The Zundels Came to Visit!!!

It had been six whole months since we had seen Karen, JR, Elizabeth, Rachel, Hannah and Sarah. That's a long time to not be with a daughter and her family. Sarah was only two months old when we last were with her. She is a beauty!!! It was GREAT to see each of them!

The Zundels arrived on Saturday morning and we spent the afternoon at Fisherman's Wharf.

Sunday, after Stake Conference, there was a Chinese Branch baptism. Again, the Chinese members are so considerate of us, they translated the whole service into English just for us.

Following Sunday dinner, we headed for Oakland to the mission home, mission office, the Visitor Center and , of course, the temple.

Julie Neva

Julie Neva was born in Russia. Shortly after her birth, her mother and father divorced. Her maternal grandfather became the father figure for her. He was a bright attorney with a strong personality and a dominant figure for the whole family. After his death, Julie's capable mother replaced him in his role as the leader and director of the family.  She became a well-known dress designer in Russia. Eleven years ago, when Julie was 13, her mother married an American and moved to Half Moon Bay, CA. Moving to America has been very difficult for Julie's mother because she feels like her talent has gone unrecognized here. Julie is an artist and her mother is anxious that Julie develop her art and become somebody. This puts tremendous pressure on Julie to perform. Julie has been very courageous and solid in her commitment  to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ and to live it. On Saturday, July 9th, she is going to be baptized. She is experiencing a lot of opposition at home, but she is steady in her decision. She has been amazing to teach. Although her grandfather was a communist, without any religious belief, she has developed a strong relationship with the Savior over the years as she has coped with her challenges. He has been her trusted friend over her whole lifetime. When we have taught her a principal of the gospel of Jesus Christ, she has said," I believe that, I know that is true." What an experience we've had with Julie.

Elder Wu's Birthday Luncheon

From left to right: Sister Yu, Sister Lee, Elder Wu, Elder Chan, Elder Guan and Elder Anderson. Poor Elder Anderson was fresh from the MTC and struggling with Mandarin. He'll make it, but it's pretty tough!!

This is the same old restaurant we've been to before. The food is authentic and the Chinese missionaries love it and it's a cheap treat for the district for us. What a dedicated group of young adults.

Lan Bao

Lan Bao

Two years ago my brother and his wife, Bob and Anne Baines, spent a year in China teaching at the University of Nanjing. Bob taught law, and I guess, writing as well and Anne taught English.  One of his writing students was Lan Bao, or as her name would be written in China, Bao, Lan (with the surname coming first.)

After Lan completed her undergraduate work at Nanjing University, she travelled to Taiwan for a year as an exchange student and was then accepted to the Monterey International Institute to do graduate work in translation and interpretation. This summer she is living in San Mateo about 25 minutes from here translating a business management program from English into Mandarin for a start-up software company there. We have had the delightful privilege of getting to know her. She is a confident, capable young lady who has a zest for learning new things.

We have learned a few helpful tips along the way also: don't feed the Chinese dairy products, they love sweet potatoes, the dark meat on chickens, and watermellon. Oh, and don't worry about any sweets because they don't eat them and then you as a host have to finish them all off. I'm capable of doing that!  They have not yet learned the value of good chocolate!

On our first meeting, we took Lan out to dinner at an Italian restaurant...not the best decision. After that we did better. She has attended English class with us, been introduced to the young missionaries and met several young members of the Chinese Branch. One works for a large software company that may have an opening she would like when this next school year is over. Anyway, it's been a lot of fun.

Sunset Cruise

Last night five senior missionary couples went on a sunset cruise. The Visitor Center in Oakland was closed for carpet cleaning and it was preparation day for Tom and me; so we all were free to go. We left from Pier 43 1/2 in San Francisco harbor and sailed by notorious Alcatraz Island, around Angel Island State Park, passed Tiburon and Sausilito, under the Golden Gate Bridge and back to San Francisco. We left at 7:00PM in the daylight and returned at 9:00PM in the dark. In between we were able to see the sunset and the city light up for the evening. The cruise included a light dinner and live guitar music. Yesterday was cloudy and cool so I was concerned about how cold it would be on the water. Actually it turned out wonderful... there were only about 50 people on the cruise whereas the boat could accomodate 600 and the outside evening air was comfortable. All in all, it was  a fun outing.