A decade remembered

(Pix - Four year old Christian Ortiz participates in a candle light vigil, for members of the Amish community that were involved in the shooting that took place in Nickel Mines October 3, 2006 in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. According to reports, a milk truck driver identified as Charles Carl Roberts IV entered the one room schoolhouse, let the boys and adults go free, tied up the girls and shot them execution style before committing suicide. Five girls are dead and five others injured.)

A glimpse of what "A decade remembered" is all about -

The new millennium started on a relatively low note, accentuated, in foreboding frequency by one tragedy and calamity after another as the first decade of the 21st century plodded along its course.

The global economic scenario was also unnerved by financial jitters caused by rising oil prices that shout up to over USD140 per barrel at one stage.

There were, however, some bright spots like the Olympic Games in Sydney and Beijing but they were, in some ways, overshadowed by the horrors that plagued in the rest of the decade.

The past decade will also be remembered for the rise of Al Qaeda, a terror organisation that is a dangerous mix of fanatical fundamentalist ideology and modern technology whose mindless attack on the New York Twin Towers brought acts of terrorism to a new level.

It is also a decade when nature's fury erupted in a series of natural disasters, most onimously, the Asian Tsunami that devastated the Indonesian town of Aceh and Cyclone Katrina that blew the US city of New Orleans upside down and caused untold misery.

However, there were also silver linings in the dark clouds as the decade came to a close with the global economy holding off the dreaded depression predicted to follow the financial meltdown sparked by the subprime crisis in the US.

Get a copy of The Borneo Post to read all about how we remember the decade in a 24-page pullout supplement! And do you remember who had died over the decade? Aside Michael Jackson, who else? Sentimental people like me remember George Harrison, Bob Hope, Johnny Cash, Paul Newman... Of Bob Hope, The Borneo Post remembers -

If someone were to ask Bob Hope how he died on July 27 2003 at the grand old age of 100, he would probably have answered, "I just stopped breathing!" ... One endearing aspect of Hope's humour was that "nobody has to send the kids out of the room" during his acts - one could even imagine him making the angels laugh in heaven!

With that note of humour of Hope, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year

This comes a little early. But, as I settle down today in a new place and with busy schedule ahead, I think I may have to wish you all a "Blessed New Year" today - or I may miss it totally!

Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. – Deut 17:16

These are instructions to Israel by Moses. They had been led out of Egypt by a strong arm. Moses warned them they shall never return again that way.

Using this as a seasonal application, at this point of the year when the year is closing and be sealed and we cannot go back, I seem to hear God saying to me, ‘Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.’

Sr. Helmut Theilicke says we think differently on New Year’s Eve than at any other time, for then we see time as it really is — not as a clock with a round face where the hands come back to the same point again and again, but as a flowing river which passes a single point and never returns.

There are joys and sorrows. There are births and deaths. There are assurances and also disappointments. There are triumphs and also failures. There are rejoicing of what has been done, regrets of what has not been done. There are mistakes and sins that can’t be undo…

Before me stretches a new year. I have never been to this place in time or in my lives before. I feel the challenge of the unknown, of the unexplored, of the year ahead of me yet to be discovered. I feel a bit of excitement, a bit of fear, a feeling of weakness …..

But, I have a Guide who knows the way and has planned it all ahead of me. I want to rest on His promises -

‘Lo, I am with you always.’ – Matt 28:20

We have not passed this way before, but He knows the way. Only follow! Let Him guide, He will be with us always, and it will indeed be a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Saying Goodbye

After spending seven months with the lovely people here, saying goodbye seems a little difficult! Yes, I shall be spending more time in Sarawak starting tomorrow!

This song comes to mind today! For all my lovely friends here -

牽掛
數著片片的白雲 我離開了你
卻把寸寸的相思 我留給了你
牽掛的是紅著眼的你
放心不下也是孤獨的你

數著片片的楓葉 我離開了你
卻把寸寸的芳心 我留給了你
牽掛的是遠離著的你
放心不下也是孤獨的你

This is Mariah, the ever cheerful Mariah! She wrote a very heartwarming story today that touched me and I was in tears. It's about a bone cancer child having her wish of visiting her birthplace, Sabah, fulfilled through children's Wish Society of Malaysia.

