Thursday, December 31, 2009

A year in review

What a good way to end the year! I finally completed my manuscript. Well, at least I hand it for editing and review.

It’s good to take off the burden from the shoulder….

Anyway, looking back the whole year, I must thank God, how can I thank Him enough, for everything.

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This year started with a bang for me. For first, I hand in my PhD thesis last December and in January, I am applying for job everywhere. However, God arrange is a special way. He brought someone into my life which I never know nor heard before. I was introduced to an ex-National Museum director, a professor from US (actually two, husband and wife) and another from Oxford University. We end up collaborating with them.

After the initial meeting, I was offered to do my post doctorate in Penn State University over in Hershey, PA, in February. We pray over it and I talk to various one of the offer, in particular my  grandfather.  My wife went over to Los Banos, Phillipines in February too and it is the longest time that we are apart since we got married in 2007. Towards the end of February, actually on the 27th, I was called for my viva to defend my PhD thesis. Added a title to my name and now offically a Dr.

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March went by doing some minor editing for my thesis. I received the official offer letter to work in US too. Attended the CZone camp and have a blast there.

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Attended the GLN conference in Singapore and have another wonderful time.

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We have our biggest Easter March event in April and we march around Kajang town and proclaims that Jesus is Alive and He reign in the town. We also pray for the town safety and prosperity!

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I hand in my final bind copy my thesis to the university in May and finally lifted all the burden I carry for the last 6 years. Finally… I was also hospitalized in May because of dengue but then, God’s hand is upon me!

In June, I have another first in my life. First time, I travel to the US. First time I actually gone that far and spending about 3 weeks there. Again, this is the longest time apart from my wife.

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In July, we travelled to Beijing for conference and spend about 8 days there. Attended the conference and visited the Forbidden City, Bird Nest, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and other various places. Travelled in a bullet train for the first time too.

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Come August, I attended my long awaited graduation ceremony. I finally can wear my ‘mushroom’ hunter’s hat and red robe. Felt like Harry Potter!

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September, October and November went by smoothly without anything major. In October, CZone have a great worship concert and again, its awesome to be soaking in the presence of God.  All the time, I am working and travelling to various places in Malaysia to visit Orang Asli villages.

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In November, we celebrated our 2 years of marriage anniversary. God is good and blessing us with a wonderful marriage.

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December came by quickly and have a great Christmas and now anticipating another great New Year 2010.

Looking back, I never expected to leave the country or even working overseas. However, God always has His plan and throw surprises into our life.

What could I say, if you have tasted His wonderful blessing and goodness, you will wait and anticipate for more!

Look back and thank God,

Look forward and trust God,

Look around and serve God,

Look within and find God!

 

Oh…did I mention I have completed my manuscript?

 

Blessed New Year!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Cameron Highlands

I loved cool places. I had always find Malaysian weather is too hot for my liking. So, everytime there is a chance, I will love to go for a break in the mountains, but with the limitation of choices, there are only a few which we can really go to.

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I love Cameron Highlands in Pahang. This place is just wonderful to relax, unlike Genting Highlands if you want excitement!

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In Cameron Highlands, there are few townships with Ringlet at the lowest and Brinchang among the highest. There are other higher town but Brinchang is the will be the best for tourist as other don't have hotels.

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Cameron is famous for its tea garden, strawberry farm and also various cactus valley and rose gardens. Other than that, you can also find bee garden and butterfly park.

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You can visit their strawberry park and pick your own strawberry. Apart from that, you can find fresh broccoli and other vegetables too.

IMG_1221 I always visit their rose gardens. Here they have more than just roses. There are so many types of flowers which are so nice that you can stroll in. This particular Rose Garden at Brinchang will takes you about 2 hours of slow walk and hike if you slowly enjoy the surrounding.

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There are so many nice places for you to visit. Another will the be Agro park. Here you can find fresh vegetables for you to buy.

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Apart from the fresh vegetables, this place offers you a variety of cactus and flowers which you can see and buy.

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They also have apple trees and grapes. However, these are not for sale and you can only view the apple tree from the fencing they put up.

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I will also strongly recommend for you to visit the Tea Garden. Sg Palas tea garden has an amazing view. This is where BOH have their plantation. BOH has 3 tea plantation here. The other two are BOH plantation and also Bkt Cheding.

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This place has one of the most amazing scenery in Cameron Highlands. You can also visit their processing factory where they ferment and dry their tea leaves before sending for processing in Shah Alam.

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In Cameron Highlands, you can also visit the Orang Asli settlement. The Semai are found here.

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So, now you know where to go next for your local destination.

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For more info on Cameron Highlands, you can visit their website.

More pictures for you to enjoy.

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