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17 May 2012


Hi everyone!
 
I'm sorry my last letter was so negative--I was so tired from the switch in time that I should have waited until I had a clearer mind!    I forgot to mention it was a 15 hour flight from L.A. to Hong Kong, that's why it added to the drama.
 
We are just loving it here.  The people are so warm and friendly they really make us feel at home.  A couple that finished their mission a couple of weeks ago also had the last name of Ward, but don't think it was any relation, but the people are so cute when they see our name is Ward they say "they"'were the first ward and we are the 2nd ward.
 
The temple is small but very beautiful.  There is a whole fenced-in compound which includes the temple (and the grounds are beautiful), the mission president's home, the temple pres.'s home and this 3 story apartment building.  We live on the third floor in a one-bedroom apartment; it is quite big actually and completely modern with nice furniture and air conditioning!  So we really aren't or haven't suffered very much.  The kitchen has beautiful wood cabinets with granite counter tops, modern range and frig, microwave and water cooler, but no DISHWASHER--oh! that's right, I came with one!  The bed was a bit firm so we bought an egg crate foam pad which helped immensely.  The floors are tiled throughout and shine like glass.  The bathrooms and restrooms are called the CR which stands for "comfort room".  On the first and second floors are apartments that members use who come from far away.  It is like a motel and they are always full of people, sweet members who have come to do baptisms and temple work.  Our floor is locked so we are never bothered by anyone.  It is just amazing what the church has provided and done for these people.
 
I will have a lady come in and clean the apartment once a week.  Now I really like that!  We also have a sister who will come in and cut our toenails and/or fingernails whenever we want.  We're having her come Saturday, since neither Lyman nor I can bend over and touch our toes any more.
 
One of the other missionary couples took us to a store called S & R which is equal to Costco.  We were able to stock up on some things and something in the house to eat.  The city is quite old and dirty and ugly and the poor conditions that most of them live in is so sad.  Alot of the people don't have homes so they live on the streets or in cement culverts.  The little children are so cute but it is so sad to see them naked on the street and dirty.  The government here is not good to the people.
 
We work two days a week in the morning shift and 3 days a week on the afternoon shift.  I hope I can soon get used to the time change because I keep falling asleep.
 
Thanks for all your letters and prayers.  We can feel their strength and we need them.  It's amazing when you work for the Lord how he blesses and strengthens you.
 
Got to get some sleep!
 
Love,
Elder and Sister Ward

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