Sawadeekrap.

Finally back to home-soil and experiencing the heat which is really crazy here in Malaysia. It was a great mission trip, I expected the worst to happen which is sleeping in some wooden house, on the wooden floor, with the mosquitoes buzzing around at the ear irritating you to sleep and also sucking your blood. Having meals either in the dark or under the moonlight. Weather would be shivering cold till your bones trembles in the cold. An icy bath in the open area with doors but no rooftops. Well, thankfully those that I described didn't happen. Thank God for that. Except got bitten by the mosquitoes pretty often and it's quite itchy that I have to scratch it often. Overall this mission trip is another trip where the experience I'm going to treasure much. As the various mission trips I go to, I obtain different experience. This is my 5th mission trip but first time to Chiang Rai, Thailand. There was nine of us who went, with Lisa Ping as the team leader and Cheong Wai as my room-mate throughout this trip. At least I can get to know them better. So do hang on as I'm going to bring you thru the trip, which is going to be a long ride, no worries, there would be pictures to soften the ride at least. Will introduce some of the children there who I got to know. Enjoy!

It was an early Sunday morning where I got to wake up at about 4.30am in the morning. It was a a very, very, very rare occasion that I wake up that early. So finalized my luggage and check whether everything is there, cleaned up then head to Church which was the meeting place. about 5.30am we left Church and headed to LCCT Airport. Unloaded the luggage, some which was pretty heavy, went to the counter to check-in the luggage that are needed to be checked in which took quite awhile then headed for breakfast none other than McDonald's. After breakfast we headed to the waiting area and boarded the flight to Bangkok then subsequently to Chiang Rai since there wasn't direct flight to Chiang Rai. The plane journey was smooth, took Air Asia Airbus A320 to Bangkok and Boeing 737 Thai Air Asia to Chiang Rai. Upon reaching Chiang Rai airport which is relatively small with only a single runway when landing the plane had to almost go towards the end of the runway and make a U-turn. Collected the luggage, met up with Ps. Cheah who's the home's head. Some had to sit behind the pick-up truck which was a very good experience for them since here in Malaysia it's illegal to do so. While the rest took the van.

The van ride didn't took that long and we unloaded the huge number of luggage at the hotel or should I say motel where we stayed at for almost 8 days. It looks nice with proper bed and bathroom. There's air conditioning as well. So no torture in sleeping on wooden planks etc. After putting down our luggage, we gathered and headed to Agape Home. Where we are going to minister and mingle around with the children that are there in the home. Currently there's 50 plus children and only 4 workers which includes Ps Cheah as well. So probably you can see or imagine how hard work it is. Age is about 3 the youngest till 18 the oldest. Mostly are orphans where some have quite a dark or sad past or history. When we arrived there almost everyone greeted us with the traditional Thai greeting where the hands are clasped together and put below the chin. So straight away we, the team went to get to know the children. Played badminton with them while some see what they have in their store since we're going to cook dinner for them. They had long beans so we cooked long beans from them. After eating we mingled with the children and headed back to rest and prepare for the next day. For the next few days we cooked lunch and dinner for the children. Uncle Poy Sin was the cook for the mission trip so all the meals were cooked by him and were greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the children and also us, the mission team as well.

Next day is where the lessons started which went on for about four days or so. Each team member taking turns to teach on various topics. Some taught in the morning while some took the night session. For me I taught at the night, which is the evening session. And taught about "Hearing the voice of God". It was quite a nice lesson to teach on as I use my dad's illustration on the three beacon lights and i used the candles as a tool to illustrate the story. We covered topics like "The Father Hart of God", "Tree of Life" and so on. During the first lesson while Lisa was teaching I followed for marketing and went to various places buying the necessities for the kitchen and not leaving the food, meat, vegetables. About 60 plus of us in total and you can imagine how big amount of food we have to buy. The place we buy which is called "Big C" certainly had a high profit for a few days since we bought quite a lot of pork and things from them. Carrying them was quite an effort at least it's like some exercise I'd say. In this trip I really cut out the shyness I have and just have fun along with the children dancing along with them with the action songs and making it funny most of the times. Oh well, at least I'm doing for God and not unto men.

