Saturday, January 17, 2009

Yuen Long, Jan 2009


Happy New Year to everyone! I started the new year on a wrong foot, literally. On the first day at work in the new year, I forgot to get off at the right stop. I could not blame the relocation because I was busy reading free Hong Kong morning newspaper. Instead of Yuen Long, I stopped at Long Ping, took the return train that shared the same platform, disembarked to catch the local bus and made it to office a minute before 8:30 a.m. Just when you think things could not be any worse, it did. On my return trip home I noticed the train leaving the platform, so I sprinted into the coach, only to realize it was heading in the opposite direction from my home. I was so embarassed that I walked to the nearest coach to get off, not to disappoint those who marveled at my athleticism just a minute ago. Overall, it is aboout 45 minutes from my Mei Foo home to Yuen Long office, not much different from my travel to the Tsim Sha Tsui office, except that there are snacks, fruits and drinks to buy in the TST district, whereas there is nothing but a roadside eatery around the Yuen Long office. I heard there is a Parkway at the Yuen Long station. Hopefully I can buy some goodies and make it to school by 8:30 am. At least I brought an apple today but I also bought Vitasoy for $6 from the nearby vendor/store. Before moving I was enjoying Sesame flavored soymilk. Lunch was at the same store with those present at school today. My pork chop rice costs $26. Pictures only will do justice to the neighborhood I am describing.

I finally succumbed to flu today (Jan 9). The day started off innocently. I must have caught it in between using the restroom after waking up and walking to the West Rail line. In vain I zipped up my windbreaker that did not stand a chance aginst the winds. Soon my eyes were red and I sneezed my head off non-stop, so badly that the staff encouraged me to leave 45 minutes before office ends. After dinner with a friend I popped into the local MTR station and got a bargain, two Hang Ten sweaters for $80. On the way home I stepped into the library and sneezing ensued inside the building and at home later. That was when I realize I was most likely to sneeze when the surrounding temperature changes, even when it is warm after the cold, not necessarily when it is cold.

I bought a pullover sweater from M & S on the weekend (Jan 11). Things are really expensive at the mall. I paid HK$175 for a sweater already discounted, but other stores are more expensive, from $200-500. Things are not that expensive in the States, but I doubt if locals believe it. 50%-75% discounts are common at the right time. On Tuesday (Jan 13) I found an inexpensive but inferior $99 sweater from a roadside vendor.

After two weeks in Yuen Long I am quite an expert in taking the West Rail, stopping exactly by the down escalator to the mall exit. It takes less than 20 minutes from Mei Foo. Food is another matter. I could not find a restaurant I like. Not that there are none, but I do not know what's what yet. Yesterday (Jan 14) I took a bus home instead. The travel was 25 minutes.

My wife laughed her head off as I told her I had to track down to a store farther from our residence to buy hair gel today (Jan 19) because our neighborhood store sells my father's Brylcreem only! How ridiculous. I thought the brand died out years ago. That must be the biggest joke in Hong Kong yet for me. I went to two good restaurants in Macau over the weekened, Savory Crab in Taipa for breakfast and the ground floor restaurant in Macau Tower.

Service is as good as it gets in Hong Kong. Today (Jan 20) I returned the sweater I bought exactly a week ago from a ROADSIDE VENDOR because the seams ripped apart at the bottom of the V-neck after five days of use. I can hear Wife's remarks at the back of my mind: "Nobody in Hong Kong returns things!" To trump it all, the lady politely gave me a new sweater without questions asked; she just threw it behind the cart without checking.

Exactly two weeks had passed and I have the flu again today (Jan 24), I cannot believe my misfortune! This morning as I left home, I noticed my nose was running. After lunch at Causeway Bay's Curry-in-a-Hurry, which I have not frequented since moving to Yuen Long, relatives suggested going to New Year Fair to see flowers at full bloom, but what I got was a full-blown running nose and non-stop sniffing and sneezing visiting the stalls at Victoria Park in cold weather. Hong Kong weather is around 10 degrees Celsius (50 F). Curry-in-a-Hurry is still the best fastfood curry around. Now I am worried as I have to preach tomorrow. Postscript: Preaching yesterday was well-received.

Today is Chinese New Year in Hong Kong (Jan 25). Wishing everybody a spiritually prosperous new year! At first, I thought all I have for the ocassion was a pair of new socks, a new singlet and a new sweater (the replacement sweater from the roadside vendor), but later I realized I have brought home from USA an old but unused shirt, a pair of unused pants and shoes, so here I am all brand new, feeling like a million bucks, wearing the whole nine yarn, just like when we were kids. I don't think I can do better next year. Unfortuantely, Wife said, they are mostly black. I called relatives and friends at 9 am. The festive mood here is good but not great due to the financial crisis reminders in the media. We meant to head to Tsing Yi but took the wrong West Rail coach to Kowloon, where we unexpectedly stumbled upon the exquisite Elements Shopping Center. We were impresssed. Even Shanghai Tang was there. We were surprised most shops were open. The mall was designed and arranged according to the five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, earth (金、木、水、火、土). The xiamian noodles we ordered for lunch were merely average. After dinner with Wife's sister at our place, we went to Kwai Fong for the first time and had my favorite dessert at Honeymoon Dessert (for the first time too), where I had Durian & Thai Glutinous Rice (榴槤忘返). It was really good, gives Shau Kei Wan's Ming Kee a run for the money. The latter offers durian and mango. By now I am an expert at Chinese desserts. Kwai Fong is one of those MTR stations with exits ("E" exit) leading into huge malls. We hope to visit all of them, one by one, someday.

