Hong Kong - Day Three

Today was our final full day in Hong Kong.  We have had the most amazing time and each day was full of new things to see and do.  Today the plan was to go to Ocean World.  So once again we met up with Jocelyn who helped us navigate our way throughout this vast city.  We once again took the Star ferry and caught another bus.  This time our destination was a place called Stanley.  Stanley was very near to Ocean park so we stopped there first.  We had almost reached Stanley when we had to take a quick detour for a bathroom break.  The boys were quite thrilled when the bus passed by a Ferrari dealership.  So what better place to look for a toilet than there.  Evan was able to sit in a convertible Ferrari, but unfortunately no photos were allowed.  Once in Stanley we got side tracked with yet another market.  This time it wasn't just me shopping but the boys came away with a few treasures.  

In the end, we decided there wasn't enough time to see Ocean Park.  We headed back downtown to Kylie and Jocelyn's to rest our weary feet.  We'd had many busy days by this point and our sore muscles were proof of that.  After an hour reprieve, we once again hopped on the train.  Destination??  Yet another market... The ladies market.  The name doesn't really describe it well.  It was the boys who found more things than I. 

Hong Kong - Day Two

Our plans for the second day were to head to the Big Buddha cable car ride.  The boys and I braved riding the train by ourselves to meet Jocelyn.  I must say I felt like a real local as I tried to look like I knew what I was doing.  We made it to our meeting spot with no glitches.  We continued onward to the cable car ride.  It really wasn't the best day to take in the sights.  As we purchased our tickets there were thunderstorm warnings.  Not the best info for someone who doesn't particularly like heights.  But we pressed on assuring ourselves the fog would clear for the ride back.  I will add that there is an option to riding a glass bottom cable car.  This was something my boys would have loved if I agreed, but not this time!

The rain stopped as we reached the summit.  From inside the cable car the fog gave the feeling of a cold morning.  But that wasn't the case.  It really was something to see despite the thick mist.  We climbed the many stairs to the Buddha.  Took in as much of the view as we could and then headed back down for a bite of lunch.  We have forgotten how much we missed western food.  The boys enjoyed a Subway lunch while Jocelyn and I tucked into a Chicken Tikka wrap.  

After lunch as we had hoped the fog lifted.  On the way down we were able to see the most stunning views.  Once at the bottom we headed to an outlet mall and took in some retail therapy.  It was another busy day.  We enjoyed our pillows almost as much as the day we'd had.  

Hong Kong - Day One

On our first day in Hong Kong we met up with our local tour guide/friend Jocelyn who made our Hong Kong trip so memorable.  Our first place to visit is called The Peak.  It is an amazing place high above the infamous Hong Kong skyline.  To get there we walked along Victoria Harbor to catch the Star Line ferry.  After a short boat ride, we boarded a bus and made our way to the summit overlooking the city. 

I have never been one who loves heights, but this really was breathtaking.  The day was mostly clear and made for the most amazing view. 

Before we headed down the mountain we stopped for lunch.  The boys who have lacked Western fastfood wanted New York Fries.  I thought it was ironic that we were drinking Canadian Whistler water with our meal.  After lunch we caught the tram down the mountain.  The tram down was also quite an adventure. It descends down the hill at a 45 degree angle.  If we weren't sat facing backwards I think we would have toppled out of our seats. 

Later that day we took the train to Kylie and Jocelyn's apartment.  We ended the evening with a great dinner and shopping at Temple night market.  The boys enjoyed all the knock off name brand things they bought.  The day was filled with several modes of transport... boat, bus, tram, train, and a taxi ride home to rest our weary feet.  It was an amazing first day in the bustling city of Hong Kong.   

Kieran's last day at JIS

In keeping with our theme of farewells, Kieran had his final week at his school.  While school for him in Brunei isn't ideal as he has been at boarding school.  But saying that he has an experience I have never had.  The friends he has made run deeper as they learn, eat, and live together.  As I am not up at the school this is the only picture that I could get and it was thanks to facebook!  So for the past week he was making the most with the friends he has made.  There were some late night hang outs well past lights out with the usual sneaking between rooms.  But for the most part they just hung out.  One of the traditions at the school is to sign the shirt of the school uniform on the last day.  The words that were written were straight out of the mouths of these friends.  They all spoke about missing him and wishing him luck in Canada. Of all the memories he takes back to Canada, his friends are the ones who mean the most!

