I traveled with my relatives to Zhuhai and Macau this past weekend. We left for Zhuhai Saturday morning, and found our Hotel Resort to be in the middle of nowhere. Though beautiful, the spa resort didn’t lend itself to entertaining us much, nor giving us many options for dining.
However, once we arrived in Macau and boarded the shuttle to the one and only 6 Star hotel in the world, we knew things were improving. We went straight to Macanese food (Dumbo’s for those of you who know it, wink wink nudge nudge say no more), where my crazy sexy BF met up with us and was polite enough not to order dishes he knew would make everyone’s minds go crazy with ecstasy, since he was merely a guest. After a multicultural lunch-on a couple levels, my cousins, Jon and I, went to the GoKart track near the Venetian (which is humongous). Finally we went into our 6 star hotel room and found the tv not working 😛 We checked out every detail, especially the fancy multi-functional bathroom, which is almost as big as the rest of the hotel room. After lounging around, Jon took me to Fernandos where we ate with his Mom and saw the black sand beach in the moonlight. Had a dan tat (egg tart) before meeting up with the fam again. And off we headed to more desserts in the heart of Macau. By the time I got back to the Crown Hotel, I realized I could spend a week in Macau without even touching the casino aspect it holds unlike its Western counterpart which cries nothing but the slot machines. I wish I could spend a week there, but that’ll have to wait for a while. For now, I’m groaning at the fact that school starts way too soon. But I’m looking forward to seeing you guys when I start my last year-yes!

Peace

First Sunday back in Hong Kong, Communion Sunday, church at the Marriot, it was good to be back into the worship, listen to Brett’s sermon and be with amazing people.

While we were worshipping, I was thinking about how I would like to bring Danae, Johnny B, Prince and my friends from People to People to my church. Then I was reminded of the day we had a short break before big gathering to small group gathering.. Danae and I sat on the lawn and talked about our faith, Johnny B joined us shortly after as well. We were late to the small group gathering but it doesn’t matter because we felt like we got to know each other on another level.

Point being said, when I was thinking about how amazing it would be to have them worship the God with me under the same roof, for them to meet my friends. God reminded me that during that time, I was slipping away. I haven’t been to church in a week or two, I haven’t been around people who could talk to me and I was just falling away without noticing.

He knew I was falling away and what does he do? He puts people in my life that can remind me of Him. People in my life that I can share my faith with and be reminded that I should not hold back my faith even if it means risking ignorance towards myself. Reminded that I have to go and share God’s love, share His word.

It was a good reminder and now that I look back, God is great and I’m so grateful He allowed them to be a part of my life.

Everytime you are falling away, God has a way of pulling you back. Whether that involves pain sometimes, struggles and simply putting people in your life. Trust in Him, take one step at a time.

-Joanne Lam

It’s already the end of July, which means there’s less than a month till Senior year starts. Most of summer is gone, I was away for a month and I am heading back to Hong Kong now. I will be back Friday night.

Once I get back, I’ve got to start thinking about college apps, college essays and all that good stuff. Senior year will be busy but it sure will be fun, being the old kids at school, having senior gatherings every month with the LaTours- I’m looking forward to it.

People to People leadership summit at Washington D.C was fun. it was very strict which threw me off a little bit, but they loosened up.. at least with me anyways.. I enjoyed meeting all my South African friends, American friends, friends from every where. You all had so much talent and such great leaders. Hearing what all you of would like to be in the future makes me feel like home, feel like I fit in with you guys because we all have a goal in mind, share with each other and help each other out. Thanks ya’ll.

This week is Toronto have been busy. People to do and things to do every day. Watching movies, walking around town, golf, baby-sitting, Canada’s wonderland, etc. It was great seeing my cousins, looking forward to next time.

I’m ready for home and looking forward to seeing all you cool cats in Hong Kong. Leave me a message, give me a call, contact me if you want to meet up because the stress starts all over again.

Have a good one.

Love, Joanne

I realized something today on one of our long drives to the universities…
My ultimate pet peeve-
Anyone messing with the volume of my music.
Cheers!

Hey there.

I hope HK is treating those who are around well. I know the weather haven’t been very bright lately but hang in there, good ol’ summer will come back. On the other hand, the weather here in California is beautiful. I have been here since this past Thursday, so basically just a few days ago and I’m loving it. I wish I could drive- but other than that, the neighborhood is nice, the weather is amazing.

I have been busy. Shopping, walking around, went to my the first out of 6 college campus visits today at Chapman University- pretty cool. It was quite long though, my parents and I were there from 10 in the morning till 3 in the afternoon. Information session, campus tour, and met with the admission officer for international students- getting a head start you know… Sure sure.

I’m here for a few more days then head to Boston on July 4th. Is anyone around there? I will be doing 3 college visits there then head to George Washington University for a leadership program. After the program, I will be flying to Toronto for some family visits and a few friends perhaps. I can’t say when the next time I update will be- maybe tomorrow- maybe when I get back to Hong Kong. Who knows eh?

Hope all is well. Drop me a line here, on facebook, by email, and let me know how summer is treating you! Feels like summer is going to fly by like no other for me. Treasure it while it lasts!

Cheers, Joanne

P.S. Since many recommended In-N-Out in California, I went tonight with Emily and two of my cousins. It was great, I was a bit tired in the end for my liking but fun nonetheless. Sigh- I don’t like being a tourist!