Wow, two months, I’m finally done. My time in Hong Kong has been nothing short of incredible. I have seen things and done things and experienced things that I never expected to experience in my life. This has been simultaneously been one of the most difficult and enjoyable things I’d ever willingly done. The highs and lows feeling like a rollercoaster at times kept things interesting to say the least.
I didn’t know what exactly to expect coming to Hong Kong on an exchange. I knew for certain that I wanted to experience it to the fullest though. My mission was to not let myself spend a whole day in the dorms and I’ve certainly reached that goal. I have forced myself off campus again and again in any attempt to broaden my horizons. This has lead to solo ventures that soared my confidence level to an all time high. I don’t exactly recommend traveling by yourself, if you can help it, bring a friend, but if you can’t, don’t let anything stop you from seeing more of wherever you are.
I had an impression of the nation of China before coming here. American mass media certainly did not shed a positive light on it at all. I have been blown away by the hospitality and kindness of the Chinese people. Never have I met such friendly, outgoing, respectful people (outside of A&M ;)) with such a zeal for hospitality. I’ve been given gifts, had meals, hotels, and even a ride on a camel’s back paid for by my local friends as is according to custom. My experience might not be the same as everyone else’s, but coming to this nation with a mindset of respect and wonder has made me perplexed as to the “Level 3 travel advisory” that Americans are faced with in regard to China.
I’ll certainly remember my summer in Hong Kong for the rest of my life. The connections I’ll take away from this experience are the people I went to church with. The loving souls who love the Lord and loved me as a brother in Christ. These are the individuals I’d visit in my next visit to Asia. It’s so important while you’re here as a Christian to not compromise your morals and trust in God and his community to make you feel loved and treasured. I dealt with loneliness for a long period of time this summer and the thing that broke that feeling was an embrace of a church body across waters. This, above anything I saw, was the most important thing to me this summer.
I’d certainly recommend traveling abroad to anyone I could. While a semester exchange is certainly different from your 2 week trip to Europe, it’s important to see more of the world and to put into perspective the things in life that are important to you and how good it is to have a home like the United States of America. I’m so glad to head back soon into the loving relationships I have at home and a country and a state that I know has my back. See you soon USA!!