One of the day after the lesson on Evangelism some of the older ones went along with us sort of on a field trip to the Akha tribe place and visit. This time I sat behind of the pick-up truck. Thank God it didn't rain if not I would be soaking wet like anything. But no doubt I was darker quite a bit after that ride since there isn't any covering and the wind just kept blowing on my face. Quite a nice one to me. And the journey took an hour and a half to go and the same amount of time to get back. We did stopped by Big C to have our dinner and dessert though. At the tribal village we saw how God's work is working through various people. Saw PJ Methodist Church members there helping up in a Church for medical check-up. Quite a small world it is where we can meet our own people. Ps. Phang who was the person in charge, he is man of vision as he planted about 27 Churches around the area. Have a school that provides to those who have very low income for free. He has a tea plantation which is huge in terms of the land. Spacious indeed, we saw the guest house on top a hill which required four wheel drive vehicle to get there. I admire that man's vision that the income from the tea he will use it to do God's work. currently now he is searching for tea masters who would help in order to bring out the best out of the tea leaves on when is the right time to harvest the leaves and so on. Much process and things to do. After that we headed downhill to meet up with the rest. Not leaving the journey to the village we can see beautiful scenery indeed.

I forgot to mention that the ration of girls are higher than boys in the home. So the boys there are kinda shy and would not speak that much. But as we get to know them they would speak up more a little. The kitchen only have one stove and it's relatively quite okay in terms of space is concerned. So this is the place where 50 plus mouths are to be fed everyday. If they go to school only dinner is cooked. I think probably breakfast as well. This home had gone through a lot. Ups and downs and some children who are the long experienced the pain they went through. Not an easy one really. So along the trip we did visit the that massage which was quite a torture for me since I'm all bones and less flesh. Went to the night market as well, tasted fried crickets and silk worms. One day we have a cleaning up session where we cleared up those wheats, grass, while the girls learn how to bake and the older guys did the cementing for the soon to be fish pond. Cementing is not one easy job. The others would surely agree on that as it requires skills to do so.

Saw two bunnies there at the home, the brown one was pretty cute but unfortunately few days before we left it died. Don't know what was the reason though. They eat kangkung that was planted at the home everyday. Overdose of that perhaps? But then the white one is still alive. The boys had one boys time where they learnt about sex and also BGR from a married man which is none other than Patrick Lim. We had language barrier so sometimes nothing much can be done but to just draw out. You get what I mean. If want to communicate with them, for the lessons we have a translator who will do the translation if not we have to use sign language or simple English. So that was how was communicated to the children there. Quite interesting how we communicate at times and can understand each other somehow or rather. What else we did there? We did visit 7-11 very often to get chips and drinks. The 7-11 there I can say is much better than our local one. This si because over there has toast, burger, instant rice and some other instant food. Over here I think we have instant mee only.

This is Mozi or also known as Moses. He's currently three years old (I think). He's one of the favourites among the team members. He does has his moods at times. There was various funny moments. He has a sad past where he got kidnap and was hidden in the cave for five days with the monks. I wonder what went through but I'm sure he was traumatized by the incident. He's a sweet boy, when he is sleepy he would just either sleep on the bench or during the session sleep in a "praying" position. Before I figured out he was sleeping, the first time I saw him on the position I thought he was praying but then when the session ended when those other children woke him up, with his have open eyes staring blurly and at times cried because being awoken from sleep. Nice child to know and mix with.

Had the opportunity to play the floating lantern where it function like a hot air balloon, it's a paper like structure when lit something at the bottom of it after awhile when the hot air are dense it would float. Similar to the one we have here in Malaysia. The children there are every attentive, they really hunger and take heart the Word of God. I feel touched of their hunger for the Word. Mostly took down notes and I do see lots of potentials in them. Though they may have experience lots of not so pleasant things but still their heart for God never changes and it longs for more of Him. How I wish this attitude is within our local Church's youth or children. At times when we have to go through trials and problems do we get back to our longing for Him attitude. Oh well, I pray that it wont need to be that way.