SMS Christmas

(Sharing this piece by Ray Stedman on Christmas Day)

All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him, and each one gave him apiece of silver and a gold ring (Job 42:11).

Doesn't that sound like Christmas? I suppose you are saying, "Wait a minute. Come on, this is not Christmas! Why, this was long before anyone ever celebrated Christmas! This is two thousand years before Christ came. How could there be Christmas in the book of Job?"

The first thing to note about this is that the occasion that is described here is a family gathering. Job's brothers and sisters and all his friends who had known him before are getting together. The uncles and aunts are there as well as all the cousins, nephews, nieces, and grandchildren. By this time Job is a seventy-year-old man or even older, and though his own children had all perished, he must have had grandchildren and great-grandchildren by now, and all the neighbors and friends had brought their families. So this was a great family occasion as Christmas is for us and always has been.

The second thing you see here is that this was a time of feasting. They gathered to eat together, and we do that today. We start with stuffed turkey, and we end with stuffed people! This has always been the custom at Christmas. Throughout history and in most cultures where Christmas is recognized, feasting has been a part of the Christmas celebration.

Then there is another thing here that we can associate with Christmas. It is what we would call fellowship. Job's family and friends gathered to comfort him and to express sympathy and understanding for all the pain and suffering he had been going through.

The giving of gifts also brings to mind Christmas. These friends gave to Job gifts of silver and gold. In the Bible these two metals are used symbolically as a picture of redemption. Silver is the sign of redemption, and gold is the picture of deity; God redeeming people. That is why this is Christmas at Job's house. Job's witness to his friends evidently had such effect upon them that in gratitude for what they learned from him, they gave him gifts of silver and gold to express their understanding of God's redemption among people.

Job discovered two thousand years before Jesus' birth and eventual death on the cross that One was coming into the world, and, as the angel said to Mary, "He will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). This is what brings joy and gladness to believers' hearts at Christmas time. If you know the Lord Jesus, you have the greatest gift God can give to a person. Out of the richness of your life you will find yourself gladly sharing from all that you have with those who have less, that there may be the ringing out of joy and thanksgiving in a season like this.

Thank You, Lord, for the greatest gift—the gift of Your Son.

In recent years, Christmas won't be Christmas without the SMSes. Yes, no less than hundred of SMSes found their way to my message box! Each meant good, I love this one most, sent by a dear lawyer friend who loves words as much as I do -

You are a candle;
You are a light;
So, you can be a twinkle in the dark.

You can be a hope;
You can be an inspiration;
You can make a big difference in others' hearts.

Have a good Christmas and New Year.

That should be something I have to work on ...

What child is this?

No Christmas carol captures this better than Philip Brooks' beautiful words:

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us, we pray,
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel!"

Let's be reminded -

Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,
Until he is born within your heart
Your life is still forlorn.

Wildlife Adventure Trip

Let the pictures do the "shouting" this time for my wildlife adventure trip to Sandakan with my sister and her four children and Chris!

One, two, three, four, five, six and seven of us! (I do not lose count, the photographer not in:)

The youngest, Michelle - yes, it's really tiring climbing a tower of 166 steps at the Rainforest Discovery Centre! I made it too!

Yes, the close encounters were plenty!

Enjoying the raindrops on a early morning in the jungle lodge!

That went back to childhood days of river...

The sisters - we really enjoyed the time together!

Just above my head in the river cruise! Chris kept calling, "Mummy, mummy, please look up." There! this little monkey was just above my head, thus a good shoot. Such close encounter!

Well, rated as PG - the children watched this show - in the jungle!

Chris photographed his cousin, Sarah - he is waiting for mum to change camera so that he can have this Canon 50D!

