Mission President's Seminar: Hong Kong

We went to Hong Kong for the Mission President's seminar which I have posted below. This is a disclaimer saying that if you want to read it in order of what we did, then go down to the last post you see about Hong Kong and that will be the first day we were there, then scroll upward from there. Once in a while I actually get my posts in order! But. . . not this time!

Dinner at Victoria Peak-Hong Kong

Our last night in Hong Kong for the seminar, we went to dinner at Victoria Peak. It has a great view of Hong Kong, Kowloon, and other areas of the city. This particular night, it was really cloudy. There were two tables of mission presidents and their wives, the area presidency and their wives, Elder and Sister Arnold, executive area secretary, and Elder Hinckley. Scott and I are,. . . well, I guess you can find us!

Scott took this shot of the tallest building in Hong Kong, I believe.

We made it back to Phnom Penh! We made friends with these two Japanese people in Ho Chi Minh. The young woman, Koko, is 23 and meeting a friend at a hotel for a week to study midwifery and tour. The young man, his name sounded something like: suyichi, is here on vacation and also didn't know where his hotel was. We told Koko we would make sure she got safe to her hotel. Suyichi (probably not right name) asked if he could come along too. His hotel was harder to find, but it was a place we thought some of our senior couples might like, so we are going to go check it out one of these days. Koko was so grateful for us that she wants to come to our church (she thinks that is where we live) to visit us. The seminar was uplifting, spiritual, and we learned where we could improve in helping our missionaries be better teachers. It was three days of learning and sharing. Plus the food was soooo good, I had to control myself so I wouldn't pig out, and that was hard! But, I made it.

Streets of Hong Kong and the Temple

At the end of our first day there, we had a dinner with Elder Hinckley, the Area Presidency and wives and the other mission presidents and wives. The Church office building is straight down the street from where I am posting in the picture on the left. I liked my jacket that I got last year, so wanted a picture of it. The Church office building is picture above. I believe it is 14 stories. One of the main entrances is above right. If you look close you can see the church's name. The subway is also pictured here.

Our visit to the temple took place our second day and first day of the seminar. It was wonderful to go and felt so good to be there. It's hard to believe it's been a whole year since I've been to a temple. The bottom picture is one of our church buildings that houses a chapel and everything that goes with that, the Mission offices, the Service Center and the Distribution Center. The Mission Home is on the top floor of the Temple. President and Sister Chan say that to walk across the road from the temple where their home is to the offices takes 15 minutes because of the heavy traffic.

The last afternoon after the seminar, we went to Stanley market. These are some scenes at the market's bay and on the way to the market this beautiful mountain setting. Pictured on teh right are some of the mission presidents and wives. Starting from right to left: Scott and me, President and Sister Bishop from one of the Taiwan missions, President and Sister Clark: Singapore mission, President and Sister Jackson from the New Delhi India Mission, Sister Pratt, Sister Janis Smith, wife of President Smith: Bangkok Thailand mission, Elder and Sister Powell from Mongolia,subbing for the Meachams who went home temporarily for a health issue, and Elder and Sister Arnold, executive secretary to the area presidency. Their 18 months is up in two weeks. They have been wonderful to work with. We love all of these valiant people!

Mission President's Seminar: Day Before

We went to the Mission Presidents Training Seminar September 7-12th. It was supposed to be from the 7th to the 11th, but because of technical diffulities on the plane we arrived back to the mission home in Phnom Penh 27 hours after we got to the Hong Kong Airport! Next year, we will come home a different way. It is normally a 2 1/2 hour trip for a through flight from here.
We arrived one day early in order to make the Wednesday dinner with Elder Hinckley, the Area Presidency and the other Mission Presidents and wives. So, we took a preparation day, which we needed, I might add and learned the subway system of Hong Kong. We wanted to go to the Distribution center across from the temple and we eventually found it. Up the hill from the top picture and turn right and there is the Temple. Of course, I forgot to take a picture until we got back down this hill and was too tired to climb back up and take the picture. However, on last year's blog, I have a picture of it! We thought we were on the wrong exit from the subway only to turn around and come out where Scott is to find out it was across the road from where we first exited! I was amazed with all the taxis at this taxi stand near the subway.

