A Sojourner in a Foreign Land

Well happy New Year to everyone. I hope that 2019 has started well for you all. It’s been over three months since I got back from a fantastic time spent with my family, and it was straight back into the swing of things.

Christmas was spent with my brother, his family and my parents. It was such a special time. I have two gorgeous nephews who I enjoyed playing with. Children can bring such joy into a persons life; their innocence and zest for life is catching. It’s hard not to have your spirits lifted when you see the joy of them playing on a trampoline, or swimming in the pool or anything really. They are also so well mannered and well behaved I am one proud aunt.

Us all at Australia Outback Extravaganza.

Work is going well. It’s nice to be back; I have become to feel really at home here in Hong Kong. There is a comfort here that I can’t really explain; I feel right being a foreigner in a foreign land. It helps having made more friends, I have a great home group of ladies who have been my rock, and lifesaver more than once.

January came with choices having to be made, do I stay do I go, do I look for a new job or stay with the one I have. These decisions were having to be made sooner than I had expected, and if you know me you know sometimes it’s hard for me to make a decision for that day, let alone one for November. Have I answered those questions, yes I have? I have a good peace about it and am looking forward to the next chapter. I have decided to stay here in Hong Kong for the next two years, so that takes me up to November 2021. With regards to work, I’m sticking with Kids’ Zone. Life is a learning lesson, I have so much more to learn, and I really feel God has me here for a reason.

January also saw me doing another four stages of the Lantau Trail. A gorgeous trail through remote parts of the island.

A few photos from stages 4, 5 and 6.

Stages 7 & 8 went from one side to the other along the coast. It took me through farmland and two semi-abandoned villages, ones you have to wonder how people found the area first and how did they get supplies. I must admit it was one of my favourite walks.

Isn’t it gorgeous?

February also saw Chinese New Year. This is always an extraordinary time of year for the people. On the first day, I spent the day with some incredible people who had given up their time to feed the homeless here in Hong Kong. Like most places, there is a massive gap between the have-nots, and those who have. The couple I went to the wedding reception organised it with a group of other people. We gave out at least 120 meals with toothpaste, toiletries, fruit and all with a smile and aptly guided by an ex-homeless man championing the cause.

This also included a chap deciding to record me talking about Chungking Mansions and then promptly carried on videoing me get into a taxi, get out the taxi, walk into the said place and eat there. It was a wonderfully humbling day, and I have met some lovely people doing it.

The extraordinary people on the day. Remember we can make a difference even if it is just to one person.

Both February and March went by in a blur of work and more work. I have one more stage left of the Lantau trial to complete. Hopefully, I will do it on Easter Monday.

And so as I end for this belated blog may I wish you a Happy Easter. As we solemnly remember the crucifixion on Good Friday, the pain and suffering of the Christ on the cross for our sins, we acknowledge his sacrifice recognizing He is no longer on the cross but rose on the third day conquering death and then ascended into heaven where He is seated on the right side of God the Father and is preparing a place for those who believe. God Bless you all