Margaret Street in Hong Kong
The reflections of CBTS Student, Margaret Street, during her internship at the Swatow Baptist Church of Kowloon City
When I was talking to my parents yesterday, they asked if I was settling into the Hong Kong culture and I thought for a moment……and realized ‘yes’ I was settling. Now I can identify my favorite Chinese dishes or at least ones that I recognize. I have not quiet worked up the courage to eating Fried Goose Feet but I’m trying to give myself room to grow. Also, I have figured out how to utilize chopsticks…..well almost.
Thai Ministry: A Day at the Beach:
After furiously finishing my homework on Saturday, Emily and I were invited to the Thai Fellowship’s beach day at the Golden Coast for that coming Monday, which was the ‘Mid-Autumn Festival’(national holiday). Even though I do not understand Thai, that day I did understand the passion for the Lord that oozed out of all the Fellowship members. Whether it was singing praise songs on the bus or beach, stuffing me with Thai food (which almost burned by mouth off), or splashing in the ocean the Lord was praised.
In the ocean, Em and I were having fun throwing a ball around with a kindergarten girl (call her Susie) from our group, communicating with lots of laughter and smiles, though I really desired to say more. Later, one of the leaders in our group told me Susie wished she could speak English so she could talk to me. There was so much she wanted to say. That made two of us.
Before we left two Thai women gave Em and I massages on the beach- which was great ‘research’ for the Thai English class we were leading later that week. Now thinking of massages as research can sound funny, but it was truthful. I was able to see what terms and knowledge the women would need to communicate effectively in English for their trade.
Later in the week, after we taught our first Thai English class all the parts of the body plus the head and shoulders song, I could not help but be excited! There is something to be said for seeing immediate results. I have a feeling that they will be one of my favorite blog topics.
Prayer Requests:
1. It’s easy for me to get bogged down with my homework, so please pray that I never get to busy to forget why I am here.
2. Recently, I come across a cultural difference that I was not aware of, but I am trying to be very sensitive to. Please pray for continual guidance on this issue. (Sorry for the ambiguity)
Greetings!
I have now been in Hong Kong twelve days! Jetlag is slowly fading as I only wake up once or twice in the night opposed to four times. After three flights totaling over 24 hours of travel time I arrived in Hong Kong September 2nd. About 12:45AM on Wednesday, I finally crashed onto a beautiful Queen Bed on the 8th floor of our (Emily and I) apartment building. The next morning I was surprised to be greeting with two aerobic type groups in the Park right outside my window. One group looked to be practicing some type of Yoga/Pilates and the other a combination of Richard Simmons moves with flapping limbs and sidekicks.
Where we live:
As I mentioned, Emily and I live in a good-sized apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a kitchen, a family/dining room, an office, and a porch. It has become a haven of peace for us to relax after long days around the city. A true blessing!!!! Our neighborhood is a very local area. After twelve days and much exploration around our neighborhood, local shops, and Metro Station I have only seen 5 Westerners in our neighborhood. It is been an enlightening experience as to what it feels like to be a minority.
What we do:
Right now we will be going to a local Christian school called Pooi To Middle School three days a week. The school has about 1,000 girls from 6th to 12th grade whom we got to introduce ourselves to at Monday’s assembly. Please pray that I will learn names quickly. The first week we will observe at the school and finalize our contributions, which may be a combination of Conversational English, building friendships, teaching American culture, and assisting with both the English club and Speech team.
Prayer:
Please pray that I will learn the names of the girls at the school and church staff quickly.
Please pray the Lord will soften the hearts of girls at the school toward Him.
Please pray for culture shock and general cultural stress.
Blessings,
Margaret
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