We had such a fulfilling time at the MTC, we were reluctant to leave, but the prospect of serving in Hong Kong was exciting. We had a wonderful time visiting with Shafique & Pam Janmohamed, who took us to the SLC airport on Saturday, Sept 25th for our departure.
In LA, Craig's sister Jamie and her sweet daughter Gentry met us at baggage claim. If it hadn't been for their willingness to help us lug our bags, and those of the Ellingsons (a senior couple from Canada going to Cambodia via our same flight to Taipei) we wouldn't have been able to make it! What a blessing in disguise to have their cheerful help and warm send-off.
After the 13 1/2 hour flight from LA to Taipei, Taiwan, we boarded a 747 to Hong Kong, which only took 1 1/2 hours. There we were met by the couple we're replacing, Elder and Sister Arnold from Draper. We got right to work and made quite a bit of progress before jet lag got to us. It's great to be here!
From Monday, Sept 20th through Friday, Sept 24th, we participated in training at the Church's MTC in Provo, Utah. On the evaluation form we were asked to complete, there was a place to indicate, from 1 to 10, how we would rank our experience. Craig asked if there was a "12" we could circle! All the superlatives we could list would not adequately encompass how we felt, and the reasons were both the other couples and senior sisters we grew to love, and the young returned missionary teachers we worked with in our classes. There is an indescribably strong spirit here which is compelling. If we didn't anticipate great things in Hong Kong we would just stay here. And the cafeteria food has been great, to boot.
We were honored when friends from our Clear Lake ward days, Bob and Claudia Fisher, visited us; they now serve in an MTC branch and live in nearby Woodland Hills, Utah. It was great to reconnect with them. We also were thrilled to meet up with Minda Manion from the Clear Lake 1st Ward, who is also serving from our stake. She is headed to the Manila Philippines temple. In addition, we ran into Miles Hillam, a young man from our ward in New Jersey that we didn't even know was in the MTC! He's going to the Las Vegas Spanish-speaking mission. It has been so rewarding to see these special friends and feel united in our love of the Lord and our desire to serve Him.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010, was our last day in Texas, so we went to the Clear Lake chapel for our setting apart by stake president Weldon Reeves. Our former bishop, now a counselor in the stake presidency, Harry Eulitt, along with his sweet wife Josie, as well as our current Bishop, Dude Butler, also attended. It was a special honor to have our three wonderful sons, Bryce, Drew, and Gentry, attend with us. President Reeves requested that everyone give us some advice, and we felt such love and support from all there. Our sons gave meaningful, astute advice to us that we will cherish always. It is because of their support that we are able to serve this mission.
In one short week, we will leave for Salt Lake City to spend a few days with friends before entering the MTC on Monday, Sept 20th. Examining the two suitcases each we're permitted to take, we wondered whether we could possibly stuff everything we need to take for 1 1/2 years. But so far it looks like we'll be OK!
We have been so touched by the kind gestures from ward members as they send us off---what support and love! We hope everyone will share in the experiences we have and feel a part of our mission.
We were pleased when we saw a new article on lds.org about the willingness of the Chinese government to outline how the Church can proceed with daily activities. This may seem like a tiny step, since missionaries, and proselyting in general, is still not lawful, except among relatives. Those desiring to join the Church in China have to travel to Hong Kong to have their baptisms performed, and there have been limitations on meetings. With this progress in the government's attitude, people in China will have more freedom in regards to their religion.
This comes about because of long, patient work with high-level officials, and we imagine because of the outstanding examples of the Chinese LDS as well, over an extended period of time.
Here is the link to the article: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-in-talks-to-regularize-activities-in-china
We had such a fulfilling time at the MTC, we were reluctant to leave, but the prospect of serving in Hong Kong was exciting. We had a wonderful time visiting with Shafique & Pam Janmohamed, who took us to the SLC airport on Saturday, Sept 25th for our departure.