On the third day of Chinese New Year, which is still a holiday in Hong Kong, we took a tram to The Peak, hiked the hour-long trail there, had a surprisingly pleasant lunch at 360 and enjoyed a cup of coffee while reading the papers at Starbucks, then caught a bus downhill to enjoy more sights. Hiking at the Peak trail is the lowest level of diffculty, according to Wife's side. It was truly enjoyable. No steps, low elevation, wide roads. Riding the bus, not the subway, is the way to see Hong Kong. Sometimes we take the hour's drive from relatives' place to home, just to see the streets and scenes of Hong Kong.

Our Christmas Newsletter

Blessed Christmas and a Joyful New Year

From Victor
We arrived in Hong Kong on August 18th 2008. This truly is turning a new leaf in our lives. Hong Kong is a fast-pace, hustling and crowded city. After some adjustment I am keeping pace!

I am pleasantly surprised and very thankful at how quickly I have adjusted to full-time teaching and how responsive the students were to my Bible classes. Last quarter I taught Expository Preaching, Practical Greek and Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther. While my major is in Bible Exposition, I have never taught a Bible class previously. After all, I was in the pastoral ministry for 20 years and the adjunct courses I had taught at Logos Seminary before were mainly in preaching.

After enjoying a honeymoon period at church (and seminary), I will take up more responsibility in the coming year. So far I have agreed to preach nearly once a month in English at North Point Alliance and teach Sunday school at Yan Fook Evangelical Free. More is coming, since churches here have a tradition of inviting outside speakers. Most pastors speak twice a month in their churches, thrice at most. I will also be traveling to Taiwan in March to teach an intensive class at Logos Taiwan campus.

Of course there are still many unknowns - I am not sure how my knees will hold up since my exercises are now restricted to the ground – no swimming at all. Both my English and Mandarin have somewhat deteriorated. I miss all my friends and my usual routine in U.S. Nevertheless, I trust that the Lord will guide step by step. His grace is sufficient!

From Doris
A few days ago we celebrated the beginning of our 5th month in Hong Kong! We are very thankful for all your prayers and words of encouragement. I finished my first semester at the University of Macau, working with my colleagues to develop a new clinical psychology program. After 8 years at Azusa Pacific University, it is a special treat teaching Chinese students! Letting go of the past and starting new things from “scratch” is at times difficult. However, I am thankful for all these learning and growing opportunities that draw me to the Lord.

Churches in Macao are quite different. Many of the leaders are missionaries from overseas and Hong Kong, with few originating from local. I am observing and understanding the local culture. Most weekends I travel back to Hong Kong. There are lots of opportunities to serve in the area. I am still seeking the Lord’s guidance regarding church ministries, desiring to focus only on things He wants us to do.

Let’s continue to remember one another in prayer. His blessings are wonderful, may we be filled with His presence richly in 2009!


In His love, Victor & Doris

We're Moving, Dec 2008


Yes, school's out for a month before restarting Jan 5, 2009. In the meanwhile I have lots to prepare for the next quarter, where I am scheduled to teach four classes, one at night. I should be glad for the break but I miss the students already. Last Friday (Dec 5), with BBQ and last week at school, was a lot of fun. I experience Hong Kong BBQ, in Yuen Long, for the first time. No wonder Wife talked about the fun she had those days. All in the BBQ party were given a BBQ pack, which includes two wings, two "lion's head" (獅子頭), two sausages, two fish balls, a piece of pork chop, and an extended BBQ rod to stick the food over burning charcoal. Conversations around the fire quickly killed the hours. Before long, we were done with eating at 2:30 pm, and we had to start packing for our 3:30 pm ride home!

After the picnic I took the 6 pm ferry from TST to meet Wife in Macau, where we had a leisurely weekend eating, walking and relaxing. Of course we met new friends and went to church, and I even ventured to talk to a stranger at the supermarket who speaks the same motherland language about going to church. He confessed he had been to church before working in Macau. On Monday I took the 7 am ferry from Macau to arrive at work in TST by 8:30 am, not bad for a maximized weekend. The sea got to me and I had to use medication in my bag that was intended for Wife to combat the motion sickness.

Yesterday was a rush but today (Dec 11) it was a rumble at the school when the movers came to the library, packed all the books and dismantled all the book racks. Besides moving, some students came to decorate the school for Christmas. The school treated the students for lunch and I did the same for a staff worker who stayed late. On the way home I bought two towels for $25 and an egg biscuit for $12. Like the last time in Macau, I bought the food because there was a line for it, silly isn't it? But my days in Tsim Sha Tsui are numbered. It is strange to feel a loss after less than four months there. Maybe I am making up for the lack of emotion in leaving Los Angeles in the summer. I miss friends from USA but the city (TST) in HK.

I said to my wife after reading Thomas Friedman's analysis of the mortgage mess : "I thought America has lost her way, but now she has even lost her soul."

My first Christmas is Hong Kong is over in three hours. It was a quiet and relaxing day. We went to Pacific Coffee in Cheung Sha Wan, a mere station away from Mei Foo, but it was not open, so we went to our regular Starbucks. A little before noon, we returned home for takeout sashimi, taking the food to the local park along with a can of coke from 7 Eleven.We tried to catch a movie at the local cinema but there was just one martial arts movie showing, which did not interest Wife. The long walk home was good. We were tired and slept. At 6 pm we went to eat at the local Shanghainese restaurant after failing to find a hotpot eatery. We took the long way home instead of the regular route for better food digestion.

