Our Temple Assignment

This week began with us taking a trolley to North Point, walking to Quarry Bay, getting back on the trolley, and getting off in Shau Kei Wan. Shau Kei Wan is a community on the far east side of the Island, and is the first place Elder Beckstead served as a young Elder. We were able to find the apartment building that he, Elder Ainscough, Elder Adamson, and Elder Woodward lived in close to forty-four (1973) years earlier. After this sentimental journey, we jumped on the Metro and headed back to North Point and ordered a hamburger at the Big Bite, a place that serves the most “American like” hamburger in Hong Kong.

Tuesday, we started the day with a special benefit that comes with our assignment here in Hong Kong, our monthly devotional with the Area Presidency. Elder Wong,  first counselor in the Area Presidency, in this meeting, shared with us that he received a call from Elder Stevenson asking, “how he and Sister Wong were doing”?  Elder Wong told him they were doing fine, Elder Stevenson replied, “I’m glad to hear that and you will probably be getting another phone call within a few days.” Elder Wong went on to say that he did get a second phone call, this call was from Elder Eyring asking him if he would serve as the Mission President of the Vancouver, Canada Mission. Although Elder Wong was completely surprised, he immediately accepted the Call, and will be serving in this new assignment for the next two years (General Authorities are called to serve two and not three years as Mission Presidents). So, we will be having a new General Authority join us in Hong Kong shortly.

Wednesday we were invited to the Temple to be set apart as Ordinance Workers. It was a wonderful experience, we both had a very spiritual moment when President Nihipali, in the setting apart pronounced the words, “The China Hong Kong Temple”. We returned the next evening, Thursday January 19, and served our first shift, another wonderful benefit associated with our Mission assignment.

Friday and Saturday we were very busy with our Branch assignments and our Public Affairs work. Sister Beckstead continues to monitor the Self Reliance Course and was so pleased this week with the effort of those participating. She often shares her poignant feelings concerning the love and humility she encounters each week they all gather together.

All in all, we had a busy and what feels like a productive week, We hope you all experienced the same. We love and miss you all but are able to find peace and comfort in serving here in Hong Kong.

 Thanks for all your prayers and support, talk to you again soon.

Street and Mall decorations everywhere for Chinese New Year.  This year is the year of the Rooster.  The Chinese New Year is  Saturday, January 28 - February 3.  Lots of celebrating,  food,  parades and  fireworks for the first few days.  Then the last few days are focused on visiting relatives and having lots of feasts.   Businesses close,  and employees get several days off to spend with their families.