The Transient Life of Hong Kong

This side of Hong Kong is truly a transient world. Families are continuously coming and going. Everyone's question is "how long have you been here?" Yesterday, Tyson had to say goodbye to a very good friend. His dad works for Disney and they are headed back to Florida after a few years here in Hong Kong. I've had the pleasure of getting to know his mom briefly and would have loved to gotten to know her more. Maybe we'll get to Florida someday to visit this friend found in Hong Kong.

Tyson and Jack are very similar in many, many ways...he met him through school as he was in his class this year at HKIS. Tyson is very sad to see Jack leave, even though EVERYONE is leaving right now, it is hard knowing Jack isn't coming back in the fall. My "consoling effort" to the kids is this... (and I truly believe it, so that helps) God puts people in our lives with a purpose. Sometimes they stay in our lives forever, sometimes they impact our lives in a brief moment, but never forgotten...some for a few years and we may never hear from them again, etc. We need to realize how blessed we are to meet so many new people, have so many great friends in our lives and not let our location determine what the future is with those friends. We are truly blessed and thankful people...

Basketball Season Comes to a Close

per Trey...

I've noticed as the weeks have passed everyone has gotten more and more tired...not me! I'm moving so fast I'm a blur on my mom's camera :)

per Mom...

In all seriousness, Trey's basketball team ended on a great note. They not only won the championship but they played the best they have played all season. I'm pretty sure they had more rebounds in the final two games than they had the entire season! Our team definitely did not have a height advantage but with superior coaching managed a winning season. :)

Happy Birthday, Craig!

We celebrated Craig's birthday yesterday...Outback Steakhouse was his restaurant of choice, although that might have been because of the pressure he was feeling from me and Trey to have a steak! He succumbed to our way of thinking and we were very appreciative! We then celebrated with a cheesecake with fresh strawberries (his favorite dessert). He received some very interesting and special gifts from the kids. It was a great family evening.

A TRIP TO SHENZEN
I made my first trip into China yesterday!! A good friend of mine here invited me to go with her (her first time also) and another woman who at least had some experience with shopping in Shenzen. It is nothing like I imagined or could truly put to words. I was a little concerned when she half-jokingly asked me if I brought my Ibuprofen (for the headache I would have afterwards). I had no idea what she was talking about. So, we enter a mall of sorts with many, many floors and MANY, MANY small shops and everyone is standing outside their shops in the narrow hallways saying "missy, handbag, missy" "missy, dvds, missy" "missy, missy, watches" etc. depending on what their wares are. My eyes kind of glazed over because acknowledgement is encouragement...so eyes fixed straight ahead is the best option. Luckily, we had specific store destinations in mind, which was SO helpful. It was quite an experience and to think I'm going back again next week. My friends were concerned that I would get stopped at the border because of my visit back to the states last week (VERY protective of the Swine Flu here) so they made me go first in case I was detained! :) I'm not sure if they were looking out for me or if their plan was to ditch me if I got detained?? Anyway...made it through and back with no problems! (with a few purchases...shhh...)

COUNTING THE DAYS!
The kids are truly counting the days until we return to the states for what seems like a short summer. We will be flying out next Saturday, June 13th...and I haven't started packing!! I am leaving with mixed emotions. I will be traveling with the four kids by myself (so any prayers you want to say for me on June 12th/13th would be MUCH appreciated...pray for safety and patience!). So, we will be filled with excitement of seeing all our friends and family back in the states but filled with sadness that daddy is not yet joining us. Very mixed emotions! Hopefully, we will have a chance to see everyone while we are home!

The International Dragon Boat Races

Last Thursday was a holiday here in Hong Kong and Craig took the kids to the International Dragon Boat races in Stanley.

Same Story Different Country

One thing hasn't changed in moving to Hong Kong...Trey still loves basketball and Craig still loves coaching...