April 30, 2004(Friday)

I went to CanTV the whole day today, from 9 to 5. I need to continue the installation. I tried to reinstall the Window 2000 Operation System (OS) today with another product key. However it still does not work. I have checked with the expert in Desca Enzo and there is nothing much that we can do. We suspect that there is problem to this set of CD, which is only a copy of the original one from the Bogota office. Therefore, I have to wait next week for Mario bringing the correct CD.
I went home during lunch for some rest as well. At night, after grocery shopping and cooked dinner, I watched another DVD movie "Saint Seiya" which Hansel gave for me. Originally I was not too enthusiast about this cartoon. However, as I was watching it, I got more into it, partly because of the story line. Actually I have read the comic book already. However, it is fun to yell at the DVD saying that, "how can this be! unreasonable" (yet I still finished Disk 1)

April 29, 2004(Thursday)

I went to office a bit earlier because Omar wants to discuss with me about yesterday CanTV's issue. However, he was busy and always on meeting/phone. Therefore, I only got a chance to talk to him at about 10am, while I was in office at 8:30. When I call the customer later about going to CanTV, they said that they have been waiting since 9am (yesterday I said that I will go there at 9). This is not my fault, but I hope that they would understand and won't credit the fault to me.
I spent the whole time, from 11 to 7 at CanTV without taking any normal lunch because I don't want to spend a trip home and then back to work. Instead, I had a quiet nap of 40 mins during lunch inside the server room by myself. Also, since I am downloading stuff and installing software, there is nothing much that I can do. Therefore, I watched the "Beautiful Mind" DVD movie that Carmen got me. I also find that I am quite naive and ignorant when it comes to the configuration of Window and network. I guess that people would find that I am quite useless.

April 28, 2004(Wednesday)

I went to CanTV in the afternoon for some software installation. I have not gone out for a job for about 2 months! I am supposed to first install Window 2000 server and then a software called IPCC. (Mario will do the configuration later). However, I encountered many difficulties in the installation of Window 2000 server. I don't have the product key. I asked around and then I finally got it. However, later it asks me to insert the next CD and when I inserted it, nothing happened. It is wasting my time. I tried to contact my supervisor Omar but he was not there. When I am about to leave, Omar contacted me. He asked me to wait so that he can get some info. Therefore, I have to wait endlessly here. The customer does not want to wait without an end so he initiated the call the Omar and asked whether we can continue tomorrow or not. Anyway, I hope that it won't hurt my impression in front of my boss because this few weeks is critical period because I need to renew my employment contract.
I went home for dinner and then watched cartoon movie "Old Master Q" that Carmen got me using laptop. I love to watch movie on my bed.

April 27, 2004(Tuesday)

I worked on MBA's finance homework today for about 3.5 hours. I went to church at 6:40 and had dinner. Then it was outreach. Ah Men was in charge and the theme is "a trip back to China". He showed 180 photos about several famous mountain of China and there were about 10 new comers came. It went ok, although he did not prepare in advanced and cause people upset a week ago. I showed my wedding photo to church's people and they absolutely love it. They said that both of us are gorgeous and Keiling said that after looking at this, she wants to get married immediately! (Her boyfriend, Hedison, son of Che So, is now studying in Florida so they are separated in two locations like Carmen and I)

April 26, 2004(Monday)

I have a strong feeling that I am in May 2002 (when I first arrived to Venezuela) this morning. There was rain and humidity, I have just left home and alone, the surrounding is a bit strange (yet familiar). I need some time to get used to my Venezuelan identity again. Usually missionaries are not encouraged to visit home often because they would get homesick and really hurt each time they left their home country. Now I understand why.
I need to catch up on a lot of thing today. The MBA homework, online diary/photo, emails, organizes my desk and drawers and so on. I also wrote the performance_review.doc document so that I can renew my employment contract. I went to grocery shopping and then cooked dinner at night. I am a lot more used to Venezuela now. I worked on the MBA homework until 2:30. Thanks to the Vancouver time zone, I am not tired at night.

