Yep...another one from Hong Kong

Well, here we are again. Back in Hong Kong. We've made it through the first of our three flights home. Of course, that was the shortest one.

It was hard to leave today. I mean, of course it's bitter sweet because I'm anxious to see the girls, but I'm also really sad to be leaving our parents, our new Chinese sisters (Julie & Annie), our new friends, and just China. As crazy & different as it is, I was really starting to feel quite comfortable there. It's funny how quickly you can fall into new habits, etc.

I'm so thankful that we were able to go & have this whole experience. It really helps to put life into perspective in a lot of ways. It has reminded me to be thankful for my blessings, it's humbled me in many ways, as well. I love that the people are unconcerned with appearances (of all sorts) for the most part.

The food was really yummy this time, too. The first time I was there, I don't remember liking the food AT ALL. I remember thinking that the one really odd fast food restaurant, Dico's, was an oasis of somewhat decent food. This time, though, there were all sorts of yummy places to eat. And, I'm thinking we didn't even begin to scratch the surface of good restaurants. I do have to admit, though, that when we went to McDonald's yesterday, the first bite of the Big Mac (which I don't normally love) was like HEAVEN! I guess I just miss some of those familiar tastes. I don't know.

Anyway, I also LOVE the new friends I've made while there. I was sad to say goodbye to them today just because I'll miss their company and sweet personalities, but I'm also just afraid of whether or not I'll ever get to see them again. Julie allowed me the wonderful opportunity to shoot some wedding photos for her. You've seen some of those. I know that she thinks I was doing her a favor, but I feel like I was the one that was blessed to be able to do it! It was SUCH a fun day spent with she & her husband. I'm glad that I've got photos of them just for MY sake. I'll miss her much!

And, Annie... Annie is such a sweet girl! And, she shares a love for shopping & getting the best price, which is a girl after my own heart! I had a lot of fun with her, and I felt like we were old friends! She is hoping to visit Texas late next year, and I'm SO keeping my fingers crossed that she makes it out! I'd love to welcome her into my home.

Annie also allowed me to photograph her yesterday. She is such a beautiful girl, and it was absolutely my pleasure to get to do this! She was up for anything, and I think we could have stayed out for HOURS taking pictures. We didn't quite have enough time for all the shots I had envisioned for her. Maybe next year in Texas, right!?!

I'm sharing just a couple of Annie for now. I am HUNDREDS of pictures behind in post processing. I've got 5 finished of Annie, so far, but after looking back, I see that the color balance & some other things are kinda wonky on three of them. So, I'm just sharing the two until I can get home & fix them up on my trusty ol' CRT monitor. (I know you post process on a laptop all the time, Michael, but I'm no rockstar like you! I just can't make it work! Haha!)

Anyway, so, here's Annie: