From the job hunt

"Experience is essential but not a must."

Welcome

When making my decision to move to Hong Kong, I took many factors into account. One of them was my spiritual well-being.

Back when I was here the first time, I noted that the church family here had really embraced me and gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. As I got to meet more and more people (mostly through Rufina), I really felt like there was a network of friend- or a community, if you will- to grow with. They had already shown their willingness to support and encourage me. And I also felt like I would be able to encourage them and walk with them.

So it felt great to be back in church here Sunday evening. Several familiar faces welcomed me back, including the pastor. And I also met some new people and got to talk with a couple that I had just met on Friday. As I was singing worship songs and looking around, I felt home. It is a wonderful feeling to be welcomed into the Body of Christ, wherever that might be.

On Friday, I met with the Bible study group that I had attended while I was here before. It was so good to be with them, learn about the new things in their lives and share what the Lord has been doing in my life.

With all the questions and uncertainties about coming out here, one thing that I find comfort and security in, is the body of believers that have made me feel so welcomed here.

What exactly do you know?

I was reading an article about a photo that was pulled from an exhibit in a country recently hit by a big earthquake. The photo was a bit controversial and is now missing. I am not commenting on the photo or the controversy, but rather wanted to shine the light on the response by a museum spokesman about the matter:

"We don't know if we were told to remove the photo," said the assistant to the general manager of museum. "And if we were told to remove the photo, we're not sure we could tell you."

Classic response.
I'm surprised the Birmingham Police Department or the Army's PAO people haven't snatched this guy up.

Weekend Recap

This past weekend I held a moving sale. In case you didn't hear, I am moving to Hong Kong on June 18th. I was trying to sell a bunch of stuff that I had been keeping in a storage unit. Getting out of the storage unit was going to save me quite a bit of money and I was hoping to make a little money in the process. Thanks to my friend Lori, my dad and my mom's friend, Linda, the sale was a success.

I made another big sale later on Saturday night...

I sold my car. I bought this car new in February of 2000 and it was the first new car I had ever had and the first car that I had bought on my own. So after 8 years and some history, I was a little sad to say goodbye, but I got a good price and the money will help me make my move.

For a couple of months, I have been observing ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at the church I have been attending. I was hoping to get more familiar with teaching English to non-native speakers, so I will have a better chance at getting teaching jobs in Hong Kong. It has been a wonderful experience and I really look forward to going to the class. We have people from China, the Middle East, Central America, Korea, Romania, Russia and Vietnam in the class.
One thing that I have noted is the importance of learning to listen. While I don't have the teaching skills and experience that some teachers have, I was blessed to live overseas and learn to listen to people from other cultures. I am by no means an expert and I could definitely improve my listening skills, but I was reminded how important listening is. There really is no communication unless one party is listening and preferably both parties are listening.