Year 3.37 was better than the previous week, but still not plain sailing. On Monday I tutored as usual before we had lunch. I bought flowers and went for chiropractor treatment before I headed back to church for my haircut to get ready for tomorrow. At night back at home I had dinner with neighbor who appreciated the ukelele I bought for his son.
Day two was two years eight months without Doris, so there were a lot of misgivings. I spent a lot of time working on the OT grammar Bible after a stroke hampered me six months ago.
On Wednesday we had a morning leaders meeting and lunch together. I did my best to care for an unhappy leader who later joined us for lunch after declining earlier. Night was with English fellowship.
Day four was joining T fellowship. The sharing caught me by surprise as I wept for Doris after hearing a person shared about missing her deceased brother eleven years after his death.
On Friday I met a worker who was unsuccessful applying for a pastoral position but I thought we could use him. At night I was happily helping out in theological studies. I always think of many who need a pastoral position.
Day six was talking to an unhappy coworker. I do not think the situation could continue. It sure made me very uncomfortable knowing how blunt the talk was.
On Sunday I did a prestudy then headed home to rest before I joined with Cheng and Kwan families for our reunion dinner. My bbq pork was praised. We enjoyed praying together, as represented by three papas.
January 29, 2019
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Year 3.36
Year 3.36 was just a miserable week. On Monday I tutored in the morning at the club and had lunch before I went to the chiropractors. At night I had dinner at neighbors place.
Day two was the usual coworker meeting in a new format. I had to get ready for my second week of preaching, this time at pth. It was hard to get going preaching for the second straight week.
On Wednesday I forgot my language meeting due to the busyness getting ready for leaders meeting that ended 10pm for a change. My coworker shared a good short message at the fellowship.
Day four was the occasion of four USA friends meeting in HK by chance because of holiday scheduling. After that a friend requested to pray together for our joint writing project on Ecclesiastes.
Friday was a bad day because another wants to quit. This one was hard to take because he was doing too well. Suddenly my mood darkened and my temper tested.
Day six language core meeting was shortened to one and a half hours from the regular two and a half hours meeting. At lunch I encourage the core to treat the incoming coworker better. St night I was disappointed I was not invited to an inner circle dinner.
Sunday I had a melt down mourning for the loss of a coworker. I had to focus on James 5 preaching. By God’s grace, it went very well. At night I had dinner and talked it out with two to clear my system. As usual, I was comforted, but still my system was heated and overloaded.
January 22, 2019
Day two was the usual coworker meeting in a new format. I had to get ready for my second week of preaching, this time at pth. It was hard to get going preaching for the second straight week.
On Wednesday I forgot my language meeting due to the busyness getting ready for leaders meeting that ended 10pm for a change. My coworker shared a good short message at the fellowship.
Day four was the occasion of four USA friends meeting in HK by chance because of holiday scheduling. After that a friend requested to pray together for our joint writing project on Ecclesiastes.
Friday was a bad day because another wants to quit. This one was hard to take because he was doing too well. Suddenly my mood darkened and my temper tested.
Day six language core meeting was shortened to one and a half hours from the regular two and a half hours meeting. At lunch I encourage the core to treat the incoming coworker better. St night I was disappointed I was not invited to an inner circle dinner.
Sunday I had a melt down mourning for the loss of a coworker. I had to focus on James 5 preaching. By God’s grace, it went very well. At night I had dinner and talked it out with two to clear my system. As usual, I was comforted, but still my system was heated and overloaded.
January 22, 2019
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Year 3.35
Year 3.35 was a hectic week and the thrill was gone. On Monday I had a chiropractor appointment and my legs are getting more attention at last. I had a prayer meeting with buddy’s group but I can see how busy we’ve been.
Day two was a busy coworkers meeting where I was unveiled as one of nine candidates for the senior job, which is mission impossible. I met old friend Gilbert on the way down, so he asked me to join him for a drink.
At night HR asked me where to put my head count.
On Wednesday I continued with Matt 5 to help out buddy just in case he takes a holiday. At night I led the Bible study on Micah to help out the English fellowship that is without a pastor.
On day four I was invited to meet with some missionaries on furlough. They are retiring but they can help our language work.
