They Need Your Help

Can't believe it has been more than two months since I stepped foot here. I have received numerous emails from Uncle Wilbur asking me whether I'm ok and why I stopped updating my blog. It's nice to know when there are people who think of you even when you are so far away. That include my wonderful parents as well. They have been so supportive and encouraging to me. =)

I've talked to them regarding helping out Grace Kindu Ville Church's renovation (the church I'm currently based at). I started my sharing with the youth last month and I was supposed to share with them against last week but unfortunately, my interpreter was ill. I'm schedule to share once a month for now. 

I've been talking to some of the church leaders regarding the plans for the church renovation. They are planning to reconstruct the whole building as the structure is not too safe. I was told that 14 pillars were needed to complete the structure of the building. The 14 pillars are divided between the man, the woman and the youths; 5 pillars for the woman, 5 for the man and 4 for the youths. Each pillar cost approximately USD 170. As I am more involved in the youth, I sat in one of their meetings on how to raised the money and it was a total chaos. Everyone is shouting (which is their normal talking volume) and giving many opinions which were impractical (I was told by Papa Maxime). At the end of the day, they decided to split into 10 groups and try to raise USD68 per group to raise the funds for 4 pillars. I'm not too sure what are the plans for the man and woman but it's not gonna be easy for them.

The locals in my company are paid between USD80 - USD120 per month which is considered high pay in Kindu. Finding a job here is very very difficult. Papa Maxime who holds a Bachelor Degree in English language struggled to find a job after graduating. He was unemployed for more than 3 months before securing a job here. Even with his job, he said the salary (USD400/month) he received is just enough to make ends need. How is the world can they raise over two thousand dollars with the kind of economical environment they are in? In addition, the cost above does not include the equipments, benches, proper flooring, etc. I'm not saying it's impossible but they need help. They really do.

Cost of living here is very high. We are very fortunate d. For example :-

• Petrol per litre - USD 2.17 
• Small egg - USD 0.54
• Bread - USD 1.09
• Bananas - USD 2.17
• Big bananas - USD 6.52
• A skinny chicken - USD 10.86
• Goat (serving for 3) - USD 8.15
• Fish (serving for 3) - USD 9.78
• Onions (500gram) - USD 3.26 
• Potatoes (500grams) - USD 4.35

Grace Kindu Ville Church was founded by a missionary from America about a hundred years ago. I was told that the missionary's grandson was also here in the DRC before I came. Before he went back to the states, he left a brand new laptop for the church. One of the church member proposed that the laptop should be sold, so they could use the money to secure 2 pillars. It was not well accepted by the congregation and they sounded like they were going to throw stones at one another.

For me building the church is not as important and feeding the people there, especially the children. Every time I walked out of my house, children will start chasing me, asking for biscuits. They are always smiling and they don't look at the difficulties of life they are facing over there. They are simple, tough, independent and strong. The kids would just sit on the ground, play with sand and mud (if it rains), they make clothes out of plastic begs and the play with unwanted bicycle rims, just running around with it.

Some of the kids I first met when I came here

This is how you do a head stand

There it is!

The rest started to follow 

All got excited around me

The children here are super talented and skilful when it comes to football. I had the privileged to play with them (around 6 -10years old) one evening and I was impressed with their skills. Sick! They could dribble pass me easily and more.

I don't really know how to help all these people but I would love to start with my church. And it would be great if you could contribute, partner and share your ideas with me on how to improve the living standards of these people. My parents and brother has pledged 3 months of their tithes in this project. I call this the "Faith, Hope and Love" project, excerpted from 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. I've seen it with my own eyes and I can assure you, we are extremely blessed compared to the people here. 

Feel free to send me your questions, comments or suggestions to deswynwan@hotmail.com with the subject 'Faith, Hope and Love' and I'll let you know how you could help. 

The children of the church singing. Click here. It's mind blowing!

Sunday morning

Group meeting

The youth and I

Structure of the building

Uneven dirt/mud floor

I don't know anything about architecture, but that don't look to solid to me

Drummer on duty

Worn out drum set and they don't even have proper drumstick. There was one Sunday where the bass pedal broke. Someone had to quickly fix it but that didn't bother anyone. If you notice the videos I've posted up, there are a lot of distractions during service. i.e electricity goes off half way, goats bleating, cars honking, guitarist tuning, chicken running and many more but no one really cares about that. Amazing! 

