I could not have been busier the last two weeks. We have moved into a new 2-bedroom apartment and are now enjoying the new house. Wife is the happiest since she needs to spend a lot of time this summer at home trying to kickstart her new practice. It is two buildings from the swimming pool, a flight of stairs from the bus station, and near to the supermarket and the coffee house, what else can you ask for? The moving (Apr 29th) actually started off on a bad foot because it was raining that day, but it stopped in the afternoon, so we began moving earlier, but there were still sporadic drops to wet the boxes. The refrigerator arrived next day but it rattled, so it needed repairing the next week. A swimming neighbor helped to repair the toilet bowl and added two more planks to the existing book shelves here .Yesterday I ordered a 2-inch mattress for the window seat and a TV cabinet, and today (11th) I bought a drying rod. So far, my only claim to house repair is putting in a new light bulb. There are still ten boxes we have not unpacked but we are happy at the progress made.
Today (21st) I attended two workshops, one with Drucker Institute in the morning and one with Greg Ogden in the afternoon. I was surprised I learned more from Druckers than Ogden, but both have their merits. The Druckers workshop equates management (overall) with leadership (know-why and know-who) + administration (know-how). The middle levels are know-what and know-when. It also reminded me of the uniqueness of the contribution of all body parts and the need for impact on society, my mission in life and to do what I am good at and not stray from my goals. Ogden plays a video of Ortberg that differentiates an admirer and a follower, Lately, there have been many distractions in Hong Kong, so I have to focus more and reach out more. I also hope to spend more time to pray for others by my side, that they may have the strength and wisdom to fight the good fight.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Mission Accomplished, Apr 2012
A change of scenery on the first day of the month was in store for me, all for the better. The last two weeks of last month were busy because I had to help a few coworkers with their messages, so a trip was the best way to forget everything.
The first week's new Gentleland class students were smaller, 22 students, but they were great, absorbing like sponges what I taught them. I was surprised that they learned so fast and so well, better than Hong Kong and North American coworkers and students. Wife said that was probably because they were blank paper ready for me to write on, but Hong Kong seminary students were just as blank but they were slower in development. Maybe because they are experienced preachers waiting for someone to light them up. On average they speak once or twice a week. On day three, they so inspired me when a few of them studied in groups to get ready to plot the grammatical structure of Philemon, which I told them I expected them to come out one by one to do on the board.
Some things are yet to change here. The site is more than respectable, with marble floors and lots of shower, but students still wash their hair from a basin and still spit in the small and modest old kitchen. The internet is slow as a snail. It took me an hour to read 5 minutes of news at worse and internet traffic was jammed at 4:15 minutes listening to church’s internet sermon.
After five days, I was headed to another site for a weekend with 50 students. The class was just as hungry for expository preaching. By the way I was out of loop on the holidays in Hong Kong such as Ching Ming, but I still attended Monday worship at the local Saddleback to compensate for Sunday Easter classes. The hardest thing to do away was to handle all the emergency financial matters relating to a water leak, overdue bills and IRS, but by God's garce all matters were resolved. The food was excellent with no assignment at the ghetto. As a whole I miss the students, and I wonder what would God have me to do for the future. Returning home, Wife and I enjoy swiiming in the afternoon and strolling at night . Two weeks away felt like 2 months this time, for sure.
Moving is in two days (27th) and we have cleaners to help us with the a/c unit and overall cleaning. We have lived in a one-room 488 sq. ft. apartment since August, 2001, but we need more space for Wife since her sickness. The movers won't be here till Sunday, but we decided to sleep overnight at the new place right after the cleaning a day before moving, even if it means having no furniture. Tonight we brought our wedding picture to the new apartment and prayed for the residence. However, the next day I hurt my back trying to do one last laundry before moving. I strained it bending my back but not the kness while picking up the bedsheets.
The first week's new Gentleland class students were smaller, 22 students, but they were great, absorbing like sponges what I taught them. I was surprised that they learned so fast and so well, better than Hong Kong and North American coworkers and students. Wife said that was probably because they were blank paper ready for me to write on, but Hong Kong seminary students were just as blank but they were slower in development. Maybe because they are experienced preachers waiting for someone to light them up. On average they speak once or twice a week. On day three, they so inspired me when a few of them studied in groups to get ready to plot the grammatical structure of Philemon, which I told them I expected them to come out one by one to do on the board.
Some things are yet to change here. The site is more than respectable, with marble floors and lots of shower, but students still wash their hair from a basin and still spit in the small and modest old kitchen. The internet is slow as a snail. It took me an hour to read 5 minutes of news at worse and internet traffic was jammed at 4:15 minutes listening to church’s internet sermon.
After five days, I was headed to another site for a weekend with 50 students. The class was just as hungry for expository preaching. By the way I was out of loop on the holidays in Hong Kong such as Ching Ming, but I still attended Monday worship at the local Saddleback to compensate for Sunday Easter classes. The hardest thing to do away was to handle all the emergency financial matters relating to a water leak, overdue bills and IRS, but by God's garce all matters were resolved. The food was excellent with no assignment at the ghetto. As a whole I miss the students, and I wonder what would God have me to do for the future. Returning home, Wife and I enjoy swiiming in the afternoon and strolling at night . Two weeks away felt like 2 months this time, for sure.
Moving is in two days (27th) and we have cleaners to help us with the a/c unit and overall cleaning. We have lived in a one-room 488 sq. ft. apartment since August, 2001, but we need more space for Wife since her sickness. The movers won't be here till Sunday, but we decided to sleep overnight at the new place right after the cleaning a day before moving, even if it means having no furniture. Tonight we brought our wedding picture to the new apartment and prayed for the residence. However, the next day I hurt my back trying to do one last laundry before moving. I strained it bending my back but not the kness while picking up the bedsheets.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Tired, Mar 2011
I just came back today (3rd) from a two-week's trip. The cold weather for the first two days and rainy days since were the hardest to overcome. Initially, I was reluctant to embrace another two weeks of isolation but the visit paid off in many ways. First, the students I have been teaching the last two years are graduating in the summer, so it was good to bid them goodbye. Second, expository preaching has rubbed off on them in a good way. Some of them are better after my first class on expository preaching, but the Bible study methods class this week have made them even better, especially when they have to do the structural diagramming of 2 Timothy in Chinese with PC software on the side, and principle outlines of each chapter. Some of the kids (21 years old on) have matured and are confident and no longer shaky in understanding and delivery. This last class helped to put shape into their teaching and preaching. I favor the direct grammatical and literary approach, which I had them doing effectively when the week was over. On this note, I am glad I exchanged theological education in Hong Kong for the more strategic and biggest slice of the market north. I can envision a paradigm shift taking place in a few years, if I can help it. My vision is to train 1,000; so far 1/4 of the job done. All the 50 books I brought were taken.
Wife skyped me, asking how the class was, and I answered, Close to perfect (except for the cold); I was not kidding. I have even adopted four more students from previous years, and they are just as good. I am counting on them to make an impact locally. Things were busy in the building because the Koreans are speaking in the building as well. Often people knock and enter my room next to them by mistake when they sought them for prayer.
