As the Lunar New Year draws near, what wishes and aspirations do we hold for the coming year? Having relocated to the UK over two years ago, I've met numerous Hong Kongers in different contexts. They have left their homeland for various reasons. While some have adapted to life in the UK, others continue to grapple with numerous adjustments.
To connect with more Hong Kong people, brothers and sisters in our church took to the streets of Manchester on the eves of Christmas and Lunar New Year, offering milk tea and songs to passers-by. Have you ever heard a Hong Kong pop song on the streets of the UK? Especially during festive seasons, when the longing for family intensifies, the church band practised tirelessly. Their goal was simple: to bring a slice of home to the streets, allowing fellow Hong Kongers to savour a familiar tune or enjoy a cup of Hong Kong-style milk tea.
While engaging with the community, we stumbled upon a dance team composed of Hong Kongers and spontaneously joined in their flash mob; a Muslim woman opened up for a conversation with our church members; and generous locals presented us with fresh bread, hoping we'd distribute it to the homeless. These were the unexpected yet touching encounters that unfolded. Driven by our love for the community, we kept crossing paths with kind-hearted souls.
Life as an immigrant is challenging. Yet, faced with a new environment, what visions do we harbour for this place? If you're willing to take that initial step, you can still carve out the life you've envisioned in this new land.
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