Diary  2006:  January, February, March, April

Please note: I'm due to be in Hong Kong for annual OMI retreat April 30 to May 6, 
returning to Zhaoqing on afternoon of Sunday May 7.   HK mobile: (852) 67095674

Next diary update:  Wednesday May 10 DV

2006-04-26  Dear Friends

Good morning from Zhaoqing.  Major holiday break for the whole of China coming up  May 1 - 7. 
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday

The past week:

* April 19: Marg & Toni with CAS Senior Three students

* April 19,21: Evening English classes at Ricci Center

* April 20: Regular evening meal for migrant worker families at Assisi Center + Liu family at hospital

* April 21,22: Weekend meals for migrant worker families at Xavier, Marco Polo, Assisi & Mazenod Centers + visitors from  University of Finance + Macau visitors  Clara 1, Clara 2 &  Goretti

* Louis recently went on a most interesting trip to Nanning and Guilin.  Photos on his homepage  Other teachers planning to follow soon in his pioneering footsteps n

Calendar:

+ China Bible Quiz 005 results.       Many thanks to the 9 kind people who took part.  Next Quiz is   Quiz 006, *** closing 2pm on May 25***.   To take part,  please  click Quiz 006 

+ Louis' Home Page

+ Toni's Home Page

+ Award-winning  movie just released in China:  "Loach is Fish Too" about migrant workers

+ I'm now reading a great book "To Change China" by Jonathan D. Spence - essential for foreigners who want to understand, serve and love China.  From this book I learnt that I'm in debt of gratitude to a young American man who was executed during the "Boxer Rebellion" (...the BR was an extreme re-action to extreme foreign aggression in China...).  In memory of the young man, the Yale-in-China Foundation came into being, and this foundation was instrumental in setting up the Chinese University of Hong Kong, especially its New Asia Language Center at which I was a fortunate student learning Cantonese (1985-1986) and Mandarin (c. 1991).  
"To Change China" has fascinating chapters on Schall, Verbiest, Parker, Ward, Gordon, Lay, Hart, Martin, Fryer, Hume, Borodin, Todd, Bethune.....the best of them (Schall, Verbiest, Hart, Hume, Bethune) constantly emphasing Matteo Ricci's idea of the need for profound respect for Chinese culture

+ New file in Thinktank: Homosexuality (article from  Dr Kenneth McAll's "Guide to Healing the Family Tree")

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On (at home, 95% paralysed after stroke),   Mr Wu (cancer),  Jim (going blind), Noel , Fr Ma (Yunfu, 93,  preparing for Heaven),  Bernadette (HK, chemo), Mr Yiang (serious stomach illness)

God bless!

John W omi

2006-04-19  Dear Friends

Good morning from Zhaoqing. Hope you had a Happy Easter

The past week:

April 13: Holy Thursday evening meal for migrant workers at Assisi Center + Liu family at hospital

April 14: Good Friday visit to Simone at Marco Polo by No. 3 Hospital staff + Zhaoqing TV

April 15: Damien & Monique (& Tarzan!) giving CAS open class for primary two 

April 15,16: Easter weekend meals for migrant worker families at Marco Polo, Assisi, Mazenod + news re Fr Ma in Yunfu

April 17,19,21: Evening English classes at Ricci Center for non-Ricci students

April 18: Visit to CAS & all 6 centers by HK Lantau friends Nancy, Margaret, Lilian, Francis & Si Yat + Marg & Toni + Easter meal with Louis, Fr Lee, sisters, & Josie

April 18: Regular evening meal for migrant worker families at Xavier Center

Calendar:

+ Toni's Home Page!

+ China Bible Quiz 004 results.       Many thanks to the 11 kind people who took part. May  the 11 become 12 or more for the next Quiz,  Quiz 005, *** closing 2pm on April 25***.   To take part,  please  click Quiz 005 ....please, please, please, thank you!

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On (at home, 95% paralysed after stroke),   Mr Wu (cancer),  Jim (going blind), Noel , Fr Ma (Yunfu, 93 and preparing for Heaven), Gloria,  Bernadette (HK, chemo) + a 17 year old Xavier Center boy who died recently & his distressed family

God bless!

