I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me!

Well....4 finals down, 1 to go! This past week has been dedicated to final exams and studying, but as always I managed to fit in a few adventures along the way. On Thursday night, Sarah and I went into the city to drop off shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. This is the first year Operation Christmas Child has come to HK and Sarah helped jump-start the program at Lingnan! Seeing all the boxes lined up, waiting to be delivered to the children was pretty neat! That same night, Sarah and I were invited to dinner at our Senior Hostel Tutor's fathers' home on Hong Kong island. She grew up in public housing, and her father still lives there and she felt Sarah and I should see what over 60% of Hong Kong people call "home." Upon arriving her father spoke no English, but was very hospitable and all smiles. There whole apartment flat was smaller than my bedroom. We ate around a small table, and had some enjoyable conversations (I tried speaking a little Mandarin with her dad). It truly was an eye-opening experience, it was crazy to me to think that over 60% of HK people live that way.

Today, Sarah and I took a 20 minute walk to the local temple in Tuen Mun. After our visit to the temple, we headed to Hong Kong island to do some major shopping..and let me tell you, we did some damage! I can't believe I only have 7 days left in Hong Kong! Wow, where has the time gone?


hundreds of shoe boxes


A package ready to be sent to a child in need


more shoe boxes!

Operation Christmas Child

Tuen Mun Temple

What a specimen!

It was a gorgeous temple...who knew it was right under our noses?

Another gorgeous flower

views from the temple with the mountains in the background.

Tai O Fishing Village

This past weekend I spent most of my time dedicated to studying for finals, but no worries I did have a day of “me” time! On Sunday, we decided to go to the Tai O fishing village which is located on the Northwestern portion of Lantau island. In order to get there we took a 2 hour ferry ride from the Tuen Mun piers. Tai O fishing village is home to the Tanka people, who have built their homes on stilts above the tidal flats for many generations because they do not feel safe on land. The landscape was beautiful and the local markets were tons of fun to walk through (although the markets did have a bit of a “fishy” smell). We finished our day by watching the sunset on Tai O and then had an adventurous trip back to Hong Kong

3 finals down, 2 to go! Home in 11 days. The feeling is definitely bittersweet. Can’t wait to see everyone, but I will miss this wonderful experience/opportunity!



The girls and I did a final dinner at the Peak...on the way up to dinner. I call it "building in a building" haha


sunset at the peak



gorgeous

Tai O fishing village

hundreds of homes on stilts

more stilt houses, with mountains in the background. They sure do have a view.

Stilt houses

Beach on Tai O

sooo pretty = )

Mountains.

Tai O fishing village

stray dog, he was sooo cute..I want to take him home in my suitcase!

local market, measuring live fish...yuck!

sunset on Tai O

Tis' the Season Falalala lalala--Pre-Christmas Hot Pot Celebration

Last night, English Bible Exploration hosted a Pre-Christmas Hot Pot Celebration! It began with Sarah, Laura, Sunny, and I heading to the wet market to pick up supplies, we got tons of dumplings and vegetables for the hot pots (we were expecting around 30 guests!). We then headed back to Hostel F and started the preparations for party! As soon as guest began to arrive we started singing Christmas carols, which was tons of fun! Then, some of us shared our faith and how bible exploration has helped us grow, and it was really interesting to here our different stories. Finally, it was hot pot time! We had four hot pots and everyone crowded around them, and we ate until we couldn't eat anymore! We finished the night off with Pastor Dale talking about faith and some dessert! All and all, it was a wonderful evening!

ps...I've started listening to Christmas music in Hong Kong! The only thing I'm missing is bitter cold weather and snow to get me in the spirits!!



some of the bible exploration girls at hot pot!



Pastor Dale



Wendy!

singing Christmas Carols

More singing...

Sarah was really proud of her artwork!

setting up for the event!

before hot pot began...everything still looked nice and orderly

setting up for Pre-Christmas Hot Pot

A Beatle's Christmas in TMT Plaza

Beatle's Christmas cont'

Happy Holidays

TMT Plaza Christmas Tree

"Hello Melyssrrrrr, Melyssrrrrr"

Thanksgiving in Hong Kong will definitely be some thing I will always remember. On Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), a few of us went to the local mall and had some pizza (we tried to eat some Western food in order to feel more at home!) On Friday, some of the American exchange students went to Sunny's (one of the exchange student's from Augie) Aunt's home. We had the traditional Thanksgiving meal and it was delicious!! Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie...we did have a few Chinese dishes as well!

So, what am I thankful for this year:

1. I'm thankful for this amazing experience/opportunity! It truly has been life-changing!

2. I'm thankful for all the new friends I've made here, and also all my friends at home..who keep me updated on all the latest gossip..just kidding! ; )

3. I'm thankful for my family because they are all WONDERFUL!

Thanks again to everyone who has sent me facebook messages, e-mails, skype calls, cards, and anything else...I love hearing from everyone and it always brightens my day!

Also, side story on the title of this posts ("hello Melyssrrr, Melysssrrrrr): Everyday when I leave or return to my hostel, Bing Bing, the security guard, always greets me with a "hello Melyssrrrr" and I just think it's the cutest thing! Bing Bing is an extremely nice person, and she is always at the security desk (sometimes I think she sleeps here!) Alot of people here can't say my name right because the "a" comes out sounding like a "r." The pronouncing my name wrong with def. be one of my memories, so I thought I'd share it with you all!