Case Family in Hong Kong

So….this morning Ezri and I headed down to Central (downtown area, Hong Kong) for playgroup. It was a good time, as there were 4 moms and babies…lots of fun toys for the kiddos, tea and muffins (morning tea) for the mums…and conversation between all. Another plus and point of interest is the makeup of the group: one couple (mom and baby) from Congo, Africa, another from the Philippines, another from New Zealand, and then us from the U.S.–diversity can be such a blessing…to see God’s creativity in the people he has fashioned—how amazing!!!

Today was the second of two very rainy days in a row, and so, as Ezri and I left playgroup, we went a different way than usual–so as to avoid the pouring rain. We landed in IFC mall, where I attempted to purchase a 3rd anniversary gift for Jason–something leather. Anyway, Ezri was getting a little antsy, and was begging me for a hot dog…which I had not brought with me…so I decided to try a couple pastry shops, scouring for a ‘pig in a blanket’. When that idea failed, I was passing by a Starbucks and noticed some yummy looking quiche in the pastry case. I passed by at first, heading for the train, but Ezri began to whimper, so I thought rather than set myself up for a long 45 minute train-ride with an unhappy toddler, I’d better head back and try the quiche! So, we ordered one “bacon and egg pie” and a bottled water and lounged to enjoy them. The quiche was surprisingly of little interest to Ezri, but the courtesy baby-size frappucino was very enticing! I let her taste it and then drank most of it, leaving whipped cream for her to slurp up. One of the baristas who was talking to Ezri asked if I’d like a ‘baby-chino’ for her. (I was thinking, “you have a frapp. for babies on your menu?…hmmm…don’t think we need that.”) But then she brought Ezri another tiny cup with steamed froth topped with cinnamon sprinkles! Ezri was aglow! She took it and dipped the straw in the taste–fabulous in the eyes of this toddler! So, the barista–whose name we found to be Sandra–was talking to me as Ezri enjoyed her ‘drink’. It turned out that she was from mainland China and had moved to Hong Kong with her family 15 years past. She spoke pretty good English, and, in making conversation, I asked if she attended a church in HK. She looked puzzled, “Church?” So, I tried to then ask about God,…then religion…and so on….she said, “Could you use simple terms, please?” I was floored! She was a spiritual blank slate! —– (It occurred to me that it was no coincidence that it had been raining, we’d taken a different route home, Ezri had been cranky…and I’d stumbled into Starbuck’s seeking respite in the form of a quiche!!! God is at work!!!) I then began to talk to her about a very ancient book in which we believe (the Bible) that tells us of God… and before I knew it, Ezri was off–darting out of Starbuck’s and I had to run after her. By this time, of course, Sandra needed to get back to work, and Ezri needed my full attention. She asked if we were in the area often and mentioned that she worked there full-time. I told her that we came out that way on Tuesdays, and so could hopefully see her again. That was it…for today. Please pray for Sandra and her family. Pray that God almighty, who fashioned our meeting today, will give her eyes that see, ears that hear and a heart that understands His truth from scripture!!! Pray that God will give me both the words to share the gospel message with her and the boldness to do so.

Thankful to serve a God who is larger than life,

Melanie