Year 4.1 ended a blessed week in USA. USA Monday was an open day, so we ate Mexican and Japanese food for lunch and dinner, our first on the trip. Both did not taste as good now that we’ve been here for more than a week. In between I met a friend Tony who’s tried to catch me three times here; he prevailed.
Day two was spent with my loving mentor Herman and his wife Eleanor. They took us to Brodard for Vietnamese food and macaroni grill for dinner. There were lots of pleasant memories and Herman was as energetic as ever.
Wednesday after breakfast we drove to San Diego and had Thai food for lunch and then drove to La Jolla to see seals. Dinner was with relatives. Josiah shared the best memories- he could not believe a pastors wife would put her foot up on the van dashboard while the pastor was driving! The young ones remembered Doris for her brain teasers. Earlier I sent out a Doris video and my reflections for the occasion.
Day four we traveled from San Diego to LA to celebrate with my sister for her birthday the next day. We went to Santa Anita mall for dumplings and gave her a gift while buying another for buddy. At night we had dinner with nephew Joshua before shopping at TJM and then boarding the plane.
Friday was boarding the plane and trying to survive the 15-hour trip while having a bad back 坐骨神經 and having a conversation with a pastor seated next to me. I praised the Lord for surviving the round trip, having to stand twice for an hour to avoid sitting to Los Angeles, and taking my mind off the travel as much as I can on the way back. I was so thankful I had six more inches of room for travel both ways when I got the front seat, even when I had to pay for the privilege to Los Angeles.
Day six was touchdown in HK. After sleeping for three hours I went swimming and headed to the office to catch up on work and chores. I was happy that I finished writing my lost 1 John 2 sermon with help from my internet audio. I caught up with my prayer partners over a drink before I joined others for fellowship at night.
Sunday was the first day of 1 John Grammar SS class. About 60 were present and all had a good time. Later I did minimal sermon work on 1 John 4. At night we had Thai dinner. I was so thankful my mind was contemplating of what to do for the upcoming week now that I finished the women series study questions. Overall the week could not be sweeter!
May 28, 2018
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Year 3.53
Year 3.53 marks the third anniversary of Doris’ loss and my return to USA. Monday was breakfast with two former prayer buddies, lunch was with my sister and dinner at Outback with Waylon. At night I ate half a sleeping pill to deal with my jet lag.
Day two was breakfast at Corner Bakery, where I purchased an oatmeal breakfast despite the richer choices. Our main program was to see Avengers, then ate at Doris’ favorite Lovebirds and visit MPCBC. Later we’re off to visit old residences, especially our last house in Eastvale. It was ridiculous I did not know how to get there anymore!
Wednesday morning breakfast to dinner was with previous seminary faculty. This year was met with less enthsiasm and participation because I could not sit longer than half an hour. At night I
got to wash my clothes for the first time here. How I miss the big was machines and dyers here!
Day four was not much better, but at least I did some bible study questions on my PC. At night I started to catch up to an old series that’s showing in HK. The main purpose was to keep awake, which I did with coffee and ice cream.
On Friday I bought some strawberries and cherries at a bargain to make my USA stay sweeter. I heard a rich testimony from HZ Alex and but the group is getting too big and unfocused. I tried to get souvenirs from Doris’ APU but the book store closed by 6pm.
Day six was seminary graduation day, where China son sang to much appreciation. It was hard for the student to get anything done this working holiday. At night I finally bought shoes to relaxed my worn out ones.
On Sunday I visited mandarin baptist church and my old church. Lunch was with Jon and son, then dinner with old friends in Pasadena. Mentally I’m prepared for next week. I also washed my second load of clothes.
May 21, 2019
Day two was breakfast at Corner Bakery, where I purchased an oatmeal breakfast despite the richer choices. Our main program was to see Avengers, then ate at Doris’ favorite Lovebirds and visit MPCBC. Later we’re off to visit old residences, especially our last house in Eastvale. It was ridiculous I did not know how to get there anymore!
Wednesday morning breakfast to dinner was with previous seminary faculty. This year was met with less enthsiasm and participation because I could not sit longer than half an hour. At night I
got to wash my clothes for the first time here. How I miss the big was machines and dyers here!
Day four was not much better, but at least I did some bible study questions on my PC. At night I started to catch up to an old series that’s showing in HK. The main purpose was to keep awake, which I did with coffee and ice cream.
On Friday I bought some strawberries and cherries at a bargain to make my USA stay sweeter. I heard a rich testimony from HZ Alex and but the group is getting too big and unfocused. I tried to get souvenirs from Doris’ APU but the book store closed by 6pm.
Day six was seminary graduation day, where China son sang to much appreciation. It was hard for the student to get anything done this working holiday. At night I finally bought shoes to relaxed my worn out ones.
