another milestone
We are in the midst of our first typhoon. It’s not a severe one, (they are graded like tornados) but it’s definitely windy and rainy. We are supposed to get 5 inches an hour. 
They say there hasn’t been a typhoon in April in 40 years. Typhoon season is starting early, folks. They are predicting an active season. Oh joy. 
Warning…whining coming up….
We’ve worked hard at making friends since arriving here, and found a handful of families that we get together with as often as we can. Many of them belong to a homeschool “group” (I use that term loosely) and others we met via my mom’s group. One family in particular is such a blessing because they have four children, the same ages and genders as mine. All the children hit it off and get along wonderfully. We’ve gone on fieldtrips with them, shared meals, confided in each other and have really grown close to them in a short time. We just got the final word that after 8 years of being in HKG, they are returning to the states in July. My children are d-e-v-e-s-t-a-t-e-d. Also, three other families are leaving HKG as well, making a total of four families leaving HKG by the end of the year to return to their native countries. I am reeling from it all. Actually, I want to have a good cry.
IT’S NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
April 20th, 2008 at 12:14 am
My verification word was WHOA and that’s exactly what I was thinking when I read your post. How horrible for the kids to lose their best friends there.
Praying new families show up to replace those leaving and in the meantime, your family grows closer to each other.
April 20th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Oh Deanne!!!!! I’m so sorry!!!!! You have prayed so faithfully for friends for me throughout the years, and I will do the same for you!!!
April 20th, 2008 at 7:06 am
When I heard the news, I was thinking of you and your family. Not the typhoon news - I figured you could handle that.
April 20th, 2008 at 8:53 am
LOL My word was enjoy! Ironic?? I can’t wait to see how GOd is going to grow you through this latest change. AFTER you have that cry, maybe you’ll see how He might allow you can to use what you ‘ve learned to help somone else adjust. Wishing you could feel my hugs!!
April 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I would be right there crying with you! Yes, ME. There’s nothing that gets my tears flowing more than dissapointment, frustration and anger. My daddy trained me well: stiffle the pain and sorrow, be strong; but somehow those other three emotions are harder to control.
Can I mail you a Reese’s PB Cup or something? The $.41 an ounce would be worth every penny.
Lots of love and hugs.
OXOXO
P.S.(For some real therapy, cut off all your hair and slaughter a chicken. It does wonders!)
April 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
What a bummer! I’m not even overseas and I have a hard time making friends with families like that–having similar aged/gener kids and then leaving would be hard.
April 20th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Do you want to know what my husband said? “Think of the million of people that are still here.” He was being funny. We feel your pain. There goes my walking partner and my speech therapist.
My word was “school”.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:06 am
My word was “hugs” and that’s what I’m sending you! ((HUGS))
April 21st, 2008 at 10:55 pm
ACK SO STINKY!!
Go ahead and cry. It’s alright. 
We’d all do the same!