90th Birthday Celebration in Hong Kong Part 1: Celebration

I am not sure how my friends in Hong Kong heard that I was due to celebrate my 90th birthday on December 10. But when they heard they immediately determined that part of that celebration needed to be in Hong Kong with them as hosts. So they made all the arrangements and I gladly accepted being there November 1 to November7. Jane felt the trip would be too much for her (and she was right) so son Tim accompanied me and that was also a good decision as his youth and internet skills made for very smooth international and local travel.

When I accepted my friends’ kind invitation I had only one instruction:” Keep it simple.” I suggested 11 names of people with whom I thought it would be extra nice to have a good Chinese birthday. We would eat in a room at the hotel and they would come get me for my dinner. I was told to be ready for dinner on the day after my arrival.

They came to my room at the appointed time. When I was escorted to the dining room I was greeted by a roomful of celebrants, 112 person-strong in a brightly decorated room. They were all waiting for me. A very large birthday candle on a very, very large birthday cake was ignited and the group broke into a joyous version of Happy Birthday, first in English and then in Chinese and the celebration was on

In the midst of an incredible ten course meal accompanied by free-flowing wine the program flowed- very ably emceed by Paul Chan Sing Kong-almost all in English! There was a “Biography of Mel Kieschnick Contest” at each table. Then each table selected one word to describe me. A spokesperson from each table came forward and explained why that word was chosen. Key words included trust, leader, farmer, inspiration, mentor, visionary  etc. etc. Each speaker at the podium brought with him/her a gift (more about that later) and made a 3 minute speech which the master of ceremonies had a very difficult, yet humorous time controlling. After each little speech the entire table of 12 persons came forward and a group picture was taken-and I had the opportunity to greet for a second or two each of the 112 wonderful guests. Of course, I was expected to make a speech, which I joyfully did. 

The evening ended when I was presented with a very large artistically designed Happy 90 Birthday Card with many hand-drawn birthday candles and a very large folded poster which contained a picture of each table with each of the guests having signed their name.

After a rousing “ Old Lang Syne” sung twice and an even more joyous” Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”, the glorious party came to an end.

The second party, too, was a surprise. One of my hosts John Chu had told me that he was accompanying Tim and me to Concordia Church on Sunday morning for Sunday morning worship with that congregation. I was especially pleased with that as so many years ago I had worshipped with that congregation, helped write its first constitution

We got stuck in traffic crossing the harbor between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and arrived at church late. The service was already under way. Of course we were escorted to the front row. The entire service was in Chinese but they had prepared an English Order of Worship and an outline of the sermon to help Tim (and me follow). After the service there were speeches and then opportunity for my former students-including also 4 who (some with tears in their eyes) told me they learned to read and write in a simple little evening school I had organized some 50 years ago, Then a big congregation dinner followed. The catered food (Chinese) was wonderful. Naturally there had be another gift-giving ceremony-and hundreds of photos as everyone had a cell phone camera and was anxious to record one more memory!

Reflections on a Long and Blessed Life No. 61: Teaching in Hong Kong

I have always said that my profession was “ teaching”. I realize that I often spent much more time in administration, planning, supervising, consulting, grant writing etc. but if you ask me what I really am I would say “I am a teacher.” When I spent some 10 years in Hong Kong I spent a great deal of that time teaching.

I had barely gotten off the plane when I first arrived in Hong Kong when Miss Behling informed me that I was scheduled to teach the next week. The Lutheran Church was requiring in-service training for its entire staff. Every Wednesday night the teachers from our various schools gathered for in-service classes. My first was “Basics of Christian Education.” Naturally I taught through an interpreter and I had an excellent one: Mr. Isaac Ma. He translated my lectures sentence by sentence. Regretfully my teaching method was almost exclusively by the lecture method. To this day I admire those members of my class who sat through that –especially since they came there after themselves having taught all day and then returning to their classrooms again by 8:00 the next morning.

Concurrently I taught a similar class at Hong Kong College. I taught there partially because in return for my teaching in the college the college provided free space for us to conduct church services on Sunday or special church holidays. The students were all refugees of all ages and probably came to class as much to learn English as to learn about Christian education. Mr. Ma was my interpreter there. One of my strongest memories there relates to a student who objected or questioned almost everything I said (very rare in those days.) He eventually came around. In fact he became a Christian and later a professional church worker in our Lutheran Church.

