Day 3: Palong Village

To read Day 1 - Onward to Tak, Thailand,
Day 2 - On The Road Again .... Chiang Mai


We had a hearty breakfast cooked by Pastor Somboon's sister. The delicious meals she cooked up was really great. Every morning at about 8am, I could smell delicious cooking coming upstairs. It was a great life. Hahaha. Infact, the food cooked tasted very much like what my late maternal Grandmother used to cook. Especially the chicken, as chewy as can be. Its unlike the chicken we eat in the city. These ones are reared here. No antibiotics for sure!

Vegetable soup, stir fry french beans and chicken fried with ginger.... Yummy!

We brought a lot of old children clothes, mostly belonging to Joel and Ethaniel when they were younger. I kept them for a long time and thought that its about time that it's given to someone who might need them. Indeed, it was a great blessing to those children. Seeing them so excited with their new clothes was enough joy for me.

Me, taking out the clothes to distribute to the Palong Mothers

This little boy was so excited about his new jacket that he insisted on wearing it and kept it on the whole day!

Ethaniel playing with the huge melons

That morning we had a teaching session with the women from the villagers. We spent the whole morning till about 2pm teaching and praying with them. I taught them what I knew best, Inner Healing. The first step to that would be forgiveness. A very important ingredient for healing of emotions. I was pleased to see the women actively asking one another for forgiveness. Such obedient hearts! There was unbelievable joy on their faces compared to before we started the training sessions. That is why I love to teach this topic. I always see God's blessing, healing and people set free when they let go of unforgiveness in their hearts.

Khun Rat is a great translator and teacher. I will explain something in English and she explains very well in Thai. Even giving out great examples to elaborate.


The Palong women in the middle and on the right did the most reconciliation... asking one another for forgiveness.


This little boy wearing a Mickey Mouse sweater which used to belong to Joel... sleeping quietly while his Mother listens to the teaching. Such a good boy.


Khun Rat praying with the women as they forgave one another

One of the thing which resulted during the prayer time was that the village women revealed that eventhough they are Christians, they still hold on to their previous practices of annually going to a "gate" and offering prayers to appease the "spirits".


We were to go there and pray, to bring down the strongholds which it signifies. The plan was to go around 3pm. Due to some delay, we went there around 5.30pm. It was getting dark, very fast. It was absolutely creepy. I tell ya!


We walked 500m to a nearby temple and then another 100m into an area which is in the middle of the jungle, adjacent to the temple.


Honestly, its the creepiest thing I have done so far! We had no light except a small light from my mobile phone and a small torch light owned by someone else. We walked 7 times around this "gate" and then shouted, "Jesus Reigns". After that, I hasten to leave this place. Eventhough feeling freaked out of my skin, I had to "be brave".... didn't want to scare my children, would I? Lol. They were so brave too!!!


What an experience!

Blessed New Year 2009

Photo taken at Mae Fah Luang, Doi Tung, North Thailand


Blessed New Year 2009

To all my

Family & Friends

Fellow Blogger Friends

You, who visits my blog


May God richly bless you and your family!

Day 2 - On The Road Again.... To Chiang Mai

To read Day 1 - Onward to Tak, Thailand


After some consideration, I have decided to blog my trip according to chronological date. At least its more systematic and to ensure that I miss nothing.


I managed to post Day 1 - Onward to Tak, Thailand on 16 Dec, 08. So, at least one is out of the way. I also posted some photos at Tak, Thailand.


If you read my post at Lansang National Park, you will note that I did something really crazy. Yes, I jumped into the cold freezing water. I did it because I promised Joel that I will jump in after him. Since he did his part by being brave, I definitely could not back down from my promise. The weather was pretty cold and the water coming down from the waterfall was like frozen ice water.

Just before the jump "look"

As a result of my adventurous and silly promise, I had a bad cold throughout the 2 weeks trip. Actually, I was already down with some soar throat but that was about it. But now the chill from the swim really made the cold turn COLD.

Ethaniel having a hot cup of Ovaltine in the morning

We woke up early to pack, had breakfast and then to a quick walk along the trail beside the waterfall. The walk was pleasant, about 15 mins. Refreshing and breathtaking. A real beautiful sight to behold. It was enjoyable, especially with the cool weather.

I know, I know, I have not always been a very law abiding person. I tried. Unfortunately this time I failed. I could not resist climbing. It was a challenging task but very fulfilling.

We could not stay long because we had to head towards Chiang Mai to pick up some stuff and Khun Rat and head towards Chiang Dao to officially begin our Mission Trip. It was easily a 4 hours drive towards Chiang Mai. By the time we arrived at Chiang Mai, it was almost 2pm. We had a quick lunch, picked Khun Rat, unloaded some stuffs and headed towards Chiang Dao.


Its a normal practice for Mary to go to the local market to purchase some fruits, vegetables and groceries to be taken to the Children Hostel whenever she visits them in Chiang Dao. So, we did. I bought some BBQ chicken as a treat. One which they seldom have. Great timing, we arrived around dinner time... about 5.30pm. It was getting dark...


That night we had a meeting at Pastor Somboon's house located at the Palong village. It was a cold night. The church hut would be too cold. Khun Rat shared for about 30-45 mins and would continue the rest of it tomorrow night.

Dancing together, praising God. These villagers and children so readily dance and sing without being shy. While my two boys were hiding at a corner....

We spent a night in Pastor Somboon's house, just like what we did, the last time. We had our sleeping bag, which kept us warm and we skipped our shower. There was no water heater. No one in their right mind is going to shower!!! Not me for sure! Incidentally Khun Rat had one. Hats off to her!

Our sleeping area. All of us brought our sleeping bag. It was cold but we were comfortably warm

Ethaniel fooling around before going to bed

Laundry, Cleaning, Cooking...

I woke up early this morning. There were heaps of laundry. It was easily 5 loads into the washing machine. Phew! Its two weeks worth of laundry, plus thick winter clothes.


I have loads of photos to sort out and figuring the best way to blog about my trip... Anyway, I will write as much as I can. It has been physically exhausting both the trip and also the cleaning up.


Its nice to be able to cook and eat some home cooked meals after 2 weeks of eating out.


By the way, thanks for dropping by while I was away. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your holidays.

I am Back!

I have just returned, a few hours ago, from a two weeks of travelling all over Thailand. The children and I are very tired.


Will update you later on the trip. As for now, I need to do some cleaning, laundry and rest.


Sorry I have not updated my blog in the last week. Thanks for coming by!

Playing UNO

Note that everyone is in sweaters and jackets except Ethaniel who is just wearing a t-shirt and short. My goodness! He is generating heat all by himself! *shivering*


After an evening meeting the girls from the tribal village of Lahu came over to our small little house where we were to sleep for the night.


Ethaniel wanted to play UNO and I thought that it would be nice to include the girls. So, I taught them the game with my limited Thai language. They are fast learners!!


They picked up the game almost immediately. Everyone joined in the game, including Joel. Who won the game....

I was just thinking to myself... What do you know, introducing UNO game to a bunch of tribal girls in the middle of nowhere.... Really cool, eh? It is so cool that its freezing in this village...

Photos at Lansang National Park, Tak

As promised in my earlier post, these are the photos of our trip at Langsang National Park. There is going to be two parts to it.

Trying to push each other into the water.

Ethaniel and Joel in sweaters... After that, into the water!!! Very cold water...

All of us hiking up to the water fall

I can fly! I can fly!

Away

Sorry I have not been able to update my blog.


I was at a Mission Trip in the Palong Village in Chiang Dao, North Thailand and they had no mobile phone signal. Therefore, I was unable to go online. Imagine, 3 days and 2 nights without internet. I almost had withdrawal symptoms *cold sweat*


As of today, we arrived back to Chiang Mai town at around 5pm. Checked into our accommodation, took a good shower (you should have seen the thick layer of dust we washed off) and walked the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.


I have just arrived back and hitting the laptop to update you the happenings on my side.


The last few days has been really exciting. Tell you about it later.


BTW, sorry I have not been coming by your blog. Will visit once I get the chance.

