Part 4: After the Great Climb

In May, my wife's family came to visit us, and it was deja vu when we discussed our plans with them. We received responses similar to the ones back during the CNY break.

By this point in time, my own resolve was clear. Probably what won them over was this statement:

"I may be doing fine with what I currently have. At 35, it's ok for now. But what about in 10 years? What good will it be when I have 16 years of teaching experience based solely on a TEFL certificate?"

It was practical, and it made sense. If it worked for Temy's family, would it work for mine? All that I had was based on someone's word.

In mid-April, I was interviewed by Hong Kong Baptist University. I preferred HKBU over PolyU over the following reasons:

1) Well established academic institution

2) Native English speaking, English language trainers

3) A difference of 20K HKD in tuition fee

At the end of the interview, it was verbally known to me that I would receive an offer. So even before the physical offer would be sent out by mail, I was already in. It was a great relief, and we took it as confirmation that I was to enter grad school rather than the work force. This place a slight amount of pressure on my wife to resume her job search.

In June, she applied for a position that she didn't think would reply back to her. They did. After the first successful interview by Skype, a method rarely used, she completed a written test and had a second interview on a Friday. She received the offer on Monday.

The pieces were coming together.

Things moved faster afterwards. I had sent my acceptance of their offer, and applied for my student visa. We spent the next few weeks boxing up our belongings. Just this past weekend, the movers came and took all 27 boxes away. Friends and neighbors have come and purchased our furniture and other items. Only a bed, one desk, and a tv remains. Life has quieted down just in time to allow us to reflect over the next two weeks of what being in Beijing had meant to us. Already, it has meant a lot for my wife since the social work agency had been searching for a local Hong Kong professional who has experience working at an international school. If there isn't any more confirmation, this next piece of factoid would: the local school she would work at is her former middle school. Things are coming full circle for her and that's the type of validation she had been looking for.