After being holed up for close to a week, I was invited to a buffet dinner by one of the new students. Then my troubles began. I had diarrhea for three days and the cold caught me off guard. The students bought me more clothing to keep me warm, I slept six hours in the day to recover! The Yaps suspect the sickness was a Satanic attack. Wife told me she visited Robert Morrison's grave on Friday (Feb 24), the day I felt sick. Two days later, I read Robert Morrison's entry from Wikipedia and had a good cry the next day. Being a missionary those days was one's worst nightmare, I noted.
The food and lodging the second week in another location was good and the air was fresh, unlike the ghetto in the first week. I had lined up 60-70 students to hear them speak after my notes. Many of them were nervous but it was the only way to spot the weaker ones. On the last day 12 groups came out to share on 12 chapters from the pastoral epistles using the grammatical diagramming I taught them. It was satisfying to see the progress. Most of them got the hang of it. This week was a total success though I could use another week to make them better, but I felt I have been away for a long, long time. Truly the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
I was blessed yesterday (11th) speaking at a church worship gospel meeting because a youth accepted Christ out of the more than 100 people present. The text on John 9 on the man born blind's condition took a lot of emotions out of me before I spoke. It also just so happened that was Wife's Sunday school lesson, so we were doubly blessed because we talked about the text a few times. The quarter is coming to an end this week for her, the next quarter is in Mandarin, which is quite a challenge for us.
Yesterday I had a throat infection that did not go away, so I went to see a doctor today (15th). To my surprise, I was lighter by 10 lbs. since summer. I have been eating half a bowl of rice and walking 45 minutes each night for six months, and it worked. The challenge now is to keep it as is.
Sunday (18th) was the high point of house hunting. I could not even finish my dinner with friends at TST before the agent called me many times. On the same busy day, I preached on The Prodigal Son. It was challenging because I had scrapped a previous one and wrote a brand new one and it turned out maybe better than before. This week I have to help coworkers with their sermon preparation, which is more difficult than I thought. Well, at least I do not have to preach it myself.
Wife skyped me, asking how the class was, and I answered, Close to perfect (except for the cold); I was not kidding. I have even adopted four more students from previous years, and they are just as good. I am counting on them to make an impact locally. Things were busy in the building because the Koreans are speaking in the building as well. Often people knock and enter my room next to them by mistake when they sought them for prayer.
After being holed up for close to a week, I was invited to a buffet dinner by one of the new students. Then my troubles began. I had diarrhea for three days and the cold caught me off guard. The students bought me more clothing to keep me warm, I slept six hours in the day to recover! The Yaps suspect the sickness was a Satanic attack. Wife told me she visited Robert Morrison's grave on Friday (Feb 24), the day I felt sick. Two days later, I read Robert Morrison's entry from Wikipedia and had a good cry the next day. Being a missionary those days was one's worst nightmare, I noted.
The food and lodging the second week in another location was good and the air was fresh, unlike the ghetto in the first week. I had lined up 60-70 students to hear them speak after my notes. Many of them were nervous but it was the only way to spot the weaker ones. On the last day 12 groups came out to share on 12 chapters from the pastoral epistles using the grammatical diagramming I taught them. It was satisfying to see the progress. Most of them got the hang of it. This week was a total success though I could use another week to make them better, but I felt I have been away for a long, long time. Truly the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
I was blessed yesterday (11th) speaking at a church worship gospel meeting because a youth accepted Christ out of the more than 100 people present. The text on John 9 on the man born blind's condition took a lot of emotions out of me before I spoke. It also just so happened that was Wife's Sunday school lesson, so we were doubly blessed because we talked about the text a few times. The quarter is coming to an end this week for her, the next quarter is in Mandarin, which is quite a challenge for us.
Yesterday I had a throat infection that did not go away, so I went to see a doctor today (15th). To my surprise, I was lighter by 10 lbs. since summer. I have been eating half a bowl of rice and walking 45 minutes each night for six months, and it worked. The challenge now is to keep it as is.
Sunday (18th) was the high point of house hunting. I could not even finish my dinner with friends at TST before the agent called me many times. On the same busy day, I preached on The Prodigal Son. It was challenging because I had scrapped a previous one and wrote a brand new one and it turned out maybe better than before. This week I have to help coworkers with their sermon preparation, which is more difficult than I thought. Well, at least I do not have to preach it myself.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Confusing, Feb 2012
The first day of the month was a emotional one for me. We had group sharing in a park after lunch and the struggles of a friend touched me ever so deeply. The last time I felt this way was umpteen years ago when I left for continuing education at TEDS. The group comforted me with prayers and were very supportive, knowing by now my strong passion when it stirs. A day later I was calmer but the lingering effects were still there. I am looking forward to the trip to Macau tomorrow to attend a missions meeting and to meet other local coworkers.
I ran for my dear life after sending Wife off to the Sheung Wan ferry yesterday (6th). I looked at the cellphone and discovered that only 6 minutes were left, but the ferry back to Ma Wan is a good 8 minutes away. I decided to make a mad dash for it rather than wait for another half an hour for the next ride. I made it before the departure bell rang. I swear I won't do it again at my age, but the temptation is always there. I preached on John 15:10-17 last week and also completed the translation yesterday, which I am proud to get done, not wanting to do it a year later and add to my misery.
We had our Valentine's dinner the day before the big day to beat the big rush and the expensive prices. Last year our favorite local restaurant made it a dinner set so expensive that we could not spend it in good conscience. As usual we had our German pork knuckle with extra rice and ginger ale for HK$189. I felt good and left a HK$10 tip, not bad for local standards. Tonight a friend invited me to meet an old friend for dinner. Otherwise the weekend was occupied by house hunting and church, where I taught Sunday school this week.
The last week has been another drama due a friend's mother passing away. Sometimes a relative's death triggers a peson's emotions, mostly a release, which happened to my friend. He talked to pastors, confidants and friends. At least I get to know friends better as a result. Other than that, I am delighted with the slight progress in the three preaching groups I lead. I really feel that seminaries today do an inadequate job preparing their students in teaching and preaching. It is really sad that graduates labor and struggle to get a point across with the lack of Bible study skills, especially OIA. Tomorrow (19) I am off to Gentleland again for 2 weeks. Let's see if there is progress there.
I ran for my dear life after sending Wife off to the Sheung Wan ferry yesterday (6th). I looked at the cellphone and discovered that only 6 minutes were left, but the ferry back to Ma Wan is a good 8 minutes away. I decided to make a mad dash for it rather than wait for another half an hour for the next ride. I made it before the departure bell rang. I swear I won't do it again at my age, but the temptation is always there. I preached on John 15:10-17 last week and also completed the translation yesterday, which I am proud to get done, not wanting to do it a year later and add to my misery.
