4-12-15

Pohpos

Hong Kong is quite the place. It's not really that exotic, and not that much different than America. If you want exotic missions you go to Africa or the Mid-East or places like that. But it definitely is special. 

At times I'm amazed at how small it actually is. Only four hundred and forty-four square miles. My entire Area, comprised of six different MTR stations, can be walked across in a few hours. Usually when we go out finding for a long period of time we walk through two or three of these areas. People here are always complaining about their ten or fifteen minute commutes to work, and how they don't have anytime because of it. But then, they would say they have no time whether or not they have a commute, or a job, or even a life. "Mhdakhaahn!" is just the term they use for, "I'm just being lazy right now and don't want to talk." I think they feel it's more polite, or something like that XD

In any case, Hong Kong does have one thing that no other place has, and that's Pohpos. The word "pohpo" means "grandma," and that's just what you call all old ladies here. The old people population is huge, and they're always wandering aimlessly around the streets, stopping at the most random moments and chatting with each other. I've never been around people who are completely okay to stand right in your way and just stare at you as you try to get past. Actually, I'm surprised at how good the people of Hong Kong are to the elderly. 

Back to the Pohpos, though. Nearly all of them are Buddhist or Baaisahn, which is Ancestor Worship. They are always burning incense sticks or random trash, usually cardboard. It is not an uncommon site to see an ancient lady with her bent back and her cane dragging a giant box filled with junk, picking up any little piece that's been left on the street. They almost don't have to pay anyone to clean up here. 

Perhaps the funniest part about Pohpos is the fact that they are always amazed when a white person knows how to speak Chinese. They make a big fuss and tell you how smart you are, and then ramble on about their bathroom problems or how many years they've lived in the area. One time all I said was, "hello grandma," and the ladie's eyes grew big. "Wah! Leih gam lek! Leih sik gong pohpo! Gam lek aa woh!" Which means, "Wow! You're so smart! You know how to say grandma!" I love talking to old people.

As of late we've had some struggles in the area. Bro. Yau, we believe was antied by his friends and now he is in Mainland China, so we are not sure when we will get to see him again, which obviously means that we need to change his baptismal date. And while we have been finding new people to teach, they magically always happen to live in another area, so we just give them to other elders. Elder Barker and I have started joking about it, but it is very true. We just find investigators for everyone else. 

Conference was great, as usually. Of course, being out in the mission field, I got more out of it than I ever have before.My favorite talks were President Uchtdorf's about the Potempkins Village, and Elder Hollands powerful testimony about the Savior and his Atonement. At times you will get discouraged in the field, but when you listen to such amazing speakers testify of things that you know cannot be false, you find your spirit revitalized and new vigor in the work. If only everyday could be General Conference.

Things here are going well. This last week was actually very nice weather-wise. There was even a few days when it was downright cold, which is super strange. But, of course, the hot and the humid is coming back so, I won't keep my hopes up. It's survivable, though ;D

I actually am starving at the moment because I didn't eat breakfast this morning.

I love you all and can't wait to hear more!