I'm not one who usually blog about jams and all, unlike my friend, Lady Snoflek here, but yesterday's jam was so bad I would not do justice if I did not blog about it.
Yesterday, I had to travel back home to PJ. And being a student who's trying to save some money, I took the Serdang way as it costs a bit less. But it took me 3 hours just to reach Petaling Jaya from Cyberjaya, and that with a little help from the Sprint highway! (and that was another 2 bucks! *Sigh* All my hard earned money flying away dy~) All thanks to the flash floods that hit KL, causing some roads to the closed down. *Geram*
Man, it's these days that I wish I could fly~
Friday, May 28, 2004
The Fire
Ever tried making a good 1st impression when you arrive at somewhere new? I did try hard to impress my colleagues at Chili's with my hard work and work ethic until... the fire struck~! (Dang, kinda paiseh about this)
It was only my 2nd day at work, when I was assigned to the lounge area. As a server with the lounge area, you're meant to clear ashtrays and clean them before they get too full and all. So thus, there I was, dutifully going from table to table, putting new ashtrays if the old ones are beginning to fill out and then clearing its contents to the waste paper basket at the station. And then walking around to see if the customers wanted anything else.
It was then someone shouted, "Crap! Smoking Waste PaperBasket!" and true enough, the waste paperbasket was smoking! Erm, Or more like there was a ton of smoke coming out of it. Rushing to it with a pail of water, we extinguished it, and found out it was caused by one of the still lighted cigarette butts.
And the next day at work, it became an urban legend when a colleague ask me if I've heard about the farnee guy who lighted up the wastepaperbasket.
Hmm, I wonder who that guy is..
Shhh~~~
It was only my 2nd day at work, when I was assigned to the lounge area. As a server with the lounge area, you're meant to clear ashtrays and clean them before they get too full and all. So thus, there I was, dutifully going from table to table, putting new ashtrays if the old ones are beginning to fill out and then clearing its contents to the waste paper basket at the station. And then walking around to see if the customers wanted anything else.
It was then someone shouted, "Crap! Smoking Waste PaperBasket!" and true enough, the waste paperbasket was smoking! Erm, Or more like there was a ton of smoke coming out of it. Rushing to it with a pail of water, we extinguished it, and found out it was caused by one of the still lighted cigarette butts.
And the next day at work, it became an urban legend when a colleague ask me if I've heard about the farnee guy who lighted up the wastepaperbasket.
Hmm, I wonder who that guy is..
Shhh~~~
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Growing Pains
James 1:2-4 'My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.'
Recently, I felt God's been teaching me new things regarding people and relating to them. All my life I've been a straight and stoic person, believing white is white and black is definitely black.
And I used to believe, by a flaw in thinking in my secondary school years, that people would be impressed by what's in your heart and not your outer appearances or the way you carry yourself. (that explains why I wasn't really popular in school *sigh*) But working as a server (or in other words, a waiter) forces me to observe people more, to see their wants, their needs and finally, how they interact with each other.
I found that the relationships that worked the best was when both parties enjoyed each others company and even bantered around the dining table with sarcasm and jokes, filling the table with laughter and fun. And although this is well known, I sometimes revert back to my old thinking, that people would be more impressed with my heart and not what I say or do. Thus, sometimes I would rather remain quiet or aloof with whatever's going on around me. But no more I guess.
If people aren't comfortable around me, how then could I even get through to them?I learnt that friendships can never be forced (yea, made that mistakes a few times dy *sigh*) but occurs when it's left to grow naturally. No doubt, the element to learning to relate, of being a gentleman and even teasing around does help nurture a friendship. And that explains why some people seem to have all the friends they would ever need and why some don't really have any.
I've been learning letting myself free from being stoic nowadays, which isn't myself, but just being my talkative, crappy, nonsensical and finally, sarcastic self. Man, it's only now that I'm learning this. (haha, might have been attached earlier if I only knew about this principles) It's been a tough journey through life experiences to be a better person, a better Christian, but God willing, I shall eventually be made perfect in Christ.
Let's enjoy our friendships~!
God Bless~
Recently, I felt God's been teaching me new things regarding people and relating to them. All my life I've been a straight and stoic person, believing white is white and black is definitely black.
And I used to believe, by a flaw in thinking in my secondary school years, that people would be impressed by what's in your heart and not your outer appearances or the way you carry yourself. (that explains why I wasn't really popular in school *sigh*) But working as a server (or in other words, a waiter) forces me to observe people more, to see their wants, their needs and finally, how they interact with each other.