Friday wasn’t any easier because sermon for language worship is coming on Sunday. At night I tutored two in exposition. The progress was remarkable.
On Day six I met with Indonesian Chou. It seems he is retiring, so our collaboration has its challenges. The meeting after did not go well, so I have to soothe feathers. At night I listened to buddy preaching.
On Sunday I had to arrive early for kids Sunday school meeting and I met some youth for the newly formed English youth fellowship. I thought I did far better than my first time speaking Indonesian. Waylon was in town, so we had lunch together. At night we got a good bargain $123 for three tea orders at Cafe restaurant. I also restarted work on OT grammar, which is quite a task.
January 15, 2019
Day two was a busy coworkers meeting where I was unveiled as one of nine candidates for the senior job, which is mission impossible. I met old friend Gilbert on the way down, so he asked me to join him for a drink.
At night HR asked me where to put my head count.
On Wednesday I continued with Matt 5 to help out buddy just in case he takes a holiday. At night I led the Bible study on Micah to help out the English fellowship that is without a pastor.
On day four I was invited to meet with some missionaries on furlough. They are retiring but they can help our language work.
Friday wasn’t any easier because sermon for language worship is coming on Sunday. At night I tutored two in exposition. The progress was remarkable.
On Day six I met with Indonesian Chou. It seems he is retiring, so our collaboration has its challenges. The meeting after did not go well, so I have to soothe feathers. At night I listened to buddy preaching.
On Sunday I had to arrive early for kids Sunday school meeting and I met some youth for the newly formed English youth fellowship. I thought I did far better than my first time speaking Indonesian. Waylon was in town, so we had lunch together. At night we got a good bargain $123 for three tea orders at Cafe restaurant. I also restarted work on OT grammar, which is quite a task.
January 15, 2019
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Year 3.34
Year 3.34 was bittersweet. On Monday Shandong son Zac arrived for a week’s stay. His father was my student and Zac spent a week with me previously when I had a stroke in August. Our first day sharing on New Year’s Day with two was hard for him as a young man struggling with persecution and personal struggles. We ate a lot of snacks and took a picture at midnight.
Day two was new year. We went to church prayer meeting and had a great time. Surprisingly 2018 was far from my mind already. For lunch we joined with pth group instead of eating on our own. At night we went for salmon before all left, with Zac my only company for a week.
On Wednesday I had forgot all about the language meetings. I hurried over and gave an unhappy message to staff even though I was looking forward to the new year. At night i did the New Year resolutions with the English group. It went well.
Day four I have a rather quiet day as Shangdong son was with Shanghai son for dinner, so I managed to work on my new women series. At night I had hand treatment as well.
Friday was a busy day beginning with a Skype interview for a candidate. It went ok and we need help. At 5pm a bunch of workers went over to visit a coworker at the funeral parlor. At night I joined my three China sons for dinner, our first for a long time. At night I dreamed of my China son leading others to sing a new song to the Lord.
Day six was emotional for me as I started to think of Doris’ birthday tomorrow. The day was also the unpleasant vetting which we got over with relief, but things were too good to be true, I found out later. At night I went for fellowship but the prayer talk was suspicious.
On Sunday morning I cried for some time remembering Doris’ birthday. I was also amazed Doris appeared in my dream for her birthday in months, jokingly telling me to turn down the volume. We don’t even have a audio player at home. At noon a USA friend surprised me with dinner. After noon fellowship my China sons went with me to Repulse Bay to take pictures of me similar to Doris’ old poses.At night we went for salmon before all left, with Zac my company for a week.
Praise God to close out 2018:
1. Mom accepted Christ
2. Minor stroke recovery
3. My China sons
January 8, 2019
Day two was new year. We went to church prayer meeting and had a great time. Surprisingly 2018 was far from my mind already. For lunch we joined with pth group instead of eating on our own. At night we went for salmon before all left, with Zac my only company for a week.
On Wednesday I had forgot all about the language meetings. I hurried over and gave an unhappy message to staff even though I was looking forward to the new year. At night i did the New Year resolutions with the English group. It went well.
Day four I have a rather quiet day as Shangdong son was with Shanghai son for dinner, so I managed to work on my new women series. At night I had hand treatment as well.
