June mission activities

Bishop and Sister Pono of the Mandaue 3rd Ward after the temple dedication



Bishop and Sister H. David Burton of the Presiding Bishopric who were among the dignitaries at the temple dedication. When I talked with Bishop Burton, he told me that he had been at the New Zealand temple dedication as was I. He had been on his way to his mission in Australia when he crossed paths with President David O. McKay in Fiji and President McKay invited the new traveling elders to go with him to the New Zealand temple dedication!

Elder Emanuel Neo is a former stake president who has been called as a sealer, and is our across the hall neighbor, with his wife, Sister Editha Neo and their 29 year old daughter (who looks like she is 12!). Their daughter was visiting for the dedication and hit it off with me when I told her I had a 27 year old daughter who is not married; apparently her mother gives her a hard time about not getting married. Elder Neo is a humble, quiet man and his wife is a dynamo. Edith has been a runner, has been very influential in political circles and does beautiful handwork. Even though they have a difficult time speaking English, they try so hard to understand us and to be understood.

While the visiting general authorities were here, the temple missionaries moved out of their apartments so the visitors could stay in them. We all helped with the food preparation for the authorities and then ate the same all together in the patrons' dining area; this kitchen is well equipped for preparing food for large groups. It took hours of preparation and clean up but we had a great time working and eating together and it was a special privilege to prepare food for President Monson, President and Sister Eyring, Elder and Sister Oaks, Elder and Sister Walker, Bishop and Sister Burton, members of the Church Temple Committee--Elder Robert Dunford and others, President and Sister Edwards of the Area Presidency, Security for the prophet and others.

I was so impressed with the well manicured grounds at Mandaue 3rd Ward, especially the rock designs at the base of the palm trees and other shrubs.