John W omi

2006-04-11  Dear Friends

Holy Week hello from 32 degree Zhaoqing.  I wish everyone a Happy Easter!  May the Easter Story give this old world a bit more hope and light and life

The past  week:

* Thursday/Friday April 6-7: visit to all six centers by RGS friends Juliana (Macau) and Mary (Hong Kong)
 - photos include regular Thursday night meal at Assisi Center + regular Friday afternoon university student volunteers at Ricci Center.  Also - Friday morning: special remembrance at Breaking of Bread of the 500th birthday of Francis Xavier who died in China on the island of Shangchuan

* Saturday/Sunday April 8-9: weekend meals for migrant workers at Assisi,  Marco Polo (+ bricks!),  Xavier and Mazenod  

* Monday April 10: Assisi Center baby Suen, born last night at San Mao Hospital  ("Francis"?!)

* Yesterday Tuesday April 11: new baby in Area C, Mazenod Center angels, evening meal for migrant worker families at Xavier Center

* This morning: Simone returned to Marco Polo after more than 4 months in Zhaoqing's Wong Kong Hospital. DV Judy also can return to Marco Polo soon

* The past week has also seen a record number of sick people going to Dr Sung's clinic in San Mao.
Thank you kind HK benefactors for making this help available

Calendar:

+ September 21, 2003: Re the US & Murdoch press campaign  to invade Iran in 2006 - scroll down to September 21, 2003 on this link . It's all part of a disastrous plan that's making the world less, not more, safe

March 15: Must read: "Invisible City" - Chongqhing (Guardian).  Britain has five urban centres of more than a million people; China has ninety!!!

+ March 25: China Bible Quiz 004 results.       Many thanks to the 11 kind people who took part. May  the 11 become 12 or more for the next Quiz,  Quiz 005, closing 2pm on April 25.   To take part,  please  click Quiz 005.  And....recordings of Old Testament Stories now finished

+ April 4: Excellent BBC report on growing friendship between China & Brazil...and U.S. jealousy?

+ April 10: Eucalyptus trees a problem in Zhaoqing!?

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On (at home, 95% paralysed after stroke),   Mr Wu (cancer),  Jim (going blind), Noel , Fr Ma (Yunfu, 93 and preparing for Heaven), Gloria,  Bernadette (HK, chemo) + a 17 year old Xavier Center boy who died recently & his distressed family

and .... congrats  dear niece Natalie & Dan on birth of Aston Noble! on April 8! 

Again wishing everyone a Happy & Holy Easter

God bless!

John W omi 

2006-04-05  Dear Friends

Good afternoon from Zhaoqing on the Ching Ming Festival which is the main day each year when Chinese families remember their dead ....and a public holiday in Hong Kong

The past week:

* Thursday March 30:  evening meal for migrant worker families at Xavier Center

* Sat-Sun March 31, April 1: meals for migrant worker families at Marco Polo, Assisi and Mazenod

* Sunday April 2 to today Wed April 5: the story of Baby Liu from Assisi Center, born at West River Hospital(...he'll have to have the English name Francis!)

* Monday April 3: Zhaoqing School for the Deaf accepting two older girls recently arrived from Guizhou

* Tuesday April 4: Welcome back Dara.....Marg & Senior One....overseas staff lunch

* Tues April 4, Wed April 5: visit to Marco Polo, Ricci, Mazenod & Xavier Centers by HK research teacher Jackie & her former student Robbie + Ricci students P.E. + evening meal at Xavier

* No forgetting evening English classes at Ricci Center, now in their 2nd week (Mon P1&2; Wed P3&4; Frid P5&6)

* And some recently posted photos of Zhaoqing University students' visit to Ricci Center on March 23

Calendar:

+ April 4, 2006: Excellent BBC report on growing friendship between China & Brazil...and U.S. jealousy?

+ March 25: China Bible Quiz 004 results.       Many thanks to the 11 kind people who took part. May  the 11 become 12 or more for the next Quiz,  Quiz 005, closing 2pm on April 25.   To take part,  please  click Quiz 005

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On (at home, 95% paralysed after stroke),  Mrs Tang (75 year old,  in local hospital after stroke), Mr Wu (cancer),  Jim (going blind), Noel , Fr Ma (Yunfu, 93 and preparing for Heaven), Gloria,  Bernadette (HK, chemo) + a 17 year old Xavier Center boy who died recently & his distressed family

and .... a very special prayer for dear niece Natalie for a safe delivery of her first baby on April 8! 

God bless!

John W omi 

2006-03-29  Dear Friends

Good morning from sunny Zhaoqing. Sun came out yesterday for first time since early in the month....today is out again but thinking about going back to bed?

