 | ||
| 2 cans of beer for about 1 CDN!! WHAT?! |
 |
| no comment. |
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sabbath Rest
The last week has been admittedly stressful for the both of us with our school years beginning with meetings and orientations. The school retreat was overwhelming: there was so much to take in (most of it in Chinese) and a very different teaching pedagogue than I am used to. I was very down the first few days because I found out that I had to work some Saturdays. And then I found out that I won't even get off for Summer holidays until the 18th of July when our wedding is on the 30th. Mich and I had hoped that we would have a full month to hang out with friends in Vancouver and get ready for our day.
But today, God was so good to us. We went to church at Island ECC with Emily this morning and God quelled our anxiety about the upcoming school year and our transition here to HK. The pastor, Matt Dean (who looks so much like Mark Driscoll, it's nuts) preached about our purpose of resounding God's praises with our lives (Ps 117) and how often our lives become a mess when we lose perspective of this greater purpose. It was very powerful because I think both Mich and I have felt a little lost in terms of our purposes here in HK. I really felt God reassuring us of our journey here, especially to rest in the character of God. The Psalmist writes, "For His faithfulness is great towards us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting." We are to rest in God's covenant love towards us and move forward in that love for Him, for others, and the nations. The holy God we worship is wholly worthy of our lives. A big God does indeed overshadow our minute trials.
Lately, I've been struggling with this idea of striving and doing, and I think God is teaching me a lot about my motives for working. Looking back on the last year, I have to say that my motives may not have been in the right place even for the purest of aims. I've been reading a book recently called "The Emotionally Healthy Church" by Peter Scazzero, and I find one line particularly intriguing. He writes, "You (the Christian) can be yourself because there is nothing left to prove." Our standing with God, past, present, or future, is never based on our merit before God. It is solely based on Christ's work. So he says, we can be free to risk, and love, and even fail, because in the eyes of the Father, we have been fully loved and accepted through Christ. What a freeing truth!
That is what I want to know and experience at the depth of my being. I think coming to this far away and strange place brings me face to face with this part of me that I've hidden away. Maybe deep down I'm still striving for my dad's approval and that A in math I could never get, or trying to better the competitor next to me. But there is always a reason to strive and achieve. There is always something to be earned.
What if there wasn't?
This morning mom, dad, and I rode our bikes towards the New Territories. Those two hours were a slice of heaven- when time just stood still for a moment, when all that really mattered were me, God, and the road. There were no thoughts of school, no worries about the wedding- just the wind in my face and the sea view in my sights. There is only the thought to enjoy the ride.
I want to rest in that. I want to rest in that and know that I'm OK with God.
But today, God was so good to us. We went to church at Island ECC with Emily this morning and God quelled our anxiety about the upcoming school year and our transition here to HK. The pastor, Matt Dean (who looks so much like Mark Driscoll, it's nuts) preached about our purpose of resounding God's praises with our lives (Ps 117) and how often our lives become a mess when we lose perspective of this greater purpose. It was very powerful because I think both Mich and I have felt a little lost in terms of our purposes here in HK. I really felt God reassuring us of our journey here, especially to rest in the character of God. The Psalmist writes, "For His faithfulness is great towards us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting." We are to rest in God's covenant love towards us and move forward in that love for Him, for others, and the nations. The holy God we worship is wholly worthy of our lives. A big God does indeed overshadow our minute trials.
Lately, I've been struggling with this idea of striving and doing, and I think God is teaching me a lot about my motives for working. Looking back on the last year, I have to say that my motives may not have been in the right place even for the purest of aims. I've been reading a book recently called "The Emotionally Healthy Church" by Peter Scazzero, and I find one line particularly intriguing. He writes, "You (the Christian) can be yourself because there is nothing left to prove." Our standing with God, past, present, or future, is never based on our merit before God. It is solely based on Christ's work. So he says, we can be free to risk, and love, and even fail, because in the eyes of the Father, we have been fully loved and accepted through Christ. What a freeing truth!
That is what I want to know and experience at the depth of my being. I think coming to this far away and strange place brings me face to face with this part of me that I've hidden away. Maybe deep down I'm still striving for my dad's approval and that A in math I could never get, or trying to better the competitor next to me. But there is always a reason to strive and achieve. There is always something to be earned.
What if there wasn't?