The next day relatives called to see the same movie Ip Man (葉問). I truly enjoyed it. Both movies I have seen in Hong Kong so far are really good, including Dark Knight on the day I arrive, Aug 18. I was dying for hotpot, which we found next day. Thanks to a tip from a relative, we finally found hotpot at one of the Big Three HK fastfood chains, but the $59 they charged for five strips of beef, one stale tiger shrimp, one piece of tofu and a bigger piece of mushroom, vegetables and noodles was too much for me to stomach. A pack of NZ beef is merely $20, so go figure how much beef one can buy for $59? Definitely more than five strips. After dinner we went to Japan Home Center to buy ourselves a big pot for HK$119 for home hotpot. Now we are searching for a matching stove.

We finally moved today (Dec 30). It began with the library two weeks ago (Dec 15). The movers were so professional. The view at the new campus is scenic and peaceful. Nature is right next door. I am on the second floor of the administration building with two colleagues - perfect inside corner spot. Everyone is excited and delighted. The wait was worth it after all. The school had planned to move last quarter but the building was not ready. I missed the old school even though I was there for one quarter only, but the new campus softened the blow and dimmed the loss.

School Newsletter, Dec 2008

神學教育 ── 倍增的事工
葉福成博士
本院專任講師

讚美神帶領我們夫婦二人可以有份於祂在香港所作的事工!過去二十年,神安排我在美國的事奉,大多的時候是在南加州;但現在卻引導我和妻子來到精采活躍地帶和我們心願之處──亞洲!香港,是通往亞洲的門戶,東方之珠,而且莊稼已經熟了。

我是第三代南洋的東莞人,我的妻子則是一個道地的香港人。我們在神學院開學前的一個月 (8月18日) 抵達香港,從美國運來了一千磅重的行李,卻要等到10月1日才能搬入所要租住的房子。對我們而言,參加這個「海歸」運動的確甚有意義。過去二十年我除了在亞洲和北美有牧會的經驗之外,期間也有機會在神學院任教了九年,出版了三本著作,並在互聯網上設有自己的「空間」。五年前我在互聯網設立的講道網頁,[1] 每年平均有二十萬人次上網溜覽,我也將自己過去十年的20個講道系列的信息放在網上,[2] 與主內同道分享。

我想,假若神給我再多十年或二十年全時間事奉的機會,我必需精打細算。牧養明顯有其價值,但那是屬於一種加增的事工 (ministry by addition),而神學教育則是屬於一種倍增的事工 (ministry by multiplication)。牧會是地方性的;神學教育是全球性的,因神學院的畢業生可分佈到世界各處活躍傳福音,而不是僅僅局限在教會的四面牆壁。史祈生牧師曾說,「一個傳道人,在年輕的時候應該出去佈道,操練信心的功課。中年時,定下來牧會。年紀大了,找間神學院教書,把自己的經驗傳授給下一代。這樣,神學生學到的才不僅是書本上的知識,不致於與事奉生活脫節。」。[3]

本質上,神學教育是超越且多於知識的教授;它包括了品德的塑造,教員必須活出真理和身教,去指導學生成長。此外,更令我興奮、鼓舞甚至引以為慰的就是能幫助神學生們挖掘與實現他們從神面前所領受的潛力。

在達拉斯神學院進修神學碩士時,我主修釋經學和教牧學;在三一福音神學院進修教牧學博士時,我的主修是講道學,我甚認同中華神學院創辦人畢路得教士 (Ruth M. Brittain) 向兩名傳教士宣稱他們到中國的任務時所做出的感人回應。據《我看見了神的作為》所記載,有一名傳教士說,「我去中國將以文學為媒介,推廣基督教;」另一位說, 「我要以科學為傳教的工具。」但畢路得院長卻說出了我的心聲:「我要教聖經,使中國青年人獻身為主,明白聖經真理,藉著他們推廣基督福音給全國人民,達到中國人傳福音給中國人的目的。」當時畢教士創辦中華神學院的心意乃是「要設立一個信仰純正,以神的話語──聖經──為主題科目的高級神學」。[4]

聖經中的培訓模式是要鼓勵信徒事奉 (encouraging them to serve)(提前4:15)、裝備他們服侍 (equipping them for ministry)(弗4:12)和委託他們教導 (entrusting them the task) (提後2:2)。神學生正如一些未經琢磨的鑽石,老師們的責任是要清除他們生命的雜質。前任惠普公司(Hewlett-Packard)總裁菲奧莉娜(Carly Fiorina)曾經在一個大會上向一群領導人作出如此的分析,「領導與崗位、名稱、地位或權力都沒有任何關係。領導是一個選擇以帶來影響,去做別人不願意做的事。它是一件屬乎發掘他人潛力的職事」。[5]

神學院老師最大的報酬就是看到學生們能忠心地和精巧地去分解神的話語。我們的福分就是從神接受了這份寶貴和實際的託付,去激發引導下一代,成為一群帶有抱負,重視釋經和傳道的牧師和教師。

[1] preachchrist.com
[2] esermons.blogspot.com, epreaching.blogspot.com
[3] 滌然:《主僕史祈生》,香港:宣道出版社,1995。第48頁
[4] 何守瑛:《我看見了神的作為》,香港:中華神學院出版部,1961。第21頁
[5] http://www.sabinet.co.za/abstracts/mantod/mantod_v22_n1_a2.xml

Unfinished Business, Nov 2008

I finally got to use a washer for the first time (Nov 3). Before that we were using a tall bucket and a flat bucket to coordinate washing. The tall bucket is to soak and rinse clothes, and the empty flat bucket is to contain the clothes while the dirty water is changed and the tall bucket is refilled four times. The chore, alien to creatures used to convenience and comfort, is not such a hardship once you are used to it. I welcome a washer but I sure welcome a dryer more, so that I don't need to do ironing, which I seldom do anyway, so pardon the wrinkles on my clothes. I bought a few shirts to try out which ones need less ironing - to be my future brand of choice.

