Chinese New Year in Miri

Siew Yew's family members arrived safely in Miri on the 2nd day of CNY. This has been a long anticipated visit ... in fact we have waited for 5 years for this!! Finally, capitalising on the zero fare promotion from MAS, 20 of them came to Miri to celebrate CNY.

We were worried of the weather because it had been raining for weeks. Most of our program were outdoor, including visiting the famed Niah Cave and Lambir Hills National Park. Going to these places during monsoon season was not really a good idea. We took a wait-and-see attitude .... if the weather was not good then we would scrap the plan. Amazingly we were blessed with fine weather and were able to cover all the planned activities! Praise the Lord for answered prayer!

The gathering was such a blessing. Imagine 25 persons, young and old, squeezing under one roof! There were so much of catching up to do. Some of the children (well .... teenagers to be exact) managed to learn how to cycle during the short stay at our place. Cycling is not something one would pick up in KL, given the safety and security consideration.

After 3 days of fellowship and fun, they left for KL on Friday, leaving behind fond memories.

Group photo at Lambir Hills National Park. Some family members were not in the picture because they decided to trek further to another waterfall. Look how happy Siew Yew was.

Splashing time at the waterfall.
Taman Awam. Notice the sunshine in the picture? It was still raining when we arrived. The sky cleared up and the kids (including some over-aged ones) managed to play at the pool.

Meal time. Praise the Lord for our maid who did most of the cooking.

At Canada Hill.

The Ladies visiting the Grand Old Lady of Miri.

We were pleasantly surprised that the Petroleum Museum was open.

BBQ dinner at our place.

Sharing from Pastor Law after the BBQ dinner.

Min Jed, Min Waye and their cousin, Kit Hoe at the beach.

Taking a boat ride to cross the river to Niah Cave.

Group photo at Niah Cave .... (technically this is Deer Cave, just outside of Niah Cave).

Blessed New Year

Wish everyone a Blessed Chinese New Year!

Today is the first day of Chinese New Year. As in previous years, we decided to stay in Miri to celebrate the new year. After the church service in the morning, we went visiting friends. The first stop was our small group leader's home, Simon and Sally at Piasau Garden. Tien and family went with us. Pastor also showed up later. We also visited Jimmy & Amy, Peter & Margaret, and later in the afternoon Tien and Bee Gin.

We were the 1st visitors to Simon & Sally's place. The keropok was gone in minutes!

Pastor Law and family came later.
Jimmy & Amy's cosy home was our second stop. The hosts treated us with mee shua.The kids enjoying themselves.

Simon & Sally together with Herbert & Mui Foon dropped by our place for a visit.

Later in the evening we had Tien's family and Lucy & kids at our place. We were keeping to the Chinese tradition, visiting one another during this joyous occasion. My girls were happily counting their "ang-pow" money, reminding us when we were their age.

Siew Yew's family members will arrive tomorrow for a 3 days visit. 20 of them in total, and many of them will be visiting Sarawak for the very first time. We have lined up some interesting program for them .... but have to pray that it won't be a wet vacation!