They're Cinta and Dao. Both are sisters. Dao joined the home later than Cinta as she was from another home and somehow with arrangements made they manage to get back together. They have the leadership potential as Cinta is one of the oldest there and she can play the guitar and sing and also to lead the children in worship as well. While Dao is catching up like her sister learning. For her age now, she looks pretty tall.

Towards the end of the mission trip, I think all the children there had special presentations. The younger ones to the older ones. Some choreographed by themselves and idea generated themselves and some taught by our translator who taught them how to dance. They are quite fast learners. Because Andrew taught them keyboard and they manage to pick up the lessons pretty quick and well. amazing learning skills they have. Everyone preformed their very best, having their own uniformity in terms of their dressing. It was a job well done and the presentations are good indeed. Well planned and executed not leaving the funny parts as well. Our team did shadow play on the story of Jonah, too bad no pics were taken. It was fun to have the shadow play. Of course before the trip we had a schedule but it's a schedule that is open for changes and it serves like a guideline only. We didn't follow strictly on it but follow the flow and be open for changes.

This is Nake (I hope I did get her name right). I think she can hear but can't speak. She always smiles. Though with the communication barrier there is, through sign languages able to communicate a little. At times I have no idea what she wants to talk. Can't decode what she was trying to say. Overall she can learn the action songs easily of course. And in her own special way with God's help to be able to live on with His faithfulness towards her.

As the days passes by in a middle level speed sometimes it felt very fast someyimes it felt it was quite slow. Lessons taught, food tasted, friendship obtained and treasured. It was time to bid goodbye. It was a Sunday night where we had the last time together as a whole since the next day most of them have to go to school except for those who are special ones (You get what I mean) We had the night where those presentations took place, the lantern and also pasta for dinner which was enjoyed by the children very much. I did missed my opportunity to play football with one of the boy there. Too bad for me. Took pictures, took down e-mails, some last time fellowship. It was quite a mixed feeling when things just sort of got started and it had to end quite soon, just get to know more aboutthis guy whose name is Geroge. He helped us with our luggage along with Peter when we arrived at the airport. As days passes by, I observed he is quite a discipline person except I was amazed when the last day he sort of went cheeky a bit a played with Lisa. When it was prayer time he prayed very fervently. I wonder in my mine since he was praying in Thai, what is he praying about anyway? I did cry once when I was praying for him. I was indeed touched by his discipline and attitude. Even in songs and praise he dance along. Everyone danced along and sang along. He's hardworking and obedient. He obeys instructions given and finishes them without any procrastination. This is one character I do admire a lot. I can understand him quite a bit since he's those who's quite quiet and shy. I manage to visit his room and it was way cleaner than the others. He has few younger ones under his care where he has to washed the younger ones laundry and his energy level during school time does goes down since he's invloved in those bicycle sort of training witht he other boys as well. I do pray for him that he will continue to hang on there and do all he can, his best for God's glory and never give up.

I can say this mission trip was a mission success. We can see what imprted to them are accepted with willing and open hearts. Everyone are special in the eyes of God whatever the circumstnaces they went through. I trust those things they went through are to mold them and to build tem up to be stronger in their trust towards God. Not only that but to fully rely on Him to provide and son on. Another nice experience obtained from this trip and I do long to go back there again someday to see the fruits we imparted multiplied and sown to many other hearts as well. Some of us stayed back in Bangkok but due to the flight delay we could not spend much time there. Only had one mild shopping spree, before that had dinner with Dai & Adie and headed to the Christian guest house to rest. The following day headed to the airport and headed back to homeland Malaysia.

Job well done team members, it was great serving alongside with you all in cooking, in buying groceries, in lessons, in laughter etc. We do have our own story to tell to others. And you who are reading this, go for a mission trip and you will be impacted in a special way. Ignore where are oyu going to stay be it good or bad place since we are at the mission field to bless the people. May God bless Chiang Rai and its people. I do notice that Thai people really honor their king since I can see his picture and also the queen's where ever I go. Not bad indeed in terms for patriotic.