On Sunday I visited mandarin baptist church and my old church. Lunch was with Jon and son, then dinner with old friends in Pasadena. Mentally I’m prepared for next week. I also washed my second load of clothes.
May 21, 2019
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Year 3.52
Year 3.52 was challenging with Doris’ third year of loss a week away, my overseas trip coming, a bad back and plenty of doctors’ appointment. Monday kicked off with an orthopedist, then a Chinese chiropractor and a western chiropractor, who gave me a 50 percent discount to ten sessions. The orthopedist sent me to three physio sessions also at maximum discount.
Day two was a bad day because my usb was officially declared as malfunctioned and I have not backed it up for three months and lost three upcoming sermons and bible study questions on my next women series.
On Wednesday I had a morning appointment with my Chinese chiropractor because of my Sunday pending trip. I cannot last more than half an hour sitting lately due my sciatica 坐骨神經 pain, followed by an unwanted turnover controversy at leaders meeting, before I hopped to pmh hospital for a 245pm meeting that I never knew I had if not for my diary! The hospital visit ended at 615pm, but I have no complains.
Day four was physio in the morning before my foot massage in the evening. In the meantime I had to work on an upcoming sermon that was lost when my usb malfunctioned. Praise God, the new sermon is shaping out good.
Friday was busy with CBI morning breakfast, Christopher Yuan lunch, followed by coffee with BJ Arthur. In the meantime I could even squeeze in a new chiropractor visit!
Day six I managed to have a last ditch chiropractor appointment that got me ready for tomorrow’s nightmare flight. At night I attended Christopher Yuan testimony to hear him for myself before the chaotic day tomorrow at both English and pth worships tomorrow. At night my iPhone survived the washing machine wash!
Sunday was chaotic with a morning turnover meeting, followed by broadcasting last nights video for English worship and Yuans appearance in pth worship that doubled our attendance. After it all ended I hopped onto my plane and braced for the worst. Praise God I survived the trip though I had to twice stand for an hour on the plane. The us$112 for six inches of space was very well spent. I went home for forty minutes to rest my back before the flight when I reached the airport four hours too early! Everything on the AA flight was good including food and service. I’m also thankful I remembered to take my backpack from the airport after I walked away clumsily for about five minutes. We had Vietnamese dinner on the Mother’s Day night!
May 14, 2019
Day two was a bad day because my usb was officially declared as malfunctioned and I have not backed it up for three months and lost three upcoming sermons and bible study questions on my next women series.
On Wednesday I had a morning appointment with my Chinese chiropractor because of my Sunday pending trip. I cannot last more than half an hour sitting lately due my sciatica 坐骨神經 pain, followed by an unwanted turnover controversy at leaders meeting, before I hopped to pmh hospital for a 245pm meeting that I never knew I had if not for my diary! The hospital visit ended at 615pm, but I have no complains.
Day four was physio in the morning before my foot massage in the evening. In the meantime I had to work on an upcoming sermon that was lost when my usb malfunctioned. Praise God, the new sermon is shaping out good.
Friday was busy with CBI morning breakfast, Christopher Yuan lunch, followed by coffee with BJ Arthur. In the meantime I could even squeeze in a new chiropractor visit!
Day six I managed to have a last ditch chiropractor appointment that got me ready for tomorrow’s nightmare flight. At night I attended Christopher Yuan testimony to hear him for myself before the chaotic day tomorrow at both English and pth worships tomorrow. At night my iPhone survived the washing machine wash!
Sunday was chaotic with a morning turnover meeting, followed by broadcasting last nights video for English worship and Yuans appearance in pth worship that doubled our attendance. After it all ended I hopped onto my plane and braced for the worst. Praise God I survived the trip though I had to twice stand for an hour on the plane. The us$112 for six inches of space was very well spent. I went home for forty minutes to rest my back before the flight when I reached the airport four hours too early! Everything on the AA flight was good including food and service. I’m also thankful I remembered to take my backpack from the airport after I walked away clumsily for about five minutes. We had Vietnamese dinner on the Mother’s Day night!
May 14, 2019
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Year 3.51
Year 3.51 was Marketplace week and two weeks to the third year of Doris’ loss. On Monday I went to my chiropractor who tried his best to fix my back. At night I sent the English version of my marketplace book to Dr Kwan who is on a mission trip to bless the people in Burma - the first of two requests for the English version in the week.
Day two was back to eating a banana for breakfast, which I forgot about even after I ended my fasting. The day was a relaxing coworkers retreat. I was surprised I did so well without siesta while many of the young guys were nodding in their seats.
On Wednesday was Labor Day but I had another retreat to attend, where three other church groups were at the same site too. This one was even more relaxing than yesterday’s retreat. I had to talk over a turnover issue with a few group leaders. I was too tired to join a friends dinner!
Thursday morning was Chinese medicine morning with cupping and all. A missionary came by for lunch one week ahead of appointment! I tried to mend fences after a failed working relationship with others- not on my watch. At the end of the day was a painful foot massage.