I found that the relationships that worked the best was when both parties enjoyed each others company and even bantered around the dining table with sarcasm and jokes, filling the table with laughter and fun. And although this is well known, I sometimes revert back to my old thinking, that people would be more impressed with my heart and not what I say or do. Thus, sometimes I would rather remain quiet or aloof with whatever's going on around me. But no more I guess.
If people aren't comfortable around me, how then could I even get through to them?I learnt that friendships can never be forced (yea, made that mistakes a few times dy *sigh*) but occurs when it's left to grow naturally. No doubt, the element to learning to relate, of being a gentleman and even teasing around does help nurture a friendship. And that explains why some people seem to have all the friends they would ever need and why some don't really have any.
I've been learning letting myself free from being stoic nowadays, which isn't myself, but just being my talkative, crappy, nonsensical and finally, sarcastic self. Man, it's only now that I'm learning this. (haha, might have been attached earlier if I only knew about this principles) It's been a tough journey through life experiences to be a better person, a better Christian, but God willing, I shall eventually be made perfect in Christ.
Let's enjoy our friendships~!
God Bless~
Chili's
The past week has been really hectic. I've been working with Chili's Midvalley for around 1 week now, chalking up 38 hours in process (and haha, some money too *grin*). Work is tough, but it's been interesting, fun and also great to get to know others as well.
Why work when I can study? Well, I guess it's because I want to learn, to grow and to experience what a working life is all about. Plus the fact that I get bored when I've nothing to do (And nah, no more computer games for me, getting too old for all these stuff) The funny thing is that God seem to be at work in helping me secure the job.
As I'm quite free this semester, I was already thinking of working part time when Pastor and a few others mentioned I perhaps should work instead of just lazing around with only 1 subject. And amazingly, my mom mentioned the same thing when I got back home from church. That follows up the fact that on the day I walked into Chili's for a job, they were desparate for people and had actually put up advertisements on all major newspapers regarding job vacancies!
Now, how's that for size?
Why work when I can study? Well, I guess it's because I want to learn, to grow and to experience what a working life is all about. Plus the fact that I get bored when I've nothing to do (And nah, no more computer games for me, getting too old for all these stuff) The funny thing is that God seem to be at work in helping me secure the job.
As I'm quite free this semester, I was already thinking of working part time when Pastor and a few others mentioned I perhaps should work instead of just lazing around with only 1 subject. And amazingly, my mom mentioned the same thing when I got back home from church. That follows up the fact that on the day I walked into Chili's for a job, they were desparate for people and had actually put up advertisements on all major newspapers regarding job vacancies!
Now, how's that for size?
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Dad
Dad's birthday falls on this coming weekend. But due to the fact that I've worship practices on Saturday nights and Dad would not be around, we celebrated his birthday as a family last Sunday.
It was not that I had anything against Dad, but being around Dad is hard. Dad's blunt and domineering, and it's a fact that many of my friends would rather stay away from my house lest they get a lecture from Dad. Needless to say, Dad intimidates the people from coming or visiting.
Thus, trouble began to boil when we were on the way to Serdang. Dad, as his usual self, was being blunt and domineering and really made me and Kevin (my brother) on the defensive side. Then again, he did try to crack a few jokes, but they were quite offensive in nature that it was much easier to drive the car in silence than to talk to Dad. And the silence carried on even at the restaurant itself.
It was then that I began to notice Dad looked sad and lost. And looking at Dad through the eyes of Christ, Dad suddenly looked like a different person altogether.
So what if Dad's blunt and domineering? It was Dad's birthday and clearly we've been making Dad sad with our cold response to him. So what if it was hard to get along with Dad? After all, there he was, working hard for the family to ensure we have enough to spend and no doubt, beneath Dad's nagging and bluntness, Dad loved us all.
I used to blame Dad for whatever's wrong in my life. Dad was never around, always working and our family was really poor. But did that matter now? Dad deserved our respect as sons. No doubt he could have done better and made better decisions, but then it's already all in the past. And to think of it, here I was trying to serve God more but I couldn't even show Dad the love of Christ in me. And Dad hasn't been to church for almost a decade.... *sigh*
God help me be a better son and learn to love and respect my Dad. Amen.
It was not that I had anything against Dad, but being around Dad is hard. Dad's blunt and domineering, and it's a fact that many of my friends would rather stay away from my house lest they get a lecture from Dad. Needless to say, Dad intimidates the people from coming or visiting.
