The Autumn Sonata

The Sonata Land

It has been a while and the invitation was extended many times. But it is always the time factor. It does seem to take a lot to have two people to agree on time and place. This time it was the "we don't care attitude "and so we booked premium price tickets for the long awaited trip. But it is an even better decision as the little sister is parked there.

Korea greeted us with the first pour after a long drought period. While we wished for a drier weather, the locals were grateful for the rain. So, in prayer and thanksgiving we decided to take in all forms of weather as there are many others who need the rain for livelihood.

Rain or shine, Korea in autumn is splendid. We were afraid we might just miss the colourful season but we were in the nick of time for a last minute treat. Korea still stood tall and beautiful in the midst of her picturesque splendor.

There are many palaces in Seoul but the largest and grandest is Gyeongbokgung; "The Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven" with Mount Bukgasan to its rear and Mount Namsan in the foreground and River Han flowing pass it. Like the ancient Chinese belief, the most prestigious site of famous buildings will be built with mountains on its rear and a river in the front in anticipation for the best fortune to come by. Gyeongbokgung could not allow anything than the greatest fortune to happen to it.

Rain or shine, the tourists took the opportunity to tour the grounds of the palace.

The mountains in the background lent sturdy support to Gyeongbokgung and her subjects.

The exchange of guards on call was ceremoniously performed with classical Korean music.

We thoroughly enjoyed the walk around the grounds of the palace and we were informed that it was the tail end of Autumn and the start of Winter. the wintry draughts drove us to put on warm clothes in layers.

We had a pretty interpreter; a volunteer I believe who tried to explain the history of Gyeongbokgung and its palace stories; so akin to the Korean dramas we watch at home. The ancient times become real as we observe the intricacies of the site. My sister told me she could only catch 30 % of her explanation. I was better. I could understand 70% of what she delivered. But I could not help but cringe on the way she mixed up her pronunciation in the alphabet L and R. But in a country which hardly emphasizes on the use of the English Language, she was a major success.

At the entrance leading to the main palace grounds, she told us that 3 slaps of stone indicate the way the King and his subjects move. At the centre is the emblem of the phoenix; a symbol of dignity and status. At both sides of the walkway leading up the stairs are emblems of other animals denoting a lower status.

During ancient times, the royal officials would bow and kneel on cold, concrete granite in a bowing posture.

The stone markers are set up to allow officials of different rankings to prostrate before the King on occasions whether daily or otherwise. The highest ranking ones will be in the forefront. The granitic ground is not a joke; it's painful to put your knees on them. People of the past are resilient indeed and their respect for the royal ones is real.

The kingly throne is placed in the centre and the ceiling is engraved with royal emblems; the dragon.

The flawless-skinned guide related that the palace grounds were destroyed time and again and at the latest during the Japanese occupation from 1910 till the second world war. But nothing can beat the grit and perseverance of the Koreans as they pick up the task of reconstruction and rehabilitation at every appropriate time. They take pride in their motherland in one spirit. So the palace is kept in good stead all the time. The last time it was given another coat of paint was only a couple of years ago. The intricate works only reflect the artistry of the Korean people. Indeed as you observe further, every touch is done with creativity of the highest degree.

The king has a sleeping abode in the grounds and rest on wooden planks that are heated from below during the winter months. See that wooden opening? Apparently that's how heating materials are run underground to allow heat to circulate in the king's sleeping chamber.

In the royal grounds are numerous sections and annexes for different purposes; rest, conference, entertainment, chambers for the mother queen, queen and concubines. So after her rantings about the positions of queens and concubines I can only conclude that it was indeed a complicated mix up but that's royal living. It so reminds me of the soapy tales of Korean dramas alright.

The last site we were brought to was towards the back bordering the palace grounds and the outside world. There were 4 main chimneys each denoting summer, spring, autumn and winter and how they blend with nature. By that time I had lost some concentration and it took a great effort to understand the guide's diction and expression. So the story ended with that.

