An Unexpected Apology...

A little while ago I went home to Edmonton, Canada for a friend's wedding. I think this was the first time I had been so excited to go home to Edmonton... EVER. 

Since I've been back in Hong Kong, I have realised a lot of things. One is that... the place that I once dreaded... that I disliked... that was probably my least favourite place... (considering I ran away from it and all) had once again become "home," in every sense of that word. It was safe, it was familiar, and most importantly, it was so nice! All my negative feelings towards it was no more... I finally realised how much redemption work God had done in my heart these past 5 years since I've left. The amount of healing that He had completed in my heart was incredible. 

On top of all of this, God had another surprise waiting for me on this trip. An apology that I never thought I would receive... and one that I realised that I no longer actually needed. After 8 years, I finally received the apology for everything that happened... Even though I had closed the door on that chapter of my life, never expecting to actually hear the words "I'm sorry, please forgive me." Even though, I had already extended out my hand (by the grace of God) for reconciliation... There it came. Completely unexpected.... and I am once again left in awe of how intricately God weaves everything together.

I never thought I would reach this place... but here I am, and all glory belongs to God, and Him alone. But as I end on that thought, I do realise also that there is a huge hole that only friends at home can fill. This past trip home made me realise how incredibly much I miss everyone. All those who had walked with me these past 20 years... through the ups and the downs... who have held my hand through every heartbreak and celebrated every breakthrough with me... the people who don't need me to explain anything.... but simply looks at my face and can say "So... what are you hiding?" hahahaha... it was so nice to be with everyone, how ever short of a trip it was. 

Anyways... with that... I need to get back to the grind. Last 10 weeks of placement... I need to push through all this. I just need to get past these next couple weeks... finish the groups and programs.... then take a short break.... and we start the LAST semester of grad school!!!!! 

Hump Day Happenings...

What an interesting day it has been.... 'twas an extremely busy day at work as I was rushing to finish off some lesson planning done that should be out today for the group to prepare for Saturday's kids program. Got most of that done and will finish off the worksheets tomorrow if I have time... hopefully I will.

Someone asked me something... that caught me off guard... and once again makes me think about boundaries... but you can't define boundaries with someone who won't talk to you... so... I guess all I can do is stay away for myself and hope that eventually presumptions or misconceptions will stop. That is all I will say about that for now. 

Best part of my day, hands down... dinner with the parents of one of my best friends. Love love LOVE that girl, and LOVE her parents! They're the most hilarious people ever! I miss holidays over at their place... turkey for thanksgiving... hotpot for the Christmas season. Driving out to Sherwood Park was always fun... Goodness... it's been a long time since we've all known each other. So much fun! I miss having her around... too bad she couldn't come to Hong Kong too... but I did just see her in Australia not too long ago... so I guess that's ok. There's always whatsapp.... solution to long distance texting. 

So here I am once again... reminiscing about Edmonton and missing a place that I once called home... and still call home most of the time. There are lots things that I miss... even though I know it's not the same anymore... and well, most people are married and have their own families... I still can't help but miss that place. I do want to visit... there are a lot of people I want to see... and things that I want to do. But I am also waiting for the right time. 

Anyways... just wanted to vent about missing home and how much I love the chance to talk about things which are so familiar to me... :) And to end off... a stupid stupid pic the best friend took of me cooking in Edmonton kitchen... man... I miss that kitchen... and drinking with her... as you can see we do in that pic hahahahaha LOL! :P