NATURE CENTER OUTING

Today was another outing, this time with the Primary 3, A and B classes. We visited a nature education center in the New Territories (we are on the west side and the center is on the east side). It was a harrowing bus ride (lots of curves). One little boy was afraid of bees, so whenever he saw a picture of a bee, he grabbed my hand tightly and hid his face. He must have had a traumatic experience with bees at some time in his young life.
I was pleasantly surprise at the wonderful collection of shells. In fact, I never imagined that there was such a beautiful variety of color, shape, and design. A marvelous attestation to the marvel of God’s creation.
Another room held a variety of rocks, every kind you could think of. Along with the rocks were quite a selection of fossils to appreciate.
The trip took four hours and while at the nature center, we had our noon lunch (each person had snacks that they brought with them). The decibel level on the bus on the return trip must have been close to 110. That trip pooped me out!









There were many cases of shells such as these!

 Fossils were clear and well defined.



The girls chose to have snacks at their own table.

THE FLOWERS IN THE PARK WERE SIMPLY OUTSTANDING!!







I was most thankful that there was no rain. We have had cloudy days since I arrived a week ago. Two-thirds of those days also had rain. This morning when I looked at the forecast for the next week, the weather was cloudy with showers daily. Life is looking up; the temperature was to be warmer. A high of 70 and a low of 65 is much more to my liking.  And, you know what, taking pictures of flowers is always much better on cloudy days - they don't get washed out by the sun.

SHOPPING

can be fun if you enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the fresh market. The strongest of the smells comes from the fish tables with the second strongest coming from the herb vendors. All in all it is a very pleasant experience. Lest you believe that the meats are not worthy to be purchased, know that the vendors keep pretty sanitary stalls. I would not be afraid to eat the meat sold in this market.

Sweet potatoes are much preferred over white or red potatoes.

 All kinds of fresh vegetables are available from the known to the unknown.

 The fresh fruit is sweet and juicy.

 
The choices in fish are enormous, both fresh and salt water. Many of the fish are kept in water and you will find that they are still very much alive and swimming around. Judging from the market, fish is outeaten by a margin of 2 to 1.

The pork you see is all very fresh, probably butchered in the early hours of the day.

Women (or men) shop daily for the fresh produce and meat. While you can go to a supermarket and buy frozen products, there usually is no place to store that in the home. Invariably, almost anywhere you travel in Asia, you will find that shopping is done daily.

A MARVELOUS MORNING

I was to have participated in a field trip with the younger students, but since it was raining, that trip was cancelled. Instead I ended up with the 5th and 6th graders to go to central Hong Kong to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen museum.

In my mind, I was confusing Sun Yat-Sen with Chiang Kai-Shek. I'm clear now. Sun Yat-Sen lived until 1925 and during his lifetime, he developed a philosophy of bringing all of China together into a republic. It was the end of the last Chinese dynasty (Qing) in 1911 and Sun Yat-Sen visioned that China could be brought together (like a group of differing cultures and states) into some kind of a union. On the other hand, Chiang Kai-Shek had a form of government that he wanted to establish in China. He obviously failed when in 1949, he and his soldiers had to flee to Taiwan. Mao Tse-Tung was the man who drove him from the Mainland, later to become the well-known and ruthless "Chairman Mao."

Pictures were not allowed at the museum, but I did get in on a lot of reading. The kids were pretty good, allowed to run kind of freely for the first 30 minutes, and then they were given a guided tour so that they could knowledgeably complete their history project this afternoon.

 Student are well disciplined. Here is a shot of the lecture before we left on the field trip. The students were asked to either sit or kneel on the cold floor. This seems so contradictory because the people of Hong Kong are fastidiously clean. The streets, parks, and the school are always so clean. But students respond without grumbling.

Before the group moves to a new place, they line up and count to make sure everyone is present.   

 The statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen

It's such a joy, to repeat again, that the students are opening up more and more. They come up with questions and seem to have little hesitation to come up and ask.

MORE CHILDREN TO PRAY FOR (many here are not yet Christian, not because there isn't a climate of Christ-like love, care, and verbal witness.

God's other creations are mighty beautiful also. This lone marigold blooms in the back flower area of the school along with some other beauties.          

I have established a channel and have posted some videos on YouTube. I humbly named the channel:
          DrCarlSelle       Feel free to check them out.

