Next Thursday will be my one year anniversary with the International Rescue Committee as a full-time staff. Time just whizzed past me. I realized I never even got around to writing an entry on my journey from funemployment to getting a job, or from pursuing design to engaging in the field of social services. I looked back on my posts and saw that I had documented my feelings of discouragement and frustration in the job search process through a song called "stuck in Taipei" 困在台北, and then... my blog became notoriously known for its MASSIVE entries :) looks like I completely skipped out on some pretty big life decisions, blessings and grace that I have experienced since then (in the job context)! But, I will revisit those experiences on July 5, 2012 and share them with the few of you who may be reading.
In my near one year with the IRC, I surprisingly did not experience too much stress, considering how much we deal with clients. However, recently I've experienced two waves of it, one in which I cannot disclose due to confidentiality issues, and the other more recent one is due to the lack of capacity to help the amount of clients who are currently enrolled in our programs. I am looking forward to playing some sports this weekend to relieve myself, maybe doodle a picture or two.
We have a very mixed and unique client base, probably enough to cover all extremes. The rich, the poor. The highly educated, the ones who have never gone through formal education. The lazy, the hardworking. The grateful, the annoying and demanding. The torture survivors, the happy dandies who have no problem returning to their home countries if life gets too hard in America. The list goes on. However, helping those who truly need the service is extremely, extremely difficult in this city. Job opportunities are already scarce, let alone securing an actual job! Stress. Stress. Stress. Anytime something involves another person's life and well being, or even survival = STRESS!
You really get a glimpse of reality, much of which is out of our control. Bureaucracy. Incompetent, mean case workers from, elsewhere. The hundreds and thousands of cash-based, tax-evading businesses that obviously work in contrary to what we want and must place our clients in. I am terribly afraid of referring clients to massage parlors / nail and hair salons in fear of the oft-too common shady business that goes on behind those doors, yet those are jobs that a portion of our clients want to do or are working towards, or resorted to due to the lack of opportunities or relevant experience from their home country. LIFE it is. Worse yet, they do not even have it that bad here compared to many parts of the world!
Yet there is the occasional glimmer of hope and heart-warming words and actions that come from our clients. Here is something I recently received via email from a client:
"说实放，我真的好感动，谢谢你，这么晚了还给我发消息，
在美国，有了你们这样的朋友自己才感觉不到孤单"
"truth is, I'm really touched. Thank you for sending me this information even though it is so late. Because I have friends like you guys here in the U.S., I feel a lot less lonely"
Nothing boast-worthy on our end really, but nonetheless encouraging and affirming that despite the minimal service we can offer, it is somehow still making a positive impact on someone's life. I'm actually not quite sure why the email was sent so late because I definitely did not stay up till 3am to send it! Ha.
There are others who are overcome by episodes of anxiety, tantrums, unreasonable fits... yet their lives speak of a perseverance and resilience that I greatly respect and wish I had even more of, as a Christian especially!
I remember several of our clients who came as free cases straight from an African refugee camp (no family here, no friends, barely any language capacity, if any at all) and the few that remained and lived together, one worked day and night shifts on a pay only slightly higher than minimum wage to survive, and covered rent for his "friend" whom he actually met at the refugee camp and had no family relations with. Talkin' about being sacrificial!
Those are probably some of the reasons why I enjoy my job despite the stress and sometimes mental take-home-workload. It has its rewards, but it is definitely a sobering reminder that as humans, we are very limited. Humanitarian work can really only go so far, and I know that ultimately, only Christ can offer lasting hope, joy, and peace that even a good life here in America cannot fulfill. It breaks my heart to hear of people suffering, getting beaten by cops for beliefs that ultimately do not lead to the one true God. It breaks my heart to see many coming to the U.S. not only for protection, but obsessively in search of the American dream that is not eternal (Matt 6:19-21).
I am still learning and exploring how to speak and act in a manner that is Gospel saturated in the context of social services. Many non-Christians in the non-profit sector, in fact most of them are not, are overflowing with love, care, and passion for people and various causes, but from a client's point of view, what distinguishes the Christian case worker from the love, care, and sacrifice of a non-Christian service provider?
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Therapeutical.
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| Classical Musicians Everywhere, London |
- raising the roof - ISSA SHORT ENTRY! pat pat to myself.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale
It has already been three weeks or so since I've watched Seediq Bale and like always, I've had this half-written post sitting in my drafts for an equivalent length of time. This has got to be the first film I've seen in theaters presented in Japanese and Seediq with Chinese and English subtitles! The Seediqs are one of the aborigine groups in Taiwan, by the way. Usually, I do not write movie critiques. Actually I do not think this is even considered a movie critique, but I felt compelled to let out some circulating thoughts and images that are just about to cause my head and heart to explode. Slight exaggeration.
Underlying this movie, even in its epic, bloody glory, stands the seemingly overdone plot of a nationalistic-fueled war against unruly oppressors. Sad to say, (or is it?) it is the cliche fend-for-your-honor, gone-with-the-intruders plot, easily recognizable in other movies like Avatar? 300? Go a little further back, Pocahontas? What is sadder is that this type of plot has somehow become dull and "un-epic" because of overuse throughout the years. Not only that, each culture seemed to have adopted its own version of it! I wonder why people watch these movies: the acting? the action? While the general plot is completely predictable, Seediq Bale was yet another striking reminder of the sad historical brutality of imperialism that has at one point or another, made its gruesome mark all. over. this vast land we call earth. In fact, it has been such a prominent issue that people have been able to produce a multitude of movies based on the exact same theme in the context of their own culture. Perhaps some may find it uninteresting and way too predictable, but I think for those who have gone through such oppression, or are somehow well-acquainted with the history of their own kind, a theatrical performance like that of Seediq Bale could potentially speak semi-factually and emotionally on what has been silenced for years. Maybe, just maybe, doing those individuals the slightest justice in a matter that can never actually be reversed or mended.
Though it is heart-wrenching for me to put myself in the shoes of, in this case, the Sadeeqs, I cannot, in reality, fully comprehend the pains of what they have been through (as with other victims of imperialism). As a culturally somewhat confused individual, I do not know what it feels like to love a country, to be loyal to one culture, or to love my whatever "group" to the point of sacrificing myself in some glorious... battle, especially one that ultimately leads to a bloody death. Nationalist pride is somewhat of a foreign concept to me and would probably remain that way for the rest of my life.