Onwards to Tak, Thailand

15 December 2008, Monday


We started our journey this morning at 9.20am. Our two weeks of travelling cum Mission Trip has officially started today.


After 200 "pee stops", snacks and lunch, we arrived at destination for the night. Its almost 9 hours if we drive all the way to Chiang Mai, North Thailand but we have decided to stop half way.


We were here last year and have decided that its going to be fun to come back again. Of course, this time round, we have Mary with us. So much more fun!


We are at a National Park in Tak. As expected, the weather is cool, breezy, fresh and absolutely wonderful!!!!


When we arrived at about 4pm, we quickly changed and headed towards the waterfall. Its was freezing! I mean freezing!!! Joel and I was at it again, pushing each other into the water. It all started when I splashed him with some cold water. Bad idea. He came back with a revenge and both of us were in the water!!! Aaaaarrrrggghhh!!! Cold! Cold!


Later, we decided to do a crazy thing. Each one of us jump into the water.... Joel first, followed by me and then Ethaniel.


(photos will be added later)

Christmas Around the World

Ethaniel looking so cute in his Chinese costumes. He said that he looked u.g.l.y.
And all of us disagreed! Everybody thought that he looked so cute.

I am so proud of both of my children for participating in The Christmas Around the World play yesterday at church.


Actually, Ethaniel has been soooooooo shy about joining. Of course I was in shock and disbelief. He is usually the life-of-a-party boy. Often entertaining us. Surely this is a side of him I have not seen.


How does he become The Entertainer now and then The Shy Boy the next.


Of course, like any smart Mummy who-knows-her-son-best, I whipped out my tactic to get him to cooperate... a lot of threats (which did not work) and then ... one gum ball, one lollipop and a cup of Slurpee.


That did the job!


Since they did not attend most of the practices, they had minor roles but they still had a blast and it was a great experience.


(will post some more pictures later)

Economy of Thailand

The global financial crisis has not been helpful to the economy of Thailand. Unfortunately, due to the closing of the Suvarnabhumi Aiport by protectors, there would be loss of job predicted to be 1 million, next year.


I have heard that the tourism industry was the worst affected and they have already started retrenching employees.


Few days ago, I went to Pratunam Shopping centre, it was so deserted. I went to a particular shop at about 2pm and she told me that I was the first customer. Of course, it was slightly easier to bargain and they were not too stingy in giving out discounts.


Hotels which usually have occupancy rate of 80% to 100% during this period of time was only 12% full and some even less.


I am really sad for the industry and all the innocent Thai people whose livelihoods are affected.


*sigh*


They really need our prayers.

We Used to Climb REAL Trees

When I was growing up till the age of 8 years old, I had many opportunities to roam an orchard full of fruit trees e.g. Rambutans, Mangosteins, Guava and Mata Kuching (similar to Longan).


If you get the opportunity to meet my Mum, she will whip-out my embarrassing childhood stories of climbing trees and eating Rambutans and Mangosteins for breakfast. Even before I brushed my teeth, I can be sighted gathering some Rambutans left behind by crows and sitting at a corner to savour my healthy fruit breakfast. I was very young then. The age of innocence.


Before you jump into any conclusion of me being such an unhygienic little girl... eating stuffs left behind by crows. Eeewwww! Your Mother never teach you....??? Let me explain. The crows love to eat Rambutans and they will usually feast on a seed. But Rambutan always grow in bunches. So, usually the crows will accidentally drop some whilst feasting on another. Being a small little girl of about 3-4 years old, I obviously took the easy way out (still do) rather than plucking it myself.


Those were the days when parents were too busy to bother with us and we were not bothered with the hussle and bustle of life. All we did was hang out, literally, on a Rambutan tree. Lunch and afternoon tea was a buffet of Rambutan. Find your branch and have your heart-fill of those delicious fruit!


There was no Math tuition, Piano classes, Drum classes, art and craft or Lego to build. There was Tree Climbing. No, not Rock Climbing. Tree Climbing. From tree to tree. Those were the monkey days. Hmm... now it explains why my boys are like ....