April 25, 2004(Sunday)

I slept at 1:40 last night and woke up at 3:35 today. I was surprised at my determination because even under this tough situation, I still woke up early for my daily routine (piano, sit-up and devotion). More unbelievable is that, I am reading the "boring" part of Exodus (making the tabernacle, ark and so on). I still completed my devotion, although I have no idea what I am reading.
Parents, Hansel and Carmen went to the airport with me. I saw a person named Ken in the airport. He used to be Canaan fellowship about 7 or 8 years ago. He also has a sister got Sally. He was going to Dallas so we were in the same flight. He tried to talk to me but I am not too responsive because I want to spend some time reading MBA textbook and sleeping. After 4 hours flight, I need to wait in the Dallas airport for 2 hours. Instead of walking around, I spent some time studying MBA. I almost missed the flight.
I am back to Venezuela after another 5.8 hours flight. (I use the word "back" because this is where I have been in the last two years. I sometimes use the phase "back to Vancouver" and sometimes use the phase "go to Vancouver" now). I am suitable to taking flight because I have the iron-determination to wake up early. I can sleep and study in the flight too. Semson and "Ah Lun" (Chinese youth from MB Church) picked me up from the airport. We went to Semson's house to offload something to him and also picked up my laptop. I was back to my house at 10:30. I cleaned up and did some exercise. My amplifier was in Fernando's house because I lent mine to church for the Asamblea in April 8, 9. So I played "silence" piano (i.e. I did not turn on the digital piano to play piano). I updated online diary and photo album as well. I need to switch again from the English keyboard I had in Vancouver home to Spanish keyboard in this laptop. Basically, the letter-keystrokes are identical. However, the symbol (e.g. ;.,"?%&/()='?? are different. So I am learning them again.

April 24, 2004(Saturday)

I had lunch with Carmen's parents. Then we went to "Hung Leung Studio" to choose wedding photo fro 1:15 to 5:15. We took a detail look. I used my systematic analysis skill (that I learnt when I split the toys or the housework with Hansel) to choose the best photo available. We are pretty satisfied with the photo. We went to Future Shop for a while to buy a MD Player for a friend in Venezuela
Instead of going to Elim Fellowship at night, some of them (Karen, Serene, Debbie P., Ben and later Ricky) went to my house to have dinner and some game time. I shared with them about my Venezuelan life and the church there. I hope that I gave them some inspiration.

April 23, 2004(Friday)

Hansel and I did some housework today. We mowed the lawn and washed the black Maxima car. We used to do a lot of housework but have not done so for a long time. For the last several years, it is mostly I (or sometimes, himself) do the housework separately. I made a stupid mistake and cut the extension cord when I was mowing the lawn. We also played video game too. I was suck. I find that I lost the "mojo". I was bad at snowboard, basketball (but for the last few times, I was pretty good and back to shape) and cannot answer the IQ questions (yesterday drink thing with FCGC). What is happening to me? Probably staying in Venezuela makes me too relax.
Carmen and I went out for dinner at some Korean place. And then I brought Carmen to "Adonai", the place where I went with FCGC yesterday. She absolutely crazy and love about this place. The decoration, the tea, the design, everything. The owner is nice because he knows that (Allen from FCGC told him) I will get married soon and they gave us a 100g tea bag (worth $7.5) as a gift. Consider that this is just my second time here and first time for Carmen (and we just ordered a $7 tea). So I gave them about $4.5 tips (out of the $7 tea).

April 22, 2004(Thursday)

I went to SFU to talk to my prof Ljiljana Trajkovic about writing PhD recommendation. She was not as optimistic as Dr. Auld but not as bad as Dr. Davis. I will see what my chance is. Afterward, I went to Jessica Yeung's house and had lunch with her. Originally I knocked on the door and no one answered. I thought that she is not home. After about 10 mins, I was about to leave but turned out that she was "blowing the hair" so she cannot listen to the doorbell sound.
I went home and played basketball with Hansel. We played with other people that are on the court as well. Then my parents, Carmen, Hansel and Fiona went to have dinner with me. At night, I went out to drink think with FCGC youth. I have not spoken so many English for a long time. My tongue is twisting and I have difficulty speaking English. They gave me some riddles and I was not able to solve it. Previously I can finish that in a snap of second but my IQ is a lot lower (or because my mind is not as sharp as before). I disappointed them and I was disappointed at myself too.

April 21, 2004(Wednesday)

I went to see the doctor with dad this morning. I had a hard time to find a parking space. The doctor told dad that he has to perform the surgery again in the middle of May because the last one was not done perfectly. I hope that this coming one will be the last one.
I washed the Lexus car and then went out for a 57 mins jogging. I worked on the MBA homework. And then at night, Carmen and I went to Hansel and Fiona's home for dinner. I played video game (mega drive's axe game) with Hansel and looked at their wedding photo as well.