We had our Valentine's dinner the day before the big day to beat the big rush and the expensive prices. Last year our favorite local restaurant made it a dinner set so expensive that we could not spend it in good conscience. As usual we had our German pork knuckle with extra rice and ginger ale for HK$189. I felt good and left a HK$10 tip, not bad for local standards. Tonight a friend invited me to meet an old friend for dinner. Otherwise the weekend was occupied by house hunting and church, where I taught Sunday school this week.
The last week has been another drama due a friend's mother passing away. Sometimes a relative's death triggers a peson's emotions, mostly a release, which happened to my friend. He talked to pastors, confidants and friends. At least I get to know friends better as a result. Other than that, I am delighted with the slight progress in the three preaching groups I lead. I really feel that seminaries today do an inadequate job preparing their students in teaching and preaching. It is really sad that graduates labor and struggle to get a point across with the lack of Bible study skills, especially OIA. Tomorrow (19) I am off to Gentleland again for 2 weeks. Let's see if there is progress there.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Year Out, Year In, Jan 2012
The New Year started out with a bang, I couldn't be any busier. I attended a 645a prayer meeting and altogether three churches in a day, no wonder my eyes were tired by late afternoon. A church family invited me to lunch at their new home, it was a heavy lunch. After that I had to buy five books for a friend and get a haircut. Reaching home, wife and I went for a swim at the clubhouse. We were too tired for our regular night walk. At night I counted and posted the new sermons I preached last year. There were 14, double the previous year, so it was the most fruitful time so far, and many of them unforgettable ones. On a positive note, I found out last week that my blogs are on a class reading list. On a negative note a certain John Montgomery who has plagiarized my sermons for a while, seem to have disappeared into thin air, leaving my sermons on the internet under his name. Oh, well. This year, I wore a new long-sleeve, a T-shirt and a vest to break in the new year.
The second week of the year has been sobering. I attended the memorial service of a former colleague, the memorial service of the mother-in-law of a present colleague and another of a coworker's mother. At least the family took it real well due to old age and known diseases. Other than that, life passes by like a whirlwind. My three preaching classes started off on the right track this week, with one numbering 20 students. Today (15) I finally delivered my first new message on the family, taken from the Laban-Jacob account in Genesis 29-31, in preparation for my new book. I think I did justice to it because my biggest critic was pleased with it. The next thing everyone in Hong Kong is waiting for is the Chinese New Year.
Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe it has been so busy that I only get to write this paragraph on the first day of the new year. The month's third week see me hard at work, trying to translate all my past year's messages, about ten of them. To enjoy the experience I started with my favorites. I have finished two this past week, and I might do one today. I hope to send out my first Chinese sermon out today in two group lists to a few thousand recipients, reviving what I used to do with English-written materials in the States. I intend to send out one a month and see how it works out. I am excited with its rebirth after exciting the pastoral ministry for three years.
Suddenly a week has passed by into the Chinese New Year. We have three dinners with family members this year, a big change from previous years because a relative has returned home for the occasion. Other than that, I enjoyed this year because it has been pretty relaxing. We went out for coffee in the morning and swam later in the morning. I accomplished a lot in translation, almost caught up last year's new sermons. It taught me a lesson not to procrastinate, but to translate every one as soon as it is done and not let it pile up.
The second week of the year has been sobering. I attended the memorial service of a former colleague, the memorial service of the mother-in-law of a present colleague and another of a coworker's mother. At least the family took it real well due to old age and known diseases. Other than that, life passes by like a whirlwind. My three preaching classes started off on the right track this week, with one numbering 20 students. Today (15) I finally delivered my first new message on the family, taken from the Laban-Jacob account in Genesis 29-31, in preparation for my new book. I think I did justice to it because my biggest critic was pleased with it. The next thing everyone in Hong Kong is waiting for is the Chinese New Year.
Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe it has been so busy that I only get to write this paragraph on the first day of the new year. The month's third week see me hard at work, trying to translate all my past year's messages, about ten of them. To enjoy the experience I started with my favorites. I have finished two this past week, and I might do one today. I hope to send out my first Chinese sermon out today in two group lists to a few thousand recipients, reviving what I used to do with English-written materials in the States. I intend to send out one a month and see how it works out. I am excited with its rebirth after exciting the pastoral ministry for three years.
Suddenly a week has passed by into the Chinese New Year. We have three dinners with family members this year, a big change from previous years because a relative has returned home for the occasion. Other than that, I enjoyed this year because it has been pretty relaxing. We went out for coffee in the morning and swam later in the morning. I accomplished a lot in translation, almost caught up last year's new sermons. It taught me a lesson not to procrastinate, but to translate every one as soon as it is done and not let it pile up.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Blessed, Dec 2011
I was blessed Sunday (4th) by the response to the only Mandarin sermon I spoke in Hong Kong so far - the fourth in my all-time career. The message was on Abraham's sacrifice, with Bob Fitts' Sacrifice as the ending song, which brought a lot of tears to hearers' eyes. For one reason or another, I seem to be preparing a number of new sermons, which is energizing even at though at times I prefer to slack off. With Tien Dao's promotion of my new book coming out next week, I am already dreaming of the next book. I am also enjoying two sermons on 1 Samuel 3 and Luke 1 - for Christmas.
Last week (5th-7th)I met my new coworkers from the seminary. One group of three coworkers was previously very involved in Chinese ministries. Another group are fresh Ph. D. graduates. I am the only rep from Hong Kong. The meetings over three days were lively and encouraging. It makes me committed for the long haul even though I was not sure previously how it would work out. On Sunday (11th) a pastor in the audience paid me a good compliment for the sermon on 1 Samuel 3, the best compliment for a long time. It makes me proud and humble at the same time, complimented by one of the most experienced, Rev. Lee.
The Yaps had a great time this week; first of all, my first visit to Stanley yesterday (16th), thoroughly enjoying the local market scene. Two days ago (15th) our pre-study group gave us a farewell after over a year with them. We have made quite a few friends there, but nevertheless we are eager to help out other groups after a deserved break. Today was the last pre-study and we were given gifts, including a wall painting and two lightweight jackets, which we can use for the winter! God has a wonderful way of returning me to pastoral ministry after three years teaching at the seminary level.
It's been sweet and bitter this week. On Monday (19th) I received the news that I have been accepted as an EFC pastor and yesterday our new book made its debut, but today (22th) my friend and former colleague Rev. Jon Hon (韓寶龍牧師) passed away in the morning. I went to the hospital but he was already gone. He's been immobilized for more than two years, so the Lord has His time, but not before Hon's book came out to a roaring success last year. His two closest friends Caleb and Luke visited the hospital in the morning. Hon and I were about the same age. I couldn't hold it in but shed tears when I prayed for the family.