Very motherly!

One for your album!

Boring?

Not really, it's exciting and it's relaxing and a good rest, too!


休息，是还要走更远的路!
(to read - A rest is needed for the journey ahead)

And can it be as difficult as this? Spotted this little monkey on our river cruise!

In remembrance ....

I was in Miri on Tuesday. I am posting this picture (courtesy of James) in remembrance of a member of the team, Hatta, whom we lost yesterday. Hatta is laid to rest today. Just like we have missed him in this picture, we will miss his good spirit and cheerfulness...

Christmas in the air

We are "cake journalists" during festive seasons! Picture 1 - two huge Christmas log cakes from Sutera Harbour. Picture 2 - how about some carols from hoteliers and resorts staffers on a busy afternoon racing against time to de-stress?

Well, we have it every day for the past few days! I do get sentimental over the beautiful Christmas songs!

Just a street away, the Christmas Festival has been on for three consecutive nights. I enjoyed a beautiful evening with stage performances and street caroling last night. Here are some pictures.

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air! - W.T. Ellis

This Christmas

Are you done with your Christmas shopping? I am not doing any Christmas shopping this year. Christmas came a little early this year when I decided to "give to the needy". And I have really, really made myself "merry little Christmas". Incidentally, another great mind thinks alike!

Sharing an email devotional titled "Christmas Shopping" sent by Tan Soo Inn -

Retail therapy: shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer's mood or disposition. Often seen in people during periods of depression or transition, it is normally a short-lived habit. Items purchased during periods of retail therapy are sometimes referred to as "comfort buys."
Wikipedia


Ever indulged in retail therapy? If you are rich and sad, you go buy a Lexus. If you are poor and sad you go buy a new Pilot gel pen. (No prize for guessing which group I belong to.) We are not surprised that recent research links buying stuff with lowered self-worth.

[. . . the combination of sadness and self-focus makes people dwell on their short-comings --- on an unconscious level, they feel "devalued," says Cynthia Cryder, a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon . . . In response, they have an unconscious desire to acquire things that they hope will increase their self-worth. (Jason Marsh, "Spent," Utne, March-April '09, 76-77.)]

Unfortunately there is no guarantee that retail therapy works. "Whether it actually works --- that is whether spending effectively reduces feelings of sadness --- is still undetermined." (Marsh, "Spent," 77.) Buying stuff as a cure for low self-worth is at best a quick fix, a warm glow that already begins to fade as you walk away from the payment counter. Maybe the warm glow from a Lexus lasts a little longer.

The present economic downturn has made everyone more disciplined shoppers. But a society where more and more of us are lonely means that more and more of us will struggle with feelings of sadness and low self-worth --- and be more prone to retail therapy.

[ . . . our society is in the midst of a dramatic and progressive slide toward disconnection... There is now a clear consensus among medical researchers that social connection has powerful effects on health. Socially connected people live longer, respond better to stress, have more robust immune systems, and do better at fighting a variety of specific illnesses. Health and happiness, the two things we all say matter most, are certifiably linked to social connectedness. (Jacqueline Olds, and Richard S. Schwartz, "The Lonely American," Utne, March-April '09, 49.)]

Retailers should still be bullish in the long run. Still, retail therapy is preferable to substance abuse.

[Substance abuse is a complex phenomenon. It almost certainly does not have a single cause. But the substance abuse of a great many individuals is fueled by their experiences of social rejection and social isolation. The rising rate of depression and the rising numbers of both adults and children who use antidepressant medication are also fueled (again, in part) by experiences of social rejection and social isolation. (Olds and Schwartz, "The Lonely American," 50.)]

If retail therapy does not really meet our deepest needs for self-worth and joy, and if substance abuse destroys us, what then is the answer? Relationships --- our relationship with God and our relationship with others.

