Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Year 3.27

Year 3.27 as usual was a busy week that ended with joyous company from relatives. Monday started on a great note, going to the bank to open an account for a relative. Otherwise all my things in life are pretty much settled. We had lunch and I went to the chiropractor, followed by buddy chat and work on my second last sermon for another new book.

Day two was a taxing day with feedback on a legal issue. I had to drink milk tea to relieve the pressure, a drink I had rid of since my stroke. Night was the occasion of the last men’s fellowship bible study in putonghua. Praise God I have finished up the last study and Bible character Doris wanted me to do.

On Wednesday a UK friend had breakfast with me, telling of his son’s wedding banquet in town and ministry in UK. I have two meetings that day from 11am to 4pm. After the second meeting was over I cannot help but drank my second of milk tea in the week for over-meeting.

Day four was the final day of revision for my two new books. It was quite a relief. Today was probably the last time I get a hand massage on Thursday as I have to help a new fellowship occasionally.

On Friday tiredness caught up to me. I could do little at office but still managed to do two outlines. A coworker’s wife said, I lost weight, so the next day I found out I was 162.5 lbs from the last 161 lbs.

Day six was language tutoring in the morning. Not only did I catch up to the language I enjoyed the dynamics together. I had lunch with a core member and ended the night listening to buddys sermon with a relative.

Sunday was my return to language worship after ten weeks away teaching Sunday school. I had the unplanned opportunity to talk to a coworker about stress and briefed some. Dinner was complete with sushi and dessert at night.

November 20, 2018

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Year 3.26

Year 3.26 was a fulfilling end to a difficult week. Monday started off with a two days retreat. The night climax was supper by the pier. The skits were funny but ironically pointed to the tension among coworkers.

Day two was bitter sweet but honest and helpful. After the retreat I went to the beach with S and P to gather my thoughts and clear my mind. They enjoyed examining the shoreline shells. The trip to Tung Chung was joined by a horde of mainland visitors but we managed to enjoy a quiet cup of high tea.

Wednesday was an arduous day meetings with leaders and language coworkers from 11am to 4pm. I felt lonely and empty attending that many meetings with retreat included. Thankfully a coworker told me he was physically tired too, so I was not unique with my feelings.

Day four was slightly better with friend Justin coming by to share his latest job prospects. My presence at a new fellowship was delayed for another week so I had time for hand treatment.

On Friday our department went through our year plan smoothly and had a department lunch. The guys were really efficient at their work. I think the department is in safe hands.

Day six was enjoyable language tutoring for two in the morning, followed by attendance at a graduation, where three coworkers graduated. So far I’ve been blessed to be invited to two graduation.

Sunday was last day of Sunday school, one of my most satisfying classes. Two seminary students attended in rapt attention. At night we ate at our favorite golden belly restaurant. For two days I got over my tiredness with a good massage from a relative.

December 13, 2018

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Year 3.25

Year 3.25 was a happy one with loved ones. Jon left today. He’s a brother who care for me very much, taking the trouble to visit me after my stroke, so I did my best to teach him Grammar Bible. We watched First Man together and I was touched by the movie couples relationship.

Day two I joined coworkers for a free flu prevention jab on the fifth week when we do not have a coworkers meeting. I had to correct a list of errata for my book before Friday’s due date.

On Wednesday I was invited to join James and family for dinner. He is definitely growing in the Lord. It’s a matter of how he used his resources for the ministry.

Day four was a strange day in more days than one. I dreamed my coworker got reserved parking in church but I could not called him to pick up Doris when it rained, so I took a taxi with yk another coworker, but her child was too busy to get into the car. Some unexpectedly called me and buddy for dinner. It turned out ok, not much drama or development. I was able to get a better chiropractor hour to accommodate lunch. At night I found Doris’ Doctor of Education degree her sister had put under the bed.

Friday was a relief because I finally finished my James chart with pomp and pride. When I first started on it there was nothing much to say, so much so I almost gave up.

Day six was a joyous day for me.  The morning began with shopping for a game for Doris’ diploma. On top of correcting my book for the last time, I received two after a three weeks absence. Character, courage and compassion are slowly forming.

On Sunday I met Jamie from the seminary. In the evening I canceled dinner with youth because one is having problems. Instead we went to Outback for rib.

November 6, 2018

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Year 3.24

Year 3.24 was a great week. I went to tst book exhibition after a long absence. On Monday our prayer group had dinner together. I started working on the corrections to my new books.

Day two I was off to see Dr Yu who told me I have no aneurysm. He was very gracious to me. It was good news but I’d better wait for tomorrow’s visit to the hospital.

On Wednesday was leaders meeting, followed by an important hospital appointment. The doctor even said no surgery is needed. My department coworker was with me.

