Christmas in Changchun, China

Little boy of a South Korean parents enjoying at the Onnuri Community Church in Changchun, China during the Christmas service.

Hey Mr. Chop Stick, where are you going? This little boy with chop stick enjoys the Christmas church service.

Korean members of the Onnuri Church in Changchun, China singing a Christmas hym. It was in Korean so could not understand. However, it was nice having people from different nationalities praising God is different languages.

The choir master is at his best shot to get the tune at a higher peak.

The far end is the replica of what designated to be the place where our Saviour, Baby Jesus was put to rest when He was born.

Camera rolling to capture a history before it passes and forgotten in the future.

Balloon, an extra decoration in church. See how nice it is!

Hey, what are you looking for? A Korean church members looking for something.

The corridoor of the church. It's on the 6th floor of a hotel.

This gentleman is the sound engineer of the church band. He makes sure all mics, and other electrical appliances to be used in the church work properly.

Church goers watching the little children singing. Encouraging children to take part in church activities like singing and drammer is one of the best ways to bring up children.

Little Korean girls singing.

Another Korean group singing. It was nice and I enjoyed.

Little angels putting up a drammer performance

These beautiful girls in Santa dressings singing and dancing, all towards praising God. A lovely and moving performance. God can do great things like using small children to extend His Kingdom on earth.

Rev. Seung Kim's saxophone performance on Sunday 21st Dec, 2008. He is from Korea and once a gang star. His testimony is moving. He was a murderer, rapist, and did many bad things that a gang member could do. But God is great. God took him back and now he is a preacher, and an established saxophonist.

Rev. Seung Kim

Rev. Seung Kim sharing his testamony.

Pastor in Charge, Joseph Kim

Me and Emmanuel from Togo in Africa. Emmanuel is our hotel cell group leader. He is majoring International Relations, Masters at Jilin University, Changchun, China.

Me and Emmanuel

Performance in Church

That's Gledish from Africa sleeping in church. "Hey, wake up, this in church!" She is a student at Jilin University, China majoing masters in International Relations.

Students are Vital to PNGs' Development

PNG Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), His Excellency Ambassador John L. Momis (sitting), Mrs. Elizabeth Momis and Ambassador’s daughter Marrycat Momis, Third Secretary of the PNG Embassy, Ms Lisa Gabina, Embassy Staff and their spouses and children together with PNG students at the Ambassador’s Residence, in Beijing, PRC. Picture and caption by Albert Tobby

By Albert Tobby and Mathew Yakai in China


PAPUA New Guinea students currently studying in China are indispensable to Papua New Guinea’s development, according to PNG’s Ambassador to China (PRC), Amb. John Momis.

“China with billion of population to educate some million students is not as important as you few PNG students. You are very important here. You are indispensable to PNGs development and cannot be replaced.” Said Amb. Momis.

Amb. Momis made the comment during the Christmas celebration at his Beijing residence which was attended by embassy staff, their spouses and PNG students in Beijing.

Ambassador Momis also thanked PNG students in their respective universities in China for being good ambassadors not only in their respective studies but promoting PNG.

“Students, your very presence in the university you are studying flies the flag of PNG. It makes a significant contribution to China in cooperation and collaboration to improve the world we are living in today,” he said.

He commend the students for taking the boldness to accept the Chinese Government Scholarship to come to China, leaving behind their family, friends and colleagues in PNG who in such a festive season like Christmas would normally have big celebrations and get together.

He encouraged the students that what they are doing in China contributes towards building a better world.

Amb. Momis also thanked the embassy staff for their loyalty and commitment towards the embassy during the period where the embassy was understaffed.

“In a small way what we have experienced is the cooperation and collaboration to bringing about what the world is about and this is also what celebrating Christmas is about.”

“Christmas is the time when Christians throughout the world celebrate the birth of Christ. Celebrating the Word of incarnate, second person of the Holy Trinity, God opted to become one of us. Celebrating Emanuel who was born unto us.” Amb. Momis said in his Christmas message.

He said Christians when celebrating Christmas is about respecting human dignity.

PNG student Albert Tobby representing PNG student’s in China thanked Amb. Momis and his wife Mrs. Elizabeth Momis for hosting the Christmas celebration.

“There is a vacuum in every PNG students studying here in China. That is the vacuum of longing for family and friends that we’ve left behind in PNG especially in such period like Christmas,” Albert said.

Albert thanked the Ambassador for filling up the vacuum with the Christmas celebration.