Christmas Day (25th) is a fitting climax to the year for me. Today I preached two messages at church, the song Mary Did You Know really touched a lot of hearts. More than ten hearers wanted the song. Like Mary, this has been a year of grace and thankfulness for me. Wife got well and I joined missions. We have also settled into church life, both teaming up to good effect. Our new book was released last week. Everything from now on is step by step. Wife's health comes first. Missions is next because ministry is multiplied training pastors. Church is good so far as long as administration is not a burden. This will be my last entry for the year. Tomorrow we are headed for Macau to help Wife move some stuff over since the next two days are holidays. We will see how well I do next year juggling my missions, teaching and preaching ministries.
Last week (5th-7th)I met my new coworkers from the seminary. One group of three coworkers was previously very involved in Chinese ministries. Another group are fresh Ph. D. graduates. I am the only rep from Hong Kong. The meetings over three days were lively and encouraging. It makes me committed for the long haul even though I was not sure previously how it would work out. On Sunday (11th) a pastor in the audience paid me a good compliment for the sermon on 1 Samuel 3, the best compliment for a long time. It makes me proud and humble at the same time, complimented by one of the most experienced, Rev. Lee.
The Yaps had a great time this week; first of all, my first visit to Stanley yesterday (16th), thoroughly enjoying the local market scene. Two days ago (15th) our pre-study group gave us a farewell after over a year with them. We have made quite a few friends there, but nevertheless we are eager to help out other groups after a deserved break. Today was the last pre-study and we were given gifts, including a wall painting and two lightweight jackets, which we can use for the winter! God has a wonderful way of returning me to pastoral ministry after three years teaching at the seminary level.
It's been sweet and bitter this week. On Monday (19th) I received the news that I have been accepted as an EFC pastor and yesterday our new book made its debut, but today (22th) my friend and former colleague Rev. Jon Hon (韓寶龍牧師) passed away in the morning. I went to the hospital but he was already gone. He's been immobilized for more than two years, so the Lord has His time, but not before Hon's book came out to a roaring success last year. His two closest friends Caleb and Luke visited the hospital in the morning. Hon and I were about the same age. I couldn't hold it in but shed tears when I prayed for the family.
Christmas Day (25th) is a fitting climax to the year for me. Today I preached two messages at church, the song Mary Did You Know really touched a lot of hearts. More than ten hearers wanted the song. Like Mary, this has been a year of grace and thankfulness for me. Wife got well and I joined missions. We have also settled into church life, both teaming up to good effect. Our new book was released last week. Everything from now on is step by step. Wife's health comes first. Missions is next because ministry is multiplied training pastors. Church is good so far as long as administration is not a burden. This will be my last entry for the year. Tomorrow we are headed for Macau to help Wife move some stuff over since the next two days are holidays. We will see how well I do next year juggling my missions, teaching and preaching ministries.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Trips, Nov 2011
I returned four days ago from a week in Gentleland after nearly a year's absence. The 24 youngsters aged 18-25 is a year older now and it shows physically and mentally. This batch will graduate in June next year. This time I was teaching Numbers and Deuteronomy. They are getting better with observations, but their rate of progress is limited with no affordable Chinese Bible software in sight. The frustration is I can do little about it.
The slum community still surprised me. The worse was the sight of a man urinating publicly in daylight just across the church. Other than that I have no complains. One student said they could finish all food on the table in their first year but now could not manage so in their final year. It could be that prosperity in the country means more food on the table. By the way I was treated to good food at Coco's the night I arrived on Sunday night. That was probably because the driver failed to pick me up for 2 hours and I had to call an emergency number. At least I have a phone card, unlike last year when I had to find my own motel.
The hardest thing is fighting boredom because there is no going out anytime and internet censorship limits popular websites to go. I was so bored I read my church's history online. Later I found some videos from other online services. On the last two days I had diarrhea that lasted another two days when I was bad. Going is harder than ever, but I am glad I went. Like I say there's not enough good expository preaching in Hong Kong, but there's nothing north.
I returned from two strenuous but rewarding trips. The first week I was in Gentleland for 5 days teaching 75 people, mostly coworkers in the field. This is their third course in school which started recently but my first time teaching them. They are very passionate in study, worship and relationships. Like the last two times in the area, no one greeted me at the airport. Again I was stranded and I have to call contact upon arrival. Some of the halls here are so big that you have to see to believe it. I have been to one that can sit 2,000 people. I’ve been told another can sit 4,000.
The Gentleland venue is in the beautiful countryside with scenic mountains and a vegetable landscape. The compound also holds a senior home. It rained during the last three days of training, so everything, including the floor, was wet and soggy. This time I felt needed because the harvest truly is plentiful. One student came more than 20 hours away from Mt East.
The next day I headed to the northeast, where it was freezing cold. I arrived to snow, which students said I was fortunate to see because previous teachers did not get to see snow. After trekking a hundred miles or so to the car, the rest of the trip was alright because it was mostly heated indors. My extra overcoat was brought in vain. Two men were spotted peeing alongside the airport freeway, just like old days.
The 80 students in Blackland were mostly farmers or from farming families, and they were so grateful of my presence, taking in every word I said and every skill I offered. I did my best to turn them into expositors, and I must say I did a good job, working after hours at night to listen to their homework.
Life is very simple there. My private bath shower barely trickles every morning, so patience is required, but at least I do not have to go outdoors for shower or join the students in their hard brick bed in the dorm. Food is simple and flat, and no coffee is served. I was glad I brought some from the leftovers in Gentleland.
You have to see their worshp to believe it. At night they sing for over an hour when class was not in session before they continue doing their homework. On thanksgiving day celebration last night, they even danced around in circles, Fiddler on the roof style! Ministry here would be hard for overseas coworkeers.
Over two weeks I have trained over 150 students here, which would take me more 20 years in Hong Kong, so this trip got me thinking. I believe a talented pool of preacher will emerge fron this pack, more so than from Gentleland because this group is much younger and they have a good mentor in the energetic school founder. The blessings were mutual this week. The only regret is there is no direct flight back to Hong Kong early next morning, so I will have to fly nearby and take a bus home. I miss home a lot but I am thankful for a lot of work done. The students were very appreciative of me, but I have a sneaky feeling this could be my last trip there as now I see the need all over the land. At least I have close to three months rest before my next trip in February. An annoying thing happened on the return trip. My taxi driver stopped midway and passed me off to another driver and paid him off, to my horror.
The slum community still surprised me. The worse was the sight of a man urinating publicly in daylight just across the church. Other than that I have no complains. One student said they could finish all food on the table in their first year but now could not manage so in their final year. It could be that prosperity in the country means more food on the table. By the way I was treated to good food at Coco's the night I arrived on Sunday night. That was probably because the driver failed to pick me up for 2 hours and I had to call an emergency number. At least I have a phone card, unlike last year when I had to find my own motel.
The hardest thing is fighting boredom because there is no going out anytime and internet censorship limits popular websites to go. I was so bored I read my church's history online. Later I found some videos from other online services. On the last two days I had diarrhea that lasted another two days when I was bad. Going is harder than ever, but I am glad I went. Like I say there's not enough good expository preaching in Hong Kong, but there's nothing north.