On day four I made an hours walk following a doctor’s advice. I made my first appearance at a new fellowship at night. I have decided to visit more after the present pastor has left.

On Friday I visited Paul at ymca, where I met Chu from my old denomination in USA. More important friend Jon was in town for four days to check on my health. I took the day off and we had mixed grill dinner at KF. At night I could feel my right foot wearing slippers.

On day six I took Jon to the Peak. He was also here to learn how to use the Grammar Bible.  I was gracious for his presence and insights.

On Sunday I thought students the Greek alphabet. They were really good. Later at mid noon I led a prestudy for the new fellowship. At night we had “golden belly” dinner at Yata.

October 31, 2018

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Year 3.23

Year 3.23 was a victory of some sort health wise. On Monday a neighbor started joining me in my morning walks. I went to my chiropractor followed by dinner with buddy. We went back to our dining place now that it’s quieter, not invaded by tourists.

Day two was a chaos with mtr rail down. There was little help with total paralysis in HK. I had to take a taxi and forgot my Chinese doctor appointment. It wasn’t that bad with no preaching ahead. A former coworker texted and said that a friend I prayed for many years had accepted Christ in his church in Vancouver after the family immigrated there. How amazing God works!

Wednesday was Chun Yeung public holiday. I had dim sum with Doris ‘ two sisters but had to go to the hospital after learning last night that Doris’ good friend Judy was dying from cancer. I joined her two other friends to visit her.

Day four was a special day. I had to reach Evangel by 7am for my MRI and stayed seven hours there. Praise God at night my doctor friend texted me: “This is the report of the MRI and MRA of brain. Basically nothing major is going on. There is no evidence of aneurysm! Praise God.”

Friday morning I returned to the hospital to get my report. I bumped into my predecessor who encouraged me to serve more. I took half the day off but waited at home futilely for Jon to arrive in Hk because we mixed up the dates.

Day six was a trip to the chiropractor and I joined fellowship for dinner. Buddy asked me my plans to serve too. I said my three criteria are God’s calling, not for self interest and not to compete. Finally the the scarred left foot bottom was healed, so it’s been more than a month.

I was rather early to SS but I wasn’t in a rush. It was an emotional day as I shared my recovery and future service in class. Lunch was with rtcp and haircut followed to remember Doris for Monday, another month passing by.

October 23, 2018

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Year 3.22

Year 3.22 was a tiring week. Monday was an extra half day of meeting for agm, but we did not accomplish much. Thankfully I had already bought flowers yesterday, knowing my schedule today. I still managed to see my chiropractor, who said I can see him less from now on due my improvement.

Day two was an appointment with a specialist to check my “bubble,” but buddy was hospitalized, so two stayed devotedly by me. At night six attended men’s fellowship study in Jeremiah 20. It’s been two months since my stroke that I have not written a thing on my own time.

On Wednesday we visited buddy who had intestinal infection instead of something worse. He treated us for lunch before we headed our own ways. At night I caught the midnight bus back to the island after the leaders meeting.

On Day four I had a chiropractor appointment before lunch with Paul Li an old friend of 25 years ago. We both agreed there is not much talent in the ministry pool. Praise God two publishers tell me in the last two days my book will be released by the end of the year, one on 職場 and one on the forty days from Lent to Easter.

There is no time to lose on Friday. My James 1 sermon is due on Sunday and there is much ground to cover.  Besides I have a morning department meeting. I attended fellowship with relative but left early due the stuffy room.

On day six I had lunch with Ronald Chung another friend of twenty mores years from USA but deeper still. At night fellowship two songs deeply touched me as I remembered Doris:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3tNKXsR-H_E 奔跑不放棄
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nuK3oi7-YoM 你坐著為王

Sunday was long. Sunday school was followed by sermon, then agm and China talk and deacons meeting. Most attendees did not notice we have a plan but not a person in plan. I was glad two recovered to take the trip to BJ. My anxious prayers followed for the few weeks ahead.

October 16, 2018

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Year 3.21

Year 3.21 was a big step in my recovery.  Monday was national holiday but we had an outing, so it was good bonding time. After that I got flowers for Doris.

Day two was a night meeting with a man who lost his wife early August. It was really hard for him as he cried a few times but for me I have more experience dealing with loss now.

Wednesday was supposed to be my holiday with Jon in Thai but it was canceled because of my stroke. I thanked God for the reminder. I attended the leaders prayer meeting for a change, thinking of a Professor who had a heart attack.

Day four was a hectic day with interpretation for rtcp and a chiropractor appointment. Praise the Lord, all went well. It was good experience for us and we had a great diner at Dan Ryan’s with Desheng.

On Friday I went to the hospital to pick up my records, met with a contract coworker and then had lunch with Beijing friend. I gave 50 books to the rtcp conference.

