Tell tale signs of Jesus!

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I was mindful of how little Christianity I saw around Hong Kong. Well, lo and behold I saw this van on my final day in Hong Kong.

It was parked at the Ferry dock and I took a double-take when I saw it.

I wanted so desperately to find someone who knew about how and why it was parked at the dock, but there was no one around.

Thought it was cool anyway.

All for now,
Lisa

It's All About Perspective!

I mentioned earlier that I was going to talk about the Big Buddha that I visited in Hong Kong, so here's my musings!

The Tian Tan Buddha, (aka "Big Buddha") is on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It's the "world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha". The statue is located near the Po Lin Monastery and is supposed to symbolize the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion. It seems to be a major center of Buddhism in Hong Kong, and is also a popular tourist attraction.

I was amazed at the commercialism around this little monastery. As I walked around, I was amazed at how easily the monks walk amongst the tourists.

As I climbed the steps to the Buddha, I was mindful of what all of this meant to a Buddhist. And being in Beth's class right now on the Study of the Psalms of the Ascents, I was very mindful of Psalm 121 as I climbed the stairs. As a matter of fact, I had the song, "I Lift My Eyes Up", going through my head as I climbed each of the 268 steps to the top.

I Lift My Eyes Up

I lift my eyes up Up to the mountains
Where does my help come from
My help comes from You
Maker of Heaven
Creator of the earth

O how I need You Lord
You are my only hope
You are my only prayer
So I will wait for You
To come and rescue me
To come and give me life

My final thought as I toured this place was that I was happy that my God could not be contained in bronze or anything else.

All for now,
Lisa

Confucius Say, Chances of Finding a Nativity Set Slim

OK, so I have been all over Hong Kong in the last 24 hours. It's truly amazing how crowded EVERYTHING is. I've been to Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha (more on him later). I've been to Stanley, which is on the far south side of Hong Kong Island, which is where the flea market shopping is. And I've been to Kowloon, to walk up and down the store-lined streets.

Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise, believe me. But what I've yet to find is a Nativity Set. If you know me, you know I collect Nativity Sets from around the world. It's just one of those things, along with cheesy magnets, that I collect. They don't have to be big or expensive. Just interesting.

Well, nothing. Nada. Zip. Not a one in sight. Oh, I can buy a Buddha in every shape, size, material. But a little Jesus... not a chance.

All for now,
Lisa