This bench is really pain to my butt. The length of the service is a minimum of 3 hours. At least 15 - 20 songs per week. My dad would love it here.

Another group meeting near the PA system. Their soundman is superb. They can fixed any broken instruments and make it start working again on the spot.  

The pulpit where the Pastor would sit and preach

Can't remember his name but he is always sticking to me. He even helped me take one of the video with my phone

3 beautiful girls sitting in front of me

More photos and progress report soon. I am hoping to raise a minimum of RM15,000 by the end of the year. Continue to keep us in prayer, that's the least you could do. 

Grace Kindu Ville Church

This is the second church I've attended since I got over here. First church I went to was a bigger one, it's called "Come and See'. I had to take a taxi there (by bike). That service was in French but I had an interpreter sitting next to me. But today I will write about the second church which is just right outside my house.

Church here is obviously very different from Malaysia BUT we still serve and worship the same God. The service is in Swahili and again thank God for an interpreter, Papa Maxime. He has a BA in English language, hence his fluent English. You can check his out his website here. 

Sing & dance

I was asking Papa Maxime, why offering is collected so many times. Even in the previous church, I think offering was collected 5 - 7 times. He then explained to me, offering is just collected once. Those in between 'Praise & Worship' session are 'extras'. The congregation would walk slowly with some dance move towards the offering basket, and back in the same way. It's quite a scene. Haha.

P & W is like a performance here, different groups of people will sing and dance (i.e Men, women, youth, kids, etc). And if you are happy, to encourage them, you can walk to the front of the stage of drop of offering there. He said, you can even personally put the money in his/her pocket. I saw this happen in the previous church, one man walked up to the pastor and place the money on the pulpit. So not use to it. @@

Another performance. 

Anyways, service starts from 9.30am to 12.30pm, but when I left the church, it was already 1.30pm. 4hours service, I think it's the longest I've even been in. The problem was the bench, that really made my butt hurts a lot. As you can see, it's quite narrow and only 40% of my butt is being supported but I pressed on. =P 

After service, many people walked to me, greet me and started taking photos with me. I felt like a celebrity for a moment. Some wan can speak a little English, said they were glad to see me. Papa Maxime and Ralpha pulled me aside and started explaining some youth programme to me. He said he wants me to train the youth, twice a month, 2 hours each session. 

The main entrance of the Church

I don't know why he thinks I am capable of training others or help impact the lives of the youth but I told him I'm willing to help. He mentioned something that caught my attention, he said, "It's really no point asking for money, as it will be exhausted sooner or later. But training the people here will create a more sustainable change."

This bench is ... really really narrow. 

So is this it?

The instruments, PA, musicians, sound men and others will be featured in another post. It's sick! In a good way! 

Celebrity moment. haha.

Papa Maxime, me and Mr. anonymous 

 I took a video of their P & W, unfortunately I can't upload it here or Facebook. Will try again soon.

Wild at Heart

I ask God what am I here for? What does He want me to learn? What does He want me to do? What does He want from me? What is He trying to speak to me? Questions after questions, it lingers in my mind. I wouldn't say I have all the answers now but I know the direction He is leading me to...a man Wild at Heart. What does it really mean to be wild at heart? 

Mental vs Physical is the past and even in the Bible it is written, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens (Ecc 3:1 NIV)". This is a new season for me, sports has prepared me mentally and physically for the next season in life. I pray that we will all discover what God has planted in our hearts.

The book, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge was given to me by my youth pastor, Yean May and her macho husband, Hooi Jin in 2006. I have yet to finish this book after...7 years. Haha! BUT...this book was read at a perfect time. Of all my limited reading material, this was the only book I brought along with me. As I start flipping the pages, it made me realized coming here is the right decision.

More about it later...  