A busy day with lots of interaction with the students. Enjoyed two singing classes along with singing a song for morning assembly. During the day at recess and lunch time and in the hallways, I discovered that the students have loosened up and are speaking freely along with asking questions. It's a good feeling that they feel comfortable in relating to me. One student today guessed that I was 79 (oops, I didn't think I was looking that bad). The teaching staff too is more willing to greet me in the hallway with a cheery word. The stay has become pleasant indeed.

Went to the market and picked up some greens, an onion, and some mushrooms. Already had purchased some dry noodles.

Made my own concoction tonight for my meal and enjoyed it along with some Philipino beer. In case you'd like the recipe, I boiled the greens with the mushrooms and onion, added some salt, soy sauce, and a little dab of butter, added the dry noodles, cooked, and enjoyed.  Bottom line:Twas better than I thought it was going to be.   TOMMOROW IS A FIELD TRIP!

CHILDREN TO LOVE AND PRAY FOR...................

I'm remembering right now that I said that I would not be willing to do "mission trips" where I would work with kids. My choice has always been to work with adults (English teachers in China).
But a change has come about in my life so that I am loving working with children. They are fun, joy-filled, unpredictible, and willing to be loved. They are responsive, often very eager, although sometime very mischievious (the Chinese would say "naughty").

I thank God for the chance to serve in this place. Even though it was kind of a tough start, I'm in the groove and loving the serving. Music has been fun and I look forward to the next two days of "field trips." While it's cold, there is lots of warmth in the hearts of both the kids and the staff here at SLS.

Children playing during recess time

Check out this video to experience the joy of little children: 

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_KNDe9RfDM

This would be my lunch (HK$42, US $5)

What a wonderful night for sleeping. I had my oil radiator plugged in so that it was warmer in my room. I covered the 12" square screened hole with a piece of plastic, and I snuggled in my warm covers. The forcast is for cloudy and rainy weather the next week with chances of rain almost every day. So what's new? (Maybe I figured out the time...........)

FRUSTRATION

I'm learning that once something is posted, it's posted. I also cannot figure out how to date this with Hong Kong time - you may have noticed.

JOY

In spite of the cloudy and cool weather in Hong Kong, the Lord brought joy to the day. Worship. lunch with friends and a visit with Kenas.

We're now in the 50's for the weather - I guess more like this time of the year. Without the sun and with the higher humidity, the temperature only reached about 57 degrees today. Definitely, after sitting in worship for 10 minutes with the windows wide open, I had to leave to don my long johns. There is some truth that for the worship the windows need to be open so that there is fresh air. And believe me, when the wind is blowing, I don't understand that philosophy well.

Pastor Samuel shared a message on Luke 7 with a focus on wisdom.

During the sermon time, the children were excused for children's church. GEO Dustin and a visiting friend from the U.S., Lauren, student at Moorhead U., joined Pastor Albert and Idy (teacher) in singing and a Bible lesson. Here they're joining in the fun of singing "Father Abraham."

The service lasted about 1.5 hours with a fair amount of singing. Probably 50 were present for worship. Next Sunday, I will do the message with an explanation of "The Diving Plan."

I joined Hilda (coordinator from China), Sharon and her children, Lauren, along with Alan and Shirley Piepenbrink for lunch at a dim sum restaurant. The wait was so long to get in that I was only able to be at the table with them for about 20 minutes.

My appointment with Kenas was for 2 pm. She arrived by bus and we walked over to a "Chinese fastfood" restaurant for a snack and some conversation. It was great to catch up. Kenas came to Stevens Point about 2004 for one year of study before she transferred to UW Madison where she finished her degree in 2007. As an active Christian, she particpated regularly with us for worship and other activities. She remembered Karol's deviled eggs with fond, appreciative memories.

I was brought to a clearer understanding of some of the challenging problems in Hong Kong with the massive influx of Mainland Chinese. I could relate to many of the challenges as in the United States we are confronted with the question of illegal immigration.

We had a wonderful time together, and by a little after 4, she was on her way to her English speaking non-denominational congregation in downtown Hong Kong (American pastor).

Kenas works in the area of finances for an upscale clothing retailer.

My evening was spent in preparation for tomorrow class time. 

Maybe I can't do anything about the time. I'll keep working on it.

I just want you all to know that from here on in, I will be publishing time as it really is here in Hong Kong. Just changed my computer settings so that I read accurately from here!

