Places and our Faces :o)

The Hanoi International Fellowship (HIF) in the InterContinental Hotel at the West Lake

Christmas Eve at Hilton Kach San lobby

Quan An Ngon Restaurant near Hanoi Tower- nice place to sample local food and delicacies and I love the 'ice-kacang"- yumsx2

Ho Tay- the West Lake.. there are many lakes in Hanoi and this is one of the biggest here

Tam Coc which means three Caves- serene and tranquil is how one feels during the boat ride through the 3 lime-stone caves through the river

Tam Coc- the boat ride maybe a bit long so you should try to sit comfortably for the slow boat journey which takes maybe 2 hours to and fro...we had 'cool weather'-PTL!!

Hoa Lu- the ancient city and first capital of Vietnam

Welcome to Hanoi

Hoan Kiem

Hoan Kiem- at the Hoan Lake , the place where it all happens in Hanoi. The traffic is really 'happening too' - like, motorbikes and cars come from all directions and all Hanoi-an drivers seem to have a homogeneous hobby! They honk 24/7 ... while you are walking, or standing, or just breathing to stay alive, tourists beware of the on-coming vehicles at all times! I warned you. This is a Code Red Alert!!

Bikers comprise the young and ruthless... (actually, perhaps not.)- equally the young, the old, the males, the females are all highly skilled in the way the maneuver their killing machines (of course by this I mean their bikes). In fact, the killer females are sometimes dressed for the occasion! Complete in their stylish leather jackets, high boots, mini skirts and sharp high heels, they ride with such ease as it is so much a part of their lives for crying out loud.

But we, the new kids on the block, walk about timidly like one waiting to be arrested by a cardiac attack. Please do not try to look for the walking 'green man', bec the bikers will still charge on, oblivious to the traffic lights, and come to you- so beware...
On a more cheerful note, I am quite sure I will graduate and join the group as an elite 'jay-walker' very soon... or so I hope.

Hoan Kiem -the place for shopping. And shopping. And yes, more shopping :o)
There are so many streets here with their own 'signature' items-streets for bags, jackets, shoes, accessories etc -you name it, you can probably find it here... Prada, Gucci, Nike, Plada, Kucci and Bikeys, they're all ready made and for grabs.

Also, they have whole streets dedicated to even more exotic and specialized stuff. Take the streets selling "lou poh peang" (wifey biscuits), incense sticks, obituary plaques, buttons, for example.

But let the buyers beware- what you get at this shop for xx USD, you can probably get at half the price in the next... (as we have so unfortunately found out by experience).

Yeah...sad but true. We are in the habit of being ripped-off real bad ...I'm pretty much bleeding from the neck (seng geng huet. You know?)

So anyway, the trick is haggle n exercise your bargaining skills to the MAX, using the very important tool , your calculator, especially if you are bargaining in Vietdong... (but they eagerly accept USD too.) Do carry millions (and I DO mean millions) of dong whenever you go out- big stacks! Don't worry though, you will utilize that big stack of money in the shortest time since the value is smaller...

There are many things to see and do here- so brace yourself, work on your stamina and be prepared to go round and round... for me it also means 'getting lost' n doing some extra miles, lol

Highlands Coffee in Hoan Kiem

There's lots of nice food to eat here too.. I will personally vouch for the "Bun Cha" at the Old Quarters- tres delicieux and the portion is so big that my husband had his fill for lunch and dinner unknowingly the first time we went. They have good coffee at their famous Highlands Coffee- the Vietnamese equivalent of our StarBucks, I suppose...

We are still exploring this amazing place. Will take some time, I am sure :o) Bring the adventure ON!:o)

First month in Hanoi

Can't really believe it! We are here for the past one month already...

This new place is likened to a new adventure for me- trying to get adjusted has taken a bit longer than anticipated. To think that as a seasoned traveller, and bec I had called so many different places and countries 'home', I was a bit over optimistic about Vietnam.

The very first few days led to weeks of constant headaches whenever I go out of the sanctuary of my 'hiding place'-the continuous blasting of horns from cars, trucks and especially motorbikes irritated me beyond words- I could hear the honking even in my sleep initially. There's literally no traffic laws -cars and motorbikes alike move in every direction at any time. Crossing the road has proven to be life-threatening and a good avenue for the 'spirit of fear' to enter, lol bec you will never know where a car or a motorbike will appear inches beside you and honk at you- no exaggerations , they come from everywhere and move in all directions... so driving is out of the question atm. We rely on taking taxis and buses to commute.

Unfortunately, taking taxis would mean being taken for joy-rides, I mean they will take you and drive in circles eventho it is to a well known nearby spot. Not knowing the language means you can't give them a piece of your mind.. all you can do is raise your voice a little and say 'you know where you are going? etc and the driver will look back at you and utter something in Vietnamese... so you would say "stop!, stop!" but they would say "ok,ok.." and continue on his journey.

