Moving House (3)

I do not know whether I am making any good progress. I think I have moved out half my books from my office, about 10 boxes in all. Soon I may give myself this title “scholar on the move” because I lost count of the number of times that I had to carry my books from one place to another. More than 4 years ago I went to Singapore in the midst of an epidemic to collect my 300 books. Surely now I will buy less books and I resisted the temptation of going into a bookstore in Singapore last Monday as my luggage was already overweight.

Moving House (2)

 It may be the second round of my house moving process that could take at least 2 weeks or longer. I have a reunion to attend and that would be my last and only vacation in the past five years. I don't think I have gone anywhere out of my city for a holiday. Plenty of book writing and preaching in the past couple of years, no doubt and my experience in STS is bitter sweet. Sweet because I got paid reasonably well compared to my previous appointments in Sabah. But much is bitter and the less said the better. But I am now in earnest moving house. Yesterday two boxes of my books started the ball rolling. Today another two boxes with three suitcases of clothes.

Moving house again for the 18th time

This could be my 18th or 19th time moving house not counting any stay less than a week in motels and hotels when I travelled for Theological education from bachelor to doctorate. I dread moving house as I get older. My strength is not like before and my knees creak when I bend or rise up. I carried two boxes of books this morning and I am still feeling the effect of it. There would be 10 more boxes at least. A number of items in the apartment like washing machine require heavy lifting and probably I am going to pay someone to transport that to my house. My desktop computer, microwave and many more smaller items follow but they all add to the removal process, moving back everything back to my house.

The Week that Was (20th-26th May 2024)

It's been an amazing month as I preached every Sunday, four consecutive weeks, three sermons in Malay and one in English; three in Sabah and one in Subang, Selangor. It was an incredible week, from Monday until Sunday night, full of adventure and activity. It's good to have good friends and fellow pastors who appreciate one's ministry and give honour to one who is due for Jesus' sake. I was met at Changi Airport by one of my good friends in Singapore and the next four hours I had sweet fellowship with him and his wife. He took me to a couple of places, not least to Pasir Ris Library where I managed to donate two copies of my Departure Points to Singapore's National Library.

Refreshed in Singapore

I don’t know why that I like Singapore a great deal. I have come here to get away from the toxic air where I was staying for several months. I only shared with my friend one thing that led to my resignation from the Seminary. As the Psalmist says if he would speak thus he would offend the children of men. People get offended so easily. But prophets are made of steel. One senior leader told me a couple of weeks ago without my prompting “Tony you are like one of the OT prophets. Strong personality.” Yes my face is made like flint so that I won’t flinch from insults and dishonour. I have enough measure of that but likewise honour and praise.

Flying Again

Flying could be stressful, all the packing, check in, security clearance and waiting for departure even if all goes well. But flying could be relaxing as well, because one can't do much except to focus on the flight and if there are hours to spare, one can do some work at the airport while waiting for boarding. I am flying again, after 9 months. Last year in August, I flew to Kuala Lumpur for a week-end trip, conducting a seminar on Saturday afternoon and preaching on Sunday. This time it will be longer, a whole week which means I needed to pack more especially since I am teaching a class, I brought books with me adding to the weight just over 20kgs of checked in luggage. But now I am waiting for boarding and there is plenty of time. I will go my notes for the first couple of lectures and one can work on the plane too. But I have my music with me, mostly songs recorded live during worship. One song that touches me deeply is the worship song sung in a faraway village up the mountains with a congregation of about 100 people and I still hold wonderful memories of the place even though 5 weeks have passed. "You love me" ("Kau mengasihiku").

Touch & Go

It is touch and go whether I will attend the second last Thursday assembly next Thursday. Normally I only watch the online service as after rising up at dawn and lecturing for three hours my energy is spent and I can’t sit for another hour plus at Chapel. But as I shall be leaving in a few weeks’ time I shall try to make it in the Thursday service just to say good bye to students and colleagues. I have mixed feelings but it is good I an leaving just after one year as there is little time to be attached to anyone or anything on Campus.