May 1st is labour day here in Hong Kong (a public holiday) so we didn’t have class. That being said this was a pretty laid back week for us so we’ve been able to spend lots of time together and have gotten plenty of rest (I have anyway, this is Jason). I have two big research proposals to write as we enter into the last month of school. A few of my classes are winding down and my last class is scheduled for June 11th (I can’t wait!!!).
Ezri is walking and talking now and becoming very fond of “Kitty” “Elmo” and “Veggies”. As it is getting warm here now, we went to the pool for the first time just last week. We found that we have a really great public pool about 10 minutes walking distance from us, so that is exciting…a nice way to ‘beat the heat’ this summer. The pool has a really nice kid’s area and Ezri had lots of fun in the water, although she was a bit hesitant at first. We’ll have to get some pics posted the next time we head over there. Speaking of heat, it’s already topping 80 degrees some days with 85% humidity. In case you can’t appreciate that humidity, it’s like stepping out of your house into a sauna (in full clothing). Melanie noted that to be moderately comfortable, temperature-wise, here in HK’s hot hot summer (mostly humid)—-one must be nearly naked, involved in absolutely no physical activity and seated comfortably in front of her best fan…high setting full blast! (That is if you are like us and trying to save on air conditioner costs!)
Mel is making headway on some relationships (acquaintances that hopefully turn into friendships); she and Ezri head downtown on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a playgroup and women’s bible study. She’s cut back on singing on Sundays and plans to do so until after we transition with Javi. Speaking of Javi, please pray that we’ll receive word from the Guatemalan government within the next two weeks, if it’s much longer than that before we get word, then we’re afraid we won’t be able to get him before his first birthday!
The Olympic torch came through Hong Kong yesterday and we thought about going…, but we didn’t. It looked like a madhouse on the news, but seemed to go off without a hitch. I was certain some crazy person would try to snatch it or something, but nothing. Moving on…we can always use prayer: specifically, this being the weekend of the Kentucky Derby and all has made me a bit homesick.
It just so happens that the weather conditions of Hong Kong are perfect for the growth of mold (i.e. very warm meets very humid…with intermittent bouts of rain and continual slow rains–the humidity inside our house yesterday was 86% !). It also happens that Melanie absolutely loathes mold of any kind. We purchased a dehumidifier yesterday and Mel is doing her best to keep any dust from building up and any moisture from gathering along the windows, corners of ceilings, etc.
We’re slowly starting to build relationships and we had our first dinner guests a few weeks back, Mel made some homemade pizza and iced tea and cleaned the house. It was nice to host someone in our home and give a little….. a note of thriving rather than merely surviving in our new environment!
Well thanks for checking in with us, please drop us a line.
Jason on behalf of the Cases