Perhaps the one aspect I can identify with more is the internal conflict of one character in the movie. I am not sure where I am going with this, and I do not know whether I can even draw a conclusion, but it was interesting and thought provoking to say the least. This character, by blood a Seediq, but raised as a Japanese, pretty much served as a mediator, by will, between the Japanese military and Seediqs to ease the tension. However, when the uprisings occurred, he was conflicted to the depths of his soul and essentially copped out by killing his wife, his baby boy, and himself. Perhaps I used "cop out" too lightly and had undermined the pain of such internal conflict, but it happened. What was interesting is that he helped the Seediqs in obtaining the weaponry they would need for the battle and even endangered his wife in the process. However, in the end, he committed seppuku, a noble, prideful, yet brutal suicidal method of the Japanese. Talkin' about an identity crises...
Unfortunately, since it has been almost a month, my initial emotions and thoughts kind of faded, which is why I usually try to seize the moment and spill them out - failed attempt this time around. But I suppose I will share what's left of them in regards to this movie.
I only learned after watching the movie that I had watched the condensed theatrical version of it. It was originally split into two parts, just like Red Cliff (but of course, it's John Woo). Part I is entitled "The Flag of Sun" and Part II, "Crossing the Rainbow", which stood out significantly to me. The rainbow bridge apparently is an important part of the Seediq culture and belief. The bottom line is that the rainbow bridge serves as a connection between life on earth to the heavenly hunting grounds, as the Seediqs are characterized by fearless hunting and decapitating. Yes, you heard me, decapitation was abundant in the movie. The Seediqs had some mind-blowing willingness to sacrifice: loose-loose situation in the fight against the Japanese, the women's unselfish suicides to relieve their husbands and sons of the burden of food and worry... not uncommon I suppose for such a cause. However, what was most gripping for me was when the women who were preparing for mass suicide said "we'll be waiting for you at the other end of the rainbow bridge". Why? They were all sacrificing for a noble cause, I guess, but at the end of the day, there is no rainbow bridge, there is no heavenly hunting grounds, and they will not be reunited with each other after crossing the supposed rainbow bridge. No, as much as I wish it were untrue, their sacrifices were ultimately in vain. That, brought quite some grief. Somehow, this seeming momentary passion, care, and heart break for the lost always manages to dwindle to a fear of man once snapped back into reality. However, the current state of the lost is no different than that of the Seediqs, right? I hope the weightiness I felt when watching the movie would, with the Spirit's empowerment, manifest itself in my interaction with unsaved friends, family, and strangers.
Interestingly enough, I stayed at a "Home stay" (民宿) called "Crossing the Rainbow Bridge" when I visited Taroko Gorge in Taiwan last December and learned of the significance of well, crossing the rainbow bridge, from the owner, who was an aborigine of Tai Lu Ge tribe! The Tai Lu Ge people share many similarities in culture, language, and beliefs with the Seediqs. By the way, I highly recommend this home stay if you ever visit the area. I also have the contact for our taxi-tour guide. He was a superb individual. We also recently bought some green tea grown in Wu She 務社 - only the location of the "Wushe incident" in which the entire "The Flag of Sun" was based on...
Anyway, those were just side ramblings. Like many others, I honestly wouldn't have known about that incident, the Seediqs, or the significance of the rainbow in their context, had it not been for this movie! I do very much prefer the rainbow in a Biblical context though. I hope to watch the movie in its original form, just like red cliff (one of my all-time favorites by the way) - TWO PARTS. Perhaps it would flow better and I would have a much better grasp of the historical background and characters behind it. Holla if you want to join!
Here are some reads on the movie in English or Chinese, the Seediqs, Wushe Incident...
Why yes, by reads, I do mean wikipedia.
I leave you with one of the theme songs I listened to obsessively for a period of time: "Seeing the Rainbow", sung in Seediq. Beautiful, but evidently very sullen as it describes their ancestors summoning them across the rainbow bridge...
Sorry for the un-thought-out post. I suppose it is sufficient for my own future reference though. A bit tired as of late, and with much more important things to digest from the recent Young Adult Network retreat.
Underlying this movie, even in its epic, bloody glory, stands the seemingly overdone plot of a nationalistic-fueled war against unruly oppressors. Sad to say, (or is it?) it is the cliche fend-for-your-honor, gone-with-the-intruders plot, easily recognizable in other movies like Avatar? 300? Go a little further back, Pocahontas? What is sadder is that this type of plot has somehow become dull and "un-epic" because of overuse throughout the years. Not only that, each culture seemed to have adopted its own version of it! I wonder why people watch these movies: the acting? the action? While the general plot is completely predictable, Seediq Bale was yet another striking reminder of the sad historical brutality of imperialism that has at one point or another, made its gruesome mark all. over. this vast land we call earth. In fact, it has been such a prominent issue that people have been able to produce a multitude of movies based on the exact same theme in the context of their own culture. Perhaps some may find it uninteresting and way too predictable, but I think for those who have gone through such oppression, or are somehow well-acquainted with the history of their own kind, a theatrical performance like that of Seediq Bale could potentially speak semi-factually and emotionally on what has been silenced for years. Maybe, just maybe, doing those individuals the slightest justice in a matter that can never actually be reversed or mended.
Though it is heart-wrenching for me to put myself in the shoes of, in this case, the Sadeeqs, I cannot, in reality, fully comprehend the pains of what they have been through (as with other victims of imperialism). As a culturally somewhat confused individual, I do not know what it feels like to love a country, to be loyal to one culture, or to love my whatever "group" to the point of sacrificing myself in some glorious... battle, especially one that ultimately leads to a bloody death. Nationalist pride is somewhat of a foreign concept to me and would probably remain that way for the rest of my life.
Perhaps the one aspect I can identify with more is the internal conflict of one character in the movie. I am not sure where I am going with this, and I do not know whether I can even draw a conclusion, but it was interesting and thought provoking to say the least. This character, by blood a Seediq, but raised as a Japanese, pretty much served as a mediator, by will, between the Japanese military and Seediqs to ease the tension. However, when the uprisings occurred, he was conflicted to the depths of his soul and essentially copped out by killing his wife, his baby boy, and himself. Perhaps I used "cop out" too lightly and had undermined the pain of such internal conflict, but it happened. What was interesting is that he helped the Seediqs in obtaining the weaponry they would need for the battle and even endangered his wife in the process. However, in the end, he committed seppuku, a noble, prideful, yet brutal suicidal method of the Japanese. Talkin' about an identity crises...