The next day (Nov 4) IKEA delivered the three book shelves I ordered to accomdate Wife's books, which were still in their unpacked boxes in the living room. Due to space constrain in Hong Kong, the over 6 feet "Billy" shelves I ordered were taller than usual. Two of them are in the guest room and one in the living room. The shelves are HK$499 each and assembly assembly and delivery are 10% each. We cannot help it, there's hardly a nail, a hammer or a plier in our house.

It might surprise you to know that we have a guest room even though our flat is merely 480 feet. Yes, we do provide friends lodging in land scarce Hong Kong. Last week we met Wife's former classmate who is presently living in Yuen Long's California Gardens, where the houses are more than 2,000 sq. feet. I surprised myself when I asked, "What do people do with over 2,000 sq. feet of living?" The irony is that my former home in Corona is more than 2,500 sq. feet and now I survive quite well on 480 sq. feet. Surprisingly, the unpacked 600-700 lbs of books covered only two shelves, I have one to spare. The living room now looks pleasant without the stacked boxes lying around. If only the building management company would hurry with the clothesline, which we do not have in our flat (apartment). Drying clothes without the dryer is hard enough.

Where's the recession? On the day (Nov 16) Hong Kong news reported the city is officially in a recession - two successive shrinking economic quarters, we could not find a lunch table at Maxim Palace in Tai Koo. How ironic. At 11:30 am we were designated # 130 plus but the immediate numbers called were in the # 90 plus, so customers clearly had to wait. There was no way in the world we would wait that long, so we wandered to the nearby Peking Garden 北京樓 just a few stores away where there was no waiting. The two are sister restaurants.

I am obligated to write this since today (Nov 29) is Thanksgiving weekend in USA. We have been in Hong Kong for 3 months and 13 days since our Aug 18 arrival. I am most thankful for the opportunity to be a transplant here after 20 years in USA. We had our share of sacrifices - house, comfort and space - but it was all worth it. Wife said I have discovered that teaching Bible courses fit me like a glove. It does, as the students no doubt agree. This goes to show, as the spouse says, that I have talents lazy to use! The last nine years in USA brought out the best of my teaching skills to in the field of preaching, but teaching Bible courses is just as satisfying, if not more. Students are excited and encouraged by the stride they have made in exposition, especially after working through Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Believe me, they know more those books than me now. Usually, I let them do the talking, letting them see their unlimited potential unleashed before their eyes.

Home Sweet Home - Oct 2008

The new month got off to a perfect start. Yes, I moved into my new apartment near Mei Foo MTR, but the address is in Kwai Chung’s Ching Lai Court on 264 Lai King Hill Road. I wrote this part on the first day of the month (Oct 1), which is a public holiday in Hong Kong. The IKEA movers called a day before to deliver my sofa and bed at 1 pm, Sept, 30, but I told them my appointment was at 6-10 pm. They apologized and said they will come at 6:30 pm, but they did not arrive till 11:35 p.m. and finished assembling the furniture the following day at 12:35 a.m. in the morning! They charge 10% more for delivery and another 10% for assembly.

While waiting for the movers, I scouted the nearest Starbucks located within Princess Margaret Hospital, minutes walking uphill on Lai King Hill Rd, the same road. After that I visited the Parkson Superstore on Lai King Hill Rd, which I regretted because I ended up buying a lot of stuff, including a big container of liquid detergent. Walking uphill home was murder with three bags of groceries. I promise myself not to do something that stupid again since there is a neighborhood store nearer us. Dinner was simple bread and bbq pork sandwich, the lateer courtesy of Wife’s sister. At 9:04 pm I went downstairs to the neighborhood store to get soap and shampoo, but they were closed, so I had to trekked all the way to the Parksons near MTR. Since I was there I decided to pick up a bag of rice, too, which I previously chose not to do due its weight. The movers did not come, so I watched the classic “Dragon Inn” which a colleague loaned to me. His father was one of the bad guys in the movie!

Moving day cannot be more dramatic: IKEA’s midnight delivery yesterday, and today local movers transporting my belongings from relatives’ residence besides another trucking company's 800 lbs. of overseas shipment arriving the same day, and finally, TV/Internet technicians coming on Saturday. I can hardly complain because all went well. The stacked boxes at home did not bother me even though competition for space is fierce. Home is merely 480 sq. feet and rent is HK$8,000 monthly, which less than a fifth of my previous house size but thrice its cost! Amazingly we still have room for house guests. The real estate agent told me there are around 60 real estate offices around the Mei Foo MTR area.The simple life purchases so far (HK$):
Sinomax 3” mattress, $2,040.50
IKEA Solsta sofabed, $899
IKEA Dalsev bed frame, $599
24 cm frying pan $179
18 cm saucepan $49.90
Adjustable rails-hooks (for wardrobe) $209
Hanging sweater bag (for wardrobe) $70.90
Used refrigerator $580

