About two years ago I applied to International Christian School Hong Kong. Little did I know at that time, we would be here on a 2 year contract. At first, it was a “let’s just see what happens” decision. I actually didn’t think that I would be hired, nor did it ever cross my mind that perhaps the Lord would be calling our family to Hong Kong.
That process was, stressful, taxing, frustrating, rewarding, sad, a sense of excitement … an emotional roller coaster. And now we find ourselves in a similar situation. It’s contract year … already. We’re now praying, once again, for God’s leading in our lives. This time it’s a bit different. We’re here in Hong Kong. Our family is starting to build some really good relationships. Gloria has some solid friends that she hangs out with.
Timothy wants to go home when he finishes Grade 5, and yet, there are days when he cries and tells me that “Hong Kong is the worst country I’ve ever been too.” That’s heart breaking to hear, as a parent. Malachi on the other hand is having a great time, although he does miss home too. Both our boys miss our house, their own bathrooms, our backyard.
And then there’s the guilt trip that I have as a dad. My boys will never know how to use a lawn mower, will forget how to shovel snow, build a snow fort, experience Fall, going out for Hallowe’en, and what about getting their driver’s licence?
Recently we had friends come and visit us. Our time together was sweet, meaningful and memorable. Malachi and Timothy were so excited to have their friends here too. The four of them just picked up where they left off. That was special. I appreciated our time to talk, to have a friend who truly knows me, knows my heart, a friend who has gone through thick and thin together.
We were able to share with one another, the struggles we were both experiencing, here in Hong Kong, and in the US. We were able to pray for one another, to encourage one another, to carry one another’s burdens. Appreciated the fact that we could talk things through. I miss that.
And so … we have a timeline to make our decisions on whether we sign again or we move on. Moving on though, does not mean coming back to Canada … sorry friends. We would appreciate your prayers though, that we would be a peace with whatever decision we make. That God would be given all the glory that is due Him. That we would be wise in our choices.
August 27, 2018. That was a few days ago. For our family worship time, we looked at Psalm 25. We focused primarily on verses 4 and 5. King David writes:
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”
As a family we noticed a couple of things here … King David makes 3 requests from God.
Make me to know your ways.
Teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth.
We asked our boys what it means to “make me” to know your ways. Our thoughts and conclusion is that David desired for God to make him understand His ways. I don’t believe that this is always comfortable. Having God make you understand something would require some time, perhaps even stress, pain.
He continues to ask God to “teach me your paths.” As a teacher, I have the joy and privilege of teaching my students daily. I absolutely love the fact that I get to teach Bible to my grade 4’s, open God’s word and to share the Gospel – every day! We sort of came to an understanding that King David didn’t know everything. He needed God to teach him something, in this situation, God’s paths. Perhaps David was not making wise choices. Or perhaps David was simply seeking wisdom.
David ends by asking God to “lead me in your truth.” David writes over and over in the Psalms of his desire to know God’s truth. Here in verse 5, he’s asking God to lead him in His truth. We know that God’s truth is the ultimate standard of truth. There is nothing more truer than God. If God were to lead, our response ought to be, we would follow.
So why do I share this with you all? My prayers these days are:
“God, why did you bring us to Hong Kong?”
Timothy’s thoughts are, “I want to go back to Canada, forever.”
A year ago we came to HK, left basically everything to come, to be obedient to His leading, His calling. Was it a mistake? Did we “hear” wrong? Was there some kind of miscommunication? I don’t think so … however, living in Hong Kong, working in Hong Kong, daily life in Hong Kong, is a constant struggle. Personally I struggle with the culture, I struggle with how things are. “It’s just the way it is” doesn’t cut it for me anymore. That seems to be the answer every time there’s a question.
So what? Psalm 25 was somewhat convicting. I need to be praying … “Lord, make me to know your ways, teach me your paths and lead me in your truth.” I also need to be prepared for God’s answer as well.
Verse 9 and 10 of Psalm 25 reads, “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and his His testimonies.” There is hope. Thankful that God’s love for our family is steadfast. Thankful that God is faithful even when we are faithless. And so, like King David writes at the end of verse 5 … “for you I wait all the day long.”
Pray that we would be teachable and humble during this season of our life. After all, this is Hong Kong.
Blogging consistently is not my forte.Posting pics on Social Media?Well, that’s pretty easy, even our boys are doing it!!
