April 2000

Newsletter from Hong Kong

Dear Friends,

As I write this letter from my desk at the Christian Council, I am reminded that we arrived in Hong Kong almost six years ago—on May 16, 1994, to be exact. How do I remember the date so clearly? For one, we will be moving to a new apartment next month after three two-year leases with the same landlord. Then, next year at this time, I am eligible to apply to be a "permanent resident" in Hong Kong, a unique feature of immigration law here that foreigners can take advantage of after seven years of continuous residence. Perhaps what stands out most in my mind is the fact that May 16 of this year is the due date for the birth of our fourth child.

Experiencing pregnancy and childbirth in Hong Kong was not part of our plan when we came six years ago. It was not part of our plan even one year ago. But over the past eight months, we have been working to incorporate this surprising news into our lives and to find out what is God’s message through it all. Someone told me many years ago that plans are just that—plans. Plans can always be changed, and it can lead to something even bigger and better.

For sure, we are moving to bigger things. One reason for the move to a bigger apartment is to accommodate not only another baby but also more help to take care of the family. That’s when I realized how lucky I was to be in a place where we could even afford to consider live-in help. I am grateful for the women from overseas who sacrifice for their own families to work in Hong Kong as domestic helpers. Hong Kong families could not have the standard of living they enjoy without the labor of these 150,000 hard-working women from countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and India.

Another big decision was about medical care and hospitals. Having insurance through the mission board in America, I knew I had a choice whether to go through the private system or the public one. Interestingly enough, I was advised by a relative who is a doctor here that the public hospitals in Hong Kong are actually better equipped for emergencies than the private hospitals, should I have need as a "high risk" patient. So we have been using the public clinics for check-ups and tests and plan to deliver at a major public hospital in Kowloon. The obstetrical check-ups have all been free of charge—a great change from all our medical bills in the United States with the first three children. Other services such as prenatal tests and lab work are but a few U.S. dollars, and service is excellent and efficient. What a relief to know one can receive adequate medical care without worrying about how one can possibly pay for it. Even with the changes begin proposed by the government in the future, including increased fees, there is the philosophy in Hong Kong that affordable health care is a basic right and need in any civilized society.

Next, I had to arrange for maternity leave from my wonderful job at Hong Kong Christian Council and began investigating the local policy. Co-workers told me how fortunate I was to get 10 weeks off with flexibility on whether to take it before or after the birth. At one point not so long ago, there was no paid maternity leave or job security for new mothers in Hong Kong. At another point the rule was fixed—up to four weeks off before the birth, six weeks after. Many women had no medical reason to take off as early as four weeks before, so they simply lost the time. I am grateful for all those who lobbied so hard for workers’ rights and family causes in the past, and those who continue to fight against all forms of discrimination and injustice today in Hong Kong.

Lastly, I have experienced the support and love of family, friends and colleagues beyond what I ever expected. Their genuine concern and good wishes have made the past few months much easier, and made us realize we are indeed very blessed. It is my hope and prayer that this event will make my ministry even more effective, will bring peace and joy to our family, and will make our lives in Hong Kong even more meaningful as we experience how the Lord uses the unexpected to draw us closer to Him.

Judy Chan

The 2000 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page 162