Unfortunately, since it has been almost a month, my initial emotions and thoughts kind of faded, which is why I usually try to seize the moment and spill them out - failed attempt this time around. But I suppose I will share what's left of them in regards to this movie.
I only learned after watching the movie that I had watched the condensed theatrical version of it. It was originally split into two parts, just like Red Cliff (but of course, it's John Woo). Part I is entitled "The Flag of Sun" and Part II, "Crossing the Rainbow", which stood out significantly to me. The rainbow bridge apparently is an important part of the Seediq culture and belief. The bottom line is that the rainbow bridge serves as a connection between life on earth to the heavenly hunting grounds, as the Seediqs are characterized by fearless hunting and decapitating. Yes, you heard me, decapitation was abundant in the movie. The Seediqs had some mind-blowing willingness to sacrifice: loose-loose situation in the fight against the Japanese, the women's unselfish suicides to relieve their husbands and sons of the burden of food and worry... not uncommon I suppose for such a cause. However, what was most gripping for me was when the women who were preparing for mass suicide said "we'll be waiting for you at the other end of the rainbow bridge". Why? They were all sacrificing for a noble cause, I guess, but at the end of the day, there is no rainbow bridge, there is no heavenly hunting grounds, and they will not be reunited with each other after crossing the supposed rainbow bridge. No, as much as I wish it were untrue, their sacrifices were ultimately in vain. That, brought quite some grief. Somehow, this seeming momentary passion, care, and heart break for the lost always manages to dwindle to a fear of man once snapped back into reality. However, the current state of the lost is no different than that of the Seediqs, right? I hope the weightiness I felt when watching the movie would, with the Spirit's empowerment, manifest itself in my interaction with unsaved friends, family, and strangers.
Interestingly enough, I stayed at a "Home stay" (民宿) called "Crossing the Rainbow Bridge" when I visited Taroko Gorge in Taiwan last December and learned of the significance of well, crossing the rainbow bridge, from the owner, who was an aborigine of Tai Lu Ge tribe! The Tai Lu Ge people share many similarities in culture, language, and beliefs with the Seediqs. By the way, I highly recommend this home stay if you ever visit the area. I also have the contact for our taxi-tour guide. He was a superb individual. We also recently bought some green tea grown in Wu She 務社 - only the location of the "Wushe incident" in which the entire "The Flag of Sun" was based on...
Anyway, those were just side ramblings. Like many others, I honestly wouldn't have known about that incident, the Seediqs, or the significance of the rainbow in their context, had it not been for this movie! I do very much prefer the rainbow in a Biblical context though. I hope to watch the movie in its original form, just like red cliff (one of my all-time favorites by the way) - TWO PARTS. Perhaps it would flow better and I would have a much better grasp of the historical background and characters behind it. Holla if you want to join!
Here are some reads on the movie in English or Chinese, the Seediqs, Wushe Incident...
Why yes, by reads, I do mean wikipedia.
I leave you with one of the theme songs I listened to obsessively for a period of time: "Seeing the Rainbow", sung in Seediq. Beautiful, but evidently very sullen as it describes their ancestors summoning them across the rainbow bridge...
Sorry for the un-thought-out post. I suppose it is sufficient for my own future reference though. A bit tired as of late, and with much more important things to digest from the recent Young Adult Network retreat.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
In My Element
I started this post January 3, 2012 at 9:23p.m. and just could not get over my writer's block having attempted this entry several more times there on after. And of course, it is now already 3 months later... However, in honor of the disastrous (though full of potential, I'm sure) 626 nightmarish event, which clearly did not temporarily satisfy my missing-of-Taiwan, but instead successfully sent it into the negatives, I. MUST. FINISH. THIS. LONG. OVERDUE. POOOOST in memory of my awesome trip!
So now, I shall answer the common post-travel question: what was your favorite part about this Taiwan and Hong Kong trip?
I entitled all four of my Facebook albums for my Taiwan and Hong Kong Trip "In My Element" - I know, F-O-U-R ALBUMSSSS, you should expect nothing less from me! For those who know me, you probably got the title, instantly. However, a title that came so naturally and almost without second thought, I learned, had much deeper implications than I had originally intended. Yes I was quite happy being surrounded by Asian people, Asian things, Asian music... (ha. how generic can I get with "Asian"? the land mass in and of itself already covers a good chunk of the world, let alone the plethora of countries, languages, and cultures within the borders of "Asia") but apparently, in-my-element did not stop there! What in this trip made me feel at home, if you will, as opposed to the many HK&China trips I've been on prior to this? I've always enjoyed those vacations and was always very excited to reunite with my childhood friends, but never have I felt more "in my element" as I did on this trip even though it was only my first time visiting Taiwan!
Here's why: this trip encompassed everything I wanted in one location, at one time. I had the opportunity to hang out with college friends I haven't seen for a while, or even well over a year - some who were visiting at the same time, and others who were working overseas. I got to reunite with childhood friends I grew up with in Hong Kong and Shanghai, many of whom I have not seen for years. I got to speak in all three languages whenever and wherever I wanted to. It was an excellent balance of old and new, east and west, in every way you can imagine! Bliss, I tell ya! And not to leave out the obvious, being able to see old friends and continue to build upon those relationships was definitely very fulfilling for my sentimental self. My old-time wish as a kid for all the places I have lived in with all the friends I've made in those places to be one big ole easily accessible land mass, semi came true and manifested itself in this trip. So, if you ask what my favorite part about this trip was? I would have to say exactly that.
I actually started giving this question some thought early in our second week in Taiwan when Ralph popo first prompted it. Except, I literally stopped mid-sentence after "Well, I think..." because I thought I was on the brink of throwing up. Had to keep myself together for the sake of Taiwan's streets and subway, and of course, my two dear friends who would have had to deal with the aftermath if that were to happen, right? Thankfully, I made it back to CityInn just fine, and made it through the rest of our Asia trip with my stomach intact. Thank God.