Thus, trouble began to boil when we were on the way to Serdang. Dad, as his usual self, was being blunt and domineering and really made me and Kevin (my brother) on the defensive side. Then again, he did try to crack a few jokes, but they were quite offensive in nature that it was much easier to drive the car in silence than to talk to Dad. And the silence carried on even at the restaurant itself.
It was then that I began to notice Dad looked sad and lost. And looking at Dad through the eyes of Christ, Dad suddenly looked like a different person altogether.
So what if Dad's blunt and domineering? It was Dad's birthday and clearly we've been making Dad sad with our cold response to him. So what if it was hard to get along with Dad? After all, there he was, working hard for the family to ensure we have enough to spend and no doubt, beneath Dad's nagging and bluntness, Dad loved us all.
I used to blame Dad for whatever's wrong in my life. Dad was never around, always working and our family was really poor. But did that matter now? Dad deserved our respect as sons. No doubt he could have done better and made better decisions, but then it's already all in the past. And to think of it, here I was trying to serve God more but I couldn't even show Dad the love of Christ in me. And Dad hasn't been to church for almost a decade.... *sigh*
God help me be a better son and learn to love and respect my Dad. Amen.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Zouk
Ever heard of Zouk? It's the latest of clubs to hit Klang Valley clubbing scene, having just hosted FHM Malaysia's 100 sexiest women party.
Anyhow, some friends of mine decided to hit the clubbing scene there to check it out then, since it was free. It was mid-way through the party when according to them, there was a fashion show, which then became a lingerie show, featuring models that wore stuff that left not much to the imagination.
What happened next the highlight of the day. 10 minutes into the *ehem* show, the walkway was suddenly occupied by a fully clothed man! And it turned out that the man was... a plain clothed police officer~! Policemen appeared out of nowwhere and stopped the blatant display of raw flesh by arresting the 6 of them.
And finally, the irony of it all is that all the partially clad models of those lingerie wear was then finally sentenced to 12 days jail each, for indecent exposure (Star, 16th May 2004), while the organisers ran away scott free
Sigh, talk about corruption.
Anyhow, some friends of mine decided to hit the clubbing scene there to check it out then, since it was free. It was mid-way through the party when according to them, there was a fashion show, which then became a lingerie show, featuring models that wore stuff that left not much to the imagination.
What happened next the highlight of the day. 10 minutes into the *ehem* show, the walkway was suddenly occupied by a fully clothed man! And it turned out that the man was... a plain clothed police officer~! Policemen appeared out of nowwhere and stopped the blatant display of raw flesh by arresting the 6 of them.
And finally, the irony of it all is that all the partially clad models of those lingerie wear was then finally sentenced to 12 days jail each, for indecent exposure (Star, 16th May 2004), while the organisers ran away scott free
Sigh, talk about corruption.
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Bible College part 2
I've just paid up the fees for the bible college, thus ensuring that I would be joining their classes soon. However, I was looking at the application form which I received when I found I was kind of intimidated by their 2 character reference forms, one by a Pastor and another by a non-relative friend
In it, there's a scale of 1-10 which needed to be marked by my referer, kinda scary considering I do not know what they'll put inside. Here's some aspects among the others:
-Personal Maturity
-Initiative
-Social Acceptance
-Social Awareness
-Emotional Stability
-Leadership
-Responsibility
-Cooperation
-Teamwork
-Communication
What a list! Looking at it, I realised there's a lot of work still needed to be done, especially on the part of Social Awareness and Cooperation. Will pray and must be willing to be broken many times over by God.
I've got some good news this week too. Since I'm at the verge of graduation with only 1-2 subjects left, I'm practically quite free, which don't augur well with me. Being a hyperactive dynamo, makes me unable to sit still for a long period of time. I was actually contemplating joining a friend's classes for free, just to kill time if needed when Pastor offered (erm, ya, I guess it's offered) me a part time job to help out in church on days I've no classes.
Oh ya, will be posting more about the Sarawak trip as soon as possible. Most probably next Monday or so. Do check here for more updates~
God Bless~
In it, there's a scale of 1-10 which needed to be marked by my referer, kinda scary considering I do not know what they'll put inside. Here's some aspects among the others:
-Personal Maturity
-Initiative
-Social Acceptance
-Social Awareness
-Emotional Stability
-Leadership
-Responsibility
-Cooperation
-Teamwork
-Communication
What a list! Looking at it, I realised there's a lot of work still needed to be done, especially on the part of Social Awareness and Cooperation. Will pray and must be willing to be broken many times over by God.