In Bangkok you would have to pay almost THB2,500 per month (RM250 /USD80) of 4 sessions to go for Gymboree / Gymnastic. I had all this climbing for free!!


We used to climb REAL trees....

....Not a Papaya Tree!!!!


Is it even a tree? More like a stump. Poor boys.

I Wish For....

glitter-graphics.com

Camp Out Time

The weather in Bangkok has been absolutely heavenly! This is my favorite time of the year. I love waking up to the cool weather. Whilst in Malaysia, we never get a chance to enjoy weather like this at our doorstep. If we wanted cool weather, we either switch on the air-cond or go to Genting Highlands which is about 1.5 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur city. Its the nearest hill from Kuala Lumpur.


So, its a real privilege and magical experience to be enjoying winter. I am always grateful to God for allowing me to enjoy moments like this.


Since we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, the cool weather arrives during winter time without fail. Every year it seems to get cooler and cooler. There were previous years, before we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, there were only 2-3 days of cool weather and the rest of the time was hot. That was what we were told, by our local friends. I cannot help but think that it's God blessing and gift to me.


Its funny, last winter, I woke every morning saying, "I wish, I wish, the whole year could be like this". Of course, it did not happen....


A few days ago, the boys and Daddy decided to camp outside the yard. I thought that was a great idea. So, they set-up the tent, brought out the mattresses, their pillows, bolsters and blankets.

The boys getting ready for their camp-out

Just before they retired for the night at about 10pm, they used their walkie-talkie to "talk" to each other. SWAT Team Member Joel was requested to "checked out" the neighborhood. They needed an empty house, a not-at-home-neighbor to carry out their mission of "exploration". I have no clue what this Rambos were going to do if the owners were out. But I saw BB guns, bullet proof vest, binoculars, goggles and mischievious looks on their faces. That itself was good enough to scare my wits off! You know boys, the things they are capable of *eyes-rolling-hands-up-in-surrender*

Roger! Roger! Are you there?

Fully equipped. To ???? What???

I told them I am not bailing them out from jail. I had a long day. So, they abandoned the mission.


Since there was not enough space in the tent, I didn't join them. They slept in a "bungalow" 6-man tent with heaps of space to roll around and even to hug their bolsters. Its fun, adventurous and comfort all rolled into one. Where in the world do you get it? Except in your own yard!!!

The huge tent just infront of the porch

Rise and shine?

In the last 2 nights I have taken Daddy's space and slept with the boys. During the night its freezing cold *shivering* I needed 2 thick blankets to keep me warm. But I must say that I am really enjoying myself.


I know these are memories which my boys will remember the rest of their lives. When we return to Malaysia, we will never get a chance to camp in the yard and yet have cool weather like this to give us comfort to lull us to sleep.


How about trying it? You might even save some electrity.

New Header

Every now and then, I will have some itchy fingers and fiddles with the header. So, I am keeping this for a few weeks... till I get bored and wants another change. I used Adobe Photoshop Element 6.0.


What do you think of it?

Japanese Restaurant - Mokkori

I would like to introduce an authentic Japanese Restaurant which we visited a few months ago. We have tried to return to it for another 2 more times but each time it was fully packed. Thanks to Sean for introducing it to us. Eventhough its way overdue.


We can see that most of the customers are Japanese. That shows how authentic the food is. Apparently, the Japanese never frequent Japanese Restaurants like Fuji or those run by non-Japanese. I guess, it would be strange to visit a Malaysian Restaurant run by Thai as well. But then again, I am not fussy. As long as the food taste like Malaysian food!

The price is very reasonable and food is very delicious. You can get a bowl of rice with chicken for THB120 (RM12 / USD4). The portions are very big. Unfortunate its just nice for my 2 big eaters.

The tables are long and extremely narrow. KG joined us for lunch that day.

This restaurant is very small and run by a Japanese who shouts his greetings in Japanese. I almost jumped when he did that the last time. I just smiled.


Its along Thong Lor, just at the beginning of the Soi on the right when you turn from Sukhumvit. Sorry, I don't have the exact address.


