March 27, 2017
INTIATING NEW PROJECTS
Our mission is going wonderfully. There are 14 projects, we have
either inherited or have initiated. There is something to do on these projects
every day, as we are the link between LDS Charities funding and the projects
themselves, in the various provinces. Our work brings us in contact with the
highest levels of the government, and keeps the work the church is doing quite
visible here. The government is very appreciative of what is taking place, as
Vietnam continues to rise out of obscurity, economically.
We
coordinate closely with our mission president, President Lewis Hassell, as well
as another senior couple, who also work in the mission office. A new senior
couple arrived last week, to do missionary support. Nine new Sister and Elder
missionaries also arrived this week, bringing the total number of missionaries
in Vietnam to somewhere in the thirties, a lot for a brand new mission to
coordinate, pair up, find new housing, and put to work. Most of them have had
nine weeks in the MTC to become somewhat fluent in what is a very difficult
tonal language.
We
are becoming quite close to a Vietnamese family that lives on the 17th floor of
our high rise. They have been over, playing games with us and have had us over
for dinner. They are coming to dinner at our place, this Tuesday. We hope to
introduce them to the gospel, when we feel the time is right. Their ten-year old
daughter is often in our apartment, as soon as school is out each day, and
loves being Sharon's little helper.
Our apartment has been the setting for several missionary
discussions, this week. It really adds a spiritual dimension to what we are
doing, and is a wonderful opportunity to be able to share our testimonies.
Last
Saturday we had a sort of mini-General Conference with three General
Authorities visiting our branch; Elder Garrit Gong, one of the seven Presidents
of the Seventy; Bishop Dean Davies, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric;
and President Randy Funk, President of the Asia Area and member of the First
Quorum of the Seventy. It was wonderful to have these brethren and their wives
to associate so closely with.
THE OLD QUARTER OF HANOI
On our preparation day, we take the opportunity to see new sights
in Hanoi. Two weeks ago, we went to the Temple of Literature, in the old part
of Hanoi. This temple, founded in 1070, is dedicated to Confucius, and honors
the scholars of Vietnam. There are paths leading to the courtyard, where stelae
(monuments) are positioned on each side of the courtyard. They are, considered
to be, the most precious artifacts in the temple. The stone, weather worn
monuments, have the names of the scholars and sits on the back of a stone
tortoise. The day we visited, there were many scholars from surrounding schools
that were having their graduating class pictures taken. Through the imposing
gateway, is a plaque that requests that visitors dismount their horses, before
entering. It is fun to see places like this temple. It helps us understand the
culture and heritage of the people here.
Close by, are the streets of the Old Quarter (the center of the
old Hanoi city). They are filled with lots of people and shops that sell
trinkets, live chickens, frogs & squid, traditional food (like Pho and Bun
Cha), art work, and of course souvenirs. The living conditions seem primitive,
with alley ways that meander forever, that you could get lost in. Rat's nests,
of overhead electrical wire, exist down every alley way, providing electricity
and connecting every body's Internet. It's strange that electricity and computers
are found in such humble circumstances. The houses are tall and skinny,
generally four stories, and have a room on each floor with a little business
out front on the sidewalk on the level of the street.
We were given the assignment of home teaching a member sister who
lives in the Old Quarter of the city. Because this sister doesn't speak
English, we have visited her with the missionaries. She is pregnant, and will
deliver in May. She has a 12-year-old daughter that lives with her in the top
room of a house. The bed occupies most of the room. Her husband is living
outside of the city because that is where he has found employment; it is
difficult for him to see his family very often. With the help of the
missionaries, Gerald was able to give the woman a blessing. She was very
appreciative because she is struggling with this pregnancy, both, physically
and mentally. Her daughter is receiving the missionary discussions and has
accepted an April baptism, Yay! This sweet daughter helps her mother, who has to
stay in bed in the small cramped room most of the day. The mother is
grateful for the Gospel, and it is nice to feel the spirit during our visits.
The Lord's hand stretches out to the meek and the humble. We are so glad
we are missionaries in Vietnam right now.
This last week, we had a house guest -- a young women from Hanoi
that is a member of our Church. She has been in an abusive situation and needed
a place to stay. She had lost her ID papers and needed some help in contacting
her family. It was interesting communicating with her, because she spoke only a
little English and we spoke very little Vietnamese (missionaries and Google
Translate were a big help). The President of our branch finally got in contact
with some members in Saigon, who thought they could help her find her father.
She got on a bus Friday evening, for the 40-hour bus trip to Saigon. Her few
days with us was an emotional experience; even though we couldn’t talk to each
other very well, our spirits have bonded with hers. She joined with us for
prayers, scripture time, meals, as well as some outings. By the time she left,
we felt like we were saying goodbye to one of our own children. We promised to
stay in contact. I am hopeful that she will find her way to a better, more
fulfilling, and happy life.
We have also had a new group of missionaries come this last week. What a
delightful group of Elders and Sisters. I think our missionaries are the “cream
of the crop” here. This brings the total missionaries in Vietnam to about 35. There
is a lot of work to be done and the Church is definitely growing. We are busy,
and so happy to be doing this work!
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