The Seven Puffs...Trying To Live By Faith: Where Did September Go?

Wow...the year is already flying by. We are trying hard to soak it in...and granted, many days seem to be long days, the weeks and months are going too fast. September was a full month, full of lots of good things. I actually have my calendar out, just so I don't forget to include something important:)

The first weekend I was given the opportunity to go to Hoi An, Vietnam for a long weekend with some very good friends. These are a group of ladies that I do lunch with once a month. Each month we try a new restaurant...we have termed our group "Lunch Bunch" Last Spring, when I knew this coming year would be my last in Hong Kong, I brought up going on a weekend getaway. My friends ran with the idea, and I basically did nothing but pay for my end of the trip, pack and get on the plane. Besides a little miscommunication about the visa, we had a wonderful time. Vietnam was beautiful, the rain held off except during our massages, and we ate unbelievably cheap and SOOOO good!!! One day we took a cooking class, we spent time by the ocean and the pool, and spent a lot of time talking. I'm so grateful for the time to make special memories with these women that I have spent the last four years getting to know. They have been incredibly helpful, have made me laugh and allowed me to see parts of Hong Kong (and now Vietnam) that I wouldn't have on my own.

Emma Rose Puffenberger is finally a teenager. I still can't believe that I am saying that. We had a great time having some of her friends over for a birthday swim and dinner...and then just like Emma...they wanted to bake cookies. Stephanie and Viann have been such sweet friends, and I'm glad that Emma had a memorable celebration. We were even able to have Stephanie's younger sister, Hannah able to come and play with Abby...a win-win:)

Our newest teenager

Emma with Stephanie and Viann

Later that evening, we also got some visitors!!! Christy, Andy's sister, and Brittany (niece) were able to get away from their lives and stay with us for about 10 days. We were so excited to have them come see our lives here and show them around this beautiful city that we have grown to love. I feel like we packed it in...the Peak, Sai Kung, Stanley, Ladies Market, Jade Market, TST for dinner, Mid-Autumn Festival in Tai Po, Central elevators, Cloudy Hill hike, Big Buddha and Ngong Ping...as well as showing them our church and the kids school. It was a FULL visit. But I think they had a blast. They certainly had beautiful weather, which was a huge blessing since it was supposed to rain. My favorite part was just spending time with these two. Having known Christy for over 20 years, and Brittany her whole life, we have never spent this much time together...it was such a gift:)