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Smugglers in Hong Kong
Chapter Three A GLIMPSE OF THE BEACH (first posted Jan. 25 2000)
After the long flight from New York to Hong Kong, the Carltons slept late
the next day. When the twins finally woke up, the sun was streaming in
through the window which faced to ocean. They looked out to see the
sparkling waters of Repulse Bay some distance away. The beautiful blue of
the water and the lush green trees made it seem like a fairy land. It was
very different from the busy streets of downtown Hong Kong they had
traveled last night.
The beach looked so inviting and the few bathers already there seemed to
be beckoning them to hurry down for a swim. However, Jack was lost in
thought, spying out the land from the balcony of their apartment
building. He imagined the pirates’ ship anchored out in the bay with
lookouts on the mast while some of the other pirates rowed toward shore
to bury their treasure.
Then Mother called for breakfast bringing him back to reality with a
jolt. His imaginary pirates were gone. Only ordinary people were down on
the beach.
Repulse Bay is one of the prettiest beaches in Hong Kong with beautiful
apartment houses hugging the mountain side. Jack remembered Dad telling
them that the people living in this area were very wealthy. They were not
at all like the poor people crowded into tiny cubicles, which they called
home. The Whiteheads told them Hong Kong was considered a very exotic and
interesting city on the tip of China where tourists came by the thousands
for shopping and fun. But to them, it is a teeming city with more than
six million people squeezed into an area about 20 miles square! It is
probably one of the most crowded places in the world.
Mr. Whitehead had written many letters to them and told them of the
plight of the refugees who had fled to Hong Kong in the 1950’s and 60’s
to escape from Communism.
As the family gathered around the table for breakfast, they gave thanks
for the Chen family who had provided food for their breakfast.
“What nice people the Chens are,” Mother said. “I think it is going to be
very interesting to get to know this family better., But we must all
remember to pray that they will come to know Jesus as their Savior. That
would make our trip just perfect.”
“That’s right,” Jenny chimed in. “I’m praying for them every
day.”
As they were finishing breakfast, Dad announced that the Chens had
invited them to a special Chinese floating restaurant in Aberdeen Bay.
“A floating restaurant?” exclaimed Jack. “Boy, that sounds exciting. When
are we going?”
It will be two or three days yet,” said Dad. “Mr. Chen and I have a lot
of work to do first, but after that we will be able to see the sights of
Hong Kong.”
“Tim told me last night that they belong to a club that has a very large
swimming pool,” said Jack, “and he said his mom would take us there
sometime. May we go to the beach today? I want to do some exploring.”
“I hope you aren’t going to look for pirates all the time you are here,
Jack Remember, there just aren’t any around anymore,” said Dad.
“Well, I’ll settle for some smugglers- any kind will do!” replied
Jack
with a grin.
“Now you just be careful, Jack Carlton and mind your own business. I
don’t want you looking for trouble,” Mother said anxiously.
The door bell interrupted further discussion on pirates and smugglers,
but Mother said a silent prayer for her inquisitive son. When they opened
the door, there stood Tim and Ruth and both were just about as excited as
Jack and Jenny. Even though the four children had just met for the first
time last night, they were already acting like old friends.
“Mother said she would take us to the beach this afternoon if you would
like to go with us,” both said excitedly at the same time.
“May we go, Dad? Asked Jack as Jenny rushed over and grabbed her dad’s
hand.
“Oh, please, Dad, please? Jenny pleaded.
“I don’t see any reason why that can’t be arranged,” he said to his
wife.
“You could take the children to the beach and visit with Mrs. Chen while
I go to the office with Mr. Chen.”
Four excited children rushed out to the balcony to take a look at the
beach again, expecting a great afternoon of fun.