SEA conference 10-12 Apr 2009

Over the Good Friday weekend, the Singapore Church hosted the SEA conference and we had disciple from the SEA region- Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. We had John Causey from the LA church as our guest speaker.

The conference program begins as early as Friday morning. Since it was a public holiday, many disciples were able to make their way here on Thursday night. As for me, I was in Melaka on Friday as Malaysia does not celebrate Good Friday and hence I still had school. At 4pm, I left school and drove back with a classmate. I got to church at 830pm and heard John Louis communion lesson entitled The Blessing.

The service doesn't end after the lesson. I went around fellowshipping with disciples especially the overseas disciples. I met disciple that I know for years- Jack Ngui, Choong, Yufeng, Hee Jung.

I met Wang Shik too. We met for the first time at the last SEA conference. 1 afternoon, I join the Korean brothers for a game of waterpolo at their hotel. They are good at inventing games to compete with each other. From waterpolo, we went on compete in swimming. We were split into 2 teams and Wang Shik was on the other team. He was still sore that I beat him at the relay. How interesting he remembers stuff like that!

I met new friends too. On saturday morning, together with my buddy Zach, we went over to Tampines Mall to meet Moony, Joy, Hee Jung and Lee Lee (the host for the 3 korean sister). We wanted to get together for lunch and to do quiet time today. Moony is a very jovial sisters and she makes the people around her laugh. Although she couldn't converse very well in English, she makes alot of effort to talk to me. She even prepare a set of question she want to ask and a short sharing about herself. I really appreciate her heart. Lee Lee and Moony left at 1pm to attend a meeting in Church so we continue to stay at Coffee Bean to read and share about the bible.

I was most impacted by the sharing. Though there was minor language barrier, we make effort to understand each other. There is an unexplainable bond as Christian. God is our common language.

Single's mixer cocktail party
Wanna thank the organiser for having the faith and courage to have the party at the rooftop. Many disciple would have think twice about hosting it outdoor. But I love it. I love the outdoor set up, the standing around fellowship, cocktail, Michael Buble and other jazz pieces.


Sunday 12 Apr
Already, the straits hall is packed to its brink. Christians are standing on the side aisle. Additional chairs are set up as far back as possible and spill over the the lobby. I didn't get up to Mezzanine Level but I think it's as packed as you can imagine.

I wish that our church will outgrow the capacity of this building. Maybe we can have an building extension. Or even a church building at a different location (not Jurong West please...). By then, Singapore church would have been in excess of 400 members and we will definitely need to rent a huge function room to host a conference.

True to our conference tradition, we have Mataku T'lah Melihat Kemuliaan as the 主打歌 (theme song) and many 插曲. We repeated the verse "he is exalted" so many times I think I am getting exhausted. Not forgetting Prayer for Boldness with 1980's Kung Fu movie music arrangement.

Baptism
After sevice, there were 4 baptism. I'm excited to see Bruce baptising the first Seremban fruit. June and Bruce set off on a mission trip in Dec 2008 to Seremban. Seremban is June's hometown. Must have been challenging to be on a 2-man church, but God has been kind. A brother baptised in Uganda joined them not long after and now Michael, also from Uganda is baptised. Now the Seremban church is 4 man strong. As for me, I am still a 1-man Church in Melaka.

Then comes the most rewarding and also most exhausting part- Fellowship. So many disciples to talk to, so many contacts to exchange, so many photos to be taken. The atmosphere was just phenomenon. The overseas disciples looks as though they couldn't bear to leave. 1 last word, 1 last photo.

But by 230pm, most of them have left the straits hall. Probably to answer calls to their groaning stomach. Luckily I had breakfast before the service.

This afternoon, I'm joining Jason to hang out with some Japanese sisters, the fellowship of the Mi sisters- Mami, Nami and Ayumi. Eventually, we hang out without Ayumi as she had some other program. Nami is from Osaka Church. She wanted to have lunch with the Kid's Ministry christians to learn from them. So I had dinner with Mani and Jason and we had more talking. Man!!! WE talk to much, by 4pm I felt drained. I think I've exceeded the maximum number of words spoken per day for an average male. We travelled down to Bugis. More talking on the train. It was nice to hear Nami shared about the city she loves.

茶花宾馆

I moved to a new place. This morning has breakfast with 程现 at 0830. She's very nice. Last night I told her I'm looking for chilli sauce. So this morning, she handed a bottle of hotsauce and a couple of Korean coffee.

Breakfast was ok. 9yuan, quite value for money. There's a variety of chinese andwestern food- from Chinese fried noodle to french toast. The best think about breakfast is the free flow of coffee.

I like to stay in youth hostel. It's affordable and you can meet lots of ppl. In my room, there are 4 Koreans. Just a moment ago, we have a new comer. A Chinese from Shenzhen.

