A little History

Here is a bit of retelling how this all began for us. 5 years ago we went on a crazy whirlwind move to Shanghai China. If my memory is correct, it was about 2 months from when we first heard about the job, till when Brad was boarding his flight. He went for the month of December to check everything out, start his job, and find a place for us to live. He came back for 3 wks, we packed some/gave away most of our stuff, and flew back with the family. Our little people were 4, 2 and 9 months at the time. We had always longed to move and work overseas, but China had never been a destination we thought of. My heart quickens as I remember that time. We were so excited. It is one of those times when you know that you know that you know you are doing exactly what is meant for you to do. Brad was working as a supervisor of 'Canadian style homes', which translates to million dollar wood frame homes. Our family quickly fell in love with the people and the country. It was also a time of being shown continually that we were in the exact right place at the right time. After only 6 months we believed it was time to return to Canada. At the time not everything made alot of sense, but hind site is a wonderful thing. Quickly upon returning we realized all we wanted to do was go back. It had changed from an adventure to a calling. Often when people would ask me about China, I would start crying. Our hearts longed to return. There was one minor problem, we didn't know how we would get back. We re-applied with the same company, but no openings. So we entered into a season of waiting. Now we all know we live in a society of instant gratification, so being in a long season of waiting is not the popular or comfortable place to be. But once again, hind site. There was much growing of character and vision that we have gone thru, and now we are perfect and ready to go back. HA HA just kidding. (I am more than ever aware that life is a journey of growth) We were given an amazing community of friends who supported us during this time. That was the hugest of blessings.
Almost a year ago, friends of ours already in Hong Kong, connected us with a man who is part of an organization that has a Youth Rehabilitation Center in Hong Kong, as well as 5 orphanages on the main land of China. We drove to Vancouver to meet with him, and after being just moments from missing him, had an amazing visit. We both knew immediately this was the kind of man and vision we could follow. Brad then flew to Hong Kong last fall to check things out further. At that time we decided that Brad would take the Teaching English as a Second Language course at our local university to give us extra credentials for being in Hong Kong. He began this last fall and will finish in April. After he has completed his practicum we are free to go. At this point we are really hoping for that to be sometime between this spring and fall. Spring preferably, but again.....being patient with the waiting. I was told once to 'not despise the waiting'. It is a good time for us a family to process this move. Our little people are now 9,7 and almost 6.
So, there you have it. As with all our stories, there are a million small pieces that I wish I could share with all of you. It is sooo good to remember those cornerstones in our lives.
Welcome to our journey.

Our First Post

A new blog is like the biggest new piece of paper ever. So much to fill, so much potential. These are the pages that will share our journey with you. I have many ideas of what may fill these blank spaces, but I also know, that there is so much I don't know. That for me, is the true excitement. We will use this as a way for everyone to be able to follow our journey of moving to Hong Kong. Last time we went overseas we did the "way to long emails that only family actually read to the end." I can't say this will be just a move to Hong Kong blog, but a journal of our families adventures in life. Welcome along for the ride.
Cris