On Friday morning I had breakfast with my language coworker, who is very passionate about a lot of things. The job is not easy for a newbie who became a minister the second half of his career.
Day six morning was English core meeting, where we spent a lot of time on the mission statement. All of us stayed behind for lunch, followed by pth meeting for me. A missionary to Australia Chung Ming cold called me for the English version of my Marketplace book.
On Sunday I was surprised by an overseas student’s sudden visit, so I gave him my two latest books, one for his seminary president. At night we had dinner before seminary student flies off to USA tomorrow.
May 7, 2019
Day two was back to eating a banana for breakfast, which I forgot about even after I ended my fasting. The day was a relaxing coworkers retreat. I was surprised I did so well without siesta while many of the young guys were nodding in their seats.
On Wednesday was Labor Day but I had another retreat to attend, where three other church groups were at the same site too. This one was even more relaxing than yesterday’s retreat. I had to talk over a turnover issue with a few group leaders. I was too tired to join a friends dinner!
Thursday morning was Chinese medicine morning with cupping and all. A missionary came by for lunch one week ahead of appointment! I tried to mend fences after a failed working relationship with others- not on my watch. At the end of the day was a painful foot massage.
On Friday morning I had breakfast with my language coworker, who is very passionate about a lot of things. The job is not easy for a newbie who became a minister the second half of his career.
Day six morning was English core meeting, where we spent a lot of time on the mission statement. All of us stayed behind for lunch, followed by pth meeting for me. A missionary to Australia Chung Ming cold called me for the English version of my Marketplace book.
On Sunday I was surprised by an overseas student’s sudden visit, so I gave him my two latest books, one for his seminary president. At night we had dinner before seminary student flies off to USA tomorrow.
May 7, 2019
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Year 3.50
Year 3.50 got off to a proper start in a new place NP and a new hotel. The breakfast was inferior but I had finished 40 days of fasting. The Bible study class had 30 students. The building was busy with two lines daily, so we blended in. At lunch I ate half an hour and rested for half hour. My back was hurting, so after class I went to see a blind man masseur, who was really good.
Day two was exciting but for the local two seater we took that gave us a bumpy ride. In class two big students who sat at the back suddenly was in front, vying for ppt attention. The students asked questions and practiced non-stop. At night we had food first before massage.
On Wednesday we had enough of hotel food and got to the center earlier for breakfast, but we still ended up with the clumsy two-seater taxi. The students were bright, progressing faster than my last trip. At night we had Thai food just before the restaurant closed at night, but it was nothing special.
Day four was the last day, so we decided to walk to the center 20 minutes away. I finally taught the students contrasts, progression and Hebrew grammar. There was no dull moment through the four days. At night we had dinner with th Singaporean sponsor. After dinner I had massage for my bad back.
On Friday we left for the airport at 6am. My back survived the trip, by God’s grace. We arrived home but decided to eat at the airport. After rest we did some work at the library. At night we took a bus for dinner at KF.
Day six began with our favorite breakfast, followed by foot treatment and lunch. I caught up with Buddy before fellowship, where I had to tell the last leader the latest fellowship turnover. Dinner was at our favorite night restaurant but gladly I can eat other food besides pork, as advised by my blind masseur.
Sunday morning was breakfast with youth advisor, whom I also informed. At noon I led prestudy and waited for my coleader to tell him the latest news. At night we shared a good meal and went home to work on 2 Kings 4 study questions.
April 29, 2019
Day two was exciting but for the local two seater we took that gave us a bumpy ride. In class two big students who sat at the back suddenly was in front, vying for ppt attention. The students asked questions and practiced non-stop. At night we had food first before massage.
On Wednesday we had enough of hotel food and got to the center earlier for breakfast, but we still ended up with the clumsy two-seater taxi. The students were bright, progressing faster than my last trip. At night we had Thai food just before the restaurant closed at night, but it was nothing special.
Day four was the last day, so we decided to walk to the center 20 minutes away. I finally taught the students contrasts, progression and Hebrew grammar. There was no dull moment through the four days. At night we had dinner with th Singaporean sponsor. After dinner I had massage for my bad back.
On Friday we left for the airport at 6am. My back survived the trip, by God’s grace. We arrived home but decided to eat at the airport. After rest we did some work at the library. At night we took a bus for dinner at KF.
Day six began with our favorite breakfast, followed by foot treatment and lunch. I caught up with Buddy before fellowship, where I had to tell the last leader the latest fellowship turnover. Dinner was at our favorite night restaurant but gladly I can eat other food besides pork, as advised by my blind masseur.
Sunday morning was breakfast with youth advisor, whom I also informed. At noon I led prestudy and waited for my coleader to tell him the latest news. At night we shared a good meal and went home to work on 2 Kings 4 study questions.
April 29, 2019
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