Mission Possible

Hello, I guess some of you may know that I'll be leaving for Thailand (Chiang Rai) for Missions Trip tomorrow. I'll be there from the 19th-28th of October. Tomorrow's flight will be at 8.25am. And I'll be reaching the KL LCCT approximately 3.40pm on the 28th. Do remember to keep us (the team) in prayer..!

Youth Leaders Retreat

From the 3rd till 5th of October 2008, the Youth force leadership had a retreat to Port Dickson. Rented a corner double story house which is equipped with cooking utensils, pots, pans and even bbq things as well. Not leaving the number of mattresses needed to sleep. Girls occupied the top while us guys occupied the living hall by laying out the mattresses. Though I have to say when in the wee hours in the night, it does get cold. Cold that most of us either curl ourselves like prawns or something else. It was indeed a nice, enjoyable trip. With plenty of food to eat, nice ones I'd say. Certainly a retreat trip to remember. So the trip went like this:

We met up in Church seemingly at 11.30 am on 3th Oct but as usual, due to some complicated issues delayed 30 mins and we left at 12pm instead. About four cars went on the early section while about two more came in the evening that day. We stopped by at Seremban to have our lunch at a beef noodles stall. Food was ok but so-so to me, after that we adjourn to get the curry chicken bread and then went to buy the famous Seremban siew pau. Then we headed to Port Dickson. Rested and waited for the rest to come. While waiting we had our steamboat dinner which has lots of vegetables, fishballs, meatballs and so on. Not leaving the homemade chili sauce which was well praised by the eaters.

After eating, cleaning up the dishes and some went to bathe, some stayed at the living hall to watch "Amazing Grace" the movie while others were at the dining hall there playing games. More like vocabulary games. After the movie the ones who were playing games came over to the living hall as there's air conditioning there and continued playing. That time I went to bathe and joined in the game after I bathed. There were almost 30 of us who were at the retreat though, quite a large amount I'd say. We walked to the beach which was on high tide that time, got a glimpse of it as it was really dark and headed back to the house. After that we all headed to sleep (Well, some of them still talked till don't know what time). Next day came, some woke up while some were still sleeping. Jen Ric was the chef of the trip. He cooked for breakfast, bbq-ed the wings. Not everyone had breakfast. We had our own service there with Ps. Mike preaching and also took communion there.

After that we got to fill up some evaluation form about youth force then got ready to go for lunch and then head towards Bayu Beach Resort to view the campsite and also to play at the beach there (which is definitely cleaner there). Previous time I wasn't there during the last youth camp as I was in the other part of the world and it was the tsunami period where it struck other Asian countries with significant damage. Anyway, the campsite looks good, with the various things they provide such as we are able to use the lighting there (colour spot lights) for free and I think there would be lights off during the worship session. Then it's going to be a fun time using the lighting system there. Yay!! But then an extra job for me. Can't wait to do that for youth camp. Ballroom's big, rooms are good shape. Now all we need is campers to fill up the place. So you know what to do, sign UP for youth camp!!

Done checking all the rooms and asking questions to the person in charge there then we had our leisure time at the beach. Some played volleyball, some even did their homework or assignments there (Which is ok but then crazy at the same time) some flew kite, some went to the sea while some just relax under the beach umbrella. Volleyball was hard to play if we were to follow strictly on the rules. It was fun afterall. Then some went for banana boat which we need to fall overboard for about three times as it's cornering and the G-force took the lead and threw as all into the sea but then of course to the shallow waters since some don't know how to swim. It was fun but at the same time my specs lens broke because of the impact when I fell into the sea. I took off by specs thinking by holding it would be okay. Didn't have the thought it would be that bad sort of impact that holding it would be disastrous. After that, being drenched went to the beach and with the sun and heat get dried up. Not very much but considerably okay then joined in for captain ball, long time didn't play that game, it was fun but at the same time crazy as the opposing team girls were crazy and they do what they can to fight for the ball and I eventually ended my self having some scratches on my legs. To Beatrice just to clarify- it's not a nice feeling as so many "heavy" people where stacking on one poor fellow below as the ball was below him (which is me). Madness I would that was.

