Giving Thanks

I was really bummed about missing Thanksgiving yesterday. I remembered halfway through the day it was Thanksgiving, and wished a Happy Turkey Day to the other one American I work with (also a Texan, yay!). I was thinking on how if I was at home, I'd be waking up to the smell of my dad roasting turkey, my mom making her amazing stuffing, yams, and potatoes, and most of all, delicious, buttery biscuits with gravy. I'd be watching football with my dad while eating pumpkin pie with cool whip for dessert. I'd be watching the commercials teeming with ads for after-Thanksgiving sales. And then I'd be eating Thanksgiving leftovers later. Mmmm.... how I love Thanksgiving.

But in the spirit of the day (since that's all I have here), I was thinking of what I am thankful for this year.

I am thankful for the financial support that has kept me going in Hong Kong, thanks to faithful and cheerful givers who believe in His higher purpose and my call to it.

I am thankful for the special individuals who know me in and out, know exactly what to say and when to say it, and also when to leave me be; the people who let me be myself without judgment; the people who love me, teach me through their example of friendship, and allow me to grow in a safe space.

I am thankful for what the Father is doing in my family, how I know He is reaching out to them and using my testimony to plant seeds in their hearts.

I am thankful for the chance to do work here that I am skilled at, that I enjoy, that challenges me and teaches me, that makes a difference to others.

I am thankful for the believers back home who still think of me, and remember me often, who want to hear about my life here, want to listen to my stories no matter how unusual or uninteresting they may be, but will listen because they know it is important to me; for the people who tend to my bouts of loneliness by sending me random e-mails or postcards or letters or packages, just to let me know they care.

I am thankful for perfect timing, for evidence of His hand at work in my life, evidence that He knows me personally, hears my cries, knows my burdens, and lifts my load onto Himelf while asking nothing from me but to take a walk by His side.

All of these things, and so much more, I am truly grateful for this season.

I can't wait to see many of you soon, and to share more fully what He has done in me, and through this work, in HK this year. Thank you to all who love and support me... you make me very happy!

The Times They Are A-Changin'

It's the end of another week, and as I think about this next upcoming week, I'm trying to get my head around what it will be like living here Maz-less. Maz heads back to Sydney on Friday. So I will eventually be given a new roommate, but I guess it's hard not knowing who that will be, and if it will be someone I will get along with as well. And of course, I'll miss having Maz here to talk to. It really has been a blessing that we've become such good friends. I remember coming here, and having no idea who she was or anything about her, and was just so relieved that we hit it off immediately. I just hope the same happens again. The next several months I am here will certainly be different, but also very full, as always.

I also find that as my time of homecoming draws closer, I can hardly wait! I realize just how much I've missed close friends. While I get on with most people here, it's not the same as having friends who have known me for years, who I can just sit with without talking, or say things and they already know what I mean. Having so many cultures together here is certainly interesting, and fun, but also you don't realize just how much you rely on unspoken norms and cultural leanings and understandings when communicating, until you don't have them anymore. So I am looking forward to just being, and not having to think about how to word things or the right tone to use.... just being able to speak and not worry if they get what I'm saying will be a welcome change.

So, all this to say, I will greatly miss Maz, and I am also very eager to be home for a bit. See you all very soon!

Mark Your Calendars!!

Good news... the yams made an incredible comeback! I added an enormous amount of brown sugar and cinnamon, and voila! Deliciousness ensued.

As for other news, I'll be in San Antonio in a few weeks, so please mark your calendars for Saturday, December 27 from 4:30-6:00 pm to attend an informal gathering/open house where you can see photos and hear from me first-hand what's been happening in Hong Kong this year. I would love to see you there!

For the full details, please, please, please read the e-mails I send out as all the information is included in those. I can't tell you how many times people ask me about something I've already talked about in an email or newsletter, and it becomes painfully obvious they don't read my news. Soo ... please at least skim it for the vital details! Thanks!

The Great Yam Tragedy

Each year, the multi-cultural team here holds its own Thanksgiving in which everyone has a chance to give thanks for things that have happened throughout the year, and we share in a meal together. As an American, I was asked if I could make the mysterious yams that they hear are a part of American Thanksgiving. I was all too happy to bring some U.S. culture into the mix, so I quickly agreed and set to work.

