Our Fall 2013 in Hong Kong

Ahhh...it's finally starting to feel like fall.  Well, at least the humidity is starting to break and I am not drenched with sweat every time I have to go out.  The other norm that I am used to is the daylight  situation.  Like it or not, it is getting darker earlier.  I, personally, enjoy the familiarity...and it always seems to be a little easier getting the kiddos to bed.  But it is a little weird that I am still wearing shorts and a t-shirt when it is dark by 6pm.

The other favorites of fall I do miss...leaves changing, pumpkin picking, hayrides, football, and the gorgeous autumn sunsets that I enjoyed out my back window.  This is my favorite time of year, and while I am trying to embrace the fun nuances that Hong Kong brings to the picture during this season, I also need to rely on my scented candle to bring on the memories of Milburn Orchards and going to the kids morning soccer games...wearing layers.

Speaking of soccer, there are now three of us playing on a somewhat regular basis.  Josh is playing after school on Tuesdays and then has continued playing on Friday afternoons on the field of the local international school within walking distance from our house.  This is a huge blessing that it is a field...a rarity in HK.  Many leagues play on cement.

Grace is playing for school (fall season), does training on Friday nights continued from last year, and just started training on weekends nearby in Tai Po.  This just started, brought to our attention by her school coach, and with some of her teammates joining her.  The interesting thing about this training is that the coach instructs in Cantonese. So last week Grace found herself at the front of the line, and as the coach was giving directions, I saw her ease back to second or third in line...my girl is no dummy:)

And finally, maybe one of the craziest things I have done in a long time, I am playing in a Saturday am soccer league.  I'm not sure if it is described as co-ed, but I haven't seen any other women on the field, yet.  Andy's associate from work had heard that I used to play and invited me to join his team.  I have missed playing, so I thought I would give it a shot...always praying two requests 1) I don't get hurt and 2) I don't embarrass myself.  After three games, I can honestly say that God has been good and these two goals have been accomplished.  I will also say that it always humbles me because it doesn't matter how much I exercise during the week, within 10 minutes I'm dying...and so far we have had no subs! In fact, the other funny thing was that the first game I played I was at outside midfield.  Half the field was in the shade the first half...not my half:) But I was looking forward to switching sides so I would have a little relief in the second half, especially as the day wore on and it was getting hotter...except for some reason we didn't switch sides:( It's also the first time I don't understand anything the players on the field, including my own teammates, are saying.  Most of my teammates speak understandable English and are very kind to me.  But this is not what is usually used on the field.

So soccer has been another fall norm that this family is able to enjoy. 

Another funny thing about this fall is that we are starting to do some of the same yearly things we did last year...except this year I am in better shape to enjoy, function, and even help out in some cases. Last year I wasn't really able to volunteer in the kids classrooms...at least in the fall.  But I have already been in Abby and Josh's classrooms, and just went on a field trip with Josh's class to the Wetland Park of Hong Kong. We also just participated in the school's big fundraiser...walkathon and fall festival.  I specifically remember walking around in a daze last year, running into people that I evidently had met previously, feeling exhausted and using all our energy to keep up with our kids who wanted to go in four different directions (at least Sarah was asleep in the carrier, connected) This year we had a blast, knowing so many people from the school community, feeling free to let the older two roam, volunteering at booths, and only running after two kids...Sarah stayed home with Marina to nap. It was definitely one of those events that really showed how far we have come in a year.  I also couldn't believe that it had been a year and realizing how fast this past year had gone.  It's funny, someone had shared with me that my days will go slow but my weeks (and year) will go fast...and that is exactly the case.