After some time more we cleaned ourselves up and headed back to the house to bathe and then go for our bbq dinner which was good and delicious. Had really a nice meal as the food there were overwhelming that some of it were saved for next day's breakfast. Everyone enjoyed their dinner very much and had fun bbq-ing. Done with the cleaning up, everyone gathered around and had a sharing session which was good. Sharing lasted quite awhile and then off we went to bed (as usual some slept late). Next morning, this time more people slept later as mostly slept late. With blur eyes, faces some went for breakfast. Do packing of luggage to be put into the car since it was the day we all have to go back. Dreads it was. Done packing up and cleaning up, headed to our respective cars and off we go, most went to buy siew pau at another area while the car I'm in headed straight back to Cheras. Thanks for those who made this retreat possible and I bet everyone had a blast of a time there in Port Dickson. Hope next year we can go back there again. And this time perhaps can stay longer? Lolz...

Relieved.

Phew... Always wondering what are they going to be like, whether would there be any results that would lead to a re-sit. Anyway, those moments and times of anguish came to pass and my exam results were not bad I'd say. Thought I would at the most flop on my Chinese paper since it was quite a killer paper and I was super rusty on that as it was like one or two years ago since I wrote or studied that? Thank God for the results. With the remaining holidays till the end of the year I can at last, or at least work in peace and not be frust on the results. At the most I would frust about is that when or how am I going all the way to uni, get the result slip and come all the way back home. That's pure madness I'd say. Think I'd collect it when the new semester starts. Heh....

Some Updates.

Guess it has been some time ago since I last updated. So here we go again for some updates. More like articles with various columns. Anyway, currently I'm on my 3 months long holiday which is the only once of this long period in my entire two and a half years in university. After this, the rest of the holidays would be about 3 weeks long the max. Oh well, that time only would sulk about it then. Final exams were pretty okay, just that one or two papers where a little bit challenging. Will see how I fared when the results are out (which I have no idea when are they going to come out). Seems that my schedule during my holidays (which don't quite seem like holidays already due to that I'm working during that time to earn some money since I'm really running dry on cash). Going to start work tomorrow in Church office, what work I'm going to do? No idea for now. I chose to work in church because that's the only place I can find and think of who can give me some flexibility in working time.

This is because I planned to go for a mission trip to Thailand from 19th till 28th of October. Then there will be various seminars, conferences such as the missions conference, vacation bible school. Not leaving the camps like HUGE camp and youth camp. It was some time ago since I last attended HUGE camp though and I don't think I would have the opportunity to attend it anytime sooner than next 2-3 years? So with all these plans ahead, guess I have to work in church afterall. If not it's impossible that I could go to all those events etc. Come to think of it, I should have started work on October instead of tomorrow which is the last week of September. At least I can enjoy some of the holidays. too bad I already made my plans and told my superior. Sighs...

I can't wait to go for the mission trip. As it was few years back since I last joined a mission trip. Preparation to go there is quite an interesting one as I'm going to teach some lessons there. Maybe get to play football with the children there which is sure going to be a fun one. Much to look forward to as I've never been to that place before. So can't imagine how would it be like. Andrew's going to be there and probably going to be in the same room for about 10 days? Oh boy... God have mercy... Hope you guys can keep us in prayer as we do much need it. Youth camp, I'm one of the committee, first time being one. Can feel how is the planning, meetings, preparation being done to make sure that the camp do go on smoothly and everyone at the camp have a wonderful and splendid time there getting to fellowship and not leaving to get renewed in God.