The best way to travel is by bus bec the routes are fixed and the bus fare is really cheap but again danger looms bec some bus drivers have the habit of not stopping the bus fully- imagine, you have to jump-on or hop-off skillfully onto or off a moving bus. For some reason, they also do not like to stop exactly where the bus should stop but would like you to do a bit of chasing- I mean, imagine a whole crowd of people dashing and pushing to try to get on board- just like school days when we had to ride on the 'mini-bus' to school back in KL thousands of years ago... and then oops! you realise your wallet is missing from your pocket- again you can't shout or explain that somebody in the bus is a pick- pocket bec nobody understands you.. so you stand there and feel 'sad' till you reached home to complain to someone who can understand you- ie your family members overseas who will sympathise with you and warn you to be careful next time.

To add on to the 'adventure', you'll have a man dressed in a police uniform, ringing your door bell and asking to look at your passports in the night..?? I mean how on earth does a police- or so he claims = know there are foreigners in this particular unit out of the millions of homes in Hanoi is really beyond me and btw isn't the immigration in charge of visas and passports ?? and goodness?? why at night?? ..

Marketing proves to be another story bec for the same item you buy this week at this price and suddenly next week the price has increased - talk about instant inflation ... hahaha!! yeah , live with that !!

The most recent story is that we were walking pass a government-looking building where there were soldiers guarding the entrance.. well, saw men in soldiers' uniform throwing stones at on-coming cars on the road- I made the biggest mistake by glaring hard at them bec I thought 'how unbecoming and ill-disciplined these soldiers are'- and guess what, I felt a stone land on the back of my shoulder- I mean they have the guts to throw a stone at a civilian who is passing-by.. I turned my head and glared at them( not sure if there was hatred or fire reflected in my eyes lol) but they shrugged their shoulders and laughed- so live with that too hahaha !!

Yeah.. it is very challenging in this piece of foreign land atm...I am much better adjusted as compared to 30 days ago and I am sure I will be able to like my stay here more as time goes by too.. so yeah- let's be optimistic...

Truly thank God for His hands of protection and we are all fine and well.. I am sure He sends many angels to encamp around us here...

2010

May GOD

always provide for you
always show you mercy
always give you guidance
always direct your step

always watch over you
always show you the truth
always give you the strength
to trust Him in all things



To Spur Us on to Faith- Rebecca Greenwood

Here are promises of what faith provides to each of us:

1. It is an unquestioning, unwavering belief that does not require proof or evidence.
2. A true faith is triumphant in the worst situations.
3. Faith seeks God and His Kingdom first.
4. Faith believes in God's goodness.
5. Faith stands on God's Word.
6. Faith obeys God's commands.
7. Faith lives life on God's promises.
8. Faith is full of joy.
9. Faith is full of thanksgiving and praise.
10. Faith praises God.
11. Faith causes worship to rise up within us.
12.. Faith rejects the spirit of this present evil age.
13. Faith releases Kingdom authority.
14. Faith seeks a heavenly home.
15. Faith perseveres in the seasons of testing.
16. Faith blesses the next generation.
17. Faith refuses sin's pleasures.
18. Faith endures persecution.
19.. Faith performs mighty acts of righteousness.
20. Faith suffers for God.
.21. Faith does not return to this world and its way.
22. Faith steps into the new moves of God.
23. Faith moves mountains.
24. Faith prays, hears God's voice and believes His words.
25. Faith speaks forth the word of God.
26. Faith knows the love of God.
27. Faith is captivated by Jesus.
28. Faith releases anointing and the supernatural

I am A SOLDIER In the Army of God

I am a soldier in the army of my God.

The Lord Jesus is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of Warfare.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,
trained by experience,tried by adversity,
and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army,
and I am enlisted for eternity
I will either retire in this army at the rapture
or die in this Army; but I will not get out,
sell out, be talked out,or pushed out.

I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable.
If my God needs me, I am there.

If He needs me in Sunday school, to teach children,
work with the youth, help adults, or just sit and learn.
He can use me, because I am there!

I am a soldier. I am not a baby.
I do not need to be pampered, petted,
primed up,pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.

I am a soldier. No one has to call me. Remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me.

I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place,
saluting my king, obeying His orders, praising His name,
and building His kingdom!

I am a soldier.
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards,candy,
or give me handouts
I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to.

I am committed
I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough.
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army,
I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing,
I will still come out even.

I will win.
My God will supply all my needs.
I am more than a conqueror.
I will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.

I am a soldier
Devils cannot defeat me
People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me
Sickness cannot stop me
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me
and hell cannot handle me!

I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to a captain
and then bring me back to rule this world with Him.

