I know it is long past Christmas, but with the discipleship training team just returning back to Hong Kong, it brings back fresh the memories that have forever changed my life. My home, Hong Kong, is greatly missed. It amazes me that I have only been there once, yet I miss it as if I were always there. It was a great blessing to finally feel at peace and rest, knowing I was where I was supposed to be. Which in turn only makes me long to return even more, much to the disappointment of my friends and family. However, this is supposed to be a happy post! So let me share with you my Christmas experience.
I had not suffered too much 'homesickness' since arriving in Hong Kong. Indeed, I was always busy from 7 in the morning till possibly past midnight most days, starting with breakfast and worship, devotions, and drama practice the first week. The second week was when we started outreach and the practice was replaced with traveling throughout the Beautiful country to share the good news. I probably have never walked so much in my entire life! (in 4 inch heels, no less.)
The days leading up to Christmas started to wear on my heart a little. My moms birthday started it, and I made sure to contact her as much as possible, but on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was when I felt lonely the most. Many of the other people on the team had either came with a group or had a friend they knew. Coming by myself, though gaining significant amount of respect, had left me feeling alone in a group of 60 people. I definitely felt a little blue. Maybe a lot. I could stay on the phone only so long, with a 12 hour time zone difference, and there were plenty of Christmas preparations to be made. I decided to make the most of it, despite my spirit feeling down. With some prayer and Christmas carols, it turned out pretty good! Decorating and food prep was hilarious, and there was enough time left over for the group of us to go into the city for last minute Christmas shopping. I knew I was missing home now, since every time I turned around, I was seeing something for my my mom or a friend here back in the states. A week earlier, on my first outing in the city, I couldn't find anything. I guess I needed time to settle. Anyways, Christmas Eve turned out lovely, as we had preparations and outreaches and Christmas celebrations. It truly was Beautiful. Different. But beautiful.
Christmas day was awesome! We awoke early in the morning and came down for a HUGE breakfast. Fruit, pastries, fresh omelets (made by two awesome guys who tried their best and succeeded), meat and cheese, the list is endless! I felt like a queen as we all gathered at tables and fellow shipped, sharing stories of the outreaches, our devotion times, and memories of Christmas back home. Everyone was from somewhere different, each person unique. The traditions were just as varied, and the laughter became one as we all realized that this is what we were meant to do. Living as one, in fellowship with Christ and reaching the nations. It was mesmerizing. after breakfast cleanup, we each dismissed to our assigned areas of duties in prep for Christmas night. In breaks between my own chores, I got to play with some of the missionary kids, and talk to some of the team leaders as well. That night was very special. Before dinner, a group of maybe 10+ people started a game of spoons, which was hysterical. We each had our own 'technique', and mine was , quote, "to scream and shield all the spoons with your arms"! Normally I was quite calm, until someone else grabbed a spoon. Then it was game on! I have no idea how long we actually played, but by time dinner was called, we had squeezed more people than I thought possible around our little table which normally only seated 5-6 people comfortably.
Dinner was traditional- in the sense that it had something traditional from every culture represented on the mission trip. I have to say, it was delicious. At the table there were little 'poppers' from British culture, that had streamers, jokes or little toys hidden inside them. I couldn't have asked for better company, surrounded by friends from south Africa, America, Canada, Fiji, Samoa, England, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, Russia, and many other lands. A talent show was the post diner show, with dances and songs from around the globe. I couldn't help but think that this was possibly the best Christmas ever, and that maybe this is the way it was meant to be celebrated. There is no doubt I missed my mom, my friends, and the stack of presents we are accustomed to.
Yet, the gift I received that night from a sweet little sister of mine meant more than I could tell her. A key chain with my name in Chinese and a scarf- a simple, yet literally a priceless gift that I will always treasure. That night was spent a way I never imagined with people I had never met the month before.
Growing up, I had never been much of an extrovert. Even now, I cannot say that I am that outgoing of a person. The trip stretched me in so many ways. Two years ago, the idea of traveling to the other side of the world alone would have frightened me to death. Yet it did not even bother me when I did it. It was not a big deal. It was not an issue. I knew I was supposed to go, and that was all that mattered. I had finally moved past the note that I NEEDED someone else to go with me. (it would still be nice to have someone come with me, but I know I can go without someone) I faced many of my fears in Hong Kong, and no, I did not conquer all of them. I felt inadequate when on outreaches. I felt alone and awkward on Christmas day. I had many times that I insignificant in such an important mission. Even in the midst of this, I still felt at peace with where I was, because I knew God was working in me and through me.
When I returned from the trip, a friend asked me if I felt challenged when I was over there. The truth is, I had hard times over seas. I loved being there. I loved every minute of it, even when I doubted myself and who God had called me to be. I was challenged in my calling. In my comfort zone. In my witness. I am far from perfect, but I know that out of everywhere I have ever been and everything I have ever done, nothing -even in all the awkwardness- ever felt so right, at peace, at rest and so GOD as my time spent in Hong Kong. It is impossible to explain. It may be something my family, both physically and my church family, may never be able fully grasp. But God understands it. And in the end, that is all that matters. He who has called is capable to equip. He has never failed before, so why should I doubt Him now?
More stories to come, I apologize for the long breaks between posts. Soon, more regular posts to come!
~*~Leave A Legacy that will Make A Difference in the World Around You~*~
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