March\April

The highlight of this month was March 16th - the day we'd received First Presidency to open the temple on Sunday - two sessions for the Filipino sisters - many of whom can only get Sunday off. It was an emotional day for all. Seven sisters attended for the first time - even though some of them had temple recommends for a very long time. They had lived so close, but unable to attend when Sunday was their only day off. I watched them as they quietly waited on the third floor where I directed them where to go. Tears ran down their cheeks as their emotions were so clearly evident. The sessions were totally run by the senior missionaries and had taken some detailed planning. A never-to-be-forgotten experience.  The above pic is some of the sisters from our branch who attended. 

     The other highlight of the month was Elder & Sister Holland visiting - don't have pics, but it was also a few great days with them. The Area office seniors planned and served most of the meals for the week and found the Hollands to be, of course, kind, encouraging and inspiring. I received a hug from Sister Holland - sweet experience.

Our March senior activity was a full day at Macau. It began with this one hour jet foil transport.

It also included a great buffet lunch at a 360 restaurant  - stunning views, good company  and bungee jumpers just outside the windows.

One of Garald's top desires was to see Panda bears in China - Wish fulfilled.

And Yes... it may be hard to believe, but the day included a stop for all the seniors to go racing in 

     go-karts. 

The day ended with a stunning Water Show 

This is my one token pictures of 'shoes in Hong Kong.' I'd like to post a bzillion of them. Always so very fun to see. This woman was the 'announcer' at the Chinese New Years Parade. She was a bundle of energy - cavorting all over the place - microphone in hand. We held our breath - wondering if a broken leg would be in the mix. Not a chance. 

Roasted pig on the sidewalk right outside the church office building. Yes, I know you can only see the snout - that's the only pic I could get.  Incense and fruit offerings.

A birthday cake gathering in the lunch room on the 8th floor. Candy Lau in the center - in purple. She's the newly-hired PEF\SRC Area Manager. Smart, energetic, full of ideas to improve and we're loving working with her. All others are  employees in the building - except for Elder & Sister Lasson. Well, and us, or course.

 WAHOO - look who visited us in HK. This is my sister Karen. What an amazing week with them. Yes, it was  rainy, but it didn't stop us from going as fast as we could to see as many places as possible. And oh yes... eat as much HK food as possible as well.  We did everything from the gondola ride to Big Buddha, two fishing villages, flower market, Stanley Village, mid-level escalators, shopping, gardens, The Peak, Macau, church\R.S. Anniversary social, and HK temple - just to mention a few. Our feet hurt and we returned exhausted every night - laughed a lot - and had a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience.

                                                            The Four Of Us

Couldn't resist snapping this picture of a little elderly woman enjoying her sandwich at a  sidewalk table - Cheung Chou Island.