Friday was a busy day beginning with a Skype interview for a candidate. It went ok and we need help. At 5pm a bunch of workers went over to visit a coworker at the funeral parlor. At night I joined my three China sons for dinner, our first for a long time. At night I dreamed of my China son leading others to sing a new song to the Lord.
Day six was emotional for me as I started to think of Doris’ birthday tomorrow. The day was also the unpleasant vetting which we got over with relief, but things were too good to be true, I found out later. At night I went for fellowship but the prayer talk was suspicious.
On Sunday morning I cried for some time remembering Doris’ birthday. I was also amazed Doris appeared in my dream for her birthday in months, jokingly telling me to turn down the volume. We don’t even have a audio player at home. At noon a USA friend surprised me with dinner. After noon fellowship my China sons went with me to Repulse Bay to take pictures of me similar to Doris’ old poses.At night we went for salmon before all left, with Zac my company for a week.
Praise God to close out 2018:
1. Mom accepted Christ
2. Minor stroke recovery
3. My China sons
January 8, 2019
Friday, January 4, 2019
Year 3.33
Year 3.33 was the Singapore trip before the end of the year. On Monday it was Christmas Eve and we attended the evangelistic meeting. The program was average and the attendance was low due the rain and the ticketing.
Day two was the start of the Singapore trip which was exciting with my China son in tow. Chang met us at the airport and took us to eat chicken rice at a neighboring food center. Round two was eating durians and we ate four fruits among three of us.
On Wednesday Chang took us to the Merlion and Rev John Chang went with us to share the gospel with my mom. Praise God, after decades she finally accepted Christ after her recent spate of falling down, as many as fourteen times, before she was hospitalized.
On day four we ventured to visit Sentosa by ourselves. I found the hotel Capella where Trump and Kim signed their treaty. At night old friend Richard took us to eat Indonesian good and dropped us off at Little India, where we took our first train home.
On Friday Chang took us to Johor where he bought us twelve pandan cakes to take home. It was a worthwhile trip to take as I had not been to the south before. Nor have I returned to the country for ages.
On day six morning we visited my mother again and this time located the neighbor church across the street whose pastor promised to visit her more for follow-up. Hong Kong was cold when I stepped out of the plane in contrast to Singapore.
On Sunday it was back to reality as I had to preach James 4 at the Pth worship. Praise God Everything went according to plan as I returned monthly to preach. At night I attended the ICC year end celebration.
January 2, 2019
Day two was the start of the Singapore trip which was exciting with my China son in tow. Chang met us at the airport and took us to eat chicken rice at a neighboring food center. Round two was eating durians and we ate four fruits among three of us.
On Wednesday Chang took us to the Merlion and Rev John Chang went with us to share the gospel with my mom. Praise God, after decades she finally accepted Christ after her recent spate of falling down, as many as fourteen times, before she was hospitalized.
On day four we ventured to visit Sentosa by ourselves. I found the hotel Capella where Trump and Kim signed their treaty. At night old friend Richard took us to eat Indonesian good and dropped us off at Little India, where we took our first train home.
On Friday Chang took us to Johor where he bought us twelve pandan cakes to take home. It was a worthwhile trip to take as I had not been to the south before. Nor have I returned to the country for ages.
On day six morning we visited my mother again and this time located the neighbor church across the street whose pastor promised to visit her more for follow-up. Hong Kong was cold when I stepped out of the plane in contrast to Singapore.
On Sunday it was back to reality as I had to preach James 4 at the Pth worship. Praise God Everything went according to plan as I returned monthly to preach. At night I attended the ICC year end celebration.
January 2, 2019
Friday, December 28, 2018
Year 3.32
Year 3.32 ended beautifully. Monday was full of energy with two so I skipped lunch, hoping to catch buddy for high tea. I could also do some sermon work on women in the mean time. Buddy was busy talking to a coworker who is unsure of staying locally, so I ate and left.
Day two was office Christmas celebration but I was tired during coworkers meeting because of the lack of rest. I fought sleep for the rest of the day, gave my new book away to coworkers. Thankfully I’m down to the last box outside my office.
On Wednesday I had a talk with a coworker and understood it was best for him to take care of his familys health first. Later we had an early 5pm leaders before the night leaders meeting that ended two minutes before midnight, so I took the 1230am bus home.
