Dear Elementary School Parents,

In addition to sharing school-related information in the Weekly Warrior, we want to recognize the busy lives of Hong Kong parents striving to support their children’s growth and success.  Today, it feels important to pause and acknowledge that, as parents, we are doing a lot. We’re working long hours. We’re doing all we can to provide our children with opportunities to succeed. We’re making connections for them and developing their talents. We’re trying to make sure everyone stays healthy (like the 800+ ICS parents who got the flu vaccine for their child last month), keeping up with homework, and encouraging neat handwriting. We’re arranging playdates, concert dates, and sports playoffs, creating memorable holidays, and getting to church on Sundays. In fact, much of our time is dedicated to supporting those around us.  And while caring for our loved ones is a privilege and a blessing from God, it’s also natural to sometimes wish for a quiet moment to recharge. Acknowledging this need for balance is not selfish, but simply honest. 

If you need to pause or catch your breath, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes the best gift we can give our children (and ourselves) is to model balance, show that it’s okay to have imperfect days, or even have days when we don’t make plans and simply enjoy each other’s company.

As we move through the busy weeks ahead, I encourage you to lean on God and His messages of rest and restoration.  We’re probably all familiar with Matthew 11:28, where Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  I also find music very restorative and would like to share Crowder’s “Come As You Are” and Jon Guerra’s “I See the Birds.” I also invite you to engage with school chapels (videos are available on the ICS Portal under Theater Live Stream) and PA events (including the parent prayer group) as sources of restoration and encouragement.