So anyway, I hope this brief explanation gives you a glimpse of the significance of this trip to me in addition to all the fun and laughter I very much enjoyed and soaked up during my time there. Having been back in the states for several months now, I still manage to find ways to be "in my element". For the time being, by no surprise, I continue to listen to my favorites and give my "ahh, Wang Lee Hom, Khalil Fong" spiels in attempts to convince you, you, you, and you of their excellency. Why? Undoubtedly they are amazing and highly respected artists (by me and many others I'm sure), but they patch up what is lacking culturally here for me. When I was traveling, I actually did not have a strong desire to listen to Chinese music, probably because I was surrounded by all-things-Chinese except for my English-speaking friends. Who knows, if one day I am living in Europe, Africa, or South America, I can definitely see myself blasting WLH, KFong, and probably some good ol' American oldies, boy bands, Jason Mraz, Buble, throw in a few relatively more appropriate radio top 10's to dance around to... ya know what ah'm sayin'? Media always seems to give me a temporal, earthly fulfillment for what is culturally, linguistically, lacking in my current state. There have been times where I lack so much of both American AND Chinese cultures from my heavily Middle-Eastern client-base work place, that I resort to putting my ipod on shuffle during my commute so I can get the best of both worlds. There have also been times I exceeded my mandarin-speaking quota for the week due to huge influxes of Chinese clients that I only want to listen to English songs in the car. Yes, too-much-Chinese does get to me too. At the end of the day though, I am always humbly (almost forcibly) reminded that I should redirect "what is lacking" to God. Every time I feel homesick for who knows what or where, I AM reminded where my true home is and where I ultimately belong to, that though God has uniquely allotted these experiences in my life and has patiently taught me to embrace such experiences, my identity should not stop at my confused cultural mess, but should rest in the security I have in Christ.
OK, I am pretty sure I killed this topic like no other, but ALAS - insert mischievous smile - I am not done yet! I will continue to live up to my notoriously massive posts by providing you with some photo highlights from the trip (literally just snippets. this cannot compare to my 4 albums worth):
MY AWESOME TRAVEL COMPANION: YING 牛牛 - to be able to converse and crack jokes in English, Mando, and Canto freely, to combine my awesome pre-trip planning with her during-the-trip-汁生 (excuse my hideous canto typing), to have probably too much fun together and to be able to enjoy sweet fellowship at the same time, 牛牛, you made my first international-travel-with-a-friend experience an excellent, memorable one! presenting some of our 自戀 zi lian photos :)
TWO MAIN TOUR GUIDES & FAITHFUL HANGOUT-ERS: Ralph (Lao fu) for Taiwan, and Ryan (Lion) for Hong Kong 8)
SEEING BEAUTIFUL SCENERY + OTHER TOURISTY SPOTS: I absolutely LOVED being a tourist without being on a tour. If I can manage to do that, I will do so for other countries of interest.
OUR VARIOUS LIVING HEADQUARTERS: safe, nice, sanitary (for the most part hahahaha), and cheap, if not graciously provided by others for free.
FOOD - puhhlease, this is probably THE biggest thang if you're in Asia!
WORLDS COLLIDE: one of the most heart-warming things for me was seeing and hanging out with all these wonderful people on the other half of the globe.
THE CRAZY NIGHTS: the weekend that was so packed it felt like one long day, the weekend in which I lived like an owl, and also the weekend in which I realized I am way too old for such madness...
OTHER THINGS where photos and words do not do justice: invaluable conversations, chivalry and care from friends, selfless friends, aunties, and uncles, overall genuine hosts and tour guide, God's Grace and protection. Despite the many potentially serious mishaps along the trip, the good overrode the bad, hands down! SO. MUCH. FUN. and I will, with no hesitation, RETURN.
So now, I shall answer the common post-travel question: what was your favorite part about this Taiwan and Hong Kong trip?
I entitled all four of my Facebook albums for my Taiwan and Hong Kong Trip "In My Element" - I know, F-O-U-R ALBUMSSSS, you should expect nothing less from me! For those who know me, you probably got the title, instantly. However, a title that came so naturally and almost without second thought, I learned, had much deeper implications than I had originally intended. Yes I was quite happy being surrounded by Asian people, Asian things, Asian music... (ha. how generic can I get with "Asian"? the land mass in and of itself already covers a good chunk of the world, let alone the plethora of countries, languages, and cultures within the borders of "Asia") but apparently, in-my-element did not stop there! What in this trip made me feel at home, if you will, as opposed to the many HK&China trips I've been on prior to this? I've always enjoyed those vacations and was always very excited to reunite with my childhood friends, but never have I felt more "in my element" as I did on this trip even though it was only my first time visiting Taiwan!
Here's why: this trip encompassed everything I wanted in one location, at one time. I had the opportunity to hang out with college friends I haven't seen for a while, or even well over a year - some who were visiting at the same time, and others who were working overseas. I got to reunite with childhood friends I grew up with in Hong Kong and Shanghai, many of whom I have not seen for years. I got to speak in all three languages whenever and wherever I wanted to. It was an excellent balance of old and new, east and west, in every way you can imagine! Bliss, I tell ya! And not to leave out the obvious, being able to see old friends and continue to build upon those relationships was definitely very fulfilling for my sentimental self. My old-time wish as a kid for all the places I have lived in with all the friends I've made in those places to be one big ole easily accessible land mass, semi came true and manifested itself in this trip. So, if you ask what my favorite part about this trip was? I would have to say exactly that.
I actually started giving this question some thought early in our second week in Taiwan when Ralph popo first prompted it. Except, I literally stopped mid-sentence after "Well, I think..." because I thought I was on the brink of throwing up. Had to keep myself together for the sake of Taiwan's streets and subway, and of course, my two dear friends who would have had to deal with the aftermath if that were to happen, right? Thankfully, I made it back to CityInn just fine, and made it through the rest of our Asia trip with my stomach intact. Thank God.