On Thursday I tried to catch up to sleep but it did not work the whole day. I had both chiropractor and hand treatment to alleviate the pain in the body and limb.
On Friday I weighed myself in the morning and had gained to 161.5 lbs from the last 155 lbs. I cut my hair for Doris’ day tomorrow and bought some flowers for her. I announced I would wrap up giving our new book by today.
Day six was tutoring in the morning and theatre at 3pm followed by dinner with Kwan and buddy. The restaurants were all packed, so we waited line line for Lao Lao. At night I finally finished my last sermon for my women series.
Sunday was dinner with shanghai cowalkers and we ha a great time sharing year end reflections. The surprise was that all get a hallmark superhero gift from us. It was a super happy time.
December 25, 2018
Day two was office Christmas celebration but I was tired during coworkers meeting because of the lack of rest. I fought sleep for the rest of the day, gave my new book away to coworkers. Thankfully I’m down to the last box outside my office.
On Wednesday I had a talk with a coworker and understood it was best for him to take care of his familys health first. Later we had an early 5pm leaders before the night leaders meeting that ended two minutes before midnight, so I took the 1230am bus home.
On Thursday I tried to catch up to sleep but it did not work the whole day. I had both chiropractor and hand treatment to alleviate the pain in the body and limb.
On Friday I weighed myself in the morning and had gained to 161.5 lbs from the last 155 lbs. I cut my hair for Doris’ day tomorrow and bought some flowers for her. I announced I would wrap up giving our new book by today.
Day six was tutoring in the morning and theatre at 3pm followed by dinner with Kwan and buddy. The restaurants were all packed, so we waited line line for Lao Lao. At night I finally finished my last sermon for my women series.
Sunday was dinner with shanghai cowalkers and we ha a great time sharing year end reflections. The surprise was that all get a hallmark superhero gift from us. It was a super happy time.
December 25, 2018
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Year 3.31
Year 3.31 was a busy but blessed week. On Monday we had yum cha before I visited the chiropractor after a busy week the previous week. Next I bought my second pot of lilies at Flower Street. The rest of the day was slow and relaxed. At night I joined my neighbor coworker for hotpot. My last sermon on the women series is rough.
Day two activities ate most of my time. First we had the worship committee followed by coworkers meeting, and the workshop on Friendship led by buddy, Bon and I. Attendance was sparse but supportive of us. At night I waited for two after a rehearsal.
Wednesday was leaders meeting from 10am to 3pm! I was wide eyed after the meeting but caught a nap before I had to lead the English fellowship because the staff was fatigued. All was better than I’d imagined.
Day four was breakfast with neighbors. Lunch was with missionary Lewis who was in town and we talked about seminary training during persecution times. I am as committed as ever to hit the road. At night I attended Young adult fellowship. Keith gave a good sharing.
Friday was a teary day as I choked back tears connecting with childhood young friend Thien Loon. Old friends cared much for me. It was pth staff meeting. My new books arrived at noon and buddy and I joined the pastor for lunch last minute. I was notified I am one of nine candidates for the upcoming vacant church leadership. At least I got home early to finish up my first point. The night was cold this week so I was thankful I did not catch a cold.
Day six was my third OT of the week. In the morning I had to chair an English meeting and went to lunch at science park with core. At night I attended pth Christmas dinner and sketch. Son was tremendous.
Sunday I had lunch with young man D to gauge his interest in a vacancy. He was open and flexible to a lot of roles. I got a nap before we returned to our old place at night for dinner and bought some dumplings home. This week I prayed for two coworkers,one fatigued and another faced family death.
December 17, 2018
Day two activities ate most of my time. First we had the worship committee followed by coworkers meeting, and the workshop on Friendship led by buddy, Bon and I. Attendance was sparse but supportive of us. At night I waited for two after a rehearsal.
Wednesday was leaders meeting from 10am to 3pm! I was wide eyed after the meeting but caught a nap before I had to lead the English fellowship because the staff was fatigued. All was better than I’d imagined.
Day four was breakfast with neighbors. Lunch was with missionary Lewis who was in town and we talked about seminary training during persecution times. I am as committed as ever to hit the road. At night I attended Young adult fellowship. Keith gave a good sharing.
