I'm not really intending to write a blog about my travels, like day 1 what we did etc etc. heh. I will upload my photos on Facebooks later, with some captions. ;) Just felt like writing today some random thoughts here and there.
Woke up this morning, feeling really happy. It was this holidayish mood. Same kind of feeling I had as a sec sch gal, waking up in the morning on a school holiday (e.g. Dec? ) :) I felt happy & grateful. And you know what, I am looking forward to work starting on the 2nd of May. Its really a rare kind of feeling for someone to be looking forward to work. And I know in my heart that I've made the right choice.
Went to GB yesterday night for a meeting, and just sat there to listen to the projects going on. I was happy. Street kids, slums, orphanages, schs. =) Ofcos I believe that idealism remains a dream if it does not have its roots sunk down somewhere in realism. I see the cultural diff in a NGO. There's inefficiencies going on, because simply, a lot of the situations are dynamic and unplanned for. And NGOs have much less resources than companies, whether it is money, talent, manpower etc. I feel like in a way, everyday is a faith situation, whereby you have to lean on God to give wisdom, empower you to go beyond what reason limits you to.
Japan...
(1) Unlock yr dreams
I kind of enjoyed Japan, and I am a somewhat disney convert. ;) I don't mean the commercialism. I mean the spirit behind the Disney dream. It was the 25th aniversary, and songs played as mickey & minnie and loads of other disney characters paraded past us.I liked the positive energy in DisneyLand. "Unlock your dreams"- Indeed, who would have thought that one man's dream could give rise to so many diff disney characters, cartoons etc.
(2) High Life
Another thought that I had... I kind of enjoyed the "high" life in Japan. Shopping, eating (wow, the quality of life is very high). And kind of gave thanks for the plenty. But I didn't buy the branded stuffs there, cos Im not really a branded person. But as I observed my own buying patterns, realised that I am actually quite frugal. Like I don't really need multiple bags, shoe, and I feel the pinch buying a cup of juice for 5 dollars. Anyway I saw Sunday Times had this article about being frugal is chic these days.
But anyway...I know God will provide for me. As in being a christian is not being an ascetic. But rather, being contented in much and plenty.
(3) Missions
Again another random thought. I saw the linkages between the countries I had a burden for, and my childhood:
Philippines- My domestic helper of 6 years was from Philippines, and we were really close :) After that we had 2 others, so in total I was exposed to the Philippines culture for 10 years.
China- Went to China several times as a child with my parents, and also visited my relatives in the Kampong in China.
As for Japan- in pri sch, a grp of them visited my pri sch, and I made a japanese penpal. :)
Actually I don't feel that much burden for Japan, until recently I heard about how the gospel will come from Asia, and one of the places is Tokyo, back to Jerulsalem. Its quite fascinating I feel. Prayed quite a bit for Japan while we visited the different places. I'm amazed by how clean, neat things are, and how polite people are. Ple still need the Lord.
Japanese fathers are such family men. The way they care for their little kids with such gentleness and seriousness. =) I can imagine my heavenly Father caring for me in the same way, so it was interesting seeing the parallels.
So anyway.... I feel that I am still a very "homely" person as well, cos I like sleeping in my own bed, eating my mum's food etc. So I prayed and asked God, if He really calls me to a certain country that He will make it very clear to me. And perhaps China, Philippines or Japan are good choices since I feel comfortable in these cultures? Hmmmmmm.
P/S: China 's landscape and scenery is much more beautiful in my humble opinion. :) But I've not seen the mountainous parts of Japan that much yet.