On Thursday night I taught a class for Sunday School teachers. I really enjoyed doing this as the class members were very excited to be learning and then teaching the Bible stories. Teaching this class also assisted me in being supportive of my wife Jane who was playing a major role in producing the Sunday School curriculum. Our Sunday Schools became very popular and before long we were printing 1,000 Sunday School leaflets each week.

Friday night teaching was also wonderful. This was the Bible Study class for missionaries and spouses. We really kept our Friday night reserved specifically for getting together and study. We spent the first hour in Bible study and then the second hour discussing another book, magazine article or special topic of interest. We did this while also enjoying some refreshments. We moved from member home to member home to do. We took turns leading the class –and I learned a very great deal from all the men and women who shared the teaching roles.

In my second year I added a class on Teaching Religion. This, too, was very satisfying. I taught it to all the elementary school teachers and I gave them lessons plans for them to use in their classes the following week. This class was very interactive with the students (teachers) doing demonstrations, critiquing each other’s teaching etc. I was determined to do this job right-for a very special reason. When I announced that the Chinese teachers in kindergarten through grade six would all be teaching religion a veteran missionary spouse confronted me very sternly with the words “Mr. Kieschnick, you are sewing the seeds of the destruction of the Lutheran Church by your actions!” She was convinced that no new Chinese Christian should be permitted to teach and that only missionaries had this right and skill.

Soon I was also teaching in the Bible Institute and later Concordia Seminary as well as the American Lutheran Church’s  Sha Tin Lutheran Seminary. I have made previous reference to my disaster in that last named teaching assignment as I was teaching General Psychology, was teaching it in my very poor Cantonese, and the only texts available were very behavioristic translations from the Russian.

Now as I near my 90th birthday I do very little teaching. I have sternly requested my wife to let me know when my Sunday Adult teaching in my local parish is not up to standard. So far she tells me I am still getting a passing grade, so I will carry on for a bit longer. Teaching is enjoyable and personally rewarding. And hopefully the class members find that this is true for them as well.

Feeding the Homeless

A couple nights ago I went to downtown San Diego to feed some of the thousands who live on the streets in that area. I stood at the end of the serving line offering a cup of lentil soup for each of the more than 200 persons who marched in front of me. I looked into the eyes of each one and asked if they would like a cup of soup. It was all a very moving experience and as I reflect upon it several thoughts and questions flood over me.

1. Each of those persons has a life story. I suppose that a mother rejoiced at the birth of each one of them. Did they go to school?  Serve in the military? Do they have any current family contacts? How did they end up on the street homeless and hunger ? Where will they be 30 days from now?

2. I was struck by the large number of women in line. I have been serving at this location occasionally now for some 15 years and I noticed how each year the number of women increases. I noticed especially how the women still tried to dress as best they could- While many of the dresses were obviously well worn they were clean and some effort seemed to still be made to have colors match. Some of the women even wore a bit of lipstick. Most looked me in the eyes but a few diverted their look. Life on the streets must be especially difficult for women.

3. There were people of all ages. I was struck especially by a young man of about 18. He seemed quite self-conscious and appeared to be ne  to street dwelling. I did not see evidence of drug abuse and I could not help but wonder, ”How did he get into this position?” Similarly, a person of about 25 who also seemed new to the situation appeared. He was neatly and nicely dressed. I had the feeling this was all anew and very uncomfortable experience for him. Of course, I also saw some faces of people who have been on the street for a very long time.  I was reminded that study after study shows that there are several different groups that make up that population. There are those who have just recently lost their jobs and or their homes. Others are veterans with pts syndrome. Some are perpetual drug abusers, some choose street live, others are trying desperate to get off the street. Some have to choose between eating and paying rent.

4. I was very saddened by the fact that many had no, few, or terrible teeth. I learned that tooth disease is the most prevalent illness of the homeless. And I was saddened to be told that the American Dental Association formally declined to have any part in any of our country’s affordable health plans-so all these people re ineligible for any kind of Medicare or other aid for dental care

5. It was obvious that homelessness knows no gender, racial or ethnic boundaries. There were men and women of all ages and skin color. But I did notice that there was only one person ( an elderly female) who was false assumption based on my many years working with the Chinese that the Asian’s heavy stress on education, family and the work ethic result  in fewer Asians among the homeless?

6. I also noticed the extreme friendliness and gratitude  o our homeless guests. All but maybe four out of more than 200 failed to say  “Thank you.” One gentleman with near tears simply said “Thank you.  This is my first mal in four days !”

