Thank You

I just celebrated my first ever Thanksgiving in Hong Kong. I’ve never actually thought much about Thanksgiving, even though it’s widely celebrated in Toronto amongst my relatives. As always, it’s just another excuse for a family gathering where we gorge on turkey, roasted veggies, and yummy desserts. We don’t actually “give thanks” for anything. But this Thanksgiving was very different but in a good way. First of all, it wasn’t the Canadian Thanksgiving (Oct. 9th), but American (Nov. 23rd). Feels a bit weird celebrating this close to Christmas. It was a close gathering amongst friends. The atmosphere was warm and intimate, and we really did share about what we’ve been thankful for this past year.

As I mulled over everything that’s been going on in the past year, I can honestly say that I’m most thankful for my family. I know, its so cliché! After being away from home for four years, it was hard to adjust back into “family life”. It’s been over a year now, and I love being at home, living with my parents. At first I thought it was a step backwards, moving back home. But I’ve realized that it’s actually a step forward into developing a new relationship with my family as an adult. When I left home, I was still a kid. But now I’m all grown up (believe it or not). It’s interesting interacting with them in this new way. Our relationship has begun to grow into a beautiful friendship. So yes, I give thanks for my parents. And for having the opportunity to spend this time with them, creating wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Remembrance

Just got back from a trip to London and Paris with my Dad. It was great, we did all the touristy stuff (our first times in Europe!). For me, the highlight of the trip was not peering down from the great heights of the Eiffel Tower, nor was it seeing Les Miserables in London's West End, it was getting to see my FRIENDS. I haven't seen some of them in a long while, the longest one 3 years ago. I didn't know how much I missed them until I saw them again.

And although it was only a 10 day trip, I was surprised to find myself missing Hong Kong, missing my friends, missing church activities. It's made me realize how important the PEOPLE in my life are. Often times I take them for granted. I don't cherish them until its too late. Hong Kong is such a transient place. So many coming and going. It's great in a way, but also sad to be always saying goodbye to people I'd wish I'd gotten to know better. I still think back to the "good old days" of university life, friends that have supported me and impacted me in ways unfathomable.

I'm not good at keeping in touch with people who aren't physically close by. I'm not good with phone calls and emails. It's all good at the beginning, but it all fades in time. But, it just makes it so much greater when I see them years later, to see them growing and changing. And hopefully I myself in turn have grown and changed for the better as well.