I think I'm really lucky. Almost all the Koreans I met are nice people. When I got back to the room at 2200hrs, the 3 korean guys are chilling out with beer. Immediately, they offer me a bottle of Qingdao beer. So we had a chat over beer. I told them 'm leaving for Beijing and then to Seoul. One of the Korean guys is going back in a weeks time, He suggest we meet in Korea. He leaves in the southern coast of the peninsula, southwest of Busan. Unfortunately, I forget the name of the place.

Multiple translation

Chief brought us to a Pu Er tea wholesale centre. He is shopping for tea.

We had tea at one of a potential tea wholesaler. We have a very interesting way of communicating.

Chief- some english and some mandarin
Intae- Good English and little mandarin
Hansoo-Little english and little mandarin.

I translate mandarin to English ( to Intae) Intae translate it to Korean for Chief and Hansoo. So, 1 message is translated twice in order for Hansoo (and sometimes Chief) to understand the mandarin speaker.

But today, the translation gets more complicated. A lady spoke to me in Kunming local dialect. Her husband have to translate her kunming dialect to Putonghua for me.

DVD Galore.

We are now at Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan, and bus ride away from Lijiang. Boss had an apartment here and so we bunk in there. In a few days time, Intae will be ending his travel and return to Korea (I think that's the plan). For now, we have a few days here to bum around.

0900hrs, Chief and Hansoo are still in bed. Intae joked that they were in a competition to see who gets out of bed later. Anyway, while they were still in bed, we had our morning prayer together. Today it's Intae's turn to pray first. When it comes to my turn, I prayed for China. There are so much work to do in this land.(helping them to know God)

Breakfast was a few chocolate pie. Morning DVD- March of the penguin. One of my favourite show. Mandarin language with Korean subtitle. At the end of the show, we all agree that it's hard to be a penguin. nonetheless, they are really cute.

At the end of the day, these are the DVDs I've watched.

1) March of the penguin

2) Korean comedy.

3) Korean horror

4) Band of Brothers part 1.

Tomorrow going to Chinese government church. Goodnite.

Goodbye Cafe Lin...hello Kunming.

Today, Intae and I left Cafe Lin with a heavy heart. As for me, I only stayed in Cafe Lin for 1 week. Intae?? 1 month. I can imagine how much he felt for Cafe Lin and the lady boss who is an extremely nice person. 0830hrs. We arrived on the dot at XinKeZhan. Waiting for us is a double decker luxury coach. This is probably the most luxurious bus I've ever taken. Actually, it doesn't matter what grade is the coach, it's the companion that counts.

I had a good chat with Intae on my journey to Kunming. On the surface, we are world's apart. He's Korean, I'm Chinese. His default language is Korean and mine is English. But upon closer examination, we realise there's lots of similarity between us. We are both thinkers. Not that we're great philosophers. But we like to ponder about life, our past, the present and future.

He was the only child and I was the only son. We shared about our relation with our fathers. For most men, we love both our parents but in a slightly different way. Moms are usually the one that we are more emotionally attached to. Dads are usually respected by us, in particularly how he work so hard to raise us up. Men tend to not want to let their parents down. Take for instance, part of the reason why I study was to do my parents proud. Part of the reason why I joined the air force was to take the financial burden off their shoulder. My father, in one sense, is very liberal on the choices I made in my life. For e.g., on my academic path and career path. In recent years, even my faith in Christianity and God.

When my ORD (Operation Ready Date, meaning the day I get out of Airforce) was approaching, one of my concern is what to tell my dad about my plans for future. I think all parents hope that their children can secure a good job. I was afraid that dad would not support me, so I hesitate to share with him my plans for the next 3-4years- First (and immediately) to travel for 6 months. Secondly, to get a job in OBS as an instructor. I thought these unconventional plans wouldn't have won the approval of my seemingly conventional dad. That is why in the past, I used to tell him the 'safe' answer that's I'll secure in job in Singapore Technology or Singapore Airline Engr. (SIA engr) as a mechanic. Last year, I decided to be really honest with him everything about my plans. I was surprise by his response. He didn't object, instead, he even ask me in details about my travelling plans and also how's it's like to be an instructor in OBS. I was encourage, really. Pursuing my dreams with the approval of dad was such an unexpected bonus.

It's amazing that how in such a short time, my relation with Intae grow so much. Now we talk about everything, conversation beyond the weather and stock market. We shared about things deep in our hearts. It was a great feeling to get connected with someone (ever since Nov). For the past 4 days, we've been praying together. Initiately, he prayed in Korean. Yesterday, he prayed in English for the first time in his life. It was refreshing. Really appreciate him for making special effort so i can understand his prayers. I was moved by his prayers as he express his feelings to God and especially how he prayed for his family.