The past week:

* Saturday March 25: Medical Policy for migrant worker families...too many poor people were making unnecessary visits to doctors/hospitals ...and some hospitals were happy to keep on doing tests until people's money ran out (sometimes even repeating the same tests)...after all of which the poor people would come looking for help to pay their medical bills.  Many thanks to kind Hong Kong and overseas friends who make it possible for us to help the poor see the doctor

* Thursday March 23: some 30 Zhaoqing College students ran activities for the children at Ricci (no photos yet). Many thanks kind young people!

* Sat/Sunday March 25-26: visit to all 6 centers by team from North Point in Hong Kong (preparing for visit by larger group during Summer holidays) + weekend meals for migrant worker families

* Monday March 27: visit to Marco Polo & Ricci centers by CAS friends Mr & Mrs Ma, Michael, Bonny & Doris  + weekly art lessons at Ricci by volunteer teacher Iris

* Last night, Tuesday March 28: evening meal at Xavier Center, simplified by using rice boxes

Calendar:

+ March 22:  School fees to be pubished on line  (& the reasons for this) - china.org

+ March 22: Job opportunities for the disabled - china.org  (here in our Zhaoqing poor areas, 4 of the 14 people on our payroll are disabled)

+ March 24: Monbiot - "Lady Tonge - an Apology"  ("must read")

+ March 25: China Bible Quiz 004 results.       Many thanks to the 11 kind people who took part. May  the 11 become 12 or more for the next Quiz,  Quiz 005, closing 2pm on April 25.   To take part,  please  click Quiz 005

+ I've just finished reading "The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci" by Jonathan D. Spence. I'm afraid I agree with reviewer in Amazon link who says: ".... the frustrating part of this book is its organization. While it's an interesting idea to organize it according to the first four Chinese characters in his mnemonic system (or "memory palace"), it makes for a near meaningless train of thought"

+ Have also just started using Call2 to make all long-distance calls from here in Zhaoqing (e.g. to Guangzhou/Hong Kong/overseas). Just wish I'd known about it 5 years ago when I first came here!  It cuts costs dramatically.....just like GoTalk. Once you open an account you:
1. dial 00442070987002....no one will answer....you just hang up when you hear the engaged signal.
2. Ten seconds after you hang up, your phone will ring and a sweet voice will ask you to use your phone to tap in your account number + star (*)
3. The same voice will then ask you to tap in the number you wish to dial (including country/area code) + *
4. Wait for about 20 seconds and the number will ring.
All of this being done through the internet, which explains why it is much much cheaper than ordinary calls. 
Which is also why  the big  phone companies are headed for a crash when more people change to companies like Call2 and GoTalk.  Not many people are aware that using Call2/GoTalk for calls within their own country  is cheaper than ordinary IDD/ISD

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On (at home, 95% paralysed after stroke),  Mrs Tang (75 year old,  in local hospital after stroke), Mr Wu (cancer),  Jim (going blind), Noel , Fr Ma (Yunfu, 93 and preparing for Heaven), Gloria,  Bernadette (HK, chemo)

God bless!

John W omi 

+ For Lent: "The Jesus Stabat Mater"

(server was down yesterday - all sites unable to be accessed - problem in HK)

2006-03-22  Dear Friends

Good morning from Zhaoqing where it is raining cats and dogs. I've just returned from main bus station in town after fareweling Hamish and Matt as they go to Guangzhou for work in another school, having finished their  month in Xinqiao

The past week:

Monday March 16: Ricci Center (Hamish & Matt, + Gloria back at school); kindergarten at Marco Polo; Assisi Center meal.  Kindergarten maintaining the Italian link ("Ricci", "Marco Polo") ...

Friday March 17: visit to Ricci by Zhaoqing Medical College students (..no photos). Thank you, kind students!

Sat-Sunday March 18,19: Weekend meals with migrant worker families at Marco Polo, Assisi, Mazenod

Last night Tuesday March 21: Meal with migrant worker families at Xavier Center (..food didn't look great...couldn't see it in blackout....but it sure tasted good...)

Calendar:

+ Proposed medical policy for helping migrant worker families  (this is just the first draft, in English...Chinese to come)

+ China Bible Quiz 003 results.       Many thanks to the 10 kind people who took part. May  the 10 become 12 or more for the next Quiz,  Quiz 004, closing 2pm on March 25 (..in 3 days time...).   To take part,  please, please, please, please, please, please, please  click Quiz 004

+ NCR article of March 17 says it all as regards the situation in Iraq. Why don't more people care???