God created humankind to have a relationship with Him, a relationship where He wants to bless us. Humankind was created on the sixth day of creation but the seventh day, the first day of humankind's existence, was a Sabbath day, a day set apart for communion between humankind and their Creator. (Genesis 1:26 - 2:3). The Genesis account makes it clear that we were also created to do meaningful work but our first call is the call to relate to our Creator.

That means no amount of stuff, or substance abuse, can fill that part of our hearts that was meant to be filled with His love. God still stands ready to fill us with His love. "For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5b NLT)." But we need to make space for Him in our lives to receive His love. Most of us are too busy. And we wonder why our hearts are empty, and why we too are tempted by retail therapy and worse. Followers of Christ should know better. But we don't, at least not in practice.

And even a good relationship with God may not be enough. We also need the nurturing that comes from healthy relationships with others as well, because it is not good for us to be alone. It says so in Genesis 2:18 --- and in the results of the many studies on the destructive results of "social rejection and social isolation." We know we have "self-worth" when we know we are loved --- by God and by people. And when we love others in return. Believe it or not, "when people spend money on others, they feel happier than when they spend it on themselves (Marsh, "Spent," 77). Maybe it is more blessed to give than to receive after all (Acts 20:35). Therefore, Marsh, quoting Ronald Dahl, suggests that:

[Perhaps the best way to address the sadness-spending effect ... is to teach people from a young age, that the path to personal fulfilment lies in generosity and altruism ... "It is basically a new pattern of thoughts, feelings, and actions together in the brain ... shifting away from self-focus toward being generous, giving to others . . ." (Marsh, "Spent," 77.]

Sounds a lot like conversion to me.

So how do we have ourselves a "merry little Christmas?" Not by stuffing our own stockings. Try giving to those in need. And making time for God, and for the people we care about.

Yan's closing -

Here's a song sung by my church choir (I used to be a member of this Choir) few years back. (Click for link to YouTube) Hope that makes your Christmas joyful and meaningful! I shall be relocated to another "city" after Christmas - nearer to home where if workload permits and getting a cheaper air ticket, I could be home over weekend!

Christmas isn't Christmas

Christmas isn’t Christmas ‘til it’s happen in your heart
Somewhere, deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts
So, give your heart to Jesus, you’ll discover when you do
That’s it Christmas, really Christmas for you.

Jesus brings warmth like a winter fire, a light like a candle’s glow
He’s waiting now to come inside, like He did so long ago
Jesus brings gifts of truth and life and makes them bloom and grow
So welcome Him with a song of joy, and when He comes you’ll know….

That Christmas isn’t Christmas ‘til it’s happen in your heart
Somewhere, deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts
So, give your heart to Jesus, you’ll discover when you do
That’s it Christmas, really Christmas

Christmas, really Christmas
Christmas, really Christmas for you

Blessed Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year from my home to your home - in Korean costumes!

Jeju Life - Haenyeo

Jejudo or Jeju Island is often called the Hawaii of Korea. The southern island has been loved for its nature and culture, exotic to Koreans.

It has been one of the most popular honeymoon destinations and leisure spots for Korean and foreign tourists.

Indeed, Jeju is known as an island rich in wind, rocks and women.


But Jeju has more to offer than beautiful scenery and sea breezes. The island has a huge range of unique museums to cater for every interest. Haenyeo Museum is dedicated to the brave and hardworking of woman divers in Jeju.

Jeju Island has an old saying: ‘When you have a baby girl, butcher a pig and throw a party. When you have a baby boy, just kick him hard in the butt.’ I do not mean to offend the male readers here! Such a saying seems out of place in the male-dominated Confucian tradition. But it accurately reflects the importance of a woman as the backbone of the Jeju family.

Haenyeo (read 'sea women') are the women of Jeju who dive deep into the deep sea without airtanks to gather seaweed, abalone and various other types of seafood. There are approximately 5400 haenyeo working on Jeju Island. The haenyeo are known for their diving ability. They dive from October to July, and they work on farms during other months - all while taking care of their children and domestic duties.