I purchased many a sweet potato, and started the baking process (in my tiny oven, a 'play oven' as Maz calls it, I can only fit four or five potatoes at a time, and I'm cooking for 76 people). Imagine my absolute heartache and subsequent mourning when I cut into the first potato and the inside is not a vibrant orange, but rather a dull YELLOW (though it smells like sweet potato). "What is this?!" I think to myself, hoping it is just a fluke as I dig into the next one. No luck. It too is yellow. A dozen potatoes later I give up the ghost, and resolve myself to having yellow yams, which unfortunately look too similar to regular mashed potatoes. Since these people don't really know yams, I feel I have let them down and they will forever think yams are the same as plain mashed potatoes.

For this, America, I am truly sorry. You know I love yams, and I would never intentionally dishonor such a staple of the Thanksgiving spread. Oh well. I suppose they can always see them on TV.

8 Months

I have been living in Hong Kong now for 8 months. How did it go so quickly??

I was threading my way through droves of people in the city today, and writing a message the whole time on my phone, never looking up but just knowing where to go and how to get through the people (people often walk around glued to their phones here, so its a very "Hong Konger" thing to do). I walked through side streets and cut across other bridges and walkways to get where I was going, all without really paying attention. I settled onto my bus and pulled out my ipod to settle in for the 40 minute journey home. All these things without really thinking about what I was doing. I glanced out at the beautiful view of the sun shining on the harbor, and thought to myself how comfortable I have gotten, knowing my way around and how to communicate.

The other day I had to take a taxi to run an errand to a more Chinese area of the city, ie not much chance of finding an English speaker. Without a thought about it, I hailed the cab, simultaneously dialing a Chinese-speaking friend, and when I jumped in the taxi I just handed the phone to the cab driver so my friend could tell him in Chinese where to take me. Later that day I went to a wedding, and afterward wound my way to the library. It was around 8 pm, and I walked through Victoria Park where people were playing soccer, running, or sitting on benches people-watching, and I thought of how unique and beautiful the atmosphere was.

I guess this all sounds a bit rambly, but my point is I remember being so timid about commiting to indefinate time here, not knowing how it would all work out, if I would have friends, if I would ever get used to this city. And I realize that I have. I definitely have many moments when I so badly want to be back home, but I really love living in Hong Kong. If you had asked me five years ago where I saw myself in 2008, it certainly would not have involved this.

Now I have made some incredible friends (I know Maz is reading this! and you're the best!!), learned so many things about working in Communications, learned a lot about the poverty and other challenges faced by billions, and found myself making my way around a major Asian destination.

I have also learned a lot about myself. So much of what I do, I do alone. So when I get lost in the city, or have to jump into cabs for errands, or make phone calls to Chinese businesses for products or answers ... I go solo. I very often think how much easier it would all be just once in a while to have someone lead me, rather than having to figure it out on my own, and make mistakes and get lost all by myself. But at the same time, I'm so much more confident and don't get freaked by challenges. I know I can do things, and I know that if I mess up or get lost, it's not the end of the world. I'm glad to have grown in independence and self-reliance.

So when you all come to visit me (hint hint!), rest assured I can lead you around with confidence. He has given me that spirit and taught me not to rely on others but on Him alone.

Coming Full Circle

I have been refelcting these past few days on how different life is being an adult from being a kid. I think this contemplation has come on as I've continued working with the kids and hanging out with them here. I see them do things I had to do as a child to an adult: ask permission to use the bathroom, ask permission to climb something, hold my hand to cross the street, and many other things. And now I am the one giving permission and holding hands.

Sometimes one of the older girls here will come by during lunch to ask me something. If my explanation or help takes too long, even if it's not school or work related, I tell them just to be late and tell the teacher I kept her. It's weird to be able to have that power after all these years (it also helps that her teacher is my roommate).

I also find myself employing techniques used by teachers throughout the years. Yesterday, for example, when I was talking, two of the boys were talking to each other. I got quiet until they noticed, asked if they were done, and then continued what I was saying. I remember teachers doing that. Also, I tell them "we'll just wait until you're done. And if that means we finish late (which of course means less play time for them) then that's what will happen" even though I really don't want to finish late either. And I think to myself, "I sound like my third grade teacher."

