Yesterday (1st) I rewrote to an interested missions agency and the group was still open to welcome me. I can do a lot in Hong Kong but there's much to be done outside too, so I hope to do both. Today is the second last day to the quarter. The students will give me a farewell tomorrow. The Lord is leading me elsewhere, that I am certain. With my domicile problems I have no choice but to leave. By the way I got a wonderful photo album with lots of students' photos in it.
Today (6) is a relaxing public holiday in Hong Kong, but the hot and humid weather tires me out. It is hard to get motivated. Morning was at Starbucks and afternoon was nap time after eating the traditional rice dumpling, which was really good. Starbucks was packed with students getting together to study for exams. We took a walk in the afternoon. I swam once more at 6pm to make up for tomorrow's trip to Macau. Wife put extra effort into the new book, which I do not think will be ready by October at the rate we are going.
My mind is quite made up about missions, even though a tiny door was still left open until today (8th). I know this is crazy, but missions school "will add another 200 full time master level students this year," according to the president. So now I know why the local door was closed to me at the last minute. The need overseas is much greater, almost overwhelming. I was asked inside the lift today if there is a chance I could change my mind. I said a small chance, but according to my previous request to teach in school. The answer given was that it is out of the reach of people in charge and we left it at that. I guess that is the last confirmation and the point of no return.
Graduation was yesterday (10th), my last with school. I had to fight back tears when "Make Me a Blessing" was sung at the end. It was a good three years, where I hone my teaching skills from general to good. Now I have a balance in teaching students literary and grammatical studies. The two are crucial and indispensable to jumpstart a preacher's teaching and preaching. I am sure it will make a difference, even an overhaul, in their ministry. Experience is priceless. I can't wait for the ten-year window ahead.
Day 2 in Taiwan, where I arrived last night to teach a five-days' Logos D Min class beginning today (13th). The airlines Eva was really impressive, lots of legroom.The president from L.A. was here for a change, so I gave him my latest book as soon as I arrived as he is leaving today. This morning he surprised me by bringing me breakfast, including mangoes, lychee and durian! The only thing missing is coffee, so I am determined to scour the neighborhood as I already spotted a 7-11. This morning was productive. I had already gone through half of a sermon that a former student edited.
I found my bearing in Taiwan on Day 3 (14th) after I strolled downhill for dinner. Our location is at Christ's College. At the bottom of the hill was the Danshui subway in Taipei and besides it was a Starbucks, where I enjoy a cup of coffee before trekking uphill, which was a challenge. Vendor food was okay, not spectacular, but eating at a table by the busy roadside was special. I paid T$120 for a large bowl of Ramen and T$60 for a small coffee. Just yeasterday I paid T$25 for coffee at local 7-11. I shouldn't complain because I also found a Wellcome supermarket nearby. Two more days to go.
Yesterday (18th) was my last day in Taiwan, my third straight year there. As a result I was more relaxed and had more fun with the students, ten of them. An older colleague there claimed he discovered me in theological education more than ten years ago. No matter what, I owe them, no doubt. I have quite a name among Taiwanese, more renowned than in Hong Kong. It was hot but I enjoyed my nights there. The Taiwanese are more passionate than Hong Kong people, who are quite stoic and less trusting, almost cold. Yet I am glad to be back, especially passing by a mall today.
Signed and sealed yesterday (20th) in more ways than one, literally. First, I returned my acceptance offer for missions that was sent to me more than a week ago, but the scan was not of good quality, so I will send by mail tomorrow. Second, is the completion of an 18-chapter manuscript for my new book on Bible Couples entitled 執子之手。I have rediscovered the joy of writing with this book. Wife's work on it makes it even more exciting.
I am close to the end of my three year service at school, and today the reality sinks in. This morning I was informed I have 6 days and 4 hours of leave left. A friend did the math and for me and said that I do not even have to go into Yuen Log office at all, but teach two days at TST till July 30, my last day, to finish my term. That got me thinking that I have to take things home from office and call time on Yuen Long office days.
It is a hot day over the weekend (25th) but we bought lychees and oranges and ate them at the pier. Up to that point, I almost gave in to high tea, which is not too good for health. English worshippers were supposed to visit us but they called to say that they would rather stay inside the a/c conditions at Noah's Ark. The rest of the day without the visit is rather boring. Swimming is out of the equation since we had already done it this morning.