The museum was opened in 2006. We watched a movie about the history of the haenyeo in mandarin. It is very informative and with the benefit of English subtitles.

Probably, this poem (I stole from a book displayed in the museum) tells all the life of haenyeo -

Eating with the wind
Excreting with the clouds
Making the waves my home
Farewell to my grieving mother
Farewell to my grieving father
Farewell to my parents and sbilings
Making the Han River Sea my home
Entrusting my cursed lot to continue on
My soul and body was born

Experiencing Korean culture

The National Folk Museum is a must-visit! It displays how Korean commoners and nobles lived in traditional times with exhibits split into three areas: The History of Korean People, the Korean Way of Life and the Life Cycle of Koreans.

My favourite has to be this birthday celebration (second picture clockwise) scene of a couple reaching their 60th years. The 60th birthday was especially important since it marked the completion of a full zodiacal cycle.

The birthday was celebrated with a large feast and merry-making, with the children preparing a special table laden with piles of colourful fruits and delicacies, often decorated with letters symbolising longevity.

Chris was happy to find his zodiac sign - the pig, and he sure posed as cute as the piglet!

The other section that I like is the traditional costumes of the Korean women, how elegant!


The greater joy is to have a real touch of making a Korean craft! I made this kyungsang (desk) at Incheon International Airport. There are many areas offering travellers free event to experience the Korean culture at the airport.

A closer look at my masterpiece!

Alone and lonely, not quite....

Back from Korea! I have not had a clue what I would be writing about the holidays. It would not be a complete travel story from Day one to Day eight. I shall go with my feelings at the time of writing.

We were on the seagull boat on the last day just before we left for airport. While everybody was so excited about the seagulls snatching the shrimp chips from their hands, my feeling was mixed. Soon, I shall be as lonely as this seagull ....

But, no, not quite, look at the happy moments..... Chris was feeding the seagulls with the shrimp chips. Seagulls like shrimp chips? That's news to me!

Indeed, if the Lord is my shepherd, David says, I shall not want...

Not once but twice and could love no one else?

That's Winter Sonata!

What is it about Winter Sonata that touches so many women of all ages? A complex love story, intriguing plot twists, good acting, memorable scenes and lines, not to mention, breathtaking winter scenery backed up by melancholic music tunes.

Well, much of that have tugged at my heartstrings - puppy love, first love, possessive love, lost love, parental love and true love - the perennial theme of love in all its complexity!

In less than seven hours from now... I shall be heading there - where Joon Sang and Yu Jin fell in love with each other, not once but twice and could love no one else.

100 percent

It's almost the end of the year! Have you started receiving calendars from corporates? How about this for a Monday morning? Well, I am off to Kuala Lumpur for a meeting and will be back on Wednesday! Hey, by then, I have done 75%(12 + 23 + 40) of my work!

My Sunday's Laksa

My friend, Dunstan Chan wrote in his column in The Borneo Post today on Laksa, Kolok Mee or Mee Kolok, I quote randomly -

Food is more than a meal. It is a fragment of our home. Laksa and Kolok Mee are to Sarawak what Apple Pie is to the Americans or Fish and Chips to the English.

However, Laksa and Kolok Mee carry a deeper meaning. They are apt metaphors for the harmony of Sarawak multi-racial society. Laksa is a manifestation of that cliche so popular with Sarawakian politicians, "unity in diversity". The various ingredietns are representative of the different racial groups in our State. They are all united to form a beautiful dish.

On the other hand, Kolok Mee is a story of acceptance and integration. With its lard and roast pork, it is a truly Chinese dish. However, such is its popularity that it transcends cultural and racial boundaries. There is now a halal version of Mee Kolok served with chicken or beef.

So when we take a bowl of Laksa, Kolok Mee or Mee Kolok we are not just eating a tasty meal, we are making an affirmation of our belief in Sarawak society.

For me, I know I am home only when I sit in my favourite coffee shop savouring bowl of Laksa or Kolok Mee.

