Astounding Beauty--Kadoorie Farms

Hiking at Kadoorie Farms in the New Territories. What a place!

Our constant hiking companions, the Ortons.

Stopping . . . gasp . . . for a . . . gasp . . . photo

A mist moves in as we are nearing the top of the mountain.

Gorillas in the mist?

Numerous train markers with thought-provoking quotes.

Are we there yet? 

We saw plenty of beauty, so must be plenty in love.

This nature walk along a stream seemed like we were in a storybook. 

Enjoying the scene. . . too beautiful for words. 

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I didn't have any idea that the next few days would be unbearable due to much itching. . . from the "biting midges" that produce a small red spot that is about 10 times more itchy than a mosquito bite and lasts a week or sometimes up to a month. I had 37 bites on my legs because we forgot to put on insect repellent. There were times in the middle of the night when I honestly thought, "I am not sure life is worth living." Fortunately, I made it through. Now this seems like a great memory. I'll just bring the insect spray next time. 

So that stiff guy . . no . . . the one on the left . .. that's Sir Kadoorie who owned the property and envisioned this amazing venue. Sir Kadoorie (I just call him, "Kad") and I hit it off very well, becoming good friends. Never a harsh word between us. 

What's a little opera between friends?

Young opera stars! These youth, ages 6 - 16 learn Chinese opera at a very early age to take over when they are older. They are incredibly accomplished and their performance was stunning. We were treated as VIP's to this fund-raising event by Wendy Kwok. She is a generous, well-known Hong Kong philanthropist who has founded several charities. This fund-raiser is to raise money for her  NGO dealing with suicide prevention. 

Elder and Sister Wong (left) attended with us as VIP's at the event. Also, at far right are President and Sister Lam (Hong Kong mission president). Organization founder, Wendy Kwok is standing behind the yellow-clad performer. 

These are very talented youngsters.

Whoever did their makeup and costuming was a pro. 

A typical pose by Chinese opera performers.

Friends of the founders in a photo op following the performance. At our right is Patrick Cheuk and his wife. He is the Asia Area welfare manager for the church. 

Entire cast of the Chinese Opera. 

Sister Chamberlain and Wendy seem like old friends. They are both so fun and "giggly." We can't wait to involve the Church in some of the things she's working on. An incredible woman. 

Ready, ACTION!

Preparing script in English and Cantonese for the Asia Area Presidency video to be posted on Facebook to welcome members to a special meeting in which two new stakes will be created in Hong Kong 

Working under a tight deadline, these general authorities are extremely busy. We had to camp outside the door of the conference room and while preparing cameras, microphones, lighting and scripts, be ready when they took a break from their busy schedules to spend a few minutes creating a video. 

Vanessa (foreground) and Janet doing their videography magic. 

Translation issues are very tricky and take up a great deal of our time. Elder Funk is English-speaking, while his counselors are Cantonese-speaking. On a video, we have Elder Funk speak English and we create subtitles in Chinese. We couldn't do it without these two wonderful church employees. They are fantastic, and we love them! 

Mini MTC and a Baptism

Elder and Sister Towers, Edelyn Mantero, Sister and Elder Kendall. These two couples are responsible for the "Everyday branch" which meets six days a week on the 6th Floor of  our 12-story Asia Area Church Administration Building. As a new investigator, Edelyn heard us speak at the Everyday Branch, and was so touched as Sister Chamberlain spoke about the Holy Ghost. She wanted to have that gift in her life. She is excited to be a new member of the Church. 

Edelyn surrounded by other branch members on her baptism day. Sister Chamberlain spoke again about the Holy Ghost. 

Missionaries serving in the various branches in Wanchai with Edelyn on her baptism day. 

"Staff" and members who attended our Mini MTC at our Homantin chapel after church. Front and center is Nick Tsui, the Peninsual 2 branch mission leader. It was his dream to have a mini MTC. 

MTC staff, either returned missionaries or currently serving missionaries. 

What's a Jib?

Sailing on Brad Hillam's sailboat. Here we are above-deck, waiting to catch some wind and catch a break with all the Hong Kong container and harbor traffic. Brad is behind the wheel and wife, Katie is standing by. 

Sister Chamberlain enjoying the warmth of the South China Sea

Getting ready to raise anchor.

That anchor, with major "muddage," is very heavy. Pulling together, we get it onboard. 

Anchor raised, we're ready to come back and set sail. 

Raise the Jib, trim the main-sail, listening to the captain shouting his commands. 

Captain Hillam looking for traffic to avoid outside Hong Kong harbor. One very busy port. 

Gotta steer around these guys . . . 

Showin' us how it's done . . Captain Hillam goes overboard.

Boss!  Boss!  I'll save you!

Sister Chamberlain thinks it looks fun and walks the plank on purpose.