A.S.I.A. Women's Conference and more

 Associated Sisters In Asia (A.S.I.A)

5th Annual Women's Conference

February 23-25, 2012, Hong Kong

"Ye Are the Temple of God"

(1 Cor 3:16)

             I felt spiritually edified as we gathered to hear and share gospel messages, attended inspiring and educational presentations, and enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of Associated Sisters in Asia.  I met some of the sisters when they came to the Hong Kong Temple throughout the year, making it special to see them again.

            The theme of the Conference was “Ye are the Temple of God”, 1 Cor. 3:16.  We heard from the Asia Area Presidency and their wives.  They are certainly inspiring speakers who are serving the Lord in Asia.  All the men and one wife served in the Taiwan Mission and also were Mission presidents.  I’m sure they, especially the wives, made incredible sacrifices to serve here.   Sister Gong started the Mandarin Immersion Program in Utah, and it was in its full swing when they were called to the Area Presidency last October.  She was also in the BYU doctoral program.  Sister Watson has followed her husband’s career and church calling in Asia for the past 30+ years.  She was never home for any of the grandchildren’s births.  Sister Perkins raised her kids mostly in China while her husband worked in the Asian financial world.  He was called to be the President of the Area Presidency 5 years ago.  We have great love for these leaders.

            There were 15 breakout sessions on Friday and Saturday.  There was also a service project which was to make crocheted bandages for lepers in India.  Ben Perkins made this his Eagle Scout project to collect as many crochet bandages as he could.  He gave a presentation of the leper colony in India which was very touching.  We feel blessed to be serving here in Hong Kong and see so many great examples of the saints here.  Many sisters came to attend the temple Friday night and Saturday after the Conference.  I was glad to be able to go back to the temple to help.  What a big crowd we had!  Thanks to everyone who came.  

          We had a missionary Dinner on Sunday, March 4 - We welcomed 8 missionaries to our apartment for dinner on this Fast and Testimony Sunday.  It's always a pleasure to have them.  They work hard to serve the people of Hong Kong and China, and we are honored to have them.  We make them American food as they miss the home cooking.  So, for today we had the following:  Cream chicken over rice, BBQ chicken drumsticks, baked potatoes w/cheese sauce, Stir-fried cabbage, green salad, fruit salad w/yogurt, garlic bread, and then ended with German Chocolate Cake w/coconut pecan frosting.  We shared our "special experiences" over dinner, and it was a fun and enjoyable evening with these young men and Sister Wu.

           Of course, the highlight of each week is to speak to our children and grandchildren on Skype on the group video.  It has been fun to be able to see them each week and know they are doing well.  Our oldest grandson, Enoch, who is 15, informed us that he would come to pick us up at the airport.  His mother says that he has 2 months to finish his Eagle Scout project before he gets his learner's permit.  What a motivation!  Below is a collage of our Super Grandchildren!  

           It's hard to believe that we only have 2 months left of our mission.  We are anxious to go home to see our children, grandchildren, family and friends.  But, of course, it's a mixed emotion as we have made so many friends here.  The goodness of the people we met will forever have imprints in our hearts.  Below is a collage of our temple friends at a dinner gathering.  The baby belongs to Helen, the secretary.