So autumn is upon us, whether it feels like it or not.  We are simply trying to embrace our new norm, enjoy it while we are here, and not wish we were somewhere else.  Sometimes this is harder than other times...but I still have my scented candles and my Starbucks salted caramel mocha:)

Andy, Josh and Abby during walkathon

Grace and her friend advertising the 7th grade booth

Emma and her peeps

 

Grace's school team having a "snack party" at our house after a game

 

Josh and me at the Wetland Park

 

My enthusiastic bowlers (they really did have fun)

 

The beautiful setting I get to play in (notice half the field shaded:)

 

Sweet girl in the swing...just hanging around

Ocean Park...Finally!!!

Well, it had been a long time coming.  There are two main amusement parks in Hong Kong.  The more familiar Disney Land, and the less familiar (to non-Hong Kongers) Ocean Park. We had been promising the kids for about a year that we would be going to a park.  I think Andy had started promising for Emma's birthday last year.  But last year was not so conducive since we had a baby...and I wanted to enjoy the park, too...so we told the kids we would go this year for Emma's birthday.  In fact, we had planned to take the kids out of school in order to go without the masses, which is an understatement.  But alas, our plans were once again thwarted  due to the aforementioned stomach bug.  The kids were out of school, but for the wrong reason:( So, this week we would not be stopped!!!  The kids are off for fall break, and National Day was Tuesday, which starts off Golden Week in China.  So, Monday was the day!

We got off in our regular timely fashion...about 45 minutes after we had planned.  Sarah was staying home with Marina...both were excited about this. We took the MTR to the Ocean Park bus which we pick up at a train station on the Island.  Then we got on that bus and made it to the park before it's 10am opening time.  We were quite pleased with ourselves.  The day was overcast and the forecast promised showers.  We didn't care as long as the park was open.  We probably should have prayed more fervently for better weather, but in hindsight, even though it rained most of the day to different intensities, it was another thing that kept away the crowds.  When we first got there we went straight to a roller coaster towards the back of the park...The Hair Raiser. I remember being able to see this coaster when looking at houses on the island the year before...it's literally on a cliff.  Actually, most of the rides are on a cliff...some of which hang over water.  So Andy took the girls on the coaster, and then I went on right afterwards...since there was no line.  At that time the incessant drizzle began, but the rides continued running.  At one point, as I was getting in another coaster, I thought to myself that these rides would have been shutdown in the states...due to the wind and/or rain...but I got on anyway.  And apart from needing to close my eyes due to the rain pelting me in the face, afraid to lose a contact, it was great fun.

There is also enough indoor attractions to do that we didn't have to be soaking wet, and could take a break from the rides.  They had an Asian animal exhibit where we got to see our first panda!!!  And we closed out our day with an hour in the aquarium.  The kids, and parents, did enjoy this part for multiple reasons:)

I think the scariest part was the cable car.  It was also our most comical moment.  As we were ascending in the car that takes us up and over the mountain, we couldn't believe the views that we were seeing...and how far up we were!!!  Andy is not a fan of heights, but even the kids were not a fan of the winds we were experiencing.  Josh asked if we could pray...which we did, and that alleviated some of the anxiety.  Then our car stopped.  Even I got a bit nervous, thinking this was normal, but really didn't want to be stuck hundreds of feet in the air.  As the seconds passed and we were silent, my husband finally lets out "just keep swimming, just keep swimming" a line from Finding Nemo that we had discussed earlier.  We all started laughing hysterically, and then the car began again.

We all had such great fun...and even though we missed Sarah...we had a great time as a family and were glad we had finally made it to Ocean Park!

 

We made it and are ready to go!

 

                                         Andy, Josh, Grace and Emma on the Mine Train

Andy and Emma - front right two seats on the Hair Raiser

 

 

                                                    We all loved watching the dolphin show

                                                 

At the beginning...going on up!

 

 

On the backside of the mountain

My favorite part!

 

The kids loved the hammer head sharks

 

We had done a lot of walking!!!!