Friday was a teary day as I choked back tears connecting with childhood young friend Thien Loon. Old friends cared much for me. It was pth staff meeting. My new books arrived at noon and buddy and I joined the pastor for lunch last minute. I was notified I am one of nine candidates for the upcoming vacant church leadership. At least I got home early to finish up my first point. The night was cold this week so I was thankful I did not catch a cold.
Day six was my third OT of the week. In the morning I had to chair an English meeting and went to lunch at science park with core. At night I attended pth Christmas dinner and sketch. Son was tremendous.
Sunday I had lunch with young man D to gauge his interest in a vacancy. He was open and flexible to a lot of roles. I got a nap before we returned to our old place at night for dinner and bought some dumplings home. This week I prayed for two coworkers,one fatigued and another faced family death.
December 17, 2018
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Year 3.30
Year 3.30 was a blessed training week overseas right next door to home security. We were housed in a hotel next door. Monday was class with 40 students 9-630pm, an hour more each day to make up for Friday’s half day to catch an earlier flight home. Classes were next block.
Day two was meeting Harold for lunch. Bless his heart, he’s retired here more than ten years ago. At night we found a Starbucks a train stop away, but everything else in the mall was extremely expensive.
Wednesday was even better. We saw a mask performance at night in zkh. It was a wondrous night out. The class was going on well into Philippians 3. The students were very hard working.
Day four was a night outing to the biggest shopping center, where we ate at an average local Korean restaurant but finally had egg pancake and durian pancake at wuu. It was another good day to see the city.
At Friday noon we ate at jl before taking a cab to the airport, arriving home at 10pm even though I was nervous taking a bus across. Now I am bold enough to try more ventures like this in the future.
Day six was language tutoring in the morning, followed by filling my year plan report and having buddy dinner before attending fellowship a bit at night. I miss hk food, so we ate at kf.
Sunday was a hard day for me, attending a prayer meeting where my tears flowed freely for a coworker who is facing fatigue. We had tw dinner with sweet company and then called it a day.
December 11, 2018
Day two was meeting Harold for lunch. Bless his heart, he’s retired here more than ten years ago. At night we found a Starbucks a train stop away, but everything else in the mall was extremely expensive.
Wednesday was even better. We saw a mask performance at night in zkh. It was a wondrous night out. The class was going on well into Philippians 3. The students were very hard working.
Day four was a night outing to the biggest shopping center, where we ate at an average local Korean restaurant but finally had egg pancake and durian pancake at wuu. It was another good day to see the city.
At Friday noon we ate at jl before taking a cab to the airport, arriving home at 10pm even though I was nervous taking a bus across. Now I am bold enough to try more ventures like this in the future.
Day six was language tutoring in the morning, followed by filling my year plan report and having buddy dinner before attending fellowship a bit at night. I miss hk food, so we ate at kf.
Sunday was a hard day for me, attending a prayer meeting where my tears flowed freely for a coworker who is facing fatigue. We had tw dinner with sweet company and then called it a day.
December 11, 2018
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Year 3.29
Year 3.29 ended with a mad dash. On Monday I had lunch with a former leader and he shared about his experience on board. Like many leaders I know, he was dutiful and diligent, doing double duty standing up and be counted when the church needed him most. After lunch we picked up a visa to Malaysia to make it a pleasant day for two.
We had a coworkers sermon group for Colossians 3 that fortunately went well and ended punctually. I was eagerly waiting for a TST dinner with a relative but the rain caused the dinner to relocate to Yata. We had a good walk after dinner.
Wednesday was an enjoyable leaders meeting for a change. especially when I voiced that we should meet for one less hour instead of four hours. Others were more responsive this time because there were other meetings to attend.
On Thursday I spent six and a half hours at the hospital, eight including reaching there earlier. The doctor told me I was prefiabetic too. At 3pm we had high tea, ordering four orders at the special price. After dinner I returned for another hour to the hospital for the meds. At night I attended fellowship’s time to restart.
On Friday I had to see my chiropractor at prince Edward, taking much more traveling time that I prefer. I had a prayer group at the late afternoon, including hearing a coworker’s woe. I must admit we have our fair share, so the problem is how to gel the team.