Be careful for what you wish for. The hot weather made a dramatic turn on Sunday (Oct 5). It was raining cats and dogs, so we took a taxi from Mongkok to the church I was speaking. I heard an MTR official said that it was "yellow level," next serious to "black level." A friend remarked he has never seen rain throughout whole day like that for a long time. Yup, not even on typhoon day. I asked Wife if we can share an umbrella to save labor, she answered, "Are you kiddig me?" The next day I was still OK and the weather was not hot and sticky like before, so much so I forgot to take a shower by 11 pm, which was too late to do so because my hair needs at least 90 minutes to dry in humid Hong Kong before I go to sleep. By Tuesday morning I was sneezing. I told a friend I met over lunch that I had allergies, but he said Hong Kong has virus, no allergies, meaning I was sick. I sneezed till my shoulders ached. The weather is so cool today (Oct 8) that I almost forget to shower again another time. I even begin wearing those cotton singlets again for a week to keep my body warm after giving up on them for good just last month.

Hong Kong cable is so lame. I finally bought a TV (Oct 15) to go with the cable I had already ordered and had installed more than a week ago, but to my frustration (and to the apartment management) I couldn't get it to work. I even invited the building security person to lend me a hand but he failed, too, even though it was not his fault. He came twice, the second time after 11 pm, to check on me and the TV. The next day a staff from the school who was formerly a handyman came over and he couldn't figure out the problem either. The cable guy came by the next day and discovered that the cable line is faulty; according to him, a problem common to many customers. Also, TV and cable are not integrated in Hong Kong. He said I have to use the TV remote "source" button to switch to "TV" for regular programming and to "AV" for cable, isn't that ridiculous? One has to be a genius to guess that cable is hiding behind the AV screen. By the way, can someone tell me what does AV mean and who came up with these devices anyway? It makes me regret ordering cable because I still have to buy a $12 TV line at Japan Home Centre日本城. Well, at least I have a student's help. The cable guy said previously they had a box to integrate both. How in the world do they live up to their "smart boxes" name in Chinese, I do not know!

I finally opened a bank account yesterday (Oct 21) at HSBC after two months two days in Hong Kong! Neither BEA nor HSBC would allow me to open one without proof of address, which I did not even have after renting an apartment on Oct 1. I had a government-stamped apartment contract but they would not honor it. Next I brought my cable bill, but they want to see my passport. Even after I finally brought bill and passport, they almost demanded to see my work contract, until they realize I have an identity card, even though it is not a permanent residence card, isn't that ridiculous? A pastor who returned to Hong Kong a month earlier than me told me he couldn't get an I-phone without a credit card, which is my next target. HSBC wants us to open a HK$50,00 time deposit in exchange for a credit card with HK$40,000 limit. Of course, giving them free cash flow is not an option. A few days later, I found out that I do not have checks sent to me because I have to use my ATM card to order them. Why didn't they tell me that in the first place? Or did they? Maybe they did, but the sytsem is too unfamiliar to pick it up all at once. By the way, do you know the Hong Kong postman does not pick up mail at home on the way out; he is only responsible for dropping them off! Customers will have to mail their letters at the post office. How inconvenient.

Tsim Sha Tsui - Sept 2008

This is my first day at Tsim Tsa Tsui and at the office. One of my colleagues took me out for lunch at Spaghetti House, a franchise similar to Spaghetti Factory. The $62 set lunch I had was a good price for what we had: soup, mini-salad, entree and coffee. Nothing to shout about but the coffee helped me last the rest of the afternoon at the office. However, the $33 Italian set dinner I had at Maxim's was better. With a $3 coupon in my hand, the entree and soup combination was unbeatable. The day went well. I arranged my things, hung my diplomas, wiped my office, loaded some programs, visited the library and read some office brochures, minutes and history.

Hong Kong people are notorious for working late. I tried to leave at 5 pm but no one budged, so I washed my mug, used the restroom, and checked my mail. My stalling did not work, no one made a move, so I asked for an office handbook to see if the office hours are till 5 or 6 pm, but there was none at hand. I finally left at 5:25 pm, the first to leave. This will be in my record for years to come, I guess. Curiously enough, a colleague even called me at 5:01 pm to discuss a matter. At least I was not the last to arrive at the office. At 8:15 am, I was 15 minutes early, yet all but one was earlier than me. I found out next day that office hours were till 5:30 pm, so I had left five minutes early, not overstayed 25 minutes!

Going to Macau on the weeked (Sept 5) was a comedy of errors. First, I forgot my passport, but I read on the internet that identity card holders like me with numbers that begin with "R" can just use their I.D. to enter Macau without any other travel document. A colleague told me the same thing, but I was stopped. So I called sister-in-law, who offered to rush the passport to me at the Tsim Sha Tsui ferry terminal. I had wanted to meet her halfway at other subway stations but I had too many luggages. A number of complications ensued. I rushed to the ticket counter to change my ticket, but the agent said I cannot change it with part of the stub missing, since I had passed the entrance hall once but was stopped by customs agents. My only way out is to go to the entrance again and asked for the first half of the stub back, which I did, half-running another 100 meters. After changing my ticket I could not go on the next ferry that operates every half an hour, supposedly the next one at 7:30 pm. The complication is that the ferry operates every HOUR after 7 pm at this less popular ferry (Another destination - Seung Wan - is more popular since it has ferry service to Macau every 15 mins ). I ended up taking the 8 pm instead of the 6 pm or 7:30 pm ferry. No wonder my leg cramped again sleeping that night. It happened to my weaker left leg when I turn my body to the side in the night. On my return I asked a customs agent why I still needed a passport with "R" on my passport, she replied, "Not that 'R," it's another 'R' at another place on the card!" Macau is pretty boring, but not all is lost. We ate Portugese food at the fisherman's wharf after an savory experience at a tea restaurant when I ordered a bowl of Portugese spicy fish noodles. What Portugese fish? It was laughable sardine fish right out of the can, plus three mini chilis! On, Macau working hours: 9:30 am- 1pm; LUNCH - 1-2:30 pm, 2:30-5:30 pm!