I returned from two strenuous but rewarding trips. The first week I was in Gentleland for 5 days teaching 75 people, mostly coworkers in the field. This is their third course in school which started recently but my first time teaching them. They are very passionate in study, worship and relationships. Like the last two times in the area, no one greeted me at the airport. Again I was stranded and I have to call contact upon arrival. Some of the halls here are so big that you have to see to believe it. I have been to one that can sit 2,000 people. I’ve been told another can sit 4,000.
The Gentleland venue is in the beautiful countryside with scenic mountains and a vegetable landscape. The compound also holds a senior home. It rained during the last three days of training, so everything, including the floor, was wet and soggy. This time I felt needed because the harvest truly is plentiful. One student came more than 20 hours away from Mt East.
The next day I headed to the northeast, where it was freezing cold. I arrived to snow, which students said I was fortunate to see because previous teachers did not get to see snow. After trekking a hundred miles or so to the car, the rest of the trip was alright because it was mostly heated indors. My extra overcoat was brought in vain. Two men were spotted peeing alongside the airport freeway, just like old days.
The 80 students in Blackland were mostly farmers or from farming families, and they were so grateful of my presence, taking in every word I said and every skill I offered. I did my best to turn them into expositors, and I must say I did a good job, working after hours at night to listen to their homework.
Life is very simple there. My private bath shower barely trickles every morning, so patience is required, but at least I do not have to go outdoors for shower or join the students in their hard brick bed in the dorm. Food is simple and flat, and no coffee is served. I was glad I brought some from the leftovers in Gentleland.
You have to see their worshp to believe it. At night they sing for over an hour when class was not in session before they continue doing their homework. On thanksgiving day celebration last night, they even danced around in circles, Fiddler on the roof style! Ministry here would be hard for overseas coworkeers.
Over two weeks I have trained over 150 students here, which would take me more 20 years in Hong Kong, so this trip got me thinking. I believe a talented pool of preacher will emerge fron this pack, more so than from Gentleland because this group is much younger and they have a good mentor in the energetic school founder. The blessings were mutual this week. The only regret is there is no direct flight back to Hong Kong early next morning, so I will have to fly nearby and take a bus home. I miss home a lot but I am thankful for a lot of work done. The students were very appreciative of me, but I have a sneaky feeling this could be my last trip there as now I see the need all over the land. At least I have close to three months rest before my next trip in February. An annoying thing happened on the return trip. My taxi driver stopped midway and passed me off to another driver and paid him off, to my horror.
Monday, October 3, 2011
A Good Start, Oct 2011
The winds could not stop blowing in HKG. Last week's category 8 typhoon was followed up by a category 3 tropical storm today (3rd). Work was as usual but some schools were canceled. Today was a holiday for me, as for most pastors, so I can spend some time with Wife because it is a public holiday in Macau. The medical report came in today and the doctor said my health was ideal. On the way home I picked up a pound of sesame powder for Wife. With my new schedule, I work Tuesdays to Thursdays currently, and Friday is optional. Despite the winds, everything is good and the month could not be better. USA's Immigration Department informed me all documents for my siblings' file are complete last week. There is nothing more to do but wait for a visa to open up for her. With this done, work and housing resolved in the summer, I am off to a fine start.
There were blessings these last two days despite the rain. When it was drizzling yesterday the seniors at Ma Wan still went for an early 7a swim at the club house pool, which certainly surprised me that none failed to show up. Today (12th) the rain was heavy, a downpour even, but all five seniors were in the pool ahead of me. Altogether there were ten, doubling yesterday's count. Their tenacity and determination remind me of the need for perseverance. A little hardship should not hinder our resolve. I was also delighted that training part three started today with a bang. At least the participants were engrossed. Another thing to be grateful for is finalizing the book title for my new book to be released at the end of the year. It came out of the blue. A present coworker and a former worker, who are unaware of each other's suggestion, suggested the same title the same day, so I am happy for the suggestion and considers it God-sent.
Yesterday (15th) we had a dream day, which included the five S - swimming in the morning, snoozing in the afternoon, studying the Bible with couples later, shopping after study, and strolling/sharing at night. We were thankful for all the blessings we received. Today we finally brought a friend to church after they were not allowed to enter the 1030am service last week when they were over half an hour late. The husband texted: "We have arrived but they said we re 15 mins. late and they do not allow us to enter. We have to join the 12:15 pm section." They learned their lesson and they were on time this time. The husband said earlier, "This time I won't ba late again." They were late by 20 minutes but just because they went to the wrong worship location.
I will be off to Gentleland this Sunday (23rd) after half a year's absence, this time officially with a sponsoring seminary and teaching a Bible course (Numbers and Deuteronomy) instead of preaching. I spent a lot of time in September for the whole month I was off, so I am quite prepared. Let's hope the structural markers would not throw the students off track, that they may enjoy the fruit of Bible study. My present job afforded me the opportunity to help out a young coworker yesterday and today (21st) in sermon preparation. We had a good time studying, fellowship, prayer and eating. Let's hope the presentation is as good as the preparation.
There were blessings these last two days despite the rain. When it was drizzling yesterday the seniors at Ma Wan still went for an early 7a swim at the club house pool, which certainly surprised me that none failed to show up. Today (12th) the rain was heavy, a downpour even, but all five seniors were in the pool ahead of me. Altogether there were ten, doubling yesterday's count. Their tenacity and determination remind me of the need for perseverance. A little hardship should not hinder our resolve. I was also delighted that training part three started today with a bang. At least the participants were engrossed. Another thing to be grateful for is finalizing the book title for my new book to be released at the end of the year. It came out of the blue. A present coworker and a former worker, who are unaware of each other's suggestion, suggested the same title the same day, so I am happy for the suggestion and considers it God-sent.
Yesterday (15th) we had a dream day, which included the five S - swimming in the morning, snoozing in the afternoon, studying the Bible with couples later, shopping after study, and strolling/sharing at night. We were thankful for all the blessings we received. Today we finally brought a friend to church after they were not allowed to enter the 1030am service last week when they were over half an hour late. The husband texted: "We have arrived but they said we re 15 mins. late and they do not allow us to enter. We have to join the 12:15 pm section." They learned their lesson and they were on time this time. The husband said earlier, "This time I won't ba late again." They were late by 20 minutes but just because they went to the wrong worship location.
I will be off to Gentleland this Sunday (23rd) after half a year's absence, this time officially with a sponsoring seminary and teaching a Bible course (Numbers and Deuteronomy) instead of preaching. I spent a lot of time in September for the whole month I was off, so I am quite prepared. Let's hope the structural markers would not throw the students off track, that they may enjoy the fruit of Bible study. My present job afforded me the opportunity to help out a young coworker yesterday and today (21st) in sermon preparation. We had a good time studying, fellowship, prayer and eating. Let's hope the presentation is as good as the preparation.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Waiting Period, Sep 2011
This waiting period has been longer than expected, so I have gone to Macau twice since returning from USA. There is nothing much to do in Macau as well, but Wife is happy I can join her. At least I got to speak last week and it turned out much better second time round, a far improved version of the same message delivered a month ago. At least my good friend from USA is around this week to break my boring routine. He was lost around East TST, but I managed to locate his relative's residence after worship. It was rare another good friend came at the same time to the worship (4th), not knowing I was the speaker. Tomorrow (7th) we will eat at my favorite Engish diner at Festival Walk, then visit the biggest Christian bookstore in Hong Kong.