 

 

Typhoon Usagi

There are lots of similarities in preparing for a typhoon as a hurricane or snowstorm.  You've got your news rhetoric..."this is the biggest storm in 34 years", craziness at the grocery store, excitement for missing school.  This was our second storm in a month, but this one was stronger and originally was coming straight for Hong Kong. Listening to different predictions, we decided that we could make it to church on the island and back before the rains started, and we were right. The rest of the day (Sunday) was a normal lazy Sunday...our day of rest.  Although it was extra nice since it had been a three-day weekend...Mid-Autumn Festival was Friday.  Andy decided he needed to walk to the grocery store, so he took our adventuresome kids (Josh, Grace and Abby) and they were back in about 45 minutes. Not bad until you consider that it takes 2 minutes to walk there, and he had three things on his list!

Funny thing, thinking back, it really wasn't until last Wednesday until I had heard about the storm. I don't know if it is because it was fast developing, or because I don't listen or read local news, but someone mentioned it briefly, and then I started paying attention. As I was sitting in church, I was so grateful that we lived in a house and not a high rise.  I think fear started to sink in for the friends I knew who did, and I wondered how I would be feeling if we did live, say, on the 52nd floor!

The rains began in the late afternoon, but the winds started to pick up when it began to get dark.  The kids all went to bed in the same room, and luckily that room was facing the right way and not getting pounded by the rain and wind.  Our room, on the other hand, was shaking, and I kept thinking that our windows would surely give out soon.  It was the loudest storm I had ever heard, and I was just waiting for one of my dear little cherubs to come visit.  I finally fell asleep around 11:30pm...and then woke up again at 2:45 because Abby was scared...even though the wind was gone:)

While it was still raining this morning, the storm could have been much worse...it veered north of HK about 90 miles.  But, it was still a Typhoon 8, so the kids and Andy didn't have to get up for school...woohoo! We had a lazy morning...Andy worked in his office and had a call, but we enjoyed another day of rest.  Then they changed the Typhoon 8 to Typhoon 3 before 10am, so Andy had to report to work (the rule is if it is below a Typhoon 8 by 12pm, you must go to work).  By the afternoon, you would not have suspected there had been a storm.  We lost a pot and a tree, but other than that it had stopped raining and the clean up had commenced.

I appreciate so many friends and family who reached out to let us know you were praying. This storm was much more devastating for the people just north of us, as lots of people lost their lives.  We do not take it for granted that we were protected and safe from winds so strong that they were flipping cars!!  It made me realize that even when my friends and family are going through some really hard "storms" in their lives on the other side of the world, it is still important to reach out and let them know that I care and am still praying for them.  For me, this has been a little discouraging being so far away and not in a position to help.  But like a good friend once shared with me, "praying is not the least you can do, it's the most you can do." Point made:)


 





 Tangrams and homework

 The winds picked up significantly before dark

Josh, Abby and Emma in their fort

Sarah appreciating some extra "daddy time"

Ups, Downs, and Turn-arounds

This last week has been a bit of a roller coaster.  Last weekend Andy and I were finally able to go out on a date.  We went to an Indian/Thai/Malaysian restaurant that had been recommended by good friends.  It was wonderful!!!!  I was afraid that we were not going to get a seat because we went without a reservation (a definite no-no), and we were running late(yes, I know your surprised).  The restaurant was located on a strip called Knutsford Terrace, where there a several places to eat outside.  We walked up and down to check things out before making a decision.  When we finally decided on Spice, there was no one there! We had a quiet dinner with no one around, no one hovering, no one asking for our table...things we have gotten used to in Hong Kong. The food was wonderful and the price was reasonable.  All in all, a very good night!