One final word: the sponsoring group was the Third Ave Charitable Organization affiliated with First Lutheran Church. They really know how to do this right. They prepare a healthy good tasting and attractive dinner. They respect each of the homeless guests. They organize the process so that flows seamlessly. Thy carry the trays of those unable to do that for themselves. They carefully control serving size and the allow people to return as long as there is food. They welcome, respect and join in prayer with those dong e serving.

As I go home from the event I say a prayer of thanks for the many of us, the hungry and the well fed are brothers and sisters. And the words of Jesus ring in my ears, “I was hungry and you fed me.”

Reflections on a Long and Blessed Life -No. 60: Hong Kong Visions

My years in Hong Kong were certainly among the most enjoyable and rewarding years of my life. One reason for that is that I was a partner in a visioning process. Chinese fellow-workers and missionary cohorts and I had the job and the joy of envisioning what a Lutheran School System could be in Hong Kong.

When in 1950 Missionaries Behling, Holt, Simon and Boss and others were evacuated out of Communist China and landed in Hong Kong they immediately began teaching. Very early they were not only teaching religion but were starting schools and a Bible Institute. By the time I arrived in 1955 they had already secured the land for a large K-12 school to replace the middle school they had started in a storefront. (Concordia Lutheran School) But we had bigger dreams.

We wanted a Lutheran School System. It had to cover grades 1 through 12. It would include a target audience of very poor children and the children of wealthier families. It would in some case utilize the Chinese language and in other situations English. It would, of course be taught primarily by certified Chinese teachers but also by non- Chinese foreigners.

In the midst of the diversity there were to be some common essentials. The schools were to be Christian and specifically Lutheran. By that we meant they would teach that there is one God and that God is good. That God’s goodness was most evident in the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. The goal of Christian education is to set people free in Jesus Christ enabling each student to more nearly become all that God intends each student to be.

We knew, of course, that all o f this would cost a lot of money and that the money would not primarily flow from the USA but would be raised locally through tuition, government assistance, special education grants, etc. etc. We knew that we would need a system of teacher training focused on In-service learning.

The visioning was stimulated and greatly enhanced because of the values and experiences of my Chinese colleagues. They shared with almost all Chinese a great respect for education and for teachers. The refugee population included many persons who had been well trained in a variety of disciplines in China before they were forced out of China by Mao Tze Dung

In those days Hong Kong was a British Crown Colony and the British, too, had a deep commitment to schools. All Hong Kong land was owned by the Government and was leased out long term to businesses, not-for-profit organizations, churches etc.-The British had the tradition of allowing religion to be taught in schools and that practice was continued in Hong Kong.

My job title was Coordinator of Education and so I had the joy of trying to put all this together into a feasible plan and then find and utilize the resources to turn dreams into reality. Many many days were spent in Government offices studying the Colony’s plans for redevelopment. For example we selected one school site which when we selected it was all still under sea water-awaiting future development (Kwun Tong). Another interesting incident was when I found a site for The Hong Kong International School on a lot, which had somehow, or other escaped zoning by the government.

All of this had be done with a view to the time when Hong Kong would lose it status as a Crown Colony and most of the land (and accompanying conditions of lease) would revert to the Communist Party and its Beijing control. Fortunately the Brits negotiated a very good treaty with one provision being that the Communists would honor all leases including those made to Christian Churches-and would allow the teaching of religion in all church-related schools during the next 50 year period.

In a couple months I plan to be in Hong Kong and celebrate how so much of that vision has become reality. What a thrill it will be to meet with colleagues who are daily turning those visions into reality as they operate the following: 6 (six) secondary schools, 2 (two) international schools, 4 (four) night schools, 6 (six) primary schools, 1 (one) private school, 2 (two) special ed schools and 12 (twelve) kindergartens. These schools enroll more than 23,000 students and are staffed by more than 1000 teachers. Visions have become reality!

