Hong Kong Spirit

The stark contrast between the bustle of Hong Kong and the quiet of the temple was so beautiful today. It was such a blessing to perform baptisms for Chinese people, something that seems like such an impossibility. Following the baptism we went to the church office building where the Area Authority, Elders Perkins, Watson and Gong were giving a farewell devotional. Both Tony and I were so overwhelmed with emotion in the meeting. A Chinese quartet sang, "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and the spirit was like fire. The church is more true in a country like China, where people sacrifice so much for their testimonies. Elder Perkins testified that Asia's time is now and countries like India, Mongolia and China will see rapid growth. It is highly likely that one of my sons could serve in the same mission as their grandparents. Mom and Dad are like the popular kids in the high school. The couple missionaries are really like a big family, like best friends. Everyone likes my parents so much, finds them charming and smart and funny. It was great to see them in this light. We were also able to participate in a delicious luncheon following the devotional. It was like a dream come true for the boys to have both pizza and chinese broccoli and dumplings on the same plate. We stuffed ourselves, then changed our clothes and headed out into the humidity and beauty of Hong Kong. The boys are fascinated by the sports cars they see here. We have seen more fancy cars one one street than in any major US city. When we found out that tax is equal to the price of the cars it blew our mind! We did a tourist highlight today and rode a tram up "the peak" A tram took us at an unbelievable uncle up the side of a mountain to a beautiful vista overlooking the whole city and the ocean. The weather was cooler and a gentle breeze blew as we toured the picturesque walks and paths. Mom took us to see where Orson Hyde had inscribed a date when he had dedicated Hong Kong for gospel work. We kept a close look out for exotic birds which are apparently all over the island. That night we had delicious Pho and amazing fresh mint shakes. Dad spent a significant amount of time on the phone talking to a mission president about a struggling missionary. I kept asking Dad what I can do to help my boys not be that struggling missionary and both Mo and Dad seem to emphasize understand the power of the atonement. They say to apply it weakness, addiction, insecurities. Also no girlfriends are still a really good idea. By the time we got home we were wiped out! I never thought my mom's pace would be this brisk!