"Remember when you go your own way, do not be afraid, because you're right where you should be..."

We have been in Hong Kong for 2 months now! It is really unfathomable how much our lives have adjusted and changed in 60 days.  Taylor and I talk often about how we are here, because at one point, it was only a discussion.  It was something that we placed on the table almost a year and a half ago.  We both felt a urge, at different times, to begin praying about moving to Asia.  While we were just starting our married journey, we quickly became accustomed to the power and direction of prayer.  We were extremely specific in what we felt God directed us to 'wait' for in accepting or taking a position overseas.  We had boundaries set that others who have gone through this process, said would probably not make us very likely candidates.  We had boundaries set that we knew were against the odds. But God continued to precede our worries, doubts and uncertainties.  He walked with us and gave us detail by detail of our new story.  And now, we call Hong Kong home, and are reminded daily of His faithfulness and provision in this process.

While we most definitely have had more 'culture shock' days this month, we have also been able to work around those feelings and emotions more. For example, on these so-called 'culture shock' days, we have learned to give into the cravings, or exhaustion and cater to the current 'needs.'  Whether it be a hankering for Mexican food, laying on the couch all day, lighting a familiar candle, or ordering food in, you can't fight that you miss things at home--but you can make your new home feel 'comfortable' for a few more moments.

So, we are truly falling into routine, exploring to new areas, and learning the 'ropes' to make a crowded, busy, city, feel not so overwhelming.  God continues to amaze us with the beauty He has created all over this world, and we're looking forward to the next little pieces of our Far East story!

We've been keeping pretty busy--so I feel like I have been slacking on this blog.  Not that I have not WANTED to stay up with it--I have the pictures to prove it!  We've just been more mobile/occupied than our normal lazy weekends!

 For starters, we went to middle school camp (together, yay!) where we spent time with our daily 6-8th graders in an alternative setting.  We played games, worshiped and ate--every few minutes it felt--for 3 days. It was nice because camp was held during the work week so when it was all over, it was a weekend! This was different because Taylor's camps in the past required us to be gone all weekend and get back to work with no rest. Such a nice option, here!  This is my handsome husband dressed for a game of Clue with the kids.  70's basketball player and totally fits the role!

 We went for a 3 km hike with the kids--probably the most I've EVER sweat because it was in the middle of the humid forest--such a different feeling.  It's like walking through a hot shower.  But! It was beautiful and easier to breathe since the altitude isn't really an issue here.

Loveliness!

 On the last night of camp, the kids have a camp cook night--they grill pork chops (random?) and hot dogs around a camp fire--and of course, smores!  They have these cookies here called Digestives (which I thought must have lots of fiber and deal with true digestion...but not at all, just a brand name!) that are just graham crackers with chocolate outside.  Perfect for the pre-made smore!

 What a hot fire when it's blazing hot outside?!?

 Juice boxes--super popular here!

That's just our crazy neighbor ;) Little game of cards where I struggled with the instructions--led to SOMEONE (Raaaaach) wearing the instructions on her head so I would always know them. True friend. :)

 SO.  We have been really, REALLY blessed.  God brought us a church that fit our style, and objections toward a sweaty walk to church.  We have been attending Island ECC (www.islandecc.hk) which is down on the island but is a breezy bus ride away.  It is in a high rise--but only the 1st and 2nd floor.  It is modern and a mixed congregation.  The music has been wonderful and the pastors are all very inviting.  These are some pictures of the 2nd level service--it's a coffee shop setting with a smaller community.  The real sanctuary is more traditional.  We want to see about getting involved a little more within the next couple of years.

This is a picture of one of many crowds we pass on Sundays.  Filipino women are who you can hire for child care and to become a 'helper' in your home.  There is no such thing as daycare so it's really your only option. Anyway, they move in with your family and your home is their home. Sunday is their day off but they have no home or space of their own to go to.  They meet up with each other and eat meals, shop, chat, and relax--but all in public.  They are the SWEETEST women. Working so hard, for so little and their families still live in the Philippines while they live here.  It's sometimes sad to see all of them on the ground, etc.-but I am glad they have friends apart from their families.

 I was really excited to start drinking tea! I even thought I might switch to hot tea instead of coffee in the mornings. When I couldn't stop yawning, I somewhat changed this plan. BUT! This is my new tea pot--with caramel tea! MMMmm..

Taylor is so excited! He was given a website that's basically a streaming ESPN for free! Here he is, watching the Broncos play, at 6 AM our time...Monday mornings have just gotten a whole lot better! He is watching in the kitchen because he was making breakfast and lunch (did I mention I am married to an incredible man?!!?)..

Goodmorning snap--out our patio view.

 

We have found a burrito place! It's pretty shabby and probably not something that would pass health codes--BUT IT'S SO GOOD!! Very similar to Chipotle.  We have been twice!  And they're about 6 US dollars so nothing too painful! YAY!

Pretty lighted harbor/ferry area behind us!

Yup, they have all trained themselves to sleep on just about any form of transportation. Amazing. I did start nodding off shortly after!

Just a cute little love note chain for My Love while he was grabbing some dinner!

And he returned with these!  We're blessed with each other!

Another lovely Saturday--exploring our new home!

I found some shoes that fit! Thank you, Steve Madden!!! But check out the bling AND animal print!!

Just a normal night at McDonalds...aaahhhh.

This blog makes it appear we eat out every night...we don't, haha.  BUT! We celebrated our monthly anniversary (every 27th for almost 2 years, now!) with some California Pizza Kitchen and Mong Kok market hunting! It was wonderful! Happy 21 months, my Love!

 ...Where everyone knows your name ;)

We have this market called Mong Kok--someone coined the phrase 'Mong Kok special' because you can usually find really bizarre items there. But on this night, I found quite the 'Mong Kok Special!'  Yes, these Toms are knock offs. They were only 12 US dollars--and no, a pair will not be sent to a child in Africa for my purchase (Toms has a policy--for every pair you buy, they will donate a pair)...but they're still cute AND my size!

You may have heard--we had our first typhoon!  There are different levels of a typhoon (basically, the difference is just the distance it is away from us).  Typhoon 8 days are no school/businesses close days...and that's what this was! Really nothing extreme to look at! We went out that afternoon and there were trees that had cracked, etc. but nothing like a blizzard where you are inside for days!

Storm rolling in...

The school in the typhoon--just looks rainy.

We took full advantage of our day off and moved the bedroom mattress to the fold out couch---and watched TV for hours :)

The school tapes the glass windows when we are in warnings--it will keep the shatter effect from being tiny shards to a larger clump. No broken windows yet!

Our first trip to mainland China! Where's Taylor?!

Shenzhen--the mall of bartering. Yikes!

My husband got a foot rub with me.  It was so sweet of him to join me! I love him!!!

The guy thought the size of Taylor's feet was hilarious!! 

The guys working on my nails and massage--they were funny and very nice!

I made him pose next to this because I thought it was too funny.  Oh, China.  You make us laugh!

This week is the National Holiday. Most of China has the week off--we just get Wednesday off.  Tomorrow, we start our weekly Cantonese (Chinese language) lessons.  Should be interesting!  Nonetheless, Monday is around the corner.  Wishing everyone a wonderful 'fall' week ahead! We love you!