Holiday beach fun with Peninsula 2 Branch

July 1st is a holiday in Hong Kong. Our branch members love to barbecue, and we met at Deep Water Bay for a day of fun and food. These girls know how to party and have fun.

Who's drowning? Raise your hand. All of you? 

All smiles

Deep Water Bay was a mecca for Domestic Workers celebrating the holiday

Haizel Layos! As I live and breath . . but that's just me. Did you notice how close to the water you dug that sand pit? Next wave could be trouble for you! She came out okay. 

President Jequinto channels his inner pirate with a bandana. 

Filipina relay races. Emptying the ocean, one small white cup at a time. 

Alanie bent over backwards to make sure her team one the relay race. 

Give Said the Little Stream

In the Hong Kong heat, we found a fun place to get some relief--Ping Nam Waterfall area. After several attempts, we finally found the trail that brought us to a clear, cool stream. It only took a 45 minute subway ride to Fan Ling, followed by a 30 minute min-bus ride on the 56K bus towards the mainland Chinese border, and then a 30-40 minute hike along a trail. Gorgeous!

Okay, if I could have pinned my missionary badge to my chest, I would have. It would still have been worth the cold dip in this beautifully clear water. That's Sister Orton upstream. 

A view of a waterfall from above. 

Sister Orton takes a picture looking over the falls. 

It seemed like we were out in the middle of nowhere, but Shenzhen was just across a small waterway. 

More stairs! But at least they're going down this time. 

Macau Mania

Macau is a former Portuguese colony, just as Hong Kong is a former British colony. Only a one-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, it is like entering a different world entirely. Macau is full of classic European architecture, combined with mega-casinos, Catholic cathedrals and stunning natural beauty. We were able to spend a couple of days with two other couples (The Ortons and the Roberts) seeing the sights.

Sister Kathy Roberts, Linda Orton, Kim Orton and Kenny Roberts joined us to look at the black sand at Macau's Hak Sha (Black sand) beach. 

Down a typical street in Macau

St. Paul's complex. The 16th-17th century structure was destroyed by typhoon in 1835. Now it is an iconic Macau landmark. 

We got there before the crowds. 

In front of St. Paul's ruins, Macau

"And that's why they call us 'Mormons' . . would you like to know more?" She was inexplicably quiet after I told her I was a missionary.  This was at a museum in Macau

An ornate antique bridal bed. 

A bride's chair . . the bride would sit inside and be carried to the wedding on the shoulders of designated wedding guests.

Atop a large fort, with cannons aimed at one of Macau's many casinos. This one, The Grand Lisboa, we nicknamed "Death Star" because it seemed to dominate the skyline and was an unlikely photobombing structure in many pictures of more quaint and historic buildings. 

Okay, Elder Chamberlain got over-heated and we stepped into an air conditioned visitor's center. That's when Sister Roberts gave him a great tip: stand next to a cold slab of granite, letting the cool of the stone seep into your body, lowering your core temperature. It worked! 

At the MGM hotel/ Casino. Crystal butterfly and aquarium display. Incredible. 

At MGM

At MGM

More crystal art at MGM

Is that a lion in pajamas? Or am I dreaming? 

Took a long bus ride to Fernando's in Macau. Here we had a Portuguese meal that was amazing.  We joined a group of purple-clad middle-aged field hockey players and a large group of Portuegese motorcycle club members in black T-shirts.  

Peninsula 2 Branch and a little "Soap Box" from the Chamberlains

Our little branch of the Church is a light in the darkness for these faithful sisters. These Filipina (Indonesian and Madagasi) domestic workers are beautiful women who want nothing more than to have stable and loving families. Unfortunately, the reality of their lives in the Philippines pushes them to spend years and even decades away from their spouses, children and loved ones earning money in Hong Kong taking care of other peoples' spouses, children and loved ones. Their presence back home is replaced by a few dollars from their meager paychecks. It is a system that not only exploits the Filipinas but also degrades the work ethic, domestic skills and familial bonds of the Chinese families who hire them. In addition, according to recent research by Hong Kong University, 16+% are working in Hong Kong under "forced labor" conditions (unable to leave, coerced or threatened, etc.) Another 66% are working under conditions with strong "forced labor" elements. Only 5% are here entirely under conditions of "free will."

Sister Chamberlain surrounded by love. Taken at Ho Man Tin chapel cultural hall. Those with her are; Trisofa, Jocelyn, Celia, Rona, Marie, Perla, Janie Rose, Sister Jequinto, Gloria, Claire, Maida, Sandra, ? and a visiting young man from the U.S.

Saying goodbye to Marie Arsua (right) who is leaving to get married to a young man she met online and moving to Kentucky. With Sister Chamberlain are Claire, Gloria and Marie.

The new self reliance class! These sisters are learning what they need to learn to go back home to their families and thrive financially. Pictured are: Honey, Olivia, Trisofa, Suciati, Jill, Frendelyn, Liezle, Jocelyn, and Zharra. 

 

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.