Crystal and Micah Come to Hong Kong

We had a great time with Crystal and Micah, who came to Hong Kong at an ideal time: just as all church leaders had left to go to general conference in Utah, and just as we were completing all projects prior to the end of our mission.

Micah, enjoying Nan Lian Gardens

Crystal and her dad at Nan Lian Garden

Micah saw a room full of grandpas and grandmas - - it got him hyper

We ended up having to put Micah in the garbage can 

Arm wrestling with Elder Gary Bodily. 

Crystal and Micah explore Kadoorie Farm with Elder and Sister Chamberlain:

Lamma Island with Crystal and Micah:

The size of an adult's hand

Okay, he's got a bit of attitude.

September Miscellaneous Pics

We had a wonderful time with a couple from our branch--the Pollards. Jim and Cora are a very fun couple. We enjoyed dinner at their home and a lively game of Jenga.

Another self reliance graduation in the Pen 2 branch. These sisters are go-getters:

We said goodbye to Brad Hillam, the Asia Area Public Affairs Director. He moved to Arizona after nearly 2 decades living in Asia. It was a sad day, but he will do well wherever he is placed.

Seated: Brad Hillam, Clockwise: Sister Chamberlain, Elder Chamberlain, Sister Roberts, Elder Roberts, Annie Wong

Some of the most unusual geologic formations in Hong Kong. This is Dung Ping Chau island, about 90 minute ferry ride from Shatin, near the Chinese mainland. We went with the Ortons and the Roberts.

August 2016 Miscellaneous Pics and Videos

On October 15, 2016 we completed our mission to Hong Kong as Asia Area Public Affairs missionaries. The following pictures and videos are some that we failed to upload and wanted to be included on the record. Please enjoy!

Video of our Waterfall Adventure

This was a day of adventure on August  13, 2016. With Kim and Linda Orton, we hiked some fairly difficult trails, taking us past several amazing waterfalls. It felt like the Garden of Eden as we swam or waded in these pristine pools. The last one was about 110 feet high. I wanted to get up close and personal with it.

In August, we were able to help out at the Hong Kong temple on one of our quarterly Sunday temple days. The temple is open for Filipina domestic workers who have no control over their schedules and who have no other option to attend the temple. We love these sisters:

Norma, Claire, Elder Chamberlain, Sister Chamberlain, Lorna, Haizel, Jocelyn, and Jill

In August, we were also able to go as a group of senor missionaries to an island near Sai Kung where we had a buffet dinner and hit a few golf balls at a driving range. Note: I had a very sore foot (possibly from an injury during a hike), so I'm pictured here with a crutch:

Sister Orton, Sister Nielsen, Elder Roberts, Sister Roberts, Elder Orton, Sister Chan in foreground. 

View of beautiful island golf course

John and Judy Chan

Sister Chamberlain with her "crippled" husband

Toughing it out despite disability

The Project

In our 16 months here in Hong Kong, we have gradually been working on briefing books for the priority countries in Asia. Each briefing book contains:

• An "introduction to the Church" color glossy brochure complete with pictures of church members, chapels, activities, etc. written in the language of each country.
• A tri-fold brochure, which is a mini version of the full brochure.
• A 16-page report on each country, including: history, geography, social overview, economic overview, religious overview, overview of media issues, overview of communication issues, weather and climate information, cultural overview, historic sites and cities, Church growth and background, humanitarian work done, etc. etc. 
• Opinion Leader information about key individuals in government and their involvement with the church, etc. 
• A Country Fact Sheet that can be handed to government leaders in each country, featuring brief information about the church in their country. 
• Other strategic information.

When any of the Area Presidency want to visit one of these countries, they will now have everything laid out for them, making it easier to accomplish their objectives. We enjoyed doing it, but it was quite a process and often very tiring.

Brochures in multiple languages

Trifold Brochure

Briefing materials

Good job, Sister Chamberlain. You've put a lot of work into this in your "spare time" 

Farewell to Big Buddha

Since our one year pass on the Gondola to Big Buddha expired on July 31, we are not likely to be back there before we finish our mission (unless someone comes to visit us and wants to go).

Sister Orton, Nielson, Lee, and Sister . . I mean Elder Chamberlain (forgot name badge)

Yup, I'm a fighter!

Sister Chamberlain and I have gone Chinese retro!!

Sisters Lee and Nielson find a bovine friend

What can I say . . awesome women

After the Big Buddha, a stop at Tepanyaki Express in Tung Chung. Food is placed on little pieces of tin foil kept on the edge of the griddle. 

Great Friendships: A Blessing from Our Mission

Sister Orton (L) and Sister Towers (R) at Peking Gardens examining freshly made noodles

(L to R) Elder Chamberlain with the big head, Sister Chamberlain, Elder Orton, Sister Orton, Sister Towers, Elder Towers

Dinner with younger missionaries and Sandra Salvador at the home of the Holyoaks

What will we ever do without our dear Annie Wong, at the office? 

Diana Leung with Elder & Sister Whitman

Elder Whitman has a keyboard and plays every song you can imagine. Diana loved walking down the hall to visit the Whitmans with us after we had her for dinner. 

Sisters in our branch love welcoming visitors, such as this sister from Zambia. Sister Norma, Joselyn, Chamberlain and Celia were all smiles after relief society.