Perhaps the pavilion resting on reflective waters was the epitome of beauty as the autumn trees with their array colours caught our breath away, The pavilion is the favourite spot for kings, queens and consorts to taste tea, play chess and play the pipa and guzheng. We were grateful that we were still in time to savour in the autumn beauty, Totally picturesque and so beautiful; few words can describe.

The red leaved maple tree and yellow-leaved ginkgo tree contradict in colours but not beauty. It has to be autumn for this to happen.

Autumn sees the deciduous species dropping their leaves and fruits. It was ginkgo everywhere but not edible. When fallen and left to rot, the stench can be unbearable. There were stretches of the fallen leaves both in the palace grounds and the city. The ginkgo plant is endemic here just as the rambutan is to Malaysia.

We left the palace grounds with a slight drizzle and we were already so grateful that the weather turned for the better as the hours went by, It was wet on the minute arrived but that did not dampen our spirits. Wet or dry, we were determined to see what we could in this unforgettable Autumn season.

Autumn leaves are full of hues.

Resilient

 Small but don't judge a book by its cover.

In Muar with my parents last weekend, I briefly told them that Sara was going to catch a vessel in the Straits of Melaka. My mother asked why the need? Like her I was wondering why she was assigned a man's job. But I gave it little thought and went about chatting and laughing about the matter with the old folks,
Little did I know that she was in the midst of tough circumstances having to decide on perfect timing in the arrest of the vessel for a client. Later she related the story of how she had to make sure a proper anchorage of the vessel was essential for the warrant of arrest and her heroic act of climbing up the vessel on a hanging rope.
" Were you wearing a skirt?" What a concern I had. She cheekily replied that she was in a man's pants and that she had the sheriff and a marine officer with her. She had their support and care and even went with them to the mosque as they performed their prayers. She was well taken care of by them and commented them on their professionalism.

The story had that she was tested on her precision in warranting an arrest at that exact time for a full coverage of her stipulated duties and it needed skill and experience of which she had none. It was a first time for the lawyer and the firm confirmed that it was also a first time for the organization. Dad kept ranting why send a lady for which she replied that she could perform a man's job in the open seas as "what can a man do that I can't in the open seas?" May be true. You can't fight the waters but you need courage and resilience. The challenge however was when she had to climb up the vessel from a rope. Sounds really challenging indeed. I am sure a man can do without effort or is it so?

Puny in size but big in attitude. 

When she decides no one can change unless she relents. 

She relents if she is doubtful.

Her bosses sang her high praises and understood that there were difficulties that she could not express but only experienced over the arrest of the vessel with a ride of an hour on a high speed boat in the Straits of Melaka from midnight till the wee hours of the morning.

When she finally served the warrant of arrest the captain finally conceded to her demands and gave full operation and submitted to the court order.

Well done girl. 

Pa and ma are proud of your brave act and sense of responsibility when called to duty.

But Sara loves to bake.

She has started an online business on her cakes.

After she came home at 5am she had to rudely wake up after 4 hours of sleep to complete her order for the day. Two orders came in earlier in the week and the open sea adventure was a last minute assignment. The resilient lass rose up to the occasion and delivered her goods on time.

I believe her clients were pleased with her touch.

Not only had she to deliver her order, she had to attend a bridal shower with her as the organizer for childhood friend; Kit Yi. She could not disappoint the bride and finished her promise with love and pleasure. 

The gritty girl.

Last night after work she was up to another order again.

This time her floral expression came in brighter hues.

The client came in the morning to collect them; fully pleased I believe.

Sara and her unexpected adventures.

How to catch up with her?

The Workers

Stories to share.

The TCF trip cannot end without me sharing the stories of some full time workers in Cambodia. The ones I hear of are from Malaysia and Singapore. I am awed by their sense of commitment and their love for God. Their obedience have caused them to give away a part of their comfortable life and be in the field where they want to be used by God.

I must admit though what I share may just be an observation and I could have also misinterpreted but one thing I am sure is ; they are not in a comfort zone.

