Stories..31/12/09

#1

Last night, I locked myself out. We tried with knives etc, but nothing worked. Because I was so desperate to get into the house, finally guys decided to ‘break in’ to my house. You should’ve seen this. He smashed the round knob with thick timber stick, BANG!BANG! and the whole handle thing came off! There was just a fist size hole left on the door!  

Looking into the room through that big hole, I thought, If I’m being this stubborn and hard hearted, please don’t just stand there and knock. Make sure you smash the lock so that you can come in, although it may mean it will leave the big hole in my heart.

That night I got a lot of mozzy bites.

# 2

It must be the Korean dramas. Me and David has been requested to sing at the Christmas celebration simply because we were Koreans! At first I was going to decline, but then again, why not make the most of every given opportunities? So I purposely added my Story of new life with the introduction of the song. So far we made few song presentations in Australia, Singapore, Thailand and Myanma.

Today we realised what it is like to live in a small village.  People began to recognize us from the street and shops. Even the shop owner I bought some stuffs from, said  “Are you the one who sang in the Meeting last night?”

But she didn’t give us any discount though.

# 3

After I gave a glasses to an old man with poor vision,  many people came for a glasses. Some were genuine but some just wanted this fancy thing regardless of the vision. It was obvious when they pretend not to see well – very funny. I say to them through the translator.

“Go home and eat carrots.”

# 4

After some window shopping, we asked David, “Did you get some discount from that shop?” David answered, “No, because when I asked for more discount, she kept saying ’I may die, I may die’, so I just gave her the price.”

Actually what she was saying was “Thai Mai Dai” ( “I don’t speak thai” in Thai) And she was saying this because she thought that David was Thai.

 # 5

Happy New Year!!!

Does it get any better than this? – 22/12/09

If you are right here with me now, you would remember it as one of the most peaceful and fulfilling moment. If you feel this cool breezing on your skin, breathing this fresh air, hear the crickets singing out in the field, and look up the millions of crystal shining stars and even milkyway on the night sky.. And my two boys (David, and a dude from Holland) are silently reading the Book for hours. Maybe they are in Jerusalem somewhere, seeing the miracles.

This is my life, for now.  It doesn’t get much better than this.

* * * * 

I thought about being forgotten. Being forgotten by people I considered close, by the society that goes well without me, and by the responsibilities that I once hold on tightly. People will move on, studying, working, marrying, chatting which restaurant is nice, such and such is pretty or handsome, my wage is too low maybe I should change a job..and so on. What would it be like, ppl say about me “Yeah, I remember her, some years ago, I wonder what she’s doing now. Anyway what’s for dinner?”

The first thing I’ve learnt from the trip was that I can live when My plan get messed up. It’s not the end of the world when I lose a lot of money, which I did. It’s OKAY when My life takes a detour and ends up in unexpected place without preperation. It’s not about what I can complish during the trip, what I will bring back, or even how I contribute to the whole picture. It’s just not about ME!

And I should say, now life doesn’t get much better than this.

I’ve seen many even amongst those who are Truth followers still searching for a life full of meaning and purpose, but actually living in many fears – fear of missing out, fear of being forgotten, fear of not enjoying all the things they enjoy, fear of the uncertainty of future, fear of failure, and a lot of worries comes with it. They eager for more but one more day has gone by in busyness, again.

Read Acts. Yes, read about the man who lived a life full of passion, every minute of it. So much so that he did’t fear any opposition comes on his way. People will always want more, better and bigger things in life, and it will be an endless chase unless they themselves put a Stop to it. Enemy diligently deceives people that if they have more, they will be happier. Big fat lie. I have nothing here and I don’t miss any of what! I forgot that I even had them.

I confess that it’s been many years that, I spend more time reading the Book than sitting in front of the computer. It’s been really a while that I hear the crickets singing under the stars, and wake up by the rooster clock. I actually feel like I want to get up. And when I get up I know what I am here for. It’s quite amazing. Yes, for now, life doesn’t get much better than this.

I think I am okay to be forgotten behind the dinner menu.

