Where are all the sampans, rickshaws, and coolies?

Imagining Hong Kong, you might think of red-sailed sampans, strong men pulling passengers in wheeled rickshaws, and coolies with big wicker hats hauling loads balanced on bamboo poles. In the mid-70's, when Craig served his mission, all of those things were here. A clip from the 1950's shows glimpses of all three: Hong Kong video. 
Though it is much too encompassing and complicated to explore the history of Hong Kong here, it is interesting why those typical icons of Hong Kong are no longer seen. Originally a group of islands with steep hills meeting the water, with very few natural resources, Hong Kong didn't offer much. The British claimed it but that didn't affect the few residents, at first. Then families began fleeing their homeland of China to escape the cruelties of communism, though it meant leaving everything but each other behind. They initially had to take the lowest, most demeaning jobs, living on boats or in shanties, but the inspiring part is, they did not give up hope and they did not settle for being coolies. What they brought with them is what is still evident today and why Hong Kong has become a major world power: a willingness to work hard, hold to high standards, value honesty, and maintain a love of family. It is an honor to serve in such a place and to participate in establishing the gospel of Jesus Christ in China.