Happy hour with Koreans.

This was our last night at Lijiang.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wiidmf81WSo

梅里雪山 Mei Li Xue Shan

梅里雪山 Mei Li Xue Shan, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

The follow event took place on 19 Jan. Yah, I took me 1 month to record the events in writings. This trekking trip felt like an expedition...

As soon as I heard from Cheng Xian that the Koreans are going to Mei Li Xue Shan, my eyes brightened up. Yes, I want to go trekking.

19 Jan- When I get back from Lijiang (after Tiger Leaping Gorge), all I wanted is to get back to Cafe Lin asap. I want to hear about the trekking itinerary. At the same time, I have a slight problem here. Should I go trekking with Kevin (and 2 of his friends) or with the Koreans? Initiately, I thought we can all go together. Later, I realise that the Koreans wanted to travel by their own. To cut the story short, Kevin eventually call me to tell me to go with the Koreans. He and his friends have other plans.

Everyone was present. I soon learn that there'll be 5 of us-Chief, his good friend You, Intae, hansoo and I. Intae was the translator. I felt a little tension going on here, it was as though everyone's eyes are on me. I found out from Intae at a later time that everyone was worried about me. I think they are not use to my trademark dark eye ring. They thought I was not feeling well or exhausted from my Tiger Leaping Gorge trek. They were even concerned if I could get up tomorrow morning to catch the first bus to De Qin at 0930hrs.

Since we setting off from Cafe Lin, I think it's wise to stay at Cafe Lin. Intae help me carry my bag to the room. It has 2 double decker beds. Hansoo handed me the toilet key which puzzles me. Then I realise that Cafe Lin (the hostel) have this practice to lock the toilet door, for some reason I still don't know. Intae suggest I take a shower before the other guest comes back. So after I settle in my room. I got my shower gears ready. Too bad, someone got in earlier that I. It's 15mins past 2300hrs. I dropped the idea to shower. Instead, I turned into bed after brushing my teeth.

0700hrs. Rise and shine. Yes, I'm going to trek today. For me, it's been ages since travel with a all men team. In the past, whenever I organise any trips, there's always more woman participant than man. I recall the last time I went on a all men trip was in 2003 ( I think) with Raymond, Jt and Jonathon. Though we got 'lost', I still remembers it as one of the most memorable trekking trips in Malaysia.

Secret Wallet
We caught a cab to XinKeZan. The rest of the guys bought their tickets already. I have to get mine on the spot. I did something stupid on the cab. Realising my wallet had less than 100 yuan, I try to dig a few hundred dollar notes from my hidden wallet. You see, I have 2 wallets with me. As the saying goes, never put all the eggs in 1 basket. I separate my cash and cards into 2. The secret wallet is kept in a..er herm...discreetly strategic position. Accessing it before the counter is strictly no-no. So I resort to do it in the cab. Using my hands to feel, I reach for the notes. I try pulling it out slowly. Indeed, I manage to carry out this acrobatic act and reach my note, only to find that it was torn into 2. sigh...

Anyway, we arrived at XinKeZan. No more acrobatic moves. At worse I'll borrow from the guys, though not a good idea too because we only get to know each other yesterday. Luckily I still have just enough money to pay for my bus ticket.

Our destination is Zhong Dian (Shangrila). From there, we need to catch another bus to De Qin. As we were unsure of the bus schedule at Zhong Dian, it means that we might have to wait for an indefinite time to catch the next bus.

1145hrs, arrives at Zhong Dian, guess what? The next available bus is 1200hrs. We are so lucky. however, it also means that we can't have a proper sit down lunch. Instead, we bought snacks and mineral water to munch on our bus ride. I think it's due to our hunger, the snacks we bought tasted especially nice. Chief cracked a joke. What do you call a man who is hungry? Answer-Hungarian. I add on to his jokes-What do you call a man who had his fill? Answer. Bulgarian (Bul sounds like full in mandarin.)

On the bus we 2 girls discussing and exchanging info on Mei Li Xue Shan. We got company. Our New friends are Wen Min from Shenzhen and Qiufong from Guangxi. First thing when we arrive at De Qin is to find transport to Fei Lai Si. The 7 of us squeeze into a van that's good for 5 pax.

Men and women
Let me branch off abit. The difference between man and woman. There are a few components of travelling that all travellers faces.
1)accommodation
2) food
3)Transportation.

Men,
We are concerned about the price but it is certainly not a priority. Our top priority is to get the job done, especially so for accommodation. We don;t need top end. Hot showers and attached toilet are a bonus. I am speaking myself and the Korean men.

Women.
They love shopping. Typically, they want to look at all the options before making a decision. For instance, at Fei Lai Si, they went around looking for a value-for-money place. While the guys are happy with the 2nd hostel. The women apply the same approach in finding transportation to Xi Dang as well as accommodation at Shang Yu Beng.