On the left is Pastor Lily from a northern Malaysian state who once worked as a trained teacher. She felt led to Baray and since some perhaps 10 years ago has served the local community there. She looks after the spiritual welfare of the locals and helps TCF in organising the annual get together. I only know that her father and brother have also visited her and see her at work here. She has given up a career to go after God's purpose.
Next on my right is Singaporean Kim. She told me that she felt led to lead the youths in Baray and Phnom Penh to greater heights of spiritual maturity and hopes that one day they will be strong enough to be on their own. Her parents are strong folks to follow her vision.

The lady in white is Dr. Ling Chern Chern. She is an orthodontist and has a masters from the National University of Singapore and has been here together with her dentist husband Dr. Choo Yew On as OM missionaries since some 20 years ago. She speaks almost perfect Khmer and gets her way with the locals in the best practices. Her hubby lectures in a local University and together they work for God's purpose here.
Strange but true. I came to know that she is actually the daughter of my mother's old time friend whom we dearly call as Teacher Ling; in his nineties. He is my mum's spiritual leader and even at that age takes the initiatives to organize get togethers for the older generation in an effort to spread the gospel.
My mother always sing high praises for teacher Ling praising him of his generosity and kind disposition. He is known for his soft ways and accomodation for people. Truly the love of God runs in his family.
Dr. Ling and husband seem energetic and have the committment to be around as long as they are allowed.

 The Choos are a blessing to the local folks; helping them in the learning of English and seeing them through some difficult times. I can see that they have been toughened to cater to the many challenges here. I also understand to a certain extent that Dr. Ling was instrumental in getting a sponsor for a group of locally grown dentists to attend a dentistry seminar in the UK recently just before we left. The local folks must love them for their care and sacrifices. On their own it would have been difficult for them to write and convince authorities or sponsors for an all-paid trip to the UK. Surely her treasures are in heaven.

Then I learn of another piece of news. The man on the left is Dr. Lim Tou Boon the ex President of Academics in Taylor's University who has made up his mind to leave his earthly comfort in Malaysia for Phnom Penh.
In an exclusive interview conducted, he revealed that he is taking God's calling to build the youths here. He sees the need to develop them spiritually into independent leaders for the future. He believes that there is much to be done here and he humbly gives up much for this.
He came in a 'tuk tuk' together with his wife and two children for a dinner before we left Phnom Penh. He said his main mode of transport here is hopping onto a motor bike as a pillion rider when he is alone or a tuk tuk when his family is with him. The humble man kept reminding us to call him by his second name and not include any title to it. He has to adjust to much over here and is displaying traits of strength and leadership himself; all for the furtherance of the gospel.
When asked about the adjustments he said his children will have first to learn to bathe in cold water and not sleep in air conditioned rooms for the gas bills can be exorbitant.
God will bless him in his love for his cause.

Next, the name Esther Ding is on every missionary's memory for her extensive work in Baray. If you have a chance get a copy of this book and read how a native Malaysian made up her mind some 20 years ago to come and serve in the remote village.

This is an excerpt from the book which tells of her journey of faith in Baray. Esther first went as a missionary and later continues her cause on her own to help the needs of the locals. She taught them skills to be independent financially and gives them advice to overcome challenges of livelihood. Many have been blessed by her determination and desire to lift them from poverty and even the local government has honoured her for her work. No one can work in this way if not for a calling and obedience to God.
All throughout the time I have been told of her sacrifices; how she left home and family and a high paying job just to follow the instruction of God.
Though single, she is made a mother and grandmother by the locals. Everyone talks of her in high regards and respect for her undivided love for the people here.
Her latest effort include the building of a school called Wisdom Nest School  which will include an international programme  for the local children. The school is still being built but they have plans that it should be ready soon and teachers have been trained by another set of Malaysians, Colonel Tan and Mabel. Many are working towards this vision and surely Baray is truly blessed by their presence.

I came home from the trip reminiscing on all that I saw and experienced and I am grateful to be given a chance to see God's work among his people. I must say I have so much to learn and can only humbly admit I am still learning.
Veteran in age but so much I still am not aware and do not know.

