[Tana]. Child of God. Teacher. Youth leader. Music-minded. Blessed.
Ich liebe...
[Jesus]. My Family. My Church. P & W. Mission Trips. Music. Prayer. Traveling. Writing. Drama. Sunshine. Languages. Photography. Badminton. Nature. Snail Mail. Fruit. Green. Simplicity. Listening.
15 July 2008
grieving as a family is a new experience for us. i suppose there is no "ideal" or "perfect" way for a loved one to pass away, as you can never fully be prepared to lose someone, and each time we reflect we agree that my grandmother's sudden passing last friday was God's best timing. it has been so long since our entire family has gathered together and we had just shared with and given grandma her happiest and most memorable moments since having fallen ill last year. it's hard to put into mere words how much she is missed, but we can rejoice when we know that she is now free of pain and is joyful at being reunited with my grandpa and uncle. nothing in this summer break has gone according to the original plan, but there is no doubt we will remember and hold this occasion close to our hearts for the rest of our lives.
in hong kong for the second summer in a row. i still cannot imagine myself settling here permanently, however appealing and numerous the opportunities for career advancement, but do not mind regular visits. despite not wanting to head off this year, i am quite thankful grandma enjoyed her big dinner and time with all those who have cared for her since her illness. and seeing family and friends is always enjoyed and makes the time away from home worthwhile.
dialoguing with my cousins is what i look forward to most of all each time i come back. we learn so much more about each other every visit, and this round i've found even more common ground in discussions about relationships - that though we are an ocean apart, we are not so different after all.
in less than a week, i'll begin my one week of near solitude in a city fairly unfamiliar to me. some people are keen to explore new places on their own and their sense of adventure takes them farther when they are by themselves than with a group of people...but i definitely am not that type. however, i'm open to how He will use this time to draw me nearer to Him.