We went back underground and saw signs for a food court at a mall and lo and behold the subway adjoins this mall. The mall is seven floors as you can see from the above picture of the escalators. It even had an iceskating ring. I tried to catch a litle girl doing her moves, but my camera wouldn't take a light shot. I was amazed at seeing such a classy, upscale mall because I haven't seen one in a year. However, we do have a new mall here that I"m told is very, very nice. So maybe in a couple of weeks we can take a preparation day and go visit it. This had all upscale stores. Also a grocery store and a See's candy. I confess I bought 2 penuche chocolates! Scott was more enthralled with the beautiful supermarket and the fruits.

The watermelon, from Japan, cost about $999 Hong Kong dollars which I believe is about $120 in USA dollars! The two peaches, also from Japan, were $80 Hong Kong dollars which is $10 USA. We decided not to purchase any peaches. We have small watermelons here that are delicious, but no peaches. At that price, I can wait for two more years to get a peach!
I want to add, that this is the same city where I fell and fractured by finger last year. As we walked by the same spot, Scott wanted to re-enact the whole thing, but I opted out! I was so grateful for good shoes, Scott hanging on to me or rather me hanging on to Scott, and protection. I made it through the whole trip and didn't fall once!

Bakhuu baptisms at the Takamao Chapel

This is the group of people that we helped the missionaries teach on Saturday afternoon and evening, September 4th. Five were baptized and all invited us to come. It was great and we enjoyed all of their testimonies born (sp?) after they were baptized.

Brother Poon, a former branch president did the baptism here. He has been influential and helpful in fellowshipping and helping the missionaries go teach investigators.

Elder Da and Elder Ballard did the baptizing of these young cousins. They are 9 and 10. They bore their testimonies and they were powerful. The young boy's parents came and they also listened to us as we taught their children Saturday. The young girl's Mom also came and is a sister I think to the young boy's Father. Sorry I don't have names! Scott remembers the names and I'll try to ask him. These cousins have good parental support and neighbors also to bring them. We think the parents will also continue learning. Very good loving and supportive parents.

The Mom and Dad who were baptized Sunday, Sept. 5th and their daughter on the right and her husband on the left are investigators with a baptismal date. The other two kids are also the children of the investigators. The daughter on the left of the father I think is already a member and was baptized first. Pretty soon the whole family will be members.

Working in Bakhuu with the Elders

Last Saturday afternoon, September 4th Scott and I went to work with two of the Elders From Takamao branch to an area called Bakhuu. The first visit was down this country lane. Bakhuu is about a one hour ride on a bike for the Elders or riding with us a 15 minute ride, but a lot of walking once you park and start visiting. The first visit was to a 19 year old young man who had just joined the Church. We gave him a new member lesson on prayer. Half way through his grandmother, pictured above joined us. She wants to learn too, but warned Elder Da and Elder Ballard that she is hard of hearing and can't see to read. But she heard us just fine, so I think she'll do fine. Scott gave this new member one of the ties that we have. Now he has two ties! We parked out car at a man's home across this bridge past this waterfall that is pictured below. The man is a new member and has invited many of his neighbors to learn. They come on motos to church or many get together and rent a moto bus.

This was another new member lesson on Temples where Scott also gave this brother a tie.

This family is investigating. The young woman's Mom and Dad got baptized Sunday. Her Mom is pictured on the right. Her Dad is pictured above on the left and right with that family group. This young couple accepted a baptismal date for next month. Scott gave ties to the father and his son-ion-law. We also made another visit to an investigator and he got a tie also. At each of these homes we taught lessons.

This is brother who is the oldest member in the neighborhood who invites all his neighbors to learn. He went with us to all 4 other lessons. So he was also excited to get a tie.
There were about 20 people to this lesson and as you can tell, his wife who also is a new member really likes me and I liked her too!