Published by The National newspaper: http://www.thenational.com.pg/122908/nation31.php

Membership Certificate at Onnuri Community Church

"Mambership Certificate: Name: Mathew Yakai. This is to certify that Mr. Mathew Yakai successfully completed the New Comer's Class and become a member of the Mosaic Community at Onnuri Community Church in Changchun. Said certificate was duly signed by Seoul Onnuri Community Church entitling Mr. Mathew Yakai to be admitted to serve the Mosaic Community as member.....dated: 30th Nov, 2008."

This was written on the Membership certificate I received at the Onnuri Church in Changchun, China on Nov 30th, 2008. The picture above shows other students who were admitted as members including the writer (in red). Onnuri Church has members from all over the world, including the Korean community in the city.

This is my latest picture taken on 19th Dec, 2008 at my hotel in China. I was coming back from dinner.

Some of the Papua New Guinea students in China. These are Papua New Guinea's future when it comes to human resource.

“Sheng dan jie kuai le” from China

Caption: PNG Ambassador to China, Amb. John Momis, Madam Elizabeth Momis, embassy staff Lisa Gabina and other PNG students in China. Pic courtesy of Albert Tobby.

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

SHENG dan jie kuai le may sound strange to you. Let me add “Xin nian kuai le”.

This is mouth full! But it literally means, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. From China, this scribe wish you sheng dan jie kuai le he Xin nian kuai le.

Try greet a Chinese friend and see how surprising he would be. And hope you pronounce it correctly!

Christmas falls on Thursday 25. But from China, this scribe and other PNG students would like to wish you sheng dan jie kuai le he Xin nian kuai le.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and China have gone through various achievements and challenges this year.

In the region, there are lots of threatening events, like the continuous suicide attacks on the streets of Pakistan to the recent terrorist attack at Mumbai Hotel, the recent murder of businessman, Sir George Constantinou to the world financial crunch.

But as a Christian nation, PNG has good reasons to uphold the significance of Christmas, despite the set-backs, which are the cause of human ignorance, except the recent tidal waves in PNG caused by “mother nature”.

Christmas is an annual holiday that marks and honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

Modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, church celebrations, and the display of various decorations - including the Christmas tree.

Santa Claus (Father Christmas) is a popular mythological figure often associated with bringing gifts.

Christmas is celebrated throughout the Christian population, but is also celebrated by many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival.

This scribe and other PNG students in China would like to convey their Seasonal Greetings to you and loved ones.

They left the family comforts and the motherland for China to acquire relevant knowledge that one day would be of relevance to PNG.

In this time when their families gather together for the festivity, they will miss the atmosphere and the re-union.

Albert K. Tobby from Sinasina Yongomugl District, Simbu Province is a student at Tsinghua University, Beijing, doing Masters in International Development.

His special Christmas greetings goes to all ex-Divine Word University (DWU) Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF) now working throughout PNG and abroad.

He also conveys his Greetings to Madang AOG Town Church Ps. Venny Junimbo and family and the temple boys, members of the Simbu Born Again Students Association (SBSA) and relatives from both Simbu and W.H.P.

“My Christmas message to you all is to remain in the presence of God and you will still be praising God despite your age, status, location and situations (Psalms 84:4)”, Albert said.

“Sengdan jie kuai le” to all the Chinese in PNG. Having a traditional culture that is deeply rooted in family relations, I believe you find the similarities with your PNG friends. zhu nimen da sheng hua hen fengfu ye hen jiangkang,” said Albert.

Albert is also appreciating the China-PNG relations with the coming to an end of one chapter and the beginning of the new chapter next year.

“Many things have happened between China and PNG this year. Some were positive while some are negative, some are great achievements while some are loss,” Said Albert.

However, Albert appreciates that both sides were able to manage the relations smartly both at the government and people level.

“These two countries have rich treasures of untapped potential and therefore if cultivated properly in the coming years, we can achieve the unpredictable development results and shock the whole world.”

China has a proven track record of achieving massive economic development which creates a totally new development model for all developing countries.

China is now an economic super power and is increasingly influencing global development policies, however at the same time, there are many other global players who sees China's rise as a threat and were continuously devising strategies to contain China.

Albert commented that China also seeks strategic development partners and PNG being strategically located as the only land bridge between Asia and Pacific region can benefit.

“It all depends on the relations we develop in the coming years,” he said.

The New Year’s message from Albert is that in the last six years, PNG has seen stable economic growth and politics which are two fundamental prerequisites for national development.

Albert believes that overall political and economical indicators show positive results, however, PNG needs to convert these gains into tangible development.

“We all understand that the growth is mainly from mineral boom and export of natural mineral resources. But these are non-renewable resources and will exhaust one day.”

“If we do not convert the gains today for sustainable tangible development then PNG will have a gloomy future.”