Diary-19/12/09

It’s like I time travelled backwards in this place. Often I forget what day or what time of the day it is. We roughly just go by the temperature of the day or degree of darkness. Rooster seems roostering any time of the day (yes, but especially in the morning), and at night all the dogs of the town come out and barking to each other to claim their territory.

Last night the team visited a house for gathering. There were 14 adults and 3 kids (i laughed at myself- whenever people sit or stand in circles, I start counting them!) As the time go by it became so dark that we couldn’t see each other. A lady light up 4 small candles as we are to read the holy book together. 3 adults and 2 kids were crowded around the open book as a men brings the small candle light nearer to the book, while trying not to drop a wax on the book. The rest of the room were in total darkness. David couldn’t stop weeping and kept reaching for a tissue.

At the clinic I serve, a lady came to report the headlice amongst the kids in the dorm. She said they applied insects killing poison on their head to kill the lice. I was frightened. This is the kind of poison if the kids eat the poison, they will die, if it gets into their eye, they will go blind. I gave special shampoo for a headlice to her, and get her to use fine comb to comb the kid’s hair and kill the lice with a fingernail when it drops on the floor. Otherwise they will jump on to other kids’ hair and it will spread very fast. I felt breathless by their lack of knowledge and the danger they face.

We know that for the sore throat, drink warm water with honey. If feeling faint while working under a hot sun, drink heaps of water and rest in the shade. If fell down and have wounded, wash with warm salty water. For chill, cover the person. For fever, sponge with cold water and fan until the body cools down. Basic knowledge! But nobody taught them. Because their parents do not know, the kids do not know as well. Medication in such village and circumstances are limited, if people begin to rely on the medications, it will just weaken their immune system, and one day medications will run out. So I don’t give away medications too easily, but promote strengthening of the self- healing.

I hope that before I leave this town, I can do some health education to the village people. With the word of mouth the knowledge will pass down the generation, and people won’t just simply turn up at the clinic for ‘Magic pill’ – Paracetamol.

Please continue to rember us, especially for the safety. We are only a few minutes away from the armed force, and can be attacked any minute of the day.  Few foreigners has been previously captured for the exchange of money and even harmed of their lives. Although I am an asian, compare to their very dark brown skin I look very bright, and also we have a caucasian in the team. (We don’t worry very much about David. LOL. Kidding, please remember him as well..)

Arh. Time for a breakfast.

Use me

“Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?” So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.”

Luke 17:9-10

It is easy to understand that I am a friend of Jesus. It is easy to see us as a child of God the father. But I have never had a maid or servant, never seen them in real action, until very recently. 

I was invited by family who had maids. The dinner and entertainment was provided for the guests. While the guests were enjoying the night, maids were busy in the kitchen. The dinner was  nice but they don’t get the compliments. Rather, we thank the hostess who has invited us. Whenever we need something, the master commanded the servant to attend our needs. Even then, the master gets the glory. 

Fair enough, we sing a song ‘I am a friend of God~~’ But we should not forget that We are serving the Lord. The fear of the Lord should not be replaced by the intimacy with God. I would be totally shocking if the master calls maids to join the dinner table and eat with them! After that the meaning of these words comes as a new revelation.

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

John 15:13-15

Servanthood has been something that was in my mind in planning this trip. Yes surely things were messed up and turned upside down. I observed how upset I was, when things were not happening according to My plan. But, yes, surely my master has the right to relocate and replace me wherever he wants to. Obedience is my part to play.

Yes, let Your will be done.

The story so far

Past 2 weeks in Singapore has been full of intense emotions. Opening my travel diary, desperation and questions jumps off from between the pages. I saw the face of the fear of uncertainty. But even then whenever I look to our Father in the midst of situations, the ray of hope has been given.

After the powerful wind, the earthquake, and the fire passed by. And now I hear the gentle whisper on my ear. Ask me when and where, and I will give you the blank look on my face. Who said when men’s plan ends, Father starts to work.

When all is said and done,  judge no one. Because maybe I am saving lives eternally by going against the human forces in where I am.