FHE:New Member

Scott and I were invited a couple of weeks ago, Monday, August30th to go to a FHE of a new member who wanted us to come. This was in Phnom Penh in the 7th branch which is in the northern area of the city on the way to the airport. This is a member who had his home burn down in a huge fire near the R&R tracks. Many people lost their home. The Church helped him rebuild and he wanted Scott to see his new home. We met the sisters, pictured above: Sisters Essma and Tay and they escorted us. We had to park about a block away, then walk along the R&R tracks where there still are many people who live there. I was very surprised. We went down a narrow alley and then across a bridge, pictured above. They had just built it the day before. There were a few poles to hold onto, and you could also balance yourself in one place by touching the tin walls of another home! We made it safely across to this home which was open on the entrance side and had the 3 walls. It is a solid home with good floors, big room, and a kitchen and an upstairs. He is very proud of this home. We were greeted by several members who came to support him with his first FHE. He wanted to do this because his daughter is a member, but his wife (above with her grandchild), isn't and also his son came and he is a less active member hooked on gambling and alcohol to the point he doesn't provide so he and his wife live with the dad. This son's wife is an investigator. Also about 10 neighbors, pictured by the sisters, also just dropped in. The red head above has sat in on several lessons and I thought he seemed very interested. The Elders think he is just curious. They have met him several times already. But the evening went well. The brother gave a great lesson and provided lots of fruit afterwards. I was grateful when we made it safely back across the bridge in the dark, to our car!

The little Crab boy

As we were walking to see a brother in the 6th branch, we came on these vendors selling fried fish. . . hmmm.. . can't remember what they are. . .oh, yes, fried frogs! They asked me if I wanted to try one, however, I opted out of that one. I asked them if they eat them, and they said never. So,. . I felt like I had made a good decision!

Then we kept walking and this little boy comes running past us just crying. I looked and he had a string tied around something and he was running with it. After the visit, I saw what it was he was pulling. It was this little crab, and on closer inspection I could see that it was still alive. I couldn't believe it had survived his dragging it. Then we saw the little crab boy in the doorway of his home, and his Mom said we could take their picture. i totally have never seen anyone playing with a crab like it is a toy before. I couldn't resist taking pictures of this event.

Visits for Central District Conference: 6th Branch Area

To get ready for Central District Conference, on August 28th, we went with President Trieu (not correct spelling) and his 1st counselor to visit the former branch president of the 6th branch. He lived about 20 minutes just out of Phnom Penh. The Central District is our Vietnamese District. They are growing and having baptisms.

His home is just beyond the home on the left. You can't tell, but this sidewalk sits at least 10 feet above the ground and these home are all on the stilts.

He was most gracious and kind to us. We encouraged him to attend District Conference and assured him that the branch members love him. He loved the tie Scott gave him too.

I think he wore his tie to the conference on Sunday.

This is another visit we made. He had 5 children and they are all members, and his wife too. They all go, but he doesnt' so much. So Scott also gave him a tie with an invitation to go to District Conference. He came to the Sunday session also, and stayed the whole conference.

This is some of this family along with the 6th branch president, President Trieu and his counselor. The young woman on the right is the 6th branch president's daughter. The little boys are just curious neighbors.

The current branch president lives just around the corner from the other brother we visited and he wanted us to come into his home also. I think Scott gave him a tie too.

Hi family are all active. He has a wonderful family. He is doing a great job as a branch president and President Trieu and his counselor are doing a magnificent work with their fellow saints.

Wall Quotes

I got an idea a couple of months into our service here to have some quote on the stair walls because they are bare and didn't seem really welcoming. Jessica Reid, my nephew Parker's wife,

did these and I had her send them to Varci. Varci brought them when her and Kali came. They helped me put these up. We got the above one all done when we noticed that we had accidentally reversed the words doubt and not. Jessica graciously redid those two words and I got them all fixed right before Elder and Sister Perkins and Brother and Sister Dalton came. Whew! They noticed the quotes and I'm sure would have picked up our "mistake." The above words are on the first set of stairs going up to our home.

On the first flight landing, we put this picture.

And this is on the second flight of stairs. These stairs lead to my office.

Going up a 3rd and 4th flight is this quote that our family (the Scott Smedley family have on our family flag at home in Layton).