Dear Deswyn, May you always dare to dream and be the man that God made you to be. Yours sincerely, Yean May & Hooi Jin

I had the opportunity to speak to Yean May and Hooi Jin before I left. I really thank God for them. We need more people like them in our lives. Their words of encouragement and faith in me never fails to make me strive for more; to be the man God wants me to be and to dare to dream BIG. Hooi Jin said this to me again and again, "If I ever needed someone to convey an important message by crossing the continent, he is sure I will get the job done no matter what." I rarely hear words like this, but it made me believe that I am that man. 

I admire this people because they are real, they are down to earth and most importantly, Godly. It's a blessing to just be around you guys. Thank you for always believing in me. =) Next goal, is to build a family like yours. 

Penang International Triathlon 2013 Race Report

The last triathlon that was held in Penang was probably 10 years ago. Based on the experience of some of veteran athletes, the sea was infested with so many jelly fish that many could not finish the swim leg. However, last year, a group of dedicated athletes and pioneers pitched the proposal to our CM and fast forward all the crazy time consuming hectic meetings. 800 plus athletes are now being able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Knowing partially of all the challenges they have to go through to make this event a memorable and a successful one, I really salute and thank them for the bottom of my heart. Congratulations and a hell of a great job done! Of course there are still rooms for improvement. =)

I couldn’t make it for the race briefing and carbo loading dinner at Bayview Beach Hotel because I had to attend Jason’s birthday cum farewell party. So I might have missed a few key information regarding the race. I arrived at the transition area only to find out that no basket was provided to put our personal belongings in. However, I was damn fortunate to have a damn good spot. I have the ‘corner lot’ of the bike check in area as this gives me more space to put on my shoes at T1 and T2. 

Blowing the candles

Jason and I

Spacious area for me =)

Body marking was a bit meaningless, as my number faded even before I started my race. As I make my way to the swim start, I didn’t know how the direction of swim was gonna be. From the race information booklet, it was suppose to be a triangle but I think I saw a curve line which was different from the illustration showed. I asked one of the triathletes there and he was kind enough to give me a short briefing.  After greeting one or two familiar faces, it was go time. 

We were released at 7.30am sharp, my main concern was the jelly fish. But when we started the usual chaos of kicking and getting kick in the water, jelly fish did not cross my mind at all. I was way easier swimming in the sea due to the buoyancy and the little waves. I was right behind this ‘ang mo’ girl the whole time of the swim, just trying to stay with her for as long as I could but I lost her in the last 150 meters. She had a temporary tattoo on the back of her left shoulder stating, ‘He has risen’.  I really hope I cut at least a few minutes of my swim this time. I quickly check my watch to see how I did but the screen on the watch tells me, ‘Low battery’. >< As the swim is completed in two loops, you need to collect a ribbon on the beach before you get into the sea for the second loop. 

Corner lot

As I finished my swim, I quickly make my way to T1 and prepare myself for the cycling leg. I had to prepare mentally to overcome the first climb, which was before the Teluk Bahang dam and the climb up till 800. When I got out into the main road, I saw the ‘He is risen’ ang moh just in front of me, I overtook her before Escape and continued on with the others. My weakest is going downhill and I got overtaken by many when we are going downhill. Not more than 5k into the race, we were alerted by Marshalls that an accident has occurred. I saw a man sitting by the road side with lots of blood on his face, I was told that a car from the other side of the road hit him and he broke his head. That gave me chills as I rode pass him, I became more stingy with my speed during downhill. Even though drafting wasn’t allowed in this race, I could still see riders forming a speed train cruising away. I was fortunate to stay with a cyclist 80% of the way (of course at an allowable distance). My goal was to be discipline with my ride, be conservative and don’t fall into temptation of following a faster rider. I’ve read that if you fail to perform a good run due to excessive energy consume at the bike leg; then you’ve not mastered the art of triathlon. I kept that in mind throughout the bike leg and I was glad I did that. I think the cycling route is easier as compared to PD or LK, probably it’s because I’m familiar with the route.

Finished

As I got into T2, cars were starting to pile up along the road due to ‘Cheng Beng’. However, the traffic was under control by the authorities. Coming into T2 was a little confusing due to the way it was structured. I don’t know how to explain it but I lost a few precious seconds due to the wrong direction I went to. As I prepared my run, I had a little chat with Aethel who was there to motivate me in my run. I got to know that Jason was involved in an accident. I was shocked and speechless. But Aethel told me that is he ok, that was a great relief.