+ Monbiot yesterday March 21: A Bully in Ermine

+ Saw recently on Crikey that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabo is due to visit Australia early next month. Premier Wen's words are on back of my name card (at bottom of China8  index page). A study of his speeches, his activities and his lifestyle show he is truly a remarkable leader. He preaches and practises simplicity (e.g. when he recently visited a poor area,  a local man called out "You are wearing the same suit you wore here on your last visit 10 years ago!"  May he have a safe trip to Australia and may China and Australia continue to strengthen their friendship

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On (at home, 95% paralysed after stroke),  Mrs Tang (75 year old,  in local hospital after stroke), Mr Wu (cancer),  Jim (going blind), Noel , Fr Ma (Yunfu, 93 and preparing for Heaven), Gloria,  Peter Barry (HK, recovering from several hip operations) & Bernadette (HK, chemo), John (Aust, recovering from painful nose op)

God bless!

John W omi 

(all sites were down  March 15 to March 18)

update 2006-03-19: 
1. Sorry, HK server was down for several days, so this site could not be accessed
2. For Australian friends:  ABC  TV tomorrow night, March 20: Australian Story - about 63 year old Ballina grandmother Margaret Ward, MSF Field Co-ordinator in China (...repeated Sat March 25, 12.30pm)

2006-03-15  Dear Friends

Good morning on the ides of March, which good month has been marching along as follows over the past week:

* Friday March 10: the afternoon at Ricci: staff meating, Gloria, Rosa & Noel, college volunteers, Toni & Marg 

* Sunday March 12: meals at Assisi & Mazenod

* Monday March 13: Assisi, Mazenod, Ricci (visitors Monique & Damien)

* Also March 13: schedule of classes at Ricci

* Yesterday, Tuesday March 14: happy day - Ricci kindergarten transferred to Marco Polo; happy night - meal at Xavier

* One day in the past week (last Thursday?): noodle factory above Area C kindly agreed to give jobs to two newly arrived 20 year old "deaf and dumb" girls from Guizhou. Turns out factory already employs a young man who also is hearing and speech impaired and who can teach the girls sign language (they haven't learnt yet).  DG!

Calendar:

+ China Bible Quiz 003 results.       Many thanks to the 10 kind people who took part. May  the 10 become 12 or more for the next Quiz,  Quiz 004, closing 2pm on March 25.   To take part,  please, please, please, please, please, please, please  click Quiz 004

+ NGO file has recent update: "NGOs should play bigger role in China"

+ As court case continues in UK re the Da Vinci Code, I remember how many facts now coming out in court about the high fiction content of DVC were powerfully presented in last year's excellent documentary "The Real Da Vinci Code"...as mentioned in this diary October 12 last year:

+ As USA Secretary of Hate Condoleezza Rice (in Australia at end of this week) makes crazy noises about China being a threat to world peace (read US world dominance), it's interesting to note this passage in "Imperial Ambitions" (p. 168) by prominent USA thinker/writer Noam Chomsky who is extremely critical of current USA aggressive policy:
"(Steinbruner & Gallagher) hope that a coalition of peace-loving states led by China will coalesce to counter U.S.  militarism and aggressiveness. That's the only hope they see for the future........It is unprecedented to hear this kind of thinking at the heart of the establishment."

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On (at home, 95% paralysed after stroke),  Mrs Tang (75 year old, dying in local hospital after stroke), Mr Wu (cancer),  Jim (going blind), Noel , Fr Ma (Yunfu, 93 and preparing for Heaven), Gloria,  Peter Barry (HK, recovering from several hip operations) & Bernadette (HK, chemo), John (Aust, recovering from painful nose op)

God bless!

John W omi 

Happy St Patrick's Day this Friday March 17!

2006-03-08  Dear Friends

Good afternoon from a mild Zhaoqing.  Happy International Women's Day....not a public holiday  but very important in China

The past week:

Friday afternoon, March 3, at Ricci Centre: Noel, college students, Marg & Toni, kindergarten walk

Saturday and Sunday nights, March 4,5:  meals at Marco Polo, Assisi, Mazenod and Xavier
Also last Saturday: visit to poor areas by students from local medical college. No photos yet...

