Dragonboat

Pictures from Vietnam: http://picasaweb.google.com/charleskim/HoChiMinhApril2009#  

I've picked up dragonboating with my church and we particicpated in a small race earlier this month.  Pictures can be seen at: http://www.islandecc.smugmug.com/  Yoona was there supporting the entire day, but the cameraman caught her only once.  

Interesting article forwarded by a friend.  An atheist who articulates the need for meeting people's physical and spiritual needs:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

Random Thoughts

Elevator Efficiency.  Hong Kong's a vertical city, so there are a lot of elevators.  I've learned that it's more efficient to press the "close door" button prior to pressing the button for the destination floor.  That way, the door begins to close immediately (during which time you press the floor button) rather than pressing the floor button first and then pressing the "close door" button or waiting for the door to close automatically.  I've seen no one else do this, but the only situation this method isn't more efficient is when you have to hold the door open for other people to get in.  In all other situations, it saves you 2-3 seconds.     

Marriage thoughts.  I got married relatively young for our generation, but I think it was a good thing for me.  A big change in married life has been surrendering my independence and control over important things like how I spend my time and money.  I think the longer I would've stayed single and become set in my ways, the more difficult this transition would have been.  But I'm also learning the permanence of marriage -- it's really death do us part.  So I guess the lesson is not to rush into marriage, but when one does get married, be willing to surrender a significant amount of control over one's life and possessions.  It's not like I had much control to begin with anyway.  For everything I've worked hard for, the two best things in my life have been undeserved gifts.  

Fantasy basketball.  A new season has started.  Stoked about getting Dwight Howard with the overall fourth pick (my money league doesn't have ft% and has both o-reb and reb!), Danny Granger with my second pick (a steal, I think), and David West with my third.  I've tended to do well during even numbered years, so I'm hoping the trend continues.    

Photo Update August 2008

Some views from our new apartment.  It's small (650 sq ft.), but has fantastic views.   

This is looking toward the harbor.  The building on the left is International Finance Center 2, the tallest building in HK.  Down below, the green surface is Southorn Playground, where they have four basketball courts (eight baskets) and a soccer pitch.  I sometimes go down to play with the locals (and other expats), some of whom are quite good.  I sweat about a gallon each time I play during the humid summer months.

Looking toward the mountains and the Happy Valley Racecourse.  During the season, we can see the horses rounding the course on Wednesday evenings. 

Looking down toward our pool.  Don't step onto the balcony if you're scared of heights. 

One of my favorite activities in HK is going on "junk trips."  For those unfamiliar with the term (like I once was), they're daytrips out on a boat.  A couple weeks ago, Chris graciously invited us to one.  We went out to Lamma Island and enjoyed seafood.   

And also had a good time on the banana boat.

Yesterday, we went to one with our church small group.  Here we are before getting on.

We actually brought food on-board and BBQed it on the boat.  Yoona diligently slicing up the chicken.

Then I tried wakeboarding for the first time.  I had some problems standing up on the board initially, but got the hang of it after watching one of the sisters do it with ease.  Yoona was able to stand as well!

Here I am lacing up with our boat in the background.

And here I go!

A fun, happy day.  Thanks to John in our small group for organizing and hosting. 

Thanks be to God for the incredible day and great friends. 

February 23rd was the happiest day of my life -- yoona and i said our vows and we celebrated the rest of the day, and night, surrounded by family and friends from all seasons of our lives.  despite our accumulated tiredness from a week of taking care of last minute preparations for a wedding planned 7,000 miles away, we spent almost the entire time catching up with friends.  still, it went by much too quickly for our liking.  living here in asia, it troubles me to think that i won't be seeing so many loved ones for a long time to come.  i know this is a reality of life and growing up, but i still find myself longing for times past.  and i sometimes fear being forgotten.  perhaps it's a sign that i live for man's approval rather than God's ("live for an audience of One").  but anyhow, God's been comforting me in this matter recently.  first, He reminds me of the wonderful woman that He's provided.  i wish every man could be so blessed.  second, He reminds me of heaven, where all those who know Him will be reunited and in fellowship for eternity.  finally, He reminds me of my purpose here on earth.  i should not fear being forgotten by some or losing certain relationships if I am in His will and doing His work.  relationships are good, but not when they become idols and hinder our purpose.  i want to live well each day in the time and place He's placed me in.

this entry is somewhat funny because one motivation i have for writing here is to keep in touch with those back home...