Wrapping up HK Year #4

The end of the year is always crazy…and this year did not disappoint.  I do appreciate that the school starts the concerts and field trips the end of April, so it is not too jam packed and manageable.  

The end of the school year also means saying goodbye for the summer, or in some cases, for good, as there are always people who are moving away.  This makes the end of the year even more stressed, trying to fit in that "one last visit".

Fun night out

Dear friends, Amy and Jen

Lunch Bunch in Mong Kok

Bible Study Brunch

Now I will warn you, much of this post will be bragging about my children.  I don't usually like to do this, but their year needs to be documented...it was epic.  I can only give praise to the Lord who has been with them every step of the way on this journey, and allowed my children to finish strong on an otherwise challenging year.

I'll start with the oldest.  Grace's first year in high school was a year of freedom, responsibility and lots of lessons in self-discipline and time management.  There was a much higher degree of work associated with high school courses, and on top of that, she was one of three freshman in show choir, which begins prepping for the school year the summer before. While it was a year of learning balance, Grace finished her year strong.  She also went to the Philippines for her Week Without Walls trip and had the best time yet.  We weren't sure if going back to KIMS for her fourth time would be challenging, but God used it in amazing ways.  We are so proud of how much she has grown and the young lady she is becoming.

Getting ready to leave for the Philippines with Hannah, Joanna and Grace

Emma also began a new adventure, starting middle school in 6th grade.  We already knew that the middle school team was strong, and our expectations were met...we love those teachers!!  Emma really went way beyond our expectations and blew us away.  She excelled in her academics, had a big role in the fall musical, and played basketball and soccer. Her soccer team played a great championship, winning their age group for the second year in a row. This past month she received awards for excellent student in band, defensive player of the year in soccer, the academic award for her Chinese class, and the character award for identifying and developing God-given abilities...being the only 6th grader to receive two awards.

What a backdrop...tallest building in HK...the ICC building

Orange break between games

Receiving the medals

Champions again!

Josh finished an awesome 4th grade year in Mrs. Sidhu's class (one of my all-time favorite teachers). He turned the corner with work at home, and continued to be diligent in the classroom.  We were so proud of the way he handled the added work load, made good choices with friends, and even played on the ICS basketball and soccer teams.  This past month, his character award was Friendly, which was not surprising, and he also received defensive player of the year for his soccer team.  Next year he will be top dog in elementary and we're excited to see how he grows.

Electrical circuit making at the Science Museum

Mrs. Sidhu's 4A class

Abby had a fantastic year in 1st grade where she grew in her love for learning.  She loves reading and continues to be self-motivated, usually finishing her  homework on the 45 minute bus ride home. This past semester she went outside of her comfort zone and started taking gymnastics...and loved it!  She received the character award for Joy, and she made some great friendships.  We have seen some amazing growth in Abby's maturity and academics, and we have enjoyed watching her be such a good big sister to Sarah.

Abby learning to make dumplings

Taking notes on a field trip

Balance beam practice

Miss Joyful with Ms. Hawkins

Next year will be a crazy year in so many ways. Not only will it be our last year living in Hong Kong, but we will have a child in every part of ICS...high school, middle school, upper elementary, lower elementary and the kindergarten.  If I haven't lost my mind keeping up with schedules, I will be adjusting to not having a little one at home for the first time in 15 years...although next year it is only half day:)

We are so incredibly grateful for this past year...so many joys and challenges along the way.  And while we are excited about a summer in the States and all that it means, we look forward to HK Year # 5.