I've got some good news this week too. Since I'm at the verge of graduation with only 1-2 subjects left, I'm practically quite free, which don't augur well with me. Being a hyperactive dynamo, makes me unable to sit still for a long period of time. I was actually contemplating joining a friend's classes for free, just to kill time if needed when Pastor offered (erm, ya, I guess it's offered) me a part time job to help out in church on days I've no classes.
Oh ya, will be posting more about the Sarawak trip as soon as possible. Most probably next Monday or so. Do check here for more updates~
God Bless~
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Bible College
I've finally done it. I'm officially a student of a bible college in Taman Megah. It's been a long 4 years wait for me to enter a bible college and register as a student under their part-time Bachelor of Theology program. (It might be upgraded to a Masters of Divinity later) In between, I always felt out of place studying Engineering in Multimedia University here in Cyberjaya
I was never a top Engineering student, despite all the hard work. And for a period of time, I slacked off and did not study due to depression. That caused me to fail a couple of subject and is the main reason why I'm now only going to graduate from this university in a few months.
However, arriving at this point, I find a lot of perceptions that I used to have on Pastors, full-time ministers and even bible college students breaking apart. I used to believe those Pastors had it all made as a Pastor. That upon entering a bible college, you would be free from any form of weaknesses, including lust, anger, greed and even people skills. That by the time you step into bible college, you're the mighty man/woman of God that God has shaped you to be.
How wrong was I. Now, as an official student of a bible college, I find I still blow my car horn at those crazy drivers along the Klang Valley, that I'm still tempted time and time again to sin, to lust, to get angry and say the wrong things in anger, and finally, that I've still got a long journey to go before considering myself good with people (Erm, guess I'm ok nowla, but there are people who are better than me)
How amazing then are some of the Godly Pastors that has been in my life. I never failed to be amazed by their wisdom, their maturity and their patience, as well as their ability to handle people and pastor them. How much breaking and moulding has God gone through with them? And how much more breaking do I have to go through before I can be something like them?
I guess, I would need a mentor, someone who could lead me, guide me and teach me the basics of ministry. It would also mean more and more of dying to self and more and more of blessing others. And in this church, I've a Pastor and a senior Pastor who are willing to teach me the ropes of ministry, that goes beyond bible college. And perhaps even, I might shift out of Kelana Jaya to be mentored and to grow more in Christ, if that's God's eventual plan.
Guess that's all for now on the bible college issue. I had to miss the 1st class due to some reasons, but I've made sure I'm in their replacement class 2 weeks from now. And finally, the amazing thing is that I have not officially sent in my application form and my fees yet, due to the fact I was in Sarawak. But I guess, I'll do it as soon as possible.
Alright then, that's all for now. God Bless and continue to pray with me over this issue ya?
I was never a top Engineering student, despite all the hard work. And for a period of time, I slacked off and did not study due to depression. That caused me to fail a couple of subject and is the main reason why I'm now only going to graduate from this university in a few months.
However, arriving at this point, I find a lot of perceptions that I used to have on Pastors, full-time ministers and even bible college students breaking apart. I used to believe those Pastors had it all made as a Pastor. That upon entering a bible college, you would be free from any form of weaknesses, including lust, anger, greed and even people skills. That by the time you step into bible college, you're the mighty man/woman of God that God has shaped you to be.
How wrong was I. Now, as an official student of a bible college, I find I still blow my car horn at those crazy drivers along the Klang Valley, that I'm still tempted time and time again to sin, to lust, to get angry and say the wrong things in anger, and finally, that I've still got a long journey to go before considering myself good with people (Erm, guess I'm ok nowla, but there are people who are better than me)
How amazing then are some of the Godly Pastors that has been in my life. I never failed to be amazed by their wisdom, their maturity and their patience, as well as their ability to handle people and pastor them. How much breaking and moulding has God gone through with them? And how much more breaking do I have to go through before I can be something like them?
I guess, I would need a mentor, someone who could lead me, guide me and teach me the basics of ministry. It would also mean more and more of dying to self and more and more of blessing others. And in this church, I've a Pastor and a senior Pastor who are willing to teach me the ropes of ministry, that goes beyond bible college. And perhaps even, I might shift out of Kelana Jaya to be mentored and to grow more in Christ, if that's God's eventual plan.