Yesterday (8th) I finally got my dependent visa renewed, surprisingly for a longer period of three years, which was unusual. The first time was a year, the second two years and now three. Sometimes it just seems like I arrived in Hong Kong yesterday, but I have three valuable years locally behind me now. I came back from a briefing today for my new work with a local church. All is set to go on 26th, where I will attend a workers retreat in Shenzhen. I am excited about returning to pastoral ministry, but I am not sure if pastoral ministry is the same anywhere, so we'll see.
As before, a lot of folks, including outsiders, are in Ma Wan to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival today (12th). It was a merry occasion. The supermarket was still flooded with customers when it closed at 10p. Wife and I strolled around and sat on our favorite bench before she called it a night while I continued walking for another round. I have taken up walking since returning from USA. Now I am hooked. I usually walk as much as 45 minutes to distance myself from 930p primetime TV, which is not worth watching. Most of the series involves revenge, money and sex.
Yesterday I had unplanned high tea with a friend. I had asked for help around lunch time and discovered he still had not had lunch, so I suggested we go to lunch together. By the time I reached his place and got things done, it was slightly past 2pm, so the logical thing is to order from the high tea menu, which is HK$10 off the lunch menu. I enjoyed the lower price, so today (16th) I did the same, having lunch after 2 pm. It is a sad commentary on Hong Kong that around 10 seniors and ordinary folks line up with me for the fast food bargain price (HK$23-24), which is the normal lunch price before inflation set in. Right now, people uses newspaper $2-$3 discount coupons to stretch their money.
I got my passport with a six months China visa back yesterday, which was good news for a change. It means I can join the Shenzhen retreat next week, something I am looking forward to, my second trip there. I also had to perform self-surgery on the pinkie of my left foot that has been bothering me for many weeks due to a blood clot. After repeated trys I managed to burst the thick skin with a pair of sharp scissors and a trickle of blood oozed out. Yesterday was a good time as any other since I figured I had to take a few days off walking anyway because I am leaving for Macau in an hour to help Wife move.
Moving yesterday (23rd) was accomplished in two and a half hours, minus packing time. We decided to move the things ourselves because the apartment was just two blocks across the street and it was hard to determine when we would be ready for movers to come. I took five trips and Wife four. The hardest things to move locally were her oversized executive-type chair, the fan, the humidifier, and kitchen ware. After that we had a hearty lunch and returned to HKG. Then I had to cart a foldable single bed mattress to the ferry back to HKG. We were thankful that things worked out as they did.
A number 8 typhoon blew into the city late last night (28th) at 11 pm when I was walking the blocks, even though the observatory did not announce it then. This morning all work stopped and most stores were closed except for Pacific here. According to the lone worker he was there before the announcement after 4 am, so he opened shop anyway, which was a good thing because I spent 4 hours there with my laptop. I also invited a friend and his family to breakfast. Tai Chi did not stop for a few students. but elsewhere a strong tree toppled and bus services were sporadic in Ma Wan. The funny thing was that I was supposed to start work, but so far the first work week includes a two-days' retreat, a briefing next day and a canceled day, but such is life.
Yesterday (8th) I finally got my dependent visa renewed, surprisingly for a longer period of three years, which was unusual. The first time was a year, the second two years and now three. Sometimes it just seems like I arrived in Hong Kong yesterday, but I have three valuable years locally behind me now. I came back from a briefing today for my new work with a local church. All is set to go on 26th, where I will attend a workers retreat in Shenzhen. I am excited about returning to pastoral ministry, but I am not sure if pastoral ministry is the same anywhere, so we'll see.
As before, a lot of folks, including outsiders, are in Ma Wan to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival today (12th). It was a merry occasion. The supermarket was still flooded with customers when it closed at 10p. Wife and I strolled around and sat on our favorite bench before she called it a night while I continued walking for another round. I have taken up walking since returning from USA. Now I am hooked. I usually walk as much as 45 minutes to distance myself from 930p primetime TV, which is not worth watching. Most of the series involves revenge, money and sex.
Yesterday I had unplanned high tea with a friend. I had asked for help around lunch time and discovered he still had not had lunch, so I suggested we go to lunch together. By the time I reached his place and got things done, it was slightly past 2pm, so the logical thing is to order from the high tea menu, which is HK$10 off the lunch menu. I enjoyed the lower price, so today (16th) I did the same, having lunch after 2 pm. It is a sad commentary on Hong Kong that around 10 seniors and ordinary folks line up with me for the fast food bargain price (HK$23-24), which is the normal lunch price before inflation set in. Right now, people uses newspaper $2-$3 discount coupons to stretch their money.
I got my passport with a six months China visa back yesterday, which was good news for a change. It means I can join the Shenzhen retreat next week, something I am looking forward to, my second trip there. I also had to perform self-surgery on the pinkie of my left foot that has been bothering me for many weeks due to a blood clot. After repeated trys I managed to burst the thick skin with a pair of sharp scissors and a trickle of blood oozed out. Yesterday was a good time as any other since I figured I had to take a few days off walking anyway because I am leaving for Macau in an hour to help Wife move.
Moving yesterday (23rd) was accomplished in two and a half hours, minus packing time. We decided to move the things ourselves because the apartment was just two blocks across the street and it was hard to determine when we would be ready for movers to come. I took five trips and Wife four. The hardest things to move locally were her oversized executive-type chair, the fan, the humidifier, and kitchen ware. After that we had a hearty lunch and returned to HKG. Then I had to cart a foldable single bed mattress to the ferry back to HKG. We were thankful that things worked out as they did.
A number 8 typhoon blew into the city late last night (28th) at 11 pm when I was walking the blocks, even though the observatory did not announce it then. This morning all work stopped and most stores were closed except for Pacific here. According to the lone worker he was there before the announcement after 4 am, so he opened shop anyway, which was a good thing because I spent 4 hours there with my laptop. I also invited a friend and his family to breakfast. Tai Chi did not stop for a few students. but elsewhere a strong tree toppled and bus services were sporadic in Ma Wan. The funny thing was that I was supposed to start work, but so far the first work week includes a two-days' retreat, a briefing next day and a canceled day, but such is life.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Three Year Later, Aug 2011
The first week of the month finds me back in L.A. but 2 hours late. We touched down two nights ago but LAX was "plane" lousy. Our 945p flight reached here half an hour later, the plane could not park for another half an hour, immigration another half hour, and even a new declaration point for the last half hour. It's crazy; no wonder USA is in decline. The good news is that Wife's bad back held up well with the last-minute TravelBlue pillow we bought at the airport for her back. The best piece of news is that my sister's police report for immigration purposes came the day before I arrive, just as she had hoped upon greeting me.
