We're Moving to Hong Kong!

By now, most of you have heard that we are moving to Hong Kong, leaving Grand Rapids on December 27.  Dave accepted a position (still with Steelcase) as CFO of Asia Pacific.  This requires us to move to Hong Kong for a three year assignment.  After much prayer and discussion, we decided to go!  The big news was announced near the end of September, after which we traveled to Hong Kong to tour homes and schools.  

This week in Hong Kong was busy but so amazing.  I think I said, "It's so different here" about a hundred times!  Yet I am very excited to be part of an international community which will broaden my worldview beyond West Michigan!  :)

By the end of the week, we had decided to live on Hong Kong Island in a high-rise apartment, and hoped that Emily and Sam would be accepted into one of the schools we visited.  However, just before Thanksgiving, we found out that the kids had not been accepted into the schools on Hong Kong Island.  This caused a little panic but another school, Discovery Bay International School, did accept the kids with a Levy (a large donation).

Discovery Bay is a relatively small expat community on the edge of Lantau Island, which is a 25 minute ferry ride from "downtown" Hong Kong.  It is close to the airport, which is only a 20 minute shuttle ride away.  Disco Bay does not allow cars, instead its residents rely on public buses, hire cars (similar to taxis), and privately owned/rented golf carts!  And, of course, lots of people simply walk.

When you exit the ferry, Disco Bay has a very nice plaza, with many restaurants, including McDonald's and Subway!  In the plaza there are several shops, a grocery store, and pharmacy. Next to the plaza is a large beach, and the residents also have use of a beautiful club facility.

Dave was back in the area at the end of November, and chose a house in Disco Bay.  It even has its own pool!  We will not be able to move into the house until March 8, so in the meantime we will live in an apartment just up the road.

Many of you have asked about our house here in Grand Rapids.  We are keeping our house here, although nearly everything will be shipped to Hong Kong.  We will be back in GR for about a month in the summer (probably July) and also for Christmas vacation.  I'm not sure if we'll stay at our house or at my parents' house when we return for vacations.

Emily and Sam have really been doing well considering what a large move this is.  At first, Emily did NOT want to go.  Then she would ask questions about Hong Kong but ended the conversations by saying, "But we're NOT going."  Now, she is okay with the move.  Sam, on the other hand, asked, "What are we going to do first when we get there?"

I will continue to post updates and pictures on this blog after we move.  Feel free to forward the link to those who might be interested.  Oh, and please consider visiting us in Hong Kong! We will have a spare bedroom with a king size bed!  

Dave and I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!