Sunday, March 5: Unit 2107 after being cleaned by Marg and Toni

Monday, March 6: Ricci primary one student Danny in Number One hospital  ...hospital bills are really draining our resources at the moment....HK Rosa C currently looking after some 7 people in hospital. Without her help (= Hong Kong benefactors' help) these poor people could not afford hospital, so...as long as we have the means we will continue to help as many people as we can. Thank you, HK supporters!

Yesterday, Tuesday March 7: CAS Junior One A room being prepared for computers

Last night & this morning, March 7-8: evening meal at Xavier; playgroups at Xavier and Mazenod

Calendar:

+ China Bible Quiz 003 results.       Many thanks to the 10 kind people who took part. May  the 10 become 12 or more for the next Quiz,  Quiz 004, closing 2pm on March 25.   To take part,  please click Quiz 004   

+ After being a "squatter" for a two years,  I have now taken out a one year subscription to Crikey. 
Reason?  People like the Crikey staff who are trying to put the truth "out there" need all the support they can get as mainstream media increasingly practises factual distortion

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On,  Mr Wu,  Jim, Noel, Benny, Peter Barry (HK) & Bernadette (HK).  Also dear old Fr Ma in Yunfu....was on way to Heaven last week but this week is up and about again

God bless!

John W omi 

2006-03-01  Dear Friends

Good morning on the first day of Spring (? = March, April, May).  Happy St David's Day, especially to all people with Welsh blood.  Which reminds me of quote in book on healing the family tree: "I have Jesus in my heart and Grandpa in my bones"! 

The past week:

Thursday February 23: visit to Ricci & Bahkita centres + CAS by dear friends from North Point in Hong Kong

Saturday Feb 25: visit to Assisi, Ricci and Xavier centres by HK/Texas dear friend Steve

Sunday Feb 26: (regular) Sunday midday meal at Assisi + welcome Assisi new teacher, Mandy

Monday Feb 27: Hamish & Matt running Bingo at Xinqiao and Ng Chuen primary schools

Calendar:

+ AITECE has 59 teachers in China this new semester....more and more of them in poor areas

+ Two important articles by Monbiot:  Transmitters implanted in arms (Feb 21)  &  Flying kills (Feb 28)

+ I'm now reading "Imperial Ambitions" by Noam Chomsky......if  all senior students could read it, maybe the world could avoid making the same old mistakes

+ China Bible Quiz 003 results.       Many thanks to the 10 kind people who took part. May  the 10 become 12 or more for the next Quiz,  Quiz 004, closing 2pm on March 25.   To take part,  please click Quiz 004   Also:  if you'd like an upgrade in Bible reading interest, may I  suggest the version known as "The Message", translated by Eugene Peterson.....five stars!

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On,  Mr Wu,  Jim, Noel, Peter Barry (HK) & Bernadette (HK).  

God bless!

John W omi 

p.s. top of this page has new search engine (Google) because website has passed 500 page limit of old engine (Atomz)

2006-02-22  Dear Friends

Good afternoon from 20 something degree Zhaoqing....after a cold spell over the weekend (8 on Saturday).

The past week:

Last Wednesday February 15:  Hong Kong Shatin kind benefactors - after visiting Ricci, Bahkita & CAS

Last Friday Feb 17: End of week one (+ singing of National Anthem to start semester) at Ricci Centre for school-less children (who now number 125!)  + morning kindergarten group at Mazenod Centre

Last Sunday Feb 19: Noodles at Assisi, new baby in Area C, evening meal at Mazenod for migrant worker families

Calendar:

+ Number of handicapped/disabled people in China? More than 60,000,000 (some 20 in our poor areas)

+ China Bible Quiz 002 results.         Next Quiz,  Quiz 003, closing 2pm on February 25.   If a few more friends would kindly take part I'd be most, most grateful.  Number of kind friends who have already sent in entries for Feb 25 =  8.    To take part,  please click Quiz 003   Also:  if you'd like an upgrade in Bible reading interest, may I  suggest the version known as "The Message", translated by Eugene Peterson.....five stars!

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list):  Mr On,   Jim, Peter Barry (HK) & Bernadette (HK).  Also: special OMI request for prayers this month for peace in Sri Lanka and Haiti

God bless!

John W omi 

2006-02-15  Dear Friends

Good morning from Zhaoqing on third day of new semester.  CAS overseas staff after meeting last Monday.  Shaun resumed in kindergarten, Damien and Monique are in primary, Toni has Go Abroads, while Louis, Marg and I have secondary. So far so good!  (Quick count from photos: some 50 overseas teachers have worked at CAS since September 2001!)