“We need strong leadership to show clear directions and lead in doing their personal best so that majority will follow. God Bless Papua New Guinea and Merry Christmas,” Albert said.

Master Student, Tonny Kepou at Shanghai University passes his Christmas and New Year Greetings to all his family members and hausline (Dad, Stk, Narx, PK & JK) especially in Madang, Lae, POM, Manus, Popondetta.

“Also, not forgetting hausline and all the family friends around PNG,” said Tonney

Kalakai Kange, Daniel Angelo Wak in Beijing passes his Christmas greetings to all his friends and relatives in PNG, the Opa Korpan family in Hagen and POM, his uncles, the Raim Rakandui family, the congregation of Miracle Valley and Kiminga Local Church and the boys at Kalakai Market.

“Also Hannah in brizzy, the cycors and Nana, you all have a very Mary x-mass and a blessed New Year.”

“Greetings and a very Merry Christmas to the Chinese community in PNG. Sengdan jie kuai le he xin nian kuai le.” Said Daniel.


From Miruma home base in Upper Asaro, Daulo, EHP is Gene D. Iyovo majoring Algae Biodiesel, masters program at Biosystems & Bioprocess Engineering School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University.

“Though this Christmas I cannot physically be at my chair for the celebration, I ask our beloved Yesu Christo to sit in my chair and be with you all this special day.”

“To little Prince Iyovo and his Mum, I love you both and miss you much than this ink can say. I asked Yesu to look after you both, and He says..... request granted!”

“Pikosa Revival Church International, and Saints, greetings in the name of the Mighty One. Hold onto the Faith, faith is a treasure.”

“Lae Revival Church International, Pastor Cletus, greetings from China, Do not think the Word has not yet reached China. Is flowing through like wild fire also as far out into Russia,” said Gene.

“Yesu Christo is coming sooner than we think! To all the Christians in PNG, this Christmas moves one step closer to God, get real with Yesu, change your church going attitude to personal relation with HIM,” Gene advises.

With his greetings to the PNG Chinese community, Gene says that this Christmas is another time lapse, with good relation between China and PNG.

“I pray for better symbiotic-relation for better developments and benefits between the two states.” He says.

Jeffers Teargun Heptol from Northeastern University Shenyang, the powerful man of God firmly believes that Jesus is better than Santa.

“As the season approaches for people around the world to feel the essence of Christmas, there are some people who do not really know the real meaning of Christmas.”

“For example here in China, I have asked couple of local people about the Christmas and their response was “it’s a season when Santa Claus comes to give them gifts”,” he said.

“It sounds funny but it is real and indeed sad. How privilege is for PNG to have a joyous celebration on the birth day of the Savoir of the World,” Jeffers said.

“Santa lives at the North Pole but Jesus is every where. To see Santa, you have to stand in the line but Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.”

“Santa does not know your name but Jesus does. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly but Jesus has a heart full of love.”

“Santa puts gifts under your tree but Jesus became our gift and died on the tree. We need to put Christ back in Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the Season.”

Jeffers also appeals to PNG to raise the banner of righteousness.

“Couple of days ago, I was watching a documentary on corruptions in all systems in PNG including Forestry, Policing, and Politics to name a few. It really touched my heart and I cried.”

“Then the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “In 2009, people who are embracing corruption will be removed from the face of PNG and all forms of corruption will be exposed”.

“People have suffered long enough and now its time for God to take revenge.”

“When Jesus was born, the wise men from the east have come to see Him in Bethlehem in a manger. They brought gifts like gold, silver and oil for nurturing the body of Jesus.”

“Now the Word of God which represents Jesus is in PNG and we have all this gifts of gold, silver and oil. These gifts are not for anyone but for the Body of Jesus.”

“Body of Jesus is the Church and Church is the People of PNG. The Body of Jesus has suffered long enough and anyone found involving in corruption will be exposed and removed in the New Year. God has a way to deal with such as He did even in the Old Testament,” Jeffers said.

Given the special occasion, Jeffers remembers his lovely parents and brothers and sends them his special Christmas greetings.

“I pray that you all will be safe and healthy. On the same note, I remember all the TSCF students and graduates throughout PNG.”

“Not forgetting Godly parents at Unitech; Gonduans, Sakulas, Baliolios and Namba Tumu family in Madang.”

Finally, this scribe wishes all prisoners throughout the country a blessed Christmas. The system hates you but God loves you.

To the sick in hospital beds, the pains you endure pierce Gods’ heart. Whisper to God in prayer with faith and walk out from your sick bed.

To the poor and vulnerable on the streets thinking of what to eat tomorrow, God shall pour showers of blessings and feed, shelter and use you to extend His kingdom.

