It's been a long first day here in Hong Kong... mostly made long by the days it took to get here and the lack of sleep to separate those days! I can't really figure out what my "yesterday" was; I think I'll have to settle for simply acknowledging that I left San Diego on Wednesday, and today was Friday. =)
But really, I can't believe I'm on the other side of the world. As the sun rose over mountainous islands and the airplane began its descent this morning, I had a crazy moment of disorientation. Really? I'm on the other shore of the Pacific Ocean??? A thousand preparatory thoughts ran through my head: Okay, Laura, this time you might feel acute culture shock like you've never experienced before. You won't know what people are saying or how they might interact with you. You're entering a huge, fast-paced city. Be ready. (And stay awake!!!)
But the day was smooth, and it was fun. My friend Ben picked me up and got me oriented to the bus, neighborhood and subway (and got us some fantastic lunch!) before heading out to work for the afternoon. We walked through three local temples, the remnant of an old fishing village, a bustling street market, and a few "sitting out" spaces (literally, designated benches where people sit outside). Then when Ben went in to the office, I struck out to see the HUGE Times Square mall. (Laugh it up, friends. It IS a sight to see.) Hordes of people crowded through a Toy Story 3 display/ exhibit thing with sculptures and drawings of the movie's characters. There were lots of Asian peace-sign photo ops going on-- too many to count. I meandered my way over to Victoria Park-- gorgeous. Had a halting conversation with an old man named Robert who was happy to see me, but I'm not sure why. Got excited about a sign to the central library, and followed it. Libraries are always beautiful. I browsed through the stacks-- fascinated by how differently children's books are designed and organized in Chinese. (Random. Yes. But I was curious.) I read up on some Cambodia guide books and browsed worldwide newspapers for goings-on and information.
Just in time for a serious downpour, I struck out to find Ben again for dinner. Tropical rain is something else, with its humid gusts and fatty raindrops. Anyway, back to those guarded self-coaching thoughts that I had on the plane... In fact, I haven't felt too helpless or shocked, even here. It's been fun to try new things, and even more fun to simply learn, observe and ask questions. To take in each street and the stories it tells. I realized, as I took note of people, patterns, and movement through the park and library, that this has become habit and hobby for me. Always pondering the context and even thinking, okay, who would I get to know by strategically spending time here? Wondering what kind of ministry God might plant -- or already have underway! -- in any given place. Asking for the conversations that will open a door or a window or simply offer a peak past the curtain or through the keyhole.
We'll see how it goes! I get another day exploring here tomorrow (Saturday) and then hop down to Malaysia for World Conference on Sunday. I have a feeling this trip is going to fly, but I'm already encouraged by its mix of familiar and adventure.