MTR Madness (Sept 9). Speaking of sardines, that was how I felt when I took a coach from Admiralty (Chung Wan) to Wan Chai at 6:40 pm to dine with my American friends who were in town. They told me they were in the previous train that reopened three times due to passengers obstruting or crowding the doors. When my turn came, I was no better, being the last to enter the door. The young lady beside me had her hand firmly holding the pole by the door to stabilize herself, thereby giving me no room to enter or maneuver without pushing her hand away, which would be very rude. I have never seen so many people packed in a train, never mind been in one, which reminds me of a scene from Japan where porters shove borderline passengers in with a big broad broom. Canned sardines have more space, I swear. The weirdest thing is the exit at the next stop is not on my side anymore, but on the other side. Not to risk missing my stop, I began saying "excuse me" to the nearest one of ten people blocking my exit. To my relief, she was getting off too, so I just followed her lead.

The next day, I was disoriented catching a train. I usually stop at Admiralty and then change to Tsim Sha Tsui, but that day, while reading the papers, I got off a stop earlier at Wan Chai without knowing it. Of course, I couldn't find a connecting train and so I stopped on the escalator like others to the concourse, but the surroundings look different, so I did not exit. Asking the ticket office, I realized the mistake, dashed downstairs to continue on the next train to Admiralty. To compound my mistake, I went up the concourse area again at Admiralty, thinking I was at Tsim Sah Tsui, because I was used to making two stops to reach the office. I scurried downstairs again only to bump into Wife's friend, who later told my wife she saw me at the subway. I still made the office by 8:30 am.

The most unique lunch I had so far was at Tsim Sha Tsui Canton Road Harbour City's Curry-in-a-Hurry. I went there twice in one week, once with a coworker and another with a spicy enthusiast. I must admit I have enough of Chinese fast food at Maxim, Cafe de Coral and Fairwood, and also mooncakes from well-wishers at the office.

The first attempt (Sept 15) to withdraw money from a Hong Kong ATM machine was laughable . My Hong Kong cash reserve was running low due the inability to set up a HSBC bank account until we get a local address, which is pending till the landlord signs a contract with us at the end of the month on the flat we seek to rent. So far so good? Further, I will get my salary only after my first month's work, not before. Not dipping into the Hong Kong (BEA) branch of my US bank account was not an option with $60 left in my wallet and $17 left in my Octopus card. I did have some cash from office reimbursement but my wife's need was more urgent and she left the ATM card to me. So Wife and her sister brought me to a Bank of China (sister bank with Bank of East Asia) teller in the nearby mall to teach me how to withdraw from my US account. However, that failed, too, not because I was too slow reading the Chinese words (which I was), but because the screen ended saying "Connection Busy," not the more common "Out of Cash. Please Try Again." Wife's sister exclaimed she had never ever saw the sign before. Feeling broke did not stop me from putting my last $60 into my Octopus card so that I can return home from lunch at Jordan with old friends . Finally, I was penniless and the beneficiary of two lunches in a row - one yesterday after worship. I went to the same unfriendly teller on the way home and tried again; this time I managed to withdraw $1,000. Besides feeling guilty, I needed the money as cushion since I am going to an office retreat that stretches over three days this week.

So far I have stuck to my stubornness of showering only once a day despite the heat. The secret is to shower when you no longer need to go out again and when the sun is down. The biggest threat was when a friend called before 9 pm (Sept 16) the night before he was to return the next morning to the States. I was reluctant to meet him at Central after taking my shower, but I had a receipt to give to him. He took me to IFC the day after the Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy. It was eerie but all was normal. I caught the MTR before 11:30 pm and returned home at 11:41 pm, skipping the shower and just "wiping the body" going to bed, since the bedsheets were due for a wash the next day.

After retreat (Sept 19) we took a regular bus instead of the min-bus due heavy rain that day. As I was about to get off the bus with everybody else, a friend I have not met for 25 years stepped into the bus. Hong Kong is that small. I noticed him and greeted him, but alas I could not get off the bus while I was still talking since I was the last in line to disembark, too. The students called me and asked if I was OK, worried that I was new in town.

The day before the second typhoon (Sept 24) hit was a hot day. After the typhoon barely left by morning, I had to go to work even though most schools were closed, but I am not complaining. If classes were canceled that Wednesday, I had to make it up with students and I already have next Wednesday's class to make up since it is another holiday. Can you imagine having to make up the first two of 10 Wednesday morning classes before school even starts? I wanted to wear long sleeves to school but Wife insisted I should wear a singlet especially when I wear white because of its transparency. I tried it but could not stand cotton sticking to my skin, so I stuck to wearing long sleeves without a singlet underneath my white shirt. I do not know how Hong Kong men could stand wearing singlets or undergarments here with the stifling heat.

