Autumn Homecoming

Autumn has arrived in Hong Kong! (I think!) This is our first year in HK, so I had to ask my students if the seasons had indeed changed (or was I just getting used to the heat and humidity?!), and they have all confirmed that these breezy and sunny days with slightly lower temperatures and humidity means that we are now in Autumn. And it is glorious! The guidebooks all tote October as THE month to be in HK, as it is sunny and pleasantly warm with only a few rainy days and thus lower humidity from the summer months. I think they are right. Something to keep in mind for those of you thinking of a visit....

In fact, we had the 'Mid-Autumn' Festival a couple of weeks ago, where everyone eats copious amounts of 'Moon cakes' and stares at the full moon with family and friends (it brings good luck for the coming year, so I was told), however, at that time I wasn't really feeling an Autumnal bite. I even asked some people, 'How is this considered MID Autumn, when I haven't noticed the start of the season- it's only early October?' but they assured me repeatedly that it was mid-Autumn... I didn't get a good answer... but as the holidays follow the lunar calendar, I guess you can't argue... and after all, China is a huge country, so it must be mid-Autumn somewhere (like inner Mongolia)!

Oh, and for the record, you can pre-order gluten-free 'Moon Cakes' from a health food shop in Central, so I was able to participate in the feasting! That was thrilling for me! It is customary for people to give these cakes to friends and family, and apparently your teachers, as we received some from students, so Ryan had the added joy of eating Moon Cakes for two- those given to him and those given to me! People know of my allergy, but I think they felt it would be rude not to gift me one as well... everyone is very thoughtful.

The other exciting news from us is that we have moved to a new home down the hill from the seminary. It is much more spacious and we have great views! We are very happy and feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to live in an apartment in an historical home surrounded by a big yard. We also have charge of two beautiful grey cats who live on the roof patio above us and Ryan enjoys feeding them twice a day. We also have several dogs on the grounds to keep us on our toes!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support,
K&R