For the criminals, murders, rapists, those heavily engaging in tribal fights, this scribe pray that you surrender and humble yourself under the Cross.

To the Christmas babies, this scribe welcomes you and prays that you do not wake up to the economic, social and moral breakdown of the society but in the comfort of your mother and the patriotism of PNG.

Letter to family

Caption: This is my latest picture taken at Nanhu Park in Changchun, China. The background is a huge man-made lake.

Note: I wrote the below letter to my brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea in Tok Pisin, one of Papua New Guineas' national language. The letter was written after the passing away of my lovely mum on November 20, 2008 at Kudjip Hospital in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

Mathew YAKAI
International Student, Room No. 1006,
Youyi Huiguan, Jilin University,
2699 Qianjin Street Changchun 130012,
CHINA

20th Nov, 2007 (11:45pm BT)

Dia Family.

Long nem blong PapaGod, mi laik salim tok hello na sori I kam long yupla. Long namba 20 dei blong mun Novemba long 2:45PM, taim blong China, Len I ring I kam long rum blong mi na tok save olsem mama Muk I lusim mipla. Lewa blong mi bruk stret na mi sanap, sindaun and silip krai insait long rum. Mi stap longwe stret na taim mi harim display nius, mi kisim hevi stret.

Tasol Papa God I gutpla na em I givim bel isi long mi. Na nau mi stap orait. Mi kisim tingting olsem mi stap long narapla ples we nogat wantok or wanpla man meri blong PNG bai helivim mi. Mi tasol olsem na papa God i givim bel isi long mi na nau mi stap orait.

Mi tok bikpla sori long family – Lois na Mark husait I bin stap klostu wantaim mama, taim mi, Nita and Len I stap longwe. Mi sori olsem mama bai I no moa stap wantaim yutupla. Long Len and Nita, mi hamamas yutpla I bin lukautim mama taim mi stap long we tumas inap long longpla taim. William, mi laik tok tenkyu tru long lukautim mama igo inap taim birua I bin kamap long ples. Mi bilip olsem display birua ino bin kamap bai mama I nap stap long han blo you. Dopo, Nul na Kai, mama Muk is lusim yupla na mi sori true. Paip na family, Wanis na family, Luke, Petrus, Tes na family, mi tok sori stret bilong wanem bel blong yupla I save stap wantaim mama. Nau em I lusim yumi.

Long family blong yumi, mama Muk em wanpla meri we olgeta man meri long komnuti I save laikim em. Tasol, taim God is laik kisim ol man, em I no nap kauntim wanem em gutpla or nogut. God yet I save givim laip and kisim laip.

Sapos wanpla samting tasol I brukim lewa blo mi em long pasin blong mi we mi no lukim mama inap long 8 pla krismas. Mi tok sori stret. Taim mi harem, mi kisim bikpla hevi stret na mi bel hevi. Tasol insait long bel blong mi, mi gat bikpla bilip olsem mama Muk I no kisim bikpla hevi long mi taim em I lus. Long display as tasol, taim mi pinisim skul long next year bai mi kam long lukim matmat blong mama.

Long planim bodi blong mama Muk, mi laikim em I mas silim baksait long haus blong Kai. Mi no laikim em long silip long Kurkur matmat. Em I mas silip baksait long haus bilong Kai. Displa tok em I final.

Long family blong mipla na ol narapl husait I bin stap long helivim mama inap long dai blong em, mi tok tenkyu. Long ol family blong mipla husait I nau lusim Muk, mi tok sori stret.

Displa is givim wanpla toksave olsem wanpla taim bai yumi tu I dai. Maski yu king, kwin, Prime Minista or rabis man, wanpla taim em yumi mas dai. Tasol husait I bai dai pastaim em samting yumi olgeta I wait long luksave. Nau em mama Muk em God I kisim bek. So, bihain em husait bai dai. Long display as, mi laik givim tok olsem lotu em bikpla samting. Yumi mas lotu strong na stap bikos display graun yumi stap nau em I no asples blong yu. Wanpla taim yumi dai bai yumi facim judgement.

Maski skul man, skul meri, lawyer, dokta, pilot, bai ol I dai yet. Tasol man husait I no nap dai long spitit em man I holim tok true blong God insait long laip na wokabout blong em.

Taim yupla stap long haus krai long hap, mi tu mi stap haus krai insait long rum blong mi. Mi no nap wokim skul wok, stadi, or rid na rait inap mama I go bek long graun. So pilis tok save wanem taim yupla putim em long graun.

