little, you find ways to make-do with what you have. Farm animals were roaming and families lived in very sparse housing conditions.

I was grateful for the opportunity to meet some very special people and to once again remember that the world is filled with good people . . . most of whom don't have the opportunities that we have.