It’s hard to imagine that we have now been in Hong Kong for one year.A year ago, we were on the way to the airport with our dear friends.I can still remember it like it was yesterday.Watching Malachi run back into our house, one last time, it was so difficult.Saying good bye to my mom and brother – it was like having your heart taken out, yet we still came.
Now that we’ve been here a year, it’s time to reflect on the lesson’s learned.
We are thankful for God’s provision, His hand of protection and how He continues to sustain us and provide for our family.Trust me, there have been many days where we’ve wanted to come home.Days where we questioned God – why did you bring us to Hong Kong?This has actually been a conversation that we have had more recently than not.
This blog unfortunately is not all hype and excitement nor celebratory. Just a heads up.
Our Facebook and Instagram pages may paint a different story – Food, travel, Food, adventures, however, the struggle is real.We struggle with not having a vehicle.We struggle with how the culture of Hong Kong is so different than home.We struggle with the people.We struggle with not living in our own home back in Brooklin.BUT … we knew this coming here.However, we still struggle. In short, it’s been a challenging year.
On the other hand, we have been blessed and thankful for the opportunities to travel, to explore, go on adventures.This past year alone, our family visited Kuala Lumpur, Cambodia, Osaka, Kyoto, and Macau.We’re already planning trips to Thailand and Taiwan.We would never have had these opportunities if we were still living in Canada.There are definitely trade offs.
So what have we learned?What has God taught us?
Today also marked our 13th wedding anniversary.Gloria and I celebrated by going out for lunch at Festival Walk.Thankful for good friends who looked after our boys.
During lunch, Gloria asked me how I’m enjoying Hong Kong.On the surface, it’s okay la.Experiencing the culture, the food, the sights and YET, there’s still a sense of wanting to belong, a longing to have community.The friends that we have here, are great and there are those whom I believe will be life long friends.
I shared that I do love the fact that we can travel and share this time with one another, with our boys.These are memories that we will have.
So what is God or what has God taught me?
I need Him.We need Him.We can’t do this on our own strength.We need to rely on God daily.He’s also the same God that lead us to Hong Kong.God didn’t bring us here all the way from Brooklin, Ontario, just to leave us.
Everything is not always going to be perfect.Need to recognize this.We are living in Hong Kong. Will share more at an appropriate time.
Humble dependence.This really goes back to the first point.
God continues to reveal so much about my heart. Areas in which I need to surrender more and more. He must increase, I must decrease.
And so, the million dollar question for us at times is: When do we go home?Or as Timothy would say, “Daddy, when are we going back to Canada forever?” My response to our son, pray.Pray and ask God for His leading.In the meantime, we are here.
Pray that we would continue to be faithful.Pray that we would seek out opportunities to continue to serve our Lord.Pray that I would lead and shepherd my family better.
It’s been quite a while since we have shared with you on our Blog and what better time than now to update you with what’s been going on with Team Wong.
For the past month we have continued with our galavanting around Hong Kong, going to different restaurants, sites and eventually ending up at the Happiest Place on Earth! Yes, Disneyland! We love Disney! It was definitely our happy place.
As we approach New Year’s in a couple of hours, there is much to reflect on. There is much to be thankful for. There is much to consider.
2017 has been a year of change in our family, if you haven’t guessed already! Haha! As I reflect back on what God has done, what He is doing, it’s amazing that we’ve lasted Hong Kong as long as we have.
Our time in Hong Kong has been challenging in many ways. We continue to look for a church that we can call home. I believe that God is working in my heart with regards to this. Not sure what the lesson is at this moment, however, I do know that I need to be in the Word consistently and be praying more fervently. Our Family Worship during this season of life has been way too sporadic, and that’s my fault for not leading better. This indeed is an area of my life that I need to work on in the New Year.
As for fellowship is concerned, our SG is growing closer to one another. We continue to study the book of Colossians and hope to be done soon, however, the time spent digging into the Word together has been meaningful and it’s a joy to lead, even though there are days when I feel so inadequate. I think the fact that we all (with the exception of one member) have a Harvest Bible Chapel connection has bonded us quickly. We actually call ourselves Harvest Hong Kong (unofficially) but our love for the Word and Worship that we have all experienced at Harvest Brampton, York or Durham bring us together like family.