Sharon Owens and her two children, Joanna and Peter

While I'm here in Hong Kong, Sharon Owens is my "boss." She coortdinates the short teams and the English programs. Sharon is not married, but has adopted two wonderful children, brother and sister. They live in Macau but often get to Hong Kong to work with teams.

Sharon has been here 10 years now. I first got to know her when she was an ISM director at University Lutheran, Lincoln, Nebraska. If you ask her, she never would have thought that God would call her to serve here in the Far East.

Today I'm heading to worship at 10:30 am at Holy Word Lutheran Church (probably all in Chinese). Then will meet Sharon and her children for lunch along with Alan and Shirley Piepenbrink who are serving here in Hong Kong. At 2, I'll be meeting Kenas, a former international student who attended UWSP and who was a part of our worshipping community at Peace.

This afternoon, left to meet up with a team from South Dakota that was just finishing up their time in Hong Kong working at a high school. We met at the Wong Tao Sin Temple, toured there, and then took the train to Nan Lian Garden, a beautiful garden spot at a Buddhist nunnery. We ended up the evening at a Thai restaurant in downtown Hong Kong with some great, hot and spicy food.

One of 81 advertised "soothsayers," fortune tellers and palm readers, who had their booths in a hall adjacent to the temple itself. I couldn't believe that people were waiting in line to have future told.

This "bad boy" with his friend stood at the entrance to the temple. Obviously a lucky piece since his paws and his nose were shiny from people rubbing on them.

There was a huge area where they sold this "stuff." The sign said "worship items." People took the incense to the inside altar and those who had fortunes told, came here to find the lucky charms that would protect them from whatever danger the soothsayers had warned them about.

The center piece of the Nan Lian Garden was this gold temple in the middle of a beautiful pond. The water was clear, the "koi" were multi-colored, and the surroundings breathed of peacefulness.

The waterfalls flowed over the classy vegetarian restaurant.

A wide variety of colored lotus were displayed in ponds in one area of the garden.

The peace and serenity of the park was wonderful!

  

What a relaxing way to enjoy a nice morning!

The local seaside "chapel"

ART IN THE PARK

Just returned from a slow-paced walk in Butterfly Beach Park very close to where I live. Never before had realized that it was there. Many elderly folk doing exercises along the paths or on the beach. Little groups playing music in some of the gazebos located in the park. Individuals sitting by themselves either playing instruments or simply sitting. What a casual, relaxing place in a very busy city.

Out on the water were a couple of fishermen pulling a net with a motorboat, larger barge type ships filled with sand (I understand that sand/dirt is purchased from the Mainland and then brought to Hong Kong as fill, or), and larger boats with a variety of cargo.



Sweet and Sour ribs

I waited around tonight for Ken to come and empty my garbage, then about 7 pm, I headed out to get some food. Lots of Chinese menus at the area restaurants. Finally got to an upscale looking place to ask if they had an English menu. No luck. And then suddenly, a younger gentleman came up behind me asking if he could help. He read off several items and I thought the ribs sounded good. Only had rice with the ribs - cost me $10. I've got to find some more local places to eat! But the ribs were tasty and it was nice to have a plain bowl of rice.

Some of the 11 students who were in my class. Some knew English fairly well, and others, a bare minimum. We looked at the story of Hannah praying earnestly for the gift of a child and then talked about prayer. There were a couple of projects to go with the story, and I had a very capable helper by the name of Calvin (I don't think that he was Methodist)

The highlight of the afternoon was the Bible class at Holy Cross Lutheran primary school. We served at Holy Cross two years ago and they still have banners on their courtwall attesting to our presence.

The bus ride between my home station and Holy Cross has some rather beautiful vistas. This overlooks one of the many harbor areas in the total Hong Kong area.

Pastor Albert invited me yesterday to accompany him to Holy Cross. I was not certain what my responsibilities would be, but I said that I'd go.  Even moments before the class I was not sure of what I was to do. Must be the Chinese way? or perhaps Albert's style.

The afternoon proved to be enjoyable, and I think that the kids learned, so all OK.

Very sorry that I couldn't get the video to upload for whatever reason. The kids were cute - and not particularly attentive.

