Borneo Highlands, Kuching- What you'll be Expecting

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

I went to Borneo Highlands(one of the golf resorts in Kuching where you can have a health retreat or spending some time to relax after some hectic days) last weekend with my family. My family had made an early appointment with one of the staffs there to bring us around during our visit(reason of visiting- for some future planning). As the resort is situated 580-620m (approx.) above sea-level, a shuttle was at the foothill to bring us up- RM40.00 per person(two- way trip).

The whole journey was about 10km and took us quite some time to reach the resort. As for the price, it's actually quite reasonable(if you decide to drive up yourself, you are putting you and your passengers at danger(except that if you are a very, very, very experienced driver or have driven that particular road so often that you remember every corner like the back of your hand. Not to mention, pity your car brakes too). There was once an important man(with his family) who went driving up and had a very bad accident halfway(the car he drove plunged down the ravine, killing everyone in it).

Praise God for the good weather(we had our tour in the morning till noon and it only started raining later in the afternoon, God is just awesome, isn't it?) and everything ran smoothly and as planned that day.

For now, let the following photos give you an overview on what you gonna see when you get up there:

On the way to the foothill of Borneo Highlands, you'll probably pass the newly opened Sheraton Hotel: Four Points.

Entrance: the starting of an adventure up the Highlands

Borneo Highlands is also famous of its beautiful and exotic flowers, these are some:

'Lady Shoes' (above)

Going higher up the peak would take you to the Sarawak-Kalimantan border where you will have a breathtaking view while enjoying the cool, fresh air.

Above: This is quite a common sight where thick mist covers the mountain and the land below in the morning and often during rainy seasons. I reckoned that the temperature is about 25 degree Celsius during my tour that day.


The tree and I

Crystal clear water flows gracefully down the hill.

Mother nature: golf course(above)


Does this look like an elephant resting?

One of the bedrooms offered


Wild Orchid

Care for a massage?

....or a steam bath?

The food served is mainly vege and handsome price labels on it. It's worth to try. Little flavourings are added to preserve its natural taste.

Above: Chicken Rice

Mushroom Soup


Toufu vege

'Jungle Cabin'

These photos, again, are just the 'summary' of the total photos taken.

To readers out there, it's worth the experience to try go pay Borneo Highlands a visit.

And now for a little Sneak-peek to what my next post is about: Delicacies.

Till then, take care and God bless.

Jesus loves you!:-)

Days before CNY

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:4-5)

I returned to my campus 2 days ago. This year's Chinese New Year celebration was quite different compared to the years before. After nearly a decade, my whole family get to celebrate this festival together(this year in Kuching after so long) again. As you can see, my siblings were often pursuing their studies in and out of the country during the past New Years(Chinese).

The day after my brother and I returned home, we received a shocking news from mom. My grandmother in Sarikei(a town in Sarawak) passed away early that morning. The night before the news reached our ears, we were just saying that we can go home to visit her again after a year. And now, she's gone home to the Lord. It's indeed God's will and timing that me and my brother came home together just days before and had the chance to give our last respect to our grandmother. My father quickly drove home and brought us back to Sarikei later that afternoon.

Praise God that everything(funeral ceremony) went well and the weather was fine and cooling. Soon after the ceremony finished, the clouds got darker and rain started to pour down.

It is a custom for the Chinese to mourn for some time after the death of their love ones. A stricter tradition states that no wedding or any joyous ceremony be held for a certain number of days after the death of a close family member. This is to express the feelings of sorrow and sadness of the mournful living family members. As a Christian, I personally think that when a close family member(Already a believer of Christ and has strong faith in Him) passed away, there will, of course be a short period of sadness but happiness should come very soon. Death is actually the beginning of eternal life and the point where the deceased Christian had overcome worldly pleasures and received the gift of salvation from God. Instead, we should continue to pray for guidance and strength in Jesus name to overcome this world and set our hearts to things above.

