Life, Travel, GRACE

We got to know Paul Lai and his family will be moving back to their homeland in Tawau, Sabah. Paul will go back on 19 Jan 06. Kah Fang and little Lai will however come back to KL after the Chinese New Year to settle their ongoing business. We had a gathering with them on Boxing Day. Friends of them came to bid farewell and convey best wishes.

This year Christmas was a wedding Christmas. We attended matrimony service of Alex and Suzanne in the morning. Then they held a Chinese style wedding bonquet at night. Alex and Suzanne are from the TAR Nav ministry.

We had a little Christmas party on eve of Christmas. Had some new friends and students joined the party. There were games, caroling and of course eat-all-you-can dinner. The party ended with exchanging gift. Everybody had a great time though.

One of the local magazines has featured Bario highland as a travel destination. Well, at least there's pineapple plantation which I didn't see / discover during my last visit. Here's the link: http://www.karangkraf.com.my/E-Majalah/Traverama/default.asp?categories=TRA1 Update: The above link has been updated with current issue.

It has been 2 (TWO) years I stayed in the "activity house". It was established with the purpose to serve as a one stop center for the students. Facilities included theater room, broadband internet and pc. Thanks to all the generous donors who support the "activity house" for these two years. As the support for the house has due, the MU Nav guys have decided to stay until end of semester 2 next year (to be exact, end of June 2006). We do not know how will God lead us. We are not sure if there will be new students to join us for another year of friendship and sharing. We are not sure if there will be enough financial support for the rental and maintenance. It will be quite uncertain. We'll leave it to God and let Him direct us......

As the new year is coming, there are plans for next year trip. Personally, somewhere in May '06, I'll be going to Laos and Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai. The second half of the year will have Kinabalu trip. Date not yet fix. As the SPICE club is planning to have New Zealand trip in Dec '06, that could be another holiday option for me. (Note: SPICE club is an MU Nav activities covering area of spiritual, physical, interllectual, character building and emotional balance) Have confirmed a flight KL-BKK on 6 May 06. Planning is on the way.....

We were discussing about loss of position last week. It seems like none of the members had experience loss of position (maybe most of us still young, haven't tasted the achievement of life?). Anyway, our response should be positive when we face loss of position. We should accept it as God's decision. He is doing wonderful thing for us. He has plan for us indeed. It could be a time where we can grow towards Him. Sometimes, "maxing out" will be a danger for us. At some point we will try very hard to get the position. But we may end up not getting it. It's how we deal and face this loss that's matter. Position is important but it is temporary. God gives and takes. We should place our value and identity on God alone....

Strawberries from Cameron Highlands.....a short trip with some first year students. I was not in the trip though :)