There's still going to be Christmas, heard there would be carolling. Might go to some hotels and sing there. I wonder if there would be any live band since we can set up one. Plus another Christmas production, but I don't think it's going to be as big scale as last year's one. I'm not in the committee this time. Just going to help out only. Phew, really it's going to be one packed up 3 months and I don't quite see when I can just relax and be a lazy bum. Think my parents would be not that happy to see be lazing around like that. And I need to raise up finance to go for the mission trip. Anyone want to give me any love offering? =P (I hope can get some cash instead of presents for my b'day though) ^^

30= more days till going to be a time to commemorate 21 years of my life here on earth. An anniversary I'd say. Hmm.... What can I say? It's an interesting 21 years for sure. Can't imagine last time how I wonder what would I be at this time. Some were quite unexpected though... So I would be working till end of the year, after that a short break in January then it would be back to university with my studies, assignments, mid terms, finals... Dreads... What to do? This is called life. But at least there's Abba Father watching over me and assisting me whenever I'm in trouble.

Guess that's abut it for updates, Should be able to update this blog of mine pretty often hopefully. If I can think what exactly to type about. See you all around.

Relax & Enjoy.

Movie Review- Money No Enough 2.

Just watched Jack Neo's latest movie- Money No Enough 2 with my family. Movie overall was good but the CGI effects are still Asian standard. The realistic feel is not there. Probably due to the budget constraint that's why... There are laughs as well as emotional scenes in this movie, so do bring tissue paper along with you if you're soft at heart. I almost did cry but manage to just hang in there. This movie touches on the various aspects in terms of the government in S'pore of how they collect toll money for roads or highways, financial issues as well as family issues which includes the older folk. Of what may or usually happen to an elderly person who may be put to an old folks home by their own children and so on.

As for the plot, it's a continuation sequel from the first one which revolves three brothers after 10 years how's their life so far, their career on how successful they are and the conflict they face with their family when financial crisis struck. The sacrifice made by their loved ones. Besides that, their aged old mother who still stores money in the biscuit tin. How her sacrifice towards her sons by borrowing them her lifetime savings (which she don't expect them to return) since her sons are each facing the financial difficulty. And how she in her old age face the various illnesses such as diabetics, forgetful etc.

Her sons face the dilemma on how and who to take care of their mother, though they each tried taking turns to take care of her which ended her sleeping in the kitchen, storage room and so on. They do not see her sadness (because she hid her feelings). Eventually they decided to send her to the old folks home which resulted her being admitted to the hospital because of the grief and the high blood pressure the three sons' mother has.

In the end, sacrifice made by their mother when a complicated situation arose. To save the brother's daughter who's a teen or their mother. (this is due to the lack of blood supply in the hospital) The mother took out her life support machine and off she goes. (In short died) Plenty of moral values can be learnt from this movie. It do applies to us Malaysians as well because sometimes we may tend to have this want to get rich the easy way, to get a good job position the easy way. But the fact is that everything needs to have a step at a time. Start from bottom to the top and do not be easily fooled by what people say.

To sum it up, do go and enjoy watching this movie =) In your nearest theaters today~!!

Assignments- Completed.

*Mission Impossible Soundtrack at the foreground* Assignments..... A frill that one will face during the lifespan in college or in university. Which can make some people go nuts, some people crazy or no effects. Or should I say numb? Anyway, my wave of assignments just ended today about 1200 hours GMT. It's crazier than I last anticipated it in college. It's like frantically finishing the work given minutes away from the deadline and sprinting off to the venue to submit in the work.

Though it was only four subjects that I'm taking due to some other subject I was exempted since I took them while I was in college and those I got to take which I missed out during the first semester which I skipped. Assignment difficulty was fare-ly okay but there was sub, dividers of other work to do= extra work in short.

To make things a little nutcase, sometimes it's the group work that matters the most. If one procrastinates, everyone does the same and just take own sweet time. If everyone works as a team, probably can finish on time. Since it's my first time joining groups and being new to the class, now I know who to work with in the future. Overall it was not that bad. New experience I'd say. Hope the next semester would not be as bad as this one. Or else am so going to be dead meat for sure. Hehe. Now left finals on the way then it will be a rewarding three months holiday. Can't wait for that since there's quite a number of things, events up ahead...

