As
divinely ordained, the year concluded splendidly. Of course there were busy
plannings for the festive occasion, one after another but the last Sunday of
the year was appropriately spent worshiping with the church that launched me
into active ministry. FLC – u r always family! Not to mention the brief
eco-trip to the jungles of Perak. My feet are itching even as I’m penning this,
itching from leech bites. Funny that I don’t remember leech bites to itch from
my “first time experience.” The first “official” count was 3 successful n 6
attempted bites by jungle leeches. Subsequently I found at least 2 more
attempted bites. Attempted, bcoz I managed to see the leeches before they cld
suck my precious blood. They r so slimy they easily slipped through my fingers
n they come in various sizes too! It was a struggle to pull them apart from
their cravings of hot human blood. But God gave them pretty cool movements.
Recalling
the jungle visit, it was truly marvelous. We almost gave up but it was a great,
fantastic outing; climbing up leech-infested hill with nothing but a rope to
support us. I remember reaching the top n looking down I was thinking, “How on
earth are we going to get down hill?” There was the rafflesia in full bloom but
with some petals torn off by monkeys; there were Rajah Brooke butterflies; the
flora n fauna of the mighty jungle…It was even more wonderful bcoz of the
company: BC, LI, n ML – thanks, you guys (gals) rock!
The
“festive mood” was however not present…for one, 2 very sweet old ladies went
home to be with the Lord prior to Christmas. But for whatever reason, the
“mood” was just not present. Maybe it’s bcoz…I really don’t know. Even at New
Year’s eve, there was not much of a celebration. Just a short while of
fireworks in Island
Park; usual movies on TV;
nothing spectacular…many churches do not hold watch night service. And it’s not
the same to attend watch night service of another church – one where we hardly
know all its members. I know however, that I m anticipating new challenges for
the year ahead. I m anxious, I m excited at the prospect of finally concluding
“formal” education. I m overwhelmed at the prospects of ministry but at the
same time excited at the privilege God had entrusted me.
SAM is
progressing well, slowly. Knowing the temperaments of my colleagues, especially
those in the SAM team truly “force” me to slow down to their pace. At times I
wanted to scream at their slowness n kick them in the butt to move faster.
Perhaps that is y I m faithfully playing Mafia Wars in FB as a “de-stressing”
channel. Btw, I’ve exceeded level 1300 – shows how stressful I m, huh?
Well,
there’s a crucial GE around the corner. Malaysia is in its cross-road n the
church determines its destiny. Let’s press on to pray into existence the
promise of God for our land. Thank you for ur
partnership in 2012 n I trust in ur
continuing partnership in 2013.
