The day we finally got to pick up John from Mission Home.



At last this is the day we go pick John  up.  This morning is the 17 of June, we have to leave early as the Mission home and Temple are across the street from one another in Kowloon and it will take a little time getting there.  We planed to take in a session at the Temple after picking John up.  It was raining, so we took a taxi.   Rita & Derek are so excited with anticipation as you see in the picture above, as we wait for the taxi.  We got there a little early thank goodness.  There was a wall around the Chapel,  we had to push a buzzer to get someone to open it.  About that time two Sister missionaries came out and we were able to go in. The  Chapel is fairly new.  It houses the Mission home.   We wait patiently inside the foyer of the chapel for Elder John Preece  to show up.




It wasn't long when the missionaries come in to find their parents, there were other couples there that had come to pick their missionary sons too.  Two were from Utah,  and one from Ft Worth Texas. In walked  John, handsome in his suit, he hugged his Mom for along time, it was good to watch and then hugged his dad and then finally I got a hug.  




The Mission Pres Chan and his wife came in and we all got to meet therm. They seemed like a very spiritual couple who loved their missionaries. A lot of pictures were taken. A picture was taken of the big group going home. We then were invited into the Culture Hall for a farewell breakfast.




They served some tasty meat rolls and milk and some cut up water melons.  We sat in a big circle and ate.  When we were through Pres Chan welcomed everyone and gave a little talk, there were about ten Elders leaving and they had to hurry off to the airport.



We went across the street to the Temple, its a beautiful building.  First John wanted a picture with some of the Elders he worked with.  I think some of them were in the M.T.C with him.  They wanted the Temple back ground.



Missionaries was sent to Hong Kong clear back in 1853.  This Temple was Dedicated in May 26 1996.  Pres. Hinckley announced plans for it in 1992, but  they had a difficult time trying to find a site to build on.  Because of the high cost of Real Estate, it was decided the temple would be built on the site of the existing Mission Home and  chapel, because of the shortage of land in the territory.  The temple had to be built up instead of spreading out, so the unique design of the building.  The 6 story building is designed to house not only the temple but also a chapel, mission office, and living quarters for the temple President and several  missionary's.  The session we went to consisted of 14 women and the same amount of men.  We wore head sets to hear English.  We went up for the prayer cycle and I got to be John's partner.  As  we went through the veil, all was English so that was easy.  The celestial room was just beautiful, Chinese vases with beautiful flowers decorated the area. It was peaceful and made our day special.