Kieschnick Family Reunion 2017: Something Old-Something New

The 25th annual Oscar and Lina Kieschnick Family Reunion was held recently and it was another resounding success. Held in Austin Texas, hosted by the Milton and Sylvia Kokel family it had all the traditional trimmings. There was the wonderful opening Mexican dinner party in Julie’s backyard. The hospitality suite was overflowing with all kinds of food and beverages. The golf tournament was especially great as my team won. Of course, the Texas 42 domino tournament was officiated well, the Texas bar-b-cue very delicious, the Sisters Luncheon fun . As always we left after the Sunday morning family worship service grateful and content

Two unexpected wrinkles. Our golf  foursomes were not the usual Saturday groups of 4 guys each. Our foursomes  had both male and female players of all ages and a very wide range of golfing skills. The golf starter noticed that the group was a bit different and got the details from nephew Tim. Tim explained the 26 year history of the K Reunions, the respect for the values exemplified by grandparents Oscar and Lina and the inclusiveness of this event. It resulted in the starter’s surprising reflection as he said “You know my dad is in a nursing home in Dallas. He always asks me to come visit but I admit I have not gone in some 3 years.” After a bit of reflection and urging from Tim the gentleman said,  “I will visit him.” He pulled out his cell phone called his dad and said, “Dad, Saturday after next I will be at your place to see you.”

The second memory is the result of a personal reflection. As we gathered for worship on Sunday I let my mind recall my parents’ history. Mom and Dad’s families have all been Lutheran going back, I suppose, to the Reformation. The tradition of marrying German-Lutheran spouses and then having multiple children was the absolute norm up to the 1950”s. In the year 2017, however I observed the following: We have family members who are Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, none, and probably “other”. We have family members who were born in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Jamaica, S, Korea, Thailand, Spain, Brazil and Israel. Within the four seas all people are brothers and sisters and this was beautifully experienced at the 2017 Oscar and Lina Kieschnick Family Reunion.

Reflections On A Long And Blessed Life No. 59: Food In Hong Kong Restaurants

Already in the 1950’s and continuing until today Hong Kong has had wonderful restaurants for every taste and pocketbook. My mouth begins to water as soon as I think of some wonderful Chinese feasts. We were indeed blessed to enjoy meals at common neighborhood restaurants and at the most elaborate and expensive ones.

But before enjoying the meal we always had to go through the appropriate seating ritual. The places at the table each had its ranking in the hierarchy-both as to where the table was located and the specific seat at which one was placed. It was dictated by both Chinese and biblical mandates to seat one’s-self at the lower tables and at a seat facing away from the entrance. This would always result in the polite urging to sit up higher-which one would, of course, decline. Eventually we all got seated and course after course was served. Among my very favorites is shark’s fin soup which is no longer available because it was the very sad practice to catch the sharks, just take the fins and discard the rest of the fish. It is impossible to beat traditional Peking duck. This specialty came in courses: first the very fatty meat wrapped in a wonderful crepe and dipped in a pungent, delicious sauce. Later the meat was served in small pieces and still later in the meal came the soup made from that same duck. Roast suckling pig was exactly that-with the whole piglet presented in the middle of the table. Elaborate meals had at least two soups plus fish, pork, duck, and several vegetables.

In contrast to the practice in Mainland China, my Chinese meals in Hong Kong did not feature heavy drinking of liquor. Beer was really not considered liquor. In fact children of any age could buy beer in neighborhood stores. Wine was never on the menu at any of the Chinese dinners I ate in those days. In Hong Kong whiskey meant Scotch.

The best and most exquisite place to eat on the Kowloon side was at the Peninsula Hotel and was (and still is) called Gaddis. The service was impeccable. The place was quiet and always featured a wonderful small musical ensemble from the Philippines. It was considered very expensive and we ate there very rarely. Of course, “expensive” is/was a relative term. One could eat a complete dinner including a cocktail, soup, entre and fancy dessert for less than $15.00(US). Our family often had our Sunday noon meal at a place called Garden Bakery. We could get soup, entre and dessert for US$1.00 each! Another favorite was the Russian Restaurant. It had wonderful baked bread and it was there that I first learned of and got to appreciate borscht soup.

There were, of course, no McDonalds’s or other fast food places in HK in our day. However there was plenty of “fast food” available. There were hundreds (maybe thousands) of little noodle and rice stands. There were street vendors who wheeled their offerings into the residential neighborhoods.

As I write this BLOG in mid June 2017 I am anticipating going to Hong Kong this fall. Top reason, of course, is to reconnect with former students who are now the wonderful and successful persons who have invited me back as their guest. It will be great to see them again and that experience will be greatly enhanced by fabulous meals at Chinese restaurants, at the Deep Water Bay Golf Club, and maybe even the extravagance of another meal at The Peninsula where a simple cocktail will cost more than the entire meal did in 1956!