Said bye bye and I my first time to the grueling 10k run. Sun was up so was the temperature. The road heading towards the dam was un-shaded. You could see the ‘kek sai’ faces of many participants as the run along ‘energy lab’ (only triathletes would understand this). I too started to struggle as we climb that crazy slope up to the dam. I walked and jogged along the way. After the water station, I met Karen, she doesn’t know me but I know who she is. She is the owner of my Triathlon shop and she is a darn good runner. That was the best opportunity to pace her and finish the race with her. Reason being, she gets a lot of motivation from people around her because she is ‘famous’. So I assumed those words of encouragement was for me too. Haha! I might have more photos this round and most importantly, a good running time. We didn’t say a word to one another throughout the whole 8k or so together. But she was really strong! I really didn’t feel tired like I did in Lake Kenyir 3 weeks ago. The inspiring thing about following a great athlete like Karen was not only she gives thumbs up, high fives, etc to other slower athletes, but as she overtook a competitor of hers, she asked Karen to keep going, and encouraged her. That really struck me, how often one would tell his/her ‘enemy’ to keep going and get the prize from her. (Karen got 2^nd place and the other lady got 3^rd) Only till the last 1k, I felt my legs requesting for cramps but I told them NO. She picked up speed as we approach the finish line, I gave all I’ve got in my reserved tank and sprinted to the finish line. I could have overtaken her but she deserved to cross the finish line first, as a sign of respect and sportsmanship; I slowed down and gave her the victory celebration she deserved. 

Can you see me behind?

My turn

The pain. wohoo!

Packing

Hot hot hot

With Darien, future elite triathlete =)

 I’m glad I did a sub three race and I’m just a proud Penangite being able to enjoy the things I love to  do in a place call home. All glory to Him, for His protection and strength in times of need.

With <3 and="" br="" for="" motivation="" support="" thanks="" the="">

Now I make it a ritual for me to go for a full body massage after my race. Just to pamper my body and it does make me recover better. I choose Leia because it is affordable and no hanky panky business there. Why I'm so sure? Because this is pasted all over the wall:-

No sex here =P

2012 in 2013 words

I've been reading many summaries of a person's year 2012 through blogs and facebook wall, so I thought I should write one too. Let's see how did I fair in 2012. Overall, it was a good year for me with some changes. I'm gonna break it down here;

Job & Personal finance
I've left Crowe Horwarh in February and started working in a new old company at Butterworth. It's one of the last few remaining tin mining and smelting company in Malaysia. Getting this job wasn't in my career plan but God has His timing and purpose for granting me this job.

My last day at CW

Stock take at my new company

I started having CC debt since early 2011, don't really talk about it to others because it's really embarrassing to be in such a situation. It's not a big figure but it can never be zero-lized till 4th quarter of this year. With God's grace and discipline in my spending habits, I can now say, "It is finish". I understand the struggle one goes through when you're in debt. Crazy high interest rates and the temptation to spend what you don't have is really high. To make things worst, the bank sets high cap limit for a cc, that is the killer. I've learned to spend within my means and applied what my mum always tell me, "Wear a cap which suits the size of your head.".

I've achieved my personal target in my savings account. Don't ask how much. hehehe. P & C la. If I have not landed my  new job, it would be impossible to hit that amount. So it's really God's blessings upon my life.

God & Church
I've left youth for about 3 years now, I would be lying if I say I don't miss serving in Youth and mingling with the youth. I know I would enjoy being a mentor to this great young group of people. BUT...

I am still serving as a guitarist in Church, but now I play the bass and drums as and when needed. I feel the need to be a drummer. My bro really inspires. Young adult cell is picking up slowly and I consider myself a committed member la. hehe. I really hope we can have a regular meetings with committed bunch of young adults.

Walk with God and daily devotion is ... not good. Definitely the worst area in 2012. Have to pick up on this area. 

Family
Family is all good, grandmother is healthy, parents are in great shape, brother is happy, cousins are all over, one just got married and I have the privileged to emcee his wedding. Overall no death/birth in the family in 2012.