At our Ricci Centre for school-less children, which had 81 students last semester, there are now 123 children:
32 in kindergarten level one, 31 in kindergarten level two, 37 in primary one, 21 in primary two-three-four-five. Photos next week DV

Last week - February  8,9,10,11:  Visit to CAS and poor areas by  OMI China Delegation new leader David  + Marg and Toni + welcome back  Joe +  Gloria in hospital

Last Friday Feb 10: death in local San Mao hospital of Area C mother of four .... wrong drip?

Last Saturday Feb 12: Hamish & Matt at Xinqiao and at Marco Polo.  (Coming soon: photo of Josie at Winnie's centre)

Last Sunday Feb 13: Mazenod Centre evening meal for migrant worker families

Sorry: john@china8.org email not working the past week or so.....I will keep on asking good man in HK to fix soon.  In meantime there is jdwomi@hotmail.com and jdwomi@gmail.com 

Calendar:

+ China Bible Quiz 002 results.         Next Quiz,  Quiz 003, closing 2pm on February 25.   If a few more friends would kindly take part I'd be most, most grateful.  Number of kind friends who have already sent in entries for Feb 25 =  zero!?!    Doesn't anybody love me??!!  Please click Quiz 003

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list): Gloria (Ricci student, in hospital after traffic accident), Mr On,  Mr Lo, Jim, Peter Barry (HK) & Bernadette (HK).... + Deceased Area C lady and her family

God bless!

John W omi 

Apologies: HK server was "down" from Feb 3-6...
so no China8, OME, JT, RC, CBQ & no john@china8.org email those days)

2006-02-09  Dear Friends

Good evening from Zhaoqing.  Louis and I arrived back on train last night with David (USA, new OMI leader for HK/China, visiting Zhaoqing poor areas), Hamish & Gold Coast Matt (Australia, due to work at Xinqiao primary school until June, then at CAS), Josie (Australia, former CAS teacher, due to work at Winnie Wong's centre), Marg and Toni (Australia, due to work at CAS)....and on the train we met Brisbane Matt (Australia, former CAS teacher, now assistant manager of a hotel in Dung Guan)!  Welcome (back) everyone!

May all students and staff of our schools and centers have a safe return to school for the new semester starting next Monday, Feb 13

On way to Hong Kong on January 30: happy re-union in Guangzhou with Julia and family

In Hong Kong:

Jan 31: happy re-union with Melbourne dear friend, Kirby

February 2: happy re-union at Junk Bay with A-Fan, Daisy and Fanny

Feb 5: Sunday morning with Discovery Bay kind benefactors of work for the poor in Zhaoqing

Feb 6: Monday lunch meeting with PIME supporters of Zhaoqing work for the poor

May the Good Lord bless the many dear friends in HK who in the past week have kindly made donations to our work for the poor here in Zhaoqing

Calendar:

+ Recommended: last few articles by Monbiot

+ China Bible Quiz 002 results.         Next Quiz,  Quiz 003, closing 2pm on February 25.   If a few more friends would kindly take part I'd be most, most grateful

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list): Gloria (Ricci student, in hospital after traffic accident), Mr On,  Mr Lo, Jim, Peter Barry (HK) & Bernadette (HK)

God bless!

John W omi 

(note: server was "down" Feb 3-6)

I'm due to be in Hong Kong from evening of January 30 to morning of Feb 8.  HK mobile: (852) 67095674
Next diary DV 2006-02-09 (Thursday, not Wednesday)

2006-02-01  Dear Friends

Good morning from Hong Kong on the first day of February.  Hope you have had a happy start to the Year of the Dog

More about the Year of the Dog ("a good year to get married"!)

Lunar school holidays continue in China until Feb 12....may all students/staff of CAS, Ricci and other centers have a safe and happy holiday

Yesterday in HK I visited pioneer CAS teacher Peter Barry, recovering in Queen Mary Hospital from yet another hip operation.  His mobile: (852) 63003013

Louis & I left Zhaoqing last Monday....the day after Louis was robbed in town (small cash from trouser pocket..."didn't feel a thing") and Paddy's mother Mrs Chu was robbed by 12 year old street sleeper she'd been caring for at Marco Polo for two weeks (...fled after taking her hand bag containing quite a large sum...)

