So It Ends

I am left with nothing but time to reflect on the past 10 months. I have no stories that I wish to share at this moment only what I am feeling what I am thinking, and how I have processed the experience so far. Let us reflect on my time in Hong Kong.
Grand Dreams And Cautious Comfort
I began this year in awe; so captivated by my surroundings and the excitement of doing something extraordinarily new to me. In the beginning, I spent most mornings out on my balcony for a couple of minutes, and then I would move to the outdoor coffee shop on cam pus to write in my journal and try to force out some poetic sayings. Everything was so beautiful to me, the people, the place, and the air itself was beautiful; I was over joyed about being able to exchange culture through meaningful conversation. I wanted to know what their passion was, and share my passion with them. Race was a minimal issue in the beginning, I received interesting stares, but nothing too intrusive, however I remained cautious of my color.

My Stubborn Pen and Extinguishing Expectations
It became apparent that many things would not be as I expected, and that few things will come easy. My writing dwindled; I would spend an hour staring at my poetry book wondering where all the words had gone. I struggle with the nature of my program, but find beauty around many corners, in many people and places.
Cultural Restlessness and Ethnic Pondering
As my saying goes, I have been a minority all of my life, but never like this. I began to feel pinch in two areas: my American background and my place in the African Diaspora. I felt culturally alone here. I felt like I lacked the outlets necessary to assuage my cultural frustration, thus I held it in until it exploded in one of my blogs. I was tired of the local ignorance, but what should I expect, why should they know anything about my country; I know nothing about theirs. I guess all those discussions I used to hear about people across the Atlantic or Pacific knowing more about America than I probably do only meant American politics. As my friend in Paris has learned, many may know about American Politics, but be clueless about American culture, America’s Diversity, which is truly unique. My African outlets acted as a place of calm for me. I felt calm in Makumba, an African lounge, and I felt truly calm at my barber shop listening to Africans argue and chat about everything under the sun. Often they would switch to English so that I could get in on the conversation. In the end, I settled on the reality that my heritage my culture did not begin in Africa, but somewhere over the Atlantic, chained together in life’s filth wondering whether God’s plan could involve such horror.

Outside the office
Throughout the year I have shared with you the wonderful experiences I have had outside of Hong Kong. The natural freshness and southern hospitality of Taipei, Taiwan. The lovable children of Cambodia; a country that I miss almost as much as Mozambique. The wonder of The Great Wall and The Leshan Giant Buddha. The striking curiosity of Fuyang where I felt the most useful. A place that single handedly made me forgive all of the frustration I have had with my job, and with being a traveler in mainland China.
Grace and Poetry's Return
Suddenly, I can write again. I am full of emotions and I am starving to write peotry again. I am no longer afraid to look at my book, because I know whatever needs to come out will come out. God is faithful. I know this because my family has been a recepient of His Love and Grace; it is our M.O. I am currently reading the Book "What's So Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancey. If you want to talk about it with me, we surely can

So, I am all out of words. Not much to say.

Goodbye to the Primary School where the children are adorable, but more than I can handle. Don't let the smiles and size fool you.

Goodbye to HK outings



Goodbye to my Barber shop where I found serenity, cultural connection, and a little taste of home.







So long to the Shanghainese food nestled in the grit of Tai Po.





Goodbye to the Coffee Corner where my mornings normally began, where I got intimate with my journal, and got angry with my poetry book. Where Manie would stop every morning to say a quick hello to me.


Laslty, farewell to my colleagues and superiors most of whom I truly admire.




This year has been a handful. I have more stories than I can remember, 10GB worth of picutres, vast appreciation for all those that I left behind in August. I have been trying to finish this blog for weeks, and now I see that I don't have much to say. This is my last blog, I am coming HOME.