So anyway, I hope this brief explanation gives you a glimpse of the significance of this trip to me in addition to all the fun and laughter I very much enjoyed and soaked up during my time there. Having been back in the states for several months now, I still manage to find ways to be "in my element". For the time being, by no surprise, I continue to listen to my favorites and give my "ahh, Wang Lee Hom, Khalil Fong" spiels in attempts to convince you, you, you, and you of their excellency. Why? Undoubtedly they are amazing and highly respected artists (by me and many others I'm sure), but they patch up what is lacking culturally here for me. When I was traveling, I actually did not have a strong desire to listen to Chinese music, probably because I was surrounded by all-things-Chinese except for my English-speaking friends. Who knows, if one day I am living in Europe, Africa, or South America, I can definitely see myself blasting WLH, KFong, and probably some good ol' American oldies, boy bands, Jason Mraz, Buble, throw in a few relatively more appropriate radio top 10's to dance around to... ya know what ah'm sayin'? Media always seems to give me a temporal, earthly fulfillment for what is culturally, linguistically, lacking in my current state. There have been times where I lack so much of both American AND Chinese cultures from my heavily Middle-Eastern client-base work place, that I resort to putting my ipod on shuffle during my commute so I can get the best of both worlds. There have also been times I exceeded my mandarin-speaking quota for the week due to huge influxes of Chinese clients that I only want to listen to English songs in the car. Yes, too-much-Chinese does get to me too. At the end of the day though, I am always humbly (almost forcibly) reminded that I should redirect "what is lacking" to God. Every time I feel homesick for who knows what or where, I AM reminded where my true home is and where I ultimately belong to, that though God has uniquely allotted these experiences in my life and has patiently taught me to embrace such experiences, my identity should not stop at my confused cultural mess, but should rest in the security I have in Christ.
OK, I am pretty sure I killed this topic like no other, but ALAS - insert mischievous smile - I am not done yet! I will continue to live up to my notoriously massive posts by providing you with some photo highlights from the trip (literally just snippets. this cannot compare to my 4 albums worth):
MY AWESOME TRAVEL COMPANION: YING 牛牛 - to be able to converse and crack jokes in English, Mando, and Canto freely, to combine my awesome pre-trip planning with her during-the-trip-汁生 (excuse my hideous canto typing), to have probably too much fun together and to be able to enjoy sweet fellowship at the same time, 牛牛, you made my first international-travel-with-a-friend experience an excellent, memorable one! presenting some of our 自戀 zi lian photos :)
TWO MAIN TOUR GUIDES & FAITHFUL HANGOUT-ERS: Ralph (Lao fu) for Taiwan, and Ryan (Lion) for Hong Kong 8)
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| L: Lao Fu taking up tour guide duties the night upon our arrival. R: Lion, an excellent tour guide (minus the last day) - we pretty much climbed an entire mountain because of him ;] no, really though he is a muy bueno guide. |
SEEING BEAUTIFUL SCENERY + OTHER TOURISTY SPOTS: I absolutely LOVED being a tourist without being on a tour. If I can manage to do that, I will do so for other countries of interest.
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| Sun Moon Lake and surrounding areas |
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| TW Night scenery: Taipei101, Lover's Bridge, Miramar very-large Ferris Wheel |
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| HuaLien - small, but significant sites |
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| Taroko Gorge - amazing / slightly dangerous scenery |
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| Hong Kong local scenes |
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| Hong Kong at night -drool- |
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| CityInn Taipei - excellent! minus the daily bright and early vacuuming action, situated in a very convenient location too by the way! |
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| Laurel Villa, Sun Moon Lake - pretty cute, small place, friendly owners, very personal :) |
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| Crossing the Rainbow Bridge - Taroko Gorge Min Su, the husband is a Taroko native (aborigine!); very cute and clean little place right outside of Tai Lu Ge; friendly owners who can explain aborigine culture and history; we also got a free upgrade heh :) hence the two queen beds. our ONE and ONLY time sleeping in our own beds in TW! |
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| Free Stay! :) So Thankful. Excuse the messiness of our 狗窩 hahaha |
FOOD - puhhlease, this is probably THE biggest thang if you're in Asia!
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| One of my favorites is Jia Xin Dou Gan - stuffed "dried" tofu!!! it was SO DELICIOUS, and sadly, a one-time experience. couldn't find it anywhere else outside of SML. |
 |
| Gotta get a taste of the local McD's! |
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| Finally, you must understand that nothing. beats. Asian. 7-11s!!! |
WORLDS COLLIDE: one of the most heart-warming things for me was seeing and hanging out with all these wonderful people on the other half of the globe.
 |
| Ehllickk, Laofu, Connie, Neeko, Andy, Joyeeeeee, and yes that is 陳柏霖, I claimed him as a friend when I needed a small vertical photo to fill that slot in this collage, but really, WLH would be a much better fit :P |
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| Childhood friends + Harvesters! CGinn, Reggie, Phil, Rmiu, Terry, lum lum, Teen, Nathan. |
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| 1-2:30a.m. Luxy; 7:30-10p.m. Khalil Fong Concert in THE Taipei little big egg; 11p.m.-7a.m. Karaoke -> K.O. |
Monday, March 19, 2012
Yes. V is writing a post on BHASKETBAWL.
Unheard of, I know.
No. This is not about Jeremy Lin in case you already started oh-my-goshing. In reality, I am not writing about the game even. I cannot analyze it for the life of me. After watching a tutorial and a slow-mo video on the pick-and-roll, I confirmed that my brain just does not have much capacity for strategy, and so you are left with my usual um, "unique way" (to make it sound more glam) of analyzing the world around me, perhaps much more sensitive than what you would normally pick out from, in this case, the game of basketball. Watching basketball (and any professional sports for the matter) has taught me a few things - not exactly a recent discovery, but definitely accentuated in this all-sorts-of-bizarre NBA season, especially with Linsanity flying around.
I actually like the sport itself, although I never expressed it too much. I love the ball-handling, the pace, the plays (even though I cannot comprehend or appreciate them to their full extent)! But I intensely dislike players and fans with bad attitudes. I suppose it is more evident in basketball than in soccer because of close body contact, though I have seen some pretty foul plays and players in the world of fútbol. At the end of the day, I do not have a strong enough passion for the sport to negate or overlook the problematic attitudes that come with it. This factor has been a huge turn-off for my watching of professional sports. Character speaks a lot. Even if the player possesses unmatchable skills, an unparalleled attitude will drop em' to zero in my book (not to say that there isn't room to grow and change, which also ironically reveals how harsh fans or antifans can be with their comments on such players - also a dislike). On the flip side, players with good sportsmanship, players who demonstrate good team work and have respectful attitudes can make me appreciate the game ten folds, easy.
