Blogging Kuching!

One of the reasons I am looking forward to the May 10 elections is the fact that as the elections draw nearer, I find myself having more time to blog. Lately, it seems that almost everything that I am personally involved in has hit some sort of milestone, and it annoys me that I can't share these wonderful events with the dozen or so people who read my blog.

Last month, Board of Trustees of Alpha Philippines attended the Alpha Conference in Kuching, Malaysia. And because the Chairman of Alpha Philippines cannot help but cross busy intersections with a grace and reserve normally ascribed to monarchies long consigned to the dustbin of history, we were glad to have the Ralph Lumo and Bodie Zamora along for the trip as well, as they ably provided some form of security for our jaywalking nobility.


The conference, ostensibly a forum for yours truly to conduct a one-man show in front of a bemused Nicky Gumbel, allowed us to catch up with some old friends. We were able to meet up with my good friend Raj from India. Raj, of course, is notable for the overwhelming humility with which he prays for all of us, and the massive number of people he has praying with him. As one of my cheekier Alpha friends put it, "Every time he prays, it seems that half of Bangalore is at the prayer meeting!" But then again, that's just Ralph and his competitive nature talking. Oops, sorry buddy! I didn't mean to mention your name. My bad.


We were also able to congratulate, in person, friends who have taken the phrase "growing Alpha family" much too literally. Audrey Chai, my long suffering Alpha stalwart in the Asia Pacific office, is finally engaged. Interestingly enough, she's getting married to a gentleman whom she met while we were both in London some time ago. In hindsight, I think Audrey is grateful that Lai Wei, Lillian, Raj and I taught her a thing or two about absconding from responsibility and hurling one's self willingly into the arms of Krispy Kreme at Harrod's.


Another dear friend, Clare Bradford, is also getting married. Perhaps due to the spirit of adventure that allowed her to brave the heated urban jungle that is Manila, her honeymoon will be marked by a climb up Mt. Kota Kinabalu. Despite the fact that her wedding is set for the end of May, she still found time to pound another nail in her head by actually working towards the Kuching conference prior to flying back to London to settle some family related matters before flying back to Kota Kinabalu for her wedding. I think I just suffered jet lag typing in that last sentence. Still, what wonderful news!


And while I could bore my patient readership with moving accounts of how the Alpha Course, through its aims of reevangelization and social transformation, is making such a significant impact in the lives of so many Christians throughout the world, allow me to share, instead some of the more memorable snapshots of our deeply fulfilling Kuching trip. Enjoy!