This morning was beautiful. Took the time to go to my favourite MR and have a chill time-out with SY at the end. So beautiful. π
I am giving thanks for the last 2 weeks, and especially for the time in Bhutan.
It is so so so beautiful.
Time slowed down.
When I said it is beautiful, I must say that's because I come into the land from the eyes of the traveler, and to even feel the plane navigate through the mountains and the valleys remind me of the wonderful and marvelous creation of God. In fact, I learnt that only 15 Bhutanese fly this route. :)
It is beautiful to me too because this trip is special. There are 7 Singaporeans and 5 Bhutanese together, and Terence knew Nugo (who owns this travel business). So, it was special that all throughout the trip, we bonded so so so well. Certainly, I am already closest pals with 4 of them, but getting to know the other SG couple and the Bhutanese family was beautiful.
Trips like that - a bit off the beaten track, getting to know each other with lots of laughter and sharing, and... with devotions, worships and encouragement thru' the WoG, only continues to remind me that there is such a strong community in Him, in His love.
There is way way way too much to write about this beautiful trip. (Haha, and I realize, all my trips are always so so good?).
The awesome sights and nature abound
This place of mountains and valleys, of streams and rivers, of plains and padi plantations - would make any hiker and nature lover happy. Every day, we traversed thru' different nature parks, walked and walked. The beautiful scenery refreshes the soul.
Certainly, the picture of the young King and his beautiful wife can be found all over Bhutan. People wear it on their badges, the picture adorns the hills, monasteries, shops alike, and it's a pity though we parked ourselves outside his office, that we didn't get to see him that day. My guides said maybe he worked OT that day? :-D
The beautiful Bhutanese family
Our lovely guide and his family are a very hospital and warm family. Chogel is our SOT graduate, and there were countless sessions fellowshipping together and encouraging one another in the Lord.
And when there was an electricity cut one evening, we took to using acorns and wood to heat the room. The comfort of modern-day living is a stark contrast, but regardless, one can abase and abound, one can still find joy. :-D
Love our night devotions and sharing. The hi-point and the low-point. When it was cold, the gatherings and sharing brought us warmth and love. We were all filled and encouraged.
The famed Tiger's Nest
This - is the to-go, must-go place if you visit Bhutan. The climb was actually - not too bad! We had so much laughter, funny moments, discussing why Maki had to carry make-up pouch in her 5-kg bag?! It was just awesome.
The climb was peppered with conversations, enjoying the nature, and finally, we all made it to the top and down.
Certainly, Mr Google will tell you all about the history and significance of Tiger's Nest and all other attractions, and so, I won't describe those things. Most important to me would be the memories created; we would always remember Maki and her 5-kg bag.
The friendships forged
The Singapore Team really bonded very well. The different things we did, including basking in the sun and having a picnic, eating at high altitudes in the clouds - so very fun. :))
And the deeper friendships forged.
Am ever ever so thankful.
So so so so blessed to have Maki in this trip together. She flew from Japan to Singapore, to join in the trip. While it has been more than 2 years apart, it really felt like NOTHING CHANGED. I was so so so happy to see her, to fellowship, to spend time together, to .... drink beer and wine together. :-D
Beautiful SY. Again, I am bewildered and amazed at our friendship. God is good, He brings people in our lives at different points in time to sow seeds of love. She... is an amazing lady, and I am very blessed and encouraged by her love and her big heart. She also is a national badminton player for Singapore. I must learn some tips on badminton from her. Hehe. Then maybe I can challenge Ernest one day. Hehe.
Our Fun Fun Shots
This trip is one of jumps and more jumps, and a very tiring "competitive" run. Haha, it must have been very very infections - such that Nugo and family also all jumped with us. :-D
Terence is a friend I've known for almost a decade. He is.... the most senior of us all, and was unwell all thru' the trip, till the very last day? :-D So this jump shot is very precious. It is probably his only jump?
And more jumps more more jumps
And the award-winning jump. Haha. :-D Haha - so so cute.
And the competitive run. Don't play play. This is actually a very steep incline upwards. Guess who won? Haha
And the very beautiful Bhutanese portrait shots taken.
There are just too many too many things to write about in this trip.
I recall Serbia, where I blogged that "that too, will become a beautiful memory in my life, perhaps frozen in time".
This too - will be one such trip.
Time really really slowed down for me. The week was very enjoyable, and for the first time, I garnered the most number of crowns on my oura record. For once, I didn't think much about work. I only focused on my surroundings, and became keenly more aware of God and His Majestic presence. I really enjoyed the deeper conversations we had, and the sharing of life.
Most of all, it's actually also my first "pseudo-mission" trip with Steve. It was just good. We've never travelled in this manner before, and may there be more of such to come.
Finally, Shui Yen did a video for us for this trip. So very blessed by it. :)
It will be a reminder of God's love for us, and the beautiful memories.
πππππ
No comments:
Post a Comment