Tags, Tagged.

The rules and regulations:

1. Each player of this game starts off with 15 weird things/ habits/ little known facts about yourself.
2. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 15 weird things/ habits/ little known facts as well as state this rule clearly.
3. At the end, you need to choose 10 people to be tagged and list their names.
4. No tags back......

Before I start, I would clarify that rule #3 doesn't apply to me since it would require quite some brain power to think. Which in turn mostly would go to waste as doubt-ly those people would reply. And so here goes....

1. I can be a very shy guy.
2. I eat a lot.
3. But can't gain much weight.
4. I rarely gel my hair.
5. I don't eat durians.
6. I can tend to be stingy at times.
7. I have a romantic side.
8. Kick my leg while I'm sleeping. (Unknowingly- dead serious)
9. I gobble up my food at times.
10. Rub my eyes quite often.
11. Can be mischievous.
12. I have six pairs of goalkeeper gloves. (mostly worn out already)
13. I like to cook.
14. I can blankly stare at something for a long time.
15. I have never been to TGI Fridays. (In my lifetime thus far)

So that's my side of weird things, habits, little known facts about me. Hope it won't surprise you or stun you at least. Probably may laugh your heads off I presume. Oh well...

The Games Are On!

Friday, August 8th marks the 29th summer Olympic games in Beijing. For me I don't bother much on the auspicious date but I anticipated what Beijing had installed for the opening ceremony which was mind blowing I'd say since wasn't much information on what presentations that are going to take place. And so the opening ceremony was a display of supremacy on manpower in terms of the many participants who were part of the many presentations. Choreography, pyrotechnics, display system and even the lighting of the torch. Thumbs up for them with the amazing display of fireworks, performances and not leaving the pumped up energy of those sort of cheer leaders when the parade of athletes for 200+ nations took place. Cheering for an hour and a half does takes loads of energy for sure.

Besides the amazing performances, everyone in the opening ceremony did a great job of keeping the tidiness, I mean I don't quite being able to see any error. Everything was like in an orderly manner, neat indeed and not leaving colourful as well. The countdown was already a blast with performers beating the "fou" drums with LED lights flashing from the drums and the shouts from the performers are eye opening. Does make people glue to the tv wondering what would they do next. Think next summer Olympics in London certainly the London organizing committee is feeling the heat+pressure on how their performance would be. Probably all soccer premier league club appearances perhaps?

So the games kicked off already and we'll see who'll rule the gold medals list. Probably China would be leading since they have a large array of athletes for the various categories and I can imagine the pressure on the athletes of their vigorous training prior to the games. Since some of their training could be kind of brutal at times. But what to do? Image is at stake. Everyone one had to train their best in order to perform their best and having the gold medal as their reward. Recognition, reward that would have fame for their families, coaches, academy they're from and so on. So far China at this moment is leading with 9 gold medals and startlingly South Korea with four gold medals. Hmm.... Amazing one for Korea. USA is sure going to catch up.

What's it going to be for the closing ceremony? I just wonder. One more week plus ahead to see what's installed. Certainly the handover ceremony is going to be quite spectacular hopefully seeing some English culture dance or exposure perhaps? We'll see about that. Thus the theme for the Olympics this time is "One World, One Dream" where everyone wish that peace would prevail and the unity among all would be amplified throughout the world.

Above it all, of how God's creativity can out beat what was shown at the opening ceremony. Since He created the heaves and the earth as well as us human beings and also the different races around the world. That His name would be glorified throughout every corner of the world. He, Jesus Christ will be magnified and be known to all. Boundaries to be broken and the gospel seed be planted forth to people's hearts and lives. As everyone now is hoping for peace in their respective countries. To have love for each other, unity among other nations, to have the sufficient finance to go through life and so on. Well, who else besides God who's the provider to provide, sustain and to give. That's what I call it the real Olympics and the theme which can be changed to "One world, One Purpose" that His name can be lifted up high.

And so may the best athlete win for this time's Olympics.....