Mama Muk I bin lukautim mi taim bebi I kam inap nau na mi nogat sans long lukim bodi blong em taim em I go bek long graun. Tasol mi laik wokim wanpla tok long mama blong mi. “MAMA, MI LAIKIM YU NA LUKIM YU LONG HEVEN”.

Ema tasol na papa God I ken givim bel isi long yupla taim yupla istap soim tok sori blong yupla.

Tenkyu


Mathew YAKAI
China

Overwhelming Condolences from all over the world

Caption: Mama with thumps up in Yapalgu Village, Alkena in WHP. Picture taken this year where she looks fine and happy.

Overwhelming condolences from all over the world

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

TWENTY November 2008 is the date I will remember for the rest of my life. Specific time is 5:30pm, PNG time.

I was in my room in China when my brother called from Kudjip, Western Highlands Province conveying a devastating news.

“Mathew, its Len. Are you okay?” he asked me. The question came at the time when mum was in critical condition at Kudjip Hospital, WHP.

“Mathew, mum just passed away. I was standing beside her bed with Mark. I held one hand, Mark held the other…she called your name (Mathew), Nita, Mark, mine (Len), took a last deep breath and closed her eyes.”

Len is my big brother, Mark and Nita are my small brothers.

I wrote a letter to wish mum a speedy recovery through this column. But she passed away on Thursday 20th Nov, before the letter was published on Sunday 23rd Nov.

It was a disaster for me, especially when I am far from home, where there are no “wantoks” to share the moment with.

I uploaded my mums’ letter on my website and a footnote stating her passing away. Impressively, condolence E-mails flooded from all over the world.

Some E-mails were from total strangers, many from online “wantoks” but most from acquaintances. Some even took time to pray with me.

I want to share their thoughts with you and hope they will bless you in this Christmas.

On 20th Nov, a Christian brother in China, Jeffers Teargun prayed for me when I told him of my mums’ death.

“Heavenly father, we come before your throne this afternoon. Lord, you know that Mathew's mom came this morning to be with you. Lord, we are just thankful for you have given her the responsibility to raise us up.

Lord, at this time, we pray that, even she came to be with you, it’s natural that we feel sad and our hearts are sorrowful. Lord, we pray for your peace and comfort in our lives, even the other family members, relatives and friends.

Lord, I pray for my brother Mathew, I know that it’s very sad and heart breaking, but Lord give him peace that he needs this time and comfort him Lord.

Father, you will be the Father to the fatherless, Mother to the motherless and we have hope and trust in you Jesus. Lord, at this time, we pray and lift up all the family members and relatives who are sorrowful, that you will give them peace.

Lord thank you for being with us at this time of sorrow. We know that, at times like this you are always nearer. Lord, give my brother Mathew the strength and peace that he needs at this time. I stand with him, and feel the sadness in his heart.

Bless him Lord and comfort him. Lord, you are with him always...Thank you Jesus...in Jesus Name. Amen.”

Jeffers said, “Bro, we prayed at the first place and even now, Lord giveth and taketh away…so my prayers are with you.”

Another Christian brother and PNG student in China, Gene Iyovo prayed for me.

“Lord we now know the kind of sorrow you went through when your Son Jesus passed through terrible torture before being crucified on the Cross. We can measure in our hearts what you felt.

You sanctified us by His death. Lord, today you received the soul of Mathew's mum because it’s yours. We thank you for loving us. Again this is your Love for Him and us too, thru this hard time.

He will be changed in his mindset to love you forever Lord. Father with the faith you adorned us, I pray for complete Heavenly comfort and peace. The river of Life will revive her to eternity, Lord.

In the mighty name of Jesus of NAZERETH I offer this prayer.”

Gene told me, “do not worry....God will count all your tears and measure out blessing from it.”

Another Christian brother and PNG student in Beijing, Albert Tobby informed all PNG students in China of my mums’ death.

“Hello everyone, this is just to remind you that one of our senior students here in China, sadly lost his mother.”

“Mathew doing Masters in International Relations at Jilin University and his love for his nation and family was so great that he took the challenge to promote China every week in his column despite of other continuous negative publication about China in other daily media in PNG.”

“Mathew our brother, on be half of all other PNG students here in China, our heart felt condolences to you and your family. Bro you are not alone in this, our prayers and spirits are with you. Be strong.”

Elizabeth Kup, former colleague at UPNG, later Fiji and now working in Cambodia sent me a condolence E-mail. She is one of those rising PNG women who stand at par amongst her male peers.

“Mathew, I am so sorry to hear of the news. This is really devastating esp. of the time you have not touched base with her and the distance you are now.”

