Hanoi Zone Conference.

On Saturday morning, February 27th, 2010, we had a little Zone Conference with the Talbots and Elders Son and Thinh. As always, they carry such a strong spirit. When the Elders talk, I always get a little emotional because they are in Vietnam without any direct supervision from the President except when we travel here about every 3 months. They get up, follow the program all on their own and obey with exactness. What wonderful young men. And the Talbots are such a great couple serving as the Country Directors for LDSC. They are truly paving the way for great things to come. After our conference we took everyone out to eat. The Elders wanted us to come to this restaurant really bad because of all the authentic Vietnamese food, and plus they said, "It is cheap." They were so proud of their food and culture and wanted to share it with us. It was delicious food, especially the Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls. We then went to a Water Puppet Show. It had various Vietnames Folktales. There was an orchestra with ancient Vietnamese instruments and singing. It was narrated all in English, so we understood it very well.

The little orchestra is off to the left, and the water is the "stage". The puppeteers are behind the puppets behind a curtain. The puppets are on sticks under the water and the puppeteers can make them come up and out of the water and move all over. It was really clever.

In this story, they are telling about the prince who comes home after a successful battle and he is on a parade through the village. He eventually goes to the ocean and gives his sword to a golden turtle.

These are the puppeteers graciously accepting the applause and appreciation of the audience.

I really enjoyed this. It was very unique. It was a good way to end a great day with our missionaries.