April 20, 2004(Tuesday)

I went to Dr. Cho's office for a body check-up. It confirms that I have a good health. I always have enough sleep and jogging. That really helps. Afterward, I went to UBC to meet the professors for writing reference letter for PhD application. I had a hard time to find parking place. I cannot find the cheap B-Lot; I can either park in the parkade ($3/hr) or park far away (about 15 mins walk). I do not know how current UBC student supposed to survive. I talked to Dr. Auld, my engineering Physics director. He was positive and really encourages me to apply. On the other hand, Dr. Davis, the professor for project lab, was more critical about my chance.
I went home to work on the MBA homework and then went to "The Keg" to have dinner with Hansel. He highly recommended me to try the prime rib. It tastes pretty good, but the sauce and also the "snail" is not as good as I think. Then we went back home and play video game "Street fighter" for about an hour. My left thumb hurts a lot because I have not played video game for several years.

April 19, 2004(Monday)

I woke up at 5:30 to go to Whistler for snowboard with Hansel today. He drove 2 hours and we arrived at about 9am. My knee was quite hurt yesterday but it was perfectly fine today. No accident happened and I thank God for this. For the first few while, I was really out of shape. After all, the last time I went to snowboard was about March 2002. However, I can finally get back into 75% of my shape and I can snowboard a bit faster. However, I still cannot catch up to Hansel. I cannot imagine how I can be faster than Hansel previous. For example, it took him 6 mins to go down the "7th Heaven" green slope but I need 7.5 mins. He always has to wait for me. My stomach felt bad all the way and I have a small tendency of puke. I rest twice for a total of 1.5 hours. My body was finally backed to normal at the end of the day.
The weather was nice and there is quite a bit of snow. The wind was cold and strong in the top of the mountain. Compare to the snow of Cypress, the snow here is more powder and way nicer (but the lift ticket is more expensive here too: $72 vs. $35 in Cypress). There are very few people today so we got a huge open space to play with. Basically everything was nice. The only bad thing is my body shape and my skill.
On the other hand, I get to enjoy being taken care of by Hansel. Previously, I always take care of him. However, lately (even before his marriage), he is more mature. And for today, he drove me to Whistler, waited for me patiently (?), helped me to lift something. All these are what I used to do to him. I am proud that he is getting more mature (and I am getting older...) I enjoy the quality time we spent together today. I am not sure when will be the next time that we will go to snowboard together again.
We snowboarded from 9 to 4:15 (and 1.5 hours of those I was taking a rest). I went to his house to check email for 1 hour. I went home to cook dinner. It was the style that I used to cook in Venezuela. The difference is that, I am using the nice cooking pots and using nice vegetable and steak. The taste is not that big difference though, probably because I never have a high expectation to my own cooking.

April 18, 2004(Sunday)

Carmen and I went to Vancouver Sun Run (10km). I was very anxious and excited before the run. I did not prepare myself physically and emotionally before the run. It took me 56mins to finish the run and I am quite disappointed. My previous records are about 53 mins in 2001 and 49 mins in 2002. My right knee was a bit soar and I used to the relax running style in Venezuela. On the other hand, it took Carmen 71mins for the run and I am proud of her result.
We went to Willingdon church for worship. We were about 30mins late and we (especially me) fell asleep quite badly. I felt bad about this. We went to Crystal Mall for lunch and then we went to Sears and Carmen got me two shirts so that I can wear them to Venezuela. It was an extremely tiring exercise to go shopping with her. Probably because I went to Sun Run this morning and do not have enough sleep (only 7.5 hrs).
We went to have dinner with the "my generation" Canaanites. Gary and Jessica brought their 17 months old son Nathan; Arthur and Garfield brought their 10 months old daughter Ashley. They are the focus of the whole night. We took some pictures for them. These two kids are the first ones that my friends have. It felt very weird and different because people in my generation are finally having babies and I am Uncle Hubert. The feeling is very differing from seeing little kids in Venezuela.

April 17, 2004(Saturday)

After doing some MBA homework, I went to have lunch with Carmen and her parents. Then we went to pay the money for the Notary public that I saw yesterday and then we went to Metro town for shopping. We bought our wedding ring and she also bought a pair of running shoes and a school bag for me.
We went to her house and she sang Karaoke song to me. Her voice is really nice. Then we went to fellowship. It was Bible Study. It is one of the few time that I can relax and enjoy the fellowship. It would be fun to do it once in a while but wouldn't be so nice if I have to sit every week. We went to drink thing at Hugo (People said that this is Hansel's favorite place) afterward.

April 16, 2004(Friday)

Carmen and I went to lunch with Norman and Cynthia. They are spiritual parents of us and we look up to them for their serving and unity. They said that I am a lot mature than the debate I had in 1992 gospel camp. The life in Venezuela really trained me.
Carmen and I went to shopping for some food and then went to notary public to sign for my UBC graduation certification. I need to apply Venezuela working visa and they need some government official to proof that I am a graduate of UBC. A graduation certificate itself is not enough. Therefore, I have to contact the Venezuela embassy in Toronto and then call the Law Society and notary public here. This is a very troublesome and painful process.
Joyce and Karen ate dinner with us at our house and then we discussed about the wedding plan. Afterward, we went out to drink thing with several old Canaanites because tomorrow is the birthday of Joyce.

April 15, 2004(Thursday)

There is a missionary couple (The Hui's) came to our house for a week's stay. They are the friends of Pastor Loh. My parents are very good at hosting guest. My mom is very talkative and would be good to talk to anyone. Che So is always good at hosting guest too and she treated me very well when I was in Venezuela.
Carmen and I went to Hung Leung Studio to pay part of the money. And then Carmen went to Metro town to check the flower order while I enjoy my only afternoon nap in Vancouver inside the car. Afterward, we went to some Chinese bookstore to read some magazine.
We had dinner with many people at night. Carmen's parents, the missionaries, Hansel and Fiona are here so we have 10 people altogether. Afterward, we (except the missionaries) talked about our wedding. I gave a lot of explanation about the future of Carmen and I and also the wedding preparation. Basically we have discussed on-and-off with everyone previously but it is a good idea to talk to everyone in the same time. Carmen and Fiona chatted about the wedding music preparation while Hansel used the computer and I played around and hyper around with everything. It is good that Carmen and Fiona are good friends with each other and I am sure that it would really helps our future in-law relationship.

April 14, 2004(Wednesday)

I started out the day in the wrong way. There is some left over thing from the Panama job. I emailed the customer last week but he replied very late. I opened Desca's outlook email and for some unknown reason, it is not working probably. Dad has complained that the Internet connection has problem. It always has problem with certain web page. It does not work today and drove me very crazy. In addition, the weather was bad. I was mad.
Carmen and I went to "Hung Leung Studio" for wedding picture from 10:45 to 8:30pm. It took her an hour for make up while I studied MBA. I also went to buy some snack for the workers there in order to be nice. We had about 6 set of clothes. We took about 100 pictures. We also went to some Richmond park (near Minoru Street) and UBC to take pictures too. Drivers honk at me and thought that we are getting married today. It is a bit boring, but not as bad as I thought. This was my first time putting make up on. Carmen was pretty and beautiful too (with or without makeup). The worst time for me is the car ride from UBC back to the studio. For some reason, I felt quite bad and wanted to throw up. I did not eat much during the day either. Therefore, after the photo section, we went to Richmond Sushi for dinner.

April 13, 2004(Tuesday)

Carmen and I went to Tom Lom Music Store. This is a place that we visit every time I came back to Vancouver. This is the first time that we did not buy anything; hence, we cannot redeem the $3 parking fee. After having lunch in China Town, we went to "the seed" Chinese Christian bookstore to look around.
We went to visit Garfield and her little daughter Ashley. Carmen and Garfield chatted about the wedding picture idea while I played with Ashley. I love to play with little kid. But taking care of them is another story. I am more suitable to be a grandfather, because usually a grandparent plays with their grandchildren but when something emergency came up (e.g. pooh or pee), they hand the baby back to the parents to take care.
After driving Carol to work, Carmen and I went to Metro town and look for the wedding ring. Originally I thought that $100 is enough for two wedding rings (consider that our engagement ring cost $20 each). However, we increased our budget to $550 after finding out the real price. After all, this ring will last forever (at least, until our death, or until we lost it) so it should worth the money. We went to have dinner at Carmen's house and eat with her parents. We talked a lot about our future PhD plan and how we are going to settle down in Venezuela.