This week started out pretty well.  We were still firming up our plans to celebrate Emma's birthday, we had sunshine, and Andy wasn't traveling.  Then Wednesday night hit.  I had run out to the grocery store and got back just in time to tuck the kids in bed.  Abby had been complaining of her stomach hurting, and when she got into bed, she got sick...luckily in a bagged trash can.  That poor child got sick every 30-45 minutes for the next four to five hours.  There's not much to her, so I was a little concerned she was going to get dehydrated.  But in between her getting sick, she kept drinking water.  Then, at around 1am, Josh started the same pattern.  After I got him settled the first time, Sarah started crying.  When I went in to see if she was ok, she had gotten sick in her bed.  I finally called for Andy's help, since he hadn't been feeling well and had gone to bed.  Unfortunately, I can only comfort, clean and caress so many kids at one time.  So I gave him Sarah, who was actually pretty pleasant, while I cleaned her bed, checked on Josh and Abby, and then comforted Grace through her first bout.  Yes, four out of five children were vomiting in a span of two hours...my nightmare.  In fact, it started reminding me of my sister's wedding...for those of you who know that story:) Finally, around 4am, everyone was settled, asleep, and it had been about an hour since the last person got sick.  I hadn't even bothered to lie down yet, knowing it would be harder to get up.  So I was going to bed, when I realized Andy wasn't there...he was in the bathroom...getting sick...UGH!!!!

The next morning, only Josh and Abby got sick again after breakfast.  Everyone slept some more.  Emma woke up wondering what had happened...she had slept through it all and went to school.  I took a short morning nap, woke up and went to tennis, then came back feeling queasy.  Probably not the smartest thing I had ever done, but needed to get out of the house!!! By the afternoon, everyone was feeling much better...  just in time for poor Emma to get home from school and get sick after dinner.  At that point, I was just praying that she would get through this fast before her birthday. Luckily, she only got sick a couple times and was asleep in good time, and sleeping through the night.  The next day was recovery day.  While we were vomit-free, I thought it would be a good idea for everyone to get their strength back.  Sickness like that always makes me thankful for our good health.  It's something you can take for granted, until you don't have it and it takes your family down.  I am also so thankful, and amazed, that I never got sick and was able to care for my family.

Finally, on Saturday and Sunday we were able to celebrate Emma's 10th birthday!!!  On Saturday we had a few families from our church to celebrate, eat some Mexican food, play in the pool, and just hang out.  Then on Sunday we went to church, went out to lunch, visited two stores to find ingredients for Emma's birthday dinner, and opened presents. We ended the weekend with a great game of Rummikub...and Emma won.  It was so important to me that we celebrate Emma's birthday well this year...if not for her, then for me.  Last year, she was in the midst of a challenging transition to a new school, a new house, a new church, new friends...all in a new country...and I was still in the States.  I am so thankful to the Lord for healing us all and giving Emma a great birthday!

 

Opening presents

Bathtime fun

                                                              Emma's favorite...cheesecake

                                                                     Sarah's silly face

A Never-to-be-fogotton Hong Kong Birthday

 So our sweet and sassy Abigail Kate turned five years old yesterday.  I find it hard to believe that she is already five, and yet, many days she acts older than she is.  Abby, out of all my children, has probably had to adjust the most since moving here.  Instead of going to school two days a week for two and a half hours a day, she goes to school everyday for three hours...not to mention the fact she is up by 6am with the olders and has to take a bus and a train just to get to her school bus...and she doesn't get home until after noon.  But, she is really a trooper.  Andy usually takes her on the way to work, which gives them some great bonding time. And Marina will often pick her up from the stop, especially if I have to be somewhere, or if I took her in the morning.

This week, Andy is in Japan, so we are delaying her celebration until Saturday.  Mind you, the girl has already had two other birthday parties this summer with family, so she is not hurting for attention. But, I also felt that we had to at least make a big deal on her special day. One thing that Abby has been waiting for is the opportunity to chew gum.  She has been aware for the last two years (since Josh turned 5) that the rule in our family is you must be five years old to chew gum.  So as soon as she brushed her teeth after breakfast, that girl got a fruity piece of Trident gum...and she definitely enjoyed it! Of course, we then had to discuss how to chew with one's mouth close, that gum stays in your mouth, and that you never go to sleep with gum.  But she accepted all the rules and smiled!!!

