Sunday, September 23, 2007

Back to the Real World...

Well, this is officially the longest time without writing a blog! We came home a week ago from a family vacation in Hong Kong. Since then, the internet connection has almost always been off. I am beginning to get really annoyed with this whole situation. we seem to have internet for a day or so ... and then it is off for around five! Aaaaggghhhh.

But, in my times of utter frustration I have to remember that the missionaries who were here before us had it so much tougher. They didn't even have a phone! They had to drive for 3 miles, order a call and wait for hours for a line to become available. Now that is difficult ...

However, as my dad would say, "you have to work with what you have." Really got me thinking about the power of choice. Every one of us are the products of our own choices. Maybe I will reserve writing anything else right now and do a blog about this important subject!


We had a great time in Hong Kong. We met up with Brian & Jennie Milne from Fraserburgh and started our week in a Hotel in Kowloon. We were beside the famous Nathan Road shopping area ... the night markets were amazing! We went to the Flower, Bird and fish Markets ... pretty spectacular.


We all went to Ocean Park ... a beautiful place that was ideal for families. It had animals, aquariums, dolphin shows, bird shows, kids play areas, theme park rides, etc. The cable cars were totally breathtaking. A must for anyone coming to Hong Kong.

On Sunday we went to a park that was built where the Walled City used to be. We walked around the beautiful parks and ponds and stood where the most horrific and wicked part of Hong Kong used to stand. It was ruled by the Triad gang and even the police would not enter this drug infested area. But as we stood at the Jackie Pullinger Rock inside the Park, we read again about a young lady, who in 1966 gave up everything to serve the Lord in the Walled City. Again .. I will be blogging about this remarkable story soon.

We shifted after 3 days to another Hotel beside the beach in Lantau Island. It was like a different world. We ate seafood by the sea .. although Josiah was pretty chuffed that there was also a MacDonalds there too! It was so quiet and the fresh sea air was a welcomed bonus to this North-East Loon!

We took the kids (or did they take us?) to Disneyland Hong Kong. We have never been to either of the other two Disneylands, so we did not know what to expect. But it was a great experience. According to many, this park is much smaller than the others but it was great for a day out. The kids were amazed as they met character after character and ride after ride. I have never been anywhere so clean. We had a blast and I recommend it to anyone ... and any age! Young Brian seemed to enjoy it more than anyone else!

Anyway, now we are back to reality! This morning we baptised 29 people who want to be followers of Jesus. Next Thursday a lovely new family arrive to start their new lives serving the Lord in the Philippines. Two weeks after that my mum, dad, brother and all his family arrive for 3 weeks at Sefton. The day they leave we pick up Dave and Madeline Russon, (Dave is our AoG World Ministries Director) and drive north. It is all happening!

I will blog about all the above soon.
Until then ... i have to say goodnight! Have a great weekend and pray that no-one nicks (steals, takes, robs, chores, 'borrows'!) our internet wire.

If all is well I will blog in next couple of days ...
the days of miracles are not over!

Mmmmhhhh...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey papa Mark,

Wow so nice to hear what's happening with u guys!! The internet is still a bit dodgy then!!

Glad you had a great time in Hong Kong - the photo's say it all! Disney is amazing!! Bt I chose u guys over it!!! hehe!

Missin u all loadz,

Love ur adopted daughter aka no 1 blog fan xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Mark,

Greetings from Baguio! Like you blogsite, keeps everyone updated on your whereabouts!

Have been trying to get a hold you, but have been pretty unsuccessful! If you get this my email address is johnskwinter@hotmail.com my cel no. is 09206315592

Anonymous said...

my how Ive changed..lol (it really was a trip of a lifetime :) )miss you guys ! love Jen and The Milne