April 12, 2004(Monday)

Hansel had dinner with parents and I. Then Hansel and I went to visit Uncle and Auntie #1. We went to see Grandfather's cemetery afterward with parents. Hansel and I played basketball again. At night, Carmen had dinner in my house. We prepared some wedding thing too. I find that in Vancouver, I am heavily under sleep, with about 7.5 hours at most a day, without afternoon nap. Also I will spend more money in Vancouver because I always go out to eat.

April 11, 2004(Sunday)

I can relax during the Sunday worship today. I don't have to lead song or lead Sunday School. In my impression, the Chinese worship in VCAC was boring. However, after leaving this church for a while, I am really impressed with their worship. Even Carmen thinks that their worship is pretty good and acceptable. The church has changed a lot since Pastor Chiu's retirement. Of course, it is not as enjoyable as Willingdon's church. However, we are getting there.
Carmen and I ate lunch with Serene and Karen. "Three woman form a noisy place" is true. I am speechless most of the time and cannot easy join their "exciting" conversation. Carmen and I went to Bread Garden 3:30-7 and finalized wedding planning. Fiona and Hansel went to have dinner with parents. We talked a lot about our future, their future, my parent's future, wedding preparation, why I study business PhD instead of math or physics PhD and my working situation. We shared from 8 to 11 (included dinner) and were very valuable quality time. I also discussed with Carmen though telephone for 2 hours about our future and wedding preparation too. I discussed a lot of importation thing with many people today and is a very productive day.

April 10, 2004(Saturday)

I went to have lunch with Carmen, her parents and my parents at the place that we will have wedding banquet. That was a large and nice place, but if we will invite 25 tables, then the cost per head will be around $57.2. We need to calculate the money carefully. Afterward, I had a haircut. I had not had one for about 2 months, which is the longest period that I have not have haircut. We also tried out some tuxedo too. I do not really have the taste and Carmen has to give feedback to me. She will be my advisor in the future.
We went to UBC and other places to check out possible wedding picture location. And then we went to Elim fellowship. I had not had this kind of fellowship since I left VCAC in the end of 2000. I know most of the people in the fellowship already because they are the old Canaan and Carmel fellowship. We went to drink thing at Hugo at night. This is my familiar Friday night, which happens at Saturday night from now on.

April 09, 2004(Friday)

I was supposed to drive Carmen to work this morning at 6:10. I had two alarm clock set but none of them work. Therefore, I woke up at 6:20, then time when Carmen called me. I went to her house immediately and drove her to work. She was 15 mins late and that is my guilt. I am glad that I woke up for the flight yesterday, or else that would be REALLY bad.
I played basketball with Hansel from 11:40 to 1:30 and then played baseball with him for 20 mins more. This is one of the MUST DO things in Vancouver. My skill was not rusty even though the last time I play basketball was July 20, 2003, a day after his wedding.
I picked up Carmen from work and drove her for workout. And then I drove her from workout to Deer Lake area. We may take some wedding photo in this area too. We had dinner at Crystal center and then I went to VCAC for fellowship. I met some of the old friends and the program was pretty good. I hope to bring some material back to Venezuela and show it to them.
Carmen and I watched "The Passion of the Christ" movie afterward. As expected, this is a good movie. However, I neither cried nor turned away and not watch some of the screen. It was extremely disgusting but I have to look carefully at every drop of blood because that is what Jesus did for my sin. The torture scene is like watching a movie. I cannot believe that such thing can occur in real life. However, this is exactly (or even to a small extent) what Jesus went through. How much God loves us! How can that be? It gives meaning to my life and let me know that what I am serving in churches is meaningful. Thank you Jesus for dying for me. I am not the emotional type and I am a stable type of person. This movie would not really boost my spiritual life a lot. However, it does reinforce my purpose in life. Everything else, like my PhD application, seems to be small in compare to this. I am proud to be a Christian.