We will go to, Around the Thailand. Connection will be limited and email addresses will be: chris – christine.lee@emailnet.org  david – david.park@emailnet.org  which we can write more freely. If you do so please use general english words only, no jargons, specific names and places. I apologize that I can’t upload any pictures.

“I didn’t know many things; but I didn’t know what I don’t know. Now I know that I don’t know many things but I don’t know the answer.” – 4-12-09

Love, from Chris and David.

D-1

Yes, I’m ready to go.

I will be departing tomorrow 6am. Some of you will receive my email on the first opportunity that I have the internet access somehow. Please be aware not to use any believer’s jargons in the email for the safety reason. I will use the different email address christine.lee@gbaships.org  Pls don’t throw it in the spam box.

I’d like to thank everyone who supported and encouraged me for this trip. My lovely sheeps, you were my joy and fruits of my labor, may the Lord multiply you and bless many lives through you. Sisi my dear friend, I still owe you a birthday meal when you come back. We won’t say “thank you Lord for the Dinner we are about to drink”.  Mr Mong, your caring and genuine heart is second to none, give your life for the Lord and be all you can be! err, and Safe driving. Ray who supported me all the way, thank you, I am deeply impressed at how phenomenal men of God you are! Joy my dear shepherd, I thank God for your patience and understanding. Wenan, You are the best pastor ever! yes I will try to behave myself better next year. Ps WL and LL, thank you for an encouraging card, without you I’m not here.

Daniels, Daniels.. So many cards and pictures, encouraging words and prayers- you are my inspiration. Many of you have financially supported this trip as well, how precious are your loving heart!I’ve always received more than what I could give.  D2 JGs what a wonderful and joyous bunch, u r my favorite people. Daniels has been the best part of my life, and My heart will go on and on for you all.  And last but not least, Lord Jesus you are my King, all I could ever sacrifice is worth for you.

Think of it, it’s like a miracle how the deemest idea has came into shape, and finally come to pass as a reality. What a worthwhile journey of the preperation! I have no regeret no matter what may happen during the trip.

Now, Farewell, my sweet.

From the master bedroom to the floor

It’s my 3rd night Iwill be sleeping on the couch in the living room. You may wonder, what on earth has happened to the owner of this apartment? Here is the story..

At the beginning of this year, someone asked whether I would be willing to share my master bedroom with someone. Without hesitation I answered then, ” NO WAY!! I am the only one who pays for this house. And after the long days work, I want a place where I can just unwind and be by myself. I think at least I DESERVE that much! Sharing my room would be the last thing on my head!”

Towards the middle of the year when the idea of mission trip has popped up, things were begin to change. I realised, with only by spending less I won’t be able to save up the amount of fund I needed. I had to CREATE more income. – SHARING ROOM. I sighed. Anything for you Lord..  I headed to the Ikea and got a desk and a bunk bed. Within couple of months, I had three different roommates in my room. Sunny, Sara, then finally Apple moved in.  

As Josh is planning to move out with Judah friends next year, I planned to move in to Josh’s room next year. So I advertised a room for someone who would share the master bedroom with Apple. Soon I got a lovely korean girl name Mi-ha. She had to move in right away due to her contract ending, and I had to vacant my space for her. Now, my bro’s room has his stuff and my stuff literally E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E! And of course I get to sleep outside because Josh usually sleeps late thus gets up late. We doesn’t want a half naked man lying on the floor in the morning!

Last night, curled up in the sleeping bag, I thought of what I said when someone asked about the idea of sharing a room. Did I shouted that I DESERVE what? I’ve just wrote to a sister in Singapore and said I am happy if someone could just provide me a piece of floor and a roof to sleep under. And I meant it.

 God is an expert in humbling me. Jesus never had a place to rest his head anyway. And he sure is sharing a taste of it with me, and I am greatful for that. I am learning more about the beauty of living a simple life. Truth is, the more we have, the harder it gets to let go. Psalmist surely knew the secret of the contentment.

   Give me neither poverty nor riches,
       but give me only my daily bread.

   Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
       and say, ‘Who is the LORD ?’
       Or I may become poor and steal,
       and so dishonor the name of my God.

Psalm 30:8-9