Yes, I just discovered within walking distance a stall manned by a Foochow from Sibu selling Kampua, Laksa, Diam Pian Hu and Bian Sip!


This is my breakfast after a walk down the Gaya Street - very much at home. This is my second time dropping by. The first time, the man asked, (in Foochow of course) "Taste ok?" I said, "Yes, very Sibu, probably a little too sweet for me." And today, the sweetness reduced! The man said, "I reduce the sweetness." How important and homely I feel!

That's my Sunday! How's yours?

Food for thoughts

My mum used to take a lot of those "grasses" or herbs said to have different medicinal values. There are plenty of these along Gaya Street. The picture below shows two types, the front one is labeled as good for kidney, the other one was not labeled!

Incidentally I also these sour sop. Someone told me that sour sop is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer. How true it is, I don't know!

Incidentally, I read this article on "Skin Food" that I lifted from Malaysia Airlines' inflight magazine -

Skin Food
(Beauty products that contain ingredients mentioned in the Bible)

Product: Almond Apple Velvet Eye Gel
Ingredients: Almond and apple
Almonds were packed (among other 'best products of the land') as gifts for the Prime Minister of Egypt, Joseph, in the book of Gensis

Product: Be Delicious Men
Ingredient: Apple
Apple trees are mentioned mostly in the Old Testament, most often in Song of Solomon, a 'songbook' written by King Solomon.

Product: AGe Fitness Pre-Age Milky Lotion
Ingredient: Olive
The olive tree was first mentioned in the bible when Noah sent a dove from his boat after a 4o-day flood, and the bird returned witha leaft from an olive tree, a symbol that the rain has stopped.

Strangely, these products news were classified under "religion". Hmmm... food for thoughts!

Before it's too late

WTT has started her Christmas shopping - that I learnt through her facebook's status updates.

The title of the post has nothing to do with last minute Christmas shopping, and rest assured, nothing indicative to the picture of Dr M here too.

Dr M was here recently. (Yes, he looked tired and weak. I had wished to have some up, personal and close pictures of him) That is probably the reason that I use his picture. I do feel a tinge of sadness looking at this picture, just like the man in the picture showing that tinge of sadness.

A young journalist here asked, "Is Dr M someone you admire? Do you think he is a good leader?" I have no answer to his two questions, but I gave this answer, "He is not a good mentor. He did not groom a successor."

Probably, Dr M gives the best answer. Quoting from his Prologue in his own book on selected letters to world leaders,

Whether I was a good or a bad Prime Minister is, of course, not for me to say. When I am dead and gone, the judgment would be more accurate. Since I will not be around then, it would be quite meaningless to me. My children and friends would be the ones to savour the truth or bear the pain of whatever I am condemned for.

Aside the last minute Christmas shopping, is not the title "Before it's too late" an appropriate theme for us to consider at Christmastime when everyone is singing of that silent night, when joy broke through to an anguished world, when angels announced to the shepherds, "There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior," a Redeemer? Find our way out of the tragedies, the troubles, the difficulties and the infirmities of life before it is too late.

Rounding up the year!

I do not know what's in store for this trip to Korea on 28th November. I was planning a Shanghai trip, but Chris shouted, "Korea, Korea!" That was before his report card day! So, it's not a "reward", it's more for making up what both of us have lost during the past six months when I am here in Sabah. His result? Position 39 in a class of 44 with an average of 83 and he is in Form Two. Competitive indeed! Last term he was the second counting from the last :) - that was what I heard from my MIL. Actually Chris told me he was the last! When the concerned MIL told me this way while I was at home on my cross-trainer, "Do you know that he is the second last?" I answered, "Oh yes? I thought he was the last." So, talking about putting mother in a report card, I would be in the last position ;)

One thing I am sure, I shall enjoy the food -


And the year will round up with this sponsored adventure in Sandakan (don't envy, I also write travel stories now) -

I am really looking forward to this adventure! Read about it here