Two Big Weeks

 Hello all!

It has been two very busy weeks since we last wrote. Lots has happened, so here we go.

This is a picture of Sandy, Mom's translator at church. She is leaving on her mission to serve in NYC in  March, but she faithfully sits behind us and spoon-feeds us sacrament meeting.

A couple of weeks ago we were invited to attend a dinner with what we thought was just several members of our ward. We said yes but right up to the day of the dinner we were still wondering if we should go (we had another activity planned with senior couples that same evening). Eventually, we decided to attend this dinner with the ward members even though it was about a forty minute train ride away.

And boy, did we make the right choice. There were approximately twenty of the ward members at this dinner. And it wasn't until we got there that we learned the dinner was a combination birthday party for one of the men, and also a surprise dinner being given in our honor -- to thank us for the work we have done with them in the ward!

They presented Mom with a box of special "Wife" cookies, specially baked for Char for her work with the young women in the ward.

 

They gave me a special cake with my chinese name on it -- thanking me for teaching the gospel doctrine class.

This is Annie Wong  patiently looking at pictures and listening to Mom tell her about Sarah's work with the First Lady that had happened that day.

Sarah and Landon got here Friday morning and we were so excited to see them that we didn't take very many pictures, but we did get this picture of our first treat, a Hong Kong waffle. It's appropriate that our first picture is of food, because I think their trip here was mainly just one treat or big meal after another. We ate none stop, which was tasty and gave us lots of time to just be together visiting.
 

The next day we took the ferry to Cheung Chau. What a great day!

It was a beautiful warm day on the island. We walked the beach picking up sea glass for Sarah to take home.

We love the islands because we can rent bicycles and ride through all the alley ways in the villages. It's so amazingly charming and always interesting.

This is out in front of our apartment building on the promenade. Across the harbor is Hong Kong Island where we work.

Of course, we took the subway out to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. This is the temple on the grounds.

I told Sarah she should buy it -- she didn't, but we had a great time at Stanley.

One evening, we went out to dinner at the Daai Pai Dong, our favorite street restaurant. 

                                                       The best Chinese food in Hong Kong!!

After dinner we were walking the streets and came across this little dog grooming shop. What do you think Nala?

While waiting for a bus, this little girl was without question the cutest Chinese child we have seen. Her giggle was amazing and she was having a great time taking our pictures.

This little diorama type thing is set up in the mall on our way to the subway.

This is the gondola on the way up to the Big Buddha.

The clear floor freaked Sarah out. I think she was very brave opening her eyes for this picture.

Here you can see the Buddha in the distance.

The temple at Big Buddah has been covered in scaffolding since we got here. It was nice to actually see how beautiful it is now that the construction is done.

Mom chilling with the guys on the subway.

Sweet potatoes, quail eggs and roasted chestnuts for sale on the street.

Mom and Sarah trying one of the quail eggs.  Mmmmmmm!

                   

Sarah and her balloon.

This little girl was trying to teach Sarah how to pose correctly.

You've seen this boat mall before but not with Sarah in front of it.

We call this buddhist statue the "White Lady". She is huge -- over 90 ft tall. We spent a morning at this Buddhist monastery with Sarah and Landon. Very quiet and peaceful.

Paying her respects to the Buddha.

Entrance to the temple grounds from the inside looking out.

Our final meal together before Sarah and Landon head home. Great Thai food just down the street from the office, recommended by AJ and Kelsey.

This last week went by way too fast. We had a great time with Sarah and Landon -- perfect house guests. We spent most of our time eating -- so much good food to eat here.  It was so nice to feel like family again. Less than six months and we will be home with all of you again.

Love you all,

Dad and Mom