April 08, 2004(Thursday)

Originally I asked Mimia to order taxi for me, but since she needs to go to airport, she drove me there. I woke up at 3:30 and arrived at the airport at 5:00. Everything is smooth in the Venezuelan's custom. The flight from Venezuela to Dallas was very empty. Only about 15% of the seat is filled. Therefore I can lie flat on the several seats. This is very comfortable. Afterward, I have to spend about 4 hours at the Dallas airport to wait for the transit flight. As usual, I walked around the airport, from one end all the way to the other end. I also read some magazine as well. I took another 3.5 hours (in addition to the 5.5 hours this morning) flight to Vancouver. During the flying time, I slept for total of 4.5 hours and studied MBA too. And the air is very dirty in the flight (as usual) and my nose kept on running and sneezing. That makes me very uncomfortable.
I arrived to Vancouver at 7pm local time. At the custom, he asked me what is my purpose of my South America trip. I said that this is a personal trip (because I have not get a working visa yet) and he asked me what job I have in Vancouver. I said that I don't have any job in Vancouver. So he questioned how I finance my trip. I said that I have money. I thought that I am going to be in trouble this time. However, unexpectedly, everything was smooth. Carmen and Hansel picked me up in the airport. They originally wanted to hide but I found that and scare them from behind instead.
I went home and met parents. We had dinner together and I unpacked the stuff as well. It is always good to be home. The only bad thing is that the internet is not working too good at my home. I don't know why.

April 07, 2004(Wednesday)

There is not many people went to work today. However, since my boss is here, I can't be too relax. I research on the "IPTV on the remote site" solution that the co-worker asked me to do. The Cisco TAC engineer is very un-helpful. I also worked on the MBA Finance course. There is lots of calculation involved and I like that
I had dinner with Semson and Ana at night and then we went back to my house with Fernando and Menyee. I showed them the PowerPoint stuff for the Asamblea of tomorrow. And then Fernando, Menyee and I went to Che So's house late at night because I need to pick up some books for Pastor Loh and bring it back to Vancouver. Che So lost the key of the lock. Therefore we have to break the lock, like a thief. It turned out that it is not that hard to be like a thief and break the lock! I packed late at night.

April 06, 2004(Tuesday)

I went to church at night for the youth fellowship. Originally, I planned to teach them about the last 12 hours of Jesus so that they are prepared for the movie "The Passion of Christ". However, things did not work out as expected. First, the church is in a process of adding a huge gas cooking thing (That we got from a restaurant) in the kitchen. So occasionally there is some noise (but I have asked them to stop and they did). Because of this, the table that we used to sit (on the back side of the church) was occupied with lots of junk. Therefore, we are forced to form a circle in the middle of the sanctuary. Second, the kids are running around. They don't listen to our command that they should play upstairs. Rather, they were running around and even into the middle of our circle. Very disturbing. And the worse (?) thing is that there are several new comers. (I know that the North American church would envy about this, but I find that there are too much new comers!) Some of them have not heard about the person Jesus and some of them have not really heard about the cross and some of them have not heard about the movie "Passion of Christ". From a non-believer perspective, they know a lot less about Christianity than the ones from HK or Canada.
I tried to share as interesting as I can about the last 12 hours of Christ. Originally I planned to discuss for about 1.2 hours but because of all those disturbing environment, I only shared for 20 mins. I felt sorry for the normal old-comers because I really want to educate them before seeing the movie. Now there is no more chance because I will leave on Thursday and they will see the movie next Tuesday. We still had lots of time left so we sang some songs (of course, the non-believer has no idea what songs they are) and played some really childish game like "guess the leader", "Concentration" (the call name with some hand rhythm one), "pass the coin" and even "Mr. Wolf, what time is it now". These are the game that I can think of off top of my head. I asked the little kids to play with us too. The fellowship tonight is a disaster. I have tried my best but there is not much else that I can do given this environment. I don't think that I can do any better.

April 05, 2004(Monday)

I had to upload a lot of photo and on-line diary after the Panama trip. It is always a disaster after a trip because there are so many things to do. Update on-line diary, photo, check email, MBA stuff etc. I am addicted to this habit and I am probably a slave of internet.
I tried to study MBA today as well so that I can be ahead of the game and I can relax in Vancouver. I plan to be two weeks ahead but I am only one week ahead now. I really need to work hard in the next few days and the flying time. I went to talk to Paco at night about the first gospel Sunday in May 16. We will discuss the movie "The Passion of Christ". I need to get more material from Vancouver about this movie.