At Mansion 32

Parents went to Hong Kong which was good because they needed a vacation. They have been sacrifing for us all this while, so my bro and I co-sponsored their trip down. Then also went to Singapore early 2012. It would be great if I can sponsor them to Australia in 2013 then my "job" would be done since that is their dream vacation for now.

Relationship & Love
Did I make any new friends in 2012? Yes I did, most of them are through sports and I feel I can connect easily with them. Did I fall in love? hmmmm.

On a brighter note, Aaron started a group chat for the boys, Sam, Joshua Teh, Lin Ken, Rueben, Nicholes, Aaron and myself are in this chat. And I agree with Josh, this is one of the best thing ever, you will get an answer or a comment for anything you send in. The best thing about it is, it is FOC. One day, we talked about going to Singapore for a holiday, and it did turn to reality. Awesome buddies! We call ourselves, the 'bang bros' but now, we've changed it to, 'son of twelve'. Don't ask how we get that name.

Another group I am in, Awesome Three, is still doing well. We have A1, A2 and A3. Me being the youngest and greenest, is the A3 but this year I got a promotion. My rank is now A3**. They are my seniors with vast experience majoring in SYT and OL. Hanging out with them makes me realized a lot about parenting and how much it changes a person's life. Yet they can still have fun and be "young" when they are amongst friends. Really thank God for great friends and support group.

Awesome Three

Official promotion letter from A1

Others 
Most memorable moment for me was losing Orange and finding her back. On top of that, I have my own miniature Schnauzer which is not that miniature somehow. Being a "daddy" and spending most time at home with him really help me understand how parenting is like. I know this is just the tip of the iceberg of parenting but it helps. Sacrificing time, money and effort seems easier when  really love a person. Shadow brings out the love in me. ><

Missing Orange =(

Shadow and mum

Big boy now

I've finally subscribed to Astro after months of debating. I've been wanting to watch live matches of the BPL, Discovery channel, Animal planet, etc. Every time I'm back in my hotel room when I was auditing in Jakarta, there is definitely one interesting program (most of the time educational programs) screening and I would learn something from it. It kinda broaden my knowledge one way or another. I can now watch Tour de France!

watching Tour de France when I was in Jakarta

I shook our "beloved" deputy prime minister's hand and I almost got persecuted for posting this on my FB. This shows how "popular" he is among the rakyat. But how often a chance like this would come by? Just shake lo.

I read 3 books, completed 1. Damn it.

One and only completed book for the year ><

Sports & health
My knee is getting better. Don't feel that sharp pain as I use to feel. I can now do a full squat. I was surprise myself when I was able to do that. All thanks to Shadow. Because I have to keep cleaning his pee and poo, I got up and down till I forgot that I was 'cacat'. Besides that I have God to thank for His working miracles in my life. =)

Innebandy!Co made history with winning back to back titles and securing the champions title for both division. Something I would remember for the rest of my life because 2012 is a special year for many. We had one of the strongest team ever in Innebandy!Co and players were really committed.

Innebandy!Co Champions Div 1 & 2

We had our first every combined camp with Salibandy!Co, Gracebandy!Co and Tyttobandy!Co. Just before the year ended, Alvin introduced another new bandy!Co club, Tarcbandy!Co. It is really something when the vision you have is growing and progressing. A special thanks to all that made this possible!

Bandy!Co Combined Camp

I completed my first full marathon!

Standard Chartered 42k

I did my longest ride; 180km.

Ipoh Century ride 180k

Played paintball for the first time too. It was crazy! Heart rate was at the red zone all the way. Really good workout with lots of fun and excitement! Will do it again.

If I really think about it, I would never imagine doing all this after my knee surgery. Never in my mind. But all things are possible through God who strengthens me.

I did not upgrade my bike or anything. That is a great success. =)

Conclusion
Overall I would rate my 2012 at 8/10. Could be better but I have no regrets for the year. No major ones le, small wan sure have eh la. For this 2013, I hope to explore more new places, earn more PBs, cross out more things from my bucket list, be more advantageous, be more patient, learn something new, be a better son, brother, coach, friend, leader and bf.  If I can just be 50% of my dad, I would be a better man. 2013 bring it on!