I have appreciated my time teaching at ICS. The faculty, leadership are encouraging and I absolutely love my class. My students are so much fun!! Every year, students have given me a number of different nicknames, ranging from Wong to Wongy to Mr. W and now, Mr. Ping Pong, Mr. Kapong and Mida Wong … haha! There is a family / community feel at ICS which has made the transition so much easier. Thank You ICS.
We are also thankful for our 7th Floor family here at ICS as well. Doing life with friends who are going through exactly the same thing has been a comfort, knowing that we are not the only ones who struggle with life here in HK. God indeed has been faithful.
My reflection of 2017 does not just start and end with our time in Hong Kong. I can still remember the lead up to our departure. Last minute decisions that had to be made, getting together with close friends “one last time”, Malachi running back into our home on July 21 taking a “last look” brought tears to our eyes … and still does when I think about it. Moving on!!
Our ride to the airport with our dear friends, the conversation that I had in my vehicle, and I’m sure Gloria in hers. Our Small Group hosting a farewell party for us, we were super appreciative! We miss our friends. We miss Harvest Durham. We miss good, solid preaching.
More recently, I had the opportunity to touch base with some staff members back at Norman G. Powers. Do I ever miss teaching at NGP! I miss the “off comments, jokes” that we shared, certain staff members who use strong adjectives, the relaxed environment, Friday Treats!! NGP, I do miss all of you dearly!! Let’s Skype in soon!!
Finally, to close out the year 2017, we were thankful for the many visitors that we had from home. It was so special for us to spend time with Vivian, Gabby, Samuel, one of my best friends Dennis and more importantly, my Mom who came to visit and stayed for 6 weeks with us here in Hong Kong. We miss our friends, but definitely miss our family. We were able to create new memories with my Mom, our boys spent valuable time with their Grandmother and it allowed us to have meaningful dialogue with one another. Malachi and Timothy especially miss their Uncle Duncan. We are looking forward to having more visitors in 2018 and to be given the opportunity to grow in our friendships and relationships.
So what’s next? Well, as a family we desire to be in God’s Word more consistently with much regularity. We will continue to seek the Lord with regards to church. Praying for much fruit with my Grade 4 class. We look forward to developing strong relationships with our new friends here in Hong Kong. Praying for our Small Group – to grow in our love for the Lord. Pray that we would use our time wisely as we mentor / disciple others.
2018 will continue to be a year of change, a year of growth, a year of dependence on the Lord.
As a family we just finished looking at Psalm 121. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth … The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” We learned that God is our helper. He never slumbers nor sleeps. He is our shade. The Lord keeps us. What better way to enter the New Year than this? To be reminded that the Lord loves us. That He is faithful. He will never leave us. May we continue to look to the hills when we find ourselves struggling and to know without any doubt, that our God is there to help, encourage, support, love us. May we continue to lean into God daily. Praying that 2018 would be a year that our love for God would grow.
Friends, we miss you. It was a difficult Christmas season. Thankful for His provision. Thankful for His love. Don’t be strangers … we would love to hear from you. May we all have a desire to Know Him more this upcoming year.
“I waited patiently for the Lord, he inclined to me and heard my cry.”
“I delight to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart.”
“Your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me.”
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”
“Wait for the Lord and keep His way.”
Friends, these are words that keep coming to my mind. Depending on when you read this, 5 months ago, our family left our home in Brooklin, Ontario and made the early morning drive to the airport for our family’s relocation to Hong Kong. I can still remember that early morning when dear friends of ours came to pick us up, packed the truck with our belongings, Malachi running back into the house to take a “last look” around. It was difficult. Tears are forming even now as I write this and recall that morning. I think Timothy was in a daze and still trying to figure out what exactly was taking place.
Five months into living in Hong Kong and in some sense, home in Canada seems like a distant memory. We have made some really good friends here in Hong Kong, living in Uncommon Community with others, and we are learning what “Your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me,” really means. God is faithful. This morning with my Grade 4 class, I reminded them that “God is the ultimate promise keeper.”
My mom is currently visiting us in Hong Kong, and we are thankful for that. Our boys are excited to see their Mama (Chinese for Grandmother), and I’m thrilled for them – new memories, time spent with loved ones. Now we need my brother to come and visit as well!