Guess that's all for now on the bible college issue. I had to miss the 1st class due to some reasons, but I've made sure I'm in their replacement class 2 weeks from now. And finally, the amazing thing is that I have not officially sent in my application form and my fees yet, due to the fact I was in Sarawak. But I guess, I'll do it as soon as possible.
Alright then, that's all for now. God Bless and continue to pray with me over this issue ya?
Mother's Day
Today is Mother's Day. Having said that, I was supposed to celebrate mother's day with mom and the rest of the family last week, but coming back from church I was super tired from everything, all I could do is tell mom sorry and that I'll make it up to her.
Anyway, last night (Saturday), I found I actually bought mom a present! (ya, totally forgot about it!) It was the swiss chocolates that I stashed in the freezer, because mom wasn't around when I bought it. Presenting mom with the present, I also took the opportunity to ask her to come to church for Mother's day service. She was a little apprehensive about it though, asking whether would service be good and all and that she doesn't know anybody there.
But then to my surprise, she was busy getting herself ready around 9 in the morning to go to church. She even asked me to hurry~ *grin* So then, mom came to church for the 3rd-4th time since I shifted to Foursquare USJ. Previously, I could not have brought mom to my old church, as I was totally out of place.
Mom even stayed for our Mother's day special, food prepared by the guys (and boys) in church for their moms. Praise God for today~!
Do pray with me as mom's a buddhist and the rest of my family have not been going to church for a long time (Long time as in years, 5 years? 10 years? Something like that I guess)
God has conferred on motherhood
A true nobility,
And she who gladly fills that role
Can shape man's destiny. —D. De Haan
No man is poor who has had a godly mother. —Abraham Lincoln
Anyway, last night (Saturday), I found I actually bought mom a present! (ya, totally forgot about it!) It was the swiss chocolates that I stashed in the freezer, because mom wasn't around when I bought it. Presenting mom with the present, I also took the opportunity to ask her to come to church for Mother's day service. She was a little apprehensive about it though, asking whether would service be good and all and that she doesn't know anybody there.
But then to my surprise, she was busy getting herself ready around 9 in the morning to go to church. She even asked me to hurry~ *grin* So then, mom came to church for the 3rd-4th time since I shifted to Foursquare USJ. Previously, I could not have brought mom to my old church, as I was totally out of place.
Mom even stayed for our Mother's day special, food prepared by the guys (and boys) in church for their moms. Praise God for today~!
Do pray with me as mom's a buddhist and the rest of my family have not been going to church for a long time (Long time as in years, 5 years? 10 years? Something like that I guess)
God has conferred on motherhood
A true nobility,
And she who gladly fills that role
Can shape man's destiny. —D. De Haan
No man is poor who has had a godly mother. —Abraham Lincoln
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Pastor's report on Sarawak
Attached here is Pastor's Joanne's report on Sarawak, for those who did not receive it (looks like she enjoyed herself too, although we made her dance! *grin* )
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joanne Lee wrote:
The mission trip to Sarawak was like National Service!
Thank God for keeping us safe and giving us experiences that will
make a difference in our lives. We went through much physical
exhaustion, emotional stress and spiritual revival! So the word for
it is AWESOME!!! hahahahaha.... and we SURVIVED!!
Upon arrival at Sibu airport, our host Pastor Paul Landing was there
to receive us. We travelled one hour to Julau where we will be based.
In the afternoon we were divided into 2 teams. Each team travelled to
different long houses for about 5 days. Then we meet together again
and continue our mission as ONE group for the next 5 days.
In total we visited 10 rumah panjang and conducted almost 18 services
Some are deep in the interior that took 3-4 hours by perahu and some
places are spiritually oppressed
a)Physical Exhaustion:
- We had to travel much by sampan in the river. It was an open
perahu(no cover)with about 8-10 of us in each boat. Where the water
is shallow we had to get into the river to tarik dan tolak perahu!
The guys did the tough job and of course the girls just sat in the
perahu and cheer for the guys. At another time there was a heavy rain
a night before we travel. We were told that the river has become
dangerous!! We prayed and prayed! God kept all of us safe in His hand!
We had little sleep everyday and had to fight with insects, bugs and
bites every night. Many developed rash but all of us survived!
b) Emotional Stress:
The condition of different everyday long house was a bit stressful
for us at times. We had to cope with unpleasant jamban, inconvenient
tempat mandi and tidur. But everyone did well. I am sure each one has
their story to tell how they cope with the condition. Just ask them.
c) Spiritual revival
The team did their devotion on "HEBREW". Right at the start we
focused our spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ as our Great High
Priest! The team ministered in worship, skits, testimonies, preaching
the Word and minister to individuals in prayer at the end of each
service. We also encounter spiritual warefare as some places are
still bound by darkness and evil practices. There are many stories to
tell on these.... ask the mission team. It has been enriching.