In the army.
and I’m marching, claiming victory.
I am a soldier, marching heaven bound.
Here I stand! Will you stand with me?

(author : unknown)

My experience in Newcastle Healing Rooms

with the Directors -Ray and Anne at the HRm

It is a very comfy and most homey place to enter into. There's soft worship music being played in the background and at the reception you are greeted by a very friendly person who gives you a form to fill up and you will sit at the waiting room on nice settees or arm chairs. There are some reading materials laid on the table :-bibles, some files with testimonies, pamphlets on healing and also 'communion is available' for anyone who wants to partake of it while waiting.


Looking up , your eyes will catch sight of signs encouraging you to be silent and to wait upon God as healing can start right there at the waiting area. Many have commented that upon entering the waiting area, they can feel the Presence of God and being still and silent is not a problem bec the Peace will descend upon those who come seeking.. that's why those who come for prayers are called seekers over here... :o)


After a short while, you will be ushered into the ministry room where a team of 2 or 3 enthusiastic people will greet you. You are then invited to take a seat on a comfy arm chair. The leader will look you in the eye and with a smile ask you warmly and most casually a very important question ie " now what would you like Jesus to do for you today?" This was my experience when I first step-in to the Newcastle Healing Rooms as a patient bec I had an allergy from some sun-block I applied when I first came here... 1st hand experience and Wow!!! :o)

Since then, this wonderful place has become familiar and dear to me bec I have the greatest opportunity to join in as a team member..most wonderful experience. I think I had email some back home in KL saying 'PTL! We have the same Holy Spirit here in Newcastle, Australia too...'

Though operating under a smaller and less busy tempo, I have since witnessed how arms and feet being literally lengthened and grown into the same size , sickness gone, eye readjusted and many more, faces lit up and smiles brightened as patients-( oh, here they are called 'seekers'- nicer word too...) but most of all have heard many 'seekers' saying that they felt loved whenever they come for prayers at the Healing Rooms.. so important and I think this is the essence of the Healing Rooms- being a 'safe place' for everyone to come and leave feeling loved bec God is love...!!

Another nice place to be in is of course the team room where we gather and soak... over here, team members take turns doing the anointing. We soak and share anything which the Lord may reveal, we give thanks and take communion together. This is a very precious time bec each and everyone get a personal 'booster' , I mean a personal word and is encouraged before being released fully charged for ministry in the individual rooms. What a way to go because it is really refreshing to hear different team members speaking over lives- and PTL every pair that is randomly called upon to do the anointing have special words given specifically for every one every session.. how amazing ! and talking about the whole team moving and serving under the anointing of the Holy Spirit!! Totally awesome... that is the norm btw... every team member is allowed to have a go...yes, Lord!

After ministry, team members re-gather and have a de-briefing session- sharing the cases and giving thanks for what God has done for each seeker who has walked in before being dismissed. I really enjoy these de-briefing sessions tho short bec often times, we marvel at what God does in our room and also the other rooms... building up faith and also learning new things here and there...

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD... what a privilege and honour to be a small part in the Body and be so blessed... I am enriched and surely enjoyed every moment and sharing the joy and experience of seeing God touch lives... yes Lord more of YOU...Praise Adonai!!




my farewell at the Starfish with Anne, Ray, Sharon and Margaret (fr left to right- these are my OZ family- thank God for their love, kindness and prayers... :o)

Enter Into Your Father's Embrace..

I am so grateful and praise God for His faithfulness and His grace ; that He does not judge me because Jesus has been judged on my behalf... that I am redeemed and now walk into the freedom to be who He has meant me to be...

1 Cor 2:9 - No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has installed for those who love Him...

The Lord has this to say...

#“You called me Master and Lord, but yet you do not obey Me, You called me Father, yet you do not come and enter into My embrace..”

“ For only in Me and in My Presence are you secured and protected ...for in the midst of the billow of the wind and storm, I AM your Refuge and Your Deliverer, I AM your Comfort and your Peace.. Come into My embrace and enter into My Rest...” #

If we would only take heed to His Voice, if we would only allow Abba Father to cover us under His Wings, if we would only CHOOSE to believe and not doubt Him...

If we would only stop asking the wrong questions like "why me??" which is an invalid question, a ' victim question' which turn us into 'invalids' but rather ask , "Lord , what and how can I learn from this? -He told us not to be shocked when we enter into trials but to know that in every trial we are transformed from glory unto glory... every trial is a 'promotion' and has a guaranteed result of victory if we would go through with it with Him holding our hands..He has got the answer and He has provided the way, if we would only cease struggling and stop shadow boxing- and allow Him to take the wheels and enter into His embrace... KNOWING that nothing and no one can separate us from His LOVE (Rom 8:35-39)... to have the Blessed Assurance that Jesus is mine!!

#Do not Fear, only believe.. be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.. (Josh 1:9)#