With a grateful heart, I look back on our very first cell group retreat in Hong Kong —a weekend woven together by waiting, laughter, heat, heart-felt conversations, and God’s presence.
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| Huge roundtable |
After worship on Sunday morning, we boarded a direct coach bound for Liangtang Port of Entry, excited. The five of us Singapore passport holders—HanWei, his two kids, Dinah, and I—waited 90 minutes to clear immigration. It wasn’t the most comfortable start, but even in the waiting, there was anticipation. Holy Spirit was already teaching us patience before the retreat had fully begun.
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| Airbnb karaoke |
All 22 of us eventually checked into a huge Airbnb in Jiao Chang Wei, a charming coastal village in Shenzhen. The anticipation and the joy of being together felt like a gift. That evening, we gathered for seafood around a grand roundtable that could seat 22. It felt symbolic—one table, one family.
The six kids formed their own “band,” complete with animated performances—though there was no live music. Their laughter filled the room more beautifully than any soundtrack could. Back at the house, couples took turns at karaoke while the children entertained themselves. It was pure fun seeing couples belting out their favourite Cantonese classics. Later, our cell leaders Jason and Jessica invited Dinah and I to share about our week. It was a very rough week, but our cell group surrounded us in prayer. In that moment, we were reminded that community is not just about celebration—it is about carrying one another’s burdens. We felt seen, heard, and upheld.
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| Help: Summer heat |
We ordered breakfast in on Monday and lingered over heart-to-heart conversations. There was no rush—just space to listen, reflect, and connect more deeply.
Later, we ventured to Dapeng Fortress. The historic stone walls stood quietly under the blazing summer sun, reminding us of legacy. The heat drove us into an a/c refuge in a café, where Dinah and I had meaningful conversations with Jingjun and folks. Simple moments over cold drinks became sacred pauses.
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| Hakka cuisine |
Later someone introduced us to stinky tofu—an experience few of us will soon forget! What started as hesitation turned into laughter and shared adventure. Lunch at a Hakka restaurant followed, rich with flavours and friendship.
On the taxi ride back to Hong Kong, HanWei, Jingjun, Dinah and I shared one of those rare, unhurried conversations that only happen when you are traveling together—honest, reflective, grateful. Their kids slept. Though we adults were physically exhausted, our hearts felt more connected than ever.
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| Pic by Jessie |
This retreat was more than a getaway. It was family expressed in shared meals, prayer circles, sweaty walks under the summer sun, children’s laughter, late-night karaoke, and vulnerable conversations.
I thank our heavenly Father:
For safe travels across borders.
For children who bring joy.
For honest conversations that deepen friendships.
For being present in both waiting lines and worship songs.
For the gift of family that prays and listens.
Our first cell group retreat here will always be remembered—not because everything was perfect, but because God met us in every moment.
With a thankful heart, I look forward to more journeys together.
