Bye, sports fellowship committee!

Stepped down from SFC because I just feel like my schedule is too hectic. Our glorious leader gave the two of us who are leaving a bag of his favorite candy from France where his family lives. It's super sweet but also addictive.

Flambe

On the way to Tuen Mun

I took this picture on the top deck of a double-decker bus on my way to Tuen Mun to play with some friends on a HK holiday (Duen Ng Festival). I read a bit in the morning then headed over for afternoon games. Came back to the island for dinner with another set of friends whom I hadn't seen in awhile. What a great way to spend a day off. And it's nice to have friends. Duh. Hahahaha. 

Friends

God's work: pulling together very different people and making them friends who teach, share, encourage, and love one another. This would not have been possible if it had been left up to me.

Summertime

Thunder and lightning

I have never heard so much thunder in my life. One lightning bolt follows the other almost immediately. Kind of stressful at 3.30am.

Be cool series

God's too cute

I was feeling a little sad and unloveable last night, and I prayed about it during my devotions. Two seconds later, I was chatting with five friends on social media: Stella, a Kenyan friend from college; Yan, my childhood friend; Kitty, my closest friend from badminton here; Elaine, from my current home group; and Emmanuel, a Rwandan from CICF. Each in their own ways made me feel valued despite my weaknesses and failures, and shared little stories from their lives.

Yes, I'm sure none of them would have liked to know that I was chatting with four other people at the same time (type fast and ask more questions) but these weren't very long chats anyway. It was just what I needed, and God provided not one friend, not two friends, but five friends. God loves and gives abundantly!

(And, he has quite the sense of humor.)

sigh

I guess I'm still naive in some ways, cynical in others, and just plain dumb sometimes.

My workplace drives me nuts but everyone just keeps telling me that this is how life works. Things aren't always going to be clear, and they aren't always going to make sense.

I wish God created a better version of me. Someone who doesn't make as many mistakes as I do.

Psalm 51

The best examples of the worst of humanity can be found in the university.

True story.

Although, I suppose I should be glad that I don't run the risk of dying at work. Stories of friends of friends who develop cancer from all the stress and anxiety notwithstanding.

Day 6

Kiyomizudera, then a scenic walk to Gion for lunch where we had unusual tasting sushi for lunch at Izuju. The horse mackerel was the best tasting of the three types and it was affordable at 1800 yen for two people.

Then off to Fushina shrine before heading back to Osaka's kitchen street to get a few gifts.

Cold udon noodles for dinner. I will skip the grated yam next time. The texture was too slimy. Very tired. Early trip to the airport tomorrow morning.

I already miss Japan!

Day 5

Spent the day in Arashiyama, and my favorite part of the trip was the monkey park, then to Ginkakuji before dinner with an old friend. Tonkatsu in Kyoto tastes different from what I have had in HK.

Day 4

Lunch was kushikatsu, and it was more delicious than it looks. The sauce on the right is communal so no double dipping. 

Had puffer fish sashimi and ovaries followed by ramen for dinner. The puffer fish was very good but also expensive.

I like living dangerously.

Day 3

Haven't been able to travel far for lunch and it's slim pickings around the conference area, so I ate a simple lunch of grilled mackerel that tasted home made.

Dinner was at a famous place for kitsune udon,  Usami-tei Matsubaya. 

Day 2

Taiko drum performance by a local high school troupe at the conference. Who says Asians are effete? Those kids have serious muscles.

Diner style curry pork cutlet for lunch.

Visit to the Osaka Peace Center for me and the castle for my mom.

Then off to Umeda and a random dinner under the tracks. It turns out we ordered beef stomach and vegetables. Pretty good, actually.

Super tired. Glad we're staying at a hotel with hot springs baths. Cheap but serviceable.

Day 1

Breakfast at kuromon market.

That white baloon like stuff is very creamy fish roe.

Cheap lunch at tenjinbashi shopping street.

Followed by a beer dinner at matsusaka-project.

Japan

Managed to pack only one carry on bag for a week of travel. Trying not to wonder if I forgot anything important. Still don't love the start of a trip. Too anxious, but can't wait to eat yummy Japanese food!

Home group social

Working outside

Trying to read and think outside my office. It's finally warm enough!

But it's never quiet enough in HK. Listening to Tartini's Devil's Trill sonata on my smartphone. (Disclaimer: hate the theology, love the music. )

aha

Lesson learned: people are often inspired to share their stories as a response to vulnerability.

Spring fever

And, I am sick again. Can barely speak after a week of not feeling sick and not feeling healthy. The worst of both worlds? Hope I am healthy during my trip to Japan.

thankful for friends

Last week did not start off well--writer's block--but it picked up toward the end after good conversations with friends, and playing baddy with the boys who are light years better.

Fingers crossed for a better writing week.

How to say goodbye

USA: Bai!

Malaysia: Bai-bai, or baaai!

Hong Kong: Buh-bai, buh-bai! 

CIA

This morning, I am very thankful for my home group. They have been so gentle and vulnerable, and I need to learn be that.

is this normal?

I realized yesterday that I'm tired EVERY SINGLE DAY. How is this possible?? Maybe I really need to give up badminton. But if I give up badminton and I turn fat and still feel tired all the time, then I would've lost valuable playing time. I'd have to start working on my fitness and touch all over again too. That's quite a bit of risk to take especially when my playing days are numbered. How much longer can I do this anyway??

I could barely drag myself out of bed to go to Sunday school yesterday. Of course, I ended up having a lot of fun with the kids. Erin who's usually very quiet chatted with me for a little while and I fixed her glasses for her. Then, even her painfully shy cousin, Cristabel, whispered "Thank you, Teacher Z," and laughed when I wrestled with Curran and Talon. I didn't even know Cristabel knew my name! Her mom made the effort to learn it and must have taught Cristabel. I guess children start to remember more by age four. (And maybe I shouldn't have wrestled with the boys. That was extremely undignified.)

Only four more Sundays of helping out with those kids between now and June, and I'll miss them but I'll be glad for the break too. 

Faculty retreat 3

Tired and not happy that I had to walk up to campus on a Saturday morning but I am already enjoying the first session! I really enjoy the sessions taught by OT scholars. Maybe it's because I barely understand the OT when I read it myself. 

weekends

Two dinners, one lunch, and watching the boys' team match over the weekend means I'm all out of buzz on Monday morning. I feel like I really need one full day at home on the couch for me to feel ready to go again the next week.

Lightweight, I know.