Five years ago today, our family set foot on this land for the very first time. The mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, excitement and nervousness, is still vividly etched in my memory. Back then, we threw ourselves into discovering new things, meeting new people, and learning about a new culture. The days passed between summers when darkness arrived late and winters when night seemed to fall almost before the day had begun. Spring brought an abundance of blossoms, summer invited us outdoors for picnics, autumn was breathtakingly beautiful, and winter was so cold that we wished we could wear our down jackets all day long. Season followed season, and before we knew it, five years had passed. How many five-year chapters does a person have in a lifetime?
Over these years, life has changed in many ways. We have encountered experiences we never imagined and faced challenges we never anticipated. What began as a journey of adjustment gradually became a new rhythm of life. Along the way, we met many new friends. Because we have been blessed with companions on this journey, the challenges of each day have felt lighter than they otherwise might have been. By God’s grace, we have slowly but surely begun to put down roots and make this place our home. These five years have not been marked by dramatic achievements or extraordinary events. Instead, they have been filled with quiet and ordinary blessings. Work, rest, gatherings with friends, and countless everyday moments have taught us the value of gratitude. At times, I still miss the past and find myself longing for seasons of life that can never be relived. Yet that longing is no longer defined by sadness. Rather, it serves as a reminder of the many wonderful people and precious memories that have shaped our lives.
While the adults have been adapting, our child has also entered adolescence. He has grown taller, become more independent, and developed ideas and perspectives of his own. As parents, watching this growth unfold has been a joy. I have never felt compelled to fully assimilate into British society. By middle age, certain values, habits, and cultural instincts have become deeply embedded within us. Our child, however, is growing up in a much broader world. Beyond academic learning, school has given him opportunities to interact with people from different ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds from around the globe. At this stage of life, friendships deepen and young people begin to explore romantic relationships. Interestingly, he has become someone his classmates often confide in. Those who seek his counsel include not only his friends but sometimes their partners as well. While many teenage relationships do not last long, what amazes me is that even after breakups, he often remains a trusted friend to both sides. I suspect this is not unique to our family. It is likely a common experience among many immigrant families. Compared to the first generation, it is often the next generation that truly becomes part of the local community, bridging cultures and building connections in ways their parents cannot.
Last year, during a retreat for our church pastors, we discussed the impact of the BNO 5+1 immigration wave and reflected on how this community might become a blessing to local churches. As I listened, I found myself thinking about these young people. If they experience God’s love personally and allow Him to transform their lives, they can become powerful witnesses of the Gospel. They have the potential to be bridges between communities and cultures, bringing blessing and encouragement to local churches in the years to come.
Of course, the world is changing rapidly, and none of us knows what the future holds. Yet one thing remains unchanged: the presence of God. In the past, when I felt lost, He gave me direction. When I felt lonely, He brought me comfort. And I trust that He will continue to do so in the years ahead.Whenever anxiety about the future arises, He reminds me that hope does not come from having a clear view of the road ahead. Hope comes from knowing that we do not walk that road alone. So while I occasionally look back, I continue to look forward as well.
I believe God has already prepared a path for us. I believe every season carries its own purpose.
And I believe that no matter how great the distance between us, love and remembrance can transcend it, keeping us connected to one another.
Five years have passed.
And through it all, we remain grateful—grateful that we are still on the journey, and grateful that God has been with us every step of the way.
Rev Ping Li