P2B Music class

The video was taken at Siu Leun Lutheran Primary School in Tun Muen, Hong Kong

IT’S THE CITY, STUPID

I was so whipped last night, and suffering from extreme jet lag, that I went to bed at 9:15 pm after a very brief conversation with Karol. I thought it would be a wonderful night of rest since I had requested two more quilts (written on the quilts:  “I grow up with you. And we will always be together. So you can fell into a sound sleep. Good night.”). The soft quilt has on it pictures of five cute little puppies.

Well, I was wrong. The sleep was fitful; I was up every hour for the bathroom, and my hip hurt tremendously. You see, the mattress is the consistency of heavy cardboard that is lying on the floor. Hard is an understatement. But, I’ll get used to it.

My neighbor bird alarmed with a song at 5:51 am. I was planning to get up at 6, so it wasn’t a problem. If that bird belongs to one of the neighbors, I’m surprised that no one has captured it for a cheap meal.

And the sounds! My door opens directly to a sidewalk. I can hear the click of high heels, the sounds of a bicyclist riding by, the chatter of school kids, and the pushing of any variety of carts. On the other side of the sidewalk is a side street. And one hundred yards down that side street is the VERY main thoroughfare where “street car,” train, double deck busses, a variety of small and large trucks, autos, taxis, and motorcycles frequently travel. And the busyness doesn’t even cease at 3 am. Trucks and autos still travel giving it a 24/7 sound dimension.

But my apartment is comfortable although a bit cool. I’m wearing a long sleeved shirt, a sleeveless sweater, and my windbreaker – and now I feel comfortable. It’s like there is a seabreeze briskly blowing over Tun Muen (or Butterfly Bay) where we are located. Down the street from the school/apartment is a terminal for ferries that travel between Hong Kong and Macau (Sharon took that ferry yesterday).

My first music class was this morning (P2B). Must have been about 20 or so kids who for the most part were pretty well behaved. Check out the video I took while they were singing a song for me after I had sung with them for 25 minutes. You be the judge of their activity…

There is much to be said about the city. Plenty of stores and restaurants are within a stones throw from the apartment. And that is advantageous especially when I think about Rosholt. There are always people – but somehow I don’t note too many smiles. It’s nice to be in a place where I’m not all alone, even though I am all alone in a way.

The kids at school are proving to be a lot of fun. They have loosened up today and have more smiles and high fives. Maisie came up to me today and said, “Do you remember me?” I said, “Tell me your name.” And then she revealed to me that I was her charge two years ago when we walked in the wetland park. She was assigned to me. Her mother is Angie, a Christian, who said to me yesterday, “I’ll see you in church on Sunday.” Those connections are nice. Maisie is just a fine young lady who speaks English quite well.

PRAYER CONCERNS:

+ For the Bible study this afternoon that it would be meaningful

+ That I would be able to connect up with Kenas, a student who was in Stevens Point about 5 years ago. A Christian who did worship regularly at Peace. She transferred to a school in Georgia, I believe; graduated; and now is back in Hong Kong.

FEELING BUSHED

The end of this day - and I feel whipped. It's only 9 pm, but I wanted to stay up long enough to Skype Karol. All my orientation is in and my lessons are prepared for tomorrow.

I'll do primary music and then in the afternoon, I'll be working with a Bible class at Holy Cross teaching the story of Hannah - God answers prayer. Otherwise I'll be around for school opening and for the recess times to interact with the kids. My, they have so much energy.

I'm quite on my own while here - and that is good and bad. I miss the excitement of a group, but the positive is that I don't have to worry about responsibility for others.

PRAYER REQUEST:

+  I need a good nights rest tonight. Last night I couldn't get warm enough, but tonight I have two extra blankets.
+  Energy for tomorrow's activities.

PIC - During recess, kids go all over for games and talking. In the ping pong corner (table tennis), the students rotate when one student loses two serves in a row.

The previous video was taken at 5 am outside of my door. The drizzle was falling and this loud bird was disturbing my sleep. Hear it for yourself!

DIGGING IN

My orientation volunteer, Sharon, has now left for Macau and I am on my own.  We took a tour to find the grocery store (since I probably make my own meals), some nearby restaurants, and the light rail stop where I could buy my Octapus card (valid for train and bus travel).

Already today, I spent several hours from 8 am on greeting students and parents, interacting with students at recess time, and taking time to lunch with Pastor Albert.

I'm looking forward to my time here now that I'm unpacked, settled in, and on my own. Tomorrow I will be doing the greetings again and will also have one music lesson to lead.