Well, as we conclude this mission project to Sarawak, I pray that God
will take each one of us further in understanding the work of
mission. The field is ripe unto harvest but the workers are few.
hmmmmmm.... where shall we go next year ????
Blessings,
Pastor Joanne
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joanne Lee
The mission trip to Sarawak was like National Service!
Thank God for keeping us safe and giving us experiences that will
make a difference in our lives. We went through much physical
exhaustion, emotional stress and spiritual revival! So the word for
it is AWESOME!!! hahahahaha.... and we SURVIVED!!
Upon arrival at Sibu airport, our host Pastor Paul Landing was there
to receive us. We travelled one hour to Julau where we will be based.
In the afternoon we were divided into 2 teams. Each team travelled to
different long houses for about 5 days. Then we meet together again
and continue our mission as ONE group for the next 5 days.
In total we visited 10 rumah panjang and conducted almost 18 services
Some are deep in the interior that took 3-4 hours by perahu and some
places are spiritually oppressed
a)Physical Exhaustion:
- We had to travel much by sampan in the river. It was an open
perahu(no cover)with about 8-10 of us in each boat. Where the water
is shallow we had to get into the river to tarik dan tolak perahu!
The guys did the tough job and of course the girls just sat in the
perahu and cheer for the guys. At another time there was a heavy rain
a night before we travel. We were told that the river has become
dangerous!! We prayed and prayed! God kept all of us safe in His hand!
We had little sleep everyday and had to fight with insects, bugs and
bites every night. Many developed rash but all of us survived!
b) Emotional Stress:
The condition of different everyday long house was a bit stressful
for us at times. We had to cope with unpleasant jamban, inconvenient
tempat mandi and tidur. But everyone did well. I am sure each one has
their story to tell how they cope with the condition. Just ask them.
c) Spiritual revival
The team did their devotion on "HEBREW". Right at the start we
focused our spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ as our Great High
Priest! The team ministered in worship, skits, testimonies, preaching
the Word and minister to individuals in prayer at the end of each
service. We also encounter spiritual warefare as some places are
still bound by darkness and evil practices. There are many stories to
tell on these.... ask the mission team. It has been enriching.
Well, as we conclude this mission project to Sarawak, I pray that God
will take each one of us further in understanding the work of
mission. The field is ripe unto harvest but the workers are few.
hmmmmmm.... where shall we go next year ????
Blessings,
Pastor Joanne
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Sarawak Adventures 2nd day
The 2nd day of the journey was filled with a lot of travelling. Waking up at 8, we had breakfast before packing our bags into the 2 vans. From church, we travelled to the Julau port, where longboats would take us to our 1st longhouse. In between however, we stopped to fill in gas and also to buy petrol for the longboat later.
The journey towards the Julau port lasted almost 2 hours, where after that, we boarded the boats, sitting in a single file (yea, they're small boats). It was a journey up the Kanowit river that was a little rough and hard. On the journey up, we witnessed the finesse and skill of both our longboatmen. I wonder how many falls and knocks it would take me to be able to maneuver the boat with such skill. It took us another 2 and the half hours to reach our longhouse.
Arriving at the 1st longhouse (will put in the names later, kinda got all of them jumbled up), we were all taken by surprise when we found our boatman, who was also our van driver, changed and wore the traditional Iban headgear. He then led us up the longhouse, doing the iban dance! (the boatman is in one of the pictures below, wearing a red cap)
And so there we were, dancing together with them (erm, trying to la), doing one circle around the longhouse. Tea came shortly, where upon, we had our devotion after. Then, we unpacked and had our 1st ever bath in the river. (actually, we dun wan to bathe in the river, but that long house did not have a bathroom. So, what to do?)
It felt quite odd, bathing with ur swimming trunks (and for some, underwear! wouldn't want to be caught bathing in my underwear though) and trying to soap and lather yourself, with so many people around. Anyways, when, some of us guys were almost done, the gals came! In their sarungs too! Along with them were some local ladies, to teach our gals how to bath gracefully in their sarungs, without looking odd. Nevertheless, one sister shared that it was really awkward on her 1st time bathing too.
Then, did not really know what the rest did as I napped until it was just before dinner. In dinner, we made sure we did not just sit among ourselves, but with the Iban people, so that we could talk to them, instead of sticking to our group.
