First Sign of Spring

Today I saw it, the first sign of spring in Hong Kong.


Most people, when they think of the first sign of spring, they think of nice, marvelous, springish things. The first sign of spring can be many different things, such as:
*The snow being completely melted
*Baby Birds appearing
*A Robin
*The date that the groundhog foretold
*The first flower
*Planting season
*Muddy season
*The semester coming to a close
*Leaf buds appearing on trees

These are all logical things to call the first sign of spring. But today, I saw the first sign of spring. It was horrible. It was hideous, and oh so unnecessary. Does that ever stop it from happening? No. It's spring, they're back again: OLD MEN IN SPEEDOS. Yep, they're back. The lovely walk alongside the harbour has been quite enjoyable this winter, and I forgot why. But as I was walking today, I heard a splash, and in goes an old guy, into Victoria Harbour to do his laps, then out of the water climbs another old man. Thankfully, I only saw three, but soon, it will be up to the 20s or even more. It's the sign of spring. Of...old life that tries to be young. Of things that shouldn't be worn out in public.

Now, for the record, I do plan on swimming in Victoria Harbour myself before I leave. I think that it has got to be the most polluted water in the world. But it's just something I've got to do. I will however, be wearing appropriate swimwear.

I realize that I haven't blogged in a while, just about things, so let me just fill you in on how life is going. It's been quite full, as every spring anywhere seems to be. We had our spring retreat REVEAL about 3 weeks ago. That went really well. I started a post about it, but it is still in the drafts folder. It will probably be posted soon. Last week me and PM were both recruited to go to CAIS' High School Camp. That was pretty good. And we also had our Annual General Meeting last Sunday, and this Sunday is our 2 year anniversary as a branch church. Then the next Sunday is Easter. So things are hopping around the church. I have been taking two distance ed courses through NWC, so I've been keeping up with those, along with stuff at church. It's going fairly well, and I think it might be a crunch, but I'll get them done in time. The rugby sevens (or "The Sevens") are this weekend in Hong Kong with teams from all over the world...so every male, and every rugby fan are all psyched about this weekend. The second week in April I am going to Thailand with Mike and Melissa and Izzy on vacation. It will be a good time of hanging out with them and relaxing before I start the interesting/tiring/emotional process of preparing to go home. Already I have started to prepare, like housing at NWC for next year, a job for this summer, etc...

Well, that's all for now. Please pray :
*That I would be able to get all the details ready for college next year, it's kind of confusing to get it done on this side of the ocean and not being able to talk to anyone in person.
*That I can get all my course work done on time.
*That I would use my time wisely here.
*For my girls Bible study, due to certain circumstances, it may be restructured.
*For the Youth worship team, that the kids wouldn't feel discouraged and that they would be able to just enjoy playing.
*For me as I continue to learn about leadership and teaching. I speak at another church on the 22 of April, so pray for me as I prepare for that.

That's about it! I'm gonna go hit the hay, I'm sorry that this wasn't a very detailed post. If any of you guys back home have any questions, or would like to know more about what's going on, just email me!