The Zhao Family

大家好，

This week was a somber one, as several high-rise buildings erupted into flames in Tai Po this Wednesday, killing hundreds of people. Tens of thousands of people were affected, and it was one of the largest disasters in Hong Kong in many years. I am grateful to say that all of the missionaries and members living in the area were safe and protected from the catastrophe. It was a shocking reminder of just how fickle life is, and how we must take nothing for granted.

However, apart from the tragedy, it was so heartwarming to see all of Hong Kong come together to serve those who were affected. Countless organizations mobilized to provide relief and rescue efforts—thousands and thousands of volunteers aiding those who can be helped. I am so proud and grateful to serve in this city.

Apart from this somber note, this week was an amazing week of Thanksgiving. It was especially meaningful on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, to reflect on the blessings I have received in the morning following this week's tragic news.

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This week, as a district challenge, we had done a "God's hand" to count our blessings each day. I figured I'd share what I have written this week. Here's a quick peek into our every day schedules! :)

God's hand (Tues)
- We found three Filipina friends who have rest days on Sundays, and all three are willing to try coming to church!
- Met a photographer who talked pretty deep about society and had a good conversation
- Had some fun finding challenges with Elder Vega!
- So many beautiful birds in 高埔，元朗

God's hand (Wed)
- Got to meet so many familiar faces at the Giving Machine Opening Ceremony (the only two missionaries there!)
- Met a super cool Muslim guy who memorized the WHOLE Quran and is so friendly!
- Taught Mike after 5 reschedules
- Bishop Wong invited us to play tennis on pday!

God's hand (Thurs)
-Such an awesome Thanksgiving! So grateful and full of joy
- District Council! (I gave the Thanksgiving PMG discussion)
- Hong Kong skyline views with the apartment in Tsuen Wan
- AWESOME second lesson with Jeung SS (I found him in a taxi and gave him a BoM the first time we met with exchanges with Elder Soeung!)

God's hand (Fri)
- Bus home came earlier than the app said, we got to our apartment two minutes before our lesson
- Falling bedframe barely missed my spine during moving
- Samson came to church!
- Stone helped lmp for us last minute and had such a good lesson
- Lesson with Marias family online after so many reschedules

God's hand (Sat)
- Saw Jacob! Got to play with him during lunch break
- Got fed by our ward when we didn't have food
- Survived the day with one 八達通
- Maria and her whole family made time together to come to the stake concert
- Such an awesome stake concert activity

Last night God's hand (Sun)
- Wonderful first anniversary
- Accompanied "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" with the English Branch on violin
- ^Elder Vega let me borrow his yellow tie because I forgot to wear a yellow one for the event theme :')
- Shared with Marias family about baptism!
- Vinored came and brought his friend Aneesh
- Samson came again!

Although I am on the other side of the world than my family during a major holiday for the first time, counting these blessings has given me so much joy. I know that gratitude is one of the most precious things which will give us joy, regardless of our situations. I give so much gratitude, gratitude for for my family, my friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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I miss all of you and hope you all also had a great Thanksgiving! Don't worry, I'm not breaking my email streak this week. I didn't send an email this week at the normal 6:30PM in Hong Kong because I got an extended pday today!!

We had a Giving Machine shift from 4:30-6:30, so we were given the time taken out of our original day. This may be a one in a mission opportunity, and we fully used it to go play tennis with Bishop!

I hope you all have a good week and stay warm! We went to the beach again this week and it was 79° F again haha, so we will see when it cools down. Once again Happy Thanksgiving, and whoevers still reading,

I'll see you next week,
趙長老！