Elder Coffey is taller than everyone in line! |
It’s technically not the rainy season yet in Ho Chi Minh
City, but torrential downpours delayed commercial flights last week, setting us
quite a bit behind schedule on our trip to Hanoi. We were on a trip to the nation’s capital in the
north to enjoy a missionary conference for the Vietnam Hanoi Mission. But the airport was modern, clean and air-conditioned,
so the long wait was pleasant.
We finally boarded, found our window and middle seats and
took our spots on the plane. An older
man came and sat in the aisle seat beside us.
This must have been his very first flight. He was so excited about everything. The seat belt was a novelty. The view outside Elder Coffey’s window filled
him with wonder as he stretched himself out over me straining to see. It was like Christmas morning and he was
filled with unrestrained excitement. The
stretching over me and the straining to see continued for some time, until
finally Elder Coffey decided the man deserved the window seat more than he
did. Offering it to him, the man
jumped up without a second’s thought and took the window seat with unashamed
enthusiasm.
It was actually quite endearing.
He hugged the window the entire rest of the trip.
Due to the delays, we had time to tour only one of Hanoi’s tourist
spots before heading to the hotel. Hoan Kiem Lake was our point
of destination. The Huc Bridge gleamed beautifully under the lights at
dusk. The red bridge leads to Jade Island,
home of the Temple of the Jade Mountain.
It was like stepping out of the bustling crowded city into a paradise apart
from the world.
The offerings to the gods were lavish and colorful. |
The next morning found us at the Hanoi Chapel. I am still in awe to think we have branches
of the church in Vietnam.
Nearly every
missionary and missionary couple in Vietnam was in attendance.
Vietnam Hanoi Mission March 18, 2017 |
Lunch break between sessions |
Sisters in the Gospel |
"May the Kingdom of God go forth,
that the Kingdom of Heaven may come".
Doctrine and Covenants 65:5
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