I preached at RCAC yesterday and met former church members. Most said I have either not changed or lost weight or "It rains when important people come" - it unusually rained that morning before church. At night they took us out for our anniversary dinner. Wife was happiest for a gift bag of oranges she got that was unbelievably sweet. We plan to head to Santa Barbara today (1st) after breakfast at Panera or Corner Bakery. We laughed because we could not remember these restaurant names, especially the former.
We had driven over two days to Santa Barbra, Solvang, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, revisiting our honeymoon route 12 years ago. At Santa Barbara's Wharf (2nd) I ate a US$24.95 one and a half lobster at Moby Dick for lunch and today (3rd) we enjoyed dinner at Rose's in Morro Bay where the Happy Hour crab cakes and avocado egg roll are unbeatable. After dinner we watched the sun set like an egg yolk into the sea, something that is hard to do in Hong Kong, wise said. Wife was at her happiest traveling. Rooms at Solvang yesterday was US$82 overnight but the crowd was sparse on weekdays. At Pismo Beach we went to Starbucks for breakfast, of all places, because we couldn't get any wi-fi signal at our hotel. Both the hotels we inquired at San Luis Obispo have savvy Indian owners. After going nowhere to the first with a coupon, we decided to ask about room vacancy and its rate first before we produce a coupon when the answer is yes, reducing the rate from $99.95 to $59.95. The owner accepted our coupon reluctantly but only after adding another $5 for a doubled bed. We will head back to L.A. tomorrow after breakfast.
Ramada's breakfast bar was not opened nor inviting when we left at 7 am today (3rd), so Wife drove, her first time, up to Los Alamos when she drove into a fog. I took over and two hours altogether into Santa Barbara's Peet's Coffee for multigrain and dried fruit scones. Their scones are way better than their rivals Starbucks. On the way home Wife bought two T-shirts at Camarillo's outlets and we stopped at Little Tokyo's Sushi Gen for lunch. I can't believe we did so many things over four days.
Thursday (4th) I met with my new employer and it took most of the afternoon and at night we met with the Ngs for dinner at Cheesecake, where we ordered our favorite Godiva Cheesecake, except that it does not taste the same. The next day fellowship members of my first church threw a dinner party for us and another family from NJ. It was such a happy occasion except that most are empty nesters by now because the kids were gone, mostly for school. Today (7th) I am headed to my first church to preach and I honestly do not know what to expect because it's been 15 years ago. We were also glad our host has an automatic medicine pot to boil Wife's Chinese medicine. She really needed it because the trip can take a toil on you.
The second half of our USA holidays see us traveling to San Diego (8th) to visit Wife's two sisters, one of which has been in a vegetable state for 28 years as the result of a car accident. Wife and another sister from Hong Kong arranged to join the local sister to visit the bedridden sister - four sisters altogether. We sang simple worship songs such as "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord," "God is so Good" and "The Steadfast Love of the Lord" to celebrate her life, sad as it was but nevertheless our sovereign God allowed it to happen for a reason. We took the occasion to view her nephew's new house. It seemed like years ago that Josiah stayed with us for two years in Walnut when he was in college. Another nephew Joshua went with me to see the final installment of Harry Potter.
Yesterday (11th) I joined CMA pastors in their monthly prayer meeting. It was such a festive occasion when we met together, reminding me how different USA Chinese pastors are from Hong Kong pastors who have no time and are too busy and stoic to fellowship together. I am looking forward to next week with other Cantonese pastors at U2.
We went to Lake Ave. for 9a worship this morning (14th) and met a pastor who is leaving for Hong Kong next week for a pastoral position, small world. After worship we returned to Whole Foods for lunch. Wife ordered a traditional breakfast with poached eggs and I had a $3.99 whole wheat pancake with fruit and walnuts for sides. The choices at this health food store is amazing, one of the best health food selections. Wife was happiest with the protein supplements such as Vegan that she needs for her health battle. It was an emotional day today when we visited our old house, probably for the last time. Tears rolled freely down our eyes as we said goodbye to our first home as a couple.
Yesterday (15th) I celebrated my birthday eve with two close pastors and friends with their families. There were three pastors three years ago before I left for Hong Kong but now the gentleman, Wife's mentor, is 78 years old, too late to drive at night. Time flies and people gray, that's the fact of life. The dinner was impressive, but time together was priceless. It was funny seeing the ladies and the men sitting to one side. It is two days to go to the arduous trip to Seattle and Vancouver, please pray for us. especially for Wife's health and mind during the travel.
The last two days before our departure must be the most action-packed and risk-taking of our lives so far in terms of time and urgency. I call it Our Mission Impossible. Just yesterday (18th) Wife took a continuing education class at L.A. that lasted till 340p, then we took a 830p flight to Seattle, stayed at a friend's place and talked till 130a. Without a GPS it would have been hard to navigate the country roads at midnight even with printed Google maps. I had forgotten to bring one I had borrowed and rented it at the airport. Early 6a the next day we woke up and had breakfast at Peet's before we headed to Vancouver at 730a. Wife drove for 55 miles before I took over again and lined up about the 10th car in our lane (out of three) at the Canada border. At the airport I parked as she got her boarding pass to HKG but the plane was delayed for 2 hours. I had to dash over back to the border to take a 5p flight to LAX. The lines returning were so long that it took 45 mins. at least to pass. At the Seattle counter I requested her flight to LAX be canceled, but she had apparently done it through the internet on the Vancouver airport side. Better still I got on the earlier 345p flight to LAX. It was quite an adventure, one I am not eager to repeat. By faith wife must have boarded the plane, so I am traveling by myself as well. Here is her side of the story.
The travel home was 13 hours, but I was more patient than I thought possible. I arrived in HKG yesterday (21st) at 6p and hop onto the Ma Wan 7p bus. To fight against sleep I swam, which I had missed for three weeks, at 9p, then slept before 11p. The Lord has blessed us richly on this trip, opening doors for us I never thought necessary. I have seen relatives, friends and brothers and sisters; driven more than 1,000 miles from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo, from Los Angeles to San Diego and from Seattle to Vancouver; and shopped at neighborhood stores, outlet stores and department stores.
There were a lot of errands to run this week. Our Southern California holidays were barely over when we traveled to Macau (25th) on Tuesday, two days later. Wife bought a lot of health food from USA for her Macau home because fresh food is not easy to purchase there. I basically carried the food over for her, but I had time to complete the denomination assignments as well. Today (25th) I had to go to the Immigration Tower to extend my non-permanent resident visa, to be picked up in two weeks. It was half the wait the last time, two years ago.
I am in Macau again for the last day of the month (31st), probably my last trip here before work begins. There is nothing to do in Hong Kong besides waiting for the denomination interview. It is a good break and I can be with Wife, who has to stay over the weekend due a retreat. It could be boring but I had time to repair the many broken links on Preach Christ. Tomorrow a friend from USA will be arriving.