“I am so sorry that a tragedy has happened. I hope you can find courage to live another day. It’s hard in the face of all these happenings but things also happen for a reason and I hope that these reasons fulfill in your life.”

Tonney Kepou, a PNG student in China sent me his condolence.

“Brother, I am so sorry to hear the sad news back home. I can really understand what you are feeling now, over the coming days, weeks and months ahead. Receiving such news when we are far away from home is more than just news.”

“I have lost my dearest mum and had gone through such experience...words can not describe.”

“Brother, my prayers are with you at this moment in time.”

Sister Emmy Keko is another PNG student in China.

“Hello bro. I am so sad to hear the sad news of the passing of mama... my prayers and thoughts are with you and I share the moment with you as a sister, colleague and friend. My prayers are with you right now.”

Pung Paraka in Port Moresby sent a condolence E-mail.
“Bro, you are miles away from home and here where you brothers, friends and others that can stay close to you and share this feeling of sorrow.”

“It is really devastating and very hard to accept that mum passed away.” “Bro I am sorry! It is really heart breaking and of course a sharp pain piercing through every part of the body.”

“It is a moment that may not be forgotten given the fact that you are there in the land of different race and color.”

“Be reminded that in this time of bereavement, God is definitely with you and surely will give you peace and comfort. Just listen to a silent voice that comes from the unseen Godly spirit. He is speaking to you to accept that mum is taken off from this world.”

“God surely cares for you so be at peace and soon you'll recover as time goes bye.”

Peter Puri Siminzi, in Port Moresby conveyed his condolence to me through Pung Paraka.

”Peter Puri relayed his late condolences and said that God would surely give you peace and enable you to complete your study,” Pung said.

A stranger but sister in Christ, Rachel Yonge in Port Moresby sent me an E-mail after reading my letter to mum on Sunday Chronicle.

“Dear Mathew. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm Rachel from Port Moresby, encouraged by the letter you wrote to your mother which was published in the Chronicles, and has been a blessing to me and believe many others as well in PNG and abroad.”

“When reading the story, I had falling tears because it is very true that mothers are hard working. Because of the work and task they endure in life only for us to enjoy ours in the coming years.”

“So be strong and trust in the Lord for mothers speedy healing as I and others stand together in prayer with you. May the good Lord Bless you in your studies and other walks of life as you continue to live for Him. God Bless You.”

Sister Rachel sent a bible verse, 1 Thess 5: 18. “Be thankful in all circumstances for it is the will of God concerning you.”

Brother David Ulg Ketepa from WHP and lives in USA sent me his condolence after reading about my mums’ death on my website.

“Dear Matt, I am so sorry to hear your mom's passing. I share the sorrow and pain with you when I logged onto your blog last night. Distance away from home is one thing and the financial means to get to PNG from the other part of the world is another thing.”

“I share the same sentiments with you. My prayers are with you and your family at this time of bereavements. Hope you and your family find comfort in Lord's hands.”

“May your mom rest in peace. I wish you good health and God's immense in your studies in China. Your fellow countryman and Hagener, David Ulg Ketepa. Michigan, USA.”

My cousin brother, Silas Matoli in Port Moresby was surprised when he heard of my mums’ death.

“Bro, it is very sad indeed to hear this sad news and I am very sorry deep down in my heart. Me and family will pray that the lord comfort you and the rest of brothers and sisters in this time.”

“Mum shall rest in peace. May God bless you too,” said Silas.

Many friends sent me condolence E-mails which I can not publish due to space limitation. I thank them for their thoughts.

In this Christmas when families get together to celebrate Christ’s birth, my mums’ chair will be empty. Mama, love you and REST IN PEACE!

...........

Former colleague with The National, Peku Pilimbo sent his below condolence via email Tuesday 9th Dec, 2008.

RE: Touched‏
From: Peku Pilimbo (peku.pilimbo@lawandjustice.gov.pg)
Sent: Tue 12/09/08 3:56 PM
To: Mathew Yakai (m_yakai@hotmail.com)

I am sorry that to hear that your mum passed away. I thought she was still alive after reading the story. Those are circumstances that mere mortals like us do not control. It would have been good if the story had been published before she departed to be with the Heavenly Father.

God gives and takes away what we love and I send my late condolences to you in regard to the lose of your beloved mother. Hope God guides you in your endeavors.

Have a nice afternoon.

Peku

...........

Condolences‏
From: Malum Nalu (mnalu@thenational.com.pg)
Sent: Tue 12/16/08 10:16 AM
To: m_yakai@hotmail.com

Mathew,

My heartfelt belated condolences on the death of your beloved mother.

I didn’t know until I read last Sunday’s Sunday Chronicle.