Robbery warning in this Updated travel advice for China from Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou (January 27,2006)

Also updated:
* Map of our six centers 
* Poverty File

Calendar:

+ China Bible Quiz 002 results.         Next Quiz,  Quiz 003, closing 2pm on February 25.   If a few more friends would kindly take part I'd be most, most grateful

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list): Mrs Zhou, Mr On, Mr Li, Mr Lo, Jim, Peter Barry (HK) & Bernadette (HK)

God bless!

John W omi 

2006-01-25  Dear Friends

Good afternoon from cool but fine and sunny Zhaoqing on OMI Foundation Day (1816).  Hope weather stays like this for Lunar New Year (January 29).  I wish everyone a wagging tail and many tasty bones for the Lunar New Year of the DOG!

The final feathers of The Year of the Rooster:

* Last Wednesday January 18: visit to all 6 centers in one morning (!) by OMIs Irek & Thomas

* The same day: CAS neighbour Mr Li in hospital + CAS students using computers for English   and also the latest English  English menu update....now including "Mrs Wong's" - thank you Garth, Liam, Jenny & 
Shaun!

* Last Thursday Jan 19: activities at Xavier Center (Area L) + new sign for Xavier & Assisi

* The same day: final day of classes at CAS for secondary & kindergarten (primary already finished on Jan 10).  May all students & staff of CAS, Ricci and other centers, have a safe and happy holiday!  The new semester begins on February 13

* Last Saturday, Jan 21: visit to all six centers (...becoming a habit...) in one day by group of 28 (!) students/staff/friends of CAS

* Last Saturday/Sunday, Jan 21,22: (...a habit indeed...) visit to all six centers by HK/Macau  RGS teachers Anne, Juliana, Louisa, Pamela & Rosalina

* This morning, Jan 25: visit to Area L (Xavier Center) and Area K (Xavier Center) by  OMIs Julian, Louis & John  + Grace and Sleepy

Calendar:

+ Smiles File has latest update of "Who's On First" - thank you Garth!

+ Index page of www.china8.org has two new links: maps of China ("best internet site for China maps")  & NGOs in China (because of waste of money by government departments, government is now for the first time putting NGOs in charge of using government money for projects for the poor)

+ China Bible Quiz 001 results.          Quiz 002  closed today at 2pm - results in next few days

+ Year of Italy in China.......this is the way for countries to increase friendship and avoid conflict!

Thank you for a prayer, especially for our sick friends (who are on our daily prayer list): Mrs Zhou, Mr On, Mr Li, Mr Lo, Janet, Jim, Peter Barry (HK) & Bernadette (HK)

Wishing everyone  good health and a Happy Lunar New Year!

God bless!

John W omi 

OMI p.s. on this OMI day:  when I think life in Zhaoqing is frustrating/difficult, I just have to go to www.omiworld.org  ("News") and read a story like "Learning to live with fear" (Jan 23) to realise what an easy life I have!

I'm due to be in Hong Kong from evening of January 30 to morning of Feb 8.  HK mobile: (852) 67095674

2006-01-18  Dear Friends

Good morning from Zhaoqing.....2nd last class day for CAS....school finishes tomorrow for secondary and kindergarten.....primary students already on holidays. Wishing all staff and students (especially those from CAS/Ricci) a safe and happy Lunar New Year holiday

* Last Wednesday, January 11: dear friend and neighbour Mr Lin went home to Heaven. RIP.  Sympathy to his family. I had privilege of being with him in San Mau hospital during his last 3 hours on this earth, being with him as he died, and then attending funeral service on Sunday Jan 15

* Last Saturday Jan 14: Usual evening meal at Marco Polo with migrant worker families

* Yesterday, today, tomorrow: visit to poor areas by OMI's Irek & Tom (photos, including photos of two new centres - Assisi & Xavier! -  up tomorrow night DV at photos

Calendar:

January 13: most important update on Poverty File - "Denial, self-absorption and blaming the victim keep us from understanding the plight of the poor" - Tidings

+ China Bible Quiz 001 results          Next Quiz due to close January 25.  Could you please take part?  (Two entries so far, Bob & David from Australia...thank you!)

+ Am now reading most important book: "Blood and Oil" by Michael Klare

+ Dear God, please bless Mr Lin's sorrowing family, and our sick friends: Mr On, Mr Li, Mr Lo, Jim + HK friends Peter Barry & Bernadette

Thank you for a prayer

God bless!