The trek to Bing Hu
The hostel boss suggest we hire a guide to bring us to Bing Hu. However, we decided that we want to figure out the way by ourselves. (men don't like to ask for direction, especially in the presence of women). Breakfast was rice and soup. Wen Min also brought out some preserved vegetables.

Just like what you anticipated, we lost our way. Well, let me rephrased. We didn't lost our way, we figure out new ways. Trace abit to our ancestors, men primarily hunt. 1 of men's greatest skill is getting home at the end of the day with their hunt. By right, men should be very good with directions.

On the trail, there was not even a single soul in sight. We tried all sorts of methods to find the way-from following footprints of man and animals to following animal dungs. Due to this random method of walking and finding the way, there were many occasion that we have to bash thru the woods.

A quick check with my watch, I realise it's 1230hrs, we've walked for 4 hours and we are not even sure of our progress. how long more to Bing Hu? Are we even half way there?

梅里雪山 Mei Li Xue Shan, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

We decided to stop for lunch. Chief did something unexpected. he tries to set up a fire. Notice I use the word 'tries', haha, we're not good at that. Do I know how to set up fire? Technically- Yes. Practically-Yet to find out. I learn how to set up fire in an outdoor adventure camp. So technically I know how to set p fire. In practical, the last time I set a fire was 11 years ago. I actually love fire very much but in most national park, fire is prohibited. As a true blue law-abiding Singaporean, off course I obey the authority lah. That's why 11 years also never set fire before.

So back to Mei Li. Ye, we did set up a fire after trial and error. Fire makes people happy, it gives one a sense of achievement. We almost for forget that we're 'lost'. Remember Chuck (played by Tom Hanks) in the movie Cast Away? He was rejoicing and doing the fire dance the first time he successfully set up a fire. We were rejoicing at our fire, minus the fire dance.

After lunch, I thought it's time to pack up and go back to ShangYuBeng. Chief decided to press on. At that point of time, I'm not sure if that was smart move. My concern is getting back t o ShangYuBeng before the sun sets at 6pm. Anyway, we proceed on. The trail gets thicker and thicker, At the deepest, the snow reaches above the knee level. Times like this, you wish you'd a gaiter with you. Snow starts to get into your shoes wetting your socks as a result.

Eventually, we gave up the idea of getting to Big Hu. So we poise for a picture, claiming our trek to Bing Hu. Going down was easy. Somehow, the trail looks well marked out unlike our way up. We got back to ShangYuBeng before sunset.

梅里雪山 Mei Li Xue Shan, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

International Day

Noon- Bumped into the Korean girl I met in a hostel in Chengdu. She had 3 other Koreans friends with her. Quite excited to meet someone you know on the street. The last time was in Hong Kong before Christmas. I bumped into Esther.

Anyway, she's quite excited to meet me too. She's planning to go Tiger Leaping Gorge tomorrow, which is also what I had in mind. Perfect. So we arrange to meet at her hostel at 2030hrs to discuss the details

1400hrs- Arrange to meet Kevin. First met him at the hostel in Chengdu. He was born in Singapore but is now holding Chinese Citizenship. Along with him is Carl, an undergrad Australia who is studying in Melbourne. After checking in the hostel. We went out for lunch.

2030hrs- Keven and I made our way to Cafe Lin where the Koreans are staying. Honestly, Kevin lead the way. I don;t know where I am going. Lijiang Old town is a cobweb of streets. Really confusing. When we got there, we couldn't find Jinny (the Korean). Another Korean guy ask me if I am looking for 2 Korean girls. They'd went out shopping but left a message. There will be 4 Koreans going, including me is 5 pax. Carl suppose to be here too, he wants to go Tiger Leaping Gorge too! I decided to wait for him.

Cafe Lin is definitely a Korean friendly cafe. The maps and menu have Korean characters on them. Chatted with a guy, Intae. He has been travelling for 300days. They just had a celebration with a cake somemore. He took the Xining, Lhasa, Kathmandu to India route. Furthermore, he continues on to Pakistan and Afghanistan, and eventually to Africa. Now he's back to China Lijiang. He's going back to Korea in 15 days. That's a total of 315 days.

There is another Korean girl who speaks Mandarin and English. But she's better at Mandarin than English. A Volunteer in Xi'an, she teaches Piano there. Intae (the Korean guy traveller) got curious at my ability to converse to him in English and to Xian (the volunteer) in Mandarin. Feels so great to be able to have a good conversation with fellow traveller

2230hrs- Kevin brought me to a newly opened pub. The owner is a Naxi lady(local ethnic group) and Irish guy.

It's a truly international day.

Good night. Selamat malam. 晚安。