May God's special portion of grace be upon his workers.

If you get a copy of the book above, the contribution will go to the building of Wisdom Nest School.

The book records her love for God.

Reading

The Universal Rule

When you can read literacy is removed. So, now you know why it is imperative that the way to transformation is by reading. This basic skill will mean an opening to the wonders of life be it in the fiction or non fiction realm. After being so long in the education line I can only affirm that the child starts to progress when the reading begins.

So, the good news was the Reading Bus of Kuala Lumpur; yes the one from Malaysia found its way to the rural section of Phnom Penh and opened the eyes of some children there. 

A reading programme cannot just be carried out without preparation and support.

Cheli and wife, Mei are the founders of this effort and had diligently bought the Peter and Jane series at a very special price to give as gifts to the lucky children. We carted about 50 sets of them on top of other easy reading material.

Cheli shared that the God of miracle never fails His children for he bought the books in faith and the donation came on time. This he emphasised during the conference and encouraged the local teachers through the powerful testimony.

The teachers also concurred the night before how best to do some origami to brighten the class.

Old, but gold indeed indeed.

 The journey to the rural children took us about 30 minutes on laterite roads and bumpy too. But what is a bump? 

The local leader sang with the children in English;

"In Jesus Christ, we are one family..."

Surely the faith gels us together and it is so good to hear the melodious young voices; so sweet from foreign tongues.

Mei, the reader picked a simple book which a book distributor donated and gave the children each a copy. The book is simple but sufficient for a short time of rote reading. The children read after the teacher but by the way they spoke you can discern that they did not recognize the print but heard the voice. They only need more drilling and attention and it will help produce more readers.

It touched our hearts to see so many in need of help; but that was what we could only extend. Well, a beginning for some of them.

To add colour to the class, Chin Loi , the origami expert took the task of leading them into a time of folding the image of a frog.

The frog song was also sung...the little frog the little frog they are a merry crowd...uu wak wak wak... it was refreshing to sing with the young ones; you forget your age.

When this young man finished his art, he asked to be photographed.

Well done.

Achiever !

On the way out, we saw this remnant of achievers too !

They seemed to have fun in rural environment and we pray that the road in front of them may be filled with God's guidance and leading.

Many Malaysians have sacrificed to serve in this country for the sake of the gospel. God bless them.

Reading.

Workshops

The excellent teachers were all out to present their best contribution of teaching ideas. Two workshops were organised and presented by the two trainee teachers and Celeste; an experienced teacher trainer.

Jessica and Donna talked about story telling and the techniques to attract an audience and participants. Naomi, a local interpreter took the task of translation and she was just as excellent as she truly emulated actions so precisely.

The trio; young in age are potent in their teaching skills and spoke clearly that intonation, eye contact, facial expressions and act it outs are essential elements to good story telling lessons in the classroom. Energetic and full of vitality, they were indeed exemplary learners and teachers. Many took after their advice and put up story telling performance in the hall.

This particular teacher did his best and used skills stipulated by Jessy and Donna and we believe that the workshop was an eye opener to the many present.

Next, Ms Celeste an experienced teacher trainer took the floor to show that songs and dance are keys to experiential learning in the classroom and gave many instances of the theme. Brave Celeste will be serving in Sarawak to the many locals there in great conviction.

 Celeste and her bend, swing , tap dance got all of us on hour feet using recyclable plastic bottles, coconut shells, and the stick to show us the skills. The accompanying music was trendy and rocked us all together in laughter.

Her scarf dance was a hit among us and the Cambodian teachers. Juat Ngoh and Mary could not resist the dancing steps and felt good that they could still do it.

Look at the smile and the gleeful spirit.

They really enjoyed the movements and steps and would gladly do it again, 

I am sure.

 The scarves were too feminine for the males. They too had their turn at a different dance; the ball dance. Celeste managed to get the supply of paper balls from Shanghai where she had served for the last 4 years.

The workshops gave new, bright ideas to the locals.

Good job.