April 04, 2004(Sunday)

I am the song leader today. I led "Brilla Jesús" (Shine Jesus Shine), "Envíame a mi" (ACM's "Prince of Peace"), "Vengo a ti con mi Oracion" (I come to you in prayer) and "Caminando con Dios" (Walk with God). Basically, these songs are for the Asameblea this week. I want them to be familiar with these songs. Ana (Semson's wife) was the preacher in Baptist Church this morning. She talked about sin. That was a good sermon, but a bit overrun. Also, there was Holy Communion and financial report today. Therefore, the worship lasted from 9:30 to 12:00, about an hour overrun.
I led Sunday School today from 12:25 to 1:00pm. We studied the final 12 hours so that we are all prepared to watch "The Passion of Christ" movie. For the last several weeks, there is a lot of talk about this movie among church people, especially during the sermon of Semson and Ana in the last several weeks. This is a "MUST SEE" movie and they will watch it after I went back to Vancouver. I will watch it with Carmen in Vancouver too.
Leo, Kit, Donna and Belinda (Donna's daughter) treated me lunch today. They joked that, since I am going to take wedding picture in Vancouver, there is no-way that I can escape the marriage. I told them that I was engaged 2.5 yrs ago, but they said that, there is "official proof" after taking the wedding picture. They are very nice to me. Leo always drives me back home after the music practice, even though he lives far away. Donna always gave me food whenever I see her in church; her food is the best food I eat in Venezuela, consider that I only know how to cook one type of dishes. (Mrs. Chu also gave me food to eat too)
I led song in MB church using the same set of song this morning. I slept a bit during Sunday School (I never attend their Sunday School) and then we practiced music for Asamblea at night. I off-loaded my leader position to Menyee. I can relax.
Even though I don't intend to, people made a great deal about my Vancouver visit this time. Semson joked that he has never seen me with hair so long. I joked with him (and other people) that this is the command of Carmen so that I will have nice hair style. (In fact, I have not comb my head for since Sept 16, 2000, the date that I started short hair) People asked me to show them the wedding photo when I come back. I tried to explain to them that it will take several months for the picture to be developed. They don't really believe it (neither do I) because this is the digital era. Usually people here date for several months and get married. Their wedding preparation is at most 1.5 months. Therefore, they are very curious about my North-American-style long-time-wedding preparation. They also thought that I will either get married in this Vancouver visit or I will not return to Venezuela after this Vancouver visit. I tried to explain to them that I am only going for wedding photo. I don't think that they really know what the difference is.
When we were practicing music, Semson went to pick up some food for us from Paco's restaurant. He got "cool neck" (hold tight in the neck) by two thieves near Paco's restaurant. He got several punches and he got blood all over his face because his nose bleeds. Afterward, to my surprise, he fights back. Somehow the Venezuelan thought that all Chinese know Kung Fu (Someone had asked me whether I know Kung Fu or not!). Then those two thieves went away after suffering several kicks and punches from Semson and he went to Paco's restaurant to wash the blood from his faces. I am thankful that the thief did not have knife or gun with them, or else Semson will be in trouble. Semson preached this afternoon about the hit-by-thief-until-"destroy face" experience of Mel Gibson (the director of "The Passion of Christ"). Therefore I joked with him that God may want him to be the second Mel Gibson. I prayed with him that this is closer to the Asamblea and the Devil will definitely attack us. This is the first time that I have a close friend got hit by thief. I am thankful that I am safe so far. There are two other thief-experience among our church people this year. It was the kidnap of Estella from Puerto La Cruz church (I am not familiar with her) during February and Che So's car was stolen two weeks ago. I now know that I should take safety for granted. I need to pray about this. And if you are reading diary now, please pray for the safety of the church and myself.

April 03, 2004(Saturday)

I went to Che So's house for lunch with Mrs. Cheng's family. Then I went home to catch up for MBA's homework. Actually I am ahead of the game. However, I want to be REALLY ahead because I want to be relaxed during my two weeks stay in Vancouver. Afterward, I went to Baptist Church for music practice and then to MB church for music practice.

April 02, 2004(Friday)

