Morning Calm

The Garden

My sister is kind and hospitable. She said that our trip here must be made worth the while and it would mean not missing out on The Garden of Morning Calm. Situated in the suburbs some many kilometers away from the city, it took us about an hour of train ride to arrive. My sister said a taxi ride would cost more than RM500.00 but a train ride is less than a hundred. With time in our hands and no other good reason to spend the extra cost, we took a casual ride there.

The ride was hitchless and the cool morning added tranquility to the pleasant journey. 

We got out of the train at Cheongpyeong a connotation of peace and harmony.

Back home we hardly take the time to smell the flowers; let alone rest. So we did the rightful thing. Left everything behind and race for a peep at Autumn in Sonata Land. What a wise decision though it was a last minute one and buying air tickets at premium price. Sara laughed when we told her about it as she went there previously at a quarter of what we paid. Who cares? Just do it.

The ultimate point was to be with the sister too as she may be leaving the place in the near future.

Mee Sing, the sister is a perfect guide. 

She has been to the garden no less than 4 times in the last month bringing friends and sister Lee Ying and husband. 

But she reiterated that each trip brought different delights as she witnessed the changing hues.

 However, whatever hues the garden holds, they are nevertheless breathtaking.

 See the beautiful fading deciduous trees in the midst of evergreen ones.The blend is almost perfect.  

The cabin is constructed on logs and big tree chunks. The late Autumn is chilly and the soft breeze is a reminder that Winter is here to stay. The garden stroll accompanied by soft, soothing music over the loud speakers adds composure to the most fretful ones. Yes, the walk gave us a chance to examine life's perspectives.

Mee Sing here patiently waiting for the brother in law to pick maple leaves and even ginkgo ones as book marks. Papa is fully at ease with nature. In his tours he will make it a point to visit the country side and be in sync with the outdoor and then reluctantly give in to scouring malls with ladies. So the morning tour was still the same; visit garden first then only oblige us at the various countless malls.

Even as we strolled under the steel arch, we were told that plans are underway for a transformation to take place at the garden during winter. Apparently it would be turned into a winter wonderland when light bulbs are lit up to welcome Winter. The Koreans are a hardworking lot; they improvise and make thing work for their lot. They are a forward going people with a common goal. Mee Sing said there was no record of snatch theft and she can enter a lift without the fear of being trounced or clobbered. Shouldn't the world be doing that? How is it that digression has cropped in so quietly and so imminent ? Do people live to fight for a sensible cause or die for no cause?
 I am getting confused too.

 I believe this Chinese Juniper, so I read, symbolizes the Garden of Morning Calm as we took in the majesty of its 1000 year existence. The grand old tree is stately and stunning and it took away our breath. How beautiful as it stood so confidently for the world to gaze.

In the garden, there are themed plots denoting the origins of the country and the effort is to add colour to the walk round the site.

As we can see from the type of tree, this is the conifer garden. Conifer trees stay green in all seasons. So a small, quaint village is put up to represent the coniferous lands. The railway tracks are made alive during allocated hours but we did not get a chance to witness it.

 

This one is known as the Pagoda Valley. Rock-like features in the form of pagodas are built along the valley and it was a sight to behold. Many took initiatives and effort to stack them and it has become a spot for tourists to pause and ponder.

Somewhere in the midst of the resplendent garden, they created a road to heaven. It is a mini chapel and I entered it only to witness the cross being placed centrally in it. I had a most welcoming experience as I witnessed a young father singing the song "Jesus loves me" to his hardly a year old son. This is it. The young dad knows it well to bring the child up in the faith.

I was also told that many Koreans have embraced the Christian faith and the wave has changed the religious pattern here. Everywhere we traveled here, it was a common sight to see churches being planted whether in the suburb or the city. God bless the land.

This is the Cottage Garden.

It was designed alongside a cottage that was built according to traditional houses in Coltswold, a beautiful suburban UK village. So the locals do not have to travel there to see one.

The next garden is themed Korean.

The entrance and the exit; so typical of any Chinese houses too. Much Chinese influence is felt here and the beliefs of prosperity and fengshui so real.

A typical traditional Korean abode with wood as a major building material and the so famous wooden floor for rest and sleep. Partitions are set up to divide the different functions of rooms; dining, rest, study and the like.

A chrysanthemum bonsai plant so intricately wired and grown. 

The plant is small but matured; typical of all bonsai plants. 

The pots are kept cool during the winter months where KIM CHI is marinated and preserved for food. No home is spared of this traditional practice. The Koreans can stomach them in real hot sauce. Even my Malaysian palate finds it challenging. It's Kim Chi for every meal just as it is sambal for Malaysian cuisines. Making Kim Chi is an art that the locals cherish for as far as memory can stretch.

The Sunken Garden

I read that it is shaped like the Korean Peninsula and carpeted with various flowers and trees that represent the desire for South and North Korea to be reunited.

The clumps of beauty caused us to sit and rest around without wanting to move. The species of flora enchanted us and you can never get tired watching them.
So refreshingly spellbinding and captivating.

The cabbage family is represented in spectacular hues and shapes. It is eye opening and educational.

The young and old find the Garden of Morning Calm therapeutic and relevant. A volunteer group gathered the aged and physically challenged for an outing there and the trip will surely be etched in their remembrance for many days to come. 

So beautiful. 

I looked up the thesaurus for other words to describe; dazzling, ravishing, appealing, charming, gorgeous and splendid...no word to describe.

The Garden of Morning Calm.

You must see it.

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.