It's just bizarre to be in the role of adult now: permission-granter, hand-holder, giving excuses for tardies, and other things I find myself doing. I can't imagine how it's going to feel when I some day become a parent.

Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni! (Welcome to Beijing!)

In the words of Inigo Montoya, "Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up."

It was a big week in Beijing, but I think we hit all the big spots that we each wanted to see. How to sum up ...?

I guess it always helps to start at the beginning. Josh and I left on Saturday, November 1st for the 24+ hour train ride from Hong Kong to Beijing. We had opted for a soft sleeper (four bed, bunk style, in a compartment) as opposed to a hard sleeper (even harder beds, six together bunk style, and open to the corridor). By sheer luck no one else was placed in our compartment, so we had the place to ourselves. We soon realized just how spoiled we had been in Hong Kong with many people speaking at least some English, and signs being bilingual. Not the case on the train, and this was only a taste of what was to come in Beijing where hardly anyone knew any English at all, and I can't read Chinese so it was a bit of a challenge. We quickly lost favor with the attendant on the train when we tried to ask where to find water, and she thought we were expecting her to get it for us. She was none too pleased with us the rest of the journey. Oh well. And we didn't get food on the train, just the snacks (chips, Goldfish crackers) I had packed. And the on-board toilets left quite a lot to be desired. But on the up side, I saw quite a bit of the country, which was very nice.

After arriving at the train station, we entered the line marked "English Speaking" to purchase our tickets back to Hong Kong for the next weekend. Despite the sign though, the person at the counter hardly spoke any English, but we got sorted in the end. Next, we had to spend a good chunk of time finding someone who could write the address of our hostel in Chinese so we could find a taxi to take us there, and even then we got let out on the wrong street. After a bit of wandering with our luggage down a dark alley, we literally stumbled on our hostel.

The Red Lantern House had been described by others online as a 5 Star Hostel, and it was really quite nice with great atmosphere and yummy food. After dumping our things, we relaxed, had some dinner, and hit the sack to prepare for our next five days of sightseeing.

On Monday, we headed to Beihei Park which, by looking at my map didn't look too far away. But of course, it was a bit further than anticipated. We walked through the beautiful scenery of the park, and around the lake down toward the Forbidden City. Maz has been to Beijing before, so she headed off on her own and Josh and I took on the Forbidden City. My first impression: IT IS HUUUUGE!!! Why one family needed to call such a place home is beyond me, but as you walk through you can see just how much sovereignty and divinity was given to the emperor. Everything had some level of symbolism. I was just loving the history and just how ancient the place is. After lots and lots of walking, we headed out with the throng of Chinese tourists across to Tian'anmen Square, which is really just a big plaza but of course holds much historical significance.

The next day saw us trek out to Summer Palace, the summer place for emperors to go to. Again, it was MASSIVE but so, so pretty! There were temples, pavilions, stone pathways, scultpures, statues, a lake ... just so much! There is even a boat made with a marble hull to signify that the Qing Dynasty would never fail and would remain solid as a rock.

That evening, we ventured out for Beijing Duck. I really had no idea what was involved with Beijing Duck, but apparently it's a whole thing. Our waiter brought out the duck, along with a bowl of sliced cucumber and sliced onion, a dish of sauce of some sort, and a stack of pancakes (not the type of pancake you're thinking of ... much thinner and used in many Chinese dishes). You dip the duck in the sauce and place it in the pancake, then add the cucumber and onion, all using your chopsticks. We had to get the waiter to show us first. And it was sooo goood! Definitely worth getting lost for half an hour before finding the place.

Wednesday was my highlight. We booked a tour for the Great Wall, and because of our location got picked up first by the mini bus around 7:15 am. We picked up the rest of our group, around 12 of us total, and Justin, our Chinese guide started the tour. We first headed to the Jade Factory, and then on to the Great Wall about two hours away. To get up to the Wall, we took a chair lift much like you would take when skiiing. It was great! Being on the Wall was a lot of walking and climbing, and you could see the wall snaking off miles away in the distance over the tops of other mountains. Like I said before, I love the history, and this was right up my alley. I have always wanted to see the Great Wall! And it definitely lived up to my expectations. The view was beautiful, the weather was cold and clear, and I just really enjoyed it. To get down the mountain back to the street where our tour was meeting up, we actually got to toboggan. Maz and I both agreed the toboggan was almost as good as the Great Wall itself, it was that much fun. Definitely not something they would allow to do in the States without many precautions and wavers. But in China, anything goes. It was just a metal open chute zig-zagging down the mountain, and we sat individually on little sled things - no seatbelt or anything. The very bored girl running it just told us how to stop and to lean into the turns, then let you go. And it was SO much fun!! After this, we had some good Chinese food, then headed to a tea tasting, then got dropped back off at our hostel where we collapsed.

