What Are We Doing Here?

Today I mailed off our application for permanent residence status in Hong Kong. In effect, we have immigrated to Hong Kong (China!!)  I had mixed emotions about this upgrade in my residence status. On the one hand we will now enjoy some benefits, such as cheaper visas into mainland China and fewer paperwork headaches. But more it raises the familiar question, “what am I doing here?!” It was never our goal to become Hong Kong citizens. It was as if it happened by accident. And it is a big reminder that we have lived her seven years (well technically six since we took a sabbatical leave for a year). 

Way back in 2006 we came to Hong Kong for a “two year experience”. One contract has turned into the next and currently we are living here indefinitely. When my sister-in- law came to visit us this summer she asked the honest question, “why are you here?” So in the spirit of my own processing, here are the pros and cons for life in Hong Kong. Maybe it will help some of you better understand why we are here as well (or not!)

What I love about Hong Kong

*ICS (International Christian School) the school is a really special community. I am convinced that there could not be a better teaching job in the world for Jason. He gets to teach Bible, disciple and coach high school students. The students come from different backgrounds, many from non- Christian families.  In addition to great students he has tons of prep time, lots of resources and great co- workers

*Staying Home- Jason’s job allows me to stay home. It would be hard for us to have this same life- style living on one teacher salary in America, especially a Christian school. My priority right now is to be home with our kids. I have an amazing group of mom friends here, without whom I really couldn’t survive

*Education- Now that Josiah and Annette are reaping the benefits of free tuition we have one more reason to love living here. We feel ICS is an extension of our values and we love that they are learning scripture, learning to serve and hopefully learning a little Mandarin along the way. 

* Travel/ International Lifestyle- Next month when we go to Thailand Josiah will have visited his 10th country.  We love how accessible so many different cultures and countries are to us. We value how diverse our friendships are and the perspective it gives us on the world

What I don’t love about Hong Kong

*Space- This is for sure the biggest one. We are pretty used to a 650 sq foot box, but I still don’t prefer it. Even more that the functionality of a dishwasher or linen closet, I crave the beauty of a fire place, high ceilings, a wrap around porch etc. I would love to have a grass yard for the kids and a place to stick some flowers in the ground.

*Family Distance- It is hard missing Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays etc with family. Technology does help and it is amazing now that we can text photos across the world (for free!) but it is never the same as sitting over coffee. Currently my three siblings all live 1,000 miles apart from each other, so even if we were in the states, we wouldn’t all be close. 

*Pollution/ Weather- certain times of year we get yucky air from the north and gloomy skies that get this California girl down

*Cultural/ urban frustrations- there are some things about this culture that will always be hard for me. Every culture is depraved and needs redeemed, but it seems easier to find fault in cultures not your own.  As long as we live here we will have “Hong Kong moments” of frustration at the crowds, greed and rudeness. 

Overall we seem to think the scales tip in favor of being here. But really it is not a mathematical equation. On our sabbatical year off he sought the Lord for direction for our future. We laid down our lives and said “we will go anywhere God”.  We were surprised that we sensed him pointing us back to Asia. At the same time he gently reminded me, “it’s not where you are, it’s who you are.” So for now, we are here. For all the good, beautiful and ugly. I believe (hope) that he will send us somewhere else someday, but for now I am thankful for all the blessings he has provided us in Hong Kong.

And just because everyone tends to think building and concrete when they hear Hong Kong (we have that too!) here are some photos taken a couple minutes walk from our house. We are so thankful for green!!

The promenade where I run

Wu Kai Sha beach

                                                                              Josiah fishing with his buds