This problema does not solely make its way through the professionals, but also the fans. BOO-ing fans, in my opinion, are unarguably rude and immature regardless of their boo-ing target. Obviously, it is even worse if you are boo-ing your own team on your home court (as you can see I started this post way long ago when the Knicks fans were boo-ing Melo at MSG)! Maybe I take it too seriously, but isn't it just like any "relationship"? You walk alongside, you grow with, you speak truth in love to build up but do not seek to tear down (although some really do need a whoopin' get-your-act-right with their obnoxiously dirty plays). I definitely do not fully understand the artistry of the game, but if "band-wagoner fans" or even "loyal fans" for the matter are defined as such, then I would rather not be one.
Half way through my grumbling and annoyance towards boo-ing fans and attitude-rampaged players, without any attempts on my part (because what the heck! I wasn't even finished with my eye-rolling session yet), God directed my thoughts towards Him and reminded me about two things:
UNO Authenticity. Even if you have all the skills one could ever ask for on the court, what do those mount up to if you have no character? Similarly, I was reminded of the trues of 1 Cor 13: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing...", then Paul goes on to explain what love is and should be. So even with all the talents and skill sets that God has so graciously given, it boils down to nothing if there is not love. I truly, truly believe that the only way to live out such authenticity is when a life is lived for an audience of One (Gal 1:10). It is something that shines from the inside out. Food for thought: so what if I am gifted as a leader? So what if I am a prominent figure in the church? So what if I render myself as one who loves the lost and has a deep compassion for the underprivileged? So what if I feel like a nobody and mask that with false humility? And in all of these "so-what's", if I lack the authenticity of Christ, am I not a sheer hypocrite? Not practicing what I preach is what it is! This is definitely a life-long lesson and undoubtedly a daily battle as the sinful nature seems to have perfected the skill in robbing God of the Glory He alone deserves. Thankfully though, we can have confidence that this desire for self-glorification and hypocritical living is not binding :) and in the midst of our day-to-day struggles, we can claim the promise of God: that He who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6)! Moving along the same train of thought, but on a different note, I was reminded to see others through the lens of God - sometimes very difficult for me as I can get QUITE WORKED UP by various kinds and levels of injustices - from injustices on the court all the way to global issues. And in the end, it comes down to a humbling realization that God. chose to save. even ME. of all people.
DOS Agape Love. For a genuinely loyal fan, I do not know if the level of support should waiver on account of the team's performance (that is probably where we get the notorious band-wagoners), but the reality is, a star can fall as quick as he rises. Praise the Lord that He does not act according to our performance like fans and media do... Imagine a God whose blessings and wrath rest upon our performance and how up to par we are against His standards. Good grief! BUT GOD, knowing the depths of our depravity, still loves us the same - so much that He sent Christ to die on our behalf... now THAT is really something. Eph 2:8-9.
Sorry for an abrupt end. Hope my spaghetti-brained train of thoughts did not confuse anybody, or even for my future-self. By now, I am sure you had already picked up on my gathering and processing of information into life-lessons type of habit. I hope it doesn't get too serious or weighty for you all. It is just one amazing and tangible (but sometimes a bit overwhelming) channel that God uses to disciple me after His own heart and to interweave Himself into my life beyond meals and devos. It is especially crazy for one who grew up not thinking too deeply about anything... so I definitely cannot take the credit for this massive influx of "epiphanies" as of late. They just kind of. Happen. Mind you that I only jot down approximately half, if not less, of what floats around in my mind... as if my posts weren't long enough already... ha.
In all seriousness, after a disheartening losing streak of 6, the Knicks are back up with 3 wins in a row! Let's go Knicks! FYI, having moved around so much, I have no regional loyalty whatsoever so do not get on my case for band-wagonning for a Nuu Yawk team when I am clearly not a NY resident, YET (i hope).
the "yet", I will save for another post. But to ease you (and to clear my name), NO I do not want to reside in NY because of the Knicks or Jlin (though those are velly awesome bonuses), and despite my love for them, NO I do not plan on paying $100 to watch a game at MSG in the nosebleed* section, especially when I can pay $100ish for a VIP SECTION in Wang Lee Hom's concert... come on now. I still got my priorities straight 8]
* I am SO noob that I only recently acquired this terminology in the context of sports (as in yesterday). To my own embarrassment and for your entertainment, I thought it made much more sense that the nosebleed section fall under "VIP" seats up front - you know, you get smacked by the ball, or crushed by a player flying in your way - which could potentially result in a bad nosebleed or a nose break for that matter. Wikipedia's definition of the nosebleed section appears to be much more academic and legit compared to my silly "logic" though...
No. This is not about Jeremy Lin in case you already started oh-my-goshing. In reality, I am not writing about the game even. I cannot analyze it for the life of me. After watching a tutorial and a slow-mo video on the pick-and-roll, I confirmed that my brain just does not have much capacity for strategy, and so you are left with my usual um, "unique way" (to make it sound more glam) of analyzing the world around me, perhaps much more sensitive than what you would normally pick out from, in this case, the game of basketball. Watching basketball (and any professional sports for the matter) has taught me a few things - not exactly a recent discovery, but definitely accentuated in this all-sorts-of-bizarre NBA season, especially with Linsanity flying around.
I actually like the sport itself, although I never expressed it too much. I love the ball-handling, the pace, the plays (even though I cannot comprehend or appreciate them to their full extent)! But I intensely dislike players and fans with bad attitudes. I suppose it is more evident in basketball than in soccer because of close body contact, though I have seen some pretty foul plays and players in the world of fútbol. At the end of the day, I do not have a strong enough passion for the sport to negate or overlook the problematic attitudes that come with it. This factor has been a huge turn-off for my watching of professional sports. Character speaks a lot. Even if the player possesses unmatchable skills, an unparalleled attitude will drop em' to zero in my book (not to say that there isn't room to grow and change, which also ironically reveals how harsh fans or antifans can be with their comments on such players - also a dislike). On the flip side, players with good sportsmanship, players who demonstrate good team work and have respectful attitudes can make me appreciate the game ten folds, easy.