I decided that an easy way to celebrate her birthday was to take her out to lunch.  On my way to pick her up, I was brainstorming restaurants I thought  would be fun and that I had the energy to get to.  Then I realized that it wasn't about me...so we went to McDonald's.  She enjoyed her happy meal, go a Smurf figurine (a little behind the times) and finished it with a hot fudge sundae.  Then the real special treat was shared...I told her we would take a taxi home instead of the shuttle bus.  She LOVED that idea.  When it is 90 degrees, and 99 % humidity, no one likes to be outside.  So Abby greatly appreciates it when we take a taxi, albeit a short five minute ride, from the MTR station to our doorstep instead of our shuttle, that drops us off  five minutes from our house. Yes, this was more exciting to her than McDonalds.

We get into the taxi.  Our train station is so close that I have never had to explain where we live.  As we are riding along, Abby is asking to play my phone.  I told her no since we were almost home...then I checked my purse just to make sure it is there (a fear of mine...but it was) As I was in my purse, our driver had missed our turn into Hong Lok Yuen.  Actually, it was completely understandable because there is SO much construction...it is very confusing.  He got his bearings quickly, confirmed with me where we needed to go, then proceeded to correct his mistake. He went left around the barrier and then a sharp right so that he could go straight at the intersection into our development.  Unfortunately, he did not stop at the intersection, nor did he look.  Of course, by now I am completely focused on what he is doing.  As I realized he was not stopping, I was able to get a glimpse of a cement truck barreling through the intersection from our left.  He was not stopping either.  I then screamed at the top of my lungs "STOP, STOP!!!" while bracing myself and Abby...neither of us were wearing seat belts (yes, stupid and lesson learned). I believe that our driver slowed just enough and turned his wheel right that only our front left got struck by the truck.  Abby did fall to the floor...slow motion...but she was behind the driver, so there was little impact and she was fine.  When I asked her if she was ok, she said yes...and that she wanted to put on her seat belt now.  I laughed and helped her...then we prayed and thanked Jesus for His protection. 

The driver asked us if we needed medical assistance.  He said it was his fault, gave me his name and number, and then got out of the car to assess the damages, wait for police and talk to the other driver.  Abby and I just sat there.  I really was at a loss for what to do.  We were close enough to walk home, but I was pretty sure that I should stay until the police came...I just didn't know how long that would be and I wanted Abby home.  Finally, I called my Aussie friend and asked her what the protocol was in this circumstance, and she said that I should wait for the police.  Then I called a few people, and finally got in touch with Marina to come and pick up Abby.  Abby was very calm...just tired and wanting to get out of the heat.

As I waited for the police to come, I assessed the situation. We were incredibly fine.  The two drivers weren't even using heated words with each other...they were calm.  Our driver was very apologetic and kept asking us if we were ok.  Then looking at the car, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude. It's easy to play the dramatics of "what if?" I decided right then that I didn't want to go there.  I simply wanted to thank my loving God for keeping His hand on us and getting us through this situation.  Then, the police came, asked if I needed medical attention, asked for my HK ID, and I was on my way and walked home.

When we shared with the other kids at dinner, the funniest question came from Josh.  He asked if I paid the driver. "Um, no," I told him...then we all started to laugh. Just another day in Hong Kong:)

A Memorable Week!!!

This has been an exciting week for the Puff family. For starters, we got to experience our first typhoon.  Typhoon Utor "landed" here in Hong Kong on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.  Now I realize that I need to be further educated on what exactly a typhoon is, but to me, I most relate it to a hurricane.  They grade them, and on Tuesday, it was already a Typhoon cat 3.  What I didn't realize, is with that posting comes some school cancellations...including kindergartens (preschool)...which includes Abby.  We had heard in the news about the coming storm and when it was expected, but I did not think to check the weather posting the day before the anticipated day.  So when I took Abby to her bus stop, the elementary kids are picked up in their bus first, and one of the Chinese moms kindly broke the news that there was no school for the kindergarten.  No wonder Abby was the only kindergartner at the bus stop!! So we laughed about it, chalked it up to another lesson learned, and went home.

