Golda's Birthday

So it all started with a rejected travel request. Because not more than eight missionaries can be in one small area at a time, we 'apply' to travel to our desired Monday destination. Because the previous Friday was Sister Hugo's birthday, and mine was the following Friday, we planned to celebrate together at The Cheesecake Factory. It is Hong Kong's newest American chain restaurant addition, and we American-deprived-food girls were quite excited. When the text came back REJECTED, we sat on the floor and discussed possible Plan Bs. But compared to our dreams of tuxedo-chocolate cheesecake, they all paled in comparison. Finally, we decided to check out the world's longest escalator, located conveniently close to our apartment, and boasting great street food and indie-chic side shops. We got gyros and continued up the hill on escalator after escalator. Then we got to a heritage museum that was also on the itinerary. This museum used to be a church chapel of our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We walked in and saw the original baptismal font. Many of our friends from Pok Fu Lam ward were baptized there, as well as hundreds of members throughout Hong Kong. We admired the European gold accents and fireplaces in what used to be the Relief Society room, and were approached by one of the workers who had met missionaries before. Her knowledge of the Church and missionaries was impressive, and she said she really admired the men who come back and tell her in detail memories of when they attended church there. She joked that they were more knowledgeable about the building than she was. Anyway, after she guided us to a hall we'd overlooked and assured us we could open the door onto the balcony, we stepped out to the balcony. As we admired the view, a girl sitting there asked if she could take a picture with us. (This is not unusual as I have reddish hair and was with Sister Hugo who has outrageously curly bright red hair). We talked to her and shared about the Church and its relationship with the museum. Her name is Poppy and is from Mainland China. We talked for quite a while and taught her about Heavenly Father and invited her to pray. Her Cantonese was good, but she chose to pray in her native village language, so I didn't understand at all. It didn't even sound like Mandarin. Her prayer was so humble and sincere though, and she thanked us for helping her know there was someone who would always listen to her. We exchanged numbers and went on with our day.

The next day at Zone Conference, Poppy called us. We asked the Mandarin sisters if they had time for a lesson that afternoon and they told us they did because someone just canceled. So an hour later we introduced sweet Poppy to basically the whole HK Island mission. She has met with the Mandarin sisters 3 times, and has since returned to Mainland. We hope she can meet with missionaries whenever she comes to HK, and eventually get baptized! 

After an auspicious start to the week, we continued on and experienced lots of little tender mercies and miracles. On Saturday, we had the best first lesson ever with Ken So. His twin sister was baptized 2 years ago. We taught the message of the Restoration and he accepted a baptismal date of August 27th!!!!!! The Spirit was so strong, and I just felt so grateful. We brought Adrien Chan to teach with us, so there were four 20-something-year-olds all sitting in Ken's living room talking about the purpose of life, how we communicate with God, and of God's love. It was such a powerful experience. This church is true. The Book of Mormon is true. It has changed my life this week.

Friday, my 20th birthday was amazing. We had language pass offs, passed out fliers for free English class, did studies, and had a delicious dinner at a posh place called Latitude. It had a burger called the Texas burger, so we were quite happy with our American feast. Then we taught English class, where our friend Si Man brought me a big vanilla, mango cake!! Then I came home to a beautiful big yellow flower from Sister Milan. She'd gotten our roommates to buy it so I would be surprised. Then she gave me a note that said "20 Things that make Sister Dopp Sister Dopp,' with a jar full of thoughtful, personal, kind notes of what makes me me. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received! 

Then last night at ward Family Home Evening, a member made a cake for me and they sang a beautiful English Happy Birthday to me.

I just feel so joyful to be here in Hong Kong, surrounded by so many selfless people. Life is good. Jesus Christ lives and The Book of Mormon testifies of him.