Bittersweet Goodbyes

It's hard to believe that we finished year #2 in Hong Kong.  Its been quite a year, and as usual, it has flown by.  We have had more amazing opportunities, but I think what always defines these experiences is who you have experienced them with...your relationships.

As I have mentioned earlier, we have made some wonderful relationships.  The Lord has clearly placed specific families in our path and we have been so blessed.  One of those families has been our foundation, here from the start. They have just about finished their adventure in Hong Kong, and they will be back in Australia by the time we return after our summer stint in the States.

When we first started talking about the possibility of moving to Hong Kong, people would sharet about their own experiences there or share about a connection they might have.  One of those connections happened to be one of our favorite babysitters, who just happens to be our pastor/friend's daughter.  She was finishing up her freshman year at Wheaton, and one of her closest friends had parents and family living in Hong Kong.  They were only there until August because they were moving back to California, but we were put in touch with them via email.  It turned out that Andy had business in Hong Kong in July, and he was able to meet the Lahr's in person.  They introduced Andy to their good friends, the Savonoff's, and that is where our friendship was born.

Robb and Bernadette have been so gracious from the get go.  They immediately showed an interest in our family, skyping us before we even had Sarah.  They have four amazing kiddos that we have loved getting to know, and who my children love like siblings.  God has used them powerfully in our lives...most clearly during our transition with our move. I think Andy lost count how many times either Robb or Bernadette went to Ikea with him, and we are extremely grateful that they were visiting Andy and the kids at the Hyatt when Josh slipped on the pool deck and cracked his head...Bernadette helped Andy navigate the Hong Kong health system that first week they were on the ground.

And this was only the beginning.  Through the last two years (hard to believe its only been two years) we have done life together.  We've done a junk boat, hiking, multiple birthday parties, countless Sunday lunches after church, babysat each other's kids, a trip to Beijing, holidays and so much more.  Last but not least, we lived together for almost two weeks before we left for the US.  But through all that we have done together, it's been our connection through our faith in Christ Jesus that has bonded us. Our times of worship and prayer, as well as all the joy and laughter...and more laughter...has been what has defined our relationship.  And it is this foundation that ensures our friendship, wherever we are living:)

So as we packed up and flew off to the US for the summer...something we looked forward to...it was a very bittersweet goodbye, filled with tears. We had to say goodbye to a life that we have thoroughly enjoyed for the last two years.  We had to say goodbye to a family that has been ingrained in the hearts of our children and us.  We had to say goodbye to friends that have changed our lives and who will always be an important part of our story.  We had to say goodbye to the instruments that God used to give us a good beginning to our Hong Kong adventure.  We are extremely grateful to this family who was so willing and available to take on our crazy family of seven.  Thank you, Savy's, for teaching us Australian lingo, sharing some of your tasty recipes, and showing us the best parts of Hong Kong.  We will always remember the many wonderful memories we made together. Our Hong Kong experience will always be defined by our relationship with you...and we look forward to visiting you in Oz!!!!