Our First Month Back of Year #4

It's been a strange beginning of Year #4 in Hong Kong, knowing that most likely this will be our last year here.  I only say most likely because I am not God and His plans are not always predictable.  But, we are pretty certain that He is calling us back to the States when this school year is through.

I am trying not to waste my time on being sad about this...and if I'm honest, I am sad...but we are really trying to soak in this year.  From every trip on the MTR to a drive to school or a bus ride into the city, we are trying to make imprints on our minds about this experience, because we know this year will go fast. We are making our lists of what we want to do, which is helping me feel accomplished, yet giving me stress because I am going to run out of time.

Our children started school excited about the year.

Abby has a sweet teacher named Ms. Hawkins, who is the only returning 1st grade teacher.  Abby loves school, and we got to bring in rice krispie treats for her birthday a couple weeks ago.

It was also "Pajama Day"

Josh has one of our favorite teachers, Mrs. Sidhu.  Emma had her as well and we feel so blessed to have gotten her again.  There is something great about already knowing a teacher's expectations, and she already knows our family and it's chaos.

Emma wasn't too sure she was going to like middle school, but she is thriving.  She is handling the academics, playing soccer and about to try out for the middle school drama.  She also found out she will be headed to Vietnam for her Week Without Walls trip. We are very proud of her for taking risks and managing her time with maturity.

After a hard-fought win

Not a bad setting to play soccer...in the middle of the Happy Valley Racecourse

Grace is enjoying high school and all the perks that go with it.  She is working hard, trying to stay ahead of the game in academics, but has stayed involved with Young Life and is on the worship team at school. She is continuing to play on the Tai Po soccer team, but school soccer won't be playing until spring.

Sarah is as spunky as ever.  We are still trying to master potty training, which is going better than it did over the summer.  She is enjoying her time at home with just Marina and Mommy, but she misses the kids and is excited to see them when they get home.  Marina and I laugh a lot at Sarah, who is very entertaining.  She talks a lot, and most of the time we understand what she is saying...but there are times when she will throw out a "locket" and it will take us awhile to know she is saying, "chocolate"

She looks like an angel...doesn't she?

Andy started out the school year with a lot of travel (2 trips in three weeks to Japan) but has since slowed down a bit.  He has also been part-time travel agent in his "free" time,  as we have been booking trips for mid-Autumn and Christmas.

I am still helping out with Young Life, running kids around, and playing more tennis. It's been a hectic first month back, but we are settled and ready to enjoy all that this year will bring.  I had high expectations to start selling some things, but that hasn't happened yet...maybe next month?

We do have a new addition to the household...our friend, Ben.  He is on Young Life staff, moving to HK from Shenzhen. He is staying with us while he gets settled and figures out exactly where he wants to live.  We are grateful for the opportunity to serve him this way...the more the merrier:)

Getting ready to move