Many of you know that coming to Hong Kong was our response to God’s leading, His prompting and our desire to be obedient to His calling. “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” Our desire is to remain faithful, to delight in His ways … even though sometimes we’re not sure what that looks like. We pray, we are seeking. We believe that God is doing something, that He is on the move. God has placed certain people in our lives to be our friends, prayer partners, people to lead, to disciple, to mentor.
Last night, I had the opportunity to have a quick 10 minute conversation with a friend back in Canada, and it was encouraging and refreshing to hear of his story and what God is doing in PEI. It almost seems that we’re living parallel lives, just on different islands!! I’m excited to see how this all unfolds – God’s timing is always perfect.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” In the midst of a busy life, busy country, busy culture, we do our best to be still and remember that He is God. I am continually learning to “Wait for the Lord and keep His way.” My prayer is that I can say, “I waited patiently for the Lord, he inclined to me and heard my cry.” Friends, I’m learning. God is growing something new in me. By nature, I’m not patient … I think I’ve shared this before.
Five months. Wow! It’s been pretty fast. One desire does remain though … “I delight to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart.” This is our desire.
Pray that this blog entry would be an encouragement to you as well. Trust Him – no matter the circumstance you find yourselves in. God is in control. He will direct your steps … when you delight in His ways. Wait patiently for Him. And remember that God is faithful and He loves you unconditionally.
Friends … it’s Wednesday evening, here in Hong Kong, which makes it Tuesday morning back in Canada. Hallowe’en has come and gone and I loved seeing some of pics on FaceBook of our friends back in Canada! Good times.
Our boys experienced a different level of ‘trick or treating’ this year – literally. They went to a couple of rooms at our current place of residence and that was it. I don’t think they really minded at all, which was encouraging. They didn’t rake in pillow case after pillow case like they’re used to, but that’s ok.
In our last Blog, we shared about some of the struggles that we continue to have, what we’re praying for, and we are thankful that you are praying with us. One story that we didn’t share with you occurred a few weeks ago now.
After our Family Fun Day at ICS, our family went for a quick dinner. On our way to the MTR station, we witnessed a father scolding his son, publicly. We stayed to watch. What we saw was disturbing. The father was reaming his son out, aggressively approached his son, motioned his hand to smack him. I yelled at him to stop. He looked at me with surprise. He didn’t know that I knew Chinese. The man eventually did slap his son across his face, kicked him and threatened him continually. Gloria called the police. I approached the kid and asked him to walk away to safety, the father yelled obscenities at me, although I didn’t even know it until later. I did finally speak up and spoke to the man in Chinese … to his surprise.
How did this end? I had the opportunity to share Christ with the kid … and in Chinese. That was a God thing. Really.
The police did come … not sure what happened after though …
Why am I sharing this story with you? Well, we are learning that this type of behavior in Hong Kong is quite common. Father’s in Hong Kong seem to be missing the point. Many are absent in their children’s lives. It’s so sad and unfortunate!
Where does Team Wong fit into all of this? If you know me or our family, something is always brewing. God has been faithful to us during our time thus far. We know that He has a plan for us. We are remaining firm despite not having a home church. Our family is trying to be as consistent as we can with Family worship. Small Group is helpful as it really forces me to dig into the Word and to share with our friends. As we’ve been praying for direction and clarity, I was reminded by a good friend, that it seems like we’re both in a fog, or as my friend said:
“It’s like there is a plan or specific direction, but I’m blind to what it is.”
Yup … this is so true. There is a sense though, that we are coming out of the fog. God has definitely placed a desire on our hearts to disciple young people here in Hong Kong. Team Wong will be starting a Life Group (aka Small Group) in a couple of weeks for some of the youth at our school. We are also praying intentionally for the launch of our home church … also probably in a couple of weeks. God is moving.
More recently, like two days ago, I went to Starbucks for a meeting with a good friend here. Shared some of our frustrations … and he said to me:
“It may seem that God is stirring something in your heart.”
And this too is true.
So much more to share friends. Gloria will be sharing the next few Blogs. Would you continue to pray for and with us as we seek the Lord for better clarity and direction.
Friends … it’s Wednesday evening, here in Hong Kong, which makes it Tuesday morning back in Canada. Hallowe’en has come and gone and I loved seeing some of pics on FaceBook of our friends back in Canada! Good times.
Going the Wong Way HK 