We like to write these Blogs on Sunday mornings because it feels good to reflect on the past week as we prepare to observe our second Sabbath of the week. Attending church on Saturday and Sunday is one of the benefits of serving in a Branch Presidency that meets every day of the week.
Last week after church on Sunday we went to the airport to meet the Seller’s, a new senior couple, sent to replace the Orton’s. While at the airport waiting for the Seller’s to land and clear customs we met three Chinese members who were there to also welcome the Seller’s arrival. The Wong’s, Tony Wong, his wife, and his wife’s younger sister. I can’t remember Tony’s wife’s name but Elder Seller’s baptized her when he served as a missionary in Hong Kong (1971-73). When the Seller’s finally appeared from behind the airport wall separating us, it was fun to see them reunite, the Elder and his baptism, after all these years. We then with the help of the Wong’s, were able to transport the Seller’s and a year and a half's worth of luggage to Hung Hom, their new home for the next eighteen months.
We enjoyed a day with the Chatterton’s and Sorenson's this week. We visited a beautiful Chinese Temple and Monastery. The gardens surrounding it were immaculate and the best we have seen in Hong Kong.
We attended the temple this week with the Area Presidency and I sat next to Elder David F. Evans, I focused really hard not to do anything that would embarrass Sister Beckstead through the entire session. After the session, we attended a small testimony meeting with the Area Presidency and the other Senior Couple Missionaries serving here in the Area. This meeting is always special and something that we will never forget. This week one of the Area Presidency shared with this small group he and his wife’s meeting with the prophet when he was called to serve as a General Authority Seventy. The prophet asked him how old he was and when he answered the prophet, President Hinckley responded, “the number of years between now and you turning seventy is a long time.” Pointing out the fact that the Lord sometimes requires a lot from us. All three of the General Authorities presiding over this area have given (sacrificed) their lives and the lives of their families for the Savior and his Church. In this context eighteen months doesn’t seem like much.
Hong Kong hosted a Woman’s Conference this week that brought in sisters from all over Asia. Karen was able to attend and really enjoyed it. She said the speakers were wonderful and the break out sessions were really good. What a blessing for the sisters in Asia to have the chance to come together to learn and grow spiritually together. Karen said she felt so blessed to be able to attend and feel the strength of the sisters all over Asia.
This week was also Elder Beckstead's Birthday and he received many birthday wishes from many friends and family. Thank you all for your thoughts concerning him, they were all very much appreciated.
The Sisters were involved with the Women’s Conference at lunch time so all the Elders celebrated Elder Beckstead's birthday at a wonderful Thai restaurant, Sun Thai, feasting on curries, skewers, and pad tai. Topping off the lunch with mango sticky rice smothered in sweet coconut milk. Later that evening Elder and Sister Cory took us to dinner at an Italian restaurant, Al Dente. It was delicious and fun.
It was a wonderful week and we look forward to more wonderful experiences next week!
Last Sunday night we picked up Elder and Sister Sellers from the airport and took them to their apartment. They are from Bountiful. Elder Sellers is replacing Elder/Doctor Orton as the Asia Area Medical Doctor here. It was also Sister Seller's birthday, their Chinese friends didn't waste any time showering her with gifts! They sang Happy Birthday to her and I in Chinese. In the Chinese Birthday song they sing the phrase "May your blessings and longevity last as long as the Heavens exist." In Bountiful, the Sellers live in the same ward as our friend Scott West (dad, grandpa, and Kyle's cardiologist). We really look forward to serving with them here in Hong Kong.
For our P day last week we went with the Chattertons and the Sorensons to Nan Lian Garden. It was really beautiful. It was so fun to wander around the garden with such good friends, and of course have lunch after. Pizza Hut! How's that for lunch in Hong Kong!
Elder and Sister Sorenson, Sister Chatterton, and us.
We went to lunch the other day with Elder and Sister Chandler. They are from South Jordan, they serve here as the Self-Reliance Missionaries for the Area. They are such nice people!
When I ordered the Black Fish Burger, I thought it would be blackened fish! I'm still trying to decide if Elder Chandler was telling me the truth when he told me they blackened the bun with black squid ink. He ordered the same thing, so I don't think it's true!
This past week was the Asia Women's Conference. It was a 3 day conference with wonderful speakers, really good break out sessions, and good food too!
Last night after Church at our Saturday Branch we went to dinner with the other Saturday Branch couples. Afterwards Lynn found a place for ice-cream and a good photo opp for the Elders. Elder Jensen, Lynn, Elder Pett, and Elder Kendell.
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