January

 From sunny HK to snowy Utah - a quick trip - great wedding and fun to see the family. But we're back to work here now...

 A quick pic at the office. In spite of 'just for fun' pictures below - this is where we spend most of our time. Since returning we've been helping analyze  which Asian countries to establish new self-reliance centers in.  Many factors to consider - some are:  legality in the country, number of members,
unemployment figures,  number of return missionaries, priesthood strength, available space in an LDS bldg...etc. After pooling all the figures, several countries appear to be the most logical.  We presented a 'roll out' plan to the Area Presidency last week and it was accepted. The goal is to put a self reliance center within 50 kilometers of 80% of the members within the next 12 months.  It's been arduous, but now that a plan is in place, we will move forward with countries now grouped and calendared for the next 4 quarters of the year. There is an allotment for 9 FTE (full time employees) for new centers and the support staff will be church callings, and couple missionaries. It's a 'new beginning' for Asia and we do so hope it will be successful in helping people in need. We hope "if we build it, they will come." First 'model center' where we will learn a lot is scheduled to open in March. That will be in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan areas. Then next quarter schedule will be Cambodia and Mongolia. And yes, we're continuing with PEF processing as well. PEF will now be a part of the SRC (self reliance centers) Salt Lake leaders will come to help with the first launching.

                                      Saturday - visiting a little fishing village - Tai O

 Another Saturday hiking on Lamma Island - we're actually learning our way around - somewhat.

 'Home Sweet Home' - one of the little village houses on the island.

 Oh the choices at the open markets on the islands - pretty amazing - yes, lots of seafood, but we don't know what most of them are. AND they're all pretty smelly.

   One of our favorite lunches at a little place in HK- Yummy!  So many choices of so much good food.

 We chuckle at a vending machine with umbrellas. But we do understand the need. We've left many an umbrella on the metro, taxi or bus. And when it's pouring the vending machine umbrellas in the metro stations are very popular.

                                                   Walking through Tai O fishing village.

                       Preparations and shopping for Chinese New Years is in full swing

                       Waiting in the line to board the ferry at the end of the day.

                    Lunch at a little fishing village after our hike. Yup - we're always eating!