LUTHERAN TSANG SHING SIU LEUN SCHOOL

The first two days of the working portion of my "mission" are in the elementary setting. I have two responsibilities:  the first is to be present during parent arrival and recess times, to interact with the families and the students (primary 1 - 6) and the second is to teach a Bible story and sing songs for four 40 minute classes (today I had three P1 classes and one P3 class). Challenging to say the least.

Most students are extremely diligent, but  there are always those who are problematic. Some of the students at Siu Leun come from the Mainland. They were born in Hong Kong and so can have Hong Kong citizenship. But their life is difficult - some of them ride a bus two hours each way to be able to attend school (but the school system is much better in Hong Kong). During the final period of the day, I noted that two of the first grade girls were sleeping at their desks.

Parents, grandparents or helpers develop warm friendships by bringing the children to school and then picking them up following the school day. "Helpers" or domestic employs comefrom the Philippines, Malaysia, or Indonesia come to Hong Kong to earn money, much of which is sent back to their families back home

During morning assembly, most of the children gather for announcements and opening worship. I led the song (1 John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us.") this morning following the morning prayer (the teacher is praying in Cantonese and the children are praying in English). While it looks like many are "just doing it," there is some real faith development taking place at this school. Many of the children do not come from believing families.

Recess is everyone's fun time.

Recess takes place with the confines of the barred metal fence. There's both outdoor and indoor space. The outdoor space offers fish pond wildlife and a variety of potted flowers and greens. It gives the school a "human" face rather than simply concrete and steel. Kids have access to the purchase of food and snack items; they can play basketball, soccer, or table tennis; or there's opportunity occasionally to watch videos or listen to music.

It is enjoyable to work with younger children, but it also takes tons of energy. My preference still is to work with adults.

 The blue flower is a lily from the one of the two ponds and the moss roses are located in a pot.

Tonight, Karen Lee treated Eric and me to sushi. The shop was "economy" with a moving server, but the sushi was good. I'd go back!

Every seat is filled around the sushi conveyor. When spaces empty, the receptionist finds the exact number of people to fill the spots just vacated. And, the stools are mighty close together so that you are literally rubbing elbows with your neighbor.

Watch it go by, but don't touch!! Each plate will cost you 8 Hong Kong dollars.