Birds

Salzburg, Austria

I'm reminded of a phrase that my sister used on me when I did something wrong and try to push the blame to someone else. Not my fault, he asked me to do it!, I said. And the reply would be: "If your friend asked you to jump off a building, would you jump?" And often, it will leave me speechless. To be honest of course the pressure to conform is very strong. With such pressure, maybe it's just right that we subconsciously do what all the others are doing. It can be an excuse as well. We all like to be accepted and to be approved. Today, in the exam hall i thought, why must I do this paper? I'm not going to use what I have learn in future! And I thought my professor would say, you are building up your analytical skill through the course. It is again difficult to argue with this kind of reasoning.

Can we still stand on a single line like the pigeon?

A few weeks ago, I was reflecting on my decision to take up this YEP project to Myanmar. I got acquainted with PPT even before I went to Germany. I couldn't join the team back in June because I had to go for my exchange. Was my decision to lead this team because I wanted to fulfill this wish before I graduate? Was it merely because I wanted to help Rachel in this project? Or was it because I wanted "another Laos, another Nong Duang, another Kii, or another Bayan Tree"? My recee trip to Myanmar gave me a taste of what Myanmar culture is like.I saw Taung Zun (a poor village) and met MyoZhoKhine (A nice Burmese Chap). When I was there I did not know how I could help. I was doubting my own ability - what can I do?

There were many heart-attacking and nerve-wreaking moments - having to struggle to cope with the uncertainty and political instability in Myanmar and with the "ever-law-abidding" administrative procedure with Singapore meant that many reports have to be re-done again and again. The project was faced with a shortage of funds - with no replies from our email to corporate sponsors. I felt that we really needed the funds so that we can build a hostel and sick-bay for Taung Zun. I could just imagine how happy MyoZhoKhine would feel if I were to tell him that we have enough funds for Taung Zun! It was time like these when God really gave me the strength. God was clearly helping me along and clearing any difficulties along the way. Now He even gave us more than sufficient funds for the project! - The story of 5 loaves and 2 fishes came to my mind.

We also met Pastor Patrick. He is a frequent visitor to Yangon; he has about 15 Christian orphanages in Yangon. Now, we can visit these orphanages and do projects there!

I can't wait to see Phyargyi, Taung Zun, MyoZhoKhine and Ko Cho again.