I preached at RCAC yesterday and met former church members. Most said I have either not changed or lost weight or "It rains when important people come" - it unusually rained that morning before church. At night they took us out for our anniversary dinner. Wife was happiest for a gift bag of oranges she got that was unbelievably sweet. We plan to head to Santa Barbara today (1st) after breakfast at Panera or Corner Bakery. We laughed because we could not remember these restaurant names, especially the former.
We had driven over two days to Santa Barbra, Solvang, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, revisiting our honeymoon route 12 years ago. At Santa Barbara's Wharf (2nd) I ate a US$24.95 one and a half lobster at Moby Dick for lunch and today (3rd) we enjoyed dinner at Rose's in Morro Bay where the Happy Hour crab cakes and avocado egg roll are unbeatable. After dinner we watched the sun set like an egg yolk into the sea, something that is hard to do in Hong Kong, wise said. Wife was at her happiest traveling. Rooms at Solvang yesterday was US$82 overnight but the crowd was sparse on weekdays. At Pismo Beach we went to Starbucks for breakfast, of all places, because we couldn't get any wi-fi signal at our hotel. Both the hotels we inquired at San Luis Obispo have savvy Indian owners. After going nowhere to the first with a coupon, we decided to ask about room vacancy and its rate first before we produce a coupon when the answer is yes, reducing the rate from $99.95 to $59.95. The owner accepted our coupon reluctantly but only after adding another $5 for a doubled bed. We will head back to L.A. tomorrow after breakfast.
Ramada's breakfast bar was not opened nor inviting when we left at 7 am today (3rd), so Wife drove, her first time, up to Los Alamos when she drove into a fog. I took over and two hours altogether into Santa Barbara's Peet's Coffee for multigrain and dried fruit scones. Their scones are way better than their rivals Starbucks. On the way home Wife bought two T-shirts at Camarillo's outlets and we stopped at Little Tokyo's Sushi Gen for lunch. I can't believe we did so many things over four days.
Thursday (4th) I met with my new employer and it took most of the afternoon and at night we met with the Ngs for dinner at Cheesecake, where we ordered our favorite Godiva Cheesecake, except that it does not taste the same. The next day fellowship members of my first church threw a dinner party for us and another family from NJ. It was such a happy occasion except that most are empty nesters by now because the kids were gone, mostly for school. Today (7th) I am headed to my first church to preach and I honestly do not know what to expect because it's been 15 years ago. We were also glad our host has an automatic medicine pot to boil Wife's Chinese medicine. She really needed it because the trip can take a toil on you.
The second half of our USA holidays see us traveling to San Diego (8th) to visit Wife's two sisters, one of which has been in a vegetable state for 28 years as the result of a car accident. Wife and another sister from Hong Kong arranged to join the local sister to visit the bedridden sister - four sisters altogether. We sang simple worship songs such as "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord," "God is so Good" and "The Steadfast Love of the Lord" to celebrate her life, sad as it was but nevertheless our sovereign God allowed it to happen for a reason. We took the occasion to view her nephew's new house. It seemed like years ago that Josiah stayed with us for two years in Walnut when he was in college. Another nephew Joshua went with me to see the final installment of Harry Potter.
Yesterday (11th) I joined CMA pastors in their monthly prayer meeting. It was such a festive occasion when we met together, reminding me how different USA Chinese pastors are from Hong Kong pastors who have no time and are too busy and stoic to fellowship together. I am looking forward to next week with other Cantonese pastors at U2.
We went to Lake Ave. for 9a worship this morning (14th) and met a pastor who is leaving for Hong Kong next week for a pastoral position, small world. After worship we returned to Whole Foods for lunch. Wife ordered a traditional breakfast with poached eggs and I had a $3.99 whole wheat pancake with fruit and walnuts for sides. The choices at this health food store is amazing, one of the best health food selections. Wife was happiest with the protein supplements such as Vegan that she needs for her health battle. It was an emotional day today when we visited our old house, probably for the last time. Tears rolled freely down our eyes as we said goodbye to our first home as a couple.
Yesterday (15th) I celebrated my birthday eve with two close pastors and friends with their families. There were three pastors three years ago before I left for Hong Kong but now the gentleman, Wife's mentor, is 78 years old, too late to drive at night. Time flies and people gray, that's the fact of life. The dinner was impressive, but time together was priceless. It was funny seeing the ladies and the men sitting to one side. It is two days to go to the arduous trip to Seattle and Vancouver, please pray for us. especially for Wife's health and mind during the travel.
The last two days before our departure must be the most action-packed and risk-taking of our lives so far in terms of time and urgency. I call it Our Mission Impossible. Just yesterday (18th) Wife took a continuing education class at L.A. that lasted till 340p, then we took a 830p flight to Seattle, stayed at a friend's place and talked till 130a. Without a GPS it would have been hard to navigate the country roads at midnight even with printed Google maps. I had forgotten to bring one I had borrowed and rented it at the airport. Early 6a the next day we woke up and had breakfast at Peet's before we headed to Vancouver at 730a. Wife drove for 55 miles before I took over again and lined up about the 10th car in our lane (out of three) at the Canada border. At the airport I parked as she got her boarding pass to HKG but the plane was delayed for 2 hours. I had to dash over back to the border to take a 5p flight to LAX. The lines returning were so long that it took 45 mins. at least to pass. At the Seattle counter I requested her flight to LAX be canceled, but she had apparently done it through the internet on the Vancouver airport side. Better still I got on the earlier 345p flight to LAX. It was quite an adventure, one I am not eager to repeat. By faith wife must have boarded the plane, so I am traveling by myself as well. Here is her side of the story.
The travel home was 13 hours, but I was more patient than I thought possible. I arrived in HKG yesterday (21st) at 6p and hop onto the Ma Wan 7p bus. To fight against sleep I swam, which I had missed for three weeks, at 9p, then slept before 11p. The Lord has blessed us richly on this trip, opening doors for us I never thought necessary. I have seen relatives, friends and brothers and sisters; driven more than 1,000 miles from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo, from Los Angeles to San Diego and from Seattle to Vancouver; and shopped at neighborhood stores, outlet stores and department stores.
There were a lot of errands to run this week. Our Southern California holidays were barely over when we traveled to Macau (25th) on Tuesday, two days later. Wife bought a lot of health food from USA for her Macau home because fresh food is not easy to purchase there. I basically carried the food over for her, but I had time to complete the denomination assignments as well. Today (25th) I had to go to the Immigration Tower to extend my non-permanent resident visa, to be picked up in two weeks. It was half the wait the last time, two years ago.
I am in Macau again for the last day of the month (31st), probably my last trip here before work begins. There is nothing to do in Hong Kong besides waiting for the denomination interview. It is a good break and I can be with Wife, who has to stay over the weekend due a retreat. It could be boring but I had time to repair the many broken links on Preach Christ. Tomorrow a friend from USA will be arriving.
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