This problema does not solely make its way through the professionals, but also the fans. BOO-ing fans, in my opinion, are unarguably rude and immature regardless of their boo-ing target. Obviously, it is even worse if you are boo-ing your own team on your home court (as you can see I started this post way long ago when the Knicks fans were boo-ing Melo at MSG)! Maybe I take it too seriously, but isn't it just like any "relationship"? You walk alongside, you grow with, you speak truth in love to build up but do not seek to tear down (although some really do need a whoopin' get-your-act-right with their obnoxiously dirty plays). I definitely do not fully understand the artistry of the game, but if "band-wagoner fans" or even "loyal fans" for the matter are defined as such, then I would rather not be one.
Half way through my grumbling and annoyance towards boo-ing fans and attitude-rampaged players, without any attempts on my part (because what the heck! I wasn't even finished with my eye-rolling session yet), God directed my thoughts towards Him and reminded me about two things:
UNO Authenticity. Even if you have all the skills one could ever ask for on the court, what do those mount up to if you have no character? Similarly, I was reminded of the trues of 1 Cor 13: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing...", then Paul goes on to explain what love is and should be. So even with all the talents and skill sets that God has so graciously given, it boils down to nothing if there is not love. I truly, truly believe that the only way to live out such authenticity is when a life is lived for an audience of One (Gal 1:10). It is something that shines from the inside out. Food for thought: so what if I am gifted as a leader? So what if I am a prominent figure in the church? So what if I render myself as one who loves the lost and has a deep compassion for the underprivileged? So what if I feel like a nobody and mask that with false humility? And in all of these "so-what's", if I lack the authenticity of Christ, am I not a sheer hypocrite? Not practicing what I preach is what it is! This is definitely a life-long lesson and undoubtedly a daily battle as the sinful nature seems to have perfected the skill in robbing God of the Glory He alone deserves. Thankfully though, we can have confidence that this desire for self-glorification and hypocritical living is not binding :) and in the midst of our day-to-day struggles, we can claim the promise of God: that He who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6)! Moving along the same train of thought, but on a different note, I was reminded to see others through the lens of God - sometimes very difficult for me as I can get QUITE WORKED UP by various kinds and levels of injustices - from injustices on the court all the way to global issues. And in the end, it comes down to a humbling realization that God. chose to save. even ME. of all people.
DOS Agape Love. For a genuinely loyal fan, I do not know if the level of support should waiver on account of the team's performance (that is probably where we get the notorious band-wagoners), but the reality is, a star can fall as quick as he rises. Praise the Lord that He does not act according to our performance like fans and media do... Imagine a God whose blessings and wrath rest upon our performance and how up to par we are against His standards. Good grief! BUT GOD, knowing the depths of our depravity, still loves us the same - so much that He sent Christ to die on our behalf... now THAT is really something. Eph 2:8-9.
Sorry for an abrupt end. Hope my spaghetti-brained train of thoughts did not confuse anybody, or even for my future-self. By now, I am sure you had already picked up on my gathering and processing of information into life-lessons type of habit. I hope it doesn't get too serious or weighty for you all. It is just one amazing and tangible (but sometimes a bit overwhelming) channel that God uses to disciple me after His own heart and to interweave Himself into my life beyond meals and devos. It is especially crazy for one who grew up not thinking too deeply about anything... so I definitely cannot take the credit for this massive influx of "epiphanies" as of late. They just kind of. Happen. Mind you that I only jot down approximately half, if not less, of what floats around in my mind... as if my posts weren't long enough already... ha.
In all seriousness, after a disheartening losing streak of 6, the Knicks are back up with 3 wins in a row! Let's go Knicks! FYI, having moved around so much, I have no regional loyalty whatsoever so do not get on my case for band-wagonning for a Nuu Yawk team when I am clearly not a NY resident, YET (i hope).
the "yet", I will save for another post. But to ease you (and to clear my name), NO I do not want to reside in NY because of the Knicks or Jlin (though those are velly awesome bonuses), and despite my love for them, NO I do not plan on paying $100 to watch a game at MSG in the nosebleed* section, especially when I can pay $100ish for a VIP SECTION in Wang Lee Hom's concert... come on now. I still got my priorities straight 8]
* I am SO noob that I only recently acquired this terminology in the context of sports (as in yesterday). To my own embarrassment and for your entertainment, I thought it made much more sense that the nosebleed section fall under "VIP" seats up front - you know, you get smacked by the ball, or crushed by a player flying in your way - which could potentially result in a bad nosebleed or a nose break for that matter. Wikipedia's definition of the nosebleed section appears to be much more academic and legit compared to my silly "logic" though...
Monday, March 5, 2012
In the Cross Alone I Glory
Two posts STILL in the making. I have been quite busy as of late and definitely wish I had more time to put more of my thoughts into words for ya'll. But alas, responsibilities and deadlines take precedence and I am just here to drop a quick post before I slave away again. I haven't heard this song in a long time. We recently sang this during our young adult fellowship and Sunday church service. Found a Resolved worship session for the song. I guess the individual who recorded this was really captivated by the drummer... ha, although I have to say he is undeniably quite awesome.
SAVOUR IT (I know, I have a tendency to spell some words the British way still, like "labour")
In the cross alone I glory
Recognition laying down
Greatest treasures count as worthless
Standing next to Heaven's crowns
Standing next to Heaven's crowns
In the cross alone I glory
Ever reaching for the prize
Pressing on and laying hold of
That for which my savior died
That for which my savior died
[Chorus]
In the cross alone I glory
Nothing of my own to give
Only that which Christ has offered
For my soul that I may live
For my soul that I may live
In the cross alone I glory
Holding fast the word of life
Toiling not in vain but being
Poured out as a sacrifice
Poured out as a sacrifice
Never will I seek the glory
That was never meant for me
Always heavenward reflecting
All to Jesus to receive
All to Jesus to receive
All to Jesus to receive
[Chorus x2]
Pretty self explanatory lyrics. Biblical, humbling reminders. Straight-to-the-point-no-sugar-coating. If you are a believer, may it be an encouragement and sobering reminder to you. As a fellow sister in Christ, I urge you to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14) and to live for an audience of One (Gal 1:10, Eph 6L:5-8) - lessons that have been repeatedly on my mind as of late. If you are not a believer, consider what you are living for at this point in your life. Consider the implications of prizing your earthly treasures and success in light of eternity. Talk to me, ask questions, talk to fellow Christian friends and coworkers you may have! I encourage you to learn and be open to what this seeming "foolishness" is all about!