Guest Book

Guest Book
Visitors to my office:
Frankie (Sept 9, 2008)
Waylon (Sept 9, 2008)
Albert (Sept 10, 2008)

Visitors to my home:
Michael (Sept 28, 2008)
Hongi (Oct 14-16, 2008)
Joan (Nov 22, 2008)
Paul, Ruth, Thomas, Theo (Dec 28, 2009-Jan 2, 2009)
Calvin (Jan 1, 2009)
Seahawk (May 20, 2009)
TY (Aug 17-19, 2009)
Alan (Oct 17, 2009)

Pastor Yap, I enjoy very much reading your blog

Pastor Yap, I enjoy very much reading your blog
Pastor Yap,

I enjoy very much reading your blog of your first week experience in HongKong. Take care of your body and don't get more blisters. Are you taking vitamin and mineral pills to prevent cramping during sleep?

May God bless you new ministry in HK?

Love in Christ

Corona

*****

Hey Victor,

Good to hear from you. Good summary on your first 8 days. You better get use to walk your legs off in Hong Kong. I totally agree with you on getting the change back from the waiter. I had the same uncomfortable feeling every time they hand me that folder with change. Never sure what to take from the change. So different from the U.S.

Keep us posted on how you are doing in HK. Are you going to teach in English or Cantonese? I would love to hear you teach in Cantonese.

New Jersey

*****

Dear Doris and Pastor Victor,

Thank you for sharing your first week’s experience with us. I enjoy reading your blog. If my spiritual life keeps on growing, someday I will enjoy reading your sermons as much as reading your blogs. Haha!

Monterey Park

*****

Hi Victor -

Ho yeh--escape from L.A.! Blessings on your new adventure. Thanks for all the sermons you've sent out, I especially like so many of your opening illustrations.Would love to visit you in H.K., maybe someday.

No Cal

*****

Dear professor Yap,

We really enjoy reading your blogs and attending your classes.Your messages help us a lots. We like to refer your blogs to friends.Thanks for your kindness to share and your great sight from God.May God bless your stay in Hong Kong.Albert and I will miss you a lots, and Hope you come back soon.Thanks again! please keep us in touch with your e-mail.
With blessings
El Monte

*****

Blog to Blog:
Gummy said...
Hey Pastor!! =) Glad you are safe and (semi) settled in HK! Say Hi to Doris for us! =)-G&S
August 26, 2008 7:23 PM

Cheong-Yin said...
Hey Pastor Yap, welcome to Hong Kong~ You are here already?! Where are you living now? Yuen Long is a long way. Haha now all my pastors are in Hong Kong. This is calvin
August 26, 2008 9:01 PM

tapeinophrosune said...
Hong Kong is a colorful place! Hope you enjoy it. It will take some time to really get to know it. It carries valuable memory of my first 17 years on earth. I'll see you in a month perhaps. I'll call you when I get there. Michael
August 26, 2008 9:44 PM

It is hot in Eastvale said...
I really enjoy reading your blog. A lot of your new discoveries are old songs to me. I should've gotten you a "Hong Kong Survival Guide" before you left. But then again, my life are full of should've and could've...I miss talking to you already.
August 27, 2008 10:15 PM

Welcome to Hong Kong


Welcome to Hong Kong
After arriving in Hong Kong on Aug. 18, we bought train tickets (Octopus HK$100 cards) at the booth on the left to the "City Train" entrance. The train whisked us to our destination, Hong Kong (stopping either at Tsing Yi, Kowlooon, or Hong Kong), where we paid $90 (US$1=HK$7.8) for a taxi to take us to Kornhill Gardens, $15 for luggages included. It was really convenient, inexpensive and painless, even with 4 big luggages and 4 carry-ons, 2 laptops. Porters were at the destinations preparing carts/trolleys for users.

The next day we proceeded to the Immigration Department in Wan Chai to get a temporary identity card as a walk-in, lining up with a bunch of others before the office opens. We were given a 10 am appointment and, sure enough, all was like clock work. Next we went for early lunch at the nearby Crystal Jade, where I was given a lesson on finer dining. It seems the definition of fine dining is when 10% gratuity is included in your total bill. It was initimidating collecting the coins left from the change the waitress handed to me in a folder, with the waitress hovering beside holding it. After that, Wife and her sister said to leave the change behind next time in "high-end (gao dang) restaurants." Now they tell me.

On Thursday we took the 8:45 am ferry to Macau because Wife had to get some things done there. We exited to the left and within walking distance was the beautiful and unique Fisherman's Wharf, second to none of its kind. The architecture reminds me of Malaysia's Malacca, another Portugese colony. The weather report the rest of the day was ominous. A typhoon was brewing, possibly the worst of its kind, and it was expected to touch down the next day, the date of our return ticket to Hong Kong. Passengers may change their tickets to another time within the day, but not to another day. Early the next morning we rushed to the ferry but all services were canceled that day due to the No. 8 typhoon weather, which last occurred five years ago. About 150 plane flights in Hong Kong were grounded. By now, our hotel privileges have expired, so we decided to find a hotel near the ferry before cars are turned away from crossing the bridge to the city in a typhoon. We instructed the taxi driver to drop us nearby an inexpensive hotel.

What happens next is most amusing, which is a reminder that there is no escaping from former churchh members even half the world away. We bumped into a youth from church and his father on the way to the hotel. I vaguely remembered his mother in US telling me five days ago his son was leaving on a trip, which was the reason he was not at church the last day I was in the States. Before we were able to leave the next day, we had bumped into one another four times in the hotel lobby, even staying at the same floor.