And More Goodbyes...

It seems that each day brings more goodbyes.  More smiling faces that will forever be etched in my memory.  Today was another farewell party with a very special group of friends.  When you look at each of these faces they are all so different.  But each one carries a special quality that made me gravitate toward them to know them more.  Some are hilarious and outgoing, some shy and quiet.  But each one has one thing in common... they are my friend. 

We played some games that made us know each other more.  Then each of these ladies spoke from their heart about how they will miss me.  In all honesty I feel my friends have added to my life in a way that has bettered me for knowing them.  It brought tears to my eyes when they shared the impact I had on their life.  Us girls need our girlfriends.  We encourage and share our life experiences with each other in a way most men wouldn't understand.
 I've alway love the verse found in Ecclesiastes 4:10...If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
So I am blessed... Blessed because I have an amazing group of women who not only have a listening ear, but also a wealth of knowledge to pass on.  How can I not do the same with the wisdom they shared with me?  Give and it will be given to you!

Until We Meet Again...

For the past 2 years I have shared the company of this fine group you see above.  My apologies for the poor picture.  It really is a beautiful framed photo that I received last night as I bid farewell to a special group of friends.  This is our mentoring group.  Like I said we meet every Wednesday and study, learn and grow from each other in our knowledge of the bible.  

So last night was our final get together.  They will continue on, but for me I will be far away but will be with them in my heart.  From the moment I arrived emotion consumed me.  As hard as I tried the tears kept brimming.  These people have meant so much to me and I will miss them terribly.  

I was so touched as they each shared words of encouragement to me, each one filling me more of a sense of loss.  They all spoke of their privilege of meeting me.  But I do hope they know I was the one blessed.  I've learnt so much from each of these people.  They are all amazing Christians and give me a role model to strive to become.  We are all different, but I love traits from each and every one of these people with whom I've come to love.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to walk alongside you in your life.  Who you are has impacted me immensely.  I'll take your words and memories you've given me and treasure them forever!  Until we meet again...

From my heart...

So here I sit... Boxes lining the place I once called home.  At one time I would have said my life is in these boxes.  Well not my actual life, but mementos and memories of where I've been.  Today has been an emotional day.  I've cried my make up off more than once and in the end thought au natural was the way to go.

So if my life is contained in these boxes, why does my heart ache with a loss that feels almost physical?
A piece of me will always stay in Brunei.  The memories I will take, but that is all I will have to remind me of the amazing people who have become like family to me.  At this point I have less than a week in which I have to face the final farewell.  These boxes serve as a reminder of the reality that is just around the corner.  Each day is a series of lasts... the last time I'll shop at the grocery store... the last time I'll drive the school run... the last sunset beach walk.  Before I know it, it will be my last goodbyes.  As I say those words emotions overtake me and I feel such a loss.  I've had many beautiful words and tears shed for me.  I always felt being left is harder than leaving.  But now I don't know.  How do I board the plane knowing some of these amazing people I've been blessed to call my friends will be but a memory?  Last night as I once again reached for my box of tissues, Evan my 10 year old shared some wisdom far beyond his years.  He told me what he does.  "Don't think about the darkness Mommy.  Think about the light where we are going."  It is true, I have many things to look forward to and I am excited for what is to come.  But I can't help looking back at what I had.  Some of these friend are irreplaceable and I will miss them daily.  But looking to the light, I know Brunei will serve as an appetizer of things to come.  Home is where the heart is.  My home will always be in the beautiful land I was born.  My life I left behind awaits me.  But I will not be the same as when I left.  The beautiful gift of these friends have made me into a better me.  As I continue in this journey of life, I know I will soar with wings like eagles.

Just the Two of Us...

Last Friday was a graduation of sorts for all of the MIT students.  We studied diligently for a year completing a course that was lifechanging to most of us.  Our dinner was in Bandar a little over an hour from where we live.  So Yolande and I took the opportunity to fit in one last farewell just the two of us.  On our way there, the wildlife of Brunei joined in the farewell celebration.  While parked on the side of the road we saw a clan of monkeys sitting side by side on a branch enjoying each others company as much as us humans do.  While we were snapping photos of the monkeys a huge monitor lizard appeared out of the bushes.  I think mother nature orchestrated this scene just for me!

