solitude

When I was in college I discovered the spiritual discipline of solitude. For me, solitude is about spending extended periods of time with the Lord, allowing space for Him to speak to me. So really it is not solitude at all, but fellowship with the Father.
Since coming to Hong Kong I find it really hard to find a place to meet with the Lord away from people, they literally seem everywhere. Lately I've been finding myself craving time away from the noise of life, to a place where I can quiet my heart to hear God speak.
Fortunately there is a beautiful Lutheran seminary on a hill near our house. It is a good hike up to the top, but once there you are rewarded with peaceful presence of nature (and sometimes the not so peaceful presence of monkeys). The seminary has beautiful Chinese architecture, a coy pound, labyrinth, pagoda, and cross facing the valley below.
Yesterday Jason, Josiah and I hiked up to the seminary and then Jason took Josiah so I could spend some time alone with the Lord. I was refreshed as my spirit connected with His. God shared His heart with me and changed my perspective on a few things I've been facing. Mostly I just soaked in His love and goodness.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"

Worldless Wednesday

This photo was taken by my amazing sister-in-law Terilee. To see more of her photography visit her blog here

Project Organize

A while back I wrote about my upcoming venture as an "organizational consultant".

Here is the scene:

Organizational Challenges:
-300 square foot studio
-no built in closets and limited kitchen cupboards
-mother and sister who live with her from time to time when they visit from mainland China (plus the stuff they leave there)
-75+ shoes, 40+ handbags, and a massive wardrobe
-a fast- paced urban lifestyle involving a lot of coming/ going and international travel

Organizational Strengths:
-Great open floor plan
-Beautiful windows facing HK Harbor, giving a more spacious feel
-Built- in storage under the bed and raised floor
-Rose was enthusiastic, decisive, and efficient in getting the job done

The first time I met with Rose we spent over two hours sorting and made some progress, but there was still a lot of piles left. Rose was so motivated and capable that she kept at the process of giving away, throwing away and sorting her things for the next few weeks.
When I returned today a lot of progress had been made. We vacuum sealed and stored her out of season clothes, and organized/ re- arranged her desk and kitchen. Things are starting to fall into place and it is amazing the sense of peace and calm in the flat. She has a beautiful view that was hard to enjoy before. There are still some projects remaining such as creating a filing system and hanging hooks in her entry way. We also talked about systems she could use to maintain order and organization on a daily basis so things don't get out- of- hand.
It was really fun to see a transformation and make a new friend. Rose is such a beautiful, giving person that it made the experience really fun.

Here is one corner of her flat where her desk and closet are.
BEFORE


AFTER
The closet is now behind the curtain and she now has a peaceful space to have quiet time with the Lord.

This is the year of visitors for us and we are SO blessed!

Here is our line- up. . . .(That is a lot of people sitting on a 15 hour flight each way)
November- Jason's Dad
December- Christine's Mom and Dad, Ryan, Terilee, and Angela
January- Chris and Nicole (Christine's cousin)
February- Michael
March- Christine's Mom (yup, back again)
April- Jason's Mom
May- Matt (hopefully!)

We have had now had visitors for the past five weeks. They have been very good sports about our TINY guest rooms (literately no room for even a suitcase once the futon is open) and less than quiet nights and mornings. Josiah loves having lots of activity in the house and people to sing to, tickle and spin him. I'm not sure who makes me laugh more in this video Josiah or Chris (:

Make a Smilebox photobook

30 Get- Away

For Jason's birthday I was able to take him away over night to a near- by island. This is the first time I'd been away from Josiah for more than 7 hours, so I felt like it was my birthday too! My cousin Nicole and her husband have been staying with us for a few weeks, so it was really naturally to leave Josiah in their capable care. We had a great time together connecting, reflecting on the last three decades, laughing, sleeping and praying. This is the peaceful beach where we stayed.


Last summer my sister-in-law, Jen, and I both had the same idea to get the "twins" together for their 30th. We got Michael a ticket (with the contributions of other family members- thanks) to come visit over Chinese New Year. Jason was really surprised when he opened his "present". I'm so excited to see them together soon!

Hanoi and Halong Bay

Wow, life has been busy lately. . .I can't believe we've been back from Vietnam for 20 days and I haven't posted my pictures. It was truly an amazing trip shared with amazing people (8 family members). I loved the country, culture, people and natural beauty.

The street in front of our hotel



I love traveling with Josiah, he makes friends everywhere


We visited several handicraft villages, including this pottery one



Beautiful Halong Bay



I love my dad's face as he's about to drink the snake's blood!

7 Months

I had my 7 month visit this week with my doctor. Everything is progressing well and the baby is just the right length and weight (3 pounds). I was happy to learn that her head is down as she is getting ready to make her grand entrance. I've been feeling so much movement, kicking, and punching that in the evenings my stomach looks like a relief map. We've affectionately nick- named the baby "little tiger", fitting since this is the year of the tiger according to the Chinese zodiac.
I love how natural and relaxed this pregnancy has been. My doctor only needs to see me every few months, which means my next visit in March may be my last. We're getting so excited!

Thirty and Thriving!

Jason is turning 30 tomorrow! How is this possible.. . when we starting dating he was 17! It has been a joy to know and love him for so long. Here are 30 reasons I love Jason (not an exhaustive list, just the first 30 things that came to me, I could write 300 more)

30 Reasons I Love My Husband

He . . .
1. has a great sense of direction
2. doesn’t like to watch movies or TV
3. is generous
4. is compassionate
5. loves to push himself to extremes
6. has a soft spot for ice cream
7. reveres and relishes natural beauty
8. loves my family like his own
9. always has energy to wrestle with Josiah
10. speaks truth to me and doesn’t let me wallow in self- pity
11. is excitable
12. crystal blue eyes that still melt me to a puddle
13. provides for our family so I can stay home
14. plans for our future
15. understands money
16. takes time for people
17. is quick to listen, slow to speak
18. is a dreamer
19. wants God’s heart
20. he is involved in disciplining and training Josiah
21. is a creative teacher
22. likes to cuddle
23. takes me on adventures around the world
24. is bold
25. keeps getting more handsome with age (it’s really true!)
26. knows me so well
27. is a good driver
28. is helping our children to one day know a loving heavenly father
29. plays the guitar
30. can make me laugh by flaring his nostrils

I heart Mom

Well, we saw my family to the airport this morning. Although the house is quite now, we are left with such a warm afterglow, like the heat that radiates after you've been standing next to a campfire for a while. We were blessed with so much love and laughter in our time together. In particular, my mom went to great lengths to bless us with three suitcases brimming with American "imports". Everything from Cheerios and cheese (lots of cheese) to maternity clothes. She is a great shopper, an amazing packer and so generous. There are so many other reasons I love my Mom. . . she is adventurous, energetic and in the moment. She is the hardest working person I've ever met, and has sacrificed so much to provide all she can for her family. Although I should be sleeping right now, my mind is buzzing with many happy memories. Thanks Mom for delivering so many blessings, our cup overflows.

Unpacking suitcases of treasures