Enjoy!

Christmas Time

Christmas is around the corner. Everyone is in a festive mood.


I love Christmas time. I love the Christmas songs. The bright lights and decorations on the Christmas tree. Eventhough, since last year I have disposed of my Christmas tree because it was a pagan belief rather than symbolic of Christ's birth. But still. I love to look at the Christmas tree and lights.


It has always given me a special feeling, Christmas time.


The Christmas songs at KSBJ, an internet radio is incredible! Click here to enjoy it. I have been having it switched on the whole day and it just gives me all this amazing "Christmassie" feeling.


I am the first generation of Christian, so, Christmas time is not a family occasion. We embrace the meaning but its not like Chinese New Year, whereby all of us gather around for a family reunion and dinner. This year we might not even be spending it in Bangkok but instead in Chiang Mai. Since we are going for a Mission Trip and holidaying in the North. Doubt we will be back in time by Christmas.


We don't bake and cook Christmas pudding, turkey or all those stuff that most Caucasians do. Eventhough I would love to stuff my face with it.


I think this year, I will take the time to write a post on my gratefulness to Jesus, my Savior, for coming into this world. To tell Him how much He means to me and appreciate the magnitude of what He has done.


How are you going to spend your Christmas?

I Want a Bike!

I thought that I should share a little about my little boy, Ethaniel. You know, get to know him and for you to know what I have to live with. Other than being really really adorable, affectionate, funny, joyful, cute and many more, he is also Mr Persistent.

What do I mean?

Well, when he wants something, not only is he bold enough to ask it out loud but he can go on and on about it.

Unrelentless.

N.A.G.

Often he reminds me of the parable Jesus told about this man who knocks on the door of his neighbor asking for bread. In the middle of the night. He knocks, knocks and knocks till the neighbor had to wake up from his bed just to give him the bread. Wearing him down.

That sum its up about Ethaniel.

He has got his way of asking...

"Mummy can I have some chocolate?"

*Pause*

*smile*

"Mummy can I have some chocolate?"

*Pause*

*bigger smile and eye lashing flapping*

"Mummy can I have some chocolate?"

*Pause*

*really big smile and touching my arms*

"Mummy can I have some chocolate?"

*Pause*

*really big smile and touching my arms and hugging me*

"Mummy can I have some chocolate?"

"Mummy can I have some chocolate?"

"Mummy can I have some chocolate?"

Months before his birthday, he had his list of birthday presents which he wanted... from remote control cars, hamsters, dogs and then bicycle. Since we went to Rot Fai Park, he wanted a new bike. I don't blame him, his current one was made in China which we bought from Tesco. I must say that the quality was not as good as expected.


So, we decided to get him one (Phew! Thank God, I can get him off my back!!!)


We checked it out at Sports World but the quality was so-so but pricey. So, we delayed the purchase till the next day or so. Can you imagine the nagging I had to endure???!!!! I won't repeat what he n.a.g to spare you the torture. Anyway.


There was a small shop nearby our Mooban (village) who was the agent for LA, a bicycle made in Thailand. The quality was good and cost THB2,800 (RM280 / USD90) which I thought was reasonable. We bought it.

So, you can see the happy little boy... cycling all around... with this happy little face... with this happy Mummy... relived no one to bug her.... Now, I can go on with my life!

See the joy!!!!

We are the bike riders!!! Man!!!

Thank you, Daddy!

Honestly, I didn't mind buying him the bicycle. I am dying to have them out of the house and getting active around the Mooban. Sweat it out. Get some of those "bugging" energy out of his system!


While at the LA bicycle shop, the Elder brother was coveting a nice mountain bike too. He is not the "asking out loud" type of person. So, he was obviously drooling quietly and hinting gently. Only his parents can really understand this boy. Again, its a healthy habit to be cycling around. So, OK, OK, Christmas came early.

Joel with his new bike. You should have seen the smile on his face.

We cannot have the Elder Brother drooling over his younger brother's bike. Can we? No, of course not. All those salty saliva will cause rust.


And we absolutely cannot have that!