The Adams' Mission Adventure - Phở real

 This was a long, short, fast, slow, busy week. We had Christmas coming as a normal missionary workday, and zone conference on Friday, which included a Christmas celebration for the missionaries. All the missionaries were given permission to wear ao dais (ow-zize) and dress up for zone conference. So...  We started out on p-day (Monday) with a trip a few miles north to the Hoan Kiem Lake area where our 2 Sisters knew of some shops that sell ao dais; they were getting some and so I could use their expertise and get one! Even Allen decided to go along with the crowd! And you'll see the finished products in a minute... Our treat to the Sisters for helping us was...  Ice Cream!! We wanted it to be our treat, but the ice cream shop is owned by a member, and they refused to let us pay. They are so very kind, and the ice cream is homemade and is very good.  The next day (Tuesday) was Christmas Eve so of course we went walking. And shopping. We found a shoe rack we need beca...

 Today's title refers to a time a few months ago when the president of the VUFO--Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations--visited Utah. He toured Temple Square and Welfare Square, and he even found time to visit the MTC where he met our latest batch of missionaries. He was so impressed by them that he invited them to come to the VUFO for a visit after they arrived. Well, that invitation was finally fulfilled not only for the new missionaries but also for all the missionaries in Hanoi. We were warmly greeted by the staff and department director of the American relations group, and we all had a chance to introduce ourselves. He particularly enjoyed speaking with the new missionaries whom he had met in Provo, and complimented them on their speaking ability.  It was all very dignified and formal. The president gave a speech for about an hour, talking about Vietnam and American relations and where they stand now. He was grateful for help from the Church and the work that the Huma...