At the end of the first week (Monday) in HK, I have finally found my bearing, all in the form of an old friend - Starbucks! Sunday was the worst day so far. I was so spent and frustrated due to the list of things to do. After attending ECC's 9:45 am service in TST's YMCA, we had lunch and headed to Mei Foo to hunt for an apartment, altogether viewing seven units, and then we proceeded to Yuen Long to scout China Bible Seminary's new location. At the subway in New Yuen Long Center, we waited in vain for two mini-buses to stop for us due its limited capacity, wasting 30 minutes in the process. We finally found the seminary after half an hour walking in the blazing sun searching for its entrance, which is right next door to the Vineyard Gardens. Returning to the subway, we stopped for a drink before we dropped into another realty office, this time seeing four apartments in the center itself. It was 6:45 pm by the time we reached home. After dinner, I trekked out by myself to Pacific Coffee, ordered a drink and read the papers for m,y downtime.

There is no "air" to breathe or place to relax in HK, so I have to stake out my space, which I did not realize I need. On Monday, Wife told me she was heading to Starbucks to do some work due to the stifling heat at home, her sister's place. At first I thought she meant the Starbucks that is at least a bus stop away, but then she said, "Oh, you didn't know a new one opened in the mall across the street?" Seated on the sofa enjoying reading Herald Tribune and Wall Street Journal provided there but not at other coffee places, I realized I was home. Just as new immigrants to the States are dismayed at USA papers' extended coverage of local news and limited view of foreign news, I felt the same way about South China Morning Post and China Daily News. The local papers are rich in content but not in commentary, focuing on activities but not analysis. I had trouble with the electrical outlet there, but an employee single-mindedly solved it.

In the first eight days, I have cramps four times in my sleep - one longer than others, and three blisters to show, two on my left foot and one on the right. We must have walked 5 miles yesterday (Aug 26), walking from the Central Libary to Causeway Bay with a full-size laptop on my backpack in search of a cellphone and back. Unfortunately we cannot do a thing without the proof of a local address (utilities), including opening a bank account and getting a credit card. From Causeway Bay we took the subway back to Quarry Bay, walking endlessly in the local farmers market for fresh produce and ending up with three mini plastic bags in each of our hands - mine with tofu, fish and mushrooms. We decided to shop at the supermarkets in the future in return for higher prices but less walking. Oh, I also got online with my laptop for the first time at the Central Library, which offers free wifi.

I have finally sent out my first weeks' blog, the reward is reading friends' comments (see next blog). Yesterday (Aug 27) was a good day. I have mastered the art of minimum sweating, so seeing a pastor in Lai Chi Kok and house hunting in Mei Foo and then in Sheung Wan were not so bad after all. The average rent in Mei Foo's Ching Lai Court is $9,000 and in Sheung Wan's Hong Wai Garden is $12-13k. The secret to sweating less is to leave home by 8 am, walk in the shade provided by the tall buildings and, if need to, take a bus to connect from the subway to your destination. Further, the fan is working overtime when I use the computer, sleep at night (not directly though at the person) and laze in the living room. I am even considering turning the fan on when I exercise. Nowadays, I pay the $2 bus fare instead of climbing the countless steps (188, I counted!) leading to my sister-in-law's place.

Tipping is not an exact science. If 10% is included in the check, leave the coins behind but take the bills. If dinner in the air-conditioned neighborhood diner, leave less than $20 for less than $400 bill, which was what I saw Wife did. If in local eatery (wonton noodles), tipping is not expected. If relatives change the rules, I'll let you know. One time they talked about taking the leftover coins in a 10% inclusive restaurant. If they bend more rules, I will make my own rules.

I had dinner with a friend in Shatin last night (Aug 28). Taking the subway by myself there for the first time is a challenge. Fearing I did not have enough Octopus fare for the return trip, I added $100 to the card. The first two times were a failing venture because the money did not slip into the slot, so I have withdraw my Octopus card. When the first time failed, I shifted to the machine of the the successful user next to me, thinking mine must be fauty. Reading the instructions the second failed attempt, I realized that the user must wait till a green light flashes before slipping the bills into the slot. The third time was a bust, too, which I did not reliaze until I had crossed the turnstiles, which indicated that my Octopus card was till at $59. I was sure I had shoved the money in as prompted by the green light, but now I realized I may have ejected my card before value was added. No wonder I remember seeing a customer assitance light flashing. At first I thought I bumped into buttons by mistake, but I was in a hurry to check. Well, I would not have figured out what I did wrong anyway. Another lost cost?

Today is the last day of the month, and tomorrow is my first day at the office. I gave up trying to beat the heat, so I bought singlets by myself today. Sweating on the first day at your job may give others a different idea and the phrase a different connotation. Ringing up a purchase at a HK departmet store is quite different from elsewhere. The customer does not go straight to the cashier; instead a sales rep will write an order for the customer to pay at the counter before he returns with his paid receipt in hand as proof to the same rep to obtain his purchase. Weird, isn't it? A sales rep wrote up a $40 slip for the single round-neck T-shirt singlet I liked before I saw a special offer of $43 for two T-shirts for a different brand. I took the two-piece offer to the register and bought that instead and did not hand in the former write-up or return it. I wonder if that is allowed? Guilt feelings followed me though. Can you believe that the average T-shirt here is more expensive than the Hanes 3-piece pack at Target? I still resist exchanging my thick socks for polyester socks. September weather promises to be more favorable.