A.S.I.A. Women's Conference 2012

 When I had to leave my dear friends in Taiwan, I consoled myself with the fact that we would see each other soon in Hong Kong for the ASIA Women's Conference.  The conference is sponsored by my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and has been held annually for the past 7 years or so.  Expat women from all over Asia come to meet together and enjoy spiritually uplifting classes and talks. I looked forward to our reunion for months, until one day I received an email asking me to present a class at the conference.  I basically pooped my pants.  There was NO WAY.  I am not comfortable speaking--in public, or even at all sometimes.  But of course, the spirit worked on me slowly until I felt up to the challenge and accepted the assignment.  I also received much-needed support from family and friends to get me through the FEAR!  It ended up being just what I needed to get out of my downward spiral in the land of Mao.  It was a wonderful, enriching experience for me to prepare my remarks.  Isn't that how it always is?  That, plus mad shopping, eating daily at California Pizza Kitchen, late night giggle fests, and a very spiritual trip to the Hong Kong temple with friends made the weekend unforgettable. 

Here we are along the boardwalk at Stanley Market

And a few hours later with our BOO-TAY!!!

We all went for mango smoothies after my presentation.  All my makeup has smeared off and although you can't smell the picture, I am a sweaty mess and need a shower.  It was intense, and I gave thanks in the bathroom stall afterwards that I got through it!!!

I don't know where the wind-blowing-through-my-hair supermodel picture on the ferry went.  I probably deleted it immediately.  You can imagine it in your head.

Here's a link to my talk.  It's a bit long and as I said, was mostly for my benefit, but you are more than welcome to read through it!  And if that inspires you, just look at the others!  It was amazing!