The next day’s morning walk solved a problem about how to help my coworker. Then I tutored a student in the language. At night I returned home after fellowship singing to pack up for tomorrow ‘s trip.
Sunday was hectic to say the least. Morning breakfast was followed by morning worship, then sermon in English worship and attending a concert at city hall. We caught a bus and another taxi to take us to the airport for my missions teaching trip. We arrived a little past midnight, but I was thankful for the miracle of making it to the airport because we caught a 545pm bus for a three hours flight.
December 5, 2018
We had a coworkers sermon group for Colossians 3 that fortunately went well and ended punctually. I was eagerly waiting for a TST dinner with a relative but the rain caused the dinner to relocate to Yata. We had a good walk after dinner.
Wednesday was an enjoyable leaders meeting for a change. especially when I voiced that we should meet for one less hour instead of four hours. Others were more responsive this time because there were other meetings to attend.
On Thursday I spent six and a half hours at the hospital, eight including reaching there earlier. The doctor told me I was prefiabetic too. At 3pm we had high tea, ordering four orders at the special price. After dinner I returned for another hour to the hospital for the meds. At night I attended fellowship’s time to restart.
On Friday I had to see my chiropractor at prince Edward, taking much more traveling time that I prefer. I had a prayer group at the late afternoon, including hearing a coworker’s woe. I must admit we have our fair share, so the problem is how to gel the team.
The next day’s morning walk solved a problem about how to help my coworker. Then I tutored a student in the language. At night I returned home after fellowship singing to pack up for tomorrow ‘s trip.
Sunday was hectic to say the least. Morning breakfast was followed by morning worship, then sermon in English worship and attending a concert at city hall. We caught a bus and another taxi to take us to the airport for my missions teaching trip. We arrived a little past midnight, but I was thankful for the miracle of making it to the airport because we caught a 545pm bus for a three hours flight.
December 5, 2018
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Year 3.28
Year 3.28 was a tiring but tremendous week, on reflection. On Monday we went to Malaysia embassy to get a visa for two, had goose lunch at wan Chai, then saw a chiropractor and had dinner with buddy to call it a day.
Day two was an exhausting day where everyone shared their feelings about a lost case. There must be a better way than merely vetting feelings. I had milk tea after the session and did not sleep till 3am.
The next day’s sharing was no better at a higher level. The transition is ten months away and there is no person in mind.
Meanwhile I shaved my head to remember Doris the next day and talked with a coworker A to help the person with the oncoming Sunday sermon. I finished my second last sermon on women in the Bible.
Day four was two and a half years without Doris. I had lunch with an admin worker S whose wife passed away two months
ago. He was in fine sprits and urged me lead more in the future. At night I attended a new fellowship to provide presence and send out my new book’s cover to friends.
Day six tutoring was canceled because my student went to NPAC with a music group. I had lunch catching up with my ex roommate Lucas. He did say, Who would listen to a new leader? After fellowship we had wonderful Vietnamese food.
On Sunday buddy suddenly showed up at my poor and we had lunch together. I had my second prestudy with my new fellowship. It went well and my new partner did the second study. We rested before we had a delicious hotpot to end the thanksgiving week.
November 27, 2018
Day two was an exhausting day where everyone shared their feelings about a lost case. There must be a better way than merely vetting feelings. I had milk tea after the session and did not sleep till 3am.
The next day’s sharing was no better at a higher level. The transition is ten months away and there is no person in mind.
Meanwhile I shaved my head to remember Doris the next day and talked with a coworker A to help the person with the oncoming Sunday sermon. I finished my second last sermon on women in the Bible.
Day four was two and a half years without Doris. I had lunch with an admin worker S whose wife passed away two months
ago. He was in fine sprits and urged me lead more in the future. At night I attended a new fellowship to provide presence and send out my new book’s cover to friends.
Day six tutoring was canceled because my student went to NPAC with a music group. I had lunch catching up with my ex roommate Lucas. He did say, Who would listen to a new leader? After fellowship we had wonderful Vietnamese food.
On Sunday buddy suddenly showed up at my poor and we had lunch together. I had my second prestudy with my new fellowship. It went well and my new partner did the second study. We rested before we had a delicious hotpot to end the thanksgiving week.
November 27, 2018
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