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Published: September 1st 2005
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Walking walking walking
Boo-boo's so glad to get out of the cramped coach seats and into the wide open expanses of HK airport! We’re here…our last stop before returning to the states. Our journey from Guangzhou to HK, a total distance of about 100 miles, took 7 hours from door to door. If my math is correct, that’s about 14 miles an hour. We could have almost biked it faster. The flight itself was only 40 minutes. The rest was traveling to, from and waiting at the airport. One of the nice things was having limousine service from HK to our YMCA hotel. Well, it wasn’t exactly a limo, but it was a nice Toyota minivan that I’ve never seen before in the states. We had purchased a bus shuttle transfer to the hotel, but when they took a look at Sarah, the manager said, “For you, Mr. and Mrs. Hom, we have a limo waiting for you!” Ha! 😊 Actually, we don’t know why they gave us special service, but we were glad to take it!
Welcome to Hong Kong…the land of narrow sidewalks, dense crowds and people in a mad dash for cash! Wow…what a contrast from home. Anyone who’s claustrophobic should not come near HK. We found ourselves “pulling over” inside doorways as people passed us by on sidewalks built
for no more than two abreast. Ever drive 50 on a two lane road when everyone else is doing 75 and flashing you to pass? That’s about how it is here.
When we arrived at HK airport, baby Sarah was so happy to get out of the hammock and walk through the airport. It was slow, for sure, but we were in no rush so we just strolled and surveyed the sights and sounds. She was happy as a bee in a flower garden, and sensed no need to rush anywhere. On the streets of HK, we entertained the thought of allowing her to walk again…but we quickly perished that thought! That would have been foolish.
HK’s got a great subway system that’s clean, quick and efficient. But the subway reflects the mad pace of its citizens. Even the escalator is scary fast! We weren’t prepared for the neck-snap as we stepped on…we could almost feel the wind blowing through our hair as we escalated at warp-speed! Disembarking required careful planning. Whew! It was like a Disneyland ride!
Speaking of Disneyland, it’s opening here in HK in about two weeks, and unfortunately, we’re going to miss it.
I need personal space!
Sarah's surrounded by a mass of humanity on the subway! And this is at 9 pm! But there are signs, billboards and commercials for it everywhere. How exciting for people here, who are quite enamored of Mickey and friends. But more than Mickey, the people of HK (as anywhere else) need the L and to know his love. As a former British colony, there is greater freedom to proclaim the Gosp and I think my (Godfrey’s) own family can trace our Chr heritage here to HK. Our YMCA hotel isn’t shy about its heritage, and boldly advertises its mission statement and various wrship services held weekly. In fact, there are a number of Y’s here in HK, and from what we can tell, they’re not just fitness clubs and swimming pools for members.
The YMCA Salisbury, where we’re staying, is a very nice hotel, but definitely a different feel from our three previous hotels. No where is this more apparent than our room, which is roughly 40% smaller. There’s about 15 inches between the TV cabinet and the foot of the bed, so play room for Sarah is tight. Good thing toddlers have hard heads…Sarah’s thumped her head on cabinet handles and table legs several times as she wobbles unsteadily on her feet and plays with fearless abandon in the tight confines.
We’re so happy that Sarah loves to play, laugh and explore. While it’s a little bit of a stress trying to keep an eye on her and keeping her out of danger, we’re just so thankful that she is living normally as a secure kid. She no longer needs to be held around the clock, to have us next to her, or even to be in the room with her. She seems to understand that mama and baba are here to stay, that she can count on us, and that we’ll never leave her nor forsake her. It’s wonderful how becoming parents teaches us so much about our Father’s relationship to us. If only we could joyfully experience our Father with the same confidence that Sarah has with us.
One more post tonight, and we’re coming back home. Blssings to all of you.
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Grace J.
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Can't Wait
I love reading your blog. What a special journey. We're counting the minutes till you come back!