As you know, I also lost my wife on Easter Sunday this year, but it has been through God’s grace that I have taken my four very-young children through these very difficult times and am looking at better things in the New Year.

God Bless you as you go through this difficult phase in your life.


Malum Nalu: Supplements Editor/Acting Supplements Manager, The NATIONAL Pacific Star Limited
Phones: (675) 324 6888 Ext:734

Facsimile:(675) 324 6868 Post:

PO Box6817Boroko, NCD, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

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Zheng Lee and myself at Nanhu Park in Changchun. Zheng is an under-graduate student at Jilin University majoring tourism. When he is on his bike through the traffic infested roads in Changchun, he can go crazy. He is too good! He has taken me to various places in Changchun.

I am standing on one of those rocks. Background is Nanhu Lake.


This couple is paddling a tricycle through the park. This is a usual spot in the park

I am struggling to paddle on the lake. Man, this is not easy job, I swear!

Zheng Lee paddling the boat, for only 15 mins and he left me to do for the rest of that day.

This is me. In the background you see elderly people dancing to a traditional Chinese music. During summer, senior citizens and elderly people normally get together at the park and dance like this. They take this as a recreation opportunity and part of they exercise.

Yeah! Yeah! come on dance it! Senior citizens dancing during the summer heat at Nanhu Park.

Captions: In the background is a train built by the Japanese, now put up as a display at Nanhu Park. Please do not ask me how it ended up here!

Paddling the Nanhu Lake in Changchun City

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China.

IT’S a beautiful cold winter here in Changchun city, the capital of Jilin Province in China. The temperature is at negative, and you can imagine how it’s like when you go out.

Especially coming from the tropics, it is unbearable in this part of the world.

But the winter or snow itself is one of the major tourism attractions in Changchun.

This is the only time you build snow man, play with snow and skiing. For couples, walking hand in hand under the snowy weather is romantic.

But I would like to share with you an experience I had last summer in Changchun.

Last time I paddled canoe on the sea was in Samarai Island, Milne Bay Province, particularly from Logea Island to neighboring Samarai Island in 1995, thanks to uncle Benny Makeni.

Uncle Benny, from Samarai was my guardian at Aiyura National High School from 1994 to 1995. Right after my Grade 12 graduation, he sent me to Logea Island to visit his brother Andrew Wasena and family.

I spent a memorable 12 weeks on beautiful Logea, paddled around Kwato Island and across to the mainland, including Samarai Island on the calm tropical blue sea.

Since then, I never went back to sea, or got on to any canoes to paddle until Sunday 25 May, 2008 when I went to Nanhu Lake in Changchun.

Nanhu or sometime called South Lake is an artificial lake, compared to the natural blue sea in the pacific, or some of the famous natural lakes like Lake Kutubu.

I should also mention Kuniming Numu, a little lake up in Mt Kunuming, looking down at my Yapalgu village.

What is so unique and different about Nanhu compared to beautiful lakes, seas, beaches and potential tourism scenarios we have in PNG?

Well, we do not utilize the potential of our lakes by converting them to tourist products and sell to our visitors to enjoy like what they do to Nanhu, a hot tourism spot.

It is in the southwest of Changchun, a young city with a long history. It accounts for about 222 hectares. The area of the lake is 92 hectares. It is the biggest park in Changchun, built in 1933.

Changchun is my home city, and the park is about two hours by bicycle from my hotel.

The lake water is very clear. There are willows along the bank of the lake. Birds, flowers, arched bridges and pavilions can be seen in the park.

If you stand on the bridge of South Lake and gazes at the north, you will see a colorful picture, which looks like flowing flowers blooming on the surface of the water.

When it is warm, one can go fishing, boating and swimming; when it is cold, one can go skiing, skating and watch sculptures made of ice.

Every late summer and early autumn, exhibitions of lanterns and exhibitions displaying characteristics of different nationalities are held here.

When water is frozen to ice, various kinds of activities related with ice and snow are held on the lake, especially sleighs pulled by dogs and cameras attract many tourists.

My Chinese friend Zeng Lee, some times I call him “crazy bicycle lad” called me on that day for a bicycle ride to Nanhu for boating. What an opportunity, at least a chance to get out of my hotel room to breath the cool Changchun breeze.

He arrived at my hotel at 1pm with two bicycles, and we headed for the lake. It took a hectic two hours, and we had to go through the usual heavy traffic.

You have to be good on the bicycle on Chinese roads, because drivers behind the wheels can be as careless as you and simply knock you off the road.

We arrived at the park at around 2pm. I have never seen such a park in my life time, with flock of people, walking in with tents to set up and leisure away.