I had a full breakfast, but I can't finish it. I originally plan to keep it later, but I throw it away at the end of the day because it is too troublesome to carry it everywhere. After breakfast and check-out, I went to Copa Airline at 9:30. The very-inch customer (Diego) inches me that he thought I am lost. Yesterday, it is he that told me I can be there late. I still hate this guy. Anyway, the change that TAC engineer proposed (they thought that I proposed it) was successful. However, we need some further test. Therefore, I am waiting for them to do further test. I went to lunch with another person (Rimsky, who is the assistant director, i.e. someone that is really important). Since my job here is almost done, I joked with him that I would love to visit Panama Canal. Then he seriously helped me to find info about that. In fact, he went to back-packing with his girl friend in Europe for a month 4 years ago. I would love to do that too.
After lunch, I waited for them to do the testing. I got a bit impatient because they were slow and I would love to go to Panama Canal. Finally everything is solved by 3:30pm. The customers are happy with my work and the result. (They thought that I am the expert, but in this trip, I just used the project management skill and none of the technical skill) Rimsky was very enthusiast to help me to plan my trip to hotel (to pick up my luggage), Panama Canal and airport. He went to find a taxi driver for me as well.
After taking my luggage from the hotel, I went to Panama Canal. Since my luggage was on the car, and I have to leave the car to see thing, I am a bit worry at first that the taxi driver would just take my luggage and leave. Luckily, he went out with me to see the Panama Canal. That is quite an impressive Canal. I took lots of photo about it. After staying for an hour to witness the operation of the Canal with the huge ship's trip, I went to the airport. I took a 2-hour flight and back to Venezuela.
The Vancouver VCAC (my previous mother church) has Short Term Ministry (STM) to Venezuela from April 2 to 19. I was thinking that whether I will see them in the airport. And I saw them in the custom! The flight was slightly delayed and I got to meet them. It is so funny and so happy to see Vancouver old friends (e.g. Pastor Paul Choy, Counselor Helena Wong and Dick Chong) in Venezuela. It is also very funny to see how worry and how scare they were. Pastor Choy told everyone that, we should pretend that we have no money at all (as if anyone will believe this) and ignore those people that ask for change or tips. After come-and-go the Venezuela airport for about 30+ times in the last two years, I am very experienced. Therefore, when I see them, I felt very funny and remembered how stupid I was when I first came to Venezuela. The North American STM are always worrisome and naive about thing in South America.
They will go to Valencia (about 3 hours from the airport). Someone is supposed to pick them up but that person was late. Therefore, I stayed with them from 10:50 to 11:50. I felt bad for the taxi driver. Desca assigned a taxi driver to pick me up from the airport. He has no idea why I am not leaving for an hour. I tried to tell him that I need to help my friends (point to the large group of STM) to settle down. When I finally arrived home at night, I gave him Bs 5000 (about Cdn $2.5) tips (I rarely give tips this way). He told me (in Spanish) that there is another customer that he needs to pick up early and he won't have enough sleep because of this delay. (I hope that I did not mis-interpret him)
I shared with the STM during that one-hour wait. Told him about the political, church and Chinese situation here. I am like the local host and explained a lot of thing. They have a lot of luggage and I helped them to move them. There was only three male and only Dick is the younger one. Also, I called the pastor in Valencia and let them know that everyone is safe. I am like the angel from God to them. I am sure that they would be quite lost during that one hour wait if I am not there.

April 01, 2004(Thursday)

I could update the online diary yesterday. But for some reason, the geocities site (and yahoo briefcase, angelfires and so on) are blocked today. I don't know why. Therefore, I can't update the diary. However, I did all the preparation so that once I get online, I can do it quickly.
I went to the data center site (previously I was in the office building) with the customer. The data center was previously a US military zone. We need to do some testing and make sure everythng is ok. They want to have a meeting at first. Actually I have no idea what is going on. Therefore, I always asked the Cisco TAC engineer and the data center peopel for their opinion. Then I sound a bit knowledgeable in front of the customer. when the customer asked me some questions, I will say some meaningless thing. And then I will talk to the TAC engineer and asked for his opinion and then get back to them afterward. It is not easy, but that is the best that I can do. I am glad that the test that we are supposed to do went really smooth so that I can get back to the building.
I still dislike the customer who picked me up from the airport. He seems like a hecker-style of IT person. BTW, the other people I saw in the data center looks really IT and computer geek to me too. I am "the consultant from Venezuela" but probably I have the least knowledge. (Actually, NO knowledge on the work that we need to do)
I have nothing much left to do in Panama. However, I still have to stay until tomorrow night. And I have to wait for the customer to drive me back to hotel. Afterward, I went to a place called "Causeway". It was about 30 mins drive from my hotel. It is like a bay area, at the end of the road and near the seashore. There is a mall there and obviously this is a tourist spot or a place for people to hang out. I went there to eat a good dinner and bought flag, magnet and map of Panama. I went back to hotel at 10:20 and studied MBA Operation Management. I have no mood to really study it further.