Here are some pictures taken when I returned to Kuching:

Lunch at Penang International Airport before departing for Kuching- Double Cheese Burger with lots of Chili sauce in it

Chris(left) and Arthur(right)- Sarawakians

Below are some of my mom's home cook food during Chinese New Year eve(family reunion dinner):

Chicken soup with button mushrooms, abalone, corn, and shark fin

This is called 'Bee Hoon'(in Mandarin)

Mr. Crabby Patty(Steamed) on a platter

Countdown- 12 midnight- Day 1 of CNY

Chinese New Year church's morning service

Church choir

Sermon

These pictures(above) are just a small fraction of the total pictures taken. There are just to many of them to be uploaded in one post. That's why I'm gonna bring some of my pictures forward in my next post.

Till then, take care and God bless.

Jesus loves you! :-)

Last Christmas

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

There were a few preparations that have to be accomplished at church just a few days before Christmas(Carol practice, church deco., praise and worship practice etc.). Here are some pics:

Flowers were placed in front of the stage and altar and the angels on the wall blowing their trumpets, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and giving glory to God.

Three days before Christmas, my fellowship joined our church's carolling group. We visited 10+ houses that night. There was also a carol during the previous night. As the houses are located at quite a distance from each other, the carol lasted throughout the whole night. It ended at approximately 1.15 a.m. I reached my hostel room at 2 a.m. It was quite tiring but my heart is filled with thanksgiving and joy. Praise God that the weather was fine and everyone came home safe and sound. In all, thank God sending His only Son to us, giving us a chance of salvation and eternal peace.

Before departing

At the last house

Christmas Day

See the 'shiny-wares' some are holding? Those are our Christmas presents from the church. It doesn't matter how it appears to be, what really matters is the heart of the giver.

There was a luncheon after the Christmas service and a dinner later that night.

Dinner

Butter-prawn

Vege, prawn, noodles, meat.......

Roasted goat meat

'Satay' with gravy and sliced onion, cucumber

And of course, a little red wine will make the whole meal more complete.



Thanksgiving Lunch(a day after Christmas)

Homemade Gingerbread

Macaroni salad

Lastly, a pic of us!

Till then, take care and God bless.

Ox Year- 2009

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Update

"Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 90.12)

I received a shocking news from my mom this morning that my grandmother had passed away earlier today... it was indeed a shocking news.... I'm packing right now and will be leaving for Sarikei later this afternoon. The update on the pictures that I mentioned during the last post have to wait.

Till then, please pray for me and my family and take care.

God bless.

Kuching, here I come!!!

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.Psalm 62:8 NIV

Woohoo!! My term exam just ended yesterday and I'm coming home this evening. It's just four hours from now until I'm at the airport taking my lunch and waiting for my flight.

Throughout this whole term, I must say that there were many obstacles and challenges that have to be faced and mastered. My recent exam that fell last Saturday and ended yesterday was a little different from the last term one. The questions required the candidate to write a whole lot of steps down on the paper within two hours time. It was indeed quite a rush but I managed to finish the papers on time. Whatever it is, I cannot change the answers I have written but to let God do the rest. I strongly believe that God will lead the way and strengthens anyone who has faith in Him and has a hunger for His Words. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

During my last Christmas post, I didn't really update about what was going on at my church here in Kedah. So I'm gonna put some pictures when I get home to tell you everything(As there are too many pictures, I'll summarize the whole event.)

Before ending this post, I'll would like to introduce you to this song, "Give Me Jesus" by Fernando Ortega- a tribute to Ruth Graham(wife to Billy Graham, the famous Evangelist).

Give Me Jesus - Fernando Ortega

In the morning, when I rise

In the morning, when I rise

In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,

Give me Jesus,

You can have all this world,

But give me Jesus

When I am alone

When I am alone

When I am alone,

give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,

Give me Jesus,

You can have all this world,

But give me Jesus

When I come to die

When I come to die

When I come to die,

give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,

Give me Jesus,

You can have all this world,

You can have all this world,

You can have all this world,

But give me Jesus

So till then, see you guys back home soon!! Totally excited right now!

God bless. Jesus loves you! :-)

Prayer

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5)

I'm having my final exam(starting tomorrow) so I'll be updating my blog only by next Thursday or Friday.

Please pray for me that God will lead and give me strength, wisdom in sitting my exams.

Till then, take care and God bless.

Jesus loves you! :-)

A New Beginning

Isaiah 40:31~ "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!