This time last year: May 15th, 2007 Tuesday 9:30pm.
Cycle Europe Day -1: Malaysian Hall, London.
Had just come back from sending Mum and Dad to Heathrow T3. It was a tad emotional with a little teary eye but nothing obvious. I think I miss them already.
They were here since April 6th, so about 40 days. Spent a lot of time with them driving around Britain. 3 nights at Cirencester hospitable Colin, Joan(?), and Andrew. Slept in Robert’s room. Rich… Ah Keat’s classmate @ U.
Wales was next, drive detoured to Weston Super Mare to see Aunt Siew Onn, who was very happy to see Mum, her schoolmate. Kind enough to insist on buying us lunch even though I had already paid. Possible work in future? Jump aeroplane!!!
1st night in Cardiff YHA, 2nd night in Brecon YHA (next to sheep farm!). Great get-together at Aberdare with Grace (Lee Hui), Jenny (Lee Bin), Jen and the hapless Vincent. Dad enjoyed food and his own drink.
Liverpool next, couldn’t get Lake District. Found Book Keat and took him to Burger King. He took us to Liverpool Cathedral, small little China Town, and some Asian cash and carry. We ourselves went to Albert Docks. Oh, and Boon Keat led us to Anfield too. Boring!
Edinburgh next for 2 nights. Still can’t get Lake District because of bank holiday Monday. YHA Edinburgh Central and Castle Rock Hostel (£13 only, free internet). Latter was better. Saw Edinburgh Castle and walked the Royal Mile. It was Dad’s idea to go see St. Andrews Old Course too. It was OK.
Finally, managed 2 night at YHA Ambleside. Dad liked it a lot, much better that than Windermere YHA. Major breakfast. Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick and Wray Castle (closed). Right next to Windermere Lake for walks.
Manchester stop for Old Trafford Stadium Tour. Coool!!! Spent night at Haworth after visiting Yam in Yeadon where his parents were around as well. Haworth YHA is a Victorian mansion in the South Pennines. Very charming indeed. Blair finally resigned…
Back to London for a few nights at Malaysian Hall to see Tan Tung and Tengku Zarina from Maybank. Great hosts again. Did Greenwich’s GMT, China Town, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral, Maybank London, and earlier, Tower Bridge, they did Westminster Abbey and Parliament on their own.
Had to put up with Mum and Dad’s antics. Dad’s more commanding. Mum’s a listener, ambitious. Dad still had some great ideas up his sleaves. Glad this is over but missing them already. More of the latter.
Told Mum before she left that I’m not as worried as when I first came to the UK when the pressure to adapt to culture, find home and work seemed immense. Now, it’s just a holiday, a nomadic one albeit. Not feeling all excited yet but feel relieved it’s finally here. Almost forgot about Sessions’ Branding and Identity course. That had been the sticking point but finally sent that e-mail requesting for leave of absense. Not much choice for them, huh?
It’s now time for complete dependence upon God. The true meaning of this trip might be an ‘out-of-comfort-zone’ experience since things have started to stagnate. But seeing Mum pray before her meal has made me think how I’ve lost almost all communication with Jesus. An encouragement, managed to find ATM card in computer bag in Crayford, Li’s house. Praise God for that too.
I think it’s time for an increase in faith through hardship. I need to grow, depend more on Him, seeking His providence while being humble about my ’so-called abilities’. Arise, Oh Spirit!!! Praise Him! Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity. Thank you.
I’m reminded today that my offering each week to church has not burdened me at all. Although the devil was playing tricks with me today, thinking how much better if you had all the other cash. Well, away Satan in the name of Jesus. Bible says worry not about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry for itself. Trust in the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. He shall provide and make us “more than conquerors!” Amen.