Many went with their families, a weekend out with lunch pack. Under some trees, I saw men setting up tables and consuming alcohol, but not rowdy as we would expect in PNG. They know when to stop to make their way home safely.

Zeng was interested in taking pictures, when any Chinese approached me to talk with, may be because I was a foreigner, or for most, they have never seen a black person like me.

We arrived at a little shop, packed our bag with cold water container, soft drinks, and a lunch pack each to enjoy on the lake.

At the entrance of what I would term as a mini wharf, we paid 60 RMB for a boat ride. An elderly woman approached us with two life jackets and led us to our boat.

We boarded and Zeng started paddling to take the boat out from the bridge.

On the lake, we could see many people paddling and enjoying. Families, elders, lovers or friends were on the boat, rejoicing the cool summer sunshine.

For me, it was a happy moment because it was my first time to get on a lake such as Nanhu since I arrived in China.

But I never realized that I was going to paddle all throughout that day because Zeng would be very weak to paddle around the stagnant lake.

After about 15 mins of paddling, Zeng asked me to take over. I asked him to continue as I wanted to take pictures but he told me that he could no longer paddle because he was weak.

God, we were just into our 15 mins of boating and he is already tired. Yet, we have a long way to go because the lake is mere 222 hectares.

Though from the highlands but been experienced on the Samarai sea, I tried to prove to Zeng that I can paddle. I took hold of the paddles and journey through jammed boats on the lake.

Sometimes, I collided with other boats, and people were yelling at us. Lucky, I did not understand them given my poor Chinese.

At one stage, I collided with a boat which had a young couple on it. They were kissing and making love, a very romantic scene, but unfortunately the big bang of the collision disturbed them. I felt so guilty and apologized using my poor Chinese.

But the couple, whom I suppose were university students, could speak fare English, laughed at us and started talking. We spent sometime having good conversation on the lake.

After two hours of paddling, we decided to have our food. Not necessarily lunch because it was around 4pm then. We had our food, drinks and spent sometime chatting, taking us till 6pm.

We were then quite far from the bridge and that would take approximately two hours of paddling. Because Zeng is too weak to paddle, I had to do all the laborious work.

At one stage, Zeng felt like going to toilet because we had a lot of food and drink on the boat. We were trapped actually. To reach the toilet would take two solid hours paddling.

Zeng could not help. He was so desperate and asked me for the best option.

I suggested that he take off his clothes and pretend to swim, beside the boat while I paddle. He can do his business there. He took my advice and released his natural tension.

After few minutes, he got on the boat and I jokingly told him, “Zeng, that was a good and clever swimming?”

The lake is beautiful, but still remains artificial. I was thinking of natural lakes in PNG which one can apply the same concepts, of building little boats or canoes where tourists can enjoy boating.

Popular Ela Beach in Port Moresby for example. Every weekend, people go there to meet friends, or to swim in the sea, or play with the white sand.

National Capital District can use the same concept that is used in Nanhu. Build several little boats or canoes, with shelter, that can accommodate families, couples, lovers etc so they pay to paddle on the sea, but within certain vicinity.

On the watch would be the city rangers on specially built boats or dinghies with life saving equipments in cases of danger.

Ela Beach is a very ideal place, not only to earn money but also providing leisure for the city dwellers to relax during the weekends.

Public facilities, parks, leisure centers in Port Moresby and pacific countries are lacking.

In China, every municipal government makes it their priority to build parks, leisure centers, entertainment centers and so fort for the senior and ordinary citizens. Even the foreigners like I enjoy some of these facilities.

I realized one important thing at Nanhu Lake and the Park. People mind their rubbish, there is no stealing, people respect each other and safety of others is important.

If we are to convert Ela Beach into a leisure spot where people can enjoy boating by paying then we have to change our attitudes.

Importantly, no bettlenut chewing and cigarette selling, even other food staff at our popular spots. Stealing must be stopped. People’s safety should be guaranteed. International friends must feel safe at those spots.

In some countries that I have been to or read about, people make things to look natural and attract a lot of tourists, which eventually generates revenue for the local economy. Nanhu Lake is one example.

In PNG, we have every thing natural to enjoy.

The tropical weather provides sunshine throughout the year, unlike Changchun where they have to adjust to different weathers, which means extra preparation and extra spending.

PNG is tropical Paradise. We have the same weather throughout the year.

What we simply need now is a bit of commonsense, how we can simply learn to take care of our own tourism products and welcome visitors.

Unless we get these basic things in order, Ela Beach, which has the potential to generate millions of Kina for the local economy through tourism will remain one of the discarded beaches which any foreigners would wish it was at their backyard.