We arrived at the luxurious Empire hotel a little after 2. I never tire of taking in hotel that is literally dripping in gold and marble.  It makes you feel like royalty when you stay in this palace.   

After a stroll through the shops we headed for afternoon tea.  I enjoyed the most delicious scones and coffee.  Even more so I enjoyed my friend.  Yolande is one of those friends who make you a better person for having met her.  I've enjoyed many laughs, lessons and tears. We can and often do talk for hours on end without realizing where the time went.  In fact, as we were heading to our dinner we were engrossed in chatter and before we knew it we had missed our turning and were backtracking making us arrive fashionably late! 

I love you my friend!!  I will always treasure the time when our paths crossed!

:: Friends ::

 

 

Like the saying goes... People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
Most people would describe Evan as a social boy.  He is most happiest immersed in playing with his friends.  Here in Brunei friends are established quickly.  You never know how long until this transient life takes away one of your pals.  So needless to say Evan has formed a close bond with quite a few kids.  This past Sunday, we had the final farewell party and took him and some of his friends to the movie.  They had a great time.  I love how kids live in the moment.  They don't think of limited days they have left, but make the most of each moment to the fullest.  So for many of Evan's friends, it was for a season.  However, he has made a few friends with which their paths may cross in the future again.

Evan's Farewell Assembly

This past Friday was Evan's Farewell assembly at school.  With children coming and going in this international school they have a tradition to honor each child as they move on to their next school.  Evan was called to the front with his teacher, Miss Sam.  Here are some of the things his teacher had to say about Evan... He is very very sociable.  He is so friendly, so kind and also very sensitive.  Then each of his classmates summed Evan up in one word.  This is their one word that described Evan....Crazy, Awesome, Kind, Friendly, A Good Swimmer, Fun, Active, Silly, Energetic, Great to Play With, A Daredevil, & Sensible.
All his friends signed a shirt for him and also made him a laminated book with a page from each of his friends with a special message and a photo of them. He felt so special on this day!  What a great way to say goodbye! 

Farewell Friends...

It is official... 2 weeks today we leave our life here in Brunei.  When I think about how little time I have to get in with those I've grown so close to, I tear up.  I guess they are tears of sadness, but also tears of a void that I know will be there as I  board the plane for home.  I really have been blessed with so many friends that have become like family to me.  Last night a group of my friends put on a farewell party in my honor.  I was truly touched!  We met at a local sushi restaurant and had an amazing time just being together.  

After dinner they surprised me with a Canadian cake and a beautiful gift. Inside is a gift I will treasure forever.  It was a beautiful quilt that I have admired for quite some time.  Thank you ladies for truly making me feel so loved!  These next couple of weeks will be an emotional time for me.  There are the highs of going home and the exciting changes that will take place.  But like I said earlier, the void that will be left as I depart.  Some of my friends I'm sure our paths will cross again.  But for others, our time in Brunei together will be the memories I take with me.  It always amazes me that the people who come into your life are for a reason and a season.  Each of these ladies lives have impacted me in my life.  For some I've watched how and who they are and hoped to mirror those traits in my own life.  For others they have spoken, taught and encouraged me as I have made my way through this life.  I treasure each one of you and you each hold a piece of my heart!  Thank you again for the privilege of calling you my friend!

A Day at the Empire

Last week Evan had off school.  With all the hustle and bustle of the move and also our already planned holiday in Hong Kong went hadn't planned on going anywhere during the break. My friend Amanda however was staying the week at the Empire here in Brunei.  I'm sure you've read my previous posts about the Empire.  It is a beautiful 7 star hotel and is one of the places known to Brunei.  So she graciously invited us to join them on their vacation at the Empire.  We only went for the day but it was just what I needed.  We spent the day bowling, swimming and finished the day off with a beautiful buffet lunch.  There is nothing that I enjoy more than sitting and filling the day with chatter with one of my good friends.  Thank you my friend!

Call Me Crazy...

Call me crazy...
In the theme of all our goodbyes Evan caught me in a weak moment and asked if he could have a few friends for a sleepover as part of his leaving party.  

Sure...
Sounds like no big deal...
No, really it wasn't.
So pizza, movies, and mayhem it was.
They all had fun with little sleep and by 6pm the following evening Evan was tucked up in his bed recouping!