This morning mom, dad, and I rode our bikes towards the New Territories. Those two hours were a slice of heaven- when time just stood still for a moment, when all that really mattered were me, God, and the road. There were no thoughts of school, no worries about the wedding- just the wind in my face and the sea view in my sights. There is only the thought to enjoy the ride.
I want to rest in that. I want to rest in that and know that I'm OK with God.
 |
| new bike! |
 |
| Mom and Dad in their matching gear. |
 |
| oh yeah |
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
UCCKE
Tin here:
I apologize in advance for not having photos up for this post. I am waiting for a credit card so I can get a smartphone soon and add to the blog more regularly. The DSLR is too bulky to carry around.
Today was my first day of work at United Christian College in Kowloon East. After months of wondering what this school is about and why the principal hired me even after I missed and bombed the interview, I finally got my chance to go to the school and meet the staff. Today was the new teacher's orientation day and it went pretty smoothly. I met another NET teacher from the States with whom I think I'll get along with quite well.
The coolest part of today was when I met an experienced local teacher who transferred to UCCKE from another campus. This lady, Mrs. Chan, was super nice, and asked me about my name during lunch which I found to be particularly odd. Anyhow, she asked if my parents were Otto and Sally, and started grinning when I told them they were. She explained that she used to hold me as a baby when I was still in HK. ( :S what?!) Turns out she was part of the church we used to go to in HK 25 years ago and was with child at around the same time my mom was pregnant. So after we were born, she and mom would often take turns caring for each other's babies during church time. So crazy. A colleague of mine once cuddled me.
Anyhow, the campus is really nice. Here's a link for anyone interested in seeing a "typical" Hong Kong secondary school layout. The architecture is quite common. The facilities inside, however, are top notch. There's an archery range INSIDE the school. INSIDE! I feel very fortunate to be here.
Campus Pictures
I'll be at a school retreat for a couple days so I'll talk to you all when I'm back!
Peace!
I apologize in advance for not having photos up for this post. I am waiting for a credit card so I can get a smartphone soon and add to the blog more regularly. The DSLR is too bulky to carry around.
Today was my first day of work at United Christian College in Kowloon East. After months of wondering what this school is about and why the principal hired me even after I missed and bombed the interview, I finally got my chance to go to the school and meet the staff. Today was the new teacher's orientation day and it went pretty smoothly. I met another NET teacher from the States with whom I think I'll get along with quite well.
The coolest part of today was when I met an experienced local teacher who transferred to UCCKE from another campus. This lady, Mrs. Chan, was super nice, and asked me about my name during lunch which I found to be particularly odd. Anyhow, she asked if my parents were Otto and Sally, and started grinning when I told them they were. She explained that she used to hold me as a baby when I was still in HK. ( :S what?!) Turns out she was part of the church we used to go to in HK 25 years ago and was with child at around the same time my mom was pregnant. So after we were born, she and mom would often take turns caring for each other's babies during church time. So crazy. A colleague of mine once cuddled me.
Anyhow, the campus is really nice. Here's a link for anyone interested in seeing a "typical" Hong Kong secondary school layout. The architecture is quite common. The facilities inside, however, are top notch. There's an archery range INSIDE the school. INSIDE! I feel very fortunate to be here.
Campus Pictures
I'll be at a school retreat for a couple days so I'll talk to you all when I'm back!
Peace!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
new sight and sounds
Hi everyone. It's me Michelle! Tintin says it's my turn to post since he posted the last 2. It has been difficult to decide what to write about because my mind and being has been overwhelmed by new sights and sounds. So, on that note, I shall share in particularly the new sight and sounds I am getting acquainted to in HK.
Sights -
My Apartment:
It's so weird to have my own apartment. The night I walked into the place, I just loved it! The place was well furnished with an amazing view of the HK harbour. I was so excited to have my own place that I unpacked 3 of 4 luggages that night. (I think it was also motivated by the need to feel rooted in a place). The next few days, my sister and I went grocery and kitchen-ware shopping. It's amazing how much you need to buy to just get by. Mom/Dad- thanks for spending so much money all these years buying thousands of toilet paper rolls for me. Also, I find that with my own apartment now, I like to keep it neat. I find myself doing my tidying than I would at home. I guess it's true that I do take parents for granted when I live at home.
Here are some pictures of my new place. Check them out!