On Tuesday night, my parents arrived for a 10-day visit with us.  What a huge blessing! This is a business trip for my father that only transpired less than a month ago..such a great surprise.  They made it safely, met by Andy at the airport.  Then today, my dad had to find his way to Shenzen, while my mom and I were able to go to the kids' school for chapel.  We ended up taking the train home because I needed to run an errand.  Even though the weather hasn't been great, it has been so cathartic to have them experience our everyday with us.  To ride the trains, see our house, check out the school, ect has been great for them and for us.  And it was especially providential since my children and husband had to stay home their first full day here due to the storm.

And if all that wasn't enough...yesterday our baby turned 1!!! Sarah Jane has been a part of our family for a year and we cannot be more thankful and blessed.  I think with any birthday, you reminisce about the past year...but it is hard not to remember vividly her birth and what was to come in the month to follow.  And even though last year at this time was probably the most heart-wrenching and emotional times of my life (yes, I don't recommend having a baby and then moving in shifts to the other side of the world), I can honestly say that I don't regret a single decision that led us to where we are now.  God has been faithful in confirming to us that we are here for a purpose, and while it hasn't always been easy, there is an incomprehensible peace that covers you when you are in the middle of His will.  I am so grateful that I moved here with a six week old in tow...she has been a huge light in our lives that the Lord has used to ground us and bring us closer as a family.  She has brought out something special in all of us, and I am so excited to watch her grow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And if you look carefully, she has gotten some more hair:)

 

 

 

What a Difference a Year Makes!!!

Well, we have been here for a week and already the differences from last year have been astounding.  Besides all the logistical changes (coming here as a family of 7 instead of in shifts), it has been nice to come back to a house that is already set up, a school that my children are familiar with, and surroundings that don't make me squeamish inside.  Knowing how to navigate public transportation has been a huge difference, and Grace and I already made our way to the stationary store for school supplies.  This store happens to be found in a very large mall, in a phase that I hadn't even explored yet...I was very proud of our accomplishment!  It's been much easier to take taxis and trust that I will get where I want to go...and that I know enough to help direct if needed.  This helps when I am too tired and HOT to get on one more train...makes for a happier me:)

The kids started school this past week, and while I feel a little bad that they have to start back so early, I did so much driving to make sure they got to visit who they needed to visit, that I was in need of a break. And there is obviously a learning/intensive curve, so the kids have still been able to come home, get a snack, and go play in the pool. It doesn't hurt that we have had more blue skies this week than all of last year.  I had forgotten, since I wasn't around last year, how crazy the beginning of school can be...supply lists that need to be filled, teachers to meet at "sneak a peek", syllabuses that need to be signed, and bed times that need to be adjusted...all done while getting over jet lag.  The kids did great this week...and I didn't do too bad myself.  Organization is not my strong suit, but it is only August, and nothing has been lost.

So we are preparing for week #2.  We are all over jet lag, Marina and I are already in a groove with our routine, and as a last minute surprise, we will be getting our first visitors (sorry Ron and Rebecca, you don't count since Rebecca lived here before I did!) on Tuesday.  My father has business about an hour north of us in Shenzen, and my mother will be joining him.  As you can imagine, we are thrilled to have them come and just experience our life here...since it's so difficult to explain in words.  We are also celebrating some birthdays in the next month...first up, Sarah Jane is turning 1 on Wednesday!!!  But it is late, so that will have to wait for the next post:)
Here are a some more beach pics...loved that week!!!

                                                       Josh found a friend at the beach


Sarah found her toes
 

                 Grace and Emma found some waves

    
                                                                     Abby found a frisbee