Home Again

Hi everyone,

Well, we're back in Hong Kong now after a fantastic summer in Grand Rapids.  Our flight back went much better than the flight to GR.  (Thanks for the prayers!)  When I was in O'Hare, I ran into friends of ours that were heading back to Hong Kong on the same flight!  They were seated only about five rows ahead of us, and the kids were able to move around a bit together.  Dawn and I were also able to chat, which made the time go faster.  Sam and I are still experiencing some jetlag, but we'll be fine within a couple more days.  Emily is amazing however - she has slept through the night ever since we got back!

I had such a wonderful time with all of you this summer!  It was busy packing it all into six weeks, but could it have been any more fun?!  I have always liked analogies, so of course I've thought of a couple to explain what coming home was like.  My first thought was that coming home was like eating comfort food, but I like the second one even better - it was like putting on your favorite pair of jeans (which really shouldn't be referred to after comfort food!).  

...Okay, I am resuming writing this post after a few days - I thought I would get back to finish it sooner!  Anyway, we are now over the jetlag.  It was great when Sam and I finally slept through the night!  We've spent the week getting back into the swing of things here and just spending a lot of time playing and swimming.  The kids have all their school supplies ready; Sam is especially excited about his new backpack.  :)  They start school (full day) on Thursday.

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here.  I thought it would be terribly hot and humid, but it's been very nice every day.  The sky is even blue with just a few clouds!  (That's spectacular for Hong Kong.)  What I didn't know is that there is a southern wind during the summer, which means that none of the pollution from China's factories is blown over here.  Taking advantage of the clear skies, we did a little sightseeing on Saturday.  We went up to the Big Buddha (yes, he is VERY big!) and had amazing views of Lantau Island.  Afterward, we looked around the adjacent monastery and then took the cable car back down to Tung Chung.  What an interesting trip!  Dave took lots of pictures, so I'll post them soon.

Well, I'll make sure to post an update again soon.  It was so nice to hear how many of you have enjoyed my blog!  While I'm still enjoying Hong Kong very much, I'm definitely missing you...

Holly

P.S.  Below are the "answers" to the British/Australian words and phrases.  

Things or Places:

tea = dinner

plaster = Bandaid

hoover = vacuum

lounge = living room

garden = yard

swim costume = swimsuit

nappy = diaper

softie = ice cream

cross = x

crisps = potato chips

purse = wallet

docket = receipt

buggy = golf cart or stroller

trousers = pants

pram = stroller

lead = leash (for a dog)

telly = TV

loo = toilet/restroom

flannel = sheets

rubber = eraser

jumper = sweater

chips = French fries

rubbish = trash

diary = calendar

knickers = underwear

biscuit = cookie

pudding = dessert

bubble = balloon

fairy cakes = cupcakes

candy floss = cotton candy

wardrobe = closet

handbag = purse

jelly = Jello

tick = check mark

Ida down = comforter

Phrases or expressions:

straight away = right away

oi = Oh!

muck up = mess up

well done = good job

ring = call

post = mail

tidy up = clean up