Sounds -
Noise:
There are a lot of noise in HK, whether it be angry taxi drivers slamming the horns to hearing the incessant chatter of people in crowded fast food restaurants. It's incredible how much the human mind can just zone them all out. And then there are cell phones. You can somehow hear cell phone ringing quite frequently. Then, there is your own too. I can imagine it can get quite annoying, always having to be tied to the phone. With all the noise from the outside, it's nice to find quietness at home. But what's ironic too is that the absence of sounds makes me feel lonely too. Weird, eh? The presence of what we call as "noise" actually, at times, may reminds us of our human connectedness, regardless of how obnoxious it could be. And maybe that's why some need to have noise around them to remind them of their existence. In any case, I hope that you will pray with me in both the quietness and the noise, I may hear the soft "noises" of God's voice that remind me of my existence and purpose.
Now to leave you with some random photo capturings of the day:
Sights -
My Apartment:
It's so weird to have my own apartment. The night I walked into the place, I just loved it! The place was well furnished with an amazing view of the HK harbour. I was so excited to have my own place that I unpacked 3 of 4 luggages that night. (I think it was also motivated by the need to feel rooted in a place). The next few days, my sister and I went grocery and kitchen-ware shopping. It's amazing how much you need to buy to just get by. Mom/Dad- thanks for spending so much money all these years buying thousands of toilet paper rolls for me. Also, I find that with my own apartment now, I like to keep it neat. I find myself doing my tidying than I would at home. I guess it's true that I do take parents for granted when I live at home.
Here are some pictures of my new place. Check them out!
 |
| my room |
 |
| the living room |
 | ||||||||
| the kitchen |
 |
| sitting area |
 |
| eating/work area |
 |
| sis' room |
Sounds -
Noise:
There are a lot of noise in HK, whether it be angry taxi drivers slamming the horns to hearing the incessant chatter of people in crowded fast food restaurants. It's incredible how much the human mind can just zone them all out. And then there are cell phones. You can somehow hear cell phone ringing quite frequently. Then, there is your own too. I can imagine it can get quite annoying, always having to be tied to the phone. With all the noise from the outside, it's nice to find quietness at home. But what's ironic too is that the absence of sounds makes me feel lonely too. Weird, eh? The presence of what we call as "noise" actually, at times, may reminds us of our human connectedness, regardless of how obnoxious it could be. And maybe that's why some need to have noise around them to remind them of their existence. In any case, I hope that you will pray with me in both the quietness and the noise, I may hear the soft "noises" of God's voice that remind me of my existence and purpose.
Now to leave you with some random photo capturings of the day:
 |
| what's funny guys? |
 | ||
| tintin at 75 |
 | |||||
| these happy meal toys at McDees were part of the "What is your future" Hello Kitty Line. I guess becoming a bride can be an aspiring occupation. |
 |
| you can be a Mcdee's ambassador! |
 |
can you spot the scandelous occupation? |
Sunday, August 8, 2010
We have arrived in HK
Tintin here.
We have arrived in HK. After 13 hours of flying and countless games of battle tetris (of which, I must say, Michelle is still better at) we have arrived safely in Hong Kong. The first impression is that it is very hot. It reminds me of the time I went to Ghana in 07. There's a perpetual dampness that clings to your body even though you aren't doing anything at all. This will take some getting used to.
Michelle and I would like to wholeheartedly thank all our friends who in one way or another sent us off on our journey. We especially thank those of you who saw us off at the airport today. It was very touching to see all of you there supporting us. We are sorry that we didn't get to say all that we wanted to each of you; neither Michelle or I are great at goodbyes. Besides, as Mich always says, it's not a goodbye, it's a see you later.
It is night time here, and I am tired, so I shall sign off.
BTW, Michelle says the new place is very nice and will certainly take photos soon. She invites ladies to come and visit her!
We have arrived in HK. After 13 hours of flying and countless games of battle tetris (of which, I must say, Michelle is still better at) we have arrived safely in Hong Kong. The first impression is that it is very hot. It reminds me of the time I went to Ghana in 07. There's a perpetual dampness that clings to your body even though you aren't doing anything at all. This will take some getting used to.
Michelle and I would like to wholeheartedly thank all our friends who in one way or another sent us off on our journey. We especially thank those of you who saw us off at the airport today. It was very touching to see all of you there supporting us. We are sorry that we didn't get to say all that we wanted to each of you; neither Michelle or I are great at goodbyes. Besides, as Mich always says, it's not a goodbye, it's a see you later.
It is night time here, and I am tired, so I shall sign off.
BTW, Michelle says the new place is very nice and will certainly take photos soon. She invites ladies to come and visit her!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)