Thursday was much more relaxed, and I ventured out on my own to see the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, both steep climbs to get to but I got a great drum performance at the top. On Friday, we headed to the silk markets where we were overwhelmed by vendors trying to sell us their wares as we walked by, shaking scarves and yelling, "Lady! Special price for you!" That afternoon, Maz and I decided to join the 10 million strong in Beijing who ride bikes everywhere (it's a very, very common thing and they have separate lanes all over for those on bikes). It was a bit more difficult than it looks, partly because neither of us has ridden a bike in years. People are walking all over the place, and there are many, many others on bikes as well so you really had to pay attention while weaving through people and other vehicles, but you can use the handy bell to tell people to move. And the bikes don't follow red lights or anything else - it's pretty much a free for all. But we made it to the zoo where we stopped in to see the eight baby pandas Beijing got for the Olympics - SO CUTE!! - then back on the bikes to head home.

Finally, on Saturday Josh and I headed back to the train station and after a few more minor challenges, difficulties, and confusion we boarded our train where we shared a compartment with two Chinese ladies. The train back was 25 hours, and at the end we were trying to converse with one of the Chinese ladies. Through very limited use of my Mandarin phrase book and lots of miming, we got a little information from each other.

By the time Josh and I got home, I was exhausted and ready for a shower and some real food. There really is no place like home when you have been away.

I loved Beijing, but it was so different than Hong Kong. I guess I thought living in Hong Kong would make Beijing easier, but not at all. Having no one speak English was tough. Also, vehicles and people all over was mayhem. Hong Kong is white busy too, but in a little more orderly fashion. At least I didn't have to deal with the added culture shock of Chinese culture, since I already was ready for that from Hong Kong.

One of the things I mentioned to Maz was that, while in Hong Kong I can't understand anyone speaking Cantonese, somehow that feels more comfortable than being in Beijing where I still can't understand anyone because they are speaking Mandarin. So even though I can't understand either way, the Cantonese is more familiar and at least I can say "Hello, how are you?" in Cantonese as opposed to Mandarin, where I am speechless.

All in all, a very nice, fun, adventurous week. I hope to visit mainland China again some day. (I hope this was a good 'sum up' of my week and not too long!)

Lake in Beihei Park

The Forbidden City

Summer Palace

Me and the Beijing Duck

Me on the Great Wall at Mutianyu

The Eight Baby Pandas, eating and playing at the Zoo

Welcome to Beijing!

I have limited internet in my hostel in Beijing, and thought I'd put out a quick update.

The 24 hour train ride wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it would be from Hong Kong to Beijing, and I got to see so much of the country. Barring a few complications in getting to our hostel, the place is very quaint and comfortable.

Yesterday we went through Beihei Park, then into the Forbidden City and across to Tian'anmen Square (I'd like to point out that there is not actually a Starbucks in the Forbiden City as I had been led to believe - people saying "Starbucks is even in the Forbidden City!"). The weather is beautiful - sunny but cool, around 60 F. A very welcome change from the heat and humidity of Hong Kong! Today we are headed for Summer Palace and maybe even some Beijing Duck and Chinese acrobats. Tomorrow we will go to the Great Wall and the Olympic Stadium (the Bird's Nest), then later this week we will go to the Zoo and also rent some bicycles to get around (bicycling is very big here!).

Beijing is so, so different from Hong Kong. I thought living in HK would prepare me for the rest of China, but no. Mainland, and especially northern, China is quite different from the Cantonese south.

The biggest challenge has been language. No one speaks English, and nothing is in English. It's making things a bit difficult but I'm sure we'll survive.

I'll have a more detailed update, and lots of photos when I have more time, so keep your eyes peeled!