Thursday, Feb. 23

Sleeping was sporadic. I heard the trucks and taxis, the bell of the train and the sounds of people walking by my apartment. At 5, I heard a bird calling loudly. It was so loud that I thought it might be a monkey, but when I got up at six, I recorded it on video and decided that it had to be a bird. Now as I look outside and see how close the neighboring apartment complex really is, it could be someone’s caged singer.

Even though it wasn’t cold last night, I was cold in bed. Put on my long johns, and later my sweater, and then threw my jacket over the top, and then, finally, I was warm. Buildings are not made like the States. Often found are lots of spaces for air to enter, some intentional and some not.  On the wall over one of the bunk beds, there is a 12” square hole – only a screen covers the hole. Chances are that the inside is only a few slight degrees warmer than the outside.

Today I “learn the ropes.” I’ll find out where to do my shopping and laundry, what I need to do during the school day, and I’ll meet those people to whom I am responsible. I start our by greeting students and parents at 8 am.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

+ For a warm, positive attitude as I meet “old friends” and new acquaintances.

+ For an understanding on what my responsibilities will be.

+ For a genuine love for Christians and non-believers here that I will meet.

Wednesday, Feb. 22 (Ash Wednesday)

We arrived in Hong Kong about one hour early. Sharon Owens (coordinator living in Macau) came by before a half hour was up. Pastor Albert was not able to make it because of his work. Sharon and I had a good chat while the taxi took us to Siu Leun Primary School (LSL).

The old “watchman’s quarters” have been renovated into two apartments (mine has sleeping space for 9 guests in bunkbeds and a single bed. Shower and kitchen area complete the apartment. In the other apartment, currently used by Judy Newhouse, teacher and mission team coordinator, there’s also a washer and refrigerator, along with sleeping space for three. Judy leaves early tomorrow morning on a  school trip to Australia (until March 5). Sharon will stay with her tonight.

Skyped Karol on Judy’s computer (can also make phone calls via Skype), got a phone and numbers so that I have communication in Hong Kong, received keys and a welcome pack and schedule  for me from the school. Pastor Albert stopped by to welcome me to Hong Kong. Karen Lee and husband, Ken, stopped by to welcome me to the school. Since Karen will also be on the Australia trip, Ken will be able to assist if I need any help (although he speaks minimal English, he can “get it”).

While it is only 12:30 am, and I am not tired, I’m going to bed so that I can be fresh when I greet students and parents at 8 am tomorrow morning.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

+ Thanksgiving for safe travels, the meeting of Dr. King in Detroit, and a welcomed arrival in Hong Kong.

+ Prayer as students and staff travel to Australia for a good week of interaction and sharing.

+ A word of appreciation for Sharon Owens who has now been in this mission field for 10 years; for her children, Joanna and Peter; and for her leadership in the outreach here in Hong Kong, Macau, and eastern China.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

It was hard to feel excited today because I was the only one traveling to Hong Kong. This is my first solo trip and I should have expected it to be different. It was snowing lightly when Karol and I drove separately to Andrew and Suzanne’s so I could leave my car. When I return, Karol will be in St. Louis at a meeting. Then together we left for Central Wisconsin Airport.

The flight to Detroit arrived at 1:05. Before our 3:25 departure, I thought I’d grab a fish sandwich at Macs. I sat down with my sandwich, bowed my head for a moment in prayer, and then prepared to eat. The older gentleman at the counter next to me asked if I had prayed. I nodded affirmation. He said that he also prayed. And that started the conversation. He is a PhD in linguistics and was on his way for a two month teaching stint at a university in Shanghai.

His parents (Christian Missionary Alliance) had been missionaries in India in his early years. He had often traveled to China to teach English (after his un-ordaining), and now teaches by invitation. He said that he spends more than half his time in China.

Here are some of the stats on the 15 hour flight from Detroit to Hong Kong (non-stop); our trajectory took us up toward the north pole, coming down again to the west of Beijing. We flew most of the way at 38,100 feet at a speed of 575 miles per hour for a distance just short of 8,000 miles. The outside temperature was often between -50 and -70 degrees F. Sometimes we had a tailwind up to 160 and a headwind nearly as much. There was little turbulence (only flying over Wuhan in central China).

The plane was only two-thirds full, so I had a three seat section all to myself (other than the food, it was even better than first class). The selection of movies for each personal computer screen was immense. More than I could even imagine. Watched three movies and then slept stretched out on the three seats.