SAVOUR IT (I know, I have a tendency to spell some words the British way still, like "labour")
In the cross alone I glory
Recognition laying down
Greatest treasures count as worthless
Standing next to Heaven's crowns
Standing next to Heaven's crowns
In the cross alone I glory
Ever reaching for the prize
Pressing on and laying hold of
That for which my savior died
That for which my savior died
[Chorus]
In the cross alone I glory
Nothing of my own to give
Only that which Christ has offered
For my soul that I may live
For my soul that I may live
In the cross alone I glory
Holding fast the word of life
Toiling not in vain but being
Poured out as a sacrifice
Poured out as a sacrifice
Never will I seek the glory
That was never meant for me
Always heavenward reflecting
All to Jesus to receive
All to Jesus to receive
All to Jesus to receive
[Chorus x2]
Pretty self explanatory lyrics. Biblical, humbling reminders. Straight-to-the-point-no-sugar-coating. If you are a believer, may it be an encouragement and sobering reminder to you. As a fellow sister in Christ, I urge you to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14) and to live for an audience of One (Gal 1:10, Eph 6L:5-8) - lessons that have been repeatedly on my mind as of late. If you are not a believer, consider what you are living for at this point in your life. Consider the implications of prizing your earthly treasures and success in light of eternity. Talk to me, ask questions, talk to fellow Christian friends and coworkers you may have! I encourage you to learn and be open to what this seeming "foolishness" is all about!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
I Seem to "Her" Back to See My Own
The real title of this post is: 我仿佛從“她”的背影看到我自己. The font just somehow looked way ugly in the title section, so I succumbed to an English title, which sounds so much lamer, all thanks to Google Translate! Definitely some good entertainment right there though.
This. is not my Taiwan & Hong Kong Trip Part II post. That post is still sitting quietly in my drafts folder waiting to make an appearance. Inspiration rolled in for about two incomplete and unconnected paragraphs, then I hit the infamous writer's block and haven't returned to it since. Surely, it will come around. You. Just. Wait. In the mean time, nothing too deep, or thought out (at least publicly on this post). Just something that left a deep impression on me...
在兩三個月的時間内，我隨便挑了幾集“我可能不會愛上你”來看。對！暢銷台灣的偶像劇，我居然那麽長的時間内才看了那麽幾集。的確是很好看，只是沒時間把它完完整整的看完。我承認我已偷看了結局編。劇中的男主角李大仁簡直是所有女生心目中的白馬王子 -- 溫柔體貼，默默的守護和支持，但又不會過份寵壞的那種，還懂得和夠膽子糾正女的錯誤。很 cliche 吧！我想，男性朋友們看了，或聼了女性朋友們讚不絕口，眼睛都不停的在打轉 (aka rolling their eyes)。好，說了那麽多廢話，重點來了！某一集裏，李大仁說了一句對我來講印象特別深刻的話：
“我知道她很驕傲，那也是她夠努力，讓我覺得她與衆不同。但她同時也很自卑，因爲她發現她的與衆不同，在這個世界上，根本沒有人看得懂。所以，有時候你必須當她的鏡子。她必須有人提醒她她的弱點，也同時提醒她她有多好。”
呵呵，雖然我聼了這種“甜到入心入肺”的話搞不好會暈倒 (just being dramatic)，但未來的男朋友呀，很抱歉您不能用這句哦！因爲李大仁先生已經用了。您抄對白的話就顯出不夠誠意和創意！有時候，當男的也蠻難的是吧！Fair share guys, fair share : ) 雖然本人與女主角程又青性格和對於人與人之間的處理方式不大一樣，但奇怪的是我還是仿佛從她的背影看到我自己。Anyways, 就到此爲止。我不想在這邊暴露那麽多啦。醬(woo! using pop-culture vocabulary that does not exist in good Chinese writing) 會很奇怪。
童鞋們晚安。
This. is not my Taiwan & Hong Kong Trip Part II post. That post is still sitting quietly in my drafts folder waiting to make an appearance. Inspiration rolled in for about two incomplete and unconnected paragraphs, then I hit the infamous writer's block and haven't returned to it since. Surely, it will come around. You. Just. Wait. In the mean time, nothing too deep, or thought out (at least publicly on this post). Just something that left a deep impression on me...
在兩三個月的時間内，我隨便挑了幾集“我可能不會愛上你”來看。對！暢銷台灣的偶像劇，我居然那麽長的時間内才看了那麽幾集。的確是很好看，只是沒時間把它完完整整的看完。我承認我已偷看了結局編。劇中的男主角李大仁簡直是所有女生心目中的白馬王子 -- 溫柔體貼，默默的守護和支持，但又不會過份寵壞的那種，還懂得和夠膽子糾正女的錯誤。很 cliche 吧！我想，男性朋友們看了，或聼了女性朋友們讚不絕口，眼睛都不停的在打轉 (aka rolling their eyes)。好，說了那麽多廢話，重點來了！某一集裏，李大仁說了一句對我來講印象特別深刻的話：
“我知道她很驕傲，那也是她夠努力，讓我覺得她與衆不同。但她同時也很自卑，因爲她發現她的與衆不同，在這個世界上，根本沒有人看得懂。所以，有時候你必須當她的鏡子。她必須有人提醒她她的弱點，也同時提醒她她有多好。”
呵呵，雖然我聼了這種“甜到入心入肺”的話搞不好會暈倒 (just being dramatic)，但未來的男朋友呀，很抱歉您不能用這句哦！因爲李大仁先生已經用了。您抄對白的話就顯出不夠誠意和創意！有時候，當男的也蠻難的是吧！Fair share guys, fair share : ) 雖然本人與女主角程又青性格和對於人與人之間的處理方式不大一樣，但奇怪的是我還是仿佛從她的背影看到我自己。Anyways, 就到此爲止。我不想在這邊暴露那麽多啦。醬(woo! using pop-culture vocabulary that does not exist in good Chinese writing) 會很奇怪。
童鞋們晚安。
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