Day six was a mess because I lost my keys and usb but I thank God next weeks sermon was left on my screen. Nevertheless I attended an unexpected funeral appointment, followed by lunch with Keith and Robert for new fellowship matters.

Sunday was Pth 15th anniversary at the same time I was preaching in the main hall. I had more energy that the last two times, almost back to full energy. Two bought lunch for me as I was hungry and spent by late lunch .At night we had a wonderful dinner and walk to the bus stop. I thank God for wonderful dinner company.

October 9, 2018

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Year 3.20

Year 3.20 went by so fast. On Monday I went to the embassy for inquiries but it was a rainy day. I had lunch with Doris’ sisters for mid autumn day, then went to the acupuncturist and joined Waylon and Albert for dinner at causeway bay.

Day two was day after the festival. We went to Tiffany for lunch because the porridge store was closed. It was great to order and  devour the mixed steaks. Rest was much welcomed before I got together with Cheng, Kwan and son for dinner.

On Wednesday I met with old friend American Luke for early breakfast, followed by leaders meeting, so I did not get to do much. I had an acupuncturist appointment after and English fellowship for the night.

Day four had my work cut out for me. My sermon was three days away. I also had appointment with Chinese doctor but not the hand doctor who was in Taiwan. I went to ymt for peaches, one for buddy and us.

Friday was a long day with interpretation for my English sermon script. Relatives were not meeting me for dinner, so I decided to return home earlier for needed rest.

Day six allowed me enough time to finish my sermon. I focused at the task on hand. At night we headed to Tsuen Wan for church but the gala atmosphere was too much for us.

Sunday was my best left foot day as I walked briskly round the island in less than forty minutes. The day was busy as ever. After breakfast we headed to Sunday school, rested before I delivered the message that was well received. A said her back is so bad that a chiropractor said there’s nothing to be done, so I praise God I can pay for my treatment. At night I had dinner with my china sons. That made my day.

Oct 2, 2018

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Year 3.18

Year 3.18 was the day after the typhoon, so I gave myself a treat at my favorite USA restaurant now in tst- Cheesecake Factory. After that I saw my chiropractor who gave me a good work out.

Day two was with my acupuncturist, which I did not care too much about. He will be away for one week, which means more breathing room. He charged a lot too.

Wednesday was back to an early appointment with my chiropractor who asked for two times a week treatment because of my poor health after the stroke. Language meeting was a quiet affair after a two hour deadlock last week in my absence.

Day four was lunch with a leader who had his own opinions and theories about succession. Later I had both acupuncture and hand treatment which was painful.

Friday was lunch with buddy’s leaders. After lunch I had an unexpected call from two USA friends who were in town. I got my hair cut from two for Doris’ monthly anniversary the next day. In return I got peaches from farmers market for all to enjoy together over the weekend.

Day six was Doris’ anniversary but I was glad I had two for company. After breakfast we had our last Greek class from the book. My student was in good form. At night fellowship we had the Romans introduction, which I was looking forward to. We had dinner at our favorite kf restaurant.

Sunday was week two of James after the typhoon came. It was a good Sunday school lesson. Dinner was chaozhou fare with two USA friends. We stopped by  for coffee and to relax before dinner.

September 25, 2018

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Year 3.17

Year 3.17 was a rude nature shock. On Monday I was at a leaders retreat but the results are not to par. I went to get flowers for doris on way back. At the retreat I dreamed of getting a seminarian a box of precious moment cards but could not find the cards at bookstores. Buddy and I had dinner together.

Day two was good night men’s fellowship study of Dan 6. Seven attended, which was a lot. Shanghai son managed to translate the questions at the last minute. The acupuncturist was out of town so I could breathe easier.

Wednesday was a morning leader meeting that ended past 3pm. Buddy laughed that I was afforded space to sleep during meeting because of my poor health. I received news to meet the hospital neurological department on October 24. An administrator and I had a good cry because his wife just passed away from breast cancer.

Day four was noon work so I traveled in vain to TST to buy precious moments card from my dream. Evening was hand treatment. I found out my left side back spine was more painful that I thought.

Friday was the memorial service for an administrators wife. It was sad because she had watched Doris’ cancer from a distance. After the service I picked up a mattress cover Doris’ sisters made for me.

Day six was preparation for the typhoon. I was glad Son two was around with me just in case I need help. More food were bought. At night we attended worship, where buddy preached a good sermon for us before the storm arrived the next day. Kwan family was there and we had dinner together.

The typhoon day was a shock. My ac unit was seeping water, so were two room windows. Worship services were canceled, but I enjoyed Sally’s putonghua sermon. I had good company, so the day went better than I thought. I enjoyed making breakfast for a change. Despite the typhoon I had a most blessed week.

September 18, 2018