4th flight of stairs.

At the end is this picture of Christ. The door on the right is the kitchen door. We keep all doors shut here to keep the room cool, and also, for me, to not let uninvited critters in. Sometimes, they come in anyway. We had a BIG cockroach and geckos ALWAYS find a way in! One was even in our M & M jar. I think I already put that on the blog how Scott about ate it with a bunch of M & M's, but it luckily got away! I found one the other day, nibbling at some sweets I had by the computer in my office. He left when I walked in the door and ran around behind the computer on the wall and stayed there until I left. As I put on an e-mail home, I punished him by throwing away the rest of the candy. Same thing with the M & M's. I sure let them know who is boss!!! :)

Anyway, we really enjoy the quotes and they add warmth and welcoming to our home. Thanks to Varci, Kali, and Jessica, my goal was achieved!

New Office Missionaries and Assistants

After assisting Scott so wonderfully well, Elder Sweeten, one of our assistants, went back out in the Field for his last transfer. Elder Matthews is our new assistant. Elder Murdock also went back out into the Field after serving so faithfully as an office elder for several month. Elder Salmon is here to replace him. We thank Elders Sweeten and Murdock for serving so well with us here and welcome Elders Matthew and Salmon!

Left to right: Elders Salmon, Ross, Matthews and Isabell. All, very good missionaries.

Sister Askerlund Departure

On August 27th, the proud and happy parents of Sister Askerlund greet her after 18 months away from home.

Congratulations on a job well done Sister Askerlund. Returning with Honor, Sister Askerlund gets to walk the red carpet.

She was a great missionary and we miss her already, but are happy for her to go ahead with a new chapter in her life.

A Visit from The Dalton and Perkins

Elder and Sister Perkins and Sister Elaine Dalton and her husband Steve came to Phnom Penh August 23-25. We picked them up at the airport, fed them at Java (a restaurant here), took them to their hotel, and and picked them up again to do two visits. We went to two different families to do Family Home Evening. We had two wonderful Family Home Evenings. It had been raining really hard which meant for slow traffic, so we arrived at the last home one hour late. At the first home was a non-member Mom and her and Sister Dalton bonded. Between her and Elder Perkins, they made such a difference through their expressions of love that the sister said she would study the gospel more so she could join the church and go with her family to the temple to have an eternal family. Of course, I forgot my camera. BUT, I did remember it the next day, August 24th. We had a morning with no appointments, so we took the Perkins and Daltons to the Killing Fields. This is always a sobering place to go and makes you think of all the needless suffering that one, very bad and wicked leader could cause a nation.

They are shining up this memorial Wat that houses many of the skulls and bones of those murdered on this ground. The holes above are where some of the mass graves were exhumed.

They have tried to make this place into a peaceful and restful place that will honor the dead.

We were there with them that day. Here is proof. We then went to the mission home before the

Young Women meeting where I fed them a luncheon.

That afternoon we held a meeting for the Young Women and their leaders. We had about 125 young women in attendance. Sister Dalton really encouraged Personal Progress. The Young Women loved her as you can how they have surrounded her. At the Young Women meeting Sister Dalton not only encouraged Personal Progress, but encouraged them to #1. Read their scriptures every day, #2 Pray morning and evening and #3 To SMILE! They would be surprised how smiling could make a difference in people's lives.

We got this group picture of many that were still in attendance after the meeting. The Daltons and Perkins stayed and mingled and let the young women take pictures with them.

We then met with District Presidents of the Auxiliaries and the Senior sisters who are their advisors for a Snack and Chat for about 30 minutes.

We then had a member meeting. Our sister missionaries along with the Elders in Phnom Penh were in attendance. Sister Dalton and Sister Perkins. loved our sisters and thought they were all beautiful and outstanding sisters. We brought them back to the mission home for a supper before we took them back to the Hotel.

We got a group picture when we picked them up at the Hotel to take them to the airport on their way to meetings in Thailand, then on to Hong Kong. Previously they had been in Taiwan. The Perkins and Dalton made a lasting impression on the members, missionaries and Young Women here in Phnom Penh.