John W omi

I'm due to be in Hong Kong from evening of January 30 to morning of Feb 8.  HK mobile: (852) 67095674

2006-01-11  Dear Friends

Cool hello from Zhaoqing where temperature these days is between 5 and 10 most times.  The cooler it is the better it is to keep moving ....like little Pip born in slum by candlelight at 2am last Sunday, the Feast of the Epiphany

Much time in the past week has revolved around setting up new centres in Area K and Area L ....and in visiting the sick:
* Mr Lin,  next door neighbour of CAS, dear old friend, actually not all that old, only early 60's...dying in San Mao hospital at bottom of hill below CAS.....unless a last minute miracle from Him who said "ask for anything"
* Mr On, out of hospital and ever so slowly getting a little more life into his frail frame
* Mr Lo (Area C, gallstones)
* Jim (18 year old boy with severe eye disorder + handicapped legs)
* More Mums preparing to have babies who knows where because they can't afford hospital
* Mr Li, in Duanzhou hospital for hernia operation this coming Friday morning.  The small world of Providence: Mr Li and his wife chose Duanzhou hospital because it's cheaper - yet spotlessly clean and efficient and friendly and helpful - and the same hospital is where a recent kind visitor from Macau set up a link with a wonderful lady doctor....who introduced hospital superintendent who immediately cut operation fee by one third...."and there's more"....a long serving nurse at CAS, Bonny, is now working at Duanzhou hospital and was there to help introduce us yesterday afternoon.  DG x 3!

With prayers also for those in Hong Kong:
* Bernadette (chemo for mouth tumor)
* Peter Barry, pioneer CAS teacher, due to have yet another hip operation tomorrow

Calendar:

+ "The Business of English in China" (china.org.cn  Jan 10)

+ Middle East File has most important update re Israel's Ariel Sharon (from Guardian, January 7)

+ China Bible Quiz - results are up at last!  Next Quiz due to close January 25.  Could you please take part?

Thank you for a prayer

God bless!

John W omi

I'm due to be in Hong Kong from evening of January 30 to morning of Feb 8.  HK mobile: (852) 67095674

2006-01-04  Dear Friends

Happy New Year!  Hope you've had a good start to 2006.  The past week here:

Last Wednesday, Dec 28: Happy Birthday Damyn!

Last Wed 28 - Saturday 31: continuation of visit to poor areas by Macau teachers Ben, Clara, Daisy, Joseph, Loretta & Rocco

Last Sat night, Dec 31: evening meal at Marco Polo Centre with migrant worker families, including one thief!

Last Sunday, January 1: visit to poor areas  by future social workers from a university in Guangzhou +  first  day use of Loretta Centre in Area K
The same day:  goodbye to overseas staff who left CAS today: Margaret (to UK), Greg/Lucy/Sabrina/Damyn (to Australia after tour of China).  Thank you for coming to CAS. Every good wish for the future!

Last Monday Jan 2 to today: visit to poor areas by HK teachers Anna-Maria, Franca, Maria & Margaret

Last night, January 3: wedding in Deqing of Zhaoqing vice-mayor Mr Sun De and Miss Yin Ji Xia

Calendar:

+ Some excellent articles recently by Monbiot, at his site: www.monbiot.com 

+ China Bible Quiz - sorry for slow results. Hopefully they'll be on CBQ site by end of this week

+ Poor area centres: Some very generous friends in Macau have kindly agreed to sponsor our new centre in Area K and a proposed centre in Area L.  Sponsorship means HK$1,000 per month (salary for local teacher/co-ordinator +  rent + activities).  If two more  kind friends would like sponsor  the Marco Polo Centre and Mazenod Centre, I'd be most, most grateful

+ Prayers please for following friends on Sick List: Mr On, Mr Lin (CAS neighbour, terminally ill in San Mau hospital, needing a miracle to be here for more than a month or so), Bernadette (ill in HK), Mr Lo (Area C, gallstones), Jim (18 year old boy with severe eye disorder + handicapped legs), Matty (little boy from Ricci Centre, in HK for heart check-up and possible operation at Adventist Hospital. Many thanks Peter & Ling for letting Matty & his Dad stay at your place. Thank you Rosa C for arranging this very special visit)

Wishing everyone good health and safety right through 2006

Thank you for a prayer

God bless!

John W omi

Diary  2005  September, October, November, December

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