That was swiftly followed by our team ministering for the night. 1st was introductions, then came worship, eagle's wings, testimony and finally some sharing.
Introducing ourselves was counted among the craziest things we did that day (and for next few days). Here, each of us had to tell our names, location we're from, whether we're studying or working and finally if we're bujang or sudah kahwin. Yours truly added some extra when it came to my turn.
What came next was the highlight of this tiring day. They took out their traditional instruments and began to play with the hostess putting this traditional hat on someone. And, when someone gets the hat, he/she has to dance.
The hat was passed around, with the dancer, who had just dance, putting the hat over someone else. It was being happily passed around the Iban people, when one of them decided to put it on us. So, out went Chris, followed by the other team members. Amazingly, even Pastor Joanne had to dance! (yea, we sorta forced her to *grin*)
We ended the day with a team debriefing, where the citizens of the longhouse kept looking at us, thinking we might be doing something more. So then, the debriefing was short, before we went to bed.
Oh yea, before the night ended, some of us noticed we had sunburns. Aiks, we forgot to put on our sun lotion! (dat's why you might not recognise us now *hint hint*)
The journey towards the Julau port lasted almost 2 hours, where after that, we boarded the boats, sitting in a single file (yea, they're small boats). It was a journey up the Kanowit river that was a little rough and hard. On the journey up, we witnessed the finesse and skill of both our longboatmen. I wonder how many falls and knocks it would take me to be able to maneuver the boat with such skill. It took us another 2 and the half hours to reach our longhouse.
Arriving at the 1st longhouse (will put in the names later, kinda got all of them jumbled up), we were all taken by surprise when we found our boatman, who was also our van driver, changed and wore the traditional Iban headgear. He then led us up the longhouse, doing the iban dance! (the boatman is in one of the pictures below, wearing a red cap)
And so there we were, dancing together with them (erm, trying to la), doing one circle around the longhouse. Tea came shortly, where upon, we had our devotion after. Then, we unpacked and had our 1st ever bath in the river. (actually, we dun wan to bathe in the river, but that long house did not have a bathroom. So, what to do?)
It felt quite odd, bathing with ur swimming trunks (and for some, underwear! wouldn't want to be caught bathing in my underwear though) and trying to soap and lather yourself, with so many people around. Anyways, when, some of us guys were almost done, the gals came! In their sarungs too! Along with them were some local ladies, to teach our gals how to bath gracefully in their sarungs, without looking odd. Nevertheless, one sister shared that it was really awkward on her 1st time bathing too.
Then, did not really know what the rest did as I napped until it was just before dinner. In dinner, we made sure we did not just sit among ourselves, but with the Iban people, so that we could talk to them, instead of sticking to our group.
That was swiftly followed by our team ministering for the night. 1st was introductions, then came worship, eagle's wings, testimony and finally some sharing.
Introducing ourselves was counted among the craziest things we did that day (and for next few days). Here, each of us had to tell our names, location we're from, whether we're studying or working and finally if we're bujang or sudah kahwin. Yours truly added some extra when it came to my turn.
What came next was the highlight of this tiring day. They took out their traditional instruments and began to play with the hostess putting this traditional hat on someone. And, when someone gets the hat, he/she has to dance.
The hat was passed around, with the dancer, who had just dance, putting the hat over someone else. It was being happily passed around the Iban people, when one of them decided to put it on us. So, out went Chris, followed by the other team members. Amazingly, even Pastor Joanne had to dance! (yea, we sorta forced her to *grin*)
We ended the day with a team debriefing, where the citizens of the longhouse kept looking at us, thinking we might be doing something more. So then, the debriefing was short, before we went to bed.
Oh yea, before the night ended, some of us noticed we had sunburns. Aiks, we forgot to put on our sun lotion! (dat's why you might not recognise us now *hint hint*)
Saturday, May 01, 2004
Sarawak Adventures 1st day
In Sarawak, we were divided into 2 teams. My team had 14 people led by Pastor Joanne, while the other team had 10, led by David Bong, a law graduate from Malacca, who was studying Theology through mail. How was it? Well, great, exciting, amazing are words that can't adequately descibe the experience.
Here's some stories of adventures we had, be blessed (Not going to write a full blown up summary of the thing yet, hold on people!)
After KLIA, we arrived in Sibu Airport before being whisked off to Julau, a very small town (even smaller than Segamat, Johor) in a 2 hours van/car ride. We arrived in the church on the 1st day with Team A, led by Kamini and Bob leaving us within 2 hours or so. So there we were preparing the sharing/preaching, testimony, sketches and also dance. At night we went for a walk around Julau after dinner, finding some really cute wolf-like dogs near the basketball courts. If only we could bring them home. *sigh*
Anyways, we found Tommy and Ian at the restaurant. So, Josephine, Affryl and me decided to join them. Good tasting noodles! There was a bunch of Iban youths sitting behind us too, all smoking. Those wannabes. Was left wondering what's wrong with these young people?
We found we were already late for church service by then! Pastor Paul Landing decided we should have service and called on the team to do it. So, there we were, arriving just after worship..paiseh paiseh... really didn't know where to hide face.
During the Eagle's wings presentation however, the cassette broke down, leaving us having to dance to Ps Joanne's and Affryl's music, much to the amusement of the congregation. Nevertheless, some of us who went for the 'supper' had some sort of lecturing later from Pastor.
Finally, before sleeping, we were invaded by cicadas, as Julau was a cicada heaven. In came cicadas of various colors and sizes into the church, our sleeping place. It surprised the guys and terrified some of the gals. And there we were, catching them and putting them into plastic bags, and finally tying up the bags and throwing it away with a dozen cicadas or so still buzzing.
------------------------------------------------------------
What was the highlight of the day? Well, was sleeping on my sleeping bag (yea, not in, was too hot. And we didn't had the luxury of air cond and bed, unlike some other people who went to Sarawak *grin*) when I felt something warm, furry and nice at my left hand. Waking up, I found it was the pregnant cat! I took it and left it in the kitchen before going to sleep again.
And then, later I felt something soft, warm, furry and nice at my legs. Waking up, I found it was the cat again! It seemed that the cat had some affection for me! This time, I made sure I left the cat outside and secured the doors. Thank God I did not wake up finding it next to me for the rest of the night. (Well, you'll hear more about cats later)
-------------------------------------
p/s: Accidentally dropped my camera at KLIA. I was kinda sad about it because a part of it chipped off. But then, it's still working. Praise God!
Here's some stories of adventures we had, be blessed (Not going to write a full blown up summary of the thing yet, hold on people!)
After KLIA, we arrived in Sibu Airport before being whisked off to Julau, a very small town (even smaller than Segamat, Johor) in a 2 hours van/car ride. We arrived in the church on the 1st day with Team A, led by Kamini and Bob leaving us within 2 hours or so. So there we were preparing the sharing/preaching, testimony, sketches and also dance. At night we went for a walk around Julau after dinner, finding some really cute wolf-like dogs near the basketball courts. If only we could bring them home. *sigh*
Anyways, we found Tommy and Ian at the restaurant. So, Josephine, Affryl and me decided to join them. Good tasting noodles! There was a bunch of Iban youths sitting behind us too, all smoking. Those wannabes. Was left wondering what's wrong with these young people?
We found we were already late for church service by then! Pastor Paul Landing decided we should have service and called on the team to do it. So, there we were, arriving just after worship..paiseh paiseh... really didn't know where to hide face.
During the Eagle's wings presentation however, the cassette broke down, leaving us having to dance to Ps Joanne's and Affryl's music, much to the amusement of the congregation. Nevertheless, some of us who went for the 'supper' had some sort of lecturing later from Pastor.
Finally, before sleeping, we were invaded by cicadas, as Julau was a cicada heaven. In came cicadas of various colors and sizes into the church, our sleeping place. It surprised the guys and terrified some of the gals. And there we were, catching them and putting them into plastic bags, and finally tying up the bags and throwing it away with a dozen cicadas or so still buzzing.
------------------------------------------------------------
What was the highlight of the day? Well, was sleeping on my sleeping bag (yea, not in, was too hot. And we didn't had the luxury of air cond and bed, unlike some other people who went to Sarawak *grin*) when I felt something warm, furry and nice at my left hand. Waking up, I found it was the pregnant cat! I took it and left it in the kitchen before going to sleep again.
And then, later I felt something soft, warm, furry and nice at my legs. Waking up, I found it was the cat again! It seemed that the cat had some affection for me! This time, I made sure I left the cat outside and secured the doors. Thank God I did not wake up finding it next to me for the rest of the night. (Well, you'll hear more about cats later)
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p/s: Accidentally dropped my camera at KLIA. I was kinda sad about it because a part of it chipped off. But then, it's still working. Praise God!
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