Lisa and Ryan's Visit

And I thought last week was a great week here in Hong Kong….

This week began with the two of us joining some of the other Senior Missionaries on a hike called  “Dragon Back”. Before we committed to go it had been represented to us that this would not be a difficult assault against nature but a moderate effort with spectacular views, and a “must do” before our Mission ended. My only comment is that although we set records of steps, miles, and calories burned in a single day, we are both glad we can say, “we did it”.

We then had a couple of normal days in the office before a formal announcement was circulated that Annie Wong is being promoted to be the Area Director of Public Affairs effective February first. Helping her prepare for this promotion was one of our primary objectives when we arrived as new Missionaries sixteen months ago. She is so capable, and we are so happy that someone of her caliber will be overseeing the work of bringing the Church out of obscurity here in the Asia Area. The opportunity to be here for this well deserved promotion is a wonderful blessing for us.

Lisa and Ryan arrived Thursday night.  Karen had her pedal to the metal without stopping for the next four days. It all began visiting the tailor we like here,  Mario.  Ryan was fitted for a suit, which was finished before they left to go home.  Then we went to Mei Ho House, Monkey Mountain, Ikea in Sha Tin  where we enjoyed lunch in the restaurant there.  Hong Kong Temple,  cable ride with transparent floor, Big Buddha, Stanley Market, Goldfish Market (and all the pet stores on that street so Lisa could check all the puppies!).  Wan Chai Office, Victoria First Branch, Wong Tai Sin Temple (which was closed, so we only saw the outside).   Aqua Luna Harbour Night Cruise (Red Sail Boat), Symphony of Light Show,  Hung Hum Wet Market, Wan Chai Dim Sum (with Annie), Office tour and meeting all the Senior Couples, and Cheesecake Factory. We rode in taxies, busses, ferries, and trains. Sometimes we walked, actually, we walked a lot. After spending the rest of a great week with them we hugged, said goodbye and put them back on the plane.   Karen went back to the office to work and I went back to the apartment to sleep.

Their visit was so good for us, it was great to connect with one of our children again. While serving we have learned how much we love our family and how important they are to our wellbeing. There is simply nothing dearer to us than our children and grandchildren, and we feel that by serving this Mission we set an example for all of  them. 

We are so glad that while we were here Sarah, Jill,  Lisa and Ryan were able to come over and visit. We also appreciate all of our children for